Genre

Fantasy, Young Adult

Audience

Teen, Adult

Author’s Worldview

Catholic

Year Published

2020

Themes

coming-of-age, responsibility, courage, self-sacrifice, family, romance, fairies

Reviewed by

Corinna Turner

Find most fairy tales too dark or too saccharine? Love, Treachery, and Other Terrors may hit the sweet spot. This quirky fairytale is a fun read with a serious moral backbone.

In an alternative historical version of our world, fairies exist to test human beings and encourage them to live virtuous lives. But some fairies get bored with their calling and begin to manipulate and destroy human beings instead. Unambitious young Prince Alexander is shocked when his father names him his heir on his deathbed. But his troubles are only beginning, as two bad fairies soon persuade his sister to murder their eldest brother and frame Alexander for the crime. Fleeing, with the help of good fairies, to a barbarian city, Alexander soon comes to the attention of the local princess, falls in love, and begins to build a new life for himself. But can such a truly good-hearted prince ignore the suffering that the bad fairies are inflicting on his subjects back home?

This fun fairytale fantasy blends witty and light-hearted writing with loveable characters and a serious plot.

The story takes place in an unspecified historical time, presumably an alternative version of our own world, and includes references that will be familiar to Catholics and some other groups of Christians, such as the Liturgy of the Hours; the division between Eastern and Western Christianity; Greek and Latin languages; and real cities like Paris and Constantinople. The narrative is framed by a ‘this is real history’ device.

The first three quarters of the book moved at a good speed, kept my attention, and were fully satisfying. The climax was mild and perhaps too simple, but the post-climax scenes showcased important Christian values. It was delightful and refreshing to see the hero reach the end still innocent, where so many heroes would have become jaded and worldly-wise.

I very much appreciated the humor throughout and enjoyed seeing Alexander come to appreciate the ‘barbarians’ and their culture. I have fond memories of the two kings! The moral lessons in the novel are the best kind, mostly played out through the action rather than spelled out in words. The novel contains a strong message about the importance of not going along with wrong-doing, and how sometimes the refusal to collude is all that is needed to take a bully’s power away.

This book is especially suitable for teens, since it has a major coming-of-age theme, but would also be suitable for mature children, especially as a book read aloud to them. Adults are also likely to enjoy this story. Although Alexander is only sixteen at the beginning of the book, he is already a functioning adult in his historical society (old enough to be crowned king). The book involves marriage, presented positively and cleanly.

Overt religious content is minimal and intrinsic to the time-period, therefore most secular readers should be comfortable with this book as long as they are happy to read religiously-realistic historical/fantasy fiction. The medieval-style Christianity feels more Catholic than Protestant (unsurprisingly) but Protestant readers are unlikely to find anything to offend them or spoil their enjoyment. In short, this book is appropriate for all fans of fantasy fiction, especially those who like humorous, lighter stories or fairytales.

Get Catholic Books & eBooks for as little as $1 to FREE

The Boy Who Knew (Friends in High Places: Carlo Acutis) by Corinna Turner

Faced with his death, a fifteen-year-old learns how to live through the wisdom of Blessed Carlo Acutis.

Shadows: Visible and Invisible By Catholic Teens Books

Bringing the holy back to All Hallows, these short stories entertain & remind us of the mercy we all rely upon.

The Wolf, the Lamb, and the Air Balloon by Corinna Turner

A wolf, a lamb, an air balloon—what could go wrong?

680 Miles Away By Tara J. Stone

Will Evie run away for good, or will she fight for Finn?

The Poppy and The Rose by Ashlee Cowles

While abroad in England, Taylor discovers a mystery linking her to an heiress and passenger aboard The Titanic.

Markmaker by Mary Jessica Woods

Aboard a world-ship, in an alien society, one artist’s quest for truth will turn his whole society upside down.

Hologram by Walker Larson

Aaron is the only one who can see through the holograms.

2021 Summer Reading List for Preteens

Six series that are a must-have for your Preteen’s library ages 8-13

Cinder Allia by Karen Ullo

A political fantasy epic bildungsroman where Allia’s feminine heart becomes as powerful a force has her sword.

Shadow of the Bear by Regina Doman

An intriguing story that will enchant with a sweet romance and take you on a thrill ride through the Gothic version of modern-day New York City.

Finnian and the Seven Mountains (Vol. 1) by Philip Koslowski, Michael Lavoy, and Jim Fern

Join Finnian as his quest for a legendary sword takes him to the monks of Skellig Michael, a real life inspiration for the Jedi temple.

The Rescue Sisters Series Adventures by Karina Fabian

Kickass Catholic Nuns in Space- what more do you need?!

Breach! by Corinna Turner

Isaiah’s got a T-rex size problem, but this time, it’s not a dinosaur.

The Glaston Secret by Donal Anthony Foley

Can three modern teens and a little black dog rescue a group of fleeing refugees in Nazi-occupied France?

The Silence of Bones by June Hur

A young slave girl in ancient Korea investigates a murder & meets real life Korean Catholic saints

Secrets Visible and Invisible, An Anthology 

Tales of courage, compassion and virtue in compelling and naturally engaging Y.A. short stories.

The Wish Thief by C.D. Verhoff

Glory steals an unusual gem to save her family but winds up threatening an entire world.

If Wishes Were Dragons By Karina Fabian

What happens when LARPing becomes a lot more real than a group of D&D players can handle?

Gifts Visible and Invisible

If you are looking for a cozy read to get into the Christmas cheer, this collection has it all.

Honor at Stake by Declan Finn

If you’re looking for a vampire-romance with a truly unique twist look no further.