Who knew the story could get better?!?!?! This is a fantastic series and I'm kinda sad to be on the last book available through hoopla.

I was so lost at the beginning of this book. Who are these people? Where are the people I know? After I learned who is who I was able to enjoy this book. As with all the other books this book is a fun story. The new heroin has a great voice. I had to start the next book right away.

Omg that ending. Holy craaaaap.

THAT ENDING
I'M SCREAMING
OMFG
I NEED THE NEXT BOOK. NOOOOW

WHAT ?!!!!!!

That ending slapped me right in the face.

It's always a little scary, leaving the familiar characters of a series behind and continuing with a new adventure in the same world with new stars. What if those characters aren't as great as the ones I grew attached to? What if I don't like this adventure as much as the previous one? What if I'll just be missing the previous books?

Well, in this case there was absolutely nothing to be afraid of. Calla is an amazing leading lady and it didn't take long before we had a connection. For some reason it was so easy to identify with her and the problems she was facing. And her secret power, already revealed in the previous books, is even more awesome when it's front and centre. But I most of all liked how she was emotionally more expressive and outgoing, even though she did the very best to hide it.

And since we already know the world a little Morgan dares to throw Calla into her plot way sooner. It doesn't take long before the story really starts and it also gets exciting very fast. Not only do we see Calla at the academy, in a clearly very different position than her brother and his now wife, but soon she's also exploring the underworld and becoming part of an adventure far bigger than her own.

That adventure leads us to new places, new faces, old faces and well known hot spots. But it most of all leads to the most breathtaking cliffhanger I have ever encountered in a book! I'm already really looking forward to next week, because then I'm gonna read the next book in this trilogy. The start was at least very exciting!

I admit it: I was reluctant to pick up A Faerie's Secret, knowing that the story of Creepy Hollow would not continue with Ryn and Vi, who I had come to love so much in the first three volumes of the series. But of course I did pick up the book, and the only reget I have is that I hesitated for as long as I did.

To keep this review spoiler-free for newcomers and fans of Creepy Hollow who haven't made it to this fourth volume alike, I will just say that both parties will thoroughly enjoy the novel, each in their own way. While it is possible to get into A Faerie's Secret without having read the first three volumes, those who have done so will get the extra bonus of being reunited with old friends (and foes!) in settings that feel like home-coming. This latter part may disappoint some, as the novel does not expand a lot in terms of world building and expansion. I too had moments where this bothered me a bit, but the feeling of knowing where I was (scenery and place- wise), and how much that made me feel part of Creepy Hollow, ultimately overrode the desire for a larger world.

The author's writing style, which has always been matching the characters it describes or speaks, quickly conveys Calla's personality and attitude, giving "double-insight" into the thoughts and expressions of the main protagonist. Some may find the alternating fluent prose and choppy, short sentences a bit cumbersome to read but I found this to be a creative layer of expression that adds depth to the story.

One thing I truly did not enjoy was a part of the novel that attempted to bring in elements of national security versus social justice. While I give triple kudos for trying to tackle a worthy and extremely difficult topic, the justification for why something existed (trying to keep it spoiler-free!) was woven into the story in a way that was too obvious and thus felt like it was merely towing political party lines. Granted, my job makes me have a radar for these types of things, so I am probably being overly sensitive and way too critical, and especially so because it was a very small portion of the book.

In the end, the tiny gripes did absolutely nothing to dim my love for the Creepy Hollow series, which continues to spell-bind (Ha!), entertain, and cause heart palpitations with its roller coaster plot twists author Rachel Morgan is (in)famous for. Calla's journey is rough and tough, and one many of us while be able to empathize with. Calla is vulnerable and strong, bratty and thoughtful, child and adult; throughout the novel, these opposites will help (and also hinder) Calla learn, experience setbacks, and grow on her chosen path to become a guardian. Wait - make that the best guardian!

With this review written, I am left to sit here waiting for book five. Are we there yet?
Oh, did I mention that A Faerie's Secret ends with a massively brainbusting cliffhanger? Yeah, there's that...

3.5

A Faerie's Secret was really enjoyable but it wasn't as great as the previous 3 books. I missed being in Violet's head so much. I missed her and Ryn so damn much, it was nice to see them here and there once in a while. Now, the plot, as usual, was spectacular. Action, humour, mystery, and, major twists!
Calla was fun, a very determined girl, but I found her to be quite selfish at times, that might be the reason I didn't like her as much. The side characters were very fun. But the villain was such a surprise!! The writing was great, fast-paced, and very addicting.
It did take me a while to get engrossed in the story but when I was in, it went smoothly from there.
The last chapter had me in tears!! So happy!