Stunning photo by @readwithacapricorn!
Hello fairy friends!
Happy Monday, I hope you all have a good day! Welcome to day 1 of the March Adult Book readalong of A Feather So Black by Lyra Selene. I’m so excited to be reading this with you all!
Before we start, how are you all doing? I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and are ready to dive into this new fantasy world with me!
Since today is day 1, we’ll be reading from the beginning to the end of chapter 8. Make sure you’re ready with your hot drink and reading accessories!
When you’ve finished today’s section, catch up with me in the comments down below so we can discuss the beginning of the book. Happy reading!
Please be warned, that the following section will include spoilers for A Feather So Black by Lyra Selene. from the beginning to the end of Chapter 8. Please only read on if you have finished this section!
-!SPOILERS!-
We’re introduced to Fia immediately, who’s acting as a spy for her mother, The Queen. She’s on a mission to steal Prince Connla’s captive darrig, as it’s treasonous to keep any of the Fair Folk.
Fia is kept as a secret for she’s a changeling and has powers of nature in her. However, Connla confronts her and wants to keep her for himself. I’m really not liking this character!
We’ve learnt that the High King was killed 20 years ago, and Fia was switched with the Princess, as the Fair Folk stole 12 maidens from their beds. I wonder why Fia was left in the Princesses place?
As Connla seems determined to make Fia his possession, she overpowers him and knocks him out! I’m already loving Fia, and I’m rooting for her to succeed in this mission!
She finds the darrig, but it tells her to ‘Mend the broken heart. End the sorrow. Give what life is left, so we may see the morrow.’ Is this some sort of foreshadowing?
Somehow, just as she’s about to give into her rage and end Connla after he wakes up, someone stops her from doing so!
Wait, it was another Prince who stopped Fia? Rogan seems to be her old best friend, but she has romantic feelings for him. Is anyone else wondering what happened between them and why he left 4 years ago?
As they escape from Connla and his guards, they kiss just to make sure the guards don’t suspect them. I can’t believe we’ve already had a kiss; this escalated fast!
After they manage to trick the guards, Fia notices he still wears the stone she gifted him years ago, I feel like him still wearing it means something more, do you agree?
Rogan’s only back so he can save his betrothed Princess Eala from the Fair Folk; this is why Fia believes they aren’t meant for each other. She knows that she can never be as Rogan as her husband, and she has resigned herself to that fate, even though she still has feelings for him.
The more we learn about Fia, the more I believe she isn’t fully human or Fair Folk, as years ago she discovers that she’s not harmed by iron and rowanberries; I think she could be a mix of both worlds!
After talking to the Queen and Cathair, her druid, Rogan and Fia learn they are to save the 12 stolen maidens from the Folk. However, Fia has an extra mission: She’s to steal a sword from the Folk so magic can be returned to the human lands. Do we think she can do it?
We learn from Cathair that Fia and Rogan had a romantic relationship before he left, Rogan essentially broke Fia’s heart. Can we talk about how Cathair seems like a bully why is he rubbing in Fia’s face that Rogan will never be hers.
I want to know what Rogan told her four years ago that makes her resent him so much, it must have been pretty awful, right?
The Queen’s acting very manipulative by telling Fia that ‘no one can love her like she does‘; after she catches Fia looking at Rogan throughout dinner, I don’t believe she truly loves and cares for Fia.
Whilst seeking comfort from her horse, Fia remembers that Rogan was offered to marry Fia but he declined for Eala, he called her ‘no one’, I wonder if this is the whole truth?
On their journey to Dún Darragh, Rogan acts very suggestively and flirtatiously with Fia, does he not remember what he said to her?
Fia’s magic is much stronger as she’s closer to the gates of the Folk world, her magic’s so strong she accidentally turns her horse into a tree! At least we know she’s powerful!
When exploring Dún Darragh Fia stumbles across a sprite, but it only shows itself to Fia not Rogan. I wonder if it’s because she is part Fair Folk? The sprite is willing to give her answers that she needs!
