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Fareview Fairytale #4
In the Shadow of the Truth
The secrets Scarlett Fareview has hidden from her family are finally out in the open, but not without consequences. Alienating everyone she loves, she must face the hurt and betrayal she wrought with her duplicity. And the cost is high. In this series of novellas, the Fareveiws deal with the aftermath of Scarlett’s deception. Scarlett must face Tomas and her children, Brinna must determine if she and Luc can forge a future, and Auri and Nix face the next obstacle to their forever. Along with many other familiar characters, these stories bridge the gap between the end of In the Shadow of a Dream and the final book in the Fareview saga, In the Shadow of an Obsession.
- GenresRomanceFantasyRetellings
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2024
About the author
Maci Aurora
9 books60 followersMaci Aurora also writes as CL Walters, the author of several published books for YA readers. She’s been writing stories since she was a child. At eleven, she fell in love with reading Sunfire Historical Romances about girls who made a difference in their lives and still fell in love. Then in high school, a friend introduced her to Lavyrle Spencer and Judith McNaught, and those stories cemented her writing journey to telling stories about love. Maci writes in Hawaiʻi where she lives with her husband, their children, and their fur-babies. This is her 8th novel.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 17, 2024
We are being FED this year folks, we not only got In The Shadow of a Dream, but this novella collection too AND another book by Maci Aurora (albeit in a new series) is also due in June. Now if only the final book could somehow be moved up to the end of this year, I'd be an extremely happy camper.
So, here we have three novellas designed to clear up some things in between the last book and the upcoming one, because we were left with so many questions.
The first novella follows Scarlett, we finally find out everything she was hiding and why. We also got to see how she and Thomas met, fell in love and it was super cute. There was even some steam which I wasn't expecting? As in, I didn't think about it because they're the parents, but it's nice to see that they still love each other and are as passionate about one another as when they were younger.
The second novella is about Brinna and Luc, and how they're dealing with being together in the real world instead of dreams. This one gave us some sweet scenes, and I'm really glad because their book was shorter than the others, so it was nice to expand their story a bit.
The third novella stars Auri and Nix and is the most painful one of the three. Because, if you've read all the past books (if you haven't go do it now), you know that Nix lost his memories and isn't totally convinced that he and Auri are meant to be together, so it's up to her to try and help him remember.
And she really does. There's no one who knows him better than her, what makes him tick etc. I'd lie if I said some scenes didn't make me want to cry because Nix wasn't remembering despite Auri's best efforts.
Also, none of them forgot about Jessamine, they're still looking for her throughout each novella, but of course that couldn't be resolved before her own book! Everything else was though, I feel satisfied with what we got.
Now, I can't believe Scarlett actually spilled the beans. Like, I've been with this series since book one, waiting for answers for what seems like forever and I finally got them...amazing.
Novella three is my fav, but all three are worth reading, and I think also necessary for the overall story. So please do check them out when you get to this point in the series.
I also feel like thanking Maci Aurora for writing these and making the wait for In the Shadow of an Obsession a bit more bearable. I can't wait to read Jessamine's story!!!
*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
So, here we have three novellas designed to clear up some things in between the last book and the upcoming one, because we were left with so many questions.
The first novella follows Scarlett, we finally find out everything she was hiding and why. We also got to see how she and Thomas met, fell in love and it was super cute. There was even some steam which I wasn't expecting? As in, I didn't think about it because they're the parents, but it's nice to see that they still love each other and are as passionate about one another as when they were younger.
The second novella is about Brinna and Luc, and how they're dealing with being together in the real world instead of dreams. This one gave us some sweet scenes, and I'm really glad because their book was shorter than the others, so it was nice to expand their story a bit.
The third novella stars Auri and Nix and is the most painful one of the three. Because, if you've read all the past books (if you haven't go do it now), you know that Nix lost his memories and isn't totally convinced that he and Auri are meant to be together, so it's up to her to try and help him remember.
And she really does. There's no one who knows him better than her, what makes him tick etc. I'd lie if I said some scenes didn't make me want to cry because Nix wasn't remembering despite Auri's best efforts.
