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An alternate history/fantasy novel set in 1745 Scotland. An army of Scottish rebels is about to be crushed by the larger and more ruthless British government forces, and decide to ask for supernatural help from the Fair Folk. Unfortunately, the Fair Folk have a very different morality than their human allies, and quickly take advantage of the fact that Warm Bloodbags Are Everywhere, much to the dismay of the human population.
This book provides examples of:[]
- Action Survivor: Robert
- Bad Boss: Lord Hereford's job at the Treasury seems to consist of making life miserable for Alfred.
- Blue and Orange Morality: the faeries don't understand that it's not okay use their human allies as food or entertainment.
- Body to Jewel: Human magic user's lost Life Energy leaves behind small red gems.
- Cast From Hit Points: human magic users. The results are not pretty.
- Cats Are Snarkers: The cat-sidhe enjoy criticising the human characters.
- Heroic Sacrifice: Marian, who becomes a Souless Shell after using magic to save the rebel leader's life.
- Historical Domain Character: swarms of these.
- Home by Christmas: Unfortunately for Alfred, the rebels are clever
- Lipstick Lesbian: Ina, by the standards of her culture
- Literal Metaphor: The daione sìdhe describe themselves as living 'inside the hills'. The Prince, who never got taught the original folklore, mistakes this for an idiom.
- Marian, a non-native English speaker, notices and puts the pieces together. Cue a Mass "Oh Crap" from everyone present.
- Requisite Royal Regalia: Averted. The Prince dresses like the other Scottish soldiers, which bothers Alfred no end.
- Spot of Tea: Alfred is very fond of this
- The Smart Guy: Ina, although Alfred also likes to think of himself as this
- Summon Bigger Fish: the Scots call on the Fair Folk to help them defeat the British Army.
- Talking Animal: the cat-sidhe
- Warrior Prince: Bonnie Prince Charlie
- What's Up, King Dude?: The Scots run on this, much to Alfred's discomfort.
- You Have to Believe Me: Alfred tries this on his superiors after his party of government officials is wiped out by faeries and rebels. It doesn't work.