Very Short Summary
In a world divided between mortal humans and immortal faeries, a nineteen-year-old huntress killed a wolf in the woods to feed her impoverished family.
A beast-like creature demanded retribution for the wolf's death, forcing Feyre to live in the magical realm of Prythian. The beast revealed himself as Tamlin, a powerful High Lord.
Despite initial fear and distrust, Feyre fell in love with Tamlin. However, their happiness was threatened by Amarantha, an evil queen who had cursed Tamlin and his court. To protect Feyre, Tamlin sent her back to the mortal realm, but she returned upon learning of his capture.
Under the Mountain, Feyre faced three deadly trials to break Amarantha's curse and free Tamlin. The mysterious High Lord of the Night Court, Rhysand, aided her through a magical bargain.
During the final trial, Feyre solved Amarantha's riddle with her dying breath.
Love, I breathed, the world crumbling into a blackness with no end. A pause in Amarantha's magic. The answer to the riddle, I got out, choking on my own blood, is ... love.
Though Feyre died breaking the curse, the seven High Lords of Prythian resurrected her as a High Fae. She returned to the Spring Court with Tamlin, but remained bound to Rhysand through their bargain, setting the stage for future conflicts.
Detailed Summary
Division into chapters is editorial.
Feyre's Life as a Human Hunter
In a world divided between humans and faeries, a nineteen-year-old woman hunted in a winter forest to provide for her impoverished family. After killing a massive wolf with a special ash arrow, she skinned it to sell the pelt, unaware of the consequences this act would bring.
We need hope as much as we need bread and meat. We need hope, or else we cannot endure. So let her keep this hope, Feyre. Let her imagine a better life. A better world.
Feyre lived with her two sisters and their crippled father in a small cottage. Once wealthy merchants, they had lost everything, forcing Feyre to become the family's provider. Her eldest sister Nesta was bitter and cold, while Elain remained gentle but helpless. Despite their struggles, Feyre persevered, selling pelts and hunting game to keep them alive.
Arrival at the Spring Court
A monstrous creature burst into their cottage, demanding retribution for the wolf Feyre had killed, who was actually a faerie in disguise. The beast offered her a choice: death or living forever in the faerie realm of Prythian. To save her family, Feyre chose to go with the beast.
The beast took her to a magnificent estate in the Spring Court, revealing himself as Tamlin, the High Lord. There, Feyre met Lucien, Tamlin's emissary, who initially treated her with disdain. Despite the luxury surrounding her, Feyre remained wary, refusing to eat faerie food and planning her escape.
Adapting to Life Among the Fae
As days passed, Feyre learned about the magical blight affecting Prythian and the immortality of the Fae. She began to see beyond Tamlin's beastly exterior, discovering his gentle nature and protective instincts. Meanwhile, she continued plotting her escape, stealing a knife and seeking Lucien's help.
Growing Feelings and Hidden Dangers
Despite her initial resistance, Feyre found herself drawn to Tamlin. She discovered a talent for painting, which Tamlin encouraged by providing her with art supplies. Their relationship deepened, especially after Tamlin enhanced her senses to experience the faerie realm's magic fully.
For Tamlin ... for Tamlin, I would sell my soul; I would give up everything I had for him to be free. I couldn't panic. No, I had to keep my tears in check, had to keep my wits together.
However, danger lurked in the form of Amarantha, a powerful faerie queen who had cursed Tamlin and his court. During the celebration of Fire Night, Feyre encountered Rhysand, the mysterious High Lord of the Night Court, who would later play a crucial role in her fate.
Return to the Human Realm
As the threat from Amarantha grew, Tamlin forced Feyre to return to the human realm for her safety. Though heartbroken, she found her family prospering thanks to Tamlin's secret aid. However, she couldn't forget him or the danger he faced.
Stay with the High Lord, human. That's all you can do. You will be safe. Do not interfere; do not go looking for answers after today, or you will be devoured by the shadow over Prythian.
Under the Mountain: The Bargain
Unable to abandon Tamlin, Feyre returned to find the Spring Court in ruins. She learned that Amarantha had imprisoned Tamlin and his court Under the Mountain. Following them there, Feyre struck a bargain with Amarantha: complete three tasks or watch Tamlin remain cursed forever.
Because when the legends get written, I didn't want to be remembered for standing on the sidelines. Be glad of your human heart, Feyre. Pity those who don't feel anything at all.
The Three Trials
During her trials, Feyre faced increasingly dangerous challenges. She defeated a giant worm in her first task, solved a deadly riddle in her second, and faced the ultimate test of love in her third. Throughout these ordeals, she received unexpected help from Rhysand, who made a bargain with her: healing in exchange for spending one week per month with him.
I love you. No matter what she says about it, no matter if it's only with my insignificant human heart. Even when they burn my body, I'll love you.
Final Battle and Transformation
In her final trial, Feyre had to kill three innocent faeries. After killing two, she discovered the third was Tamlin, a trick by Amarantha. Understanding that his heart was made of stone, Feyre stabbed him, breaking the curse. Enraged, Amarantha killed Feyre, but the High Lords of Prythian resurrected her as High Fae.
The estate sprawled across a rolling green land... veiled in roses and ivy, with patios and balconies and staircases sprouting from its alabaster sides.
Though Tamlin and Feyre returned to the Spring Court together, she struggled with the guilt of her actions and her transformation into High Fae. The story concluded with a summons from Rhysand, reminding Feyre of their bargain and hinting at future challenges to come.