Flame and Crystal Thorns

Kay L. Moody

May 2022 · Fae and Crystal Thorns Book 1 · Marten Press

About this ebook

Book 1 of a completed slow burn fae fantasy series with second chance romance, forced proximity, and a timid heroine who discovers her true strength.

She’s a human apothecary. He’s the fae warrior who once broke her heart… and now he needs her help.

As a skilled apothecary, Chloe desperately wants to stay in the mortal realm where she belongs. When Quintus—a fae from her past—shows up begging her to return to Faerie, she utterly refuses.

But then Chloe finds out an angry group of mortals have imprisoned an entire castle full of fae. Somehow, Chloe’s heroic older sister is among those trapped.

In effort to save the fae, she performs a ritual that gives her powerful magic…except it accidentally binds her to Quintus in the process. Unable to use magic without touching him, both Chloe’s heart and wits are tested.

Affections she’d thought long gone still linger. The fear she’s not strong enough to save anyone haunts her every action. Can a timid apothecary find the courage to face her feelings and save her sister, or will her doubts doom everyone she’s ever known and loved?

Lose yourself in this slow burn romantic high fae fantasy series filled with a magical binding, dragons, deadly revenge, and a brooding warrior who falls first and falls HARD.

The complete Fae and Crystal Thorns series includes:

Book 1: Flame & Crystal Thorns

Book 2: Shadow & Crystal Thorns

Book 3: Blade & Crystal Thorns

Book 4: Curse & Crystal Thorns

Book 5: Wrath & Crystal Thorns

Standalone: Nutcracker of Crystalfall

Get Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody, and lose yourself in the magic of Faerie today!

This sweeping fae fantasy romance series follows a bookish human apothecary forced through a portal into a deadly realm of magic, dragons, and a warrior who once shattered her heart. Chloe has always preferred herbs and poetry to swords and prophecy—but when her sister is trapped inside a fae castle under siege, she has no choice but to return to Faerie. A desperate ritual grants her powerful magic… and accidentally binds her to Quintus, the brooding fae warrior she never meant to see again. Now she can’t wield her power without touching him, and every brush of skin reignites a slow burn fantasy romance neither of them is prepared for.

Perfect for fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses, The Serpent and the Wings of Night, and These Hollow Vows. If you loved the fae intrigue of The Cruel Prince mixed with the portal adventure of A Darker Shade of Magic and the emotional resilience of The Prison Healer, this romantic fantasy with magic will captivate you. Readers craving enemies to lovers fantasy, magical bonds, and epic fantasy with strong heroine arcs will fall hard for this unforgettable journey.

Featuring forced proximity, a fae warrior and human mate dynamic, and a reluctant heroine fantasy adventure, Flame and Crystal Thorns delivers sweet fantasy romance (closed door) wrapped in high-stakes danger. As Chloe battles self-doubt, revenge-driven enemies, and a kingdom poisoned by mortal hatred, she must decide whether courage is found in steel—or in choosing to trust the one fae who falls first and falls hardest.

For readers who love: fae fantasy romance books, portal fantasy with fae, slow burn fantasy romance, bookish heroine fantasy romance, magical soul bonds, epic fantasy with strong heroine growth, fae warrior romance, and romantic fantasy series filled with heart and adventure.

Ratings and reviews

I received an advance copy for free, exchange for a honest review. the book was very well written I highly recommend it, the story is good and set up a good look of the world, without having to read the other stories set in the same world.

Great story full of suspense and magic. I love Chloe and how she is not your typical heroine but is still determined to save those she loves.

An amazing book, as expected from one of my favourite authors. Chloe and Quintus are the lead roles in this one, and as much as I loved Elora and Brannick, I also enjoyed this book just as much. The story is so heartbreaking, it pulls on your emotions in the most painful way. I can't say much more on that without spoiling anything, but I will say that one of the things I love about K L Moody's writing, is how she really captures the emotions of her characters. Everything is described with such detail, you can picture it in your mind. I honestly wish I could physically jump into the Fae world in this book, it's all fascinating. The storyline is extremely interesting, the lore is really good. My favourite thing is the characters, it's very easy to become attached to them all. Can't wait for book 2, I'm looking forward to more from our very loveable pair.

About the author

Kay L. Moody is the YA fantasy author of COURT OF BITTER THORN and THE ELEMENTS OF THE CROWN. Her books feature rich world building, slow burn romance, mythical creatures, and twisty plots.

As a lover of strong female characters, books, and the color pink, she enjoys diving into magical worlds where characters can overcome even their darkest struggles. She lives in the western United States with her husband and four sons. Connect with Kay directly when you follow her on social media @kaylmoody

Visit her website to learn more. KayLMoody.com