Book Review: Filia and the Fall Festival by Leialoha Humpherys

Happy release day to Filia and the Fall Festival!!!

Leialoha Humpherys’ Filia and the Fall Festival is a sweet retelling of the Little Mermaid with a wonderful autumn aesthetic. It is the first book in the multi-author Autumn Fairy Tales series.

This book made me crave cinnamon rolls. I’ve never really considered cinnamon rolls a fall food, but either way, I NEED SOME CINNAMON ROLLS!!!

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Luckily, Leialoha sent me a recipe for cinnamon rolls, along with a bookmark and some stickers!!!

Characters

Princess Filia

Filia is excited for one last chance to be herself before marrying the man she was recently betrothed to. She is convinced she must live her life as the “perfect princess” persona she carefully concocted to mask her feelings. Filia is terrified someone will discover her secrets, while also willing she can live a life of freedom, without all of the pressure of her royal duties.

I admire Filia’s determination to do whatever she can to help her family, despite the pain in causes her. I love watching her enjoy learning and experiencing new things.

Prince Dawson

Dawson is determined to enjoy the fall festival his family is hosting. He is excited to see Princess Filia again, even though he is now betrothed to a princess from another kingdom. He loves watching Filia learn more about his world. I love Dawson’s unrelentless enthusiasm and determination to make Filia admit her feelings for him.

Other things I liked

I enjoyed reading all of the complex character relationships. I loved seeing how the characters’ past experiences with each other affected their opinions and present interactions in the books. I loved watching Dawson and Filia draw closer from their past experiences, both from Married at Sunrise and other experiences (which I would LOVE to read about in like a little prequel novella).

“But I would fight a hundred times over in the Pirate Wars if I got to be with you at the end.”

FILIA AND THE FALL FESTIVAL BY LEIALOHA HUMPHERYS

I loved how Leialoha made each of the side characters have their own separate stories and personalities. I especially liked learning about the princess Dawson was betrothed to. I hope I get to see her character in another of Leialoha’s books!!!

I LOVED getting to see some of my favorite characters from some of Leialoha’s other books!!! Of course, Filia and Dawson had been introduced previously in Married at Sunrise. Wolf and Mallory, from Stolen at Alpenglow, also made an appearance. I love getting to see characters I’ve already read about, it’s like seeing an old friend again!!!

Dislikes

I thought the pacing toward the end was a little too fast. The climax would’ve had more drama if it was a little more drawn out. I would’ve loved a little more time with Filia and Dawson!!!

I also would’ve liked to see some of the story from Dawson’s perspective!!! It would’ve been interesting to see what he was thinking and how much of a hard time he had with Filia’s constantly rebuffing his advances, or if he just took it as a challenge.

Content

Age Recommendation: 12+

Language

There was no objectionable language in this book.

Violence/gore

• character sprains ankle
• brief flashbacks to war
• character has scarred legs from explosion
• character is almost forced to stab another character

Sexual content

There were no sex scenes in this book. Characters share kisses and embraces.

Magic

A character is cursed after drinking a potion.

Overall

I loved this book! It was just so cute and cozy!!! I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet, clean fall read!!!

Purchase your copy of Filia and the Fall Festival

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book. My opinions are my own. A positive review was not required.

What is your favorite Little Mermaid retelling? Do you enjoy cinnamon rolls? Do you make any special types of cinnamon rolls? Let me know in the comments!!!