The Raven Lady

Fisher’s sweet but stilted second Faery Rehistory romance (after The Absinthe Earl) pits a vengeful elven princess against a newly crowned fairy king. Following a war between fairies and elves that cost the elven people possession of Ireland, the Icelandic Elf King offers his daughter, Princess Koli, as a consort to King Finvara, the lord of the Irish fairies. Finvara rejects the match but agrees to take Koli as a political captive. Koli goes to Finvara’s castle planning to take revenge for her father, her people, and the slight of rejecting her. But Finvara, who was born lowly smuggler Duncan O’Malley and has barely established himself as a leader, is smitten by the fierce princess, who’s capable of telepathic communication and whose anger summons flocks of ravens. Both Koli and Finvara quickly realize they’ve underestimated and misunderstood each other, and their connection evolves into love. But can their relationship overcome the enmity between their kingdoms? The worldbuilding draws from Irish mythology and fairy lore to fun effect, but relies heavily on exposition and clunky dialogue. And though the romance is easy to root for, it lacks heat. Still, there’s plenty to enjoy in the magical moments and expanding world of the series. Fisher’s fans will be pleased. Agent: Robin Rue, Writers House. (Oct.)