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The Coal Elf Chronicles #1
The Coal Elf
Ember Skye is a fed up teenage Coal Elf with a big ashy chip on her shoulder. Having been torn away from a carefree life and forced into a world of dirt and darkness has started to get the best of her. And being the only girl-elf working as a coal miner at the North Pole doesn't help much either!
Then there's Sturd: a power-hungry, twisted elf with a checkered past and a serious grudge against Ember. Slowly but surely, his maniacal tendencies are revealed, leaving Ember with the sacred "Naughty List" literally in her lap.
When a mysterious illness threatens to decimate elves both Above and Underground, Ember is thrust into a journey that will see her confront the literal and figurative demons of her past and lead her to the head of the North Pole himself.
Yes! Santa is real. But this isn't your childhood Christmas tale
Then there's Sturd: a power-hungry, twisted elf with a checkered past and a serious grudge against Ember. Slowly but surely, his maniacal tendencies are revealed, leaving Ember with the sacred "Naughty List" literally in her lap.
When a mysterious illness threatens to decimate elves both Above and Underground, Ember is thrust into a journey that will see her confront the literal and figurative demons of her past and lead her to the head of the North Pole himself.
Yes! Santa is real. But this isn't your childhood Christmas tale
210 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2012
184 people want to read
About the author
Maria DeVivo
22 books87 followersMaria DeVivo writes horror and dark fantasy for both a YA and adult audience. Each of her series has been Amazon best-sellers and have won multiple awards since 2012. A lover of all things dark and demented, the worlds she creates are fantastical and immersive. Get swept away in the lands of elves, zombies, angels, demons, and witches (but not all in the same place). Maria takes great pleasure in warping the comfort factor in her readers’ minds – just when you think you’ve reached a safe space in her stories, she snaps you back into her twisted reality.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
December 20, 2018
Bingo Book #4: Book with elves
3.5 stars so rounding up to 4.
The writing in this wasn't great, but overall I enjoyed this. It hadn't occurred to me that there could be elves besides the toy making ones we typically see portrayed.
In this, Ember Skye is the daughter of two well known elves who make dresses....or toys or something very fancy. They are wealthy. They are well liked. When Ember becomes of age to be assigned a life-job, she is assigned to be a coal elf. It is super rare that girls are assigned to be coal elves, much less one that has a good family background.
---Spoilers past this point---
Skip ahead a little, Ember is in the mines and she gets deathly sick with anotehr case of coppleysites (a parasite that coal elves get that cause terrible coughs and other respiratory issues). Poor Ember hates her life as a coal elf. She has a couple friends that she loves but otherwise she is miserable. Ember is given some medicine, basically cough syrup that is super strong, and she "accidentally" overdoses and almost kills herself with it. For this, she is seen as a defector. Defectors are punished, often eaten by the evil crew leader, Sturd. However for her punishment she is given a pass to go back aboveground to her home to see her family.
Skip ahead some more, Sturd is being a jerk and rips up the naughty list saying that they were not going to be mining anymore that year. Ruh roh. All kids get presents, even the bad ones. This essentially poisons their food supply because of TOO MUCH joy in the world which ends up killing a lot of elves and making others very sick. Ember's friend's brother is sick and she wants to help so she leaves the mines and goes aboveground to talk to the Council or Santa Claus.....
The ending is interesting, but I won't go into details...
3.5 stars so rounding up to 4.
The writing in this wasn't great, but overall I enjoyed this. It hadn't occurred to me that there could be elves besides the toy making ones we typically see portrayed.
In this, Ember Skye is the daughter of two well known elves who make dresses....or toys or something very fancy. They are wealthy. They are well liked. When Ember becomes of age to be assigned a life-job, she is assigned to be a coal elf. It is super rare that girls are assigned to be coal elves, much less one that has a good family background.
---Spoilers past this point---
Skip ahead a little, Ember is in the mines and she gets deathly sick with anotehr case of coppleysites (a parasite that coal elves get that cause terrible coughs and other respiratory issues). Poor Ember hates her life as a coal elf. She has a couple friends that she loves but otherwise she is miserable. Ember is given some medicine, basically cough syrup that is super strong, and she "accidentally" overdoses and almost kills herself with it. For this, she is seen as a defector. Defectors are punished, often eaten by the evil crew leader, Sturd. However for her punishment she is given a pass to go back aboveground to her home to see her family.
