
Member Reviews

I was so excited to finally dive into Fairydale after hearing so many amazing things — and wow, what a ride it was! I’m a sucker for dark fantasy romance, and this one completely delivered. The story was haunting, suspenseful, beautifully tragic, and absolutely unforgettable. It’s unlike anything I’ve read before.
If you’re drawn to tales of soulmates that transcend time, this one will leave you breathless. The connection between the main characters is intense, emotional, and everything you’d want in an epic love story. Amon easily earned a spot in my top 5 book boyfriends — no question.
If you crave dark romance with depth, mystery, and unwavering devotion, Fairydale is a must-read.

This is a dark(ish) romantasy with mystery elements, and I can see how it was all the booktok rage a couple years ago and I’m so happy for this author to have this massive work (over 700 pages!) traditionally published.
The length of the book may be daunting for some, but I love a hefty tome in many cases. Though, I think this book could have had some pages shaved off.
The story started out strong and really sucked me in. I loved that I was questioning everything, the ambiance of the scenes (I could easily imagine the foggy and shadowy towns), and it kept me engaged, but at about to 60% mark (when most questions were answered and the scheming began) my interest began to lag. Don’t get me wrong, the steamy scenes were, well, delightfully smutty and not too overdone as some books of this genre can be. Where I got lost was in the over explanation of how much they love each other with not much to go on other than they’re mated. After a while it seemed droll and perfunctory and I found myself skimming sections and skipping a few paragraphs. Then the last 50-100 pages everything happens and was wrapped up in what seemed a relatively rushed manner.
I would recommend this book to friends who enjoy this genre, it checks off a lot of the boxes most of us like and has some unique mythology. A solid 3 stars for me.
Thank you for the opportunity to review this book NetGalley and Atria/Simon & Schuster.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
going back and fourth between a 5 star and a 6 star.
This might be a top read of the year for me and rivals all my other ones. This story is definitely only for certain people and i’m glad it was for me. My friends have been begging me to read this for so long and I fully regret waiting this long to pick it up.😭😭
Fairydale absolutely consumed my mind. This was such a unique and refreshing gothic/historical romance and IM OBSESSED. It has a little mystery going because you as the reader quite literally have NO IDEA WHATS HAPPENING!! And I loved that aspect of it. It kept me on my toes and wanting to turn each page. This romance was definitely one of a kind and quite literally took the “I will find you in every lifetime” trope SERIOUSLY. I don’t wanna say too much about the storyline/plot because I think it’s best to go into this blind but know you will be getting the most interesting/ dark/ gothic/ mysterious/ unique/ gut wrenching romance of your life. YEARNING IS SO BACK!!!!!!! I love Darcy and I love Amon and I love this story and I love the author and want to read all of her books now.

I want to start this by saying, I did like this book. But I went into this book thinking it was going to be completely different than it was and when I finished I thought "What did I just read?". I truly have never read a book like this before.
Veronica Lancet mixes gothic horror, fantasy, and paranormal fiction in a rather unique way. Between those elements and the addition of a heart wrenching romance that made me actually cry, this book was a JOURNEY!
Our book follows Darcy across different timelines. There wasn't any confusion with each jump between 1955 and 200 years in the past. The confusion for me came in other parts. This story was incredibly long and while I was captivated, I also found myself having to reread things or flip back to make sure I read them correctly. A minor qualm I did have during these timeline hops was that while you were expected to be put back in a different time, the language wasn't correct for that period.
Overall, this book is insane but in a good way?
Thank you NetGalley! 3 stars out of 5.

This book blew me away. From the beginning, I was intrigued and curious as to where the story was heading. I can't lie, I definitely felt confused at some points but I think that was the point. It did all come together in the end, the ending was perfection. I do think this book could've possibly been shortened some and still had the full story/effect.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the arc, all opinions are my own.
Fairydale is a stunningly dark Gothic romance that will hook you from the first page. At over 700 pages you would think this book would feel long and never ending but it was in fact the opposite. I wanted more! The writing was very atmospheric and the twists and turns kept you on your toes. I could easily read another 700 page book tomorrow from this same universe. I can't wait to read more from this author.

Fairydale by Veronica Lancet is an intoxicating, dark, and beautifully twisted fairytale that completely consumed me from start to finish. Lancet’s signature blend of hauntingly lyrical prose, dark romance, and unsettling suspense is on full display here, and I could not get enough.
The world of Fairydale is both enchanting and eerie — a place where secrets lurk in every shadow and danger hides behind beautiful faces. The characters are morally gray, deeply flawed, and utterly magnetic. I was hooked on their tangled relationships and the slow, delicious unraveling of the plot’s mysteries.
Veronica Lancet excels at writing dark, emotional stories that linger with you long after the final page, and Fairydale is no exception. The tension, the darkly romantic moments, and the way the story challenges its characters (and readers) made this one of my favorite reads of the year so far.
If I could give it more than five stars, I would. Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to devour this ARC — I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review, and eagerly awaiting whatever Veronica Lancet dreams up next.

I didn’t enjoy this book. I like dark gothic romances but this was a miss. Spoilers below.
The amount of rape was unnecessary. It didn’t need to be on page. It didn’t add to the story, it actually made the MMC feel like a creep the first half. As someone that has been raped, it felt tone deaf to put a a smut scene after the FMC watched her past self be brutally raped and killed. Especially if her period had started. That would make it even more traumatic, not romantic and certainly not setting the stage for a smut scene. Even finding out that scene was a “false memory” doesn’t undo having it happen and having people believe it was real when it occurred.
If the goal was to have the characters be Amon and Sela, why not have the scene of Sela’s death at the beginning of the book? Having that timeline and characters become the main characters after we spend most of the book being Darcy felt like a disconnect. The entire story when It flashed back to Sela could have been another book. That was a lot of context to flashback and felt very disconnected from the first half of the book.
Unfortunately, I would not recommend this one. For the length of the book, it was disconnected and the smut didn’t make sense. There are 3 essentially repeat scenes because you have the FMC lose her virginity over and over again with the MMC. The tone of the first half doesn’t make sense to what the characters are doing/saying. For how creepy and off Darcy felt towards Caleb to suddenly say she loved him was weird and shocking.
The bonus epilogue had one very unrealistic bit- I’m a mother and to say a child only a few months old took a fall didn’t add up as well as that she was strapping them both to her chest.
I had high hopes going into this but it was unfortunately not one I enjoyed.

I am one to want an opinion, this book on all socials is either a 5 star read for people or a true 1 star, there is not a ton inbetween. I received this beautiful read as an ARC copy of netgalley ( thank you Netgalley and Atria books for gifting me an Ebook for an honest review! ) and I was SO EXCITED. I had been wanting to get my hands on a copy of fairydale when it was pulled for a new cover and epilogue.
I would say I can understand without the epilogue how people wouldn’t like the ending where as I would have been good either way! The authors note states “ this is truly at its core a love story “ and that’s what this book is, it’s a love story that spans thousands of years, the book is weird, the MMC is possessive and gritty and down bad for his woman. And truly I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way, the time lines jumping can be a lot but once you tie it all together it all makes sense!
I loved this book, the tail got me, but I also love weird different things so it was a quick hmmmm that’s interesting and then yea I dig it almost right after haha.
I think this book could be a smidge shorter although I didn’t find the writing or prose boring or unneeded as I seen some other reviews. I loved the little details and honestly give me more than less lol.
Truly a great read for me 4.75 only because there were times I felt the book was long, but damn. It was a great book! Will be recommending!

Quarter 1;
So much has happened in the first quarter of this book.
We follow the main character (Darcy) from her role as an English teacher in Boston to finding herself in a town called Fairydale due to her biological father that she never knew had died.
When she lands in Fairydale, odd things begin to happen.
I love me a good morally grey man, but Caleb Halle. I love him, his narcissistic behaviors and then his sweet little caring moments. Ugh.
And who the fuck is this Amon dude. Like why is he apart of the plot? I mean I did read the explanation of ghosts being real, but like… is Amon a ghost? Is that like a big plot line moment?
Rating after 1st Quarter; ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Quarter 2;
I’m starting to see the plot of this story now. At first I was confused by the many pov jumps, but then it was answered! I love this creative touch to the story! I’m so curious as to how it will end as I am now only half way from the ending!
Did Amon really do what he did? Is he the villain? Who is the big villain of the story?
I hope all is answered soon! I need to see Caleb and Darcy together soon or I will loose my shit!
Rating after second quarter; ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
*small note*
A PIERCED DICK OMG
Quarter 3;
Omg this book is a roller coaster of emotions. There is plot twist after plot twist in this quarter! I’m so sucked into this book I have no words! I am so going to finish this book tonight!
Rating; ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Quarter 4;
Omg omg omg! That’s all I have to say. Read this book asap! I will be buying a copy for myself when. It comes out. Please read this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Overall rating;
A million ⭐️/5

Came for the gothic atmosphere, left because of the dark romance.
I could pick apart every little thing that I didn’t like, but in summary: (potential minor spoilers ahead)
-Cringey dialogue, especially during 🌶️ scenes
-I don’t like reading about possessive/controlling men. “How many other men’s cars have you climbed into? How many, Darcy?” okay pardon?
-I hope I never have to read about a tail being described as “grungy” ever again

Wow! 5 Big Stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (6 if I could)
I finished “the book”. Now, I don’t know what to do with my life.
Let me start by saying that if you’re not a fan of dark romance or spicy books, you probably won’t enjoy this. Honestly, it’s your loss!
This book is a fantastic, beautiful, epic, warm, unique, and a dark love story. I absolutely love Amon. He made it to the very top of my list of favorite MMCs.
All the events were so wild and unpredictable. I felt like I was losing my mind right along with Darcy. Ha! It really grabbed me and refused to let go.
I don’t want to say too much about the story because I’m afraid I might spoil it.
Darcy is an orphan whose father died and left her an inheritance, requiring her to travel to a small town called Fairydale.
This is where the strangest things start to happen, and secrets begin to unravel.
Everyone has an agenda, and Darcy is the key to making things possible.
She embarks on a quest to uncover the truth, figure out how each piece fits into the puzzle, and discover her role in everything that’s happening.
The love story—and the love triangle—was epic. I found myself just as confused and indecisive as Darcy.
I feel like the element of magic and the supernatural in this story was perfect for its mysterious and eerie atmosphere.
I absolutely loved this book!
I recently received the e-arc via Netgalley for the re-launch of the book, and the bonus epilogue gave me the closure I needed. 🥹
Thank you Netgalley and Atria Books!

So a lot went unanswered and a lot was added in probably to confuse us purposefully or make us wonder more. I can’t decide if it was on purpose or just because. Like the random thunderstorms including Darcy not getting wet. The whole Caleb piece didn’t make a ton of sense. You’d think the family would find it odd that she moved in if Caleb wasn’t there...so she just invited herself in??? Idk. The premise and first half was so interesting but then it went downhill quick especially when we got Sela’s memories back. Also so many deprived things were likely added for shock and not real purpose.

🌙✨ 3 Stars – Dark, Twisty Fairytale Vibes
Fairydale was a bit of a rollercoaster read for me. I’m still not 100% sure how I feel about it—but I couldn’t stop reading, so that definitely says something.
The best way I can describe it? It felt like a dark, sprawling Once Upon a Time fanfiction—in the best way. Twisty fairytales, layered timelines, familiar characters reimagined in wild ways… it’s definitely unique and has a very specific aesthetic. If you like dark fantasy meets storybook worlds with a slightly chaotic edge, this might be your thing.
It did feel a bit long at times, and I wasn’t always sure where the story was going, but I stayed with it the whole way through. That blend of mystery, nostalgia, and shadowy magic kept pulling me back in.
Not a new favorite, but definitely a one-of-a-kind read.
Be sure to check trigger warnings before you read!
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC! This was orginally self-published but will be published by Atria on August 19, 2025 just in time for it to be on everyones spooky time TBR

