Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me a chance to read the arc of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Who can say no to Fair ones, Druids, Will O’Wisps, Púkas and portals to a magical realm ?? Not me that’s for suuure 🧙🏼‍♀️Slow burn romance subplot - a sprinkle of romance is introduced in book 1. Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint. We have two more books to go! Bonded by troubled pasts and deadly circumstances, the team of misfits must face damaging truths as they try to stop their worlds from colliding.

Aisling is probably my favorite character in here, she’s totally badass but also has her doubts and cringy selfish thoughts throughout the book. Which I think is relatable to most people 🌸 And my heart really breaks for her several times throughout the book.

Featured Reviews

Bonded by troubled pasts and deadly circumstances, the team of misfits must face damaging truths as they try to stop their worlds from colliding.’ It’s Clair's debut novel and she has woven this story so perfectly with the detailing of the surrounding that I want to visit Ireland someday and want to see the places mentioned. Justice is done with other characters and I loved everything about the book. I enjoyed reading these lovely fellows, I’m suspicious of Druid Ethne, I hate Emer and how she treats people. A lot is left unsaid and I’m reading to find out in the next book. In a land that harbours two realms, magical creatures and dangerous games are a way of life and death for the travelling Fianna clans. It is an honour to visit Tír na nÓg, even if the price is pretending Fair Ones don’t hunt humans for sport. I have recently fell in love with romance books that have murder mystery, and now I found a fantasy book with murder mystery? Safe to say I was hooked! I think this was a great start to what is clearly going to be an epic fantasy series. Going into it, I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but I really enjoyed the story of the fae offset with modern-day humans in Ireland. The battle between the stereotypes and prejudices was an interesting take I think.

Realm of Lore and Lies follows several characters, many on a quest to solve a crime. Aisling is an archeology student who works in a cafe. When she ran away from home 7 years prior, Mary and Dom took her in. Aisling is from a Fianna clan. She is able to see the fairy folk no matter what disguise they take. Her brother keeps in touch with her but her mother and the rest of the clan do not. At the beginning of the book, all of the letters from her brother that were kept in her bag were stolen. She would eventually be led to them which would then lead her to the apparent scene of a murder that didn’t add up at all. A murder leaves Aisling motherless, thrusting her into the position of matriarch in a world she thought she'd never return to. Teaming up with unlikely allies for a competition steeped in peril, she can't resist the distraction warrior Setanta offers. Brooding, gorgeous, and impossibly strong, he gives her a chance to be something she never could before—herself. Realm of Lore and Lies is a captivating debut filled with Irish mythology, a murder mystery, and amazing friendships.And I loved the storyline. With the Irish legends and lore, romance, and mystery, I was hooked from the first chapter. The third person perspective was refreshing, although I kind of wanted a little more depth to each of the characters. But throughout this book (that I read through in no time - because it’s really captivating!) I love the love stories, found families and the connections between them💖

A realm of Lore and Lies breathes life into Irish Folklore. We follow the points of view of four different characters whose lives are tangled together in mystery and loss. The first 40% of this book introduces us to each of the four protagonists and we are shown the world of the travelling Fianna and what it means to live as one. Lots of characters, names and places. Different types of faerie, some good others bad. It’s easy to get lost. I love books that have Irish lore and mythology as its theme. So, I was super excited when Claire Wright invited me to be part of her street team for her debut novel, Realm of Lore and Lies. And, let me tell you, it was so good. Thank you for having me on the team and for the gifted e-arc, Claire! The four main characters “Ash, Tier, Set, Mae”, have four different traits, with minds of their own, making the experience of the story mind-blowing. Having to deal with their own struggles in life at a young age, has made them the way they are strong, confident, and full of self-doubts and the need which they think can never be fulfilled. When this group of misfits comes together on a journey, they experience and realize many things they were missing. The book has some slow spots, but I think the overall plot makes it worth it and would definitely recommend for the folklore /fantasy lovers out there!

Talking about the characters I can’t talk about one of them, letting the others behind so, what can I say without spoiling you? That I loved them and I really need them happy and living their best life. Another thing I can say is #leaveMaebhbehappy please, this girl has been through a lot; also I can say that I loved that Ash fangirled with ancient symbols, and I’ve never been so identified with a character, in terms of their love for the past, like I was with Ash. And of course, I can’t forget that Tiernan is so smart, I love how clever he is, and also how cute Setanta is, I mean he could kill me, but I think he is like a big teddy bear ready to kill. The characters in this one were also really captivating. I loved Tiernan, Maebh and Set the most. One of my improvements would be that I did find the main character, Ash, a bit bland to start with. I enjoyed her POV’s in the second half of the book a lot more when she started standing her ground and finding her strength. Perhaps this was due to me finding my feet in the story at the beginning, but I always felt myself more drawn to the side characters. All the side characters were really unique and had compelling stories of their own, and great dynamics with the each other. If you enjoy fast-paced fantasy novels featuring new adult characters trying to find their way in the world than Realm of Lore and Lies by Claire Wright may be the book you have been waiting for. I had never read anything regarding Irish Mythology and I went into this book not knowing much, but what I loved is that you don't feel lost while reading it. The world building is executed perfectly. This is the type of story that will have you on the edge of your seat, constantly wondering if what you think is going on is actually it or just your imagination. So many turns and I loved them all. Ireland native Aisling never imagined she'd be alone, living a double life. But when your family shares the ability to see through fae glamour, keeping secrets isn't something you do for fun. You do it to stay alive.