The Withering Palace

By: Alexia Purdy

Narrated by: Lillian Yves

This is an introductory novella to the best-selling Dark Faerie Tale series which gives some backstory to the greatest villainess of the Faerie world.

Untold darkness rules the Unseelie realm of the Land of Faerie. Hidden in this vast area, Aveta, the future queen of the Unseelie Army, perfects her gifts over lifetimes. Learning that magic isn't the only way to manipulate the world around her, this naive girl grows into a woman of strength and cunning, ultimately becoming one of the most feared leaders in Faerie.

©2014 Alexia Purdy (P)2017 Alexia Purdy

Faeries make terrible parents...

If you could sum up The Withering Palace in three words, what would they be?

Magical. Dark. Enticing.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Aveta, she's a young woman who's both compassionate and strong at the same time, though her behaviour does become a lot darker by the end and a lot less 'faery princess'.

Which scene was your favorite?

I really enjoyed the ending of this book when Aveta reclaims her kingdom (I can't give anything away!)

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely - and I did!

Any additional comments?

Fantastic narration for this book, I think it really added to the experience, being able to listen to all of the characters' voices being acted out. The evil queen was especially chilling!

I enjoyed it!

This is a novella of the use and misuse of power, of magic, mystery, love and trust and where a young faerie, Aveta, must practice her skills and magic and fight to survive until she can become queen.
It is not the usual type of story that I read or listen but surprise, surprise - I enjoyed it!
I listened to the audio version which is narrated by Lillian Yves who brought this story to life for me and I am quite happy to recommend it.
My review above is given voluntarily and is unbiased.

Mystical palace and lands

This was such an amazing story. So much in so little words. This is how it’s supposed to be lol. It would make the best movie! The queen is so horrible. Doesn’t like anything. So cold and alone. But she chooses this. She treats all the servants and guards awful. She even hates her own daughter, Evita. Her daughter is everything she is not. Sweet and caring and really strong with lots of power. More than she knows. She has a servant that has always been with her and helps her. She shows her the hidden trail into the labyrinth and fairy. But no one makes it out alive for the labyrinth has its own protection. This keeps fairy safe and free of unwanted guests. But the palace is like a living entity that only listens to Evita. It also obeys her. That and the connected labyrinth are her only hope. She must some day defeat her mother. But how?

The narration was superb. This narrator has a voice that is so soothing and welcoming. It’s like you can feel the love. She also did all the characters so well. Sounded like listening to multiple narrators.

Got me hooked and kept me interested.

Normally I do not like these kind of books in regards to the magic and fairy type qualities. This book got my interest and kept me guessing what was next. The beginning was a little hard to follow, but it did clear up by the second chapter. The story is very interesting and leaves you analyzing the choices each character made. Alexia Purdy really left this one with a lot of twists and turns for me.

Lillian Yves does a phenomenal job with her narration. The difference in her narrative and character voices are clear and distinctive. Her intonation really gives across the feelings within the characters and plot. At one point in my car I jumped during a part where one character calls for another because I was so immersed into the story. I would recommend this read for sure.

Haunting, Magical, Perfection!

The Withering Palace is the story of Aveta, the greatest villainess of the Faerie world. Beautifully written, this story gives the listener all the insight necessary to understand and appreciate Aveta, and it truly made me want to delve further into the Dark Faerie Tale Series to see what Aveta gets up to! The characters are interesting and beautifully defined. The narration is haunting perfection! Perfectly paced, emotionally on point and brilliantly moves the story along to its heart stopping conclusion. No spoilers, you’ll have to listen to experience the magic that is The Withering Palace, a truly five star experience on all counts!