So I had any idea for a storyline/world, and while I doubt it could become a full book, it would more so be writing and art practice (working on an illustration portfolio for entertainment visual development such as concept art).
Basically, I want to develop a political space-opera turned fantasy (idk if theres an equivalent term for this genre lol), with factions of various fae/animal houses and courts, all residing and ruling within one forest. I think it would be a really fun concept to explore, and ultimately I do also want to put in maybe a little bit of real life animal behaviours and biology research into it, as well as real folk tales to an extent.
I just love the tropes and stories the fae often have attached to them, and how they’re almost a little scary. Things like “don’t walk into a fairy circle (mushrooms or flowers growing in a circle)” or the rules like accepting a gift. Plus they’re cool as hell in fantasy when used right, and damn it I want more fae-oriented fantasy! I’m nearly done “The Wise Man’s Fears” by Patrick Rothfuss, and while he has included a fair amount of the “fae” into this book, it’s really not the best. I’m not going to spoil anything, but I was disappointed in some regards about how he’s covered that part of his worldbuilding so far (except for that certain tree scene. That was so cool).
So yeah, recommendations of anything with the creepy, weird, and wonderful fae would be sick! Just to get an idea of behaviours and such. I remember one book I read as a teen that I cannot remember the name of, but enjoyed a fair amount and might revisit if I get the chance. Can’t remember the main plot but it revolved around three(?) human girls who lived in a fae realm and were mistreated by everyone there. One specific detail that stuck with me was that one girl had her finger bit off by someone. Idk. If anyone happens to know what I’m trying to remember feel free to comment, I’d probably recognize it in a heart beat.
EDIT: The book I was trying to remember was The Cruel Prince! by Holly Black!! That name was floating in my mind, but I had it attached to a different story. I liked it when I was like 13/14, so I’m very curious to reread it now. It’s also a whole series apparently, might have to give it a go even though I usually stay away from the 3 book YA’s.
by dogisbark
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Well it may not be *entirely* what you’re after, but Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell deals a lot with the fae, and very much so in a way that makes them seem really creepy, eldritch, and dangerous.
The fae “otherworld” is also represented and presented quite well – beautiful and splendorous to the point of being terrifying and maddening.