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Mystics of Mistvale #3
The Reclusive Dryad
A forest spirit protective of his home. A unicorn determined to befriend him. A slowly strengthening bond.
Alden
My magic had never failed me, and when it guided me to Silent Creek Park, I followed my instincts. The forest spirit who called the park home was shy and not very talkative, but my magic told me he was important, maybe the most important person I'd ever meet.
I didn't care how long it took, I was determined to break his walls. I'd bring him as many cupcakes and sweet treats as it took. After all, wasn't the way to a man's heart through his stomach?
Elian
I'd been content with my life in the park I'd claimed as mine until I sensed his presence. A being as old as me, and maybe just as lonely in some ways. He was beautiful with his colorful mane and his chipped off horn, a unicorn worthy of being in my park.
I still couldn't bring myself to talk to him, but when he started bringing me the sweetest, most delicious treats, I gave back in kind like the old times. Maybe having a friend wouldn't be that bad, but what what if we could be more?
The Reclusive Dryad is an MM paranormal romance featuring a unicorn who is the last of his kind, and a reclusive forest spirit with a sweet-tooth. It features an ethereal romance between two ace magical beings connected to Mother Earth, tons of sweet moments, and the usual Mistvale mayhem.
Mystics of Mistvale is the third series set in the fictional town of Mistvale, and while each book in this series can be read as a standalone, characters from other books do pop in.
The chronological order for all the Mistvale books is available on the author's website.
Alden
My magic had never failed me, and when it guided me to Silent Creek Park, I followed my instincts. The forest spirit who called the park home was shy and not very talkative, but my magic told me he was important, maybe the most important person I'd ever meet.
I didn't care how long it took, I was determined to break his walls. I'd bring him as many cupcakes and sweet treats as it took. After all, wasn't the way to a man's heart through his stomach?
Elian
I'd been content with my life in the park I'd claimed as mine until I sensed his presence. A being as old as me, and maybe just as lonely in some ways. He was beautiful with his colorful mane and his chipped off horn, a unicorn worthy of being in my park.
I still couldn't bring myself to talk to him, but when he started bringing me the sweetest, most delicious treats, I gave back in kind like the old times. Maybe having a friend wouldn't be that bad, but what what if we could be more?
The Reclusive Dryad is an MM paranormal romance featuring a unicorn who is the last of his kind, and a reclusive forest spirit with a sweet-tooth. It features an ethereal romance between two ace magical beings connected to Mother Earth, tons of sweet moments, and the usual Mistvale mayhem.
Mystics of Mistvale is the third series set in the fictional town of Mistvale, and while each book in this series can be read as a standalone, characters from other books do pop in.
The chronological order for all the Mistvale books is available on the author's website.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 21, 2023
91 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Stella Rainbow
55 books273 followersStella Rainbow is the pen name of a twenty something woman from India. Her heart is too full of rainbow colored stories to be limited by the lack of awareness in her home country.
Stella spends her days cuddling up with her cat, typing out new stories, daydreaming and reading all the books she can get her hands on.
She loves talking to her readers and other book lovers, so don't hesitate in contacting her on any of her socials or emailing her at authorstellarainbow@gmail.com
Stella spends her days cuddling up with her cat, typing out new stories, daydreaming and reading all the books she can get her hands on.
She loves talking to her readers and other book lovers, so don't hesitate in contacting her on any of her socials or emailing her at authorstellarainbow@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 18, 2025
This was actually so incredibly sweet and fluffy! I really wanted to read a book that focused mainly on the MCs and how they build their relationship with no steam, and this book definitely delivered. I loved reading how Alden and Elian’s relationship blossomed throughout the story. We were given mates with some really refreshing asexual representation wrapped up in found family, and that combination made for such an enjoyable read.
There was also no instant rushing when it came to both MMCs getting to know each other and their interests. Yes, it created a slow-burn kind of plot, but I feel like it worked really well for this book.
There was also no instant rushing when it came to both MMCs getting to know each other and their interests. Yes, it created a slow-burn kind of plot, but I feel like it worked really well for this book.
January 3, 2024
This was a really cute, sweet, drama-free story. A great addition to the series.
featured
April 1, 2024https://aspeccharactersoftheday.tumbl...
Alden from The Reclusive Dryad is asexual!
Elian from The Reclusive Dryad is asexual!
Alden from The Reclusive Dryad is asexual!
Elian from The Reclusive Dryad is asexual!
January 10, 2024
Why so many chapters? And on top of that with the point of view of the two characters in each chapter. It looked like twice as much as it had. I spent the entire book wondering why I was reading this book. But without wanting to stop for the simple fact of having read all the books in the universe created by the author. But it was painful. God. It was suffered.
A dull unicorn has an even duller dryad as a companion. Together they spend 25 chapters that seem more like 50, having internal conversations and talking about living in seclusion, not trusting anyone, parks, fruit and cupcakes. The only emotion felt was happiness when the book ended. Two characters that do not inspire empathy.
After I read Conviction from the Innocent Monsters series, I was a little excited about this one, even though since I realized that Alden would have his book, I believed that I wouldn't like it. I wasn't wrong. So the disappointment was not great, despite the hope. I'm crossing my fingers for Cam and Micah's book, but without 1% hope, since I find the character Cam unbearable. I like Micah, I hope to like the other two companions that will come, perhaps the vampire Calix? Would be different. But Cam, no no NO. I'm going to seriously think about whether I'll read this book.
A dull unicorn has an even duller dryad as a companion. Together they spend 25 chapters that seem more like 50, having internal conversations and talking about living in seclusion, not trusting anyone, parks, fruit and cupcakes. The only emotion felt was happiness when the book ended. Two characters that do not inspire empathy.
After I read Conviction from the Innocent Monsters series, I was a little excited about this one, even though since I realized that Alden would have his book, I believed that I wouldn't like it. I wasn't wrong. So the disappointment was not great, despite the hope. I'm crossing my fingers for Cam and Micah's book, but without 1% hope, since I find the character Cam unbearable. I like Micah, I hope to like the other two companions that will come, perhaps the vampire Calix? Would be different. But Cam, no no NO. I'm going to seriously think about whether I'll read this book.
Read
August 3, 2024This was, ultimately, too little plot for me. And the writing does not offer you a character deep dive instead, it just offers you the mildest romance in existence.
And for an apparently established universe, I am left with so many questions. Neither characters have a job or any other obligations (which Elian gets a pass for), so there is no structure for the story to build around. And where does Alden's money come from? And who is helping him create new passports and identities ever 30-odd years? Why has no one considered the issues of land property before? With the romance giving so little, I had too much time on my hands to wonder about all these things.
And why is that when it's two ace characters that are falling in love, they are both always of gentle natures and accommodating and wholesome and tooth-achingly sweet. Cookie-cutter perfect.
(That said, I liked that we get to see a talk about their expectations regarding what mating means for them and that's is not at all rushed.)
and just for giggles here are all the mentioned characters that also have their own story:
(this book doesn't do a great job at distinguishing the side characters; all of them are sweet/nice/kind and you could all replace them with each other simply by changing what supernatural creature they are. It's frustrating since this apparently such a well-established universe but there was little effort put into it to showcase that.)
And for an apparently established universe, I am left with so many questions. Neither characters have a job or any other obligations (which Elian gets a pass for), so there is no structure for the story to build around. And where does Alden's money come from? And who is helping him create new passports and identities ever 30-odd years? Why has no one considered the issues of land property before? With the romance giving so little, I had too much time on my hands to wonder about all these things.
And why is that when it's two ace characters that are falling in love, they are both always of gentle natures and accommodating and wholesome and tooth-achingly sweet. Cookie-cutter perfect.
(That said, I liked that we get to see a talk about their expectations regarding what mating means for them and that's is not at all rushed.)
and just for giggles here are all the mentioned characters that also have their own story:
(this book doesn't do a great job at distinguishing the side characters; all of them are sweet/nice/kind and you could all replace them with each other simply by changing what supernatural creature they are. It's frustrating since this apparently such a well-established universe but there was little effort put into it to showcase that.)
January 31, 2024
Maybe two stars is harsh. 2.5?? I wanted to just LOVE this one and I did....but... there is no plot. Just the two characters falling for each other. They are the epitome of sweetness and light. The Dryad is indeed reclusive and I guess that could be the plot point -- watching him come out of his shell a bit. But it is really rather easy for him to do.
AH, someone wants to buy his forest and build apartments! A PLOT! nope. Resolved with a simple meeting of the parties involved.
Surely we'll get some steamy sexy times with a unicorn shifter and a Dryad shifter. Nope, they are asexual creatures. A nice cuddle is all they need. I totally appreciate the use of asexual characters rather than randy boys who shag within five minutes of meeting each other, but.....well...okay then, you need more of a plot.
If you want to read a story about two lonely boys who meet and fall gently in love, the Reclusive Dryad is PERFECT Five STARS. But if you are looking for some tension, plot, struggle, a bit of angst...something, it might not be for you.
Also, it is #3 in the series and I didn't read #1 or #2. I'm totally willing to go back and read those now and see if that will improve the star rating on this one.
AH, someone wants to buy his forest and build apartments! A PLOT! nope. Resolved with a simple meeting of the parties involved.
Surely we'll get some steamy sexy times with a unicorn shifter and a Dryad shifter. Nope, they are asexual creatures. A nice cuddle is all they need. I totally appreciate the use of asexual characters rather than randy boys who shag within five minutes of meeting each other, but.....well...okay then, you need more of a plot.
If you want to read a story about two lonely boys who meet and fall gently in love, the Reclusive Dryad is PERFECT Five STARS. But if you are looking for some tension, plot, struggle, a bit of angst...something, it might not be for you.
Also, it is #3 in the series and I didn't read #1 or #2. I'm totally willing to go back and read those now and see if that will improve the star rating on this one.
December 21, 2023
Stella's writing style is always so cute, that's the only way I can describe it. Her books are always full of fluffy sweetness and this book is no different. I loved the ace representation in this book, with not one, but two, of the MC's identifying as ace. I found that really cool, personally, I thought it was neat to see that kind of representation.
Elian and Alden's relationship developed slowly over time with both of them taking care and time to progress their relationship slowly. I liked how there was a bit of a slow burn, and how there were no spicy scenes! If that's what you're looking for in your books, you won't find a spicy scene in this book. I love the town of Mistvale and I adore that past characters were featured in this story, I enjoyed seeing old characters again.
The relationship Alden has with his best friends is Soo special, and you could feel how close they are with one another. I cannot wait for Micah and Cam's story, I'm so excited for it!! Overall a great story full of sweet romance, fluff, and no spice!
Elian and Alden's relationship developed slowly over time with both of them taking care and time to progress their relationship slowly. I liked how there was a bit of a slow burn, and how there were no spicy scenes! If that's what you're looking for in your books, you won't find a spicy scene in this book. I love the town of Mistvale and I adore that past characters were featured in this story, I enjoyed seeing old characters again.
The relationship Alden has with his best friends is Soo special, and you could feel how close they are with one another. I cannot wait for Micah and Cam's story, I'm so excited for it!! Overall a great story full of sweet romance, fluff, and no spice!
December 21, 2023
4.5/5 This is a lovely addition to the extended Mistvale series, with a shy dryad and a lonely unicorn figuring out that they’re mates. It was wonderful to have such front and centre ace representation and a reminder that you can have a beautiful love story without any spice.
This is a sweet story of patience and understanding as Elian is slowly reminded of what the human world (and form) is like and gets the courage to interact with Alden and then those around him (thanks in large part to cupcakes, lol).
I enjoyed the exploration of how to communicate and what a relationship means when Elian is mostly hidden, as well as the growing connection as he and Alden get to know one another face to face. The lore of unicorns and dryads is very interesting. This is perfect to read if you are in the mood for low-angst, sweet romance.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
This is a sweet story of patience and understanding as Elian is slowly reminded of what the human world (and form) is like and gets the courage to interact with Alden and then those around him (thanks in large part to cupcakes, lol).
I enjoyed the exploration of how to communicate and what a relationship means when Elian is mostly hidden, as well as the growing connection as he and Alden get to know one another face to face. The lore of unicorns and dryads is very interesting. This is perfect to read if you are in the mood for low-angst, sweet romance.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
August 10, 2025
Elian, a reclusive forest spirit, has long guarded Silent Creek Park in solitude—until Alden, a vibrant unicorn guided by ancient magic, arrives with cupcakes and unwavering kindness. Determined to befriend the shy guardian, Alden offers sweetness and warmth, slowly chipping away at Elian’s walls. Elian, intrigued by Alden’s presence and moved by his gentle persistence, begins to respond in kind, exchanging gifts like in the old days of magic. As their bond deepens from cautious friendship to something more tender and profound, both must decide whether to embrace the possibility of love blooming quietly beneath the trees.
I loved this story of slow trust, soft magic, and the beauty of being truly seen. I loved that Alden was gentle and determined to give Elian as much time as he needed. I loved that the story gently introduced Elian to Alden's family as well as the rest of the Mistvale clan. Easy to read and understand. This was an MM story.
I loved this story of slow trust, soft magic, and the beauty of being truly seen. I loved that Alden was gentle and determined to give Elian as much time as he needed. I loved that the story gently introduced Elian to Alden's family as well as the rest of the Mistvale clan. Easy to read and understand. This was an MM story.
December 22, 2023
** I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review**
First off, I want to say that I think this is one of my favourite Stella Rainbow books. It was sweet, it was cute, I liked it.
However, there were a few very minor details that just stuck in the back of my brain when I was reading it.
** Spoilers **
If Elian has been alone for hundreds of years, how does he know the local language? Language is changing all the time, and he didn't talk to a single person, nor did he allow anyone into his park until the last few years. So how???
The other thing that bothered me is, how does he know about pirates but not Cinderella? Like, seriously.
It was these tiny details that were never explained that kind of took me out of the story.
First off, I want to say that I think this is one of my favourite Stella Rainbow books. It was sweet, it was cute, I liked it.
However, there were a few very minor details that just stuck in the back of my brain when I was reading it.
** Spoilers **
If Elian has been alone for hundreds of years, how does he know the local language? Language is changing all the time, and he didn't talk to a single person, nor did he allow anyone into his park until the last few years. So how???
The other thing that bothered me is, how does he know about pirates but not Cinderella? Like, seriously.
It was these tiny details that were never explained that kind of took me out of the story.
December 23, 2023
Can you imagine going through life all alone but knowing you possibly have a mate? Elian has such a beautiful spirit within him but also so shy. Alden feeling the pull of the park that he has to continue going there. Elian magic keeps pulling him there. They both have reasons for lack of trust but Alden decides it time to start getting to know Elian even though he doesn’t know his name yet. Who would’ve guessed a Dryad had a sweet tooth. I love that as time goes on they both start to get to know each other and the trust starts building along with true friendship.
Through cupcakes, veggies, fruits, and found family the love between the two comes to fruition. This was a lovely book about trust and love.
I always like visiting the Mistvale family.
Lady M.
Through cupcakes, veggies, fruits, and found family the love between the two comes to fruition. This was a lovely book about trust and love.
I always like visiting the Mistvale family.
Lady M.
December 16, 2023
I absolutely loved this story. The world building is fantastic and I would just love to live in Mistvale. I was so happy to see Alden find his mate and Elian was just perfect for him. If you’re looking for a story with high heat, then this isn’t it but if you’re looking for a great story full of magic, unconditional love and the craziest and most wonderful found family then you should really read this series. I am hoping for a lot more books set in this awesome world. This was such a fantastic story.
June 12, 2025
"How are the lights working? I didn't think you had electricity here" (q) And yet he had no problem with bringing Elian a phone and a charger, which Elian used quite a lot. So... electricity? Probably from the same mysterious place where blind (back then), living in the woods, Tate was able to save some money.
Maybe ace stories are not for me. I dunno, honestly. I have no problems reading about ace characters before but here it was just the feeling smth is lacking. Plot, conflict, drama, emotions... 25 chapters of park walking
Maybe ace stories are not for me. I dunno, honestly. I have no problems reading about ace characters before but here it was just the feeling smth is lacking. Plot, conflict, drama, emotions... 25 chapters of park walking
December 21, 2023
Alden the unicorn senses a dryad has claimed Silent Creek Park when he goes there soon after moving to Mistvale.Two years later he wants to finally meet this dryad who he thinks is his mate. He has been patiently trying to earn their trust.
Elian has been hiding in his trees and other plants for so long that doesn't know what to do. As he slowly overcomes his shyness, they begin a sweet courtship. It's a beautiful romance with just the right amount of help from the Mistvale family.
Elian has been hiding in his trees and other plants for so long that doesn't know what to do. As he slowly overcomes his shyness, they begin a sweet courtship. It's a beautiful romance with just the right amount of help from the Mistvale family.
December 27, 2023
Warm and sweet
This was such an endearing and lovely story featuring a unicorn and a dryad, both on the asexual part of the spectrum. Alden and Elian fit together perfectly and I enjoyed watching them grow into better versions, both for themselves and each other. Various members of the ever growing Mistvale clan make plenty of appearances, adding to the overall appeal.
This was such an endearing and lovely story featuring a unicorn and a dryad, both on the asexual part of the spectrum. Alden and Elian fit together perfectly and I enjoyed watching them grow into better versions, both for themselves and each other. Various members of the ever growing Mistvale clan make plenty of appearances, adding to the overall appeal.
December 28, 2023
Ace, romantic
This is a sweet romance between two asexual beings. The conflict is light, mostly the dryad's shyness and past trauma. There are plenty of appearances of characters from past and future books.
Four stars because I prefer conflict to last the story arc, not resolve or appear in the middle.
This is a sweet romance between two asexual beings. The conflict is light, mostly the dryad's shyness and past trauma. There are plenty of appearances of characters from past and future books.
Four stars because I prefer conflict to last the story arc, not resolve or appear in the middle.
February 2, 2025
In which a unicorn very, very tenderly and patiently woos the reclusive wood spirit that resides in Mistvale's beautiful park. With cupcakes. And Indian food.
They are both ace, and only interested in hugging and kissing, but I didn't feel like anything was missing compared to the other books in this universe.
They are both ace, and only interested in hugging and kissing, but I didn't feel like anything was missing compared to the other books in this universe.
December 22, 2023
This was a really cute/feel good book. I loved how they both struggled, but were able to lean on others. I really loved how all the friends were in this book and how big of an impact Orion had! Another amazing book!
December 25, 2023
Winner!
Stella just keeps coming up with more great adventures for the Mistvale clan. It's a joy to see how the characters grow (like Can and Micah). Can't wait to read the day book in the series!
Stella just keeps coming up with more great adventures for the Mistvale clan. It's a joy to see how the characters grow (like Can and Micah). Can't wait to read the day book in the series!
January 1, 2024
finally
I’m so happy that Alden finally got his mate and honestly Elian was just perfect. I love the patience Alden showed Elian the whole story was beautiful and cute and heartfelt. I love that Stella’s characters always show diversity. X another perfect book in my opinion x
I’m so happy that Alden finally got his mate and honestly Elian was just perfect. I love the patience Alden showed Elian the whole story was beautiful and cute and heartfelt. I love that Stella’s characters always show diversity. X another perfect book in my opinion x
January 22, 2024
Mistvale
As usual, Stella Rainbow knocks it out the park. We get to meet a dryad and his unicorn mate. There is no sexy times in this book, just a lot of acceptance and love. I truly enjoyed reading this book. Highly recommended
As usual, Stella Rainbow knocks it out the park. We get to meet a dryad and his unicorn mate. There is no sexy times in this book, just a lot of acceptance and love. I truly enjoyed reading this book. Highly recommended
June 7, 2024
wonderful
Wonderful I love all the Mistvale storylines and this one has to be one of my favourites not only is it a unique paring it deals it Asexually too.
Highly recommended book and series.
Wonderful I love all the Mistvale storylines and this one has to be one of my favourites not only is it a unique paring it deals it Asexually too.
Highly recommended book and series.
December 15, 2023
Another cute Mistvale story. Liked the asexual rep I enjoyed this one alot. All the fluff no drama <3
December 21, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It's sweet and the characters are so wonderfully done. I really love how patient and understanding Alden is and how hard Elian is trying. They make a wonderful couple.
December 22, 2023
Bèta read
January 2, 2024
Awesome
I truly enjoyed reading this book - sweet plot especially no graphic sex scenes - wonderful story - lovely characters - would like book 2
I truly enjoyed reading this book - sweet plot especially no graphic sex scenes - wonderful story - lovely characters - would like book 2
January 16, 2024
They were very sweet and understanding to each other. But I got a little bored reading this. Not much happens at all.
January 31, 2024
I lovely ending to this phase of the Mistvale series. The series has been surprising sweet and I’ve thoroughly enjyed it. Looking forward to Heirs of Mistvale series in the future.
June 21, 2024
Fun & Engaging
I loved this 3rd outing to Mistvale, the story developed at a good pace & I enjoyed the banter between all the characters. I look forward to the next outing 😊xx
I loved this 3rd outing to Mistvale, the story developed at a good pace & I enjoyed the banter between all the characters. I look forward to the next outing 😊xx
December 20, 2023
Elian and Alden were so freaking sweet together. Their bond was unique yet beautiful. Alden slowly won Elian’s trust and heart. These two made my heart melt. I was rooting for them every step of the way.
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews