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Faerie Rising: The First Book of Binding (The Books of Binding 1) Kindle Edition

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 80 ratings

Winter Mulcahy is a wizard and a trauma surgeon with a hidden clinic in the heart of Seahaven, Washington. Where once there were dozens of Mulcahy wizards, she keeps the city together against threats old and emergent by only the skin of her teeth, the blood of her friends, and an addiction to stimulants that is slowly killing her. Holding this fragile line, she is the last wizard standing between the escalating violence in the preternatural population and total chaos. Winter is approached by a pair of sidhe lords on an old Harley bearing claim that she is harboring a powerful fugitive from the realms of Faerie who holds a crown prince prisoner, and that they need her help to rescue the boy.

To maintain the city’s precarious balance of power, Winter must get to the truth of the kidnapping and this mysterious fugitive while also successfully navigating the deadly and deceptive waters of immortal politics before all of Seahaven falls to factional fighting and flames.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Fans of urban fantasy with a strong female lead will enjoy this series launch. This is a very capable start to the series." - Publishers Weekly (BookLife)

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B06XDHC667
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Phoenix Quill Books (April 1, 2017)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 1, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.8 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 403 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 80 ratings

About the author

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A. E. Lowan
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A. E. Lowan is the pseudonym of three authors who collectively create the dark urban fantasy series, The Books of Binding. Born in Texas, Jessica Smith brings a passion for science to tame the physics of Seahaven. Hailing from Missouri, Jennifer Vinck is a former bookseller who brings a love of theatre and linguistics to breathe life into the characters. A Navy brat, raised in Washington, California, and Missouri, Kristin Vinck is a recovering medievalist who brings an obsession with history and folklore to paint a detailed cultural canvas for The Books of Binding.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
80 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story interesting with a solid plot and well-developed characters. They describe the book as an enjoyable read for fantasy fans. However, opinions differ on the writing style - some find it excellent and lyrical, while others find it confusing and saucy.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

12 customers mention "Story quality"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the story engaging with an interesting plot and well-developed characters. They appreciate the imaginative worldbuilding and gripping action. The book is described as a great read for paranormal fantasy fans ages 13 and up.

"...Not because it’s a great fantasy story, but because it’s a great story all around. This is a gritty tale that any reader can pick up and enjoy...." Read more

"...I really enjoyed this book. It had a solid plot and interesting characters...." Read more

"...stands not only as a marvelous paranormal thriller but as a distinctive suspense tale set against the backdrop of a city on the edge of destruction..." Read more

"...Very interesting worldbuilding, dire and twisty plot, and (obviously) deep, multi-faceted characters...." Read more

8 customers mention "Character development"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters interesting and well-developed. They mention a large cast of characters surrounding Winter, with fully fleshed-out personas. Jessie is a fun character and Mirir is a worthy antagonist.

"...There is a large cast of characters surrounding Winter (her apprentice Jessie being a personal favorite), all of which receive fully fleshed out..." Read more

"...Winter was a very relatable main character as was Entienne and Cian. I can't wait to read more about these characters!" Read more

"...so this was a pleasant surprise in that it was really a study in characters and how they drive the story forward...." Read more

"...love, courage, intrigue and also, lots of witty banter, some great characters and lore, gripping action with high stakes and a huge epic finish..." Read more

8 customers mention "Readability"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and enjoyable. They describe it as a fun, first novel for fantasy fans with engaging characters.

"...This is a gritty tale that any reader can pick up and enjoy...." Read more

"...I've finally decided on 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this book. It had a solid plot and interesting characters...." Read more

"...The ending felt a little rushed, but otherwise this was a fun read. Now I need to know what happens with these characters next!..." Read more

"...Overall, a good read that will tick a lot of boxes for lovers of dark urban fantasy that mixes (Irish) Fae lore with shifters and wizards in a..." Read more

7 customers mention "Writing style"4 positive3 negative

Customers have different views on the writing style. Some find it excellent, vivid, and lyrical, making it an engaging page-turner. Others find the writing confusing and saucy, with some graphic language and mild adult content.

"...The book was a real page turner, and extremely well written except for a couple spots where it almost seemed like a different set of authors had..." Read more

"...would add is that the book does not shy away from gory action and saucy language...." Read more

"...The excellent writing is even more impressive when one discovers this “author” is in fact three writers...." Read more

"Loved the writing style..." Read more

A Marvelous Dark Fantasy Thriller!
5 out of 5 stars
A Marvelous Dark Fantasy Thriller!
In “Faeries Rising”, Author A.E. Lowan introduces a cast of unique characters whose flaws capture the essence of humanity without being completely human themselves. The author challenges her characters to rise above extreme and dire circumstances and overcome their weaknesses in order to realize their destinies. While her main protagonist, Winter, acts as a sole caretaker for her incapacitated father, Lowan also presses her into dealing with a grave drug addiction, putting her abilities to save her beloved city in great jeopardy. Cian, a shy and introverted Fae prince in hiding, must come to terms with a past laden by sexual abuse and trauma before he can become the ruler he was truly meant to be. Jessie, Winter’s teenage apprentice with a bad attitude toward authority figures, is out of her element in the human world, but finds solace and acceptance among Winter’s kind. Each character in this plot line is fully developed and thoroughly engaging. Each is a perfect foil for the situations ahead, possessing qualities and skills that translate well to fantasy and action readers alike.Although there is some graphic language and mild adult content in “Faeries Rising”, Lowan’s book is a great read for paranormal fantasy fans ages 13 and up. Teens will relate well to the younger characters trying to find their places in the world while adults will understand the value that role models have in forging eager young minds.Throughout her tale, Lowan’s writing is vivid, fluid, and lyrical... “He could feel her warm hands—she always had such warm hands-tucked away like little brown birds in his own.” But don’t expect the usual, lighter fairy fare from “Faeries Rising”, for this story focuses on a dire battle for control of both worlds—Fae and human—and the imposing, malicious threat presented between the pages of this book is nothing to be ignored. And while the author’s colorful flowing narratives weaving their way between dialogue and action scenes may test a hardcore action-lovers patience, a truly brilliant, imaginative, and well-constructed dark fantasy lies at the heart of “Faerie Rising”.A.E. Lowan’s “Faerie Rising” stands not only as a marvelous paranormal thriller but as a distinctive suspense tale set against the backdrop of a city on the edge of destruction and a group of allies who must all depend on magic and each other for its salvation. The battle for Seahaven will be fought and won, but by whom and at what expense?
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2019
    First, a confession. Fantasy has never been my thing. It’s not that I dislike the genre, it’s just that I rarely find works that appeal to my personal taste. I much prefer the high tech action and greasy spaceships of science fiction. But even so, great works of fantasy do capture my attention from time to time.

    Enter Faerie Rising by A. E. Lowan.

    This book fell into my reading queue through a personal recommendation. One of my friends, also a sci-fi lover, had met the authors at a literary convention. Authors, plural, as A. E. Lowan is actually a trio of writers (more on that later). They left a great impression on my friend, both socially and professionally. He purchased Faerie Rising: The First Book of Binding and posted a stellar review shortly after. I trust his opinion on such matters, so I bought the book as well.

    Wow. Now this is some fantasy that I can get behind.

    But before I delve into my reaction, a brief intro. Winter is the primary protagonist. She is a healer from a prominent family of wizards who have become pariahs. The story takes place in Seahaven, Washington where magical rifts have begun to unleash goblins (fae) into the Earth realm. Winter is thrust into the conflict, which is straining existing tensions between factions, a political powder keg that includes vampires and shapeshifters. Without giving too much away, let’s just say that a fuse has been lit and Winter is forced to chase the flame.

    The first chapter launches you into the bloody aftermath of a battle between vampires and shapeshifters. The action spills into Winter’s shop, where she is compelled to patch up some injured friends. Tensions rise, both violently and sexually, and the story springboards as a result. When the chapter ended, the authors had my full attention.

    Winter is a delightfully flawed and relatable character. She’s the reluctant hero-type with an assumed frailty, untapped power, and an inherent desire to help those in need, regardless of their loyalties. She reminded me a lot of Willow from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. There is a large cast of characters surrounding Winter (her apprentice Jessie being a personal favorite), all of which receive fully fleshed out personas. None of them feel needless, as their interwoven arcs all contribute to the mounting war.

    Another thing I would like to highlight is the authors’ seamless blending of voice. Author teams are fairly common, but truly effective ones are quite rare. All too often, the tone will shift from one chapter to another as one author picks up where the other left off. Two writers are hard enough, but three? I fully expected some overlap of style, but I couldn’t tell who wrote what. If I hadn’t known that Lowan was a team beforehand, I never would have guessed. It’s a testament to how well these ladies work together.

    Needless to say, I highly recommend Faerie Rising. Not because it’s a great fantasy story, but because it’s a great story all around. This is a gritty tale that any reader can pick up and enjoy. The only disclaimer I would add is that the book does not shy away from gory action and saucy language. That’s a huge plus in my opinion because I admire authors who refuse to pull their punches in order to tell the story how it needs to be told. I, for one, plan to take my black eye into the next book.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2017
    I have been warring with myself on whether this is a 4 or 5 star book (for hours)! I've finally decided on 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this book. It had a solid plot and interesting characters. Winter was a very relatable main character as was Entienne and Cian.

    I can't wait to read more about these characters!
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2018
    In “Faeries Rising”, Author A.E. Lowan introduces a cast of unique characters whose flaws capture the essence of humanity without being completely human themselves. The author challenges her characters to rise above extreme and dire circumstances and overcome their weaknesses in order to realize their destinies. While her main protagonist, Winter, acts as a sole caretaker for her incapacitated father, Lowan also presses her into dealing with a grave drug addiction, putting her abilities to save her beloved city in great jeopardy. Cian, a shy and introverted Fae prince in hiding, must come to terms with a past laden by sexual abuse and trauma before he can become the ruler he was truly meant to be. Jessie, Winter’s teenage apprentice with a bad attitude toward authority figures, is out of her element in the human world, but finds solace and acceptance among Winter’s kind. Each character in this plot line is fully developed and thoroughly engaging. Each is a perfect foil for the situations ahead, possessing qualities and skills that translate well to fantasy and action readers alike.

    Although there is some graphic language and mild adult content in “Faeries Rising”, Lowan’s book is a great read for paranormal fantasy fans ages 13 and up. Teens will relate well to the younger characters trying to find their places in the world while adults will understand the value that role models have in forging eager young minds.

    Throughout her tale, Lowan’s writing is vivid, fluid, and lyrical... “He could feel her warm hands—she always had such warm hands-tucked away like little brown birds in his own.” But don’t expect the usual, lighter fairy fare from “Faeries Rising”, for this story focuses on a dire battle for control of both worlds—Fae and human—and the imposing, malicious threat presented between the pages of this book is nothing to be ignored. And while the author’s colorful flowing narratives weaving their way between dialogue and action scenes may test a hardcore action-lovers patience, a truly brilliant, imaginative, and well-constructed dark fantasy lies at the heart of “Faerie Rising”.

    A.E. Lowan’s “Faerie Rising” stands not only as a marvelous paranormal thriller but as a distinctive suspense tale set against the backdrop of a city on the edge of destruction and a group of allies who must all depend on magic and each other for its salvation. The battle for Seahaven will be fought and won, but by whom and at what expense?
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    A Marvelous Dark Fantasy Thriller!

    Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2018
    In “Faeries Rising”, Author A.E. Lowan introduces a cast of unique characters whose flaws capture the essence of humanity without being completely human themselves. The author challenges her characters to rise above extreme and dire circumstances and overcome their weaknesses in order to realize their destinies. While her main protagonist, Winter, acts as a sole caretaker for her incapacitated father, Lowan also presses her into dealing with a grave drug addiction, putting her abilities to save her beloved city in great jeopardy. Cian, a shy and introverted Fae prince in hiding, must come to terms with a past laden by sexual abuse and trauma before he can become the ruler he was truly meant to be. Jessie, Winter’s teenage apprentice with a bad attitude toward authority figures, is out of her element in the human world, but finds solace and acceptance among Winter’s kind. Each character in this plot line is fully developed and thoroughly engaging. Each is a perfect foil for the situations ahead, possessing qualities and skills that translate well to fantasy and action readers alike.

    Although there is some graphic language and mild adult content in “Faeries Rising”, Lowan’s book is a great read for paranormal fantasy fans ages 13 and up. Teens will relate well to the younger characters trying to find their places in the world while adults will understand the value that role models have in forging eager young minds.

    Throughout her tale, Lowan’s writing is vivid, fluid, and lyrical... “He could feel her warm hands—she always had such warm hands-tucked away like little brown birds in his own.” But don’t expect the usual, lighter fairy fare from “Faeries Rising”, for this story focuses on a dire battle for control of both worlds—Fae and human—and the imposing, malicious threat presented between the pages of this book is nothing to be ignored. And while the author’s colorful flowing narratives weaving their way between dialogue and action scenes may test a hardcore action-lovers patience, a truly brilliant, imaginative, and well-constructed dark fantasy lies at the heart of “Faerie Rising”.

    A.E. Lowan’s “Faerie Rising” stands not only as a marvelous paranormal thriller but as a distinctive suspense tale set against the backdrop of a city on the edge of destruction and a group of allies who must all depend on magic and each other for its salvation. The battle for Seahaven will be fought and won, but by whom and at what expense?
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2022
    I often find urban fantasy to be mostly plot driven, sometimes to the point where the characters feel like cardboard cutouts, so this was a pleasant surprise in that it was really a study in characters and how they drive the story forward. Very interesting worldbuilding, dire and twisty plot, and (obviously) deep, multi-faceted characters. The ending felt a little rushed, but otherwise this was a fun read. Now I need to know what happens with these characters next! Books 2 and 3 are already purchased and waiting for me to read them.
    One person found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Tammy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous
    Reviewed in Canada on July 4, 2022
    What a great story. A little slow in the beginning but with a strong finish! I would read more from this author! I'd like to see what they develop!
  • MissAnthropie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Konnte es am Ende kaum weglegen...
    Reviewed in Germany on January 3, 2024
    Habe mir alle 3 ebooks der Reihe vor einiger Zeit schon geholt und erst später angefangen zu lesen. Zunächst fand ich mich nur langsam in die Story, lernte die Charaktere kennen. Etwa ab Seite 100 wurde es für mich dann doch spannend. Ich finde die Personen unglaublich sympathisch geschrieben.
    Die Charaktere fühlen sich nicht flach an oder unausgewogen. Auch die Welt, in der die Story spielt, ergab für mich Sinn.
    Gerade bei den letzten 100 Seiten konnte ich das Buch kaum aus der Hand legen. Habe beim Essen gelesen und sobald ich mal eine Minute frei hatte.
    Am Ende blieben zwar ein paar Fragen unbeantwortet, aber die werden hoffentlich im nächsten Buch die Story leiten. Freue mich schon weiterzulesen.
  • Melanie D
    4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting first in the series
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 6, 2024
    Every now and then, Kindle Unlimited throws a gem in my path, and this is one such.

    With a cast of mostly non-humans of various types, Seahaven abounds with magic and has become the intended location for a faerie kingdom on Earth. Fortunately, Winter Mulcahy and her new and old friends are determined to prevent that happening.

    With strong world-building, and laying the foundations for a longer series, this is nonetheless a satisfying read in its own right.

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