My heart breaks for Fia as she views herself as a weapon that’s made to destroy and take away things she cares about, like her horse and her hedgehog.
On the exploration through the forest to find the 13th Gate, Fia and Rogan come across a graveyard filled with statues of various Fair Folk, I wonder if they’re human made? Eventually they find the Gate as Tír na nÓg was calling to her with music.
The full moon has arrived, Fia and Rogan make it across the Gate and find the swans turning into maidens. Eala’s at the centre acting like the Princess that she is and Rogan follows them to try to break Eala’s geas.
Fia stays back and decides to touch the flowers that created dresses for the maidens, but in doing so she’s come face to face with someone pointing an arrow at her. Whys she just making inane chit chat with him? 👀
He’s one of the Folk Gentry, and she finds him beautiful! Is he a new love interest for Fia? I want to know who he is!
Fia has to run for her life as the Folk Gentry will kill her for intruding! Luckily she makes it back to the gate in time!
What a way to end that first section, we’re really getting into this story already and I can’t wait to see everything play out!
How are you enjoying the story so far?
Do you think Rogan still wants Fia?
What do you think of Fia?
I am excited to read more with you all tomorrow, fairies!
Love,
Emily
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The Girl with No Reflection Readalong: Day 1!
Isla
16th September 2024
Ahhhh my heart aches for Fia! I feel like everyone in her life is manipulating her or treating her poorly and I hope she finds happiness in this journey.
I have such a bad vibe from Rogan… idk what it is but I’m like something off about him. And her mother is definitely evil, and I’m waiting to see where that goes.
I do think Rogan wants her, but I don’t think he deserves her hahah
As for Fia, I like her, but I think she thinks of herself poorly and I want her to be nicer to herself!
I agree that Rogan seems nice, but there is still a bad vibe! 💜
I love that we start and we already know a lot of things both of the world and the characters. I like Fia and her resourcefulness but I do ache for her because she feels she has no value as a person, only as a weapon. I wish she finds her HEA at some point, but not sure it will be Rogan. How can he tell her he preffers a princess he hasn’t met over the person he’s been his childhood? I could understand him not liking her anymore if it was, now I’ve grown and our interests are different, but like this?
I am very intrigued by TirNaOgg and the fae in this story. I loved the little fellow in the enchanted house.
I agree! I want Fia to be happy! 💜
I was looking forward to this read-along, glad we’re ready to start. I’m not Irish but I live in Ireland so I’m very excited about the Celtic folklore in this book.
A lot has happened already, I like how we’re immediately in the thick of things.
About Fia, she seems like an interesting character. She has magic but doesn’t seem to fully understand it. I can’t wait to see her come into her power and develop. I wonder if her face will change if she becomes free, considering she’s a changeling?
Not much to say about Rogan, he doesn’t seem that interesting as a character for now. Whereas the mysterious Fae which we just met seems more exciting – I’m looking forward to finding out more about him! I wonder if he’s the black swan? Based on the black feathers and his tattoos…
Fia’s (or Eala’s to be accuarte) mother seems very manipulative. I feel like she’s been manipulating Fia. I suspect the mission isn’t really for the good of the people, but to gain more power or maybe for revenge. She seems cunning and not above some emotional abuse. I hope it’s not too late when Fia realises this.
The sprite seems fun (Corra.) Curious about how they might help Fia, maybe they are the link between the worlds.
I enjoyed this read, fast paced so we know a bit quickly but there is also so much we don’t know! Looking forward to finding out more about the folk land/ Tir na nOg.
Weird how Rogan acts with Fia after how he apparently treated her upon leaving those years ago so hopefully that gets closure. Love that he kept her river rock though!
And I thought they’d be staying there in Tir na nOg so I must have missed something but interesting that Fia & Rogan will be alone together for a month!
I know Rogan acts like nothing happened! 💜
I’m starting to think they were both manipulated, Rogan and Fia into thinking the other broke it off. And they are so stubborn not any of them talk and tell what happened because probably it would be a surprise to the other.
Her “mother” is just so loathsome, I hope she gets what’s coming to her. I think Rogan and Fia were both manipulated by her mother (and the druid) to keep them apart. That relationship would not have been favorable to keep Fia isolated and under her mother’s thumb. The queen needed to separate them, so she did. (That’s total speculation on my part!) I hope Fia and Rogan get to talk about what really happened 4 years ago.
I like that thinking as already the Queen is treating Fia more as a tool than a daughter! 💜
Ahh not sure if im loving this one so far or not yet. I really wanted to love it but im not sure if it’s for me. Im finding it fast paced but to be homest i really dont know whats going on 😂🤷🏼♀️
Not sure about Fia or Rogan though. I really want Fia to turn out to be the villian and prevent Eala from returning so she can have Rogan for herself…
How are you enjoying the story so far?
– I normally don’t like fae books but I’m giving this one a chance it seems interesting and fun so far. I love Corra and think she will have some answers.
Do you think Rogan still wants Fia?
– i feel as if Rogan doesn’t remember or remembers a different version of events than Fia. I suspect the Druid has something to do with this and Rogan still likes Fia.
What do you think of Fia?
– I feel sorry for her – I don’t trust her mother at all and think she is using her. I don’t think Fia is a changeling either I think she is half fae/ half human and maybe prophesied to bring peace to the two realms?
Overall I’m enjoying the story but sometimes the complicated names of things took me out of the story.
I wonder if Eala will even want to leave? Im afraid the queen will dispose of Fia once she completes the mission. Or maybe Fia won’t return, because she learns of the evil of the people she was raised by/with. I can’t wait to see what happens next! And what a way to introduce the Folk Gentry.
But why the horse?!😢 Maybe it will be restored when Fia embraces her power more and becomes queen of both worlds or something like that.
I’m not sure Eala will want to leave, not if she’s been raised by the Folk! 💜
How are you enjoying the story so far?
I’m really enjoying the story and the Celtic aspects are really interesting! I’m very grateful for the glossary but wish there was a map.
Do you think Rogan still wants Fia?
Of course! But he wont last
What do you think of Fia?
I think Fia is a pretty interesting main character, I’m interested to learn more about her
The glossary is super helpful! 💜
1. How are you enjoying the story so far?
I am liking it, but struggle a bit with the terminology, since it is unfamiliar to me. I don’t really have an idea what the terms mean, so it’s a bit harder for me to understand the story fully at this point.
2. Do you think Rogan still wants Fia?
Yes, I think he does, but I also think Fia deserves better than him.
3. What do you think of Fia?
I like her! She is an interesting character who I really want to get to know more!
Yeah, I wish they’d added a few more terms to the Glossary because I stumble over the pronunciation every time. Lol.
I’m loving the start of this book and the pacing so far! Here are my unhinged thoughts:
• the Mother is definitely evil or hiding something
• Rogan gives me BAD vibes, pretending like he didn’t stomp all over Fia’s heart!!! Ugly behaviour
• I really hope Fia grows into her magic and learns how to control it! I’m enjoying her character and how she is struggling with who she is, having been raised by humans
I’m so glad you’re enjoying it! 🥰
“Mend the broken heart. End the sorrow. Give what life is left, so we may see the morrow.” The Queen Mother gives a slimy quality as much as the Druid Whore, but his is plain where hers is silk-wrapped. I’m not a fan of Rogan, either. He took her virginity & left, came back with that stunt in the bar & her room & whatever else while dreaming of marrying some stolen princess with her same face. (Plus, he’s blonde.) How can she think her “mother” loved her when she was living like Cinderella (if chores were training to be a weapon/spy)? The stone Folk creature says “we are the broken hearts & old sorrows” which is referenced by the darrig at the beginning. She’s to sing them lullabies & pick posies? So, Rogan can see some but not everything Fia is seeing from the Folk magic. If she’s to tend the garden for Corra, could the broken heart/sorrows be connected to the legend of Dún Darragh or the statue garden or both? Neither? Maybe it’s something in Tír na nÓg. Well, she just sang a lullaby (incantation) at the 13th Gate, so where are the posies (or is that supposed to come from her tending the garden)? I like the imagery of Tír na nÓg being a mirror of the human world. The swan maidens picked flowers that she was tempted to pick just moments before. I’m half-surprised Rogan made it back because he seemed too caught up at the beginning. The Gentry guard is beautiful, dark, & dangerous… He’s my love interest now (unless he proves himself psycho, too). Lol.
