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The Daughters of Elyon #1
Elyon's Blades
Elyon's Blades, book one of the new fantasy series, The Daughters of Elyon, is an epic fantasy adventure that takes place in the Cibían Empire.
The story follows the military sect of all-woman warriors who live in the Temple of Elyon, led by their fierce Arch Priestess, Sábria.
As protectors of all women in the empire, the Daughters of Elyon are constantly on the move, rescuing women from dangerous situations and seeking vengeance for those who were not saved in time. They are an unbreakable force, bonded by their shared mission and their devotion to the Goddess Elyon.
Elyon's Blades is a thrilling F/F epic fantasy adventure that explores themes of loyalty and courage. With its richly imagined world and compelling characters, it is sure to captivate readers who love strong, independent heroines. It is a thrilling start to an exciting new fantasy series that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment
The story follows the military sect of all-woman warriors who live in the Temple of Elyon, led by their fierce Arch Priestess, Sábria.
As protectors of all women in the empire, the Daughters of Elyon are constantly on the move, rescuing women from dangerous situations and seeking vengeance for those who were not saved in time. They are an unbreakable force, bonded by their shared mission and their devotion to the Goddess Elyon.
Elyon's Blades is a thrilling F/F epic fantasy adventure that explores themes of loyalty and courage. With its richly imagined world and compelling characters, it is sure to captivate readers who love strong, independent heroines. It is a thrilling start to an exciting new fantasy series that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2023
34 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Alison Naomi Holt
35 books160 followersAlison is devoted to giving her readers strong female characters who go about life with zest and abandon. Whether they solve mysteries or fight epic fantasy battles, they all have one trait in common; they are people you'd love to call friend. Alison has worn many hats in her life and, as a result, writes in several genres. From twenty years as a cop to being a lifelong horsewoman and an avid reader of fantasy fiction, she writes what she knows. Alison has a bizarre sense of humor, a realistic look at life, and an insatiable desire to live life to the fullest. She loves all horses and hounds and some humans… Alison enjoys hearing from her readers. Visit her website at https://www.AlisonHoltBooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 24, 2023
Absolutely Loved ❤️ this story !!!
This is the third time I’ve read this book so far and I’ve loved it from the start. Ailith is one of my favorite characters in this book, as well the rest of the blades. I kinda wanted to knock a few heads for a bit there. Can’t say why as that would spoil your experience. I thought the action was fast moving and the world building was incredible. I feel as though the words and dialects keep running through my head. I expect that I’m totally slaughtering the pronunciation. I’m looking forward to the next book and highly recommend this one.
This is the third time I’ve read this book so far and I’ve loved it from the start. Ailith is one of my favorite characters in this book, as well the rest of the blades. I kinda wanted to knock a few heads for a bit there. Can’t say why as that would spoil your experience. I thought the action was fast moving and the world building was incredible. I feel as though the words and dialects keep running through my head. I expect that I’m totally slaughtering the pronunciation. I’m looking forward to the next book and highly recommend this one.
July 6, 2023
Wow. I haven't been that deeply invested in a character in a really long time. Well done. Fantastic read from start to finish. 6 stars.
January 30, 2024
I enjoyed it despite not being into non-romance books.
I had a problem with one of the MC (Ailith) because everyone kept talking about how "charming" she was, but for me, she was just annoying.
Overall, it was a good read. I don't know if I'm gonna read the other books because there's no romance here, but I'm glad I gave it a try.
I had a problem with one of the MC (Ailith) because everyone kept talking about how "charming" she was, but for me, she was just annoying.
Overall, it was a good read. I don't know if I'm gonna read the other books because there's no romance here, but I'm glad I gave it a try.
January 5, 2024
I downloaded this book not really knowing what it was about. It was recommended on a Sapphic romantasy page that I follow and I had minimal expectations. However, I started reading and could not put the book and the its following book down. I love the strong but loving and diverse female characters. I love that their mission is to protect the women and children in country that does not value them. And I love that the women who have chosen to do this have their own traumas and challenges that they learn to live with and embrace. Also, the Sapphic focus of the book doesn't hurt lol. I would definitely recommend this light but enjoyable read.
August 12, 2025
An interesting start to the series
Book one of ‘The Daughters of Elyon’ series. I really liked it. This is not a romance story despite having some sapphic moments.
The story is about a female-only medieval-like military-structured sect that protects women in the name of Goddess Elyon, which immediately sounds great. The main focus is on a few of the main characters we are getting to know. It included a lot of funny and emotional moments.
I enjoyed learning about the world created by the author—its structure and the rules within it. It was very nicely crafted and described.
The book held my interest all the way, and I am moving on to the second book in the series.
Book one of ‘The Daughters of Elyon’ series. I really liked it. This is not a romance story despite having some sapphic moments.
The story is about a female-only medieval-like military-structured sect that protects women in the name of Goddess Elyon, which immediately sounds great. The main focus is on a few of the main characters we are getting to know. It included a lot of funny and emotional moments.
I enjoyed learning about the world created by the author—its structure and the rules within it. It was very nicely crafted and described.
The book held my interest all the way, and I am moving on to the second book in the series.
September 29, 2024
entertainment wise this book is a 5. As far as the fantasy and story it was random AF. I enjoyed it though!
August 1, 2025
New favorite book series! great characters and universe that Alison Naomi Holt has created. I will read however many book
March 7, 2024
The pacing for Elyon's Blades by Alison Naomi Holt was perfect for me. It drew me in immediately, and I quickly became invested in the characters as introduced. The world building was fantastic. There was a lot to learn about the Daughters of Elyon and the world in which they are necessary. Though it is a fantasy world, on a basic level, it is not unlike our own. Elyon's Blades are warrior women devoted to the Goddess Elyon and her tenets of caring for the abused, oppressed, and otherwise persecuted women of the Cibian Empire. The world, the Priestess, the hierarchy and protocols within the temple, the relationships between the women, their physical strength and skill, and mental fortitude was fascinating. The author did a fantastic job of providing all of this information in an engaging and entertaining way through just enough detail in scene descriptions to the heavy dialogue and interactions that helped paint a picture of each unique personality. It is not a romance, not to say there isn't some lady-lovin' taking place, but the story is more about the individuals and how important they are to the whole. I liked the writing style and found it well edited. I will be continuing the series. I recommend.
July 27, 2023
wow, what a great read! This book is so well written. I didn't expect to enjoy this much since fantasy is normally not my go-to genre. Can't wait to dive into the next book.
October 26, 2023
Something that rarely happens anymore these days, but I started reading, and kept on reading until I finished it well beyond my bedtime. This is such an odd book, because I was settling in for an 'opposites attract' romance, and that didn't happen. In fact, there wasn't any romance at all.
It wasn't until I started the second book in this series that I realized I was reading a slice-0f-life story that revolves around a female-only military order; founded by the Goddess Elyon, and the main character is the Arch Priestess Sábria, who is not only the leader of the order, but also a co-ruler of the empire that is the background of the books.
The book opens when Sábria interviews Emlyn, a young bodyguard of a princess of a small kingdom, who wishes to join the order. The first few chapters are about Emlyn, but then another young woman shows up under suspect circumstances, Ailith, and the rest of the book almost solely focusses on her.
(this happens as well in the second book; it starts with one character, but then switches to an entirely different character).
Ailith is giving everyone major headaches, because she's no ordinary recruit. She joined the army of her kingdom at a very young age and participated in some major battles. Her main issue is that she just doesn't know when to shut up, and says exactly what she is thinking at the most inopportune times. She also acts before she thinks, getting her in all sorts of problems with her superiors.
What can I say? I loved Ailith. And I loved how she continuously drives her superiors to the brink of madness. But they love her anyway, because of her ancestry and what she went through as a child.
The books (I have read all three of them) are not without issues, though. The major issue is the unholy amounts of head-hopping. That alone cost the book a star. But I also wasn't sold on the world building. There is an empire, and some small neighboring kingdoms (vassal states, I think, but it wasn't really clear). The Arch Priestess is the co-leader of the empire, but she rarely, if ever, bothers with governing.
The Order of Elyon is specifically founded to protect all women in the empire, and provide justice for women who are victims of all kinds of abuse. That's great and all, but the officers of the order have no compulsions whatsoever to beat the crap out of their trainees in order to instill respect and obedience. Ailith in particular receives a lot of beatings, but the officers are stumped when they realize it has little to no effect on her. Sure, the officers, and especially Sábria, have unconditional love for their soldiers, but abuse is abuse, no matter how you justify it.
The capital city, in true fantasy traditions, has several districts. And of course one of the districts is reserved for the poor, who have to live in absolute squalor. Prostitution and drug use are rampant, and orphaned children live in the sewers, sick and malnourished. The Order of Elyon doesn't give a fuck about these children, not even the young girls who they are supposed to protect. This is evident when one of the Elyon Guards learns about a murdered young girl. Her reaction? Well, she shrugs, and thinks it's a damn shame. It is never mentioned again.
The last thing I had issues with, and that has to do with English not being my native language, is the copious amounts of dialect used. A lot of sentences I had to read multiple times, trying to figure out what was being said. That got easier as I progressed through the books, but I still have no idea what a 'nint'is. I eventually figured out what a 'pidge', or 'skelli' and a 'nob' are, but there are a couple of more words in the books that are unknown to me, even when I consider the context. Who knew a 'jokester' is a dolphin?
I think it is safe to say that for me, Ailith carries the book(s) for me. Her love of life is infectious, she goes through hell sometimes, and she stays true to herself, despite the many, many punishments.
It wasn't until I started the second book in this series that I realized I was reading a slice-0f-life story that revolves around a female-only military order; founded by the Goddess Elyon, and the main character is the Arch Priestess Sábria, who is not only the leader of the order, but also a co-ruler of the empire that is the background of the books.
The book opens when Sábria interviews Emlyn, a young bodyguard of a princess of a small kingdom, who wishes to join the order. The first few chapters are about Emlyn, but then another young woman shows up under suspect circumstances, Ailith, and the rest of the book almost solely focusses on her.
(this happens as well in the second book; it starts with one character, but then switches to an entirely different character).
Ailith is giving everyone major headaches, because she's no ordinary recruit. She joined the army of her kingdom at a very young age and participated in some major battles. Her main issue is that she just doesn't know when to shut up, and says exactly what she is thinking at the most inopportune times. She also acts before she thinks, getting her in all sorts of problems with her superiors.
What can I say? I loved Ailith. And I loved how she continuously drives her superiors to the brink of madness. But they love her anyway, because of her ancestry and what she went through as a child.
The books (I have read all three of them) are not without issues, though. The major issue is the unholy amounts of head-hopping. That alone cost the book a star. But I also wasn't sold on the world building. There is an empire, and some small neighboring kingdoms (vassal states, I think, but it wasn't really clear). The Arch Priestess is the co-leader of the empire, but she rarely, if ever, bothers with governing.
The Order of Elyon is specifically founded to protect all women in the empire, and provide justice for women who are victims of all kinds of abuse. That's great and all, but the officers of the order have no compulsions whatsoever to beat the crap out of their trainees in order to instill respect and obedience. Ailith in particular receives a lot of beatings, but the officers are stumped when they realize it has little to no effect on her. Sure, the officers, and especially Sábria, have unconditional love for their soldiers, but abuse is abuse, no matter how you justify it.
The capital city, in true fantasy traditions, has several districts. And of course one of the districts is reserved for the poor, who have to live in absolute squalor. Prostitution and drug use are rampant, and orphaned children live in the sewers, sick and malnourished. The Order of Elyon doesn't give a fuck about these children, not even the young girls who they are supposed to protect. This is evident when one of the Elyon Guards learns about a murdered young girl. Her reaction? Well, she shrugs, and thinks it's a damn shame. It is never mentioned again.
The last thing I had issues with, and that has to do with English not being my native language, is the copious amounts of dialect used. A lot of sentences I had to read multiple times, trying to figure out what was being said. That got easier as I progressed through the books, but I still have no idea what a 'nint'is. I eventually figured out what a 'pidge', or 'skelli' and a 'nob' are, but there are a couple of more words in the books that are unknown to me, even when I consider the context. Who knew a 'jokester' is a dolphin?
I think it is safe to say that for me, Ailith carries the book(s) for me. Her love of life is infectious, she goes through hell sometimes, and she stays true to herself, despite the many, many punishments.
July 7, 2025
I loved the premise of this one: The Daughters of Elyon are a sect of female warriors whose mission is to protect the empire’s women from violence or to punish the perpetrators, all in the name of the goddess Elyon. Their leader, Arch-Priest Sábria (my personal favorite character–a strong and fiercely compassionate woman), co-rules with the Emperor himself–they have that much power.
Into this environment come Emlyn, a young former-bodyguard of a foreign princess, and Ailith, raised from a very young age to be fierce in battle. And while we do get to see some of the Daughters of Elyon in action, the story centers more around these two healing from past trauma and learning to find their place within the Daughters. There’s more drama than action, and there’s a lot of focus on the emotional growth of the characters.
While it was not quite what I was expecting, this was a good read, ultimately hopeful, and I’m curious to see if later books delve more into our heroines as warriors.
Into this environment come Emlyn, a young former-bodyguard of a foreign princess, and Ailith, raised from a very young age to be fierce in battle. And while we do get to see some of the Daughters of Elyon in action, the story centers more around these two healing from past trauma and learning to find their place within the Daughters. There’s more drama than action, and there’s a lot of focus on the emotional growth of the characters.
While it was not quite what I was expecting, this was a good read, ultimately hopeful, and I’m curious to see if later books delve more into our heroines as warriors.
August 29, 2023
I was not sure that this type of book would go over well with me but I was wrong. I am a male reader who is older and realize a good story is a good story whether it is written from a female or a male perspective. I have to admit that the idea of an all female peacekeeper group who train to protect the down trodden and the people who cannot defend themselves from others seemed a little odd. What I found was that there is a better way than violence meeting violence. Sometimes reason is better than might.
I am going to read the three books in the series so far right after each other as the book one introduces you to so many great characters you want to see and hear from them again. I said see and hear as I could see them in my head from the greatness of the story teller.
Please read and you will agree.
I am going to read the three books in the series so far right after each other as the book one introduces you to so many great characters you want to see and hear from them again. I said see and hear as I could see them in my head from the greatness of the story teller.
Please read and you will agree.
May 10, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
⚔️🤺🗡️🐴👩❤️💋👩
A book about a group of sapphic woman knights (Blades) who protect other women and kill men who hurt those women? Yes, please!
This book had hilarious banter, excellent sword-fighting scenes, exciting characters and an interesting storyline.
This book talks about hard themes, considering it's about protecting women, but it also covers triggers, ultimate heartbreak and the reactions to them and what happens when two hundred or so women think one of their own deserts another Blade.
Overall this book was an enjoyable read.
I received a copy of the ebook through StoryOrigin. This review in left voluntarily.
⚔️🤺🗡️🐴👩❤️💋👩
A book about a group of sapphic woman knights (Blades) who protect other women and kill men who hurt those women? Yes, please!
This book had hilarious banter, excellent sword-fighting scenes, exciting characters and an interesting storyline.
This book talks about hard themes, considering it's about protecting women, but it also covers triggers, ultimate heartbreak and the reactions to them and what happens when two hundred or so women think one of their own deserts another Blade.
Overall this book was an enjoyable read.
I received a copy of the ebook through StoryOrigin. This review in left voluntarily.
November 9, 2023
Awesome
I wasn't sure about this book, this series at first. I have had my eye on it for almost seven months and decided to give myself the series for my birthday, oh how glad I did. It is not like any story I have read so far and even the synopsis on the book didn't prepare me for this wonderful story. I am enthralled with all the characters and enjoyed getting to know each one. I am eager to continue to learn more about not only the characters but the order of Ellen's Blades.
If your looking for something different yet page turning, enthralling, and enjoyable characters as well as a well told story then this is the book/series for you.
I wasn't sure about this book, this series at first. I have had my eye on it for almost seven months and decided to give myself the series for my birthday, oh how glad I did. It is not like any story I have read so far and even the synopsis on the book didn't prepare me for this wonderful story. I am enthralled with all the characters and enjoyed getting to know each one. I am eager to continue to learn more about not only the characters but the order of Ellen's Blades.
If your looking for something different yet page turning, enthralling, and enjoyable characters as well as a well told story then this is the book/series for you.
March 6, 2024
This novel introduces us to the Daughters of Elyon, a military sect that is all female and sworn to protect and defend women. We meet the Arch Priestess and her Commander as well as a couple of new recruits, Emlyn and Ailith, and several other members of the Daughters, who are called Blades (and later on Guardians). Emlyn is the first character introduced in an interview with Sabria, (the leader). Ailith is quite bit different. I thought since we were introduced to two new members of the sect, that the story would go in a certain direction. I was wrong. Expect twists and turns of all kinds.
May 28, 2024
I highly recommend reading this book. I was wary at first because the teaser on the back is vague. I understand now it’s because there’s not just one or two characters, but a handful. Set in a somewhat medieval time period where all the main characters are women. Most of the story unfolds in a temple/military barracks setting. The humor is interesting and there’s scattered action scenes.
September 28, 2024
Where have I been?
What a great read! The best part is that I have many more books to go. Lucky me. If you haven't read this book, do yourself a favor and start. You're in for a treat. If you're looking for 🌶 this probably isn't for you. It's a great story with a little bit of 🌶 . Happy reading.
What a great read! The best part is that I have many more books to go. Lucky me. If you haven't read this book, do yourself a favor and start. You're in for a treat. If you're looking for 🌶 this probably isn't for you. It's a great story with a little bit of 🌶 . Happy reading.
May 13, 2023
Elyon's Blades - While I loved The Spirit Child and the Credo series and The Door at the Top of the Stairs, I had a hard time getting into this story. It is interesting with good characters but for me nothing clicked making it difficult to get immersed in the story. 4*
June 16, 2023
Elton’s Blades
Got a copy of this book for free and thought I’d take a break from the book I was reading to check it out. It hooked me immediately and took me away from reading Robin Hobb. It’s that good.
Got a copy of this book for free and thought I’d take a break from the book I was reading to check it out. It hooked me immediately and took me away from reading Robin Hobb. It’s that good.
Read
August 23, 2023Doesn't Disappoint
I normally go into a different genre of book when I finish. It keeps things fresh, but this isn't like that. I'm going straight to the next one in this series. I've always liked books from this author, but this one is a great beginning for the series. Kudos!!
I normally go into a different genre of book when I finish. It keeps things fresh, but this isn't like that. I'm going straight to the next one in this series. I've always liked books from this author, but this one is a great beginning for the series. Kudos!!
May 15, 2023
WOW !!
What an explosive beginning
to a new series !!
I'm waiting eagerly for the
next book; it can't come soon
enough.
Enjoy !!
Phyllis S.
What an explosive beginning
to a new series !!
I'm waiting eagerly for the
next book; it can't come soon
enough.
Enjoy !!
Phyllis S.
August 22, 2023
Really enjoyed this! Can't wait to read the next one!
November 9, 2023
Good story
Action, adventure, excellent characters. Strong female characters throughout the story. Not a male hero in sight. Interesting read. Thank you
Action, adventure, excellent characters. Strong female characters throughout the story. Not a male hero in sight. Interesting read. Thank you
June 5, 2024
Good world building, interesting characters, jumpy story line and POV, good read just followed along and enjoyed the ride.
August 9, 2024
Intriguing beginning to a promising series
Holt sets the stage for the warrior women who defend brutalized women in a brutal time and place. Read on for a fun opening to a good romp.
Holt sets the stage for the warrior women who defend brutalized women in a brutal time and place. Read on for a fun opening to a good romp.
January 20, 2025
This series is so freaking good! I need a real life Ailith in my life! I am always watching for another book in this series!
February 16, 2025
Warrior women
If want to read a good book with no ups and down here’s is one. It’s like one of those Amazon warriors.
If want to read a good book with no ups and down here’s is one. It’s like one of those Amazon warriors.
June 19, 2025
Awesome read!
I quite literally couldn't put this book down. Great characters and I loved the interaction between them. Can't wait to read the next in the series.
I quite literally couldn't put this book down. Great characters and I loved the interaction between them. Can't wait to read the next in the series.
July 18, 2024
Great artwork on the cover that brought me into what is a very good series with great characters and a writing style that keeps the pages turning. Just finished second in series and have purchased and downloaded 3.
April 17, 2024
Love this series! The storyline is so well thought out and delivered. The characters are well rounded showing both their strengths and vulnerabilities.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews