Dark Elves of Ardani

Elves of Ardani #4

by Nina K. Westra

In the kingdom of Ardani, night elves and humans do not mix. Zara has been a slave to the night elves all her life. When she’s rescued by a group of religious knights known as Paladins, her life is forever altered. As she struggles to adjust to life among other humans in a remote mountain village, she discovers that humans are not at all what she expected. As the village is plagued by night elf raids, she encounters an unusual raider—a handsome, brooding half-elf outlaw—and Zara is torn. Nero hates her on sight due to her friendship with the Paladins, but she is inexplicably drawn to him. When Zara learns that the Paladins intend to eradicate all the night elves in Ardani, her loyalty to the Paladins begins to waver. As tensions rise, Zara must choose between the Paladins who saved her life and the half-elf who is winning her heart.
Dark Elves of Ardani is a slow burn, enemies to lovers, high fantasy romance with spice. Elves of Ardani is a series of loosely interconnected stories that each follow a different couple and can be read as standalones. This book is intended for adults and contains steamy scenes and violence. Please visit the author’s website for more content info. Coming Summer 2023.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Romantasy, Elves, Enemies To Lovers

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 28, 2023

About the author

Nina K. Westra is an elf enthusiast and fantasy romance author with a love of antiheroes, outsiders, and feminist men. Her books feature sweetness and spice, action and adventure, and heart-wrenching (usually forbidden, always angsty) romance with non-human men.

She lives in the ridiculously beautiful Pacific Northwest, and when she’s not writing, she can usually be found petting someone’s cat.

For news, ARCs, and free stories, sign up for her newsletter at ninakwestra.com.

Reviews

[feral haven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series, & how interconnected all the stories are, & I get absurdly excited whenever I see a character from previous books pop up. I grin like such a goon.

[courtoflattes | vee✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book and I was pleasantly surprised at the overall pace of the storytelling! We meet Zara, who faces tragedy right at the very first page, and develops into a rather strong character!

This is definitely for the fans of anything spice and a badass fmc - and HEA!

[FD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of a series set in the kingdom of Ardani, situated in a different realm, where humans, elves, mages live side by side, but usually not peacefully. The stories are loosely connected, each about a different couple, with their own adventure. The first story of the series is the best explanation of the world and the situation, and with each story this world becomes clearer. This story revolves around half-elf/half-human Nero, an outcast for both humans and elves, and human Zara, who knows nothing but the realm of the night elves, because she was born and raised there as a slave.
One day she is liberated by religious knights and she ends up in the unfamiliar human world. Zara has to find her own way, because it soon turns out that she doesn't feel completely at home among people, and being human or elf doesn't automatically characterize someone as a person. Her own path leads to Nero, and when the religious group become too fanatical, danger threatens to force them to work together. It's been a while since I read the first books, but I feel there is a bit more violence in this story. Furthermore, a love that develops slowly, a pleasant writing style and a fascinating adventure. Towards the end I found the development a bit less strong, why the leader of the religious group, the Palanists, had changed so much, and the outcome, the effect of the battle in this small town on the whole country, was a bit unclear to me. In my opinion, the stories lose some suspense as the series continue, but that is also possible because this world is becoming more and more familiar to the reader. Although I found this story a bit less good than the first, it remains a good entertaining story. Nice to see some characters from previous books again, and although it is not necessary to read the first books, it is recommended for more reading pleasure.
I received a free copy of this book, and the review is my own opinion and given voluntarily,
And although it doesn't affect the content of the book, I do have to say that I really like the covers of this, and the previous books

[ms.Violetg Likes To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨”She felt a swell of surprised pleasure even as pain scraped over her scalp. His fingers were tight, his grip unrelenting as his mouth devoured hers.”

“She had thought he only meant to put on a show for the others, to make them trust him, but there was an undeniable hunger in the way he kissed her.”


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Fantasy Romance 📖


Dark Elves of Ardani is the fourth book in Nina K. Westra’s loosely interconnected fantasy romance series, Elves of Ardani. This novel can be enjoyed and read as a standalone. This story has intrigue, wonderful character development, world building, tension, dual points of view, and one of my favorite tropes, enemies to lovers! I thoroughly enjoyed this read!

✨In this novel, we are following Zara, a human woman born into slavery in Kuda Varai, but rescued by Kashava and Avan at eight years old and taken into their home as family. While accompanying her mother Kashava, and other elves on her first raid outside of Kuda Varai, tragedy strikes, and she finds herself in the company of the human Paladins. Unfortunately, Zara soon finds that even in the human villages, cruelty still exists.

There were so many elements that I truly enjoyed in this story. I appreciated that while Zara’s past experiences and traumas as a human slave in Kuda Varai were a leading factor in her response to brutality of the Paladin leader, particularly towards Varai, that she remained brave and confident in her determination to not lose her kindness or compassion.

✨The romance that builds within this story is a bit of a slow burn initially as the plot unfolds and the two-love interests meet time and time again under different circumstances. Through a series of events, both love interests are held captive by one another which added to the tension and fun of this steamy & heartfelt story.

I recommend this story to lovers of fantasy, romance, and romantasy.

My most sincere and genuine thanks to Nina K. Westra for having me on your ARC team.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fab entry in the Elves of Ardani series of interconnected standalones!! Each book gives us a focused angle on a new aspect of the world & politics, so we learn new things every time, yet it still feels close enough to the other books that it wouldn't be a surprise if the previous MCs walked right into a scene.

This time, our MCs both don't fit into either side of the ongoing turf war--Zara is a human slave to the elves who's exposed to the best and the worst of either group, and Nero is a half-human/half-elf who doesn't fully ally himself with either. Our angle this time is watching an extremist group, the Paladins, as they move into a peaceful human town and start stretching the definition of protecting the humans inside. I think this one's my favourite premise so far, especially as Zara is pushed-and-pulled across "enemy lines".

Like Rogue Elves of Ardani, I found it took a long while for Zara and Nero to really distinguish themselves from the MCs of entries before. The ship dynamic is really similar too(though Zara eventually being more dominant was much appreciated, so sorely lacking in this genre in even the most mild way) . Luckily, with time I became pretty fond of Zara was Nero was a sweetheart. Similar dynamics aside, it's still fun to explore unique people's histories and issues within the tapestry of the world, and Zara & Nero definitely have some interesting stuff to say.

[Sonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fighting For A Worthy Cause

Zara is a human who has been a slave to the Night Elves since she was young. Traveling among a clan of Night Elves who sees her as nothing but a slave Zara takes it all in stride. Then everything changed.

One evening when Zara's traveling companions are attacked by a group of religious knights called the Paladins, Zara's life has changed. Being offered a chance at freedom is almost too good to pass up.

Zara is acclimating to her new village until another elf raid happens in her new home. Zara is taken aback by the handsome half elf her villagers captured but looking in his eyes she knew something was different about this elf.

Nero and Zara were hit and miss. They had several opportunities to destroy the other but they simply couldn't cause harm. The more time Zara spent with Nero the more she realized not all Elves are evil but the Paladins have other plans.

Once Zara learns the true intentions of the Paladins she is faced with a difficult decision. Join them in their cause or save Nero and others from facing total annihilation.

Read about Zara's journey from Victim to Victor and watch her grow from being a mere human slave to a savior of many. A human slave to some but a fierce and determined fighter/warrior to most.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nina has created a world that I continue to want to travel back to. Book 4 takes place some time after the previous books. I would say it could be enjoyed without having read the previous books. Only issue would be missing some of the background on the world and the current conflicts. The world is so rich, I would recommend diving into the series in order.

Zara and Nero have actually shown up in other stories, but it took me almost half to book to figure out Nero and almost the end for Zara. Not necessary to know their past, more like finding an Easter egg.

I enjoyed how the battle line get drawn as expected. Zara is human and should be happy to be back among her people. Over time, she finds some are not much different that the elves. The lines blur as what is right and what is expected become two different things.

I enjoyed seeing the characters have to confront their prejudices and rethink what they know going forward. An unlikely band must join together to save the day.

An engrossing story that I look forward to reading again.

I received an advanced copy of this story and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Cat Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The goddess blesses those who are merciful to the weak, does she not?"


Another banger from Nina K. Westra!

Things to love:
- Enemies to lovers banter!!! This book does it SO WELL
- Obsessed with Zara having no time for men who want to fix her
- The writing is engaging and it's funny without trying too hard
- Characters are not only flawed, they're interesting -- they don't always know themselves, they sometimes feel lost, and they're angry. They have something to prove. It makes them so much more real and relatable
- Nina K. Westra is the master of nothing goes to waste -- everything that seems random in the book eventually has a reason to be there. It's so satisfying!
- I love when we (readers) know more about how the characters feel about each other than they do. The tension... chef's kiss

Things not to love:
- Night elves aren't actually real
- I guess if a fantastical, thoughtfully-built world, emotionally complex characters, and compelling enemies-to-lovers isn't for you then you wouldn't like this book 😎

[Beth’s Book Collection · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok I realised reading this book that it’s been a long time since I have read a stand-alone story, I love a series don’t get me wrong, but there is something incredibly fulfilling about one book covering it all.

This book really warmed my heart, the interplay between the warring groups develops as the story goes on into one bigger bad that drives the book forward. I didn’t feel like anything was rushed and that the story blended together seamlessly.

For me the story felt hugely about acceptance and freedom, both of which was portrayed and communicated in a bewitching way. The book provides a glimpse at both Zara and Nero’s back stories that help us to understand them further. Broken souls that in each other find a home.

I enjoyed the sprinkle of spice, it felt like natural progression in this book and the relationship between Nero and Zara. They have such a sweet relationship that blooms beautifully throughout the story.

I received an ARC copy of this book and can confirm that this is my honest review.

[Christine Batchelder · Rating 5 out of 5]

love it! the entire series has my heart!

I love every book in this series, people have commented about their length being to short, why not just make it one book?. I found it to be charming, it flows nicely, all the tales connect it reminds me of old tales separate yet all tied neatly together. I of course want more, but haven’t been let down as more stories have always come after. From the moment I start reading I can’t put it down. I am not left thinking I want to skip ahead or wishing it would get to the point. I enjoy the journey and feel part of the story. The writing flows so well, and the stories come to life, I think about them days after. The characters become your friends and enemies throughout , and the plot is always something to chase until the end. The newest addition Dark Elves of Ardani again was lovely, the characters stole my heart and lead me on an adventure! I hope there will be more books to come!

[Gareth Ellzey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nero’s story

Human slave Zara loses one of her Dark Elf mothers to a human raiding party. Bewildered and with all her stable data shaken, she becomes a member of a human village. Then Nero, half-elf/half-human, is captured and Zara is pressed into service as a translator. She is revolted by the torture Nero is subjected to, and enables him to escape. Their fates are twined inextricably as each repeatedly saves the other, till finally the Varai (Dark Elves) and the human villagers confront a common evil. The growing attraction between Zara and Nero and the crumbling barriers between (at least a few) humans and Dark Elves create a rich and satisfying story. I fell in love (and lust) with Nero and sighed with pleasure as he and Zara bridged the differences between each other and their painful pasts. Aspects of their relationship are definitely and deliciously NSFW, and so right for their characters. Five Stars for sure.

[Trisha Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far every book in this series has been amazing and Westra has catapulted into the author insta buy category for me

This book is amazing. If you like epic, steamy, enemies to lovers fantasy you must read this series because it's so good. This series as a whole is amazing, it delivers on every level!

"Was it odd to find murder romantic?"

I loved Nero and Zara. Zara is capable but not overly so. Heroic and brave but not unbelievably so. Nero is just the right amount of sweet, untrusting and broody. I love Westra's characters. They are out of the box and unapologetically the way they are. They have good growth but it never happens overnight making them more relatable. I love the very subtle interconnection of some previous characters in this. Each book is a standalone but I get a little giddy when one of the other characters stumbles into the picture.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can a human born into Elven slavery and a half-human Elven outlaw see beyond their perceived differences to form an abiding bond?
With this new Ardani Dark Elves narrative, which I enjoyed for its fractured world of enemies-to-lovers, action-adventure, fantasy and passion the reader will find this and many more questions answered within a captivatingly well written vision that sparks the imagination as well as the heart.
The story of Zara and Nero begins in tragedy and flows into an exceedingly well told tale that immerses the reader in a complex and ever-changing series of events foretelling the amazing voyage that it soon will become.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[RedFlower · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was wonderfully written and it captivated me from the beginning. It's an exciting and thrilling read.

Zara and Nero are the main characters, and their love for one another blossoms gradually throughout it.
Their encounters were gripping and for me, this added an exciting flow to it.
I fell in love with both as their warm-hearted actions prevailed throughout it.
One of my favorite parts of this story was how Zara's personality was shaped and celebrated in this plot. Zara was vulnerable and strong and eventually, she found her voice. Nero was an emotional pillar to her and very supportive of her as well.

I highly recommend this plot to everyone in this genre!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Viola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series. It’s so consistently good! This time we follow Nero and Zara years after we first met them, when both have fallen on harder times and are eventually united by a common enemy. It took me a while to adjust to Nero as MMC after seeing him through Vaara’s POV (and I did love catching up with Vaara and Crow again), but once I did I was fully on board with the romance. Zara was a great FMC who dealt with her trauma realistically but still in a way that allowed the book to have a solid HEA. The pacing felt a bit squiffy — especially during the middle when Zara seemed to keep returning to the village on a loop — but otherwise I was thoroughly on board. Extra bonus for the well-written discussion of consent and agency throughout.

[Ann Huang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another strong addition in the Elves of Ardani series! Enjoyed the book and again the character development and growth in their relationship.
Like her other books one finds oneself really wanting things to work out and enjoying their journey to finding each other. As with other reviewers in some places book seemed a little rushed as with the townspeople and night elves suddenly finding each other.
Overall very enjoyable read and loved seeing the mentions of chatacters from her previous books. Is a standalone but reading the previous books definitely enhances the reading experience. Would definitely recommend!

[Michelle Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of tension and emotion i couldn't put it down. Zara's life has never been her own, but now she has her freedom she has to deal with so many new things and make decisions for herself for the first time. Nero's life has been full of rejection and pain. He is cynical and full of sarcasm and anger but when he meets Zara he finds someone he can connect to. They bring out a new side of each other. In a world where neither of them fit in with the humans or the Varai they have found eachother. The slow burn between these two will have you reading long into the night never knowing what will happen next.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve noticed it’s hit or miss with new authors lately, and I’ve hesitated to try new books. This is the second book I’ve read by Nina Westra and I honestly look forward to more. She is great at world crafting and making scenes feel organic. There’s a lot of depth to both Nero and Zara, plus lots of enjoyable side characters to become enamored with. I’m really hoping there’s more installments with this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tyenasaur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a Wonderful World

I am still so excited to have found this series in a time where everyone is doing million book series. I appreciate so much that we get this world and to explore it but to also meet (or met again) these characters and follow each of their stories.

And you know what? I love that they aren't saving the whole world (except maybe Novikke) but they're saving themselves and their friends and newfound loved ones. They are doing good and finding good but without the pressure of the whole world on them and it's fantastic.

Great series. Naika book when???

[Clara Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strong start, hooking you from page one. I didn’t realize this was the fourth book in the series until I happened to see it on the cover. The author did a great job of giving a quick overview of the world that they created and not giving away the other books.

I’m still confused on how a country that is struggling to feed its people also has slaves. And the villain has no real motive other than hatred but when he’s asked about it point blank he doesn’t know.

[Kieralle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back in the world of the dark elves again, and I was so excited to see Zara's story play out.
Only Nina (author) can pull off this complex interplay of vulnerability and growth in protagonist.

Zara's background had been that of a lifetime of servitude and slavery, yet even in that she'd managed to find some level of not being entirely helpless.

When she eventually gains her freedom, the author was masterful at exploring all the emotion and complexity that would come with that. Zara also had a level of self awareness that allowed her insight without being unrealistic or annoying. As the reader, I never felt like the author was trying too hard.

What I enjoyed:
The beta MMC, who was willing to let our heroine take charge when needed (wink wink), without ever once feeling emasculated or insecure.
Given Zara's background, it was good to see that her inner strength allowed to shine. Yet she was never impulse, never rude or bratty. Her strength was never one dimensional or juvenile.

I loved their relationship and the two different backgrounds coming together to find common ground, and still show each other a different take on things.

I loved going back to this world of dark elves, and how the author never skimps from writing about the 'realities' of such situations. It's not one dimensional enemies to lovers, or one dimensional conflict where magic solves everything and peace is instant

I loved seeing my old favourites, Novikke and Aruna. Forever my favourites


What could be better:
There's always action and something happening, but there were a few bits where it didn't feel linear or like the action was natural progression. It didn't take away from the story though, just unexpected

My favourite couple is Novikke and Aruna, but is that reason enough to steal a star from Zara and Nero?😁🫣🤔

I received this an ARC. The review is entirely voluntary.

[Mrs Catriona · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final book of the Elves of Ardani series did not disappoint. The story telling, the plot, the characters and their development, the chemistry between the main couple - everything has been written so well. I love the fact that characters from all the books meet up eventually somehow. I only hope that Nina Westra is writing a further book on perhaps Naika as the next main character!

[juanijuanii · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was defies a wild ride to say the least. I enjoyed it though the whole world was definitely new and interesting and the mc was a strong stubborn girl which is always nice. I love when the guy is more passive and relaxed than the girl like more submissive that aspect was great. Usually smut scenes bore me to death but these weren’t that bad considering the dynamic of these two.

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope this isn’t the last book of the series.

These books and the ardani universe are amazing. The world building is fantastic the characters written so well! They are easy to sympathize with and connect to emotionally.

[Mara Lopreiato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nina will forever write my favorite fantasy romance novels. I love the men she writes they are always so sweet and you just can’t help but fall in love with them! I can’t wait for the next book. Secretly hoping it’s about a certain witch and elf 🥹

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really, love this world that the author created in this series, I almost don't want it to end. Her writing style is so good, the stories and characters so interesting, I can't wait to pick up what Nina puts out next 💕

[Sharin Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

I loved the twists and turns in this story. Was Zara rescued or was she just a tool to be used by her rescuers? Nina is a very skilled writer. If you like fantasy romance, this is a must read.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mesmerizing fantasy romance! I loved it! Adventure, spice, and action.. Addictive characters.. This series is absolutely fantastic, and I want my own elf!!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Ardani book! Loved it!

I received a free ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like all of Nina’s books this is 💯

I love this series so much and I recommend it all the time. Great writing and world building! Will continue to read her books!