Of Mist and Shadow

by Jenna Wolfhart, pub date 8/1/22

3*s. Best enjoyed when you need a quick and dark fae story.

Publisher’s Synopsis

“When the vicious fae king catches Tessa stealing powerful gemstones from his mines, he demands a cruel punishment. She must leave her family and friends behind and become his future human bride.

Tessa has never stepped foot inside the glittering fae city until now—no mortal is allowed. There, things are far more monstrous than she ever dreamed. King Oberon humiliates her, terrorizes her, and threatens those she loves.

But when she escapes, someone far worse finds her. The lethal Mist King, the enemy fae who trapped her people beneath the reign of King Oberon in the first place. The one who destroyed human cities and watched them burn.

He takes her captive and then offers her a deal.

Become the first mortal to kill a fae king, and he will free her people.

But the mists beyond the kingdom walls are dangerous, ruthless, and mesmerizing…and so is he. As Tessa fights her growing desire, she must make a choice.

Her dagger can kill only one fae. Which king will it be?”

Review:

Of Mist and Shadows is a pretty decent overall story. It has some very dark themes involving forced marriage, torture, and murder. 

King Oberon’s reign has been long and horrible in the land without night. It’s the only place that the people of his lands can be safe, however. Were they to cross the bridge into the misty woods, they would be plunged into night and most likely the jaws of one of the many shadow monsters that hide amongst the trees. King Oberon is obviously a horrid overlord, but is the Mist King the villain that Tessa and the other members of Oberon’s kingdom have been lead to believe?

Although I enjoyed this story, I had a rough time with Tessa’s character. She was pretty immovable in her thoughts and was far more stubborn than someone who had her experiences should be to the proof that was right in front of her. Granted, she’s grown up in an oppressive village under the threat of constant violence, but you would think she could see through the gaslighting of King Oberon, especially with how he killed her father and tortured her. 

However, despite my issues with the main character, I loved many of the supporting personalities, and I can’t wait to get to know them better in the next installment. I also was left with so many unanswered questions. What ARE the gods? What happens to King Oberon’s previous mortal wives and children? Are the human kingdoms across the sea intact? Will Tessa ever find her family who escaped into the Mist after the wedding? You’ll be asking these, too. Luckily for you, the next installment, Of Ash and Embers, is available now!

Thanks to Netgalley and Victory Editing for the advanced copy in exchange for this review.