Dark Fey: The Reviled – Cynthia Morgan

In the mystical realm of Jyndari, a relationship between two unsuspecting, yet kindred souls who are separated by far more than social stigma, blossoms in secrecy that could shatter both their worlds. Ayla, a Light loving, Guardian of Childfey hides more than a few secrets; secrets that isolate her and set her apart. Secrets that bring her to the attention of one who comes in shadow and silence; one who watches, waiting for the ideal moment to step from the darkness, reveal the truth about himself and alter the course of her life forever.

Book reviews can present a challenge, especially when you know said author, in this case I think a few of you are aware of  Cynthia Morgan’s prolific blog Booknvolume. For those of you who are, you won’t be surprised to find a delicately woven tale of fantasy in this tome.

Being a short read, I was curious at how the tale would set up a wider world in later books, perhaps being more of a prologue to a larger story of depth. At the beginning, I felt that the book was perhaps more geared towards female readers but after the thirty pages I really started to get into the style of writing.

The interplay between the light and shadow worlds is nicely done and the darker aspects do feel more pronounced when opposed with the lucent realisation of the setting, which makes for a more brooding slant on the tale.  The story moves along at a fast pace, placing mystery and set pieces side by side with the Interplay between the main characters combining for a story that even when it dwells feels like it is moving at a good pace. 

The intense relationships of the protagonists come to the fore as the book unfolds and this is its greatest strength, although the odd time I did wonder why characters made certain choices but then again as a reader I always do that because I’m awkward and overly logical, unlike in real life.  The characters have been created to be passionate though and certainly are emotionally led, it helps that these plot threads are finely balanced and well structured.

There is a strong influence of the British Isles, most notably Welsh, in the place descriptions and names, with plenty of beautiful scenery described as Morgan often does.  Overal lthis is a short and sweet redemptive parable which will see book two open up into a bigger adventure with more drama and characters.   Having been picky with my fantasy over the last few years or so, I found myself enjoying this book more than expected and I would be interested to find out what fantasy fans will make of it.