Also, none of them forgot about Jessamine, they're still looking for her throughout each novella, but of course that couldn't be resolved before her own book! Everything else was though, I feel satisfied with what we got.
Now, I can't believe Scarlett actually spilled the beans. Like, I've been with this series since book one, waiting for answers for what seems like forever and I finally got them...amazing.
Novella three is my fav, but all three are worth reading, and I think also necessary for the overall story. So please do check them out when you get to this point in the series.
I also feel like thanking Maci Aurora for writing these and making the wait for In the Shadow of an Obsession a bit more bearable. I can't wait to read Jessamine's story!!!
*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
April 8, 2024
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Edelweiss+)
3.5 stars. I'd somehow missed that this was a series of novellas lol. I liked hearing Scarlet's backstory but the rest of them were kind of meh to me. Other than the story with Nix, I don't really feel the spice added anything to the plot. I'm looking forward to the next book though!
3.5 stars. I'd somehow missed that this was a series of novellas lol. I liked hearing Scarlet's backstory but the rest of them were kind of meh to me. Other than the story with Nix, I don't really feel the spice added anything to the plot. I'm looking forward to the next book though!
April 17, 2024
I was approved to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I didn’t realize that this was a book of novellas that were part of a larger series. I enjoyed this one so much that I wished I had read the others first. But, I was able to piece together enough to follow along.
I liked that it was a set of three short stories that followed different sets of characters while still remaining in the same universe. The storylines left me wanting more and I would have read each short story as their own full fledged books. My personal favorite was the first novella.
However, I do feel like certain aspects of the different stories felt rushed. One could argue that aspect kept things moving, and I would agree, but it made some items feel underdeveloped. For example, the third story depicts a problem that gets resolved over the course of only a few days. But, it’s supposed to be depicted as an issue that is nearly impossible to resolve.
If you like romantasy that is easy to follow and doesn’t leave you trudging through pages of fluff, then this is for you.
I didn’t realize that this was a book of novellas that were part of a larger series. I enjoyed this one so much that I wished I had read the others first. But, I was able to piece together enough to follow along.
I liked that it was a set of three short stories that followed different sets of characters while still remaining in the same universe. The storylines left me wanting more and I would have read each short story as their own full fledged books. My personal favorite was the first novella.
However, I do feel like certain aspects of the different stories felt rushed. One could argue that aspect kept things moving, and I would agree, but it made some items feel underdeveloped. For example, the third story depicts a problem that gets resolved over the course of only a few days. But, it’s supposed to be depicted as an issue that is nearly impossible to resolve.
If you like romantasy that is easy to follow and doesn’t leave you trudging through pages of fluff, then this is for you.
May 2, 2024
THE QUESTIONS HAS BEEN ANSWERED.
I already have some theories regarding Scar, and I'm quite correct with my theory about her like some of it. The part of her novella is really intriguing and, at the same time, sad, considering the pain and betrayal she suffered.
The other novella, especially Auri and Nix, is the part that I enjoyed so much considering their book is my favourite, although it's somewhat painful.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and can't wait for the next one.
I already have some theories regarding Scar, and I'm quite correct with my theory about her like some of it. The part of her novella is really intriguing and, at the same time, sad, considering the pain and betrayal she suffered.
The other novella, especially Auri and Nix, is the part that I enjoyed so much considering their book is my favourite, although it's somewhat painful.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and can't wait for the next one.
April 8, 2024
✨ PRINCEMAN REVIEW ✨
📝 Important Note: 'In the Shadow of the Truth' is Book 4 in the Fareview Fairytales series. In order to understand and enjoy this book, you WILL NEED to read Books 1-3. This book contains three novellas following the aftermath of 'In the Shadow of a Dream.' Additionally, it is important to read these novellas BEFORE reading Book 5.
