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SERVANT OF EARTH
Author: Sarah Hawley
Series: The Shards of Magic #1
Source: eARC via publisher
Publisher: Ace
Publication Date: November 19, 2024
Summary:
In the underground Fae realm, only the strongest and most ruthless have power—but a young human woman forced into a life of servitude is about to change everything.
Kenna Suren is best known in her village for being a little wild—some say “half feral”—but she’ll need every ounce of that ferocity to survive captivity in the cruel Fae court.
Trapped as a servant in the faeries’ underground kingdom of Mistei, Kenna must help her new mistress undertake six deadly trials, one for each branch of magic: Fire, Earth, Light, Void, Illusion, and Blood. If she succeeds, her mistress will gain immortality and become the heir to Earth House. If she doesn’t, the punishment is death—for both mistress and servant.
With no ally but a sentient dagger of mysterious origins, Kenna must face monsters, magic, and grueling physical tests. But worse dangers wait underground, and soon Kenna gets caught up in a secret rebellion against the inventively sadistic faerie king. When her feelings for the rebellion’s leader turn passionate, Kenna must decide if she’s willing to risk her life for a better world and a chance at happiness.
Surviving the trials and overthrowing a tyrant king will take cunning, courage, and an iron will… but even that may not be enough.
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Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and chose to review it. This in no way impacts my opinion. Thank you to Ace Books for the opportunity to review!
Content Warning: Violence, Murder, Blood, Sexual Assault, Death of a Parent, Sexual Content, Rape, Sexual Violence, Child Death
Servant of Earth is a dark and gripping fantasy that blends high-stakes magical trials, cutthroat fae politics, and a quietly growing rebellion, all anchored by a fiercely determined heroine. From the very first chapter, I was pulled into Kenna’s story. She is a human girl trapped in the underground fae court, forced into servitude, and tasked with helping her new mistress survive six deadly magical trials. If her mistress fails, both of them die. It is an intense premise that plays out in clever and unexpected ways.
What stood out most to me is how layered and atmospheric the world of Mistei feels. Each branch of magic (Fire, Earth, Light, Void, Illusion, and Blood) has its own identity and danger, which adds texture to the trials and keeps the story feeling fresh as Kenna moves through each one. There is a sense of dread throughout the book, not just from the life-or-death nature of the trials, but also from the unpredictability of the fae characters and the larger political structure they serve. This is definitely a book where you never feel entirely safe.
Kenna is a standout character. She is described as “half feral” by the people in her village, and that wildness is one of her strengths. She does not have training or magical powers of her own, but she has grit, resourcefulness, and an unwavering will to survive. I appreciated that she never felt like a chosen one or a flawless heroine. She makes mistakes, reacts impulsively, and has to reckon with difficult choices. Her growth over the course of the book felt earned and realistic.
There is also a slow-burn romantic subplot that emerges as Kenna becomes involved with the rebellion. While the romance is not the central focus of the story, it adds an emotional layer to Kenna’s journey. I personally would have liked a bit more development in that area, especially in the later chapters, since the connection between the characters had potential for more depth. Still, it adds tension and heart to an already compelling plot.
Some elements of the story may feel familiar to readers of fantasy, such as the brutal trials, the mysterious magical artifact, and the oppressed heroine discovering her inner power, but they are executed with enough originality and strong writing to keep things engaging. The sentient dagger was a fun and unexpected addition that brought moments of levity and intrigue. It is the kind of detail that makes the world feel more alive.
I do wish there had been a bit more emphasis on the way that Kenna came into the fae world as it felt like there wasn't enough to really sell the barrier between human world and fae world. I would have liked to see a bit more of the consequences of being a human in the fae world, but that could come in the second book!
Overall, Servant of Earth is a strong start to what looks like a promising series. It will appeal to readers who enjoy dark fae settings, magical competitions, and stories about one girl fighting back against a system designed to keep her powerless. If you like fantasy with danger, rebellion, and a heroine who bites back, this is definitely one to check out.
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