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The Ithenmyr Chronicles #5
Of Shale and Smoke
The end has come.
This is the final installment in The Ithenmyr Chronicles. Full blurb coming soon.
This Rapunzel retelling is a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers high fantasy romance, and it is filled with banter, fated mates, fake marriage, and world-building. Of Shale and Smoke is book 5/5 in The Ithenmyr Chronicles.
There will be a happy ending at the end of the series.
This series is upper YA/NA and will have moderate steam as the series progresses. There are some instances of violence, language, and mature situations. Recommended for ages sixteen and up.
This is the final installment in The Ithenmyr Chronicles. Full blurb coming soon.
This Rapunzel retelling is a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers high fantasy romance, and it is filled with banter, fated mates, fake marriage, and world-building. Of Shale and Smoke is book 5/5 in The Ithenmyr Chronicles.
There will be a happy ending at the end of the series.
This series is upper YA/NA and will have moderate steam as the series progresses. There are some instances of violence, language, and mature situations. Recommended for ages sixteen and up.
496 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 8, 2023
125 people are currently reading
4480 people want to read
About the author
Elayna R. Gallea
32 books2,027 followersElayna Gallea lives in beautiful New Brunswick, Canada with her husband and two kids. They have dogs and cats and enjoy touring their beautiful province whenever they can.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 6, 2024
Cry because it happened and because it’s over
Skipped the fourth book and read the last few chapters of this book to know how it ends. This could’ve been two maybe three books
Skipped the fourth book and read the last few chapters of this book to know how it ends. This could’ve been two maybe three books
January 13, 2024
I absolutely loved this series. I started it right after finishing the Tethered series. Which, I loved getting to see some of those characters back, and the friendship between Aileana and Luna! The stories wrapped up so beautifully and the end battle was intense. I loved this world and all of these characters. Aileana and Rhyllea being my favorites! There were some spelling and grammar issues, but nothing that took away from the story!
Read
April 30, 2024I’m glad this series wrapped up and it wasn’t drawn out any longer.
——spoilers——-
The balance is broken! Even the characters are tired of hearing about it. Well guess what. I’m tired of Xander.
Thank god Daegal calls out Xander for being so self absorbed.
Xander conveniently forgot he was captured and told Aileana to abandon him and live, while she planned (and succeeded) to get him back. He just wallows in self pity, and oh no my mate is gone. Dude she saved everyone and your unborn child giving you time to plan and you spend a week being a self absorbing dick instead of planning her rescue. You don’t deserve her.
….
Even on the eve of battle he’s like it’s my right as her mate ask her to stay behind. If I die it won’t matter because she’ll be alive… because your death won’t cause her to wither and die like your separation almost did? The way Daegal supports Ryllae and wishes she could see herself the way he sees her is so much better (“you’re stronger than you think”) than Xander’s constant overbearing-ness. Even his dragon thinks he’s full of shit sometimes. He’s always vowing to be better… not sure he’s fulfilled that.
No surprises, no real drama— of course they’d fix the balance and of course everyone survives.
Going to read tethered though, the interaction with the vampires intrigued me.
——spoilers——-
The balance is broken! Even the characters are tired of hearing about it. Well guess what. I’m tired of Xander.
Thank god Daegal calls out Xander for being so self absorbed.
Xander conveniently forgot he was captured and told Aileana to abandon him and live, while she planned (and succeeded) to get him back. He just wallows in self pity, and oh no my mate is gone. Dude she saved everyone and your unborn child giving you time to plan and you spend a week being a self absorbing dick instead of planning her rescue. You don’t deserve her.
….
Even on the eve of battle he’s like it’s my right as her mate ask her to stay behind. If I die it won’t matter because she’ll be alive… because your death won’t cause her to wither and die like your separation almost did? The way Daegal supports Ryllae and wishes she could see herself the way he sees her is so much better (“you’re stronger than you think”) than Xander’s constant overbearing-ness. Even his dragon thinks he’s full of shit sometimes. He’s always vowing to be better… not sure he’s fulfilled that.
