Court of Bitter Thorn

Fae of Bitter Thorn Series, Book 1

By: Kay L. Moody

Narrated by: Caitlin Davies

Faerie wasn't supposed to be real.

Tricked by a fae prince, Elora is stuck in the Faerie realm far from her young sisters who depend on her for survival. Under the terms of her bargain, she can't go home to the mortal world until Prince Brannick becomes the next High King.

Or until he's taken out of the running....

Sabotaging Brannick's chance at the crown will be much faster than helping him win. The fae prince may be charming, powerful, and wickedly handsome, but that won't stop Elora from selling his secrets to the highest bidder.

By day, she uses her master sword skills to train the prince. By night, she conspires with a rival king in a nearby court whose plans could destroy half of Faerie.

Soon, lives are at stake that she never expected. She'll have to choose who to save: her beloved sisters or half the inhabitants of Faerie.

The choice would be easy...if a certain prince weren't digging his way into her heart.

©2020 Kay L Moody (P)2021 Tantor

Sweet and very YA

I had the privilege to buy the Kickstarter. This book reads very YA, but I hope that’s doesn’t deter people from reading it. I really enjoyed the book and where it’s going. The “romance” is very slow burn, the FMC is a little (audible eye roll) annoying only cuz she CLAIMS to be the best swordswoman of all time but in this particular book, there was NO FIGHT SCENE. I was a little disappointed by that which is why a 4 start and not 5.
Also, it’s blatantly obvious that the king is evil and yet she is all “oh yes I’ll train you” but there are no training scenes or fighting at all?
Past that, I loved this book. Can’t wait to dive into book 2!
The world building is growing and is just enough to enjoy the book.

A Little Bland

This story was an easy read, but for someone who’s supposed to be teaching someone to sword fight, there isn’t much of it. Parts of the plot felt forced and wasn’t as magical as a faerie story could be. Younger audiences will likely find it entertaining. Falls to the younger side of YA.

Great story - not crazy about narrator

Story was captivating. Narrator did a good job on male voices but she annunciates much too sharply for my liking. She also does strange inflections with her voice that do not seem to match what she is reading/saying.

Plot had potential

Plot had potential but felt slow to move and engage. Was predictable at times. Was clean which was nice.

✨ A Whimsical Tale That Stole My Heart ✨

Court of Bitter Thorn is the kind of book that makes you want to curl up with a blanket, a cup of tea, and forget the rest of the world exists. Kay L. Moody weaves a gorgeous tapestry of fae magic, courtly intrigue, and slow-burn romance that made me feel like I’d been swept straight into a fairytale—only one with deliciously dangerous twists.

The heroine, Elora, is fierce, stubborn, and impossible not to root for, even when she’s thrust into a glittering yet treacherous fae court. The world-building sparkles with lush detail, and every page feels like it’s dusted in just a pinch of enchantment. And let’s just say… there’s a certain fae prince who might just make your heart skip a beat. 💫

It’s whimsical, a little prickly (just like the title promises), and completely unputdownable. If you love magical courts, strong heroines, and just the right hint of romance, this book will sweep you off your feet.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — I’m already grabbing the next one in the series!