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The Elf Lord's Revenge
He lost everyone he loved to an assassin. Will Emma be next?
It is 1843. Immortal elf Allydan sath Nulan has returned from his travels to his estate in Alta California only to find his home and family destroyed. Related to the ruling family in the elvish homeland of Aelynghyst, Allydan, as the last of his line, must discover the killer before he, too, is murdered.
Into his life falls Emma Treadburn, a human woman at the end of her rope. Tired of being forced to pay off her father's debts by working for the local haberdasher who thinks he is entitled to enjoy Emma's charms, she decides to strike out on her own.
A terrible wagon accident brings the two of them together. But can the scholarly healer allow himself to fall in love with a human while trying to find a murderer?
And can Emma reconcile her heart to love an otherworldly elf?
It is 1843. Immortal elf Allydan sath Nulan has returned from his travels to his estate in Alta California only to find his home and family destroyed. Related to the ruling family in the elvish homeland of Aelynghyst, Allydan, as the last of his line, must discover the killer before he, too, is murdered.
Into his life falls Emma Treadburn, a human woman at the end of her rope. Tired of being forced to pay off her father's debts by working for the local haberdasher who thinks he is entitled to enjoy Emma's charms, she decides to strike out on her own.
A terrible wagon accident brings the two of them together. But can the scholarly healer allow himself to fall in love with a human while trying to find a murderer?
And can Emma reconcile her heart to love an otherworldly elf?
304 pages, Paperback
First published July 3, 2013
20 people are currently reading
515 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 12, 2014
This historical fantasy, set in the 1800’s, is a unique take on elves. There is a little of the expected sword wielding, but it primarily focuses on Allydan’s attempt to find his family’s murderer while dealing with his attraction for a human woman.
Read full review in the 2014 August issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014 August issue of InD’tale Magazine.
January 28, 2018
I was really excited by the premise of this book. The idea of high fantasy elves, mixed with historical fiction in a romance novel? Sign me up! I'd never read (that I can remember) anything that had this particular setup, and I praise the author's creativity. This was definitely the best part of the book. The attention to detail in terms of the historical setting, the language, culture and people of the California at the time was clearly something the author spent time on, or was a subject close to their heart.
However the same attention and care was not given to the rest of the book. I can give you no description of the main female character, nor can I tell you why the main male character falls in love with her, instead of the cook, for instance. The main character seemed very flat and while I was told she was kind, and there was some evidence of this - that was about it. Having their thoughts should have helped this, but it still didn't give me a feeling of the character in any more than a generic sense. In addition there were plot holes, and things that didn't make sense for the characters to do, as well as details that seemed unresolved.
With so much attention being given to historical California and the food and language, it was weird to have more common details like pregnancy not be fleshed out and researched. Also, the magical and fantasy aspects seemed unbalanced and unclear in comparison to the details provided. The world felt inconsistent.
The writing style was also somewhat simplistic. I thought perhaps this was a YA book at times, but I don't think that's the case. I really did like the idea behind the book, and the author really did describe some things well, I ended up not enjoying it.
However the same attention and care was not given to the rest of the book. I can give you no description of the main female character, nor can I tell you why the main male character falls in love with her, instead of the cook, for instance. The main character seemed very flat and while I was told she was kind, and there was some evidence of this - that was about it. Having their thoughts should have helped this, but it still didn't give me a feeling of the character in any more than a generic sense. In addition there were plot holes, and things that didn't make sense for the characters to do, as well as details that seemed unresolved.
With so much attention being given to historical California and the food and language, it was weird to have more common details like pregnancy not be fleshed out and researched. Also, the magical and fantasy aspects seemed unbalanced and unclear in comparison to the details provided. The world felt inconsistent.
The writing style was also somewhat simplistic. I thought perhaps this was a YA book at times, but I don't think that's the case. I really did like the idea behind the book, and the author really did describe some things well, I ended up not enjoying it.
August 25, 2013
If you think the elves from the Lord of the Rings are sexy, beautiful, and you like a historical romance which possesses elements of a fairy tale, then this is the book for you.
It is 1848 in Alta California and Allydan Sath Nulan, has returned home from his world travels only to find that his family’s home has been destroyed, and his parents and sisters slaughtered. It is clear that whoever committed this crime had powerful magic, but who did this?
Emma Treadburn is a lady whose fortune has fallen. Raised by loving parents, she lost her mother at a young age, and her grief stricken father spiraled into alcoholism. Now 19, she is working in a haberdashery to support both of them and help pay off some of the financial obligations her father has incurred due to being swindled on a business venture.
The story begins with Emma and Allydan meeting while endeavoring to rescue the driver and passengers from a wagon which ended up in an irrigation canal during the storm. Emma is injured, and Allydan takes them both back to his steward’s hacienda, where he has been residing, for food, shelter, and to treat Emma’s injured leg.
While Emma recovers, her interest and attraction to the tall long-haired, medical healer, who claims to come from a small duchy in Europe, grows. Allydan is also attracted to Emma, but he is fighting his feelings. As the last surviving member of the Sath Nulan family, he is next in line to become the ruling warden of Allenghyst. Until the murderer is discovered, and justice is dispatched, no one at the hacienda is safe.
When the ladies from the town confront Emma about residing under a residence, without a proper chaperone and with an unmarried man, Allydan marries Emma. In his effort to protect her, Allydan has unwittingly made her a target of the murderer who is pursuing him and the story takes a darker turn. To share more about what happens within the book would spoil the adventure.
This book is an interesting mix of part historical romance, part fantasy romance. The author has done her homework about the time period, and immerses the reader into the time period with exuberant, detailed descriptions of the locale, home décor and the day-to-day running of a hacienda. The inclusion of elven magic, two warrior elves, and a Chinese sorcerer definitely provide meat for those readers who like fantasy stories.
It is 1848 in Alta California and Allydan Sath Nulan, has returned home from his world travels only to find that his family’s home has been destroyed, and his parents and sisters slaughtered. It is clear that whoever committed this crime had powerful magic, but who did this?
Emma Treadburn is a lady whose fortune has fallen. Raised by loving parents, she lost her mother at a young age, and her grief stricken father spiraled into alcoholism. Now 19, she is working in a haberdashery to support both of them and help pay off some of the financial obligations her father has incurred due to being swindled on a business venture.
The story begins with Emma and Allydan meeting while endeavoring to rescue the driver and passengers from a wagon which ended up in an irrigation canal during the storm. Emma is injured, and Allydan takes them both back to his steward’s hacienda, where he has been residing, for food, shelter, and to treat Emma’s injured leg.
While Emma recovers, her interest and attraction to the tall long-haired, medical healer, who claims to come from a small duchy in Europe, grows. Allydan is also attracted to Emma, but he is fighting his feelings. As the last surviving member of the Sath Nulan family, he is next in line to become the ruling warden of Allenghyst. Until the murderer is discovered, and justice is dispatched, no one at the hacienda is safe.
When the ladies from the town confront Emma about residing under a residence, without a proper chaperone and with an unmarried man, Allydan marries Emma. In his effort to protect her, Allydan has unwittingly made her a target of the murderer who is pursuing him and the story takes a darker turn. To share more about what happens within the book would spoil the adventure.
This book is an interesting mix of part historical romance, part fantasy romance. The author has done her homework about the time period, and immerses the reader into the time period with exuberant, detailed descriptions of the locale, home décor and the day-to-day running of a hacienda. The inclusion of elven magic, two warrior elves, and a Chinese sorcerer definitely provide meat for those readers who like fantasy stories.
February 14, 2014
*I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review*
I actually give this book 3.5 stars but Goodreads does not work that way.
Allydan Sath Nulan is trying to find out who murdered his family by using magic. During this process he saves a woman that is on her own at night. Allydan must use his healing powers to heal Emma’s wounds she received while trying to save a baby.
Emma Treadburn is tired of trying to pay off her alcoholic father’s debts to David. When she is saved by Allydan she is instantly attracted to him. While Emma tries to learn more about Allydan, he tries to fight his feelings for her.
When the ladies of Emma’s hometown show up at a party they accuse her of being ruined because she is living in a home with an unmarried foreign man. Allydan’s only choice is to marry Emma to keep her reputation in good standings. Once married, Allydan reveals his true self and his past to Emma. Will a human be able to love a man that has revealed himself as an elf? Will Allydan track down the person that killed his family?
I found this book to be interesting as I am not a big elf fan. The characters are very easy to fall in love with. Anabella Thorne did a good job with writing this story (Yep, I think this is a series). The only critique I have with this story is I found myself not interested in the POV from David. I found myself wanting to skip over his parts.
Overall, this is different from any other elf books that I have read, and I found myself lost in the romance between Allydan and Emma.
My Favorite Quote: Did I hear that right? He thinks his people are fairy tale creatures?
“No you’re not!” she laughed. “Elves are plain and very short. They live in rose gardens.”
“Where did you hear that?” He looked confused.
“From fairy tales in books. My momma read them to me as a child.”
“Well, they have it wrong.” He sighed and his shoulders slumped. “I’m an elf; I assure you.”
I actually give this book 3.5 stars but Goodreads does not work that way.
Allydan Sath Nulan is trying to find out who murdered his family by using magic. During this process he saves a woman that is on her own at night. Allydan must use his healing powers to heal Emma’s wounds she received while trying to save a baby.
Emma Treadburn is tired of trying to pay off her alcoholic father’s debts to David. When she is saved by Allydan she is instantly attracted to him. While Emma tries to learn more about Allydan, he tries to fight his feelings for her.
When the ladies of Emma’s hometown show up at a party they accuse her of being ruined because she is living in a home with an unmarried foreign man. Allydan’s only choice is to marry Emma to keep her reputation in good standings. Once married, Allydan reveals his true self and his past to Emma. Will a human be able to love a man that has revealed himself as an elf? Will Allydan track down the person that killed his family?
I found this book to be interesting as I am not a big elf fan. The characters are very easy to fall in love with. Anabella Thorne did a good job with writing this story (Yep, I think this is a series). The only critique I have with this story is I found myself not interested in the POV from David. I found myself wanting to skip over his parts.
Overall, this is different from any other elf books that I have read, and I found myself lost in the romance between Allydan and Emma.
My Favorite Quote: Did I hear that right? He thinks his people are fairy tale creatures?
“No you’re not!” she laughed. “Elves are plain and very short. They live in rose gardens.”
“Where did you hear that?” He looked confused.
“From fairy tales in books. My momma read them to me as a child.”
“Well, they have it wrong.” He sighed and his shoulders slumped. “I’m an elf; I assure you.”
December 31, 2013
When I think of Alta California, I've probably been overly tainted by Zorro, and I was expecting something else of this book. Perhaps the initial fabulous disaster/rescue scene made me think it would be more swashbuckling. I'm not sure. In the end, I enjoyed the writing on a local level; but on a macro level, the book frequently dragged, for me. Looking at each piece of this book on the level of sentences and paragraphs, I cannot fault it, really. The prose is quite good and the flow is fine. Mechanically, it's really good. (OK, has a few minor typos here and there which did not detract from the reading, and it's still much better than the self-pub average in that department.) In fact, it's way above the self-published "average" bar in terms of the overall prose mechanics. I really wanted to enjoy the book more than I actually did, and I think in the end it just wasn't the right book for me. Perhaps at another time I would enjoy it more. And it could be the right book for another reader. If you're into early California westerns and you also like Elves (a la Tolkien) and some romance and a bit of magic, this may be a good fit for you, and as far as the general writing goes, it's worth reading. I'd give it 3 stars because generally I liked it (but wasn't swept off my feet). And I'll add a star for effort because the prose and copy-editing are good.
January 15, 2014
How to describe this wonderful piece of adventurous work of perfect story telling?
When I received this book in the mail (Won by a giveaway event on Goodreads) I stared at the cover and sighed wishing I'd never entered this giveaway by the author itself, our wonderful Arabella Thorne. But I was so freaking mistaken. Ya' see, you can't judge a book by its cover. Once you get past the introduction pages and you are ready and set on the first Chapter, you are in for an adventure that you'd never thought possible. I mean, the magic, the mystery, and the freaking romance! It was just too much to handle. I don't want to spoil it for you, but Allydan and Emma all the way babe!
The Elf Lord's RevengeSeptember 22, 2013
I really want to give this book a 3.5/5 but sadly goodreads doesn't allow such rating
The concept of this novel is good, no doubt, but I felt that the novel rushed some bits and dragged on others. The biggest issue I had with the book was the writing style. Perhaps it's because I've become accustomed to a different style of writing but this book seemed like middle school reading level, so I was a thrown off when it got to the intimate bits. I think this book could have gotten more points with me of the writing style wasn't that awkward or if the timing and pace of the plot was adjusted
I'd also like to add that the whole kidnapping bit at the end was quite twilight-esque
**received the book for free via Goodreads First Reads**
The concept of this novel is good, no doubt, but I felt that the novel rushed some bits and dragged on others. The biggest issue I had with the book was the writing style. Perhaps it's because I've become accustomed to a different style of writing but this book seemed like middle school reading level, so I was a thrown off when it got to the intimate bits. I think this book could have gotten more points with me of the writing style wasn't that awkward or if the timing and pace of the plot was adjusted
I'd also like to add that the whole kidnapping bit at the end was quite twilight-esque
**received the book for free via Goodreads First Reads**
August 15, 2014
4 Star
Read the review at InD'tale Magazine
http://indtale.com/reviews/historical...
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews