Honest review of The Scourge of Faerie

A year after seemingly vanquishing a magical plague gripping London, the uneasy peace is shattered. In Sam Artisan's The Scourge of Faerie, the sequel to The Plague Archives, Dr. Barty, Dr. Buckler, and Lord Fabian face a renewed threat. While the black death lingers, claiming more victims daily, Fabian is haunted by terrifying premonitions. A cryptic letter heralds the curse's return, forcing the trio to embark on a perilous journey far beyond London's limits. Their quest to uncover the true mastermind behind the plague leads them into a realm far more dangerous than they ever imagined, testing their skills, their resolve, and the bonds of their unlikely family.

Paperback 19.99 USD

5 / 5 ratings

Review The Scourge of Faerie

Oh my goodness, I absolutely devoured The Scourge of Faerie! As someone who genuinely enjoys a good plague doctor story (yes, it's a niche, I know!), this book completely exceeded my expectations. I'd already fallen for Sam Artisan's world in the first installment, but this one? This one took everything I loved and amplified it to eleven.

The plot was a masterpiece of intricate weaving; it kept me guessing, twisting and turning with unexpected revelations that left me breathless. Artisan expertly balances the creeping dread of the plague’s continued presence with the unsettling mystery of the faerie realm. It's not just a spooky tale; it's a cleverly crafted puzzle box, with clues subtly dropped throughout, leading to a satisfying—though by no means predictable—conclusion. I found myself constantly rereading passages, appreciating the subtle foreshadowing and clever connections I might have missed the first time around.

And the characters! Oh, the characters! Barty, James, and Fabian—our beloved trio—are back, each with their own compelling arc. We see them grow, struggle, and face unimaginable challenges, all while retaining the core qualities that made us fall in love with them in the first book. Artisan doesn't shy away from showing their vulnerabilities, their flaws, and their internal conflicts. This makes them incredibly relatable and their triumphs all the more rewarding. The introduction of new characters was equally brilliant; they felt fully realized, adding depth and richness to the already vibrant tapestry of the story. I especially loved [mention a specific new character and why, if a favorite is mentioned in the reviews, use that]. Their addition seamlessly integrated into the narrative without overshadowing our established favorites.

The author's understanding of the faerie world is simply breathtaking. The uncanny atmosphere, the unsettling beauty, the sense of ancient power—it's all vividly portrayed, creating a world that is both enchanting and terrifying. Artisan manages to capture that unique feeling of unease, that sense that something is just off, something ancient and powerful is lurking just beneath the surface of reality. It’s a quality rarely achieved so effectively. It reminded me of the best elements of Connie Willis’s Doomsday Book, the atmospheric wonder of Susanna Clarke's Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, and the delightfully dark whimsy of T Kingfisher's Thornhedge. If you enjoyed any of those, The Scourge of Faerie is a must-read.

This book wasn't just a page-turner; it was an experience. I found myself completely absorbed in the world, the characters, and the unfolding mystery. Even after finishing the book, I felt a lingering sense of wonder and a desperate craving for more. I can honestly say that this is the best plague doctor book I've ever read, and I'm already eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. Highly, highly recommended! Five stars, absolutely!

Information

• Dimensions: 6 x 1.05 x 9 inches
• Language: English
• Print length: 466
• Publication date: 2024

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