Faerie Tale
Book Description
A dark force awakens beneath the shimmering surface of a tranquil faerie realm. As ancient barriers crumble, a young boy discovers a hidden world teeming with magic, peril, and betrayal. Familiar bonds are tested when one fateful choice shatters the peaceful coexistence between humans and faeries. Allies are made, but treachery lurks in every shadow, tearing friendships apart in a ruthless battle for survival. With time running out, can hope endure against the rising tide of darkness? In this race against fate, who will rise and who will fall? The ultimate test of courage awaits. Will anyone emerge unscathed?
Quick Book Summary
"Faerie Tale" by Raymond E. Feist is a dark, atmospheric urban fantasy that follows the Hastings family as they move to rural upstate New York, only to discover their new home harbors old secrets and ancient supernatural beings. Behind the idyllic facade of the countryside lies the realm of faerie, where magical creatures operate under their own rules, and the struggle between good and evil is tangible. When one of the Hastings twins, Sean, attracts the attention of these enigmatic fae, the fabric between the worlds weakens, allowing ancient dangers to seep into the mortal realm. The family must uncover the truth behind local legends, deal with betrayals from both faerie and human, and summon the courage to confront the rising darkness. As the barriers separating reality and myth crumble, their love and resolve are put to the ultimate test.
Summary of Key Ideas
Table of Contents
Intersecting Worlds: The Mundane and the Magical
The Hastings family—Glynnis, Phil, and their twin sons Sean and Patrick—move to a picturesque home in rural New York, hoping for a peaceful new beginning. As they settle in, the boys explore the vast woods and uncover peculiar sites and local legends about faeries. Their curiosity brings them face-to-face with strange occurrences, flickers of movement in the shadows, and an unsettling sense that they are being watched. The family soon learns that tales of the fae are not mere myth, as mysterious forces begin to stir beneath the land’s tranquil surface.
The Nature of Fear and Evil
As the barrier between the mortal world and the faerie realm begins to thin, ancient beings long held in check wake, drawn by the children’s innocence and imagination. Sean discovers a hidden portal to this parallel realm, catching the interest of both benevolent and malevolent fae. The faerie world, governed by its own codes and politics, emerges as a place of both wonder and mortal danger. The Hasting children’s brush with the supernatural grows more intense, forcing the entire family to reconsider their beliefs and confront terrifying truths.
Family Bonds Under Siege
With magic leaking into their lives, the Hastings family finds their bonds tested. Glynnis and Phil struggle to protect their sons as the line between reality and nightmare blurs. Allies appear from unexpected places—from wise townsfolk with their own secrets to members of the faerie realm who oppose the darkness. Yet, every friendship is shadowed by the threat of treachery. As local superstitions prove to be warnings, the family must decide whom they can trust, knowing that even well-meaning fae have their own agendas.
Faerie Politics and Betrayal
Evil takes on many forms in both the mortal and faerie domains—jealousies, grudges, and the hunger for power twist loyalties and corrupt. The source of the faerie unrest is revealed to be an old evil aiming to subvert both worlds for its own gain. Betrayals come from both sides, complicating the struggle as the Hastings are forced into the heart of faerie politics. As day turns to night, the looming threat becomes urgent, culminating in a desperate fight for survival.
Courage in the Face of Darkness
Ultimately, "Faerie Tale" examines the resilience of family and the necessity of courage when all hope seems lost. The Hastings must master their fears and use newfound knowledge and alliances to mount a defense against forces intent on destruction. Their ordeal reveals that true bravery lies in standing together. Though not all emerge unscathed, their determination and love leave a lasting impact on both the faerie realm and the human world, restoring a fragile peace at a great personal cost.
Download This Summary
Get a free PDF of this summary instantly — no email required.