his is a gothic fairytale turned sci-fi story of two lovers. Honestly it could have been two totally different books, the turns were wild!
The book jumps between three different time periods. Present day is 1950s America, with flashbacks of 1700s Europe during the first half of the story. Then around 75% we get a solid 20% of the book dedicated to thousands of years ago, rounding out to present day at the very end. This was an interesting way to organize things, but it told the entire story.
I enjoyed the first part of the book and trying to figure out what the mystery of Fairydale was. It was gothic and a bit dark but intriguing. Then the book decided to dive off a cliff and crash in the giant alien with a ribbed tail full of nerve endings pit of wtf-ness. Nothing is even special about Fairydale other than that’s where the aliens decided to make their home. Idk why I thought this would be a dark fairytale retelling or something magical. It could have been. Such split personalities!
Since I’m just going for it at this point, why all the unnecessary rape or attempted rape? Like five different times! Did Caleb actually rape Darcy, that was never even answered. Plus why did the altered memory just have to include raping the dead woman? I think there is some unresolved trauma coming through these pages.
Once this turned into the alien story it was really hard to finish. There were a handful of cringy one liners, like a true “just the tip” moment, and Caleb enjoying her period blood when he’s not even a vampire, EW. I’ve read people like the spice, but ribbed rails gyrating the back door just isn’t for me.
Okay, well I think the love story is sweet, it’s them against the solar system and they get their HEA I think, so it’s all good. The end.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher Atria Books for the copy of Fairydale in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

I still don’t know what to say about this book except that it’s somehow become one of my top 5 reads of the year?! The slow burn, the tension, the incredible romance and the reveals. This is one of the most unique romantasy books that I've ever experienced! Highly recommend for fans of the slow burn romance and fated mates from ACOTAR, with a historical fiction/flashback setting that is so captivating and ensnares the reader from page 1. Fairydale is twisty and gothic, with an element of mystery and past lives that straddles the line of dark romance.
Is the writing super intricate and developed? No. Does that take away from the story and plot? Absolutely not. I cannot recommend this book enough, you will question everything but you'll be too committed to learning more about Amon to worry about it.
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for an ARC of Fairydale in exchange for an honest review.
Overall - 5 stars
Plot - 5 stars
Characters - 4.5 stars
Character Developement - 4.5 stars
Setting - 5 stars
Writing - 4 stars

First of all going in I heard it was a confusing book.
But alas, I found that it was easy to follow and you don’t get lost in the book, its just whats happening is so bewildering that you find yourself asking “WTF is going on?” Not because you are lost in the book but because whats happening is so wild, so much The FMC is questioning her sanity, in turn makes you question your own sanity too. I couldn’t relate to her more
At this point. I was enraptured and wanted to figure out all the mysteries as this book treaded along.
And OMG the love story! There is no love story I have read that made me feel so deeply ❤️❤️
**Thank you Atria Books for providing an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Heed the disclaimers at the beginning of the book. All are extremely valid. I don't think I was fully prepared even after the disclaimers, and now that I have finished the book, I still feel like I'm still pulling apart layers. This book felt like the Romantasy version of the movie Inception, you're reading and understanding surface level then it sucks you into a deeper level whilst you're still trying to unravel the plot with who is good, bad or frankly who do we want to end up together. This was a unique read with a new story arc I haven't read previously. I would recommend this book, especially for the patient readers with near ~1000 pages, extensive world/character building, and slow-burn romance. Though I will say, the conclusion and fast-paced ending were worth the wait.

This is a very different style of book for me. One I didn’t know about but decided to jump in and give it a try. I am so glad I did. May have to experiment more. I didn’t know where the plot was going, there were twists after twists and after more things were being revealed, I was shocked because I did not expect THAT.

This was such a dark, addictive read. The writing was beautiful and atmospheric, pulling me right into this twisted, fairytale-like world. The characters were intense—flawed, morally gray, and completely captivating. And the romance? Dark, obsessive, and exactly the kind of chaos I love in this genre.
I’m giving it 4 stars because I wanted just a little more from the worldbuilding and character motivations in some places. A few things felt unresolved, and I was left with questions I really wanted answers to. But overall, it was gripping from start to finish, and I couldn’t put it down.
Perfect for anyone who loves their stories dark, dreamy, and just a little bit dangerous