Summary reviewed by:
Terrence Timmons
Terrence Timmons
Analyst
Bachelor of Arts (BA), University Of California, Santa Barbara 2019
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How Does It Feel? by Jeneane O’Riley plunges readers into a dark and alluring exploration of fairy lore in the first installment of the Infatuated Fae series. Set in the mystical and treacherous realm of the Unseelie Fae, the story follows Callie Peterson, an environmental biologist whose search for rare mushrooms leads her to a portal into the Fae world. Captured by the dangerous and enigmatic Prince Mendax, Callie’s life hangs in the balance as she navigates the deadly intrigues of the Unseelie court. Mendax, convinced that Callie is an assassin sent to kill him, repeatedly tries to end her life, yet he finds himself inexplicably drawn to her. As Callie and Mendax’s lives become entangled, they teeter on the edge of forbidden desire, betrayal, and a deadly power struggle that threatens both the Fae and human worlds.
With its gripping blend of dark fantasy, romance, and high-stakes adventure, How Does It Feel? offers an enthralling start to the Infatuated Fae series, where nothing is as it seems, and love and danger are always intertwined.
O'Riley's writing is intense and immersive, pulling the reader into the emotional turmoil of her characters. The novel is a powerful exploration of the human psyche, touching on themes of guilt, redemption, and the often painful journey toward self-acceptance. How Does It Feel? is not just a story—it's an experience, a deep dive into the complex world of human emotions. Whether you're drawn to psychological dramas or stories that delve into the intricacies of relationships, this book is a must-read. It's a standalone novel that stands out for its emotional depth and compelling narrative.
Dark Fantasy
Romance
Adventure Fiction
Fairy Tale Retelling
Paranormal
Callie Peterson: A courageous and resourceful environmental biologist who values survival and loyalty. She faces her captors with defiance and cunning, willing to sacrifice herself to fulfill her mission.
Prince Mendax: The complex and brooding heir to the Unseelie throne, driven by a sense of duty and power. Despite his ruthless nature, he values strength and is captivated by Callie’s resilience, which challenges his own beliefs.
Earl/Eli (Aurelius): A shapeshifter and Callie’s childhood friend, who values protection and loyalty. He disguises himself as a human to guide and safeguard Callie, despite the danger to himself.
Betrayal and Loyalty: The novel explores the duality of loyalty and betrayal, with characters like Callie torn between their duties and their personal connections, ultimately leading to unexpected consequences.
Forbidden Love: The tension between Callie and Mendax drives the narrative, highlighting the allure and danger of a love that defies the boundaries of their worlds.
Survival: Callie’s journey is one of survival in a hostile environment, where she must use her wits and knowledge to navigate deadly trials and escape the clutches of the Unseelie Fae.
In How Does It Feel?, Callie Peterson, an environmental biologist, finds herself pulled into the dangerous world of the Unseelie Fae after discovering a fairy portal while searching for rare mushrooms. Captured by Prince Mendax, the ruthless leader of the Unseelie, Callie is suspected of being an assassin. Despite his multiple attempts to kill her, Mendax becomes drawn to her bravery and resilience. Their connection deepens, even as Callie harbors a secret—she is indeed an assassin, sent by the Seelie Fae to eliminate Mendax as part of a larger plot to protect the human world from invasion.
The story progresses through a series of deadly trials that Mendax imposes on Callie, each designed to test her strength and cunning. Throughout these trials, their relationship fluctuates between hostility and a burgeoning, forbidden attraction. Mendax's mother, the Queen, pushes for Callie’s death, but Mendax’s growing feelings prevent him from carrying out the execution.
As Callie faces the final trial, she is forced to choose between her mission and her feelings for Mendax. The trial’s outcome is devastating—Callie, having fallen for Mendax, nonetheless betrays him, revealing herself as the assassin sent to end his life. She stabs Mendax in his weak spot, believing she has completed her mission, only to wake up in the human world, unsure if he is truly dead.
In the novel’s final moments, Callie’s supposed ally, Earl (revealed to be Aurelius, a Seelie Fae), informs her that Mendax survived, and now, she is a hunted woman. The novel ends on a suspenseful note, leaving readers eager to see how Callie’s actions will affect both the Fae and human realms in the next installment of the Infatuated Fae series.
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Date Published: February 17, 2023
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