Skip ahead some more, Sturd is being a jerk and rips up the naughty list saying that they were not going to be mining anymore that year. Ruh roh. All kids get presents, even the bad ones. This essentially poisons their food supply because of TOO MUCH joy in the world which ends up killing a lot of elves and making others very sick. Ember's friend's brother is sick and she wants to help so she leaves the mines and goes aboveground to talk to the Council or Santa Claus.....
The ending is interesting, but I won't go into details...
February 5, 2013
After a few swipes of the Kindle, I realized that I was reading about SANTA’s elves! I can’t believe how I didn’t put two and two together (bad kids get coal = coal elf).
This story focuses on wee Ember Skye. The elfmaid is from an upper-middle class, soft-skill family from the North Pole. The Skyes do honeyed work such as songwriting, fashion design, graphic design – stuff you’d expect to see guys named Bertram doing on Michigan Avenue. From birth to age ten, this is the only life Ember knows and it’s sweet.
Upon her tenth birthday, all elves are put into an apprenticeship for their Lifejob. As the moniker indicates, you are chosen to do this job forever.
Maybe it was a clerical error, maybe it was dumb luck, but Ember is assigned to the Mines to dig coal for naughty kids until the day she drops dead. Being from softer gentry, no one in the Skye family can figure out why she was chosen for such work, but once your number is drawn, there’s no going back; debate is verboten. Ember is to stay in these mines and never see daylight again. The only notion of day or night is the rush of bats leaving the caves for the evening.
As expected, this book does have hot cocoa, candy canes and lollipops, but the elven society is a sugar-coated hell and author Maria DeVivo pulls no punches. These beings live under Santa Claus’s jackboot.
By the time Ember is sixteen, she has been dredging the Mines for six years and has begun coughing blood and lung-bugs. One day, Santa allows her to enjoy a forty-eight hour weekend pass to revisit her old life. From here, things get worse.
Central themes to this novel involve the examination of the nature of systems and their architecture of checks and balances. Tyranny is also examined, but this book questions why a society runs the way that it must, despite the heavy hand.
Solipsism is reviewed here as well. What is reality? Who is running the show and is it all a lie? Through the mechanics of negative reinforcement and conditioning of behavior, here, systemic flow is maintained.
This story is not a plea for egalitarian sunshine, like so many fantasy/sci-fi novels, but a consideration of what happens when you get what you wish for.
This story focuses on wee Ember Skye. The elfmaid is from an upper-middle class, soft-skill family from the North Pole. The Skyes do honeyed work such as songwriting, fashion design, graphic design – stuff you’d expect to see guys named Bertram doing on Michigan Avenue. From birth to age ten, this is the only life Ember knows and it’s sweet.
Upon her tenth birthday, all elves are put into an apprenticeship for their Lifejob. As the moniker indicates, you are chosen to do this job forever.
Maybe it was a clerical error, maybe it was dumb luck, but Ember is assigned to the Mines to dig coal for naughty kids until the day she drops dead. Being from softer gentry, no one in the Skye family can figure out why she was chosen for such work, but once your number is drawn, there’s no going back; debate is verboten. Ember is to stay in these mines and never see daylight again. The only notion of day or night is the rush of bats leaving the caves for the evening.
As expected, this book does have hot cocoa, candy canes and lollipops, but the elven society is a sugar-coated hell and author Maria DeVivo pulls no punches. These beings live under Santa Claus’s jackboot.
By the time Ember is sixteen, she has been dredging the Mines for six years and has begun coughing blood and lung-bugs. One day, Santa allows her to enjoy a forty-eight hour weekend pass to revisit her old life. From here, things get worse.
Central themes to this novel involve the examination of the nature of systems and their architecture of checks and balances. Tyranny is also examined, but this book questions why a society runs the way that it must, despite the heavy hand.
Solipsism is reviewed here as well. What is reality? Who is running the show and is it all a lie? Through the mechanics of negative reinforcement and conditioning of behavior, here, systemic flow is maintained.
This story is not a plea for egalitarian sunshine, like so many fantasy/sci-fi novels, but a consideration of what happens when you get what you wish for.
January 25, 2013
An excellent YA story that contained a little touch of everything: paranormal, mystery, adventure, excitement and a sweet budding romance. All described in amazingly vivid detail, no matter what the situation! This isn’t a happy Christmas story; the origins of the holiday are mentioned throughout the developing adventure to derive.
