How to Survive a Fairy Bargain

A Laugh-Out-Loud Fairytale What-If

By: Laura J. Mayo

Narrated by: Josie Charles

In this hilarious sequel to How to Summon a Fairy Godmother, Theodosia’s already survived being the evil stepsister in one fairy tale, but surviving fae bargains, fairy rings, and being turned into a hedgehog will be a whole new challenge.

Theodosia Balfour is in a panic—she has no clue how to handle her new life as a fairy’s familiar. She just can’t seem to find her place in Cecily’s land of decadence, doublespeak, and whimsy.

Moreover, Theo can’t stop thinking about Kasra, Cecily’s last familiar who is now living a cozy human life without any memories of his time in a fairy’s service. All she wants is to tell Kaz how she feels about him, but that’s impossible now. Then suddenly, the regent of the fairy kingdom reveals a secret that shocks Theo to her core and thrusts her into the role of detective to solve a thousand-year-old royal assassination attempt.

With time running out to catch the would-be assassin, Theo can rely on only her own wits and unique charm to discover what’s really going on.

A brilliant sequel

Theodosia is at it again, getting used to her life as a familiar when it is, once again, turned upside down. She's just as witty and clever as before, the stakes are even higher, and the mystery and its solution make total sense. Love it!! The narrator is the same as the first and just as excellent as before. I can't WAIT to listen to more from this author!!

Witty, entertaining story of fairy intrigue

How to Survive a Fairy Bargain is the second book in the Fairies and Familiars duology of humorous historical fantasy by Laura J. Mayo. It could stand alone, but I think it will be most enjoyable if you read the books in order.

Our main character, Lady Theodosia Balfour (Theo), is struggling to adjust to life as a fairy’s familiar and is missing Kaz, her fairy’s former familiar who she is in love with. When the regent of the fairy kingdom invites her to a tea party, a secret is revealed that completely upends Theo’s life. Suddenly, she’s racing against the clock to solve a thousand-year-old assassination while dodging threats against her own life and that of her friends. Fortunately, she’s learned quite a bit about fairy magic and bargains and is able to use them to her advantage.

I loved being back in this world with these characters. Theo has always been sarcastic and witty, but she has also become smart, strong, resourceful, and very loyal to her friends. Cecily of the Ash Fairies, her brother Lockland, her magpie shifter familiar Phineas, and her former familiar Kaz are all here, in addition to some of Theo’s new friends.

The plot was a fun and exciting blend of mystery, intrigue, and suspense, and of course there’s a happy ending.

The audiobook production was excellent, and I loved the narration by Josie Charles. She’s a pleasure to listen to, with distinctive voices and speech patterns to suit each character, and the ability to convey mood and emotion effectively. The story works very well as an audiobook.

I recommend this book for fans of historical fantasies featuring snarky heroines.

Favorite Series!

Joyful and funny with surprising twists! Nothing too violent and a great escape from reality 😆

good read

I really enjoyed this book. it had great humor and story!!! super cute and fun read,with a few twists that were good.

Same snarky Theo

Another fun and snarky story with Theo outwitting everyone else but Cecily - and people getting on her bad side. Nice conclusion to the duology, but I had hoped for a bit more at the end. Hopefully there will be a spin off series!