No surprises, no real drama— of course they’d fix the balance and of course everyone survives.
Going to read tethered though, the interaction with the vampires intrigued me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2024
I read this series after reading the Binding Chronicles which I loved and was sorely disappointed.
While this last book was somewhat of a satisfactory ending, it was not the epic crossover I hoped it would be. The vampires of this world have so much to offer yet they were minimally featured in this story.
I struggled to get through the first half and skimmed most of it. It’s all so repetitive! We get it. They’re *bonded mates* Aileana stabbed Xander the first time they met *LOL* So Bossy. Incorrigible females. This mate of mine. It’s just all too much. And to go on for *five books* like this? I really couldn’t take it. Whenever it started getting repetitive (which was often) I just skimmed for the dialogue and moved along.
I also cannot stand the main characters. The idea is lovely. A dragon and the last earth elf. But their relationship is awful. We know *they love each other sooo much* because the author reminds us every 3rd sentence, but all they do is bicker and not communicate with each other. Xander is constantly hiding something from Aileana, and in turn Aileana is going behind Xanders back because he’s so controlling he freaks out any time Aileana has an opinion of her own. Xander has absolutely no redeeming qualities. Aileana’s character is strong and she is constantly dragged down by him.
The other *bonded mates* in this story have a much better relationship. Daegal is supportive, kind, and encouraging to Ryllae. Bringing her comfort and reminding her of how strong she truly is. That being said I’m still not entirely clear what the High Lady of Death does? She had one awesome scene in one of the books where she decimated a bunch of wolves in one blow. I feel like she had so much potential but other than that one time, she just uses her typical Death Elf magic.
Now if I hated it so much why did I keep reading for *five books*? I loved the world. I loved the different elves, the magic, and the promise of the vampires returning by book 5 kept me going.
Was it worth it? No. With some better editing I think this author has some solid stories and could really have something special here. Until then I won’t read any more of her books.
While this last book was somewhat of a satisfactory ending, it was not the epic crossover I hoped it would be. The vampires of this world have so much to offer yet they were minimally featured in this story.
I struggled to get through the first half and skimmed most of it. It’s all so repetitive! We get it. They’re *bonded mates* Aileana stabbed Xander the first time they met *LOL* So Bossy. Incorrigible females. This mate of mine. It’s just all too much. And to go on for *five books* like this? I really couldn’t take it. Whenever it started getting repetitive (which was often) I just skimmed for the dialogue and moved along.
I also cannot stand the main characters. The idea is lovely. A dragon and the last earth elf. But their relationship is awful. We know *they love each other sooo much* because the author reminds us every 3rd sentence, but all they do is bicker and not communicate with each other. Xander is constantly hiding something from Aileana, and in turn Aileana is going behind Xanders back because he’s so controlling he freaks out any time Aileana has an opinion of her own. Xander has absolutely no redeeming qualities. Aileana’s character is strong and she is constantly dragged down by him.
The other *bonded mates* in this story have a much better relationship. Daegal is supportive, kind, and encouraging to Ryllae. Bringing her comfort and reminding her of how strong she truly is. That being said I’m still not entirely clear what the High Lady of Death does? She had one awesome scene in one of the books where she decimated a bunch of wolves in one blow. I feel like she had so much potential but other than that one time, she just uses her typical Death Elf magic.
Now if I hated it so much why did I keep reading for *five books*? I loved the world. I loved the different elves, the magic, and the promise of the vampires returning by book 5 kept me going.
Was it worth it? No. With some better editing I think this author has some solid stories and could really have something special here. Until then I won’t read any more of her books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2023
***ARC review***
Well, where do I begin? This is a fantastic end to a fantastic series and Aileana and Xander finally got their happy ending. I'm glad Elayna didn't kill off any of the much loved MCs after teasing us on social media 😆.
It's hard to review without giving away any spoilers. There wasn't anything I disliked. Having read the previous four books, the finale was well rounded as realtionships and characters were well developed by this point. it was just nice to see them carry on in the story. The pace was good and there is plenty of action. I did not expect Saena's ending to turn out the way it did but I really liked it.
