I’ve got a very fun book to talk about today set in an alternate Regency England with fae—an utterly delightful combination!

I’ve been very much into historical fantasy as of late, so you better believe I jumped on this gaslamp fantasy tale set in an alternate Regency England world. Also FAE, guys. One of my uttermost favorite things. I am alllll about them fae stories.

SYNOPSIS

Society, suitors, and…serial murders?

As much as she desires to please her family, gently-bred herbalist Jessa Caldwell has no intention of making a suitable match—not when she’s seeking the truth about the taint of the fae that lies within her. If she’s to escape the madness brought on by fae-touch, she must devote her energies to seeking a cure.

But then mysterious tattoos begin to appear on the citizens of Avons. None recall receiving these harbingers of death, but all die at the hand of an untraceable killer days or weeks after being marked.

When the tattoo appears on her beloved mentor, Jessa seeks the Magistry with information on the case—yet they refuse to consider her findings, so she must risk both social censure and her own safety to hunt for the killer herself.

Her one possible ally represents her greatest fear—the encroaching Otherworld consuming her mind—and may well undo all her efforts to control her fae-touch. Yet if she forsakes the offered aid, the killer will go free.

Something sinister stalks the streets of her city, and she must decide…how far will she go to stop the killing?

Tattoo of Crimson, a gaslamp fantasy novel, is the first book in the Blood of the Fae series. If you like quick-minded heroines who solve cases with logic and intuition, beautiful yet deadly fae, and Otherworldly intrigues, then you’ll love this mystery set in a world of manners and mythical monsters.

AMAZON | GOODREADS | AUTHOR’S WEBSITE

REVIEW

This first novel in the Blood of the Fae series introduces us to Jessa Caldwell, a gentleman’s daughter who would far prefer the company of plants to people. Except her particular affinity to plant life goes a bit deeper than mere interest—she can feel the emotions of the plants, hear their songs, and these odd abilities bring great danger. She is fae-touched, and if she is exposed to having the taint of the Otherworld within her, she will be sent to the dreaded Vigil and never heard from again.

Keeping her abilities secret proves to be far more challenging when a killer who has been running loose around the city of Avons targets Jessa’s dear friend. Unable to sit back and let this horror happen, Jessa finds herself caught up in a dark mystery, danger, and fae dealings—and her fae-touch may be the only way to get out.

The first thing that struck me in this novel is the worldbuilding. It seamlessly tied Regency England into a world full of fae and alchemy, and the combination was spectacular. As Jessa is not overly familiar with all the workings of the Otherworld (the realm the fae come from), we readers get to discover things right alongside her and experience all the dangers and mysteries with each new page. At the same time, the author had such a gift for capturing a world that truly felt like Regency England. The writing style was a great mix of historical fiction tied into a fantasy tale, and I loved how Jessa had to keep to social norms in her world of manners all while facing dangerous fae dealings.

Jessa herself was a sympathetic protagonist. She has a quiet strength that I always love to find in heroines. Though she’s bookish and struggles with social engagements, she’s still willing to put herself out there when duty calls and holds respect for her family so as not to rebel, something we don’t see a whole lot in fiction and was very refreshing! Her deep loyalty to her loved ones was also so beautiful and admirable. It was truly the driving force for all her actions, and I loved seeing familial love play such a huge role in the story. The overall cast was very dynamic and diverse, with each character portraying a different corner of the world. There were some particular characters who highly intrigued me and I very much look forward to seeing just what they’re up to.

Also Jessa had a cat companion, and I am always pleased with stories featuring cat companions. Always.

To add to the genre crossover of historical and fantasy, the overall plot was also a murder mystery, and I was there for it. All the different characters definitely kept me guessing, and the slow build-up led to a satisfying conclusion to answers.

The setting of Regency England sitting on the edges of a dangerous fae world was such a perfect backdrop for an eerie mystery. The descriptions of the world and plant life made for an immersive experience overall. It is a very atmospheric story that pulls you right into the world.

The pacing itself was rather slow, especially for the first half. There was a good bit of introspection on Jessa’s part as she took matters into her own hands and followed clues. It is not a fast-paced novel, but the pace built up to an explosive climax with a satisfying ending all while leaving enough questions to get us clamoring for the next book.

CONTENT CAUTIONS

As this is a murder mystery, there are a few sparse mentions of gruesome events but we never see it on page. The fae themselves are definitely dangerous, tricky beings and cause a lot of fear and unpleasant deals. But all descriptions are tastefully done.

Things are kept very family-friendly and there isn’t even any romance in this one. It keeps the fantastical and murder mystery elements on the light side as far as on-page content so there are definitely tense moments but nothing overtly unpleasant or gruesome.

I think teens and up would especially enjoy this one.

CONCLUSION

From the immersive, unique world to the detailed writing style to the sympathetic heroine and intriguing characters and mystery, this was a compelling read all around, and I am so curious to see what more dangers await Jessa in book #2!

NOTE: I do suggest reading the prequel novella, Whispers in the Waters, first. It’s not necessary, but some events in that one are referenced here without much context, so it will enhance your overall experience reading it before this one.

This novel portrays a lovable cast of characters, thoughtful narration, and seamlessly mixes Regency fiction, mystery, and fantasy. If you like one or all of those things, this should be right up your alley!

Have you read this novel? Who else adores genre crossover stories? *waves hand in the air* What’s one of your favorite genre crossover novels?

NOTE: Huge thanks to the author for sending me an e-copy in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.