1️⃣ Novella One: 'In the Shadow of a Vow': Follows Scarlett and Thomas after the family awakes from the spell. Scarlett has literally lost everything she has ever loved. Jessamine has been kidnapped by the wizard (we find out WHO he is), her children refuse to talk to her, and Thomas is distant. In order for her to mend the pieces, she has to dive back into her past. In it, she discovers how she became who she is today, and the magical spells/ribbons she used to protect her family from the Wizard. (Be ready to have ALL THE FEELS for Scarlett!)
2️⃣ Novella Two: 'In the Shadow of a Kiss': Brinna and Luc have broken the spell. And while Brinna's family is in shambles, she can't help but feel happy. She now can discover what it is like to be with her god-yoked partner.
3️⃣ Novella Three: 'In the Shadow of a Memory': My favorite couple is back! Unfortunately, in order to Auri and Nix to survive the curse, Luc had to separate Nix's memories. He no longer remembers Auri, and why he can't seem to stay away from her.
What I 🤍:
💕 All Our Favorite Characters are Back!
📖 Background Stories
🎀 Wrapped Storylines
🥵 LOTS of SPICE
I am so grateful Aurora decided to publish this book. After Book 3, we were left with so many open ended questions, and I felt if they weren't solved, it would have taken away from Jessamine's story. Now, we have (some) resolution, and I am excited to see how everyone can band together to save Jessamine from the EVIL WIZARD. But wow! My heart went out to Scarlett in this story. Before, I never really liked her, but now I love her because I understand her motivations. What she went through was absolutely horrendous. And, once again, Thomas was the sweet husband, and I fell even more in love with him in this book.
Prince's Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Passion: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 (6+ Open Door Scenes)
Read If ➡️: You loved Books 1-3 & Before Book 5
CW ⚠️: Imprisonment, Imposter, Obsession
Aurora is an auto-buy author for me. Right when I started the first chapter, I was hooked. Her writing has a way of transporting you into a whole new world. I usually read her books in 1-2 sittings, and this was no different. The only downside is that we have to wait a year until the next book. 😢 If you love spicy, romantasy with a more in depth plot, this series is for you!
Fareview Series:
Book 1 ~ In the Shadow of a Wish (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Book 2 ~ In the Shadow of a Hoax (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Book 3 ~ In the Shadow of a Dream(⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Book 4 ~ In the Shadow of the Truth (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
📝 Important Note: 'In the Shadow of the Truth' is Book 4 in the Fareview Fairytales series. In order to understand and enjoy this book, you WILL NEED to read Books 1-3. This book contains three novellas following the aftermath of 'In the Shadow of a Dream.' Additionally, it is important to read these novellas BEFORE reading Book 5.
1️⃣ Novella One: 'In the Shadow of a Vow': Follows Scarlett and Thomas after the family awakes from the spell. Scarlett has literally lost everything she has ever loved. Jessamine has been kidnapped by the wizard (we find out WHO he is), her children refuse to talk to her, and Thomas is distant. In order for her to mend the pieces, she has to dive back into her past. In it, she discovers how she became who she is today, and the magical spells/ribbons she used to protect her family from the Wizard. (Be ready to have ALL THE FEELS for Scarlett!)
2️⃣ Novella Two: 'In the Shadow of a Kiss': Brinna and Luc have broken the spell. And while Brinna's family is in shambles, she can't help but feel happy. She now can discover what it is like to be with her god-yoked partner.
3️⃣ Novella Three: 'In the Shadow of a Memory': My favorite couple is back! Unfortunately, in order to Auri and Nix to survive the curse, Luc had to separate Nix's memories. He no longer remembers Auri, and why he can't seem to stay away from her.
What I 🤍:
💕 All Our Favorite Characters are Back!
📖 Background Stories
🎀 Wrapped Storylines
🥵 LOTS of SPICE
I am so grateful Aurora decided to publish this book. After Book 3, we were left with so many open ended questions, and I felt if they weren't solved, it would have taken away from Jessamine's story. Now, we have (some) resolution, and I am excited to see how everyone can band together to save Jessamine from the EVIL WIZARD. But wow! My heart went out to Scarlett in this story. Before, I never really liked her, but now I love her because I understand her motivations. What she went through was absolutely horrendous. And, once again, Thomas was the sweet husband, and I fell even more in love with him in this book.
Prince's Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Passion: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 (6+ Open Door Scenes)
Read If ➡️: You loved Books 1-3 & Before Book 5
CW ⚠️: Imprisonment, Imposter, Obsession
Aurora is an auto-buy author for me. Right when I started the first chapter, I was hooked. Her writing has a way of transporting you into a whole new world. I usually read her books in 1-2 sittings, and this was no different. The only downside is that we have to wait a year until the next book. 😢 If you love spicy, romantasy with a more in depth plot, this series is for you!
Fareview Series:
Book 1 ~ In the Shadow of a Wish (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Book 2 ~ In the Shadow of a Hoax (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Book 3 ~ In the Shadow of a Dream(⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Book 4 ~ In the Shadow of the Truth (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
April 9, 2024
In the Shadow of the Truth, we find ourselves left off where In the Shadow of the Dream left off. With them all waking from a deep sleep and finally getting the secret that affected them all. This all puts them in danger. This really was set-up in the intertwining of three stories. Each getting the quality of space to really finish off where the holes were left from the third book. One being the reigniting the flame of an older couple with Scarlet and Tomas. Then there was Brinna and Lucian finally figuring out what their relationship is outside of a long dream. And, finding love again after Nixus's memory was taken away.
These were all wonderful ways to fill in the holes before we enter the last of this series. But to understand these, it would be best to read the three prior books in order.
I would recommend this book because it was nice seeing a love story from a long marriage and finding that spark again. And continuations of stories that needed more time. The fantasy aspect is well done and has you enjoying all the characters that are intertwined.
This book ws given for an honest review.
These were all wonderful ways to fill in the holes before we enter the last of this series. But to understand these, it would be best to read the three prior books in order.
I would recommend this book because it was nice seeing a love story from a long marriage and finding that spark again. And continuations of stories that needed more time. The fantasy aspect is well done and has you enjoying all the characters that are intertwined.
This book ws given for an honest review.
March 29, 2024
When you finished reading In The Shadow Of A Dream, did you scream "Whattttt? No, this can't be the end! I need to know what happens next!"? Well, your prayers have been answered. With In The Shadow Of The Truth, a collection of 3 novellas, Maci Aurora gifts us with some extended epilogues starring some of the main characters of the Fareview Fairytales series. In this installment, we get to know Scarlett and Tomas better, Lucian and Brinna are finally free to be together in the waking world, and Auri must face Nix's memory loss issue. Plus, as if all this wasn't enough, the author also gifts us with some of the best spicy scenes ever written! Just trust me when I say that, while it's quite captivating, the plot of this book isn't the only thing that makes it worth reading.
I strongly suggest you read In The Shadow Of The Truth as soon as it is published (April 9), in order to be ready for Jessamine's story (next and final book of the Fareview Fairytales series)!
I strongly suggest you read In The Shadow Of The Truth as soon as it is published (April 9), in order to be ready for Jessamine's story (next and final book of the Fareview Fairytales series)!
April 8, 2024
Having woken from the sleeping spell, Scarlett can no longer hold her secrets in. As she tells her story, her children realize their lives had been built on lies. And even Tomas is angry at her last deception. Meanwhile, now in the real world Brinna must see how her relationship with Luc will work going forward. And Auri and Nix must deal with his lost memories to refind their love.
This is three novellas meant to bridge a gap between In the Shadow of a Dream and In the Shadow of Obsession. For some reason I didn't realize In the Shadow of a Vow was a part of this so I had been curious about what the third novella was. But since I had read it I just skipped to the second one. Which was Brinna and Luc. And they are adorable. Luc especially. He was so enamored with Brinna and it was nice to see a softer side to him. Its always nice to see more after the HEA. Same goes for Auri and Nix. They deserve their happiness and Im so glad they get it. I cannot wait for the last story. Although I am a little sad Mattias wont get his romance. But the author has suggested maybe more novellas so there is a little hope. Now to wait for 2025 for Obsession.
Rating 4 stars
*I received a review copy from NetGalley for my voluntary and honest review
This is three novellas meant to bridge a gap between In the Shadow of a Dream and In the Shadow of Obsession. For some reason I didn't realize In the Shadow of a Vow was a part of this so I had been curious about what the third novella was. But since I had read it I just skipped to the second one. Which was Brinna and Luc. And they are adorable. Luc especially. He was so enamored with Brinna and it was nice to see a softer side to him. Its always nice to see more after the HEA. Same goes for Auri and Nix. They deserve their happiness and Im so glad they get it. I cannot wait for the last story. Although I am a little sad Mattias wont get his romance. But the author has suggested maybe more novellas so there is a little hope. Now to wait for 2025 for Obsession.
Rating 4 stars
*I received a review copy from NetGalley for my voluntary and honest review
June 9, 2024
4☆
In this book, we get three short stories:
Our first novella, In the Shadow of a Vow (4.5☆), is about Scarlett and Tomas, the parents of our main characters in the previous books. We get to see Scarlett's past and how the two met.
In the second novella, In the Shadow of a Kiss (4☆), we follow Brinna and Luc being together in the real world.
And in the last novella, In the Shadow of a Memory (4☆), we follow Auri and Nix, the couple tries to restore Nix's memories by going back to the places and situations they were in.
All three novellas were great, but In the Shadow of a Vow was my favourite. It explained a lot of the mystery of the first three books (yay some answers), and, honestly, just give me a book about them. Scarlett and Tomas were too cute. In the Shadow of a Kiss was very cute, Brinna's book was much shorter, so I'm glad they got some more "screen time". As for the last novella, it was very cute seeing them relieve their moments from book one (although a bit repetitive).
Overall, a great addition to this series and I'm so ready for In the Shadow of an Obsession.
This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
In this book, we get three short stories:
Our first novella, In the Shadow of a Vow (4.5☆), is about Scarlett and Tomas, the parents of our main characters in the previous books. We get to see Scarlett's past and how the two met.
In the second novella, In the Shadow of a Kiss (4☆), we follow Brinna and Luc being together in the real world.
And in the last novella, In the Shadow of a Memory (4☆), we follow Auri and Nix, the couple tries to restore Nix's memories by going back to the places and situations they were in.
All three novellas were great, but In the Shadow of a Vow was my favourite. It explained a lot of the mystery of the first three books (yay some answers), and, honestly, just give me a book about them. Scarlett and Tomas were too cute. In the Shadow of a Kiss was very cute, Brinna's book was much shorter, so I'm glad they got some more "screen time". As for the last novella, it was very cute seeing them relieve their moments from book one (although a bit repetitive).
Overall, a great addition to this series and I'm so ready for In the Shadow of an Obsession.
This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2024
*sigh* What can I say, I love the whole series. This book is a mix of 3 Novellas. The book starts with the focus on Thomas (daddy anyone?) and Scarlett, his wife. Next, we get to see Brianna and her love story with Luc, the god of light. Lastly, we get to see Nix and Auri again, but this time their bond is tested and they must find their way back to each other.
And the spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️!
Can’t wait for Jessamine to find her love in the next book in this sereis 🥹
And the spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️!
Can’t wait for Jessamine to find her love in the next book in this sereis 🥹
April 1, 2024
If you enjoy a good fantasy read, I can't rave enough about the Fareview Fairytale series. I have devoured each of these books as they've been released and now can't wait to read Jessamine's story.
In the Shadow of the Truth is a collection of three novellas, covering three couples from previous books Scarlett and Thomas, Auri and Nix and Brinna and Lucian. In this book, we get to hear what happened to each couple after the end of their book. Why don't more authors do this? I loved the little snippets of being back in each couple's world to see how they were doing!
In the Shadow of the Truth is a collection of three novellas, covering three couples from previous books Scarlett and Thomas, Auri and Nix and Brinna and Lucian. In this book, we get to hear what happened to each couple after the end of their book. Why don't more authors do this? I loved the little snippets of being back in each couple's world to see how they were doing!
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