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Tales of the Forest #1
The Forester
This edition is no longer available.
Kelnaht, a cloud elf, is a truth seeker caught between love and faith. Worse, a murder committed ten days before Solstice reveals an illicit affair between two tree elves he desires more than he can admit: Kelnaht's former lover Ianys, who once betrayed him, and the shunned forester named Taruif, who is not allowed to talk to anyone but The Guide, their spiritual pathfinder. When Taruif turns out to be the only witness for the crime, Kelnaht has to keep Ianys from sacrificing himself and losing his daughter, while at the same time realising he'd gladly sacrifice himself to end Taruif's loneliness.
"Tales of the Forest" books are all set in the same world, but can be read as standalone stories.
Kelnaht, a cloud elf, is a truth seeker caught between love and faith. Worse, a murder committed ten days before Solstice reveals an illicit affair between two tree elves he desires more than he can admit: Kelnaht's former lover Ianys, who once betrayed him, and the shunned forester named Taruif, who is not allowed to talk to anyone but The Guide, their spiritual pathfinder. When Taruif turns out to be the only witness for the crime, Kelnaht has to keep Ianys from sacrificing himself and losing his daughter, while at the same time realising he'd gladly sacrifice himself to end Taruif's loneliness.
"Tales of the Forest" books are all set in the same world, but can be read as standalone stories.
56 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 21, 2011
61 people are currently reading
582 people want to read
About the author
Blaine D. Arden
30 books145 followersBlaine D. Arden is an EPIC Award-winning author of Romantic Speculative Fiction. Non-binary and proud, ey sings eir way through life in platform boots and delights in creating magical worlds for queer heroes to bump into the loves of their lives at just the wrong—or right—moment. Ey believes in celebrating the transformative power of diversity and inclusivity in all aspects of life, and that our unique experiences and perspectives are what make us strong: “Our Difference is Our Strength.”
Born and raised in Zutphen, the Netherlands, Blaine spent eir youth immersed in books, daydreaming, and making up stories. Quite content in entertaining emself, ey evolved from telling stories to eir favourite doll, to acting them out with eir Barbies, and finally, putting pen to paper.
When not writing, Blaine enjoys singing, sewing, and indulging in building LEGO botanical sets. Ey lives in the Netherlands with eir supportive partner of over thirty years. Despite their differences—Blaine craves shade and doesn’t drink the beers he brews, he doesn’t read romance and loves soaking up the sun—they enjoy watching quiz shows during dinner and playing cooperative games.
From the award-winning Oren’s Right to Aliens, Smith and Jones, Blaine’s books offer readers a safe and enchanting escape into richly imagined worlds with a unique blend of adventure, emotional depth, and belonging.
______________________
Non-Binary / Asexual
ey/em/eir | she/her | Mx.
Born and raised in Zutphen, the Netherlands, Blaine spent eir youth immersed in books, daydreaming, and making up stories. Quite content in entertaining emself, ey evolved from telling stories to eir favourite doll, to acting them out with eir Barbies, and finally, putting pen to paper.
When not writing, Blaine enjoys singing, sewing, and indulging in building LEGO botanical sets. Ey lives in the Netherlands with eir supportive partner of over thirty years. Despite their differences—Blaine craves shade and doesn’t drink the beers he brews, he doesn’t read romance and loves soaking up the sun—they enjoy watching quiz shows during dinner and playing cooperative games.
From the award-winning Oren’s Right to Aliens, Smith and Jones, Blaine’s books offer readers a safe and enchanting escape into richly imagined worlds with a unique blend of adventure, emotional depth, and belonging.
______________________
Non-Binary / Asexual
ey/em/eir | she/her | Mx.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
May 29, 2023
2.5
“Your path is muddy Kelnaht, but don’t think avoiding the puddles will make it easier to travel.”
Últimamente tengo la “manía” no sé si buena o mala de no leer la sinopsis de los libros sino por encima un poco ni las etiquetas. De este modo intento ir a ciegas y he de admitir que hay veces que te llevas unas cuentas sorpresas.
No creo que este tipo de novelas sea lo que se considera “mi taza de té”. Lo más gracioso de todo es que antes de comenzarlo le dije a un amigo que ojalá tuviese romance porque yo quería un poco de drama telenovelero. Al final sí que lo tuve, pero novelero del bueno. Supongo que es aquí donde recae el dicho: donde caben dos caben tres. Nunca mejor dicho.
Supongo que los seguiré leyendo porque cada entrega solo tiene 70 páginas y una parte de mi (la parte cotilla) necesita saber que sucede porque el drama está bien potente. Así, que cuando el cerebro me lo pida seguiré.
“Your path is muddy Kelnaht, but don’t think avoiding the puddles will make it easier to travel.”
Últimamente tengo la “manía” no sé si buena o mala de no leer la sinopsis de los libros sino por encima un poco ni las etiquetas. De este modo intento ir a ciegas y he de admitir que hay veces que te llevas unas cuentas sorpresas.
No creo que este tipo de novelas sea lo que se considera “mi taza de té”. Lo más gracioso de todo es que antes de comenzarlo le dije a un amigo que ojalá tuviese romance porque yo quería un poco de drama telenovelero. Al final sí que lo tuve, pero novelero del bueno. Supongo que es aquí donde recae el dicho: donde caben dos caben tres. Nunca mejor dicho.
Supongo que los seguiré leyendo porque cada entrega solo tiene 70 páginas y una parte de mi (la parte cotilla) necesita saber que sucede porque el drama está bien potente. Así, que cuando el cerebro me lo pida seguiré.
December 24, 2016
Three gay elves in a threeway relationship. Come on, that's a must-read, right?
I'm not always a fan of High Fantasy in m/m, but this story really made my Holy Eve ;-)
Kelnaht, a winged elf who is his tribe's truth seeker, is in charge of investigating the murder of a young female elf. She was found dead in a forest clearing. Kel's powers quickly determine the most obvious perp: The Forester, Taruif, a shunned wingless elf who builds the homes of the tribe members, much like a human carpenter. Kel has lusted after the handsome guy with the vine tattoos covering his body for many turns, but he knows only the tribe's Guide is allowed to address and question the Forester directly.
In the course of his investigation, Kel realizes that his former lover, the blacksmith elf Ianys, has an illicit affair with Taruif, even though he once left Kel to be with a female elf and become a father.
Who murdered the poor elf girl?
How can Kel deal with his lust for not just one, but two elf hunks?
This uncomplicated short story gives a satisfying answer that totally convinced me. I can hardly wait to dive into that fantasy forest a little deeper to explore the lives of my favorite gay threeway elves ;-)
5 Stars for 'CSI: Fantasy Forest' !
I'm not always a fan of High Fantasy in m/m, but this story really made my Holy Eve ;-)
Kelnaht, a winged elf who is his tribe's truth seeker, is in charge of investigating the murder of a young female elf. She was found dead in a forest clearing. Kel's powers quickly determine the most obvious perp: The Forester, Taruif, a shunned wingless elf who builds the homes of the tribe members, much like a human carpenter. Kel has lusted after the handsome guy with the vine tattoos covering his body for many turns, but he knows only the tribe's Guide is allowed to address and question the Forester directly.
In the course of his investigation, Kel realizes that his former lover, the blacksmith elf Ianys, has an illicit affair with Taruif, even though he once left Kel to be with a female elf and become a father.
Who murdered the poor elf girl?
How can Kel deal with his lust for not just one, but two elf hunks?
This uncomplicated short story gives a satisfying answer that totally convinced me. I can hardly wait to dive into that fantasy forest a little deeper to explore the lives of my favorite gay threeway elves ;-)
5 Stars for 'CSI: Fantasy Forest' !
September 30, 2022
This was a really cool and unique story, with fantasy, romance and crime elements. The worldbuilding was interesting and with just enough detail for the story. While I liked several aspects of the romance, I really struggled with how quickly Kelnaht moved past what Ianys had done. It was so quick, after such a long time of resentment and feeling betrayed, and it made it much harder for me to buy into the romance.
April 27, 2022
I really liked the world, and the different types of elves and how their abilities/castes worked.
I also liked the guide, being in such a sensitive role with knowing everyone's secrets and the empathy that would have to entail. How he and the two truth seekers worked together here was also interesting to see while figuring out who the murderer was. Loved the way the houses were made by a forester.
I didn't buy the romantic angles. I could get behind Taruif and Ianys because they're already established here so who knows what happened (and even that's still iffy because of the whole potentially losing his daughter bit) but, from Kelnaht's POV neither worked. Ianys cheated on and then ditched him, and Kelnaht had been harboring anger and resentment towards him for years. He hears Ianys' sob story and all is forgiven... It also still doesn't make sense how it is even allowed after the explanation but maybe that is more clear in later books since they haven't been made public yet here.
Now for Taruif... Kelnaht has literally never spoken to him! Not even allowed to. But he has such deep feelings for him. No. That's called lust. And, for Kelnaht to be willing to give up everything over a few words... That must have been some amazingsex conversation.
Overall, I'll read on to the next because of the world-building and go from there.
I also liked the guide, being in such a sensitive role with knowing everyone's secrets and the empathy that would have to entail. How he and the two truth seekers worked together here was also interesting to see while figuring out who the murderer was. Loved the way the houses were made by a forester.
I didn't buy the romantic angles. I could get behind Taruif and Ianys because they're already established here so who knows what happened (and even that's still iffy because of the whole potentially losing his daughter bit) but, from Kelnaht's POV neither worked. Ianys cheated on and then ditched him, and Kelnaht had been harboring anger and resentment towards him for years. He hears Ianys' sob story and all is forgiven... It also still doesn't make sense how it is even allowed after the explanation but maybe that is more clear in later books since they haven't been made public yet here.
Now for Taruif... Kelnaht has literally never spoken to him! Not even allowed to. But he has such deep feelings for him. No. That's called lust. And, for Kelnaht to be willing to give up everything over a few words... That must have been some amazing
Overall, I'll read on to the next because of the world-building and go from there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2022
Kindle-Sort-ReRead
Hmm generous rating for an unfortunately dull tale. Potential is there but it never comes alive
.... .....
An interesting premise with heaps of potential but the story lacked something for me.
I remember not being impressed with the romance angle, Ianys needed throwing to to the curb. The concept of a magical CSI was interesting and the world with it's tree houses.
Liked it, but not enough to read on in the series.
Hmm generous rating for an unfortunately dull tale. Potential is there but it never comes alive
.... .....
An interesting premise with heaps of potential but the story lacked something for me.
I remember not being impressed with the romance angle, Ianys needed throwing to to the curb. The concept of a magical CSI was interesting and the world with it's tree houses.
Liked it, but not enough to read on in the series.
January 25, 2012
More of my reviews and ramblings at PANTS OFF REVIEWS
4.5
I am in love with this little novella; I never expected the amount of awesmazingness that was packed into such a short story. I just want to type ‘go read this freaking story’ but it’s a review after all and I believe there needs to be a little more substance to it .
The Forester is a great fantasy story, meets mystery and the sexy. Kelnaht is a Truth Seeker, which means it’s his job to gather evidence and find the answers to a crime when it is committed. When a murder is committed in the forest to a young girl, it’s up to Kelnaht to find out the murderer and bring him/her to justice. While trying to find the answers to a murder, Kelnaht also finds the truth to himself, though the answers are not always easy.
Though the mystery of murder and magic is very intriguing within the story. It’s the relationship between Ianys (Kelnahts’s ex-lover) and Taruif (The forester) that holds attention. Taruif is a forest elf that was banished, so he is there but no one is allowed to acknowledge him. To even utter his name would be a great offence. Kelnaht finds himself wanting the man, and feels betrayed when he finds out that the ex-lover who did not give up anything for him is willing to risk everything for Taruif. Talk about a slap in the face, and to make it a bit more complicated Kelnaht finds himself wanting both men. One is forbidden, and the other has made choices/promises that make their future very bleak. It’s a complicated and beautiful love!
The murder mystery is solved in a form that I thoroughly enjoyed; it even pulled at my heartstrings. Again its the elves that steal the show. Kelnaht, Taruif and Ianys will have you spellbound. Its more than a ménage, these three men belong together. There is no rhyme or reason, it just is. I absolutely adored that about the writing. The question here is, will it work when the odds are against them? Or will Kelnaht forever watch from a distnace? I found myself wanting to cry Kelnaht, because it just felt like someone should.
I really am in love with this story, and I cursed all things when I realized ‘shit, its only fecking 50 pages. What the hell am I gonna do now’. I want more of these gorgeous elves. I want the naked time, but I also want to see how their relationship will evolve. Blaine D. Arden has stolen a piece of my heart with this story, and she can keep it… if she writes more about this magical and awesmazing little world she created.
4.5
I am in love with this little novella; I never expected the amount of awesmazingness that was packed into such a short story. I just want to type ‘go read this freaking story’ but it’s a review after all and I believe there needs to be a little more substance to it .
The Forester is a great fantasy story, meets mystery and the sexy. Kelnaht is a Truth Seeker, which means it’s his job to gather evidence and find the answers to a crime when it is committed. When a murder is committed in the forest to a young girl, it’s up to Kelnaht to find out the murderer and bring him/her to justice. While trying to find the answers to a murder, Kelnaht also finds the truth to himself, though the answers are not always easy.
Though the mystery of murder and magic is very intriguing within the story. It’s the relationship between Ianys (Kelnahts’s ex-lover) and Taruif (The forester) that holds attention. Taruif is a forest elf that was banished, so he is there but no one is allowed to acknowledge him. To even utter his name would be a great offence. Kelnaht finds himself wanting the man, and feels betrayed when he finds out that the ex-lover who did not give up anything for him is willing to risk everything for Taruif. Talk about a slap in the face, and to make it a bit more complicated Kelnaht finds himself wanting both men. One is forbidden, and the other has made choices/promises that make their future very bleak. It’s a complicated and beautiful love!
The murder mystery is solved in a form that I thoroughly enjoyed; it even pulled at my heartstrings. Again its the elves that steal the show. Kelnaht, Taruif and Ianys will have you spellbound. Its more than a ménage, these three men belong together. There is no rhyme or reason, it just is. I absolutely adored that about the writing. The question here is, will it work when the odds are against them? Or will Kelnaht forever watch from a distnace? I found myself wanting to cry Kelnaht, because it just felt like someone should.
I really am in love with this story, and I cursed all things when I realized ‘shit, its only fecking 50 pages. What the hell am I gonna do now’. I want more of these gorgeous elves. I want the naked time, but I also want to see how their relationship will evolve. Blaine D. Arden has stolen a piece of my heart with this story, and she can keep it… if she writes more about this magical and awesmazing little world she created.
October 28, 2016
A murder mystery set in a fantasy world is at the center of act one of the ‘Forester Triad’ and it had my attention from the beginning. The main character, a cloud elf named Kelnaht, is a truth seeker, an elf tasked with examining the situation and figuring out who murdered an innocent young woman. As I followed him through the procedure, his examination of the evidence, and the gradual uncovering of clues, I found out more about him as well as the elf society. It turned out to be a fascinating trip on every level!
Kelnaht has his hands full not just with a murder case that seems to be impossible to solve, but also with his former lover, Ianys, who suddenly plays a role, and his own forbidden desires for the shunned forester elf, Taruif. The elf society Kelnaht lives in is very restrictive, and the more I discovered about all the things he is not supposed to do and how strict the elders are, the more I felt for him.
Ianys has history with Kelnaht, and it’s not a happy tale. Taruif is not allowed to speak to anyone, and when I found out why, my heart broke for him. He lives at the border of elf society and, as it turns out, Ianys is breaking the rules and has been having an affair with him. What a mess!
As an introduction to this trilogy, ‘Act One’ worked well for me. The three main players are interesting men who each have their own issues as well as a total muddle of a three-way relationship. I hope they will turn into a true triad at some point – and the title of the book seems to indicate that’s what will happen – but I am already sure that it will not be easy! I am equally sure that it will be an exciting, unusual journey full of obstacles and am looking forward to reading the next book.
If you like fantasy worlds full of elves with all kinds of “rules and regulations” keeping them from doing what their hearts desire, if you want to see the beginning of a complicated three-way relationship, and if you’re looking for a read that is both suspenseful and filled with magic, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Kelnaht has his hands full not just with a murder case that seems to be impossible to solve, but also with his former lover, Ianys, who suddenly plays a role, and his own forbidden desires for the shunned forester elf, Taruif. The elf society Kelnaht lives in is very restrictive, and the more I discovered about all the things he is not supposed to do and how strict the elders are, the more I felt for him.
Ianys has history with Kelnaht, and it’s not a happy tale. Taruif is not allowed to speak to anyone, and when I found out why, my heart broke for him. He lives at the border of elf society and, as it turns out, Ianys is breaking the rules and has been having an affair with him. What a mess!
As an introduction to this trilogy, ‘Act One’ worked well for me. The three main players are interesting men who each have their own issues as well as a total muddle of a three-way relationship. I hope they will turn into a true triad at some point – and the title of the book seems to indicate that’s what will happen – but I am already sure that it will not be easy! I am equally sure that it will be an exciting, unusual journey full of obstacles and am looking forward to reading the next book.
If you like fantasy worlds full of elves with all kinds of “rules and regulations” keeping them from doing what their hearts desire, if you want to see the beginning of a complicated three-way relationship, and if you’re looking for a read that is both suspenseful and filled with magic, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
May 25, 2019
A nice read, but there a reason I am not a fan on ménage. Not to mention that Kel and Ianis didn’t work for me, not with all that pent up anger Kel carried with him for so many years.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
May 31, 2017
Not easy for me to rate. On the one hand there is a new world to explore, a world of elves with special gifts and responsibilities; a world obviously with strict rules for its society and there is a murder that has to be solved logically but in an elvish way. I enjoyed the writing style that fit perfectly to the mystery part, some Philpp Marlow turned elf. I was thankful that there was info-dumping like in so many other short fantasy stories, here the information about the complex society is subtle and we get only as much as necessary.
So far everything is calling more for a 4 than a 3 and an immediate download of the next part of the series but this story is not only a fantasy and mystery but also a romance and here I had some trouble to follow the author. Might be that a big part of that is because of it being a M/M/M romance and I'm not easily convinced of such a relationship. Takes a lot for me to believe it's working and I never believed it here. I already had doubts about Kelnaht and Ianys and their sudden passionate clash and adding Taruif to the mix didn't make it easier to feel a connection between the guys.
So far everything is calling more for a 4 than a 3 and an immediate download of the next part of the series but this story is not only a fantasy and mystery but also a romance and here I had some trouble to follow the author. Might be that a big part of that is because of it being a M/M/M romance and I'm not easily convinced of such a relationship. Takes a lot for me to believe it's working and I never believed it here. I already had doubts about Kelnaht and Ianys and their sudden passionate clash and adding Taruif to the mix didn't make it easier to feel a connection between the guys.
March 28, 2022
I just finished reading Kim Stanley Robinson’s epic sci-fi cli-fi tale New York 2140. I tend to alternate between science fiction and fantasy in my reads, and after such an opus, I needed a good elves-in-the-forest tale to cleanse the palette. Blaine D. Arden’s “A Triad in Three Acts” fit that to a “T”, especially with the well-drawn gay characters. It was like returning to a warm, comfortable home after a foray into the uncomfortable future.
