Margaret Rogerson (2017)

Synopsis:

Isobel is a prodigy portrait artist with a dangerous set of clients: the sinister fair folk, immortal creatures who cannot bake bread, weave cloth, or put a pen to paper without crumbling to dust. They crave human Craft with a terrible thirst, and trade valuable enchantments for Isobel's work. But when she receives her first royal patron - Rook, the autumn prince - she makes a terrible mistake. She paints mortal sorrow in his eyes, a weakness that could cost him his life.

Furious, Rook spirits her away to the autumnlands to stand trial for her crime. Waylaid by the Wild Hunt's ghostly hounds, the tainted influence of the Alder King, and hideous monsters risen from barrow mounds, Isobel and Rook depend on one another for survival. Their alliance blossoms into trust, then perhaps even love, a forbidden emotion that would violate the fair folk's ruthless Good Law. To save both their lives, Isobel must choose between sacrificing her Craft or using her art to defy the ancient malice of the fairy courts... for Craft may hold more power over the fair folk than she ever imagined.

Synopsis from Margaret Rogerson's Homepage

Review: Limited Audience

Margaret Rogerson has a writing style that is enjoyable and easy to read. The plot progressed rapidly and there were enough plot twists to keep it intriguing and not cliche. This book is marked for Limited Audiences because there is one scene where the two main characters engage in some heavy petting that almost leads to sex, but Isobel backs off and decides she is not ready for that. For older teens, it would be a good conversation about peer pressure, and the ability to say no when you find yourself in a similar situation, but I do not think it is suitable for younger audiences.

Overall, the book has a great message about humanity, and how there is beauty in its finiteness. "Living Forever" when you are flawed and imperfect just leads to rottenness and desiccation.