Aisling Breen (Ash) ran away from her nomadic Fianna clan seven years ago. She now lives with the Mary and Dom, a couple who have done more than just provide for her, offering their genuine and unconditional love. Her only connection to her past is the letters that her younger brother Connor sends her. She has plans in the human realm, but her plans fall to the wayside one night as she makes a discovery that propels her to claim her birthright, even if not for the right reasons. Her journey will send her to the Land of Eternal Youth or Tir na nÓg on a nearly impossible quest in the company of Tiernan, and of Maebh and Setanta, the McQuillan twins. As they face one danger after the other, they must all come to terms with their personal demons and their losses. Their loyalties and friendship will be tested, and they will struggle with self-acceptance. Clan politics will require them to prove themselves every step of the way, and amid everything, they must unveil the true motives of their highest leader and his trusted ally.
This is an action-packed, intriguing, magical story. The author does an excellent job of drawing the reader into a magical world that feels real. The elements of Irish lore are fascinating and interesting, and the setting is beautifully described. The plot contains multiple points of view that establish each character’s hopes and internal battles in a relatable and authentic way, as well as their virtues and flaws. The characters are complex and well rounded, and their stories carry elements of mystery, culture, romance, and a tiny bit of spice. The action is fast paced, with unexpected twists and turns and a surprising ending that ties up the story but leaves the reader wanting to follow the characters in their impending journey.
One thing is for sure: I want more of these characters’ amazing stories and am looking forward to the second installment in this series. I highly recommend it to those who enjoy adult contemporary fantasy themes within a Celtic lore atmosphere.

Thanks to NetGalley, Claire Wright and BookGoSocial for providing me with a free digital copy to review this book prior to its release.
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Highly enjoyable. Loved all the different characters, Irish lore, and mystery. An amazing debut novel!

Realm of Lore and Lies- Book Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I have recently fell in love with romance books that have murder mystery, and now I found a fantasy book with murder mystery? Safe to say I was hooked!

Realm of Lore and Lies was an amazing debut murder mystery, mythology, and found family-ish.

This story takes place in a small town in Ireland where the faerie and human lands run parallel, but humans don’t know they exist. Insert the finnian warriors/clans who help to make sure that is how it stays. Throughout the story we get to follow two clans as they compete against one another for a spot in the kings immortal army. All while also trying to solve the FMC mothers murder, who she hasn’t spoken to in 7 years.

Claire had AMAZING world building, I felt like I could truly picture the setting. Also first book in awhile that the fae weren’t “good”, which I haven’t read in awhile. The cast of characters were amazing and each so unique, I loved that we got to hear from all their POVs.

This book was a little slow towards the beginning/middle BUT it picked up so much at the end that it had me screaming that I needed more, and that epilogue!!!!!

I cannot wait for the second book! Thank you to Claire and Netgallery for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Realm of Lore and Lies is a captivating debut filled with Irish mythology, a murder mystery, and amazing friendships.

Fantasy books with murder mystery is one of my favorite types of books so that was an aspect of this book that I was really looking forward to and I enjoyed it immensely!

The story takes place in a modern world with a parallel faerie realm, and I liked the modern touches but we still got the elements of a fantasy world. Realm of Lore and Lies follows a band of misfits as they compete in a competition against other clans to become immortal warriors for the king. They are also trying to discover who murdered Aisling’s mom.

The world building was so realistic and well written, I feel like I could travel to the faerie realm if I were in Ireland. And the Irish mythology was magical! I loved the clan politics, it’s so different than anything I’ve read before.

Claire Wright wrote a delightful cast of characters, each with their own different vibrant personalities that I loved. We get the 4 POVs of the main characters and I liked all of POVs. I didn’t find myself wanting one characters over the others which sometimes happens when I read books with more than two POVs. Aisling discovers so many secrets and this book really kept me on my toes while reading!

While I thought the beginning was a little slow getting to know all the characters, the writing is excellent and it was really enjoyable and easy to read. The murder mystery plot was excellent and we get politics, adventure, and plot twists along the way. Realm of Lore and Lies is phenomenal and I’d definitely recommend it!

Some things you can expect from this book:
✨Murder mystery
✨Irish mythology
✨Found family
✨Clan politics
✨Multiple pov

For sure a five star read for me. I loved this book so much!!

First let me start off by saying that I finished this book in two days. I wish I had taken longer to read it because I was so engrossed in the story I didn't want it to end.

Every element of this book just draws you in from the amazing setting in Ireland to the fae lore and Fianna clans. Then bam you add murder and a seven year long mystery and you have a compelling story that I can not wait to read more of.

My favorite thing about this book was its characters. All four of the main characters were so real and so well developed that I forgot that this book was the authors debut novel!

This book should be on everyones must read if they love fae lore and badass characters. I can't wait to add a physical copy to my bookshelf when the book is released.

I just wish that we didn't have to wait so long for book 2!

If you enjoy fast-paced fantasy novels featuring new adult characters trying to find their way in the world than Realm of Lore and Lies by Claire Wright may be the book you have been waiting for.

Alternating between the limited omniscient perspectives of Aisling (Ash), Tiernan, Setana, and Maebh, the novel tells the story of the Fianna, a group of traveling clans living in 21st century Ireland who have inherited Faerie Sight which allows them to see through the glamour of the Fair Ones. The novel opens with Ash, a young woman who was destined to be the matriarch of her clan before leaving her people to pursue a degree in archaeology. When Ash finds the dead body of her mother in an ancient tomb, she is forced back to the world of the Fianna to complete her mother’s quest and solve her murder.

The tone and style of the novel is designed to appeal to new adults, and it does fulfill this objective. The focus rotates quickly between the misfit characters, the language is casual, and plot is emphasized over characterization. The novel is the first in a series, so the conclusion prepares readers for more rather than bringing full closure to the narrative.

My favorite part about the book is the use of Irish history, spirituality, and lore. Readers will learn about Puca, Changelings, Will O’ The Wisps, Banshees, the Tuatha De Danann, and Tir na nOg. The lore was more interesting to me than the plot, but overall, the book is a fun read that will leave you contemplating the way you define your family, your clan, and your home.

This cover is gorgeous and totally caught my eye. The synopsis sounded interesting and I was excited to dive into this new world.
The background of folklore was interesting and new to me. I haven’t read many stories based in Ireland. Claire Wright had a good writing style and told an interesting story.
I didn’t know it would be a steamy read which isn’t quite my cup of tea, but props to Claire for writing a unique story.

Content warning: Swearing, sex

Was a good book. Was a it confusing at first when all the characters were introduced but I got really intrigued with the concept of the book and the parallel worlds. It was like acotar but less action but also had its own flare with the use of the mystery. Was a great read and I really enjoyed it would recommend if you are a fan of mystery and acotar vibes.

I received an ARC for an honest review.

Realm of Lore and Lies is based in modern Ireland and the main characters are Fiannan, who are a travelling community who have a connection with the fae. It focusses around Ash and her peers.

In general, I enjoyed the book. The characterisation was decent and the plot moved briskly but the chapter focus changed from character to character, which I never really like. I did get a little confused on occasion as there were a couple of times key scenes happened and it wasn’t obvious what had happened but it was all explained by the end. Though an easy enough read I did feel like there was something missing. I wasn’t invested and maybe that’s because of the changing viewpoints or something else, I don’t know.

It was definitely left open for another book though as there were some questions and things waiting to happen, though there was no major cliffhanger.

I absolutely LOVED THIS BOOK!!!

The world building was incredible, easy to follow and FULL of Irish folklore! I felt myself being so drawn in and wanted to learn even more about Irish folklore and mythology after finishing the book. ROLAL is definitely a standout fantasy novel for me.

The four main characters (Ash, Tier, Set and Mae) were all unique, strong and well rounded which made the story all the more engaging, and I thoroughly enjoyed following the story from all four of their POVs.

Claire created so much mystery and suspense and I honestly had no idea what was coming next so I was SHOOOOOOOOK by the ending. I need the second book already!!!

