The Lord of Mist and Mead Book Review: A Balanced Perspective
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Within the vast landscape of literature, there’s a unique charm to discovering books that tread the middle path, neither soaring to great heights nor plummeting into obscurity. ‘The Lord of Mist and Mead’ is one such literary gem, a novel that gracefully navigates the fine line between brilliance and mediocrity.
In this review, we embark on an engaging journey through the pages of this fantasy tale, uncovering its myriad strengths and occasional weaknesses. ‘The Lord of Mist and Mead’ may not be a literary masterpiece, but it possesses an undeniable allure that keeps readers captivated. Join us as we explore its notable aspects, offering a balanced perspective that celebrates the enchantment it brings to the world of fantasy literature.
The Lord of Mist and Mead
Susan Golden
Regency/Historical Fantasy
Abigail Sumner, the daughter of a countryman, is sent off to be married to a man that she doesn’t want to be. She has modest hopes for her life – a sound roof over her head, food on the table, a warm bed, and someone to love. On her journey to her betrothed home, they stop for a period allowing the horses to rest. Abigail takes this opportunity to flee. Leaving behind everything she has possessed. This fate lands her in deadly peril, rescue comes from an unexpected source and opens her up to the possibility of a life filled with magic and passion. This is where she meets Killian Greydawn, someone who would forever change her life.
Killian is instantly taken by Abigail allowing her to get away with things that if it was any other person, they wouldn’t have been so lucky. Killian is the Lord of the Court of Night and Defender of the Fae Realm. Trapped by painful obligation. When their two worlds connect, the pair begins a passionate romance that sets them on a collision course with destiny. One that may force Killian to make unthinkable save his realm’s magic or the human woman who holds his heart.
Thoughts of The Lord of Mist and Mead
The Lord of Mist and Mead is an insanely cozy story. It gives you a light and airy feel, experienced in most stories that would be considered regency or historical fantasy. The jump off of the story draws you in, bringing us to the stark differences between Abigail and Killian’s worlds. Abigail is initially torn between being a “proper lady” and letting her inhibitions loose as many of the fae in this world do.
Abigail is an extremely likable character. Matching wits with Killian with her quick quips and blunt reactions. She gives a genuine feel to the story. Intrigued by the fae world presented to her in an almost childlike manner. She (despite the stories of the fae in the human world) finds that magic is a special and wonderous gift. Abigail often has the same ideals of the fae in the world, even though she can’t quite understand why. These ideals are what help fuel Killian’s attraction to her.
“Do What Pleases You. Whatever That Is.”
Killian and Abigail took an immediate liking to one another. Killian of course falls first from the first 10 pages of the story. Giving an “insta love” quality to the tale. While I am typically not one for this trope, Abigail gave just enough resistance to make it a little more believable.
Further within the story of The Lord of Mist and Mead, you find more magical elements. Killian as mentioned before is the Lord of the Court of Night. In addition to this Court, there are also other courts named after the seasons. Reading this, I must admit initially gave me pause. On one hand, I love the reminiscent quality it gave to ACOTAR. Making it perfect for fans of SJM. But on the other end of the spectrum, it felt a little too much like it.
In addition to this trait, there is that human who comes to save the fae. The curse was put upon the initial MMC, by a raven-haired fae lady. Cursing that man because of his rejection. And him being under that curse for 46 years. It all felt a little too similar. This can be shown as a lack of originality via the author, maybe putting off readers.
“You are a part of this court. More importantly, you are mine.”
There also isn’t much to the world-building of The Lord of Mist and Mead. While the other courts are mentioned briefly no other details are given beyond the basics. This was disappointing. There should have been more told about the magic system. More on the history of the fae in that land. Or even giving a more general depth to the lands and the story itself.
I must admit I also am puzzled by the title of the story. While yes there is mention of the mist and you do come to understand why Killian would be titled Lord of the Mist (somewhat) I don’t quite understand the mead part. He has no bearing on Mead more than any other fae within the story. Adding to the minor plot holes of the story.
The story should have had an additional 50 pages added to allow for a little more fleshing out and adding depth. Adding to the middle and even the ending of the story. The ending wrapped up a little too easily to be believable.
Beyond all of the aforementioned details of the story. And despite the fact that not much in the way of the story happens. The Lord of Mist and Mead is relatively entertaining. And a solid debut from the author. If you are a fan of ACOTAR or SJM in general you should definitely give The Lord of Mist and Mead a go.
Thank you to the author Susan Golden for providing me with a copy in order to review it honestly. Grab yourself a copy from Bookshop.org
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