How to Survive a Fairy Bargain

A Laugh-Out-Loud Fairytale What-If

De: Laura J. Mayo

Narrado por: Josie Charles

All Theo asked for was a happy ending: a life of freedom where she could do what she wanted, when she wanted, with whom she wanted. But now that she's a familiar to the mighty Cecily of the Ash Fairies, her happily ever after feels farther away than she could possibly imagine.

If only there were some way to break a fairy bargain....

©2025 Laura J. Mayo (P)2025 Orbit

Favorite Series!

Joyful and funny with surprising twists! Nothing too violent and a great escape from reality 😆

Witty, entertaining story of fairy intrigue

How to Survive a Fairy Bargain is the second book in the Fairies and Familiars duology of humorous historical fantasy by Laura J. Mayo. It could stand alone, but I think it will be most enjoyable if you read the books in order.

Our main character, Lady Theodosia Balfour (Theo), is struggling to adjust to life as a fairy’s familiar and is missing Kaz, her fairy’s former familiar who she is in love with. When the regent of the fairy kingdom invites her to a tea party, a secret is revealed that completely upends Theo’s life. Suddenly, she’s racing against the clock to solve a thousand-year-old assassination while dodging threats against her own life and that of her friends. Fortunately, she’s learned quite a bit about fairy magic and bargains and is able to use them to her advantage.

I loved being back in this world with these characters. Theo has always been sarcastic and witty, but she has also become smart, strong, resourceful, and very loyal to her friends. Cecily of the Ash Fairies, her brother Lockland, her magpie shifter familiar Phineas, and her former familiar Kaz are all here, in addition to some of Theo’s new friends.

The plot was a fun and exciting blend of mystery, intrigue, and suspense, and of course there’s a happy ending.

The audiobook production was excellent, and I loved the narration by Josie Charles. She’s a pleasure to listen to, with distinctive voices and speech patterns to suit each character, and the ability to convey mood and emotion effectively. The story works very well as an audiobook.

I recommend this book for fans of historical fantasies featuring snarky heroines.

Same snarky Theo

Another fun and snarky story with Theo outwitting everyone else but Cecily - and people getting on her bad side. Nice conclusion to the duology, but I had hoped for a bit more at the end. Hopefully there will be a spin off series!

Absolutely brilliant

Book two doesn’t disappoint. It was a wonderfully fun ride with the perfect narration. I was charmed from the first moment and the time with this story flew by. Really truly lovely.