I’ll be reviewing each of the three parts of this collection as stand-alones – they’re available as individual novellas, and also in this three-story omnibus. I’ll let Blaine give you the overall series description (which I shorthand as CSI Elftown):
Kelnaht, Taruif, and Ianys are meant to be together, but old promises and the decree of the elders prevent them from claiming each other openly at Solstice. Kelnaht can investigate murder and foul play, but he can’t see how he can keep both his lovers without breaking the rules. But if he believes in the guide’s words and trusts his faith in Ma’terra, they will find a way to clear the fog and puddles from their paths.
Now on to the review.
The first book/story is The Forester. All three of these collected tales are told in first person from Kelnaht’s point of view, but somehow this never feels suffocating. Kelnaht is his village’s truth seeker, so when something unexplained happens, he’s called in to figure out the what and the why .
Kelnaht has a crush on the Forester (Taruif), a handsome, older man who has been shunned for the village for a supposed crime he committed several decades before, and the investigation into a mysterious death offers Kelnaht the rare chance to talk (somewhat tongue tied) to the man he has long admired from afar. Complicating matters is Kelnaht’s ex, Ianys, a bisexual elf who left him years before for a woman who bore him a daughter and then died shortly after.
This is a well-told tale. The village is never actually named, but there’s a wonderful cast of characters who populate it and bring it to life. It’s refreshing that being gay is entirely normal in this setting. I also loved the CSI aspect – Kelnaht and his assistant Brem use the materials at hand in the forest to create tools that ultimately confirm the killer’s identity.
There’s magic here too, of a subtle nature – Kelnaht’s truth-seeking/mind reading abilities, the Forester’s skill with growing things, and the mysterious Guide’s (think combination lawyer/therapist) skills that include calming people and making them sleep.
There are some explicit love scenes between the three men – they are beautifully rendered, but if you don’t like reading gay sex, just skip over them.
If I have any gripes here, they are minor. I love maps in fantasies, and didn’t get one here. *grumble grumble*. The author assures me there is one in the works. :)
I also wouldn’t have minded a little more world-building in terms of descriptions of the village and its surroundings. And there were a few times when Kelnaht met villagers he didn’t know, which I had a hard time believing given the apparent small size of the village.
But these are minor concerns. Arden weaves a beautiful and angsty tale of surprising depth, as Kelnaht struggles with his feelings for not one but two men, one of which he is banned from speaking to, and the other who left him under mysterious and hurtful circumstances. And there’s still a murder to be solved! I loved this story – highly recommended.
I’ll be reviewing each of the three parts of this collection as stand-alones – they’re available as individual novellas, and also in this three-story omnibus. I’ll let Blaine give you the overall series description (which I shorthand as CSI Elftown):
Kelnaht, Taruif, and Ianys are meant to be together, but old promises and the decree of the elders prevent them from claiming each other openly at Solstice. Kelnaht can investigate murder and foul play, but he can’t see how he can keep both his lovers without breaking the rules. But if he believes in the guide’s words and trusts his faith in Ma’terra, they will find a way to clear the fog and puddles from their paths.
Now on to the review.
The first book/story is The Forester. All three of these collected tales are told in first person from Kelnaht’s point of view, but somehow this never feels suffocating. Kelnaht is his village’s truth seeker, so when something unexplained happens, he’s called in to figure out the what and the why .
Kelnaht has a crush on the Forester (Taruif), a handsome, older man who has been shunned for the village for a supposed crime he committed several decades before, and the investigation into a mysterious death offers Kelnaht the rare chance to talk (somewhat tongue tied) to the man he has long admired from afar. Complicating matters is Kelnaht’s ex, Ianys, a bisexual elf who left him years before for a woman who bore him a daughter and then died shortly after.
This is a well-told tale. The village is never actually named, but there’s a wonderful cast of characters who populate it and bring it to life. It’s refreshing that being gay is entirely normal in this setting. I also loved the CSI aspect – Kelnaht and his assistant Brem use the materials at hand in the forest to create tools that ultimately confirm the killer’s identity.
There’s magic here too, of a subtle nature – Kelnaht’s truth-seeking/mind reading abilities, the Forester’s skill with growing things, and the mysterious Guide’s (think combination lawyer/therapist) skills that include calming people and making them sleep.
There are some explicit love scenes between the three men – they are beautifully rendered, but if you don’t like reading gay sex, just skip over them.
If I have any gripes here, they are minor. I love maps in fantasies, and didn’t get one here. *grumble grumble*. The author assures me there is one in the works. :)
I also wouldn’t have minded a little more world-building in terms of descriptions of the village and its surroundings. And there were a few times when Kelnaht met villagers he didn’t know, which I had a hard time believing given the apparent small size of the village.
But these are minor concerns. Arden weaves a beautiful and angsty tale of surprising depth, as Kelnaht struggles with his feelings for not one but two men, one of which he is banned from speaking to, and the other who left him under mysterious and hurtful circumstances. And there’s still a murder to be solved! I loved this story – highly recommended.
November 28, 2022
2.5 stars.
Better than I was expecting, considering it is only 60ish pages long and fantasy on top of that... I don't read fantasy very well, but this wasn't too difficult to get into.
Liked the way the world building was explained and how some things were only revealed at the end. The author could probably write longer books and they would still be easy for me to get into. The writing wasn't too bad either.
Better than I was expecting, considering it is only 60ish pages long and fantasy on top of that... I don't read fantasy very well, but this wasn't too difficult to get into.
Liked the way the world building was explained and how some things were only revealed at the end. The author could probably write longer books and they would still be easy for me to get into. The writing wasn't too bad either.
June 17, 2019
I just wanted some polyamory rep and instead had to read this fetishising rubbish with my own two eyes.
This is why I don’t read m/m written by cis straight ladies. Believe me, queer people can think about things other than sex 🙃
This is why I don’t read m/m written by cis straight ladies. Believe me, queer people can think about things other than sex 🙃
December 23, 2011
**Review for Rarely Dusty Books**
Imagine a squee and a happy dance when Janna send me the ARC request for The Forester. I’d come across the book a few days earlier and couldn’t wait for the release. Needless to say, The Forester was read upon receiving a copy and I wasn’t disappointed.
Elves? Oh my!
No these elves are not Santa’s helpers, but a combination of elves in the high fantasy genre and the world of Magic the Gathering. And as you can gather from the well-drawn cover, they are pretty darn hot.
The Characters
This story is set around three characters: Kelnaht, a sky elf and Truth Seeker; Taruif, a shunned Forester; and Ianys, a blacksmith and Kelnaht’s former lover. All three are intricately drawn characters and bring their own peculiarities into the mix, but it’s Kelnaht we come to know best as the story is set from his point of view. He’s a Truth Seeker and investigates the murder of Cyine. For an elf he comes across as a bit jaded, but as we read on, he has a reason to. In fact, he is a very sweet elf.
