Pray for Fey (Novel)
In the heart of Brittany's mystical Paimpont Forest, in the year 1885, a young fairy dares to defy everything she's been taught. Fey is innocent, idealistic, and different. In a world where fairies believe they vanish forever at death — where no soul, no afterlife, no higher purpose awaits — Fey dreams of something more. She believes in the impossible: that a soul can be earned and that eternal life might be within reach.
Drawn to the mysterious world of humans, Fey seeks the guidance of a compassionate Christian priest named Samuel. Through their secret and unlikely bond, she begins a journey that will test her heart, her faith and the very essence of what it means to exist.
Pray for Fey is a lyrical, haunting fairytale about spiritual longing, forbidden connection and the courage to believe in a truth no one else can see. Perfect for readers who delight in classic fairy lore, rich historical settings and stories that linger long after the final page.
Creating the Fairy Tale
From the moment the first spark of Pray for Fey flickered to life in my mind, I felt called to write a story that would bridge two realms — ours and that of the fair folk — and to explore how both worlds wrestle with faith, the unseen, and the great mystery of what waits beyond death.
The fairies who drift through my pages are shaped from the old stories whispered across Europe, but only loosely — echoes rather than replicas. I imagined them as the legends once saw them: wingless, human-like in stature, bound to the elements in a way we humans have long forgotten. Though fairy tales often paint their kind as brimming with impossible magic, the fairies in Pray for Fey wield only the gentlest traces of enchantment. Their true power lies not in spells, but in the quiet intensity of their bond with the living world — soil, wind, water, flame.
That connection is their lifeblood, their truth. And in telling their story, I found myself reaching for a deeper truth as well: that perhaps the line between mortal and magical, between faith and myth, is thinner than any of us imagine.
How The Pray for Fey Fairy Story Came to Be
The original idea for the story occurred on 28th September 2000. The book was inspired by a dream, in which I saw the main character, Fey, in one of the scenes from the story. There was something 'French' about the story. The first four chapters were originally written in 2001. The entire novel was rewritten in 2008. It wasn't until 2012 that I finally found a way to publish the novel.
A deeply moving fairy story that is both beautiful and enchanting
I have stepped unflinchingly into the realm of fairies, illuminating the hidden chambers of the soul and the quiet mysteries that linger beyond death. It is my hope, that what unfolds is an unforgettable tale, steeped in luminous insight and alive with the delicate truths of fairy nature.
This is a story that moves with the softness of a whispered prayer — intimate, heartrending, and deeply human. Its gentle eloquence, spiritual resonance, and quiet beauty linger long after the final page, touching the reader in ways both subtle and profound.
This book is only available in English. It is not yet available in other languages. All publishing, translation, recording, broadcasting, and all other rights, including copyright, belong to the author.
Paperback Edition Details
Number of pages: 140
Dimensions: 5.06 inches x 7.81 inches
Date of publication: 19th June 2012
Country of publication: United States
Imprint of record: CreateSpace
Published by: Mark Woollacott Publishing
ISBN-13: 978-1477622773
ISBN-10: 1477622772
E-book Edition Details
Date of publication: 20th June 2012
Country of publication: United States
Published by: Mark Woollacott Publishing
ASIN: B008DDW7AC
Book Information
Category: Fiction
Genre: Fairy tale, fantasy
Written style: written in the third person
Story time period: spring 1885 to late summer 1886
Setting: Paimpont Forest and the town of Dinan, Brittany, France
Number of chapters: 23
Word-count: 37,357 (140 pages)
Original idea for story: 28th September 2000; inspired by a dream.
Date written: The first four chapters were originally written in 2001. The complete novel was rewritten in 2008
recommended readership age: appropriate for readers from age nine to adults
Format availability: Paperback edition and eBook edition for Kindle
Thank You
Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my website and read about Pray for Fey and my other books. It truly means the world to me that you've spared a moment of your day to step into the stories I've poured my heart into. Knowing that someone is curious about my work fills me with both gratitude and hope. I deeply appreciate your interest, and I sincerely wish that one day soon you'll find joy, comfort, or even a little spark of wonder within the pages of my books. Your support and attention mean more than words can ever fully express.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pray for Fey about?
Pray for Fey is a lyrical, haunting fairy tale by Mark Woollacott set in France. It tells the story of Fey, a fairy who dares to believe in the impossible — that a soul can be earned and eternal life may exist. In a world where fairies believe death is the end, Fey dreams of something greater.
Who is Fey in Pray for Fey?
Fey is the central character of Pray for Fey. Unlike other fairies who believe they vanish forever at death, Fey longs for spiritual truth and hopes that a soul and an afterlife might exist. Her courage to believe in the unseen sets her apart in her world and drives the story forward.
Is Pray for Fey based on traditional fairy lore?
Yes. The fairies are inspired by old European legends — wingless, human-like in stature, and deeply connected to earth, wind, water, and fire. They are subtle, elemental beings rather than spell-casting creatures. They are echoes rather than replicas of traditional legends.
Where is the story of Pray for Fey set?
The novel is set in France, giving the story a rich historical and atmospheric backdrop that adds depth, romance, and timeless mystery to the fairy tale.
How is Pray for Fey different from other fairy stories?
Unlike many popular fairy stories filled with magic, Pray for Fey focuses on spiritual longing, faith, and the unseen. The fairies possess only gentle traces of enchantment — their true power lies in their bond with the natural world. Its enchantment lies in atmosphere and emotion rather than spectacle.
Is Pray for Fey fairy tale suitable for children?
Pray for Fey is written in a lyrical, reflective style. While readers who enjoy classic fairy tales will appreciate it, the novel is especially suited to older children, teens, and adults who enjoy thoughtful and atmospheric fairy fiction. Readers who love classic fairy stories, historical settings, and reflective, lyrical prose will find this novel especially rewarding.
What inspired Mark Woollacott to write Pray for Fey?
The original idea for Pray for Fey came on 28 September 2000 and was inspired by a dream in which the author saw the character Fey in a vivid scene. The first four chapters were written in 2001, the novel was completely rewritten in 2008, and it was published in 2012.
Is Pray for Fey a new fairy tale?
Yes. It is a modern fairy tale rooted in traditional European folklore, offering a fresh and spiritual perspective on the world of fairies. It draws upon classic European folklore while exploring the deeper themes of faith, mortality, and hope.