For those addicted to Sarah J Mass's Fae fantasy stories, Quicksilver is the bolder, bigger, fantasy hit you've been waiting for. Packed to the brim with mystic magic, fantasy and high octane action sequences, Callie Hart leaves readers little time to catch up as she storms into her latest fantasy adventure.
From the blurb;
'Saeris Fane is good at keeping secrets. 'No one knows about the powers she possesses, or the fact that she has been stealing from the Undying Queen's reservoirs for as long as she can remember. 'But a secret is like a knot. Sooner or later, it is bound to come undone.
'When Saeris comes face-to-face with Death himself, she inadvertently reopens a gateway between realms and is transported to Yvelia, a land of ice and snow. The Fae have always been the stuff of myth, of legend, or nightmares... but it turns out they're real, and Saeris has landed in the centre of a centuries-long conflict that might just get her killed. 'The first of her kind to enter Yvelia in over a thousand years, Saeris mistakenly binds herself to Kingfisher, a handsome Fae warrior with an agenda of his own. He will use her powers to protect his people, no matter what it costs him... or her. 'Death has a name. It is Kingfisher of the Ajun Gate. His past is murky. His attitude stinks. 'And he's the only way Saeris is going to make it home.'
Saeris Fane is a quick thinking, light-fingered, kick ass character who learns fast and just as quickly becomes the heart and soul of this fast moving story.
Throwing us into the deep end Hart opens this mammoth novel by thrusting readers into the dirt and grit of Saeris's world. The fast paced action sequence which follows sets a bounding pace for the story, however pacing is the biggest issue readers will have to get over with this captivating story, as Hart slows and quickens the stories arc to fit in the complex and extensive world and character building she needs to make this story as impactful as it is.
As Saeris's life takes a harsh turn we are soon carried into the belly of the Fae world, and can begin to savour the will-they-won't-they romantic arc that carries a lot of the story's passion and excitement. Readers should be warned that while there are only a few sexual scenes in this novel each interaction between characters in the bedroom is detailed to the extreme and lasts several pages. While this may not be for every reader these moments of passion are easily skimmed over, as they hardly make the draw for this novel which instead is found in the world building and fantastic cast of characters.
Kingfisher, while starting off as little more than the romantic attraction, slowly opens up, blooming into a well rounded character who we soon can not get enough off. At his side are much more instantly meaningful characters in the form of Renfis, Loreth and Carrion. This gaggle of warrior men brings a touch of levity, care and meaningful connection to the fast paced story, as they help Saeris find her footing in this new and complex world.
A passion filled enemies to lovers tale Quicksilver will leave readers desperate for more and rewards readers with a satisfying conclusion, gleefully setting up the story to continue with unbound vigour and creating a great deal of hope and excitement for book two.
We give Quicksilver Five Stars
ISBN - 978-1-3997-4541-3 Hardback Cover Price - £20
First published in Great Britain in 2024 by Hodderscape
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