Book Review: Brittle by Beth Overmyer

After the murder of her father – which no one but her believes happened – Verve just wants to hold her family together and take on the role of provider. Unfortunately, a cruel fae lord believes she knows the location of an ancient magical weapon and steals her away to Letorheas, realm of the fairies. The fae lord seems to want something from Verve that goes beyond the weapon, something that many doubt she can provide. Verve must find a way to navigate the strangeness of Letorheas and embrace a destiny more intertwined with the fae than she would like to believe.

Readers of Carissa Broadbent will love this thrilling new series, from the author of The Immortal Goblet, weaving an intriguing world of fantasy and folklore.

GENRE: Fantasy

PURCHASE LINKS: Amazon | Flame Tree Press

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Beth was born and raised near Oberlin, Ohio, and she hasn’t moved far. The charming college town is a favorite haunt of hers for daydreaming when writing and planning fantasy novels. When not writing, Beth can be found reading fantasy novels, cozy mysteries, and almost any book she can get on the craft of putting words on the page.

Review

I've never really been into fae and faeries as far as fantasy subgenres go, but over the past months I've discovered titles that I really enjoyed via the book tours I participated in, so I figured I'd pick up a few more. Just please keep that in mind as you read this review — an avid reader of this subgenre might have an entirely different opinion of this book.

Brittle is an easy read, with an interesting world and a story flow that keeps you turning the pages for answers. I wouldn't really call it fast-paced, or at least not until the last one-third of the book, but it's far too easy to binge this book with how it's written.

For me, Verve isn't the most endearing of protagonists, but if strong, snarky and independent women are your type, then she definitely fits the bill. This book also has some kind of Little Women vibe, I heard, as well as ACOTAR. (I know, I know, I should read those at some point...) The male MCs, on the other hand, are pretty and swoon-worthy, as they should be based on all the other fae stories I've read. I just won't say anything more to avoid spoilers, haha. I did like Verve's sister Hel a lot though!

I thought how the title played out in the story was particularly clever. And their thing about middle children. Anyway, I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next book!

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️

Also by the Author

• The Goblets Immortal - In a land where magic’s feared, a rare magical kind exists: the Blest, products of the Goblets Immortal. Aidan’s a Blest on the run, forced to return home. He made his family vanish decades ago, but believes there’s a way to bring them back. Whispers of a new fear take shape in Meraude, a mage who hates all magic-kind. When she appears in Aidan’s dreams offering a bargain for the return of his family, Aidan’s desires battle with his self-preservation. Is it wise for Aidan to seek the Goblets Immortal for Meraude’s unknown purposes? Friend and foe blur the magical lines, and Aidan must discern who will shake his hand or slit his throat.

• Holes in the Veil - Having killed his lifelong enemy, Aidan Ingledark finds himself in possession of a map to the Questing Goblet, one of the Goblets Immortal that gives the drinker luck beyond measure. Meraude seeks this Goblet to wipe out magic-kind. Aidan and his traveling companion are determined to find it first but they must battle through illusion and doubt. Jinn’s a Sightful seeking the Summoner. She wants to kill her mother, but her foresight ends in darkness. Can she enlist Aidan’s help and change her fate? The threat of Meraude and her dominion are imminent in this sequel to The Goblets Immortal.

• Death's Key - Years after the Circle disbanded, Meraude builds an army to rid the land of mortals, wizards, and anyone she cannot control. The Goblets Immortal and the throne of Inohaim Tower soon will be hers! But there is a thorn in her side and a flaw in her plan. Aidan, a Summoner Meraude had once recruited, has turned against her. He and Slaíne need to ally with Meraude’s twins to stop the so-called mage queen. The Goblets must be brought to Inohaim Tower to be destroyed…if the four Blest can escape the wizard Hex and his House of Curses, that is.