I always love Irish myth inspired book, which pulled me into requesting this title via Netgalley. I enjoyed it, especially the fast pacing and the whole Fair Folk and Irish myth settings with the high king and all the rituals. I adore all of that. This book reminds me of Lament by Maggie Stiefvater (I love that book!).

My favorite character is Maebh. I think she is a little more elaborately written than the other characters here. I can vibe with her and get into her POV, which was a little hard to do for other characters even Aisling (the MC). They are fairly good characters, but I hope to see a little more character building. Maybe some backstory and how they react to certain events? I understand it might be hard to focus on a lot of POVs.

Not sure if we will have book 2 coming? But if yes, looking forward to read it! This one was a nice ride. Recommended for other Irish myth fans who also love fast paced story!

The fantasy novel I didn’t know I needed! This mesmerizing debut novel is steeped in Irish folklore and mythology. I fell in love with Ash, Set, Maebh, and Tiernan! Each added a unique voice to this beautiful story about found family, slow-burn romance, coming home/into your own, plot twisters, and fighting inner monsters. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for book two!

Thank you to NetGalley, Claire Wright, and BooksGoSocial for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Okay so maybe I am a bit Biased, as an Ashe, with a book character named Ash. But this Debut Novel by Claire Wright, blew me away in a way, I honestly don't always expect with a debut novel. Thanks sooo much to @netgalley for this ARC. I love reading a fantasy set in Ireland with Fae, quests, banter and warrior clans. Sexy males, badass females, murder mystery, surprise endings…oof. I think I may have ran the gambit of emotions. Laughing out loud, crying a little bit, ready to throw my fucking kindle. it was kind of a roller coaster lol But I saw Irish lore and knew I needed it yesterday!

In a land that harbours two realms, magical creatures and dangerous games are a way of life and death for the travelling Fianna clans. It is an honour to visit Tír na nÓg, even if the price is pretending Fair Ones don’t hunt humans for sport.
Ireland native Aisling never imagined she’d be alone, living a double life. But when your family shares the ability to see through Fae glamour, keeping secrets isn’t something you do for fun. You do it to stay alive..

This is Ash’s story, a girl who ran from her clan and years after that she is in her last year of her archaeology degree. The only connection she has with her family is through her brother’s letters she receives monthly. One day she is working on an archaeological site, and she sees a Banshee, a creature that according to Irish folklore is a signal if someone will die soon. Oh surprise, not much time after that, Ash found a body in a tomb, but obviously this is not a skeleton from an ancient group, nope, it’s a person that had been murdered and now, Ash is a suspect.

DUN DUN DUN!!!!

One of the best parts of this book is the strength of the characters. This story follows many points of views. The four of them were both really good, but of course Ash's was my favourite , But they each had their own space to grow, and their own adventure throughout the story, so that the reader is able to feel their fears, and having space to make their own choices.

I immediately fell in love with this book because for one of the first times a book, based in Ireland, with Irish mythos and Irish culture was written by an IRISH PERSON! And it's not cringe-worthy because Claire obviously knows what she's writing about.
I loved all the culture and lore and really found the world building to be so rich and beautifully written. The twists and turns and secrets were perfect and I honestly can’t wait for the next book in the series.

This book tied up so nicely, and I was not disappointed by the way it wrapped up at the end. I love it, the way everything tided up together to make the big revelation of the real evil one was epic. Now I'm patiently waiting for book two on this series because I need to read what will happen to these guys in the trials they’ll have to face in the future.

What have I just read?? I’m awestruck, CLAIRE when can I get book two? The Cliffhanger, the suspense of what will happen next is killing me. I’m astounded by the story, it has bowled me clean sweep. The detailing here is impeccable and that makes the World Building more strong and more relatable to me. I could picture all the things and scenarios happening with precision. Multiple POVs made the perspective of the story more defined for me.

The four main characters “Ash, Tier, Set, Mae”, have four different traits, with minds of their own, making the experience of the story mind-blowing. Having to deal with their own struggles in life at a young age, has made them the way they are strong, confident, and full of self-doubts and the need which they think can never be fulfilled. When this group of misfits comes together on a journey, they experience and realize many things they were missing.

It’s Clair's debut novel and she has woven this story so perfectly with the detailing of the surrounding that I want to visit Ireland someday and want to see the places mentioned. Justice is done with other characters and I loved everything about the book. I enjoyed reading these lovely fellows, I’m suspicious of Druid Ethne, I hate Emer and how she treats people. A lot is left unsaid and I’m reading to find out in the next book.

It’s a 4.5⭐️ for me.

Thank you to Net Galley and BooksGoSocial for an advanced copy of Realm of Lore and Lies in exchange for an honest review.

Do you like magical quests? How about magical quests in Ireland? How about magical quests in Ireland with found family and not one, but two slow burn romances? If yes then this book is for you.

This book was wonderful. Filled with mystery, beautiful setting descriptions and interesting, yet complex characters, I would highly recommend this book to any fantasy fan.

Thank you NetGalley for a chance to read Realm of Lore and Lies.

I loved this book. I was hooked from the start and couldn’t put it down. I loved the characters and the world building was amazing. I couldn’t read this book fast enough and I can’t wait for the next book.

Big thanks to Claire and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read the e-arc for this amazing book! Not every book I read is a hit and I easily fall into book slumps, but this book brought me right out of it!

Folklore, mythology, and magical creatures are my favorite subjects. I have to read a book whose blurb checks all three boxes. This story follows Ash and a band of misfits from the Fianna Clans. Ash leads a double life in a world where two realms exist and the fae hunt unsuspecting humans for sport. She never imagined she would have to deal with clan life again until she finds her mother's brutally murdered body on Samhain. On top of that, she has to become the matriarch of the clan. When she thinks things couldn't get any worse she has to lead the clan in the Cath. A competition between all the clans filled with dangers she could never imagine.

Although Ash is the main character, there are other characters who I grew to love, and although I thought the different POVs would be confusing, I actually became attached to each and every one. There is so much world-building, character-building, and mystery around every corner that I could not put this book down. Despite the lack of spice, I think this book is still worth reading. There is so much depth and complexity to the storyline that a lack of romance does not matter. Not to say there isn't a sprinkle of romance, it is there lol just not the main focus.

You will love this book if you enjoy mystery, action, and edge-of-your-seat books that will emotionally damage you. During some parts of the story, I felt as if I were there with all its magic and intrigue. This was a page-turner and worth the gray hairs I may have gotten from reading it.

Y’all I was NOT ready for how good Realm of Lore and Lies was. It’s her DEBUT novel and omg. THAT ENDING??? How dare you 😭😂 ahhhh I cannot wait for book 2. I love reading a fantasy set in Ireland with Fae, quests, banter and warrior clans. Sexy males, badass females, murder mystery, surprise endings…oof. This was SO GOOD. That ending 😭 yes, I had to mention it twice. This book mad me laugh, cry, get angry… ALL the emotions. I’ll definitely be preordering a physical copy 😍

An excellent way to start a series! Realm of Lore and Lies is a beautifully woven tale that features some of my favourite elements of fantasy. I loved the characters and adored the Irish lore, which was very well written. You can tell that the author put a lot of love into this book. I highly recommend this book and am unbelievably excited for the sequel!

This was a great start to the Fair Ones series, it was what I was looking for in this type of book. The characters were what I was looking for and was so invested in what was happening in this world. The world worked so well in a fantasy setting and I enjoyed the magic used. The characters were beautifully done and I enjoyed getting to know them, the characters worked really well in this universe. Claire Wright has a great writing style and I can;t wait to read more in the Fair Ones world.

"She fell to the ground and looked up in time to see his weapon rushing down, crying out as the blade sank into her. Through her. She blinked as she stared at the blade sticking out from her stomach, but no pain came. Her attacker didn’t bother to dislodge his weapon as he picked up another that had fallen by the muddy ground beside them. Without looking at her, he moved on to his next target."