Honest Book Review of Servant of Earth
Author: Sarah Hawley
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I went into Servant of Earth expecting more of a swoony fantasy romance, but that really isn’t what this book is. The romance is there, but the story focuses much more on deadly fae trials, rebellion, political intrigue, and Kenna trying to survive in a world where humans are treated as disposable.
And honestly, I ended up really enjoying that.
Kenna is smart, scrappy, and deeply human. She doesn’t suddenly become the strongest or most powerful person in the room just because she’s the main character. She survives by paying attention, thinking quickly, and figuring out who she can trust—which is difficult when almost everyone around her seems to have a secret or their own agenda.
The world of Mistei was one of my favorite parts. It’s beautiful and magical, but also incredibly brutal. This is a slightly darker fantasy with cruelty, violence, oppression, and other dark elements woven throughout the story. The fae society makes the danger surrounding Kenna feel real, and I loved learning about the different courts, politics, and power struggles. There are some familiar elements that may remind readers of ACOTAR, but Sarah Hawley still created a story that stands on its own.
My biggest issue was that the plot occasionally wandered away from the larger story to focus on the trials. Some were exciting, but others became a little confusing, and I occasionally lost track of what was happening or why it mattered. Thankfully, the rebellion and court politics kept me interested whenever the trials started to lose me.
I also wouldn’t recommend picking this up solely for the romance. If you want constant swoony moments, this may not be it. But if you enjoy dangerous fae courts, brutal competitions, hidden alliances, political schemes, and a heroine who never knows who is truly on her side, there is a lot to like here. If you want something with more heat without sacrificing the actual story, check out my list of 15 Spicy Romances That Actually Have a Plot.
Overall, Servant of Earth was an intriguing start to the series. The tension kept building, the political side held my attention, and the ending made me want the sequel. I’m especially curious to see where Kenna’s journey—and all of her complicated alliances—goes next.