I feel Elayna did a great job with Ryllae's character as she came out of a very abusive background. I felt her development over the books was more realistic in terms of one's self-esteem, confidence and reality when having to keep marching on when dealing with the effects of prolonged abuse. There wasn't a 'quick fix' for Rayllae and she was still healing and moving forward as the book ended. Much respect to the author for her portrayal of such a character 🫶🏽.
Alieana, similarly came out of an abusive background and evolved into a strong worrier woman who opened herself up to love with her soul-mate. The development of this character was also satisfying and I'd love it if Elayna wrote another book. She leaves you wanting more.
I will say, this isn't a closed door series when it comes to intimacy. The author is classy with her writing when it comes to such matters, however, it's on the page so that may put some readers off. There's far more action and in-depth character development than intimate scenes so that's something to think about. I highly recommend this series and the author. This is my favourite series to date 😁
Well, where do I begin? This is a fantastic end to a fantastic series and Aileana and Xander finally got their happy ending. I'm glad Elayna didn't kill off any of the much loved MCs after teasing us on social media 😆.
It's hard to review without giving away any spoilers. There wasn't anything I disliked. Having read the previous four books, the finale was well rounded as realtionships and characters were well developed by this point. it was just nice to see them carry on in the story. The pace was good and there is plenty of action. I did not expect Saena's ending to turn out the way it did but I really liked it.
I feel Elayna did a great job with Ryllae's character as she came out of a very abusive background. I felt her development over the books was more realistic in terms of one's self-esteem, confidence and reality when having to keep marching on when dealing with the effects of prolonged abuse. There wasn't a 'quick fix' for Rayllae and she was still healing and moving forward as the book ended. Much respect to the author for her portrayal of such a character 🫶🏽.
Alieana, similarly came out of an abusive background and evolved into a strong worrier woman who opened herself up to love with her soul-mate. The development of this character was also satisfying and I'd love it if Elayna wrote another book. She leaves you wanting more.
I will say, this isn't a closed door series when it comes to intimacy. The author is classy with her writing when it comes to such matters, however, it's on the page so that may put some readers off. There's far more action and in-depth character development than intimate scenes so that's something to think about. I highly recommend this series and the author. This is my favourite series to date 😁
March 13, 2024
Preferred the first four books over the finale. It felt drawn out. This one took me the longest to read and I wasnt enjoying it most of the time.
October 25, 2024
Honestly I’m so glad I’m done with this series. Only read it because I don’t like to leave things unfinished. There were more editing mistakes in this one, I got tired of Aileana’s character and Ryllae’s character as well. I truly don’t think Aileana and Xander should be together, they’re both very much the same personality and she’s just quick to violence, always threatening to stab him. We get it, you stabbed him the first time you met, you know how to use a dagger. Then Ryllae just got on my nerves with underestimating herself so much and being so needy for reassurance. Where was all the anger and madness that fueled her when she first left the prison? I get she was abused but she did a complete turnaround of her character. The lead up to the battle was so drawn out, it got boring after a while and I would have to take a break from reading often. Then on top of it all was the hypocrisy of the way Aileana acted when Xander gave up himself as a sacrifice for the Gilded Amulet when she did pretty much the exact same thing when she gave herself up as prisoner to Saena. They got mad at each other for not consulting each other and making the decision on their own but yet Xander was quick to say sorry while Aileana was not and kept rambling about how she’s her own person and independent and no one owns her. It just got old really fast. Overall, definitely not a series that caught my interest much nor would I reread later down the road.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2025
The plot throughout this series was good and had a lot of potential. It made up for the poor writing at times. However, I was a little disappointed by the final battle. All of the build up about Aileanna and Ryllae's power only to not have it be that exciting during the final battle. I thought it would be part of the tipping point to help them win which is what I thought would help restore the balance, but instead them just shooting their magic into the ground restored the balance? Just seemed like a whole lot of build up to not that much. I also was disappointed that we didn't get any follow-up on Saena in the epilogue. They decide to let her live, but don't follow-up on if separating her draken from her makes her a good person or not. Also, the biggest pet peeve I had with the writing was the over-use of "earth elf", "dragon", "fortune elf" "death elf", etc. You gave your characters names for a reason.... just use them. By book 5/5 we are well aware what type of mystical creature all of the characters are.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2023
Holy moly. This book, the ending of this series, the culmination of 5 books worth of character development, amazing world building and insane plot was absolutely everything.
