Cold Iron Heart

How far would you go to escape fate?

In this prequel to the international bestselling Wicked Lovely series, the Faery Courts collide a century before the mortals in Wicked Lovely are born.

Thelma Foy, a jeweler with the Second Sight in iron-bedecked 1890s New Orleans, can see through the glamours faeries wear to hide themselves from mortals, but if her secret were revealed, the fey would steal her eyes, her life, or her freedom. So, Tam doesn't respond when they trail thorn-crusted fingertips through her hair at the French Market or when the Dark King sings along with her in the bayou. 

But when the Dark King, Irial, rescues her, Tam must confront everything she thought she knew about faeries, men, and love. 

Too soon, New Orleans is filling with faeries who are looking for her, and Irial is the only one who can keep her safe. Unbeknownst to Tam, she is the prize in a centuries-old fight between Summer Court and Winter Court. To protect her, Irial must risk a war he can't win--or surrender the first mortal woman he's loved.  

REVIEWS:
"What a delight to discover how much I loved being back in the Wicked Lovely world, discovering details about beloved characters that made me want to race back for a series reread. This is Irial's story set in 1890s New Orleans, brimming with faerie court drama and steamy romance. Can we. and should we, outrun fate? And if so, are we prepared for the consequences? I could not put it down." --Angela Mann, Kepler's Books, Menlo Park CA

"Set 100 years before the events in Wicked Lovely, Cold Iron Heart finds Irial, the king of the Dark Court, in New Orleans and entranced by a mortal. Is his interest in Thelma Foy just a passing fascination, or could it change the course of her life and the world forever? Melissa Marr masterfully rises to challenge of writing a prequel by both expanding on the mythology of the original series while telling a story that exists wholly on its own. Fans of the series will inhale this delicious glimpse into Irial's past."--​John McDougall of Murder by the Book

"In this prequel to the Wicked Lovely Novel series, narrators Kristin James and Tim Paige--both gifted with rich, easily distinguishable voices--immerse the listener in the elegant, fascinating, deadly, and intriguing world of the Summer and Winter Faery Courts. Lovely jeweler Thelma Foy, who has the second sight and can see faeries, catches the eye of the Dark King himself. Unbeknownst to Thelma, she is the key to ending the battle between the two courts. James has a lilting, lush, and whispery voice that perfectly captures Thelma. Paige has an affected mien that is equally perfect for the gorgeous and hedonistic king. This listen is wicked--wickedly enjoyable." --A.C.P. © AudioFile 2020

"Set against the lush backdrop of 1890s New Orleans, Marr's spellbinding prequel to the Wicked Lovely urban fantasy series invites readers back into the world of the fae. . . . The resulting conflict delivers all the magic, intrigue, and romance that Marr's fans expect. Readers will be pleased." --Publisher's Weekly