The story focuses on Ember, a young elf, and her realization that the rules she had grown up with aren’t necessarily for her. Determined to fight for what she feels is right despite the rules that all the elves follow, Ember must fight for freedom and equality for herself as well as all fellow elves. A strong female character with determination, she is a character that readers can learn from. Readers both young and old will enjoy an escape within the pages of The Coal Elf.
I was provided a copy of the book by BTS eMag for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review – all conclusions are my own responsibility.
The story focuses on Ember, a young elf, and her realization that the rules she had grown up with aren’t necessarily for her. Determined to fight for what she feels is right despite the rules that all the elves follow, Ember must fight for freedom and equality for herself as well as all fellow elves. A strong female character with determination, she is a character that readers can learn from. Readers both young and old will enjoy an escape within the pages of The Coal Elf.
I was provided a copy of the book by BTS eMag for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review – all conclusions are my own responsibility.
December 9, 2015
Since starting my blog, I’ve read books that I’ve not been enthralled with, but have still found things I’ve enjoyed in them.
This is the first book where I considered abandoning and doing a review of not finishing it. I persevered though!
You can read my full review here - http://combustiblereviews.com/2015/12...
This is the first book where I considered abandoning and doing a review of not finishing it. I persevered though!
You can read my full review here - http://combustiblereviews.com/2015/12...
July 27, 2024
Not a Fun Journey . . .
Ember Skye has been assigned to work in the mines as a Coal Elf. It is not a pleasant place, full of dirt, dust, and grit, making it uncomfortable to breathe and leaving the taste of the grit always on the tongue. Even Ember’s jumpsuit was terribly uncomfortable as she worked, nothing like the velvet and cotton gowns she wore growing up above ground where life was pleasant and happy. This job is difficult, and females are normally not placed in the mines. And the work leader, Sturd, is a very unpleasant character who makes their lives even more miserable. Even when a severe health issue gets Ember a chance to go above ground for a weekend, things are not good.
Although the story line is done well, I am forever a “child of Christmas” and was not pleased with the negative slant of this one. It is different for certain. But not something I enjoyed reading.
Ember Skye has been assigned to work in the mines as a Coal Elf. It is not a pleasant place, full of dirt, dust, and grit, making it uncomfortable to breathe and leaving the taste of the grit always on the tongue. Even Ember’s jumpsuit was terribly uncomfortable as she worked, nothing like the velvet and cotton gowns she wore growing up above ground where life was pleasant and happy. This job is difficult, and females are normally not placed in the mines. And the work leader, Sturd, is a very unpleasant character who makes their lives even more miserable. Even when a severe health issue gets Ember a chance to go above ground for a weekend, things are not good.
Although the story line is done well, I am forever a “child of Christmas” and was not pleased with the negative slant of this one. It is different for certain. But not something I enjoyed reading.
December 11, 2025
I listened to the audiobook. The first while had some sort of audio issue where there was a lot of static and it was very annoying to listen to. I didn’t find the story to be overly interesting or felt anything for any of the characters. There’s no explanation as to why a lot of stuff in the book happens. It’s like it’s trying to be a horror Christmas story, but it fails at really being a horror.
December 15, 2012
Ember is a rarity. A girl Coal Elf. It's unusual that the girls are assigned the job of mining coal.
She misses her parents and sister who are all workers above, designing toys. All Elves live by "the list" and in hopes to be noticed by The Boss. Ember's job is hard from day one. Although she is able to make friends, she also has a sort of bully that loves to tease and annoy her. Since it is the Boss that chooses the jobs, there is no switching. Your stuck. Nobody questions the Boss.
Mining is a very hard and dangerous job. This is not a happy or joyful Christmas story, it's like being the new girl at school kind of feeling to it. It's a bit of a culture shock for her. From living in a beautiful city, in a Manor to having to move into an underground apartment and only getting to visit home. But when she finally does visit home, she finds she's been banished. Like her life isn't bad enough already.
But this story is not only working in tunnels and dirty coal. Ember will eventually end up on an adventure, and with stubborn determination, she will find the help she needs. Things are happening down in the tunnels and she is going to fight for change.
With a deeply determined and hard working main character. This story was a darker but very entertaining read.A focus on the Naughty List and how much coal do bad kids get? And who knew that Elves could be just as Naughty! Great if you are looking for something a little different to read this Holiday Season.
She misses her parents and sister who are all workers above, designing toys. All Elves live by "the list" and in hopes to be noticed by The Boss. Ember's job is hard from day one. Although she is able to make friends, she also has a sort of bully that loves to tease and annoy her. Since it is the Boss that chooses the jobs, there is no switching. Your stuck. Nobody questions the Boss.
Mining is a very hard and dangerous job. This is not a happy or joyful Christmas story, it's like being the new girl at school kind of feeling to it. It's a bit of a culture shock for her. From living in a beautiful city, in a Manor to having to move into an underground apartment and only getting to visit home. But when she finally does visit home, she finds she's been banished. Like her life isn't bad enough already.
But this story is not only working in tunnels and dirty coal. Ember will eventually end up on an adventure, and with stubborn determination, she will find the help she needs. Things are happening down in the tunnels and she is going to fight for change.
With a deeply determined and hard working main character. This story was a darker but very entertaining read.A focus on the Naughty List and how much coal do bad kids get? And who knew that Elves could be just as Naughty! Great if you are looking for something a little different to read this Holiday Season.
April 28, 2013
The teenage protagonist of Maria DeVivo's debut novel, The Coal Elf, published by Twilight Times Books, November 2012, got screwed by "the Boss" of the North Pole. Imagine having your wonderful life and future destroyed when, instead of receiving the job assignment to make toys or bake cookies for a living, you were thrust into a gloomy, underground life of mining coal for the children on the naughty list. Ember Skye stole my heart from the first page as DeVivo describes her life as a Coal Elf and sets up the conflict and her epic battle with the antagonist, Sturd, a despicable, nasty elf who embodies evil.
Throw this conflict, these and a handful of other memorable characters into an incredibly creative North Pole setting, and you have a story that I could not put down. What I particularly enjoyed was DeVivo's portrayal and extension of Christmas with her creation of a detailed fantasy world where we learn how the North Pole might actually work. This awesome setting is expertly woven into the story so that I was transported into this amazing world as I read.
Do yourself a favor and read The Coal Elf--I highly recommend it. This is one of those books that should be made into a movie (Tim Burton are you listening?). Great characters, engaging plot, believable dialog, wonderful setting and, above all, writing that compelled me to keep turning the pages (that's what we all really want as readers, right?).
Throw this conflict, these and a handful of other memorable characters into an incredibly creative North Pole setting, and you have a story that I could not put down. What I particularly enjoyed was DeVivo's portrayal and extension of Christmas with her creation of a detailed fantasy world where we learn how the North Pole might actually work. This awesome setting is expertly woven into the story so that I was transported into this amazing world as I read.
Do yourself a favor and read The Coal Elf--I highly recommend it. This is one of those books that should be made into a movie (Tim Burton are you listening?). Great characters, engaging plot, believable dialog, wonderful setting and, above all, writing that compelled me to keep turning the pages (that's what we all really want as readers, right?).
January 9, 2013
When Ember Skye’s Life Path chosen by the “Boss” himself was to be a Coal Elf, her parents were shocked and Ember didn’t know what to do. There had never been a female Coal Elf before, one whose responsibility it is to mine the coal which is given to the children on the Naughty List. 6 long elfyears later, Coal Elf Overseer Sturd tells all the Coal Elves the Boss (Santa) has declared the Naughty List null and void (meaning all children will get presents). Ember knows something is wrong and she gathers the shredded remains of the List and puts it back together. She now has to find a way to put right what once went wrong and the lives of all Elves are depending on her to save them as they start to fall ill from a nasty disease. How can one girl Coal Elf save anything?
Ms. DeVivo has given us a new perspective on Santa’s elves in ‘The Coal Elf’. I loved Ember’s tenacity in the face of extreme adversity and how she had a lot more friends than she ever thought when she needed help. Sturd exemplifies his name and is a nasty, naughty elf with Mommy issues. ‘The Coal Elf’ is a quick, yet engrossing, read with great characters. I loved the twist on the traditional “Santa’s elves” story. A great book for young adults to show them an excellent example of perseverance and balance in all things.
Ms. DeVivo has given us a new perspective on Santa’s elves in ‘The Coal Elf’. I loved Ember’s tenacity in the face of extreme adversity and how she had a lot more friends than she ever thought when she needed help. Sturd exemplifies his name and is a nasty, naughty elf with Mommy issues. ‘The Coal Elf’ is a quick, yet engrossing, read with great characters. I loved the twist on the traditional “Santa’s elves” story. A great book for young adults to show them an excellent example of perseverance and balance in all things.
April 15, 2013
I really enjoyed this book, although I didn’t realize until nearly complete that I hadn’t connected with Ember as completely as I would have liked: discovering at the end that I saw the events much as Ember did, with a similar sense of remove and detachment that she uses to face difficulties. Cleverly plotted and filled with the righteous indignation of the young female protagonist, the voice is strong and occasionally strident: chafing against rules, societal norms and even prejudices in the double-standard society, Ember is consistent in her determination and solidly crafted.
With a scenes that delves into the uncomfortable realm of overtly sexualized harassment, and the solid moral compass that Ember brings to the table: good and bad are clearly defined, and there is little room for ‘degrees’ of wrong in this tale. Mystery, adventure and a touch of the paranormal all feed into this book: while the ending is completely logical and satisfactory, there is no huge crescendo of culmination.
A good read for young and old alike, there is enough mystery, adventure and clever plotting to please readers young and old.
I received an eBook from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
With a scenes that delves into the uncomfortable realm of overtly sexualized harassment, and the solid moral compass that Ember brings to the table: good and bad are clearly defined, and there is little room for ‘degrees’ of wrong in this tale. Mystery, adventure and a touch of the paranormal all feed into this book: while the ending is completely logical and satisfactory, there is no huge crescendo of culmination.
A good read for young and old alike, there is enough mystery, adventure and clever plotting to please readers young and old.
I received an eBook from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
January 15, 2013
If you’re a Dungeons & Dragons nerd like I am… uh… not, be warned: These aren’t the elves you’re looking for. Maria DeVivo’s The Coal Elf is the most whimsical dystopian novel I’ve ever read. The characters were unique and well-crafted, though I didn’t find myself connecting with them like I thought I should have. It wasn’t until the second half of the book that I realized DeVivo had drawn me into Ember’s detachment and indifference. I mirrored the characters’ emotions so completely that it caught me off-guard. The ending wasn’t as big and flashy as I’d hoped, but what it lacked in bang, it made up for in depth and realism, and it tied everything up nicely. The Coal Elf is certainly worth a look for any Fantasy or Sci-Fi fan.
I was provided a copy of the book by BTS eMag for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review – all opinions are mine, and do not represent the opinions of BTS, BTS eMag, CBS, NBC, or ADHD.
I was provided a copy of the book by BTS eMag for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review – all opinions are mine, and do not represent the opinions of BTS, BTS eMag, CBS, NBC, or ADHD.
December 8, 2012
Amazing book, i could barely stop reading it for two days! The villain Sturd was perfectly wicked. His story, his actions and most of all his appetite! PERFECT! It was an extraordinarily, wonderfully grim story laced with lollipops and Nessie fruit! I smiled in bed excited to wake and read more in the morning! As Mrs. DeVivo said, a hero is only as good as their villain, and this villain was insane, monstrous and one of the most interesting I've read in a long time! The Coal Elf was the perfect mix of childhood dreams, sick deformity, and laugh-out-loud dark reality. Brilliant DeVivo, simply Brilliant!
June 2, 2014
To be honest I have not read this book yet. I normally read audio. As soon as I can though I will read this book. It will the rare print read. I must get this book. Such a great concept. So funny and, thought provoking.
Put it this way. I am pretty critical sometimes but, here, I haven't even begun to read this book yet and, even I am giving it a must read. Pick up this book, do yourself a favor. Don't and, your letting yourself down. Just saying. This is the age of must have fresh ideas and, here it is. pure enjoyment.
Don't be an Ashhole. Be a Coal Elf Zombie!
I am!
Put it this way. I am pretty critical sometimes but, here, I haven't even begun to read this book yet and, even I am giving it a must read. Pick up this book, do yourself a favor. Don't and, your letting yourself down. Just saying. This is the age of must have fresh ideas and, here it is. pure enjoyment.
Don't be an Ashhole. Be a Coal Elf Zombie!
I am!
September 2, 2019
An interesting take on Santa’s elves. The main character Ember is assigned the job of “coal elf” and is sent underground to mine coal for Santa to leave in the stockings of the naughty children.
There was a lot that happened in the book, and while much of it was detailed well, the part I was most interested in (the ending) was glossed over with a huge jump in time. I wanted more details from that time period.
I did enjoy Ember and I liked Kyla a lot too. Not as Christmassy of a book as I was expecting, but I still liked it.
There was a lot that happened in the book, and while much of it was detailed well, the part I was most interested in (the ending) was glossed over with a huge jump in time. I wanted more details from that time period.
I did enjoy Ember and I liked Kyla a lot too. Not as Christmassy of a book as I was expecting, but I still liked it.
May 29, 2013
This book transformed me into a world more intriguing and adventurous than Hogwarts. It took me on a journey with characters and places I could never have dreamed existed. The characters made me feel like I was part of their world and my emotions went along with them. My heart pounded at times, ached and rejoiced at others. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting an adventure or a peek into a world previously unknown. I did not want this journey to end!
March 12, 2013
I enjoyed the grittiness. I was involved right from the beginning and stayed hooked up to the last page. It shows a very fresh and interesting perspective om what really goes on at the North Pole.
May 29, 2013
I really liked the book it. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I would recommend the book to everyone, especially if you like fantasy. The ending is unbelievable. I also love the reindeer part when Ember has the flash back with Nanny Carole.
October 20, 2012
After months of reading meh books, it feels good to finally read a really good book! I read the book in 1 1/2 days; I could not put it down!
December 3, 2012
I really enjoyed it. It was light and fun. It made me want to drink hot cocoa and watch Christmas movies. Perfect for getting into the holiday spirit :)
May 4, 2013
This book was amazing! Maria DeVivo did an excellent job with characterization and keeping me reading through the very end! I didn't want to put it down and can't wait (hoping for!) a sequel!
May 23, 2013
Mrs. DeVivo I absolutely loved the book I just have to read it again.
May 24, 2013
Really good book I want to read it all over again!
October 22, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! Ember Skye is not your typical holiday story, it’s gritty, emotional, and wildly original. The author takes everything we think we know about the North Pole and turns it upside down, crafting a world that feels both fantastical and eerily real.
Ember herself is one of the most compelling protagonists I’ve read in a long time. She’s fiery, sarcastic, and full of heart, even when buried under layers of coal dust and frustration. I found myself rooting for her through every challenge her courage in the face of oppression, her defiance against Sturd’s twisted cruelty, and her determination to uncover the truth behind the mysterious elf illness. She’s not perfect (and that’s what makes her perfect).
The tone strikes a perfect balance between whimsy and darkness think Tim Burton meets The Hunger Games, with just enough Christmas magic to make it shine. The world building is fantastic: the underground mines, the tension between elves Above and Below, and Santa himself reimagined in a way that’s both awe inspiring and haunting.
By the end, I was completely invested in Ember’s journey and the fate of the North Pole. It’s a story about resilience, justice, and identity, wrapped in myth and magic.
If you love fantasy with heart, a fierce heroine, and a dash of darkness, Ember Skye will sweep you away. I can’t wait for the next book in the series because this world is too rich to leave behind.
Ember herself is one of the most compelling protagonists I’ve read in a long time. She’s fiery, sarcastic, and full of heart, even when buried under layers of coal dust and frustration. I found myself rooting for her through every challenge her courage in the face of oppression, her defiance against Sturd’s twisted cruelty, and her determination to uncover the truth behind the mysterious elf illness. She’s not perfect (and that’s what makes her perfect).
The tone strikes a perfect balance between whimsy and darkness think Tim Burton meets The Hunger Games, with just enough Christmas magic to make it shine. The world building is fantastic: the underground mines, the tension between elves Above and Below, and Santa himself reimagined in a way that’s both awe inspiring and haunting.
By the end, I was completely invested in Ember’s journey and the fate of the North Pole. It’s a story about resilience, justice, and identity, wrapped in myth and magic.
If you love fantasy with heart, a fierce heroine, and a dash of darkness, Ember Skye will sweep you away. I can’t wait for the next book in the series because this world is too rich to leave behind.
September 3, 2025
This is book 1 of The Coal Elf Chronicles and there are 27 chapters and an epilogue. I found the map at the very beginning to be helpful. I was able to study it a bit prior to starting the book so it made it easier to know where places are.
I have read several books by this author and it is like nothing I have ever read before. This book has literally made me question every thing about how Santa, the North Pole, Coal for Naughty Kids, and Elves work! It’s just assumed (at least for me) that all elves make toys but the idea of a more similar society to humans is interesting where everyone has a job, even though they don’t get to chose their job.
I love the Reindeer! But I’m really interested to see what happens to/with Tanner.
I have read several books by this author and it is like nothing I have ever read before. This book has literally made me question every thing about how Santa, the North Pole, Coal for Naughty Kids, and Elves work! It’s just assumed (at least for me) that all elves make toys but the idea of a more similar society to humans is interesting where everyone has a job, even though they don’t get to chose their job.
I love the Reindeer! But I’m really interested to see what happens to/with Tanner.
December 30, 2021
Sure, we all know that elves help Santa every year so that he can deliver toys to all the good boys and girls each year. What we rarely focus on are the bad boys and girls who receive coal, and tye elves who have to mine that coal.
This was such a neat story, focusing on a single coal elf, who is determined to save Christmas - and the elves - from a power-hungry, corrupt elf named Sturd, by making sure the year's Naughty list is saved and the coal is delivered.
Given the way this one ended, with the few reveals as to who was responsible for what, I am looming forward to listening to/reading the next book in the trilogy.
This was such a neat story, focusing on a single coal elf, who is determined to save Christmas - and the elves - from a power-hungry, corrupt elf named Sturd, by making sure the year's Naughty list is saved and the coal is delivered.
Given the way this one ended, with the few reveals as to who was responsible for what, I am looming forward to listening to/reading the next book in the trilogy.
January 11, 2026
The Coal Elf was a delightful story that had a unique premise and fresh angle on elves and Christmastime. I loved the lore of coal and “children’s happiness”, and the author’s knack for world-building really pulled me in.
The characters’ connections to one another added depth to the story, and I especially enjoyed seeing the interactions between Ember and Barkuss. While the overall plot followed a more familiar path, I enjoyed the journey and felt engaged throughout. I’m excited to read the other books in the series and see where it goes next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters’ connections to one another added depth to the story, and I especially enjoyed seeing the interactions between Ember and Barkuss. While the overall plot followed a more familiar path, I enjoyed the journey and felt engaged throughout. I’m excited to read the other books in the series and see where it goes next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 13, 2022
Motion Movie a Must!!
The background and focus on coal production for the bad kids was refreshing. I can really see this becoming a mainstay holiday movie. This would be a good complement to Mel Gibson's dark twist of Claus in the movie "Fatman". The characters were easy to visualize and same with mines. Sturd's fate was a bit interesting but I won't go there and ruin the book... It was a quick read, enjoyable and the author did a great job triggering your mind's visual creativity... I will read the next in the series to find out what's next for Em..
The background and focus on coal production for the bad kids was refreshing. I can really see this becoming a mainstay holiday movie. This would be a good complement to Mel Gibson's dark twist of Claus in the movie "Fatman". The characters were easy to visualize and same with mines. Sturd's fate was a bit interesting but I won't go there and ruin the book... It was a quick read, enjoyable and the author did a great job triggering your mind's visual creativity... I will read the next in the series to find out what's next for Em..
July 12, 2024
I really enjoyed this book… growing up we know elves make toys for good kids but who collects the goal for the bad kids? The coal elf had so many ins or yes twists and turns and kept me captivated from start to finish.
Something consistent with Maria’s books is the ability to feel like you know the characters, you’re going through experiences with them. She’s so descriptive without feeling overwhelmed. I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for something to get lost in!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Something consistent with Maria’s books is the ability to feel like you know the characters, you’re going through experiences with them. She’s so descriptive without feeling overwhelmed. I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for something to get lost in!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 9, 2024
Man, this was great! It makes me really wish for more Christmas-themed fantasy novels. This had everything I would want in a Christmas fantasy: clever worldbuilding, inventive ideas for how things work at the North Pole, a likable protagonist, and good pacing. I also loved that it was actually pretty dark and mature, which isn't something you would expect from a Christmas story. It's an absolute crime that this book has barely 100 ratings on here, because it deserves much more attention.
November 17, 2017
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Strong, healthy hair comes from simple, healing ingredients found in nature.
Free Shipping · Free Shipping All Orders · 5% Off W/ REDcard · All Orders Ship FreeLavender Volume Shampoo gently cleanses and volumizes fine hair while nourishing and restoring balance. Long known for its ability to improve the appearance of hair. DISCLAIMER: THIS LEGALLY A SPONSOR AND BY FEDERAL LAW THIS COMMENT CAN NOT BE TAKEN DOWN NOR EDITED.
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