I cried, both happy and we tears. I was there with the characters every step of the way.
The multiple POV’s throughout this book brought a whole new dimension, and being able to explore different characters from different perspectives bolstered the richness of this story.
Character development was still strong throughout the book, Ryllae especially really blossomed and has steadfast become one of my favourite characters.
I absolutely LOVED the way that this series and the Binding Chronicles linked and how we got to see the interactions between the characters from the two different series.
I am sad the series is over but I’m overjoyed by the ending.
If you haven’t read this series I can’t recommend it enough!
I cried, both happy and we tears. I was there with the characters every step of the way.
The multiple POV’s throughout this book brought a whole new dimension, and being able to explore different characters from different perspectives bolstered the richness of this story.
Character development was still strong throughout the book, Ryllae especially really blossomed and has steadfast become one of my favourite characters.
I absolutely LOVED the way that this series and the Binding Chronicles linked and how we got to see the interactions between the characters from the two different series.
I am sad the series is over but I’m overjoyed by the ending.
If you haven’t read this series I can’t recommend it enough!
November 17, 2023
The final battle is coming and Aileana and the group must call upon allies new and old for the battle. The Balance must be restored or there is no hope from the future. But first Aileana has to get out of her tower and back to her family.
Writing this is bittersweet. One on hand I'm so glad that I was able to be on this journey with the characters. The relationships built and all the hardships they overcame. They all deserved their happy endings. But on the other hand the journey is over. I know that Elayna has more books planned in different timelines in this world but I have grown so attached to this mishmash group. I hope their peace lasts for a long time. Also glad to see Sebastian and Luna again.
Rating 4 stars
*I received a review copy from the author for my voluntary and honest review
Writing this is bittersweet. One on hand I'm so glad that I was able to be on this journey with the characters. The relationships built and all the hardships they overcame. They all deserved their happy endings. But on the other hand the journey is over. I know that Elayna has more books planned in different timelines in this world but I have grown so attached to this mishmash group. I hope their peace lasts for a long time. Also glad to see Sebastian and Luna again.
Rating 4 stars
*I received a review copy from the author for my voluntary and honest review
November 13, 2023
After a long wait, the final book of the Ithenmyr Chronicles is here! Continuing their journey to restore balance, each pair has their own obstacles to face. Xander and Aileana meet with the vampires, Daegal and Ryllae go to the merpeople, and Maiela and Kysha go to Ipotha.
As each of them continue, new obstacles arise before they are able to reunite as a larger group. The path to balance is dangerous and wrought with uncertainty, but our characters finally come together in a desperate battle for restoration. Will they be able to achieve it in time?
Such great development in this one, a wonderful ending to such a great series!
As each of them continue, new obstacles arise before they are able to reunite as a larger group. The path to balance is dangerous and wrought with uncertainty, but our characters finally come together in a desperate battle for restoration. Will they be able to achieve it in time?
Such great development in this one, a wonderful ending to such a great series!
November 25, 2023
Oh my heart is full as I finish this series! At the same time I am sad to be leaving this particular world Elayna created. I'm going to be suffering a book hangover for a while, but all the truly excellent books do that.
If you want to read books with strong female characters, this series is filled with them! This world is filled with action, intrigue, love, heartache, friendship, rivalry, good and evil. It's never dull and you are guaranteed to laugh at least half a dozen times in each installment...probably more but we all have a different since of humor.
Check it out!!
If you want to read books with strong female characters, this series is filled with them! This world is filled with action, intrigue, love, heartache, friendship, rivalry, good and evil. It's never dull and you are guaranteed to laugh at least half a dozen times in each installment...probably more but we all have a different since of humor.
Check it out!!
December 28, 2023
I had the absolute pleasure to beta read this book and I am happily devastated! I cried the whole first half it was so hard and so emotional! I feel like I read it to fast and it was over too quickly. I was stressed so much even reading the epilogue from the binding chronicles and knew how it would somehow end up. I love this series, I’m so thankful to be able to beta and arc read so many books from this series. I’m sad it’s over but I’m glad I was taken along for the ride. Elayna you are amazing. I don’t even know if you even read reviews but thank you endlessly and forever
March 7, 2024
Wow what a journey! I laughed, I cried, I screamed, this series will forever have a special place in my heart. I don’t know why but knowing their story is done has me crying writing this review. I will forever recommend this series. I actually read the binding chronicles first and was so happy when I found this series which is interconnected 🤘🏼🤘🏼
I really don’t like the pregnancy trope but the way this one was done was just natural it was the next step in their journey.
Will be buying the physical copies because this just became my new comfort read
I really don’t like the pregnancy trope but the way this one was done was just natural it was the next step in their journey.
Will be buying the physical copies because this just became my new comfort read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2024
I wanted to love this series but I just didn’t, I found I was struggling to read it but I’m not a quitter.
I really just didn’t like Xander’s character at all. He was far too overly possessive and it made me cringe whilst I was reading. I think I only managed to get through it as it wasn’t all just focused on him.
I don’t think I have disliked a character like this in any of the books I have read.
It was only once I got up to maybe the fourth book that his character grated on me. He was just TOO much.
I really just didn’t like Xander’s character at all. He was far too overly possessive and it made me cringe whilst I was reading. I think I only managed to get through it as it wasn’t all just focused on him.
I don’t think I have disliked a character like this in any of the books I have read.
It was only once I got up to maybe the fourth book that his character grated on me. He was just TOO much.
December 29, 2024
So for starters thank you for guaranteeing us a happy ending AND after the resolution of this shit show letting them live happy little non problematic lives. I like the way they saved Xander and I’m glad I was wrong about the cost (I thought he was gonna lose his dragon). Also I was a fan of the pregnancy I know, crazy. But why did they make the baby have red hair and golden eyes … why not white hair and green eyes (come on now). And some of the shit she was doing pregnant was unrealistic. I miss nonna. Anyways. Solid ending. Good, fun series. I like that every couple was happy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2025
I absolutely loved the writing style and the way that the story line finish! The Battle of Balance was thoughtfully orchestrated and was the perfect length. I especially enjoyed that Alienna’s pregnancy did not become the entire plot. I’ve noticed it easy for authors to make the pregnancy the entire plot, so I was very glad to see that this was not the case for a final book in the series. I loved feeling like I was along side all the characters. Thank you, Elayna, for this beautifully written series! 🌳✨
October 15, 2025
Overall the story was great. I loved the characters. What I did not like about the characters was the repetition - which was not a character problem but a length problem. I felt like the entire story could have been 3 books, maybe 4. Not 5. It is a solid story. I would recommend it. But - you are not going to get that "I cannot put it down because so much is happening" feeling. You may get a "did I just read that exact same sentence?" feeling though. I felt the final battle was not the best, but I do love the story, and I loved the side characters as much as the main ones.
February 25, 2024
This series captured my heart in a way I was not expecting.
There are quite a few grammatical errors and spelling mistakes missed throughout the series but I don’t mind because I loved the story so much. I’m genuinely sad that it’s over because I’ve grown quite attached to these characters.
Recommended for people who are looking for found family, strong FMC, fantasy vibes. Dragons, elves, witches, merfolk, vampires, werewolves, magic, etc.
There are quite a few grammatical errors and spelling mistakes missed throughout the series but I don’t mind because I loved the story so much. I’m genuinely sad that it’s over because I’ve grown quite attached to these characters.
Recommended for people who are looking for found family, strong FMC, fantasy vibes. Dragons, elves, witches, merfolk, vampires, werewolves, magic, etc.
January 4, 2025
A very strong ending to this series. I loved seeing some characters from the sister series involved, though i wish we could've seen more of them.
Overall, I loved thale story, but I feel like some repetitive stuff could've been cut out.
I will say, I usually HATE the pregnancy trope, but I enjoyed that the author didn't weaken our main character with it.
I would recommend this series. Hopefully, the author can go back through and fix some of the grammar and spelling mistakes, though.
Overall, I loved thale story, but I feel like some repetitive stuff could've been cut out.
I will say, I usually HATE the pregnancy trope, but I enjoyed that the author didn't weaken our main character with it.
I would recommend this series. Hopefully, the author can go back through and fix some of the grammar and spelling mistakes, though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2025
Overall this series was pretty good! I loved the story and the characters were great. The magic system in this was also brilliant! The only downside was that it felt so repetitive with a lot of the content. Reading the same few saying repeated over and over was a little tedious but it didn't bring it down by any means! I would definitely recommend this whole series for those who love fantasy books and reading about dragon shifters and magic!
July 29, 2025
Thank god it’s done.
I read this whole series to see Bastian and Luna from the binding chronicles come in and was very disappointed with the very minimal engagement.
Once again this story would have been better off as a 2 or 3 book set not 5, needed decent editing and just a lot of culling.
The fight scene that had a 5 book lead up was disappointing and just didn’t eventuate.
Overall a disappointing series from one of my favourite authors.
I read this whole series to see Bastian and Luna from the binding chronicles come in and was very disappointed with the very minimal engagement.
Once again this story would have been better off as a 2 or 3 book set not 5, needed decent editing and just a lot of culling.
The fight scene that had a 5 book lead up was disappointing and just didn’t eventuate.
Overall a disappointing series from one of my favourite authors.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2025
Daegal and Rylle forever. By far the best couple in the series. Overall a pretty good end. I thought the very end after the battle did drag out a little with the whole wedding but it was fun how they added the birth scene at the end. It was also fun to see more of the vampires and made me more excited to read their story. Also felt wrong that they didn’t want to kill Seana so they took her dragon away but had no issues killing the winged soldiers, felt weird.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2024
The ending did not disappoint! I enjoyed every minute of reading this book and the twist and turns were unexpected in the best way. If the story had gone in another other direction the book would have been boring or incomplete. However, I enjoyed the wrap up as well as the journey in this book. I will definitely be reading other books from this author.
June 24, 2024
Well that was an absolute perfect ending 😭 knowing it ends well is always good but once you get there it is so much sweeter. After everything they had been through they came out together and it was so sweet. There were moments in the series I wasn’t sure how I felt but now I just it and I do love this series!
December 21, 2023
Aileana's and Xander'Story - The Ithenmyr Chronicles
I thoroughly enjoyed this series. It was very difficult to put it down once I began reading it. My only complaints are that it needed a bit of editing and better proofing.
I thoroughly enjoyed this series. It was very difficult to put it down once I began reading it. My only complaints are that it needed a bit of editing and better proofing.
December 31, 2023
Great ending!
I really enjoyed this series. I loved all the main characters, and the ending was a happy one! The series drug on sometimes, and there were some grammar issues, but overall, it was a nice read!
I really enjoyed this series. I loved all the main characters, and the ending was a happy one! The series drug on sometimes, and there were some grammar issues, but overall, it was a nice read!
January 12, 2024
great series
I loved how this all tied together. You should read this series. It was great to see what happened after the end of treasured and now I want to go back and read that epilogue.
I loved how this all tied together. You should read this series. It was great to see what happened after the end of treasured and now I want to go back and read that epilogue.
February 2, 2024
I’ve absolutely adored this series. It’s such a good series for anyone just getting into fantasy books or anyone who already likes them and wants to read more! I easily fell in love with all of the characters and think this was the perfect ending to the story.
February 13, 2024
After book 4 breaking me, this one put me back together. I loved how they all came back together to get the job and done and omg the surprise guests and big secrets revealed... I just loved this book. I cant get enough of this author!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews