This book was just ok. It could have been edited down another 100 pages or so to make it better paced. There was a lot of extra information, especially about side characters, that was just unnecessary and there were many times I almost gave up because I was uninterested or just bored - and in fact skipped through the last couple of chapters just to get it over with.
The visuals are pretty strong in the writing - the descriptions of the different areas of faerie as well as the characters themselves are described well. However, the voices/dialogue between the characters aren't and I would forget which one Larkin or Merrick was until someone said "Prince" or described them.

I didn't realise I had read one of Ringle's books before and hated it because of her take on fae as well as her style of writing or I probably wouldn't have started this one, but the summary and premise sounded interesting. ( )

I loved the premise of this book. I loved the queerness of this book. In terms of fantasy, I felt it was a little bit too predictable/laid out. I really thought it was a children's book until a fairly explicit sex scene. I'm still happy I picked it up and got to know the characters and world.

Lava Red Feather Blue is a magical fantasy tale about Merrick Highvalley, a modern day witch, experiments with charms and accidentally wakes Prince Larkin, who has been in a magical sleep since 1799. Breaking the spell releases the faery Ula Kana, and Merrick and Larkin myst stop her from eradicating humans from the island of Eidolonia.

This book is by Molly Ringle, and I absolutely loved All The Better Part of Me, so I had already preordered Lava Red Feather Blue. However, when I spotted it on netgalley I jumped at the chance to read it early. So when it comes out I will have three copies, the netgalley ebook, the actual ebook, and a paperback version to look pretty on my shelf with all my other favourite books. I have zero regrets about this. This book literally ticks all my boxes. I mean, a bumbling demifae messing in magic beyond his comprehension meets a sexy ancient prince with a sword. What's not to love? I have to admit that a lot of my notes for this review are just squeeing or heart emojis because I loved it so much, so hopefully I can form a coherent review out of them that expresses just how much I adore this book.

I love this kind of fantasy story. There's quite a lot of exposition near the beginning of the book to explain the world but it's so worth it. Everything is just so magical. And the fae realm is enchanting. I particularly loved the woodstriders!

I also love all the characters. Merrick is a great protaganist. He's a bit of a trouble maker, but not on purpose. I have to admit I got jealous of his endo witch abilities, he has some handy tricks up his sleeve. Larkin is great as well. Every conversation between him I was just like 'aaaaaaa' because I love them both, and there's so much emotion and tension between them. And the side characters are great as well. There's a nonbinary character, Cassidy, who I really liked. They were like a voice of reason to counter Merrick's occasional bad decisions. Also, there's a giant pet rabbit, and Elemi, who is an utter delight of a person.

There's sacrifice and heroism, a quest, romantic and sexual tension, magic, and plenty of danger and excitement. Every glimpse of the romance is just wonderful, and I couldn't put the book down. This book tore out my heart and stomped on it several times, which is exactly the kind of thing I look for in a book. I just love it so much. I'm looking forward to rereading it multiple times in the future. ( )