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Fairy and Fae romance novels have been captivating readers for decades, offering enchanting escapes into magical realms filled with otherworldly beings and supernatural powers. However, as we discovered in our latest podcast episode, not all fairy romances are created equal. Some can leave readers feeling more disturbed than delighted.
Our journey into fairy romance began with two vastly different novels: Lara by Bertrice Small and Her Dark Enchantments by Rosalyn Briar. These books exemplify the wide spectrum of quality and content within the sub-genre, highlighting both the potential pitfalls and promises of fairy-centric romance.
Meghan Leigh’s Book: Lara by Bertrice Small
Bertrice Small’s Lara (published in 2005) presents numerous problematic elements that modern readers will likely find unsettling. The protagonist is a 14-year-old girl sold into sexual servitude by her father. She experiences multiple non-consensual encounters throughout the 524-page novel. The book’s treatment of young female characters, its glorification of their beauty above all other qualities, and its troubling power dynamics raised serious concerns. Despite Small’s reputation as a pioneering author who pushed boundaries in her day, the content feels deeply outdated and inappropriate by contemporary standards.
The book’s writing style presents additional challenges, with repetitive descriptions, excessive bathing scenes, and constant rehashing of plot points. The phrase “beautiful” appears with exhausting frequency (22 times in the first chapter alone). And characters repeatedly explain their backstories to new people they meet, forcing readers to endure the same information multiple times. These stylistic choices extend the book unnecessarily and detract from any narrative momentum.
Nicole Danielle’s Book: Her Dark Enchantments by Rosalyn Briar
By contrast, Her Dark Enchantments by Rosalyn Briar offers a more thoughtful approach to fairy romance. This reimagining of classic fairy tales includes elements of Sleeping Beauty, Rumpelstiltskin and Wicked. The novel also features poetic prose and creative worldbuilding. The relationship between protagonists Myravelle and Bizarian demonstrates healthy communication and mutual support β a refreshing counterpoint to the problematic dynamics in “Lara.”
However, Her Dark Enchantments isn’t without its own issues. The pacing moves slowly, requiring patience from readers, and the ending leaves many plot threads unresolved. This lack of closure proves frustrating, especially given the promising setup established in the book’s prologue. The novel hints at greater revelations that never materialize, leaving readers suspended without a satisfying conclusion.
For Nicole’s more in-depth review of this book, click here.
Fairy Tale Dreams … or Nightmares
These contrasting experiences highlight important considerations for readers of fairy romance. The subgenre offers tremendous creative potential, allowing authors to blend familiar fairy tale elements with fresh perspectives and mature themes. At its best, fairy romance can illuminate complex human emotions through fantastic settings and supernatural abilities. At its worst, it can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and uncomfortable power dynamics under the guise of fantasy.
For readers interested in exploring fairy and fae romance, we recommend researching titles thoroughly before diving in. Look for books that treat their characters with respect, regardless of age or gender, and provide meaningful character development beyond physical descriptions. Consider whether you prefer complete stories or don’t mind ambiguous endings, and be mindful of content warnings for potentially triggering material.
The fairy romance subgenre continues to evolve, with many contemporary authors bringing fresh perspectives to these supernatural tales. By approaching these books with awareness and discernment, readers can find enchanting stories that offer both magical escapism and thoughtful storytelling … without the problematic elements that marred earlier works in the genre.
Have you read either of these fantasy romances? What did you think of them? Comment below! We’d love to hear from you. Interested in reading these fairy novels yourself? You can purchase Her Dark Enchantments and Lara using the links below. And to learn more about author Bertrice Small, click here. Want to listen to the podcast episode? We’re available on pretty much all your favorite podcast streaming services. Or you can visit our podcast player page here.
Her Dark Enchantments
- Amazon (print)
- Audible
- Kindle
- The Ripped Bodice
Lara
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