Taruif is the Forester, a shunned elf. He is not allowed to talk to anyone as no one is allowed to talk to him except the Guide. Taruif is shunned for a crime he committed in the past. Of all three characters, he is the one we know least about. He gets the least page time, though he is talked about by others or on Kel’s mind. This is too bad, because Taruif is a mysterious, but very interesting character and I would have liked to see more of him.
Ianys is Kel’s ex-lover and they parted on bad terms, though there are still a lot of feelings between the two. As the story is told from Kel’s point of view, the reader will have an instant dislike for Ianys until more layers are added the story. Ianys is both passionate and impulsive, which contradicts nicely with Kel’s introvert nature and Taruif’s confident, quiet character.
The Story
The Forester is a short story, but for such a short story it tells quite the tale and is very well written and edited to boot. There is a definite focus on Kelnaht and the mystery surrounding Cyine´s death. The romance between the three is woven in between that mystery, and comes secondary. Personally, I would have liked to see the story extended and focused more on the romance as well as the mystery (come on, I love hot elves getting it on!). However, the plot is well done. The mystery is believable and nicely handled. I loved how the investigative techniques involve magic, but also CSI-techniques. The romance itself is sweet. There isn’t a whole lot of elf man-sex, but what there is, it good enough to melt your screen. Still, I wanted to see more of it.
More elves?
This story being so short is perhaps my only niggle about this book. As said, I’d hoped to see a more expanded story that focused a bit more on the relationship between the three. For me, what was given, was only enough to wet my appetite (and I’m ferocious.) When The Forester ends – with a believable HFN ending – you’re not sure where things will lead. The reader is left with questions about whether or not Kel, Taruif and Ianys will make it happen, with questions concerning the Forester and his past and future and of course Kelnaht himself. I can’t give away too much here, without spoiling the story. While I’m happy that this is not a storybook ending, I very much felt a part of the story was missing.
However, that could also just be me. Not everyone likes to constantly read nicely wrapped up, worked out books. Some readers actually like to be left with questions concerning what will happen next, so for those readers The Forester is the perfect book.
Imagine a squee and a happy dance when Janna send me the ARC request for The Forester. I’d come across the book a few days earlier and couldn’t wait for the release. Needless to say, The Forester was read upon receiving a copy and I wasn’t disappointed.
Elves? Oh my!
No these elves are not Santa’s helpers, but a combination of elves in the high fantasy genre and the world of Magic the Gathering. And as you can gather from the well-drawn cover, they are pretty darn hot.
The Characters
This story is set around three characters: Kelnaht, a sky elf and Truth Seeker; Taruif, a shunned Forester; and Ianys, a blacksmith and Kelnaht’s former lover. All three are intricately drawn characters and bring their own peculiarities into the mix, but it’s Kelnaht we come to know best as the story is set from his point of view. He’s a Truth Seeker and investigates the murder of Cyine. For an elf he comes across as a bit jaded, but as we read on, he has a reason to. In fact, he is a very sweet elf.
Taruif is the Forester, a shunned elf. He is not allowed to talk to anyone as no one is allowed to talk to him except the Guide. Taruif is shunned for a crime he committed in the past. Of all three characters, he is the one we know least about. He gets the least page time, though he is talked about by others or on Kel’s mind. This is too bad, because Taruif is a mysterious, but very interesting character and I would have liked to see more of him.
Ianys is Kel’s ex-lover and they parted on bad terms, though there are still a lot of feelings between the two. As the story is told from Kel’s point of view, the reader will have an instant dislike for Ianys until more layers are added the story. Ianys is both passionate and impulsive, which contradicts nicely with Kel’s introvert nature and Taruif’s confident, quiet character.
The Story
The Forester is a short story, but for such a short story it tells quite the tale and is very well written and edited to boot. There is a definite focus on Kelnaht and the mystery surrounding Cyine´s death. The romance between the three is woven in between that mystery, and comes secondary. Personally, I would have liked to see the story extended and focused more on the romance as well as the mystery (come on, I love hot elves getting it on!). However, the plot is well done. The mystery is believable and nicely handled. I loved how the investigative techniques involve magic, but also CSI-techniques. The romance itself is sweet. There isn’t a whole lot of elf man-sex, but what there is, it good enough to melt your screen. Still, I wanted to see more of it.
More elves?
This story being so short is perhaps my only niggle about this book. As said, I’d hoped to see a more expanded story that focused a bit more on the relationship between the three. For me, what was given, was only enough to wet my appetite (and I’m ferocious.) When The Forester ends – with a believable HFN ending – you’re not sure where things will lead. The reader is left with questions about whether or not Kel, Taruif and Ianys will make it happen, with questions concerning the Forester and his past and future and of course Kelnaht himself. I can’t give away too much here, without spoiling the story. While I’m happy that this is not a storybook ending, I very much felt a part of the story was missing.
However, that could also just be me. Not everyone likes to constantly read nicely wrapped up, worked out books. Some readers actually like to be left with questions concerning what will happen next, so for those readers The Forester is the perfect book.
December 8, 2011
This review can be found at Brief Encounters Reviews
4.25 stars
This is first-time author Blaine D. Arden’s debut story and I have to say I was very impressed. CSI meets elves meets menage-y goodness. Kelnaht, is a truth seeker, which is rather a combination elf police/CSI expert. He is called in investigate a murder, along with his assistant. Because the murder happened immediately outside the forester’s home, suspicion falls upon him. The forester has been shunned, and no one but The Guide is allowed to talk to him, even Kel, although he’s been secretly lusting over the man for years. Kel is approached by his ex-lover who wants him to know the forester is innocent, as he is now the foresters lover, a deed which Kel could arrest him for and have him shunned as well. However he still love Ianys, even though he abandoned him years ago to marry a woman, who later died, and had a child.
This was interesting how the author took some elfin magic and applied it roughly to criminal investigation techniques. They can sense things from the body, raise evidence such as bruises and finger marks, get signatures off of clothing or bits of evidence and sense where people have been. Also rather like a mystical autopsy can be performed with no invasive measures needed. Kel also has the ability to enter someone’s mind to determine the truth, which he is forced to do later much to his dismay, as it forces him to witness the murder.
The romantic substory of Kel, Ianys and Taruif was sweet and bittersweet at the same time. Ianys finally explains his abandonment of Kel, and now a truth seeker is faced with breaking the very laws he upholds, in order to be with the men he loves. The Guide gave some cryptic remarks that essentially came down to “everything will work out” which left me a bit lost, as I couldn’t see how. I thought the ending was sweet, if a bit sad, in how the men would have to live their lives given the hurdles they faced. However I appreciated that, compared to some of the tacked on “solved everything – ta da – happy ever after” I’ve seen lately. This ending made me believe a happy ever after would come, but it wouldn’t be easy and they’d have to persevere to get there. More realistic I think.
My only quibble would be that I was a bit unclear with the mystical elf talk about puddles and such and HOW it would work out, but that was minor. I have to say I was as interested in the whole murder investigation and how they went about it as I was in the romance. Not that I didn’t feel a connection between the men, that was there, a long-term longing on all sides, but being a police procedural fan I enjoyed that portion of the story. So if you are in the mood for some elfin police drama, coupled with sweet but challenging romance, an excellent choice that I very much enjoyed.
Also the cover depicts and actual scene from the story which is always nice to see.
4.25 stars
This is first-time author Blaine D. Arden’s debut story and I have to say I was very impressed. CSI meets elves meets menage-y goodness. Kelnaht, is a truth seeker, which is rather a combination elf police/CSI expert. He is called in investigate a murder, along with his assistant. Because the murder happened immediately outside the forester’s home, suspicion falls upon him. The forester has been shunned, and no one but The Guide is allowed to talk to him, even Kel, although he’s been secretly lusting over the man for years. Kel is approached by his ex-lover who wants him to know the forester is innocent, as he is now the foresters lover, a deed which Kel could arrest him for and have him shunned as well. However he still love Ianys, even though he abandoned him years ago to marry a woman, who later died, and had a child.
This was interesting how the author took some elfin magic and applied it roughly to criminal investigation techniques. They can sense things from the body, raise evidence such as bruises and finger marks, get signatures off of clothing or bits of evidence and sense where people have been. Also rather like a mystical autopsy can be performed with no invasive measures needed. Kel also has the ability to enter someone’s mind to determine the truth, which he is forced to do later much to his dismay, as it forces him to witness the murder.
The romantic substory of Kel, Ianys and Taruif was sweet and bittersweet at the same time. Ianys finally explains his abandonment of Kel, and now a truth seeker is faced with breaking the very laws he upholds, in order to be with the men he loves. The Guide gave some cryptic remarks that essentially came down to “everything will work out” which left me a bit lost, as I couldn’t see how. I thought the ending was sweet, if a bit sad, in how the men would have to live their lives given the hurdles they faced. However I appreciated that, compared to some of the tacked on “solved everything – ta da – happy ever after” I’ve seen lately. This ending made me believe a happy ever after would come, but it wouldn’t be easy and they’d have to persevere to get there. More realistic I think.
My only quibble would be that I was a bit unclear with the mystical elf talk about puddles and such and HOW it would work out, but that was minor. I have to say I was as interested in the whole murder investigation and how they went about it as I was in the romance. Not that I didn’t feel a connection between the men, that was there, a long-term longing on all sides, but being a police procedural fan I enjoyed that portion of the story. So if you are in the mood for some elfin police drama, coupled with sweet but challenging romance, an excellent choice that I very much enjoyed.
Also the cover depicts and actual scene from the story which is always nice to see.
January 31, 2012
This review was originally posted on my blog Joyfully Jay.
Kelnaht is a Truth Seeker, tasked with investigating the murder of a fellow elf, Cyine. Cyine has been strangled, and suspicion turns toward the Forester, an elf that has been shunned from the community. Kelnaht is strongly attracted toward the Forester (Taruif), but is not allowed to even speak his name, let alone enter a relationship with him without risking being shunned himself. He is not allowed to talk to him directly either, making it difficult to clear his name in the murder.
Complicating matters is the involvement of Kelnaht's former lover, Ianys. Ianys broke off their relationship because he wanted a child, although his female mate has since died. Kelnaht still loves him, despite his hurt over the abandonment. Ianys reveals to Kelnaht that he is now involved with Taruif, and that Taruif witnessed someone suspicious at the scene of the murder. Ianys wants to lie and say he is the eyewitness, but Kelnaht doesn't want him to risk getting caught and losing his daughter. And revealing his relationship with the Forester will put Ianys at risk. Kelnaht must decide if he can protect the men that he loves while still discovering who really murdered Cyine. And once the murderer is caught, he must figure out if there is any way to have Taruif and Ianys in his life the way he truly wants.
I enjoyed this short story and the glimpse into the elfin world. There was just enough detail to create an interesting and rich world, without getting bogged down in too much minutia for a short story. The murder investigation moved along well and the techniques Kelnaht uses to analyze the evidence and speak to witnesses are really interesting. The power (or energy) that Kelnaht uses to examine the evidence is very parallel to modern investigative techniques. I think Arden did a nice job laying out the mystery and resolving it nicely in a short number of pages.
I also liked the relationship between the three men, although I do wish there was a bit more time for things to develop, especially between Kelnaht and Taruif as they were the two without a preexisting relationship. But this is one of the limitations of the short story format, and I think Arden does a nice job giving us a feel for the threesome and what the future might bring. It was a nice intertwining of a darker mystery with a nice, sweet romance. I really liked Kelnaht and was rooting for him to find his way to the men he loved.
This was my first story by Arden and I really liked her voice and the way she made this new world approachable and interesting. I will definitely keep my eyes open for more from this author.
Kelnaht is a Truth Seeker, tasked with investigating the murder of a fellow elf, Cyine. Cyine has been strangled, and suspicion turns toward the Forester, an elf that has been shunned from the community. Kelnaht is strongly attracted toward the Forester (Taruif), but is not allowed to even speak his name, let alone enter a relationship with him without risking being shunned himself. He is not allowed to talk to him directly either, making it difficult to clear his name in the murder.
Complicating matters is the involvement of Kelnaht's former lover, Ianys. Ianys broke off their relationship because he wanted a child, although his female mate has since died. Kelnaht still loves him, despite his hurt over the abandonment. Ianys reveals to Kelnaht that he is now involved with Taruif, and that Taruif witnessed someone suspicious at the scene of the murder. Ianys wants to lie and say he is the eyewitness, but Kelnaht doesn't want him to risk getting caught and losing his daughter. And revealing his relationship with the Forester will put Ianys at risk. Kelnaht must decide if he can protect the men that he loves while still discovering who really murdered Cyine. And once the murderer is caught, he must figure out if there is any way to have Taruif and Ianys in his life the way he truly wants.
I enjoyed this short story and the glimpse into the elfin world. There was just enough detail to create an interesting and rich world, without getting bogged down in too much minutia for a short story. The murder investigation moved along well and the techniques Kelnaht uses to analyze the evidence and speak to witnesses are really interesting. The power (or energy) that Kelnaht uses to examine the evidence is very parallel to modern investigative techniques. I think Arden did a nice job laying out the mystery and resolving it nicely in a short number of pages.
I also liked the relationship between the three men, although I do wish there was a bit more time for things to develop, especially between Kelnaht and Taruif as they were the two without a preexisting relationship. But this is one of the limitations of the short story format, and I think Arden does a nice job giving us a feel for the threesome and what the future might bring. It was a nice intertwining of a darker mystery with a nice, sweet romance. I really liked Kelnaht and was rooting for him to find his way to the men he loved.
This was my first story by Arden and I really liked her voice and the way she made this new world approachable and interesting. I will definitely keep my eyes open for more from this author.
December 30, 2011
Overall
With enjoyable characters, a twisty romance plot, and murder case to move it all along, "The Forester" is an enjoyable, although regrettably short, read. Arden does a commendable job of building the world in a short amount of time and has a strong writing style. However, the story could have been strengthened by further development of the characters and their relationships and my enjoyment was restricted by my struggle to believe the emotional interactions.
I enjoyed the nugget we received, but would have loved to see more development. I feel my review below is harsher than I mean it to sound, as I did enjoy the story and the writing, but the two driving forces of the story have elements of weakness that detract from it's rating.
Strengths
Arden is a strong story teller capable of painting a very nice picture of the world, the characters, and the scenes. The Kelnaht's conflicts involving his heart, go a long way to developing his character, as do his interactions with the Guide, who I find to be the most intriguing character of the story. The writing is such that I would definitely check out other works by this author.
While the world creation isn't too deep, the reader is provided all the necessary facts while not being given too much information. The perfect balance of provided and implied lets the reader supply with imagination anything that isn't told. In addition, a highly appropriate cover adds multiple details to the mind's eye.
Weaknesses
The murder plot felt somewhat secondary to the relationship plot, although it motivated several events. The mystery lacked suspense and as a result I didn't really care who'd-dun-it. It worked as a tool to bring The Forester into dealings with the Truth Seeker, but aside from that, it fell a little flat as there didn't seem to be an energy driving the investigation. I also wish that we had been given more about why the Forester was exiled before the end, although I am glad we were told eventually.
While I liked the romance and the struggle there, the story didn't give much space for understanding why the characters were drawn to each other and were willing to make the sacrifices they did for one another. I felt like it could have been expanded into a novella easily to build all the background that was needed to really understand any of the emotional draws between any of the characters but the ones who had once been together. That said, if you're able to suspend needing to know a reason, the story plays out very well.
Received this book for review.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
With enjoyable characters, a twisty romance plot, and murder case to move it all along, "The Forester" is an enjoyable, although regrettably short, read. Arden does a commendable job of building the world in a short amount of time and has a strong writing style. However, the story could have been strengthened by further development of the characters and their relationships and my enjoyment was restricted by my struggle to believe the emotional interactions.
I enjoyed the nugget we received, but would have loved to see more development. I feel my review below is harsher than I mean it to sound, as I did enjoy the story and the writing, but the two driving forces of the story have elements of weakness that detract from it's rating.
Strengths
Arden is a strong story teller capable of painting a very nice picture of the world, the characters, and the scenes. The Kelnaht's conflicts involving his heart, go a long way to developing his character, as do his interactions with the Guide, who I find to be the most intriguing character of the story. The writing is such that I would definitely check out other works by this author.
While the world creation isn't too deep, the reader is provided all the necessary facts while not being given too much information. The perfect balance of provided and implied lets the reader supply with imagination anything that isn't told. In addition, a highly appropriate cover adds multiple details to the mind's eye.
Weaknesses
The murder plot felt somewhat secondary to the relationship plot, although it motivated several events. The mystery lacked suspense and as a result I didn't really care who'd-dun-it. It worked as a tool to bring The Forester into dealings with the Truth Seeker, but aside from that, it fell a little flat as there didn't seem to be an energy driving the investigation. I also wish that we had been given more about why the Forester was exiled before the end, although I am glad we were told eventually.
While I liked the romance and the struggle there, the story didn't give much space for understanding why the characters were drawn to each other and were willing to make the sacrifices they did for one another. I felt like it could have been expanded into a novella easily to build all the background that was needed to really understand any of the emotional draws between any of the characters but the ones who had once been together. That said, if you're able to suspend needing to know a reason, the story plays out very well.
Received this book for review.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
March 28, 2014
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading The Forester, which is refreshing. What I didn’t expect was a well written and well thought out alternate universe comprised of Cloud Elves, Tree Elves and many other beings who I’m sure we have yet to meet. The society is of course centred in a Forest where everyone has their place, their talents and some special abilities. Kelnaht is a cloud elf, which means he has wings and he is also a Truth Seeker with the ability to scan for and interpret physical evidence in crimes. He and his apprentice Brem are an Elven CSI team, complete with interrogation techniques and autopsy methods. The eponymous elf of this short story is called Taruif and is a shunned elf who looks after the Trees and builds/ designs the community’s dwellings. Why he is shunned comes out during this story. The first Forester revolves around the case of a murdered female cloud elf, whom Kelnaht had briefly dated,
The murder enquiry is good, intriguing and you forget that these are Elves and become immersed in their world and the crime. There is a new Triad/menage introduced in this story between Ianys, Taruif and Kelnaht, which is very sensual and their story is continued in Forester II
Full review at www.prismbookalliance.com
I received a RC in exchange for an honest opinion
…before I realized I preferred flat chests and permanent stubble.
The murder enquiry is good, intriguing and you forget that these are Elves and become immersed in their world and the crime. There is a new Triad/menage introduced in this story between Ianys, Taruif and Kelnaht, which is very sensual and their story is continued in Forester II
Full review at www.prismbookalliance.com
I received a RC in exchange for an honest opinion
May 12, 2012
I'm not always a big fan of fantasy but I really enjoyed this book. Kelnaht is a Truth Seeker and it is his job to discover who murdered a woman found in the forest. Suspicion falls on the Forester a man Kelnaht has forbidden feelings for. The story takes another twisting turn when Ianys (Kelnaht's ex-lover) comes to him to tell him that he can provide an alibi for the Forester as they were together at the time. The author has created a beautiful world and mixed this with a tale of murder mystery. A great deal of the book deals with Kalnaht's struggle with his feelings for both Ianys and Taruif (the Forester). The end is closer to a HFN with some loose ends not quite tied up and I would love to read the next part of these three men's story.
December 27, 2011
At the beginning there are a lot of dark emotions in this book: there is murder, suspicion, betrayal, jealousy, loneliness, but by the end of the book the darkness gives way to passion, love and hope. I liked both the world building, especially how the ways of the elves' society is explained without info dumping, and the writing, which is lyrical, but not too sophisticated and it's perfect for the story. There is also a touch of modernity, because Kelnaht, the protagonist, has the power to coax the truth out of suspects, but his inquiries start with a scientific method of collecting proof. All these little details made the story unique and surprising. Recommended!
December 27, 2016
The perfect read for tea and cookies. And I wonder what it would feel like to have wings?
December 25, 2025
The Forester: Forester Triad Act One is a captivating entry into the Tales of the Forest series, blending fantasy, intrigue, and complex romance in a richly imagined woodland world. The story follows Kelnaht, a cloud elf torn between love, duty, and the pursuit of truth, as a murder and a hidden affair among the tree elves upend the harmony of his tribe.
Arden’s world-building is vivid and immersive, from the mystical forest landscapes to the detailed elf cultures and hierarchies. The story excels at exploring emotional tension Kelnaht’s struggle with forbidden desire, the fraught dynamics between his ex-lover Ianys and the shunned forester Taruif, and the looming pressures of tribal expectations create a layered, compelling narrative.
Despite its concise length (18,600 words), the novella balances romance, suspense, and moral dilemmas, making it a satisfying introduction to the series. The cryptic guidance of the spiritual pathfinder adds an intriguing mystical element, keeping readers engaged and curious for the next installment.
Fans of fantasy with rich emotional stakes, love triangles, and mystical forests will find The Forester an engaging and thoughtful read
Arden’s world-building is vivid and immersive, from the mystical forest landscapes to the detailed elf cultures and hierarchies. The story excels at exploring emotional tension Kelnaht’s struggle with forbidden desire, the fraught dynamics between his ex-lover Ianys and the shunned forester Taruif, and the looming pressures of tribal expectations create a layered, compelling narrative.
Despite its concise length (18,600 words), the novella balances romance, suspense, and moral dilemmas, making it a satisfying introduction to the series. The cryptic guidance of the spiritual pathfinder adds an intriguing mystical element, keeping readers engaged and curious for the next installment.
Fans of fantasy with rich emotional stakes, love triangles, and mystical forests will find The Forester an engaging and thoughtful read
February 4, 2024
M/M/M fantasy romance with a murder mystery background.
Book 1/3.
This had potential with its world building but was unfortunately squandered.
Told from Kelnaht’s POV, a cloud elf detective of sorts and as he investigates a murder he can’t seem to avoid his ex-lover or his secret crush.
Crushing on someone for 5 years is a bit much and quite juvenile. The plot was lost for me when Kel does a 180 on upholding . It felt like insta-love. Why is it suddenly easy to ignore all the consequences? Just after one HJ/frottage scene (super light on details)!
Everything was just overly dramatic including Ianys reasons for betrayal or Taruif shunning that wasn’t explained until the very end.
And I really don’t understand Ianys. He wrongs Kel on so many levels and continues to avoid him because of the supposed consequences as if there were none with Taruif?! What kind of logic is that?! If he got caught he risks
Basically Ianys is a total asshole in my book.
There really was no relationship development, it just went from Kel pinning to committing to not only one elf but two! Bam…in a quick second!
The chemistry/hardly-there sex wasn’t convincing either. Ends on a HFN.
A lost opportunity.
Book 1/3.
This had potential with its world building but was unfortunately squandered.
Told from Kelnaht’s POV, a cloud elf detective of sorts and as he investigates a murder he can’t seem to avoid his ex-lover or his secret crush.
Crushing on someone for 5 years is a bit much and quite juvenile. The plot was lost for me when Kel does a 180 on upholding . It felt like insta-love. Why is it suddenly easy to ignore all the consequences? Just after one HJ/frottage scene (super light on details)!
Everything was just overly dramatic including Ianys reasons for betrayal or Taruif shunning that wasn’t explained until the very end.
And I really don’t understand Ianys. He wrongs Kel on so many levels and continues to avoid him because of the supposed consequences as if there were none with Taruif?! What kind of logic is that?! If he got caught he risks
Basically Ianys is a total asshole in my book.
There really was no relationship development, it just went from Kel pinning to committing to not only one elf but two! Bam…in a quick second!
The chemistry/hardly-there sex wasn’t convincing either. Ends on a HFN.
A lost opportunity.
July 1, 2023
This book is an interesting story of Kelnaht who is truth seeker elf in his village. He is in love with Ianys who left him for a lady. But Ianys is involved with Taruif. Taruif is also shunned so no one can talk to him. A lady is killed and people want to blame Yaruif. But Ianys convinced him to help Taruif. But in doing so, Kelnaht ends up falling in love with both men. Now they must work out a way that the three of them can be together.
December 31, 2021
4.5
I really liked this. I think it builds just enough world for the shortness of it and I liked the characters a lot. I did think Ianys was forgiven far too easily for the amount of hurt he was supposed to have caused and all of his excuses felt after-the-fact.
I really liked this. I think it builds just enough world for the shortness of it and I liked the characters a lot. I did think Ianys was forgiven far too easily for the amount of hurt he was supposed to have caused and all of his excuses felt after-the-fact.
June 15, 2022
I was really intrigued by the world the author created in this story. There was so much backstory and emotion invested in the main characters and the Elvish community, which gave both the investigation and the romance such energy. Thoroughly enjoyable.
July 30, 2022
A charming love story, queer & non-monogamy too!
I loved this book!! Short and sweet. I love the gentle, charming, loving interactions among the three. Warms my queer polyamorous heart!! Looking forward to reading the sequels.
I loved this book!! Short and sweet. I love the gentle, charming, loving interactions among the three. Warms my queer polyamorous heart!! Looking forward to reading the sequels.
July 19, 2023
What a world
I love being thrown into a world in a story. Orienting myself to what’s going on in this story was fun and it was a murder mystery to boot. Enjoyed it. On the the next one.
I love being thrown into a world in a story. Orienting myself to what’s going on in this story was fun and it was a murder mystery to boot. Enjoyed it. On the the next one.
June 7, 2018
Ianys has NOT earned the forgiveness of Kelnaht. 1 star.
June 9, 2022
See my web site for a full review of “The Forester”.
July 27, 2023
It had an interesting plot but it was just not my thing.
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