The Solitary King

The Fair Chronicles, Book 2

By: Lyndsey Hall

Narrated by: Olivia Barnes-Brett

When Aria returns to the Fair Realm to attend a ball at the Salamander castle, it isn’t long before things take a turn for the deadly.

With her father’s home in ashes and her newfound family reduced to dust, Aria finds herself King Auberon’s captive once more. Deep within the mountains that border the Celeste Kingdom, Aria is powerless to fight back, her newly-discovered abilities suppressed by the weight of the rock that surrounds her. But when a Celeste guard whispers about rebellion and promises to help her escape, Aria is desperate to trust him.

Crown Prince Xander returns home to the Gnome castle, laden with grief for his brother and father, and dreading the day he will be crowned king. Preparations are underway for his marriage and coronation, but thoughts of the girl he betrayed trouble him day and night. Until the morning of his wedding, when a note arrives that Aria has been taken by Auberon once more, and Xander is forced to choose between his life of duty and obedience, and what he believes is right.

Perfect for fans of dark romantic fantasy novels like Holly Black’s Folk of the Air series.

©2022 Lyndsey Hall (P)2022 Lyndsey Hall

Better than the first

I liked book 1 in the series, but this one is even better!

Book 2 sees Aria back in the Fair Realm. In fact she doesn't go back to the human realm for the entire book. We get to explore more of the 5 kingdoms (and queendom) and meet more of the Fair. There are secret alliances and hurtful betrayals to be discovered. The story continues and I don't want it to end.

The narration seemed to be better in this book but maybe that's because I went straight from Book 1 to Book 2 and I was already accustomed to it. Olivia Barnes-Brett isn't a bad narrator at all, but her male voices aren't that great (mostly Rainer's deep gravelly voice). There were a few mispronunciations, the most notable being "fox fur collar" instead of "faux fur collar," although I was listening instead of reading, so I can't be sure of how it was intended.

Overall I give it 4.5 stars. It's a fun fairy tale and now I'm waiting for the 3rd audiobook to be released.

Also, for anyone who may be wondering, these books are pretty clean. So far there have been a few scattered f-bombs (maybe 5 over both books) and no sex. I would rate it PG for violence and language, possibly PG-13 due to the f-bombs.

I received a free copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving this review.

Great story!

I cannot wait for the next book! The story is engaging and full of magic.

Fantastical Listen

Great narration. This books picks up soon after where The Fair Queen ended. Filled with magic abilities, choices, hope, love and a determination to keep moving forward.

Really great story

Great second instalment of The Fair Chronicles that I enjoyed immensely.
Aria returns to the Fair Realm and disaster strikes again when King Auberon appears at the ball she is attending and kidnaps her.
The cruelty she suffers at the hands of her captor leaves Aria’s body weak and unable to function properly.
Word spreads through the realms of the horrific actions of King Auberon at the ball and when Xander (soon to be crowned King) hears, he drops everything to race off and rescue Aria.
This book is a really well written dark romance with moments of cruelty and death but also kindness, loyalty and love.
I really enjoyed the narration of this audiobook.
I purchased the ebook but was given the audiobook for my honest review.

The Adventure Continues…

We are back at the Fair Realm in the second book of The Fair Chronicles. The story pulled me in and kept me engaged from beginning to conclusion. The story started slow but it progressed at a good pace.

Narration is well done and brings the story to life.

The Solitary King has suspense, action, adventure, magic, romance, and some twists to keep you entertained. I’m really looking forward to the next book.