The Truth About Fairies
Fairies are real, but because they don’t live in our world, they live in Annwyn, we don’t see them very often. And when we do see them we can convince ourselves that it was just a person and the magic was track of the light. However, since they are real and can be dangerous here are a few essential things to keep in mind should you find yourself face to face with most beautiful person you’ve ever met.
- Check their eyes. Fairies have pale eyes, ice pale and they come in all different colors including odd ones like orange and pink, as well as the greens and blues. Even changelings have pale eyes.
- Changelings are mortal, but they are fairy. They have a tendency to love deals and gambling and they always have some psychic ability like psychometry or seeing the future.
- Never make a deal with a fairy. It might seem like a really good idea at the time, but it will unravel and you will be left worse off.
- Never accept a gift from a fairy. First, that gift will not remain shiny and beautiful. Things made in Annwyn change in our world. Gems will become coal, fine clothes will become course. Second, accepting a gift puts you in their debt. It’s never a good thing to owe a fairy.
- Not all fairies live in Annwyn. Plenty live among us. Some by choice, some are exiled and some are banished.
- Exiled fairies are the least dangerous. Exile is a social death. They are not allowed to return to Annwyn and lose all social standing but they are still connected to the power, however they don’t want to occur an extra penalty so they are on their best behavior. They often work as Brownies or other roles helping mortals.
- Banished fairies are the most dangerous. Banishment is a slow wasting death cut off from the magic that once sustained them. They will do anything to get home, lying, cheating, stealing and generally making trouble. Sometimes they’ll make trouble for fun, after all if they are suffering so should everyone. They are the imps, boggarts and monsters in the closet. Children can often see them (and all fairies), so next time your child says there’s something under the bed they may not be lying.
- Fairies need humans. Without a human partner they can’t have children. A child born in Annwyn is fairy, but a child born in our world is changeling.
- Fairies are not immortal. But compared to our lifespan they may as well be. Can you imagine what it would be like to live for centuries? To live so long you lost track of time? To have so much time you can literally waste a year playing dice or creating elaborate schemes to bring down your enemy?
- Because of their long lives and the way the Court of Annwyn works, they have different morals than us. They aren’t beautiful humans, or harmless beings. They are dangerous and deserve to be treated with caution and respect. That said they are capable of caring and falling in love—which they happen to consider very foolish and one of the most dangerous things a fairy can do.
THE OUTCAST PRINCE
by SHONA HUSK
JULY 2013
Just One Taste Is All It Takes…
This is no ordinary mirror. Caspian caught a hint of color, a whirl of a waltz just past his reflection—a glimpse into the decadent Fairy Court of Annwyn. The home he could never have. It called to him, whispering temptation after temptation…if he could only reclaim his rightful heritage.
To Be Forever Lost…
Caspian has an even stronger reason to stay in the world of humans. He’s just met a woman who captivates him like no other. But loving him has proven to be dangerous. And he will do whatever it takes to protect Lydia from the vicious, seductive world of Court—even if doing so requires the ultimate sacrifice: his soul.
Praise for The Outcast Prince:
“Brilliantly unique, beautifully sensual, The Outcast Prince had me spellbound from the first page! Shona Husk’s engaging voice and vivid, creative world-building make every one of her books a must-read!” — Larissa Ione, New York Times bestselling author
“Innovative fantasy… An emotional and engaging tale.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars
A civil designer by day and an author by night, Shona Husk lives in Western Australia at the edge of the Indian Ocean. Drawing on history, myth and imagination, she writes about heroes who are armed and dangerous but have a heart of gold—sometimes literally. Look for the next book in the Annwyn Series, Lord of the Hunt in January 2014. You can find out more information about Shona and her edgy romances at http://www.shonahusk.com/ or follow her on Twitter, @ShonaHusk.
Sound like a great book!
Want to read this sooooo much! Thank you! I love her books! Shona, you rock!!
I’ve read this and loved Husk’s twist on the classic fairie mythos. I have a thing for the arrogant and condescending fae Already looking forward to the next installment.
What inspired The Outcast Prince? Was it anything in particular or just a flash of brilliance in the mind and whatnot? 🙂 Sounds really good. Have it on my wish list.
Hi Dawn,
the inspiration for this story was a little tangled as it came from a talk with my kids about what mazes can be made of and then grew from there: http://debsbookbag.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/guest-post-and-giveaway-shona-husk.html
The Outcast Prince sounds great. I love the cover.
This sounds amazing!!! Can’t wait to read it!
Wow, Shona! I love the paranormal, but rarely have I read a blurb as intriguing as this one…especially with the explanation about faeries listed above (I’ve saved the list, BTW, so I don’t forget about the various things about faeries). I wanna read The Outcast Prince so bad I can taste it! 🙂 Thanks for this blog discussion this morning and congrats to you, Shona, on your release and writing career. Sounds promising! jdh2690@gmail.com
I’d love to try this one- it sounds different and fun!
Thanks for the giveaway. I would love to read this book. Sounds very good.
This book looks so good! Gotta love that cover!
I love the breakdown of Fairy characteristics and behaviors. The magic mirror aspect is attention grabbing as well ( at least it grabbed mine ). The Fae are my favorite supernatural beings. Thank you for feeding my obsession.
I loved the Shadowlands series so I am really excited to see that you’ve gone into the world of the fae. I can’t wait to read this series.
Great list and I really like the cover of this book!
Thanks for the truth about fairies and how to recognize them.. I am looking forward to reading this book. It sounds great. Thanks for sharing and for the great giveaway.
I loved the fairly tidbits. The book sounds really good. Congrats on your newest release.
I think The Outcast Prince sounds like a fantastic story and I’m looking forward to reading this start of a new series for Shona Husk.
I haven’t tried this series! How many books are there?
The Outcast Prince is the first book in the series, books 2 and 3 will be out next year.
congrats Shona on the newest release! What is the one thing that you have to have/do while writing?
Interesting info about fairies
Congratulations on your new book & thank you for the giveaway!
Congratulations on the publication of The Outcast Prince! It sounds like a fascinating book. Great cover. Thanks for the giveaway.
Very interesting fairy facts, Shona. Your book sounds intriguing, can’t wait to read them the whole series!
Hi Shona, I was wondering what got you interested in writing about fairies? Thanks for the chance to win 🙂
Congrats on the book. Sounds like a great read and thanks for the giveaway!
Sounds like an amazing world.