Daily Q&A:
Q:
1.) How are you enjoying the story so far?
2.) Do you think Rogan still wants Fia?
3.) What do you think of Fia?
A:
1.) I’m really enjoying the imagery & emotion so far.
2.) It feels like he treats her like a place holder until her perfect pale princess version returns (kinda like Queen Mother).
3.) Fia seems like a complex character with a lot of growth potential.
I’m really intrigued right now. I can’t wait to see where the story takes us.
I do think he still wants her but I think the queen did something to him to make him forget things or something to that effect. I also think she was the one to send him away.
So far she’s okay. I’m interested to see what her character development will be like.
I started last night so I’m a bit behind, but better late than never right?
I’m enjoying this so far. Its moving quickly and I assume the fae lore is based on things I’m less familiar with than in the regular fae stories that have gotten really popular and I’m glad about that.
I think Rogan is fine but he is just a pampered prince. It isn’t his fault necessarily but I don’t feel him as end game.
Fia has been raised to hate herself and to think she isn’t worthy of love which is how you know the queen is a big manipulative baddie. I predict Fia will still go through with the sword theft but it will be the wrong thing. The queen doesn’t want peace just power is my theory.
I also think Eala will be evil.
I think the fae will be ‘good’ compared to the queen.
I’m looking forward to the next section.
Also didn’t even notice there was a glossary – going to pay that a visit lol
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the story and the glossary does help with certain words! 🥰
Watch my words: her mother is EVIL
👀💜
I’m behind on the readalong this month and I need to catch up. My goal is to have this book completed by Monday so I can participate in the other one too!
How are you enjoying the story so far?
I like the book so far! I think the world is fascinating! However, some parts have been confusing. It might be because of some of the terminology, but it seems like some things are assumed. Maybe I’ll catch on as the story continues.
Do you think Rogan still wants Fia?
I do think he still wants Fia. However, there is more to the story here. I do not like how he treated Fia when he left. But, did he do it because he wanted to? Or because he was forced. I’m pretty sure the end-game guy will be the dark-haired one. They’ll probably end up rescuing the sister and it’ll be an adjustment for Fia because Rogan will fall in love with her.
What do you think of Fia?
I feel so bad for Fia. Everywhere she goes she seems unwanted. I mean, I know having your daughter switched out for a changeling must be hard, but it wasn’t her fault. I’m sure the mother is evil, and we just haven’t witnessed it yet. I see Fia struggling with accepting herself for who she is, and I see her feel like she doesn’t belong anywhere. I hate that she was raised as a weapon. And people keep telling her that weapons don’t deserve love or whatever the phrase they keep saying. I just want her to find happiness!
Unfortunately I didn’t have more time during the week so I just recently started this but better late than never right 😀
I’m really enjoying this story so far, it is really unique and captivating. I really like Fia so far and I can’t wait to get to know her better.
Rogan acts like he still wants Fia so maybe? I can’t wait to get to know what actually happened between them and if everything we’ve learned so far is the truth. I somewhy hope right now that they will not end up together, I’d like to see Fia in the Fair Folk for sometime so she could learn more about herself. i don’t like that she had to hide herself for her whole life pretty much.
I think Fia is a very interesting and fierce character. I want to learn more about her background and where she is really from. I also agree that Fia is probably of both worlds, human and Fair Folk.
How are you enjoying the story so far?
– it’s interesting! i enjoy changeling stories.
Do you think Rogan still wants Fia?
– i feel like rogan’s attraction towards fia is obvious to us as readers, but not so much to fia herself!
What do you think of Fia?
– she’s an intriguing character so far. i like how she’s both a spy and a princess, and i really want to know more about her powers!
I agree for some reason Fia doesn’t see his attraction! 💜