Half a Soul
Regency Faerie Tales #1
By Olivia Atwater
TheStory
As a child, half of Dora’s soul was stolen by a faerie, causing her to be unable to feel emotions. As such, when she becomes a young woman out in society, she winds up in all manner of social scandals, much to the chagrin of her aunt.
Set in the early 1800s in Regency England, Dora’s inability to properly handle social situations often causes issues with her cousin Vanessa’s reputation in society. At a ball one evening, Dora catches the eye of Lord Elias Sorcier. While they chat, Elias reveals that he is investigating a sleeping curse afflicting children and Dora offers her assistance, which proves to be an asset given that she’s not prone to emotional investment or outbursts.
TheReview
This is hands down the most CHARMING book I’ve ever read. There is no better word to describe it. It’s just charming! It is so underrated, I can’t believe more people aren’t in love with this book. It’s a complete comfort read. Megan Bannon called it a “winsome, whimsical fantasy romance that sweeps you off your feet,” and no descriptor could be better. It was sweet and utterly delightful to read.
The stealing (or reaping) of Dora’s soul is the very first scene of the book so it starts out right in the story line - no preambles. The story then jumps ahead to Dora’s current life after the “half-reaping” of her soul, where she then meets Elias and so on and so forth. It doesn’t have a lot of unnecessary details or events. It’s all about the storyline - straight through and consistent.
Atwater does a phenomenal job of describing mild emotions while still giving the reader the idea of what is attempting to be conveyed by said emotions. Even though Dora can’t fully experience an emotion, she understands intellectually what the emotions are and what she should be feeling. The way “understanding an emotion” and “feeling an emotion” are explained and separated as two completely different things is so well done. You really feel like you can completely relate to Dora.
The twists near the end were fully unexpected and thrilling without overthrowing the point of the story - that everyone deserves love and love can be a powerful thing indeed.
It is a historical fantasy romance set in England in a time when women were courted, suitors and the suited met at balls, and all dates were chaperoned. Very wholesome and sweet, without being at all boring.
10 out of 10 would recommend for an adorable comfort read. It was a great palette cleanser in between more intense series readings.
TheRating
Storyline: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
World Building: 4/5
Spice: 0/5
Writing: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
Regency Faerie Tales Series
Half a Soul
Regency Faerie Tales #1
Ten Thousand Stitches
Regency Faerie Tales #1
Longshadow
Regency Faerie Tales #1