The Fae King is My Shadow Daddy

starring: KATERYNA BELINSKA & ARTUR LOGAI

The world of humans and the world of the Fae have long existed apart. Yet their union is destined to be forged through the love of Eliana, a mortal girl, and Caspian, the High King of the Fae. Their bond becomes a beacon of hope for a new future, and their heir - the key to uniting two worlds.

REVIEW

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I've long thought verticals should take inspiration from the huge fae/acotar booktok community. So huge thanks to @dramabox_us and @amopictures.official for making it happen

And this proves it works - the fae human friction works perfectly in verticals. We are drawn into the world thanks to great production design, costumes, make up, SFX and performances.

Stand out is @logai.arthur as Caspian. He is astonishing. A magnetic stillness on screen, he commands every moment, is the reason you fully believe in this world and really should become a massive star off the back of this project. Hollywood needs to get on the phone quick

He's so good it is a challenge for a co star to hold their own, but @katyshabelinskaya is more than up to the job. Very satisfying seeing Eliana's personal growth into a powerful queen

@oleksa.pankova and @nazargrabar have so much fun as the villains. Honestly could watch a spin off show with just these two plotting and scheming.

We have a brief but moving appearance by @sergeydenga as Eliana's dad, and would have loved to have spent more time with @n.nstrnko as Becca. I like that we are given a reason why she hates her sister, this sort of thing often isn't explained in verts

It's all very good but didn't quite hit the mark for me. 2 reasons -

1) I'm not actually a Fae fan! Never read any of the books. I can see the potential but it isn't a genre I am esp. bothered about personally

2) I felt a bit cheated by the whole bond thing. I wanted to see the leads fall on love. They were getting there....but then this leap frogs the best bit to suddenly they are in love

A bit of a shame as overall this is super.

Well done to all the team - this is a great first entry into the Vertical Fae canon and sure we will soon see more 👀

💖 Top swoonworthy moment:

Eliana and Caspian fall in love – they just suddenly have a bond. I don't think the story needed this, they were getting there anyway. Thankfully lots of lovely moments after this as the two fall more deeply in love, Eliana finds her strength and Caspian overcomes Iron bonds to save his family. Ew future, and their heir - the key to uniting two worlds.

🦹🏼‍♂️ Top villain award:

Oleksandra Pankova and Nazar Grabar have great fun as evil duo Zoya and Matthias, constantly lurking in corners, plotting against out leads and proving once and for all that villains always get the best costumes (and eye shadow).

😂 Comedy gold:

None - instead huge shout out to the hair, make up and costume teams, and production design. They do an amazing job building the world, suggesting enough to transport you there, without ever going over the top or making it distracting.

🎺 Unsung hero:

SFX - the black smoke that Caspian wields is particuarly effective, ampified by clever use of music. Plus loyal Liam who has to deliver a lot of exposition, and is clearly the person making sure that the fae court is efficient and everything gets done.

✍🏼 DETAILS

2026

Available on Dramabox