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The Chronicles of Lóresse #1
Analinde: The Chronicles of Loresse
An enchanting tale of adventure, magic, and courage.
Analinde is a powerful elven mage just new into her powers. When her village is attacked by Humans she races to the nearest elvish stronghold to give warning.
Unfortunately, once she reaches safety, things don't go as planned. Her magic is causing problems, she doesn't know who she can trust, and no one will tell her anything.
The traitors are just one step behind her and Analinde doesn't know where to turn. All she wants is for life to go back to normal, but she realizes this is impossible.
Will Analinde pursue the magical potential she sees all around her? Or will she allow herself to be sheltered, protected and kept out of harm's way?
Analinde is a powerful elven mage just new into her powers. When her village is attacked by Humans she races to the nearest elvish stronghold to give warning.
Unfortunately, once she reaches safety, things don't go as planned. Her magic is causing problems, she doesn't know who she can trust, and no one will tell her anything.
The traitors are just one step behind her and Analinde doesn't know where to turn. All she wants is for life to go back to normal, but she realizes this is impossible.
Will Analinde pursue the magical potential she sees all around her? Or will she allow herself to be sheltered, protected and kept out of harm's way?
- GenresFantasy
406 pages, Paperback
First published September 20, 2013
2 people are currently reading
629 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Bitter
17 books8 followersMelissa has been a book junkie her entire life. When she wasn't locked away in a practice room studying etudes and musical excerpts over and over again (she was a music major in college), she could be found in the library reading almost everything she could get her hands on.
One of her favorite books as a child was Bunnicula (the Vampire Rabbit). When she was a little bit older, she fell in love with Robin McKinley’s books Beauty and The Blue Sword. When she was in high school, she read Gone With the Wind and Pride & Prejudice at least a dozen times each. She’s not ashamed to admit it.
Melissa still remembers vividly the first time she read Mercedes Lackey’s Arrows of the Queen. She was at the local public library, tucked away at a reading cube near wall-to-wall windows which happened to be located right under an air vent. It was summer and hot outside, which meant that the air conditioning was on full-blast. She sat there freezing her tooshie off, her fingers frozen in claws trying to prop open the book, while she shivered in place. She couldn’t put the book down, she needed to know what happened next.
Melissa is currently living in California, couch surfing at her parent’s house (ah the joys of being single and being free to make this choice). She works for the U.S. Foreign Service. She’s served at U.S. Embassies Port-au-Prince, Haiti and Vienna, Austria.
Melissa blogs occasionally at Blog.MelissaBitter.com.
Want to receive an email when Melissa's next book is released? Then join the Mailing List.
One of her favorite books as a child was Bunnicula (the Vampire Rabbit). When she was a little bit older, she fell in love with Robin McKinley’s books Beauty and The Blue Sword. When she was in high school, she read Gone With the Wind and Pride & Prejudice at least a dozen times each. She’s not ashamed to admit it.
Melissa still remembers vividly the first time she read Mercedes Lackey’s Arrows of the Queen. She was at the local public library, tucked away at a reading cube near wall-to-wall windows which happened to be located right under an air vent. It was summer and hot outside, which meant that the air conditioning was on full-blast. She sat there freezing her tooshie off, her fingers frozen in claws trying to prop open the book, while she shivered in place. She couldn’t put the book down, she needed to know what happened next.
Melissa is currently living in California, couch surfing at her parent’s house (ah the joys of being single and being free to make this choice). She works for the U.S. Foreign Service. She’s served at U.S. Embassies Port-au-Prince, Haiti and Vienna, Austria.
Melissa blogs occasionally at Blog.MelissaBitter.com.
Want to receive an email when Melissa's next book is released? Then join the Mailing List.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 2, 2014
I cant wait for the next one. Best book I have read in a long time! This was free on Amazon when I got it, yay me! However, I will definitely pay to read this authors works in the future.
August 15, 2017
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway and was instantly pulled into it. It did take me a while to finish, but I will elaborate on that in a bit. The author is an absolute sweetheart. I was impressed with the thank you note and the autograph in the book. Now, on to the actual review.
ANALINDE took me a while because of its rich language. It is set in a high fantasy world with the main characters being elves. The language and descriptions weren't hard to follow, it was just so rich that I had to take my time. Its kind of like eating a seriously amazing chocolate cake. You have a few bites and take your time because the chocolate is rich, but you can't stop because it is that good.
I love how Bitter described the magic. It was amazing seeing how Analinde grew from a girl still struggling to a girl achieving great feats just to survive. She was an amazing character and I could relate to her. In fact, I usually dislike elves, (even Legolas is an elf that sometimes gets me going) but Analinde was an elf that made me love the world. I don't care for some of the other characters, mostly the teachers, but I am beginning to like elves (as long as they are Bitter's elves).
The book is a bit like Harry Potter in that most of it is in the school and the main character has a group of friends helping her in the midst of adults and danger. But, really, that is only one way to describe the book. ANALINDE is very much a coming of age book. The main character is a girl who grows in the end, both in magic and as a person. She isn't the only character to grow, but as the main character I loved seeing that growth.
This is definitely a series that I will keeping watch for.
ANALINDE took me a while because of its rich language. It is set in a high fantasy world with the main characters being elves. The language and descriptions weren't hard to follow, it was just so rich that I had to take my time. Its kind of like eating a seriously amazing chocolate cake. You have a few bites and take your time because the chocolate is rich, but you can't stop because it is that good.
I love how Bitter described the magic. It was amazing seeing how Analinde grew from a girl still struggling to a girl achieving great feats just to survive. She was an amazing character and I could relate to her. In fact, I usually dislike elves, (even Legolas is an elf that sometimes gets me going) but Analinde was an elf that made me love the world. I don't care for some of the other characters, mostly the teachers, but I am beginning to like elves (as long as they are Bitter's elves).
The book is a bit like Harry Potter in that most of it is in the school and the main character has a group of friends helping her in the midst of adults and danger. But, really, that is only one way to describe the book. ANALINDE is very much a coming of age book. The main character is a girl who grows in the end, both in magic and as a person. She isn't the only character to grow, but as the main character I loved seeing that growth.
This is definitely a series that I will keeping watch for.
September 28, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. The author created a whole new world with new ways of looking at magic, and many things were efficiently and realistically (for a fictive world) explained away.
There is also an incredible amount of detail in the way the author describes not just magic but the way it feels and what feelings are entwined with it. I felt at home in the mind of the protagonist and was able to sympathize with pretty much all she went through and how she dealt with it (again, in great detail).
I am a fan of strong heroines, and Analindë definitely fits the bill. She seems to be transforming from a sheltered girl into an impulsive head strong young woman, and it pleased me every time she would contemplate a safe action versus a dangerous one, and ended up choosing danger/bravery/courage time after time.
The story itself does not move as swift as some might like, but I still feel as though all we experience is useful and only increases the complexity of her world.
And finally, although it was somewhat of a relief to not have an all-important romance story for once, I do feel there could have been at least a tiny bit more than what we had this time around, but seeing her life-span I'd say there's plenty of time for that to still come to pass.
Next please!
There is also an incredible amount of detail in the way the author describes not just magic but the way it feels and what feelings are entwined with it. I felt at home in the mind of the protagonist and was able to sympathize with pretty much all she went through and how she dealt with it (again, in great detail).
I am a fan of strong heroines, and Analindë definitely fits the bill. She seems to be transforming from a sheltered girl into an impulsive head strong young woman, and it pleased me every time she would contemplate a safe action versus a dangerous one, and ended up choosing danger/bravery/courage time after time.
The story itself does not move as swift as some might like, but I still feel as though all we experience is useful and only increases the complexity of her world.
And finally, although it was somewhat of a relief to not have an all-important romance story for once, I do feel there could have been at least a tiny bit more than what we had this time around, but seeing her life-span I'd say there's plenty of time for that to still come to pass.
Next please!
January 17, 2016
I didn't love the writing, which is probably why it took me longer than usual to finish the book. The world-building, however, kept me interested. So much potential. <3
March 23, 2014
This book was offered to me in a goodreads giveaway in exchange of an honest review. For this offer, I thank the author, as well as for the lovely note which came with the book. Thank you, Melissa =)
I would like to have a more positive opinion, however, I cannot. There is potential in it, and some interesting ideas to explore, but it doesn’t seem to have conquered the “draft” stage yet.
In a fantasy story, it is refreshing to adopt the viewpoint of a female elf instead of the usual “human chosen one”. That was a plus. However, I don’t think the author took advantage of that the way she could: Analinde, as the other elves, acts and thinks just like human beings, the only difference being that elves live longer, are stronger and have more power and knowledge. Exploring the differences between elves and humans – and even inventing differences, avoiding the cliché idea of an elf, if possible – is one of the points that would up bring the book.
My opinion about the worldbuilding is more or less the same: it lacks details. It does not have to be a complex Tolkien-like world, but it does have to show that the author thought carefully about it and structured it to its details. Then, success will be achieved by getting the reader to know the world he is in by delivering those said details, showing them in the scenes, instead of telling “it is this and that”.
“Show more, tell less” is actually a general need in the whole of the writing, especially regarding the characters feelings. I don’t think I need to go on and on to transmit the idea I want, so I will just give an example: when Analinde’s family supposedly dies, I felt no sympathy for the characters, because I did not see Analinde’s pain. I understood it during the first moments, after all, she was on a running for her life, but not after she was safe. Sure, she tells the reader she is sad, and that she wants them alive while remembering them, but she does not show it: she keeps doing her studies and her “normal” life as if the family was fine. Our actions reflect our feelings, and that’s something our characters should also do in order to be credible.
Finally, the plot: it revolved essentially around Analinde developing her magical skills. She hardly has any confrontation, and when she does, she works more in a defensive and passive way, than on an active. As a consequence, the plot was quite slow and passive. Maybe more action and pushing Analinde to the centre of confrontations sooner or more frequently would have been an advantage to the story.
This review ends here, so I will be addressing the author directly: Melissa, I’m supposing you will read this. Therefore, I know it is hard to deal with a less positive review, but I would not have write it if I didn’t believe it was not worth it. I hope you can “review the review” and use the points you consider to be the most important ones to improve, if not this, the next book.
I would like to have a more positive opinion, however, I cannot. There is potential in it, and some interesting ideas to explore, but it doesn’t seem to have conquered the “draft” stage yet.
In a fantasy story, it is refreshing to adopt the viewpoint of a female elf instead of the usual “human chosen one”. That was a plus. However, I don’t think the author took advantage of that the way she could: Analinde, as the other elves, acts and thinks just like human beings, the only difference being that elves live longer, are stronger and have more power and knowledge. Exploring the differences between elves and humans – and even inventing differences, avoiding the cliché idea of an elf, if possible – is one of the points that would up bring the book.
My opinion about the worldbuilding is more or less the same: it lacks details. It does not have to be a complex Tolkien-like world, but it does have to show that the author thought carefully about it and structured it to its details. Then, success will be achieved by getting the reader to know the world he is in by delivering those said details, showing them in the scenes, instead of telling “it is this and that”.
“Show more, tell less” is actually a general need in the whole of the writing, especially regarding the characters feelings. I don’t think I need to go on and on to transmit the idea I want, so I will just give an example: when Analinde’s family supposedly dies, I felt no sympathy for the characters, because I did not see Analinde’s pain. I understood it during the first moments, after all, she was on a running for her life, but not after she was safe. Sure, she tells the reader she is sad, and that she wants them alive while remembering them, but she does not show it: she keeps doing her studies and her “normal” life as if the family was fine. Our actions reflect our feelings, and that’s something our characters should also do in order to be credible.
Finally, the plot: it revolved essentially around Analinde developing her magical skills. She hardly has any confrontation, and when she does, she works more in a defensive and passive way, than on an active. As a consequence, the plot was quite slow and passive. Maybe more action and pushing Analinde to the centre of confrontations sooner or more frequently would have been an advantage to the story.
This review ends here, so I will be addressing the author directly: Melissa, I’m supposing you will read this. Therefore, I know it is hard to deal with a less positive review, but I would not have write it if I didn’t believe it was not worth it. I hope you can “review the review” and use the points you consider to be the most important ones to improve, if not this, the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2014
This book is very, very good. My friend's daughter wrote it, so I must admit that I initially approached it with some hesitation (after taking advantage of the free download on my kindle). One never can be sure how these self-published books will go, and I have read many whose goodness lies in their potential rather than fulfillment (not to mention abysmal editing). But then I met the lovely author, and in the few minutes we talked, I was charmed by her wit and intelligence and expression, so I opened the book with more confidence. I was not disappointed! Bitter has created a fine fantasy, with a well developed world and magic, along with characters that I came to care about. The author writes with an archaic flavor to her language, which enriches the elven fantasy element and tempers the pacing (which is both reckless and slow in turns, and which I found effective in warming up to our heroine). I am anxious to read the sequel, not least because I am ready for some sort of romance to erupt (plenty of simmering in this first book), so if the author would like to send me an ARC when one is ready, I would jump at the chance to read it (wink, wink!). I definitely recommend this book to my fantasy reader friends.
*2nd read, July 17, 2014: I loved reading this again in preparation for the next book. I'm expecting an ARC any day now - yippee!
*2nd read, July 17, 2014: I loved reading this again in preparation for the next book. I'm expecting an ARC any day now - yippee!
March 1, 2016
Yay, I won this book from Goodreads First Reads!
OK, so, Analinde is about a young elven mage named Analinde.
Her parents were killed by humans one day, so she alerts all the other elves, and goes to Miredell, a school to seek better training. While there, she realizes that she has much potential and learns all the spells and techniques very quickly. She also tries to find a way to avenge her dead parents by learning as much as she can on her own, from books in the library. At the end, she uses all her skills to help in the downfall of the humans who killed her parents, and ta da! Happy Ending. Kinda...
I have to say the first 3/4 of the book was very slow for me, and I sometimes found myself skimming through the pages, I would have rated it one, maybe two stars, but the last section of the book, really grabbed by attention. It was very exciting, and I looked forward to reading it, and knowing what would happen next. When I finished the entire book, and looked at it as a whole, I found that I liked it quite a bit. I'd rate it 4 stars, because even though the majority of the book was slow, and maybe a bit boring, the last section really made up for it, and it was amazing. I can't wait to read the next one!
OK, so, Analinde is about a young elven mage named Analinde.
Her parents were killed by humans one day, so she alerts all the other elves, and goes to Miredell, a school to seek better training. While there, she realizes that she has much potential and learns all the spells and techniques very quickly. She also tries to find a way to avenge her dead parents by learning as much as she can on her own, from books in the library. At the end, she uses all her skills to help in the downfall of the humans who killed her parents, and ta da! Happy Ending. Kinda...
I have to say the first 3/4 of the book was very slow for me, and I sometimes found myself skimming through the pages, I would have rated it one, maybe two stars, but the last section of the book, really grabbed by attention. It was very exciting, and I looked forward to reading it, and knowing what would happen next. When I finished the entire book, and looked at it as a whole, I found that I liked it quite a bit. I'd rate it 4 stars, because even though the majority of the book was slow, and maybe a bit boring, the last section really made up for it, and it was amazing. I can't wait to read the next one!
December 8, 2013
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
An enchanting tale of adventure, magic, and courage. 151,000 words long. Analindë is a powerful elven mage just new into her powers. When her village is attacked by Humans she races to the nearest elvish stronghold to give warning. Unfortunately, once she reaches safety, things don't go as planned. Her magic is causing problems, she doesn't know who she can trust, and no one will tell her anything. The traitors are just one step behind her and Analindë doesn't know where to turn. All she wants is for life to go back to normal, but she realizes this is impossible. Will Analindë pursue the magical potential she sees all around her? Or will she allow herself to be sheltered, protected and kept out of harm's way?
MY MOTHERFLECKING REVIEW:
This story is fuc- sorry I mean flecking amazing! What a nip slip lol Are you looking for adventure? Magic? A powerful elven mage? A kickass heroine? Well you are in luck, my friend. Because this book is everything you've been looking for. It kind of reminds me of the Iron Fey series by the beautiful and talented Goddess Julie Kagawa. You've got to read this book. Its hard to put down.
An enchanting tale of adventure, magic, and courage. 151,000 words long. Analindë is a powerful elven mage just new into her powers. When her village is attacked by Humans she races to the nearest elvish stronghold to give warning. Unfortunately, once she reaches safety, things don't go as planned. Her magic is causing problems, she doesn't know who she can trust, and no one will tell her anything. The traitors are just one step behind her and Analindë doesn't know where to turn. All she wants is for life to go back to normal, but she realizes this is impossible. Will Analindë pursue the magical potential she sees all around her? Or will she allow herself to be sheltered, protected and kept out of harm's way?
MY MOTHERFLECKING REVIEW:
This story is fuc- sorry I mean flecking amazing! What a nip slip lol Are you looking for adventure? Magic? A powerful elven mage? A kickass heroine? Well you are in luck, my friend. Because this book is everything you've been looking for. It kind of reminds me of the Iron Fey series by the beautiful and talented Goddess Julie Kagawa. You've got to read this book. Its hard to put down.
August 22, 2016
I won the book through Goodreads First Reads and it is the best books I have read in a long time. The writing is descriptive and you are drawn into a very believable world. I am usually more into science fiction than fantasy as I like things to be possible but her plausible explanations made it seem real. It is a book that once you start it, you won't want to put it down until it is finished - and it is quite a long (but very enjoyable) read. I look forward to reading more of this authors works in the future.
August 10, 2016
Melissa Bitter's "Analinde: The Chronicles of Loresse (The Chronicles of Lóresse #1)" is an interesting, fast paced read. Analinde is a likable yet unique protagonist and the setting is quite interesting. I enjoyed the pace of the story, as it helps to keep it interesting. The author is descriptive of the characters and surroundings without going over-the-top on the adjective usage, which some other fantasy writers are prone to. Overall, an exceptionally interesting read that leads into its sequel well.
July 22, 2016
Great book. I love reading fantasy fiction books. Most involve elves in some sort of way or fashion but rarely have they been a story about elves from the start and from their perspective. I found this refreshing and fun. The book delves into a creative magic system that I find interesting and thought out. The story line is also fun and I can tell the author is setting up for more adventures which I can't wait for.
Overall great read and I looking forward to the continued story!
Overall great read and I looking forward to the continued story!
October 7, 2013
Loved it! I loved way I was drawn into the main character's inner world. I loved how Analinde renewed her strength through drawing on nature's energy, and also through centering. It seemed somewhat akin to meditation, which I find to be rejuvenating, calming and empowering, too. Super cool new story to follow!
Read
January 23, 2014Beautiful.
The author draws a breathtaking world you can't help but be entranced by, with strong distinct characters you want to get to know better. I loved it!
The ending also found that elusive balance between neatly wrapping up and leaving you wanting to come back. I'm eager for the next one!
The author draws a breathtaking world you can't help but be entranced by, with strong distinct characters you want to get to know better. I loved it!
The ending also found that elusive balance between neatly wrapping up and leaving you wanting to come back. I'm eager for the next one!
Read
January 6, 2016I really loved this! It was a good "exercise" read. The time on the treadmill went quickly because I was so into the book! Can't wait for the next books. :) The author is a friends sister which made it even more exciting to read something from someone I personally know.
PS - as far as I can tell this is a book that you can download only?
PS - as far as I can tell this is a book that you can download only?
September 25, 2013
I loved this book! It had me crying, jumping, and squealing. It is full of adventure and kept me entertained! Again I LOVED IT!
October 8, 2013
I loved this from the very first. It drew me in. The characters were interesting. I found myself wanting to quit whatever else I was doing and go read! Great job, Melissa!!!
December 6, 2013
This was a great book.. I finished the whole thing in less than two days I couldn't put it down...
** I received this book for free through a first reads promotion.
** I received this book for free through a first reads promotion.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews