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The Dryad Chronicles #1
Daughter of Earth
A woman desperate for a fresh start.
A guard searching for meaning to life beyond war.
A protector looking to seize a promised fate.
A call to destiny that will not be denied.
Melissa believed that her luck would change when she decided to clean up her life. But with her dream opportunity slipping through her fingertips once again; she finds herself praying to an empty room, hoping someone is listening.
The answering call of otherworldly beings takes her to a fantastical place with mythological creatures where she dances between a dream and a nightmare she can’t awaken from. As if learning to navigate a new planet isn’t enough, Melissa finds herself caught up in the attentions of a handsome elf. Even as she is whisked away into a whirlwind courtship, she can’t ignore that another set of eyes seems to be watching her from the dark.
With her unique group of dryads offering her protection and training, Melissa is beginning to feel like she can finally set down some roots of her own. Yet, she knows that she shouldn’t belong here. Can she survive the fear, suspicion, and monsters long enough to find a way home? Even if the price of returning requires the sacrifice of her heart?
The Dryad Chronicles is a Why Choose Fantasy Romance meaning that the heroine will end up with more than one love interest. This is book one in a series of five books. There is an older version of this story that was published in 3rd person.
A guard searching for meaning to life beyond war.
A protector looking to seize a promised fate.
A call to destiny that will not be denied.
Melissa believed that her luck would change when she decided to clean up her life. But with her dream opportunity slipping through her fingertips once again; she finds herself praying to an empty room, hoping someone is listening.
The answering call of otherworldly beings takes her to a fantastical place with mythological creatures where she dances between a dream and a nightmare she can’t awaken from. As if learning to navigate a new planet isn’t enough, Melissa finds herself caught up in the attentions of a handsome elf. Even as she is whisked away into a whirlwind courtship, she can’t ignore that another set of eyes seems to be watching her from the dark.
With her unique group of dryads offering her protection and training, Melissa is beginning to feel like she can finally set down some roots of her own. Yet, she knows that she shouldn’t belong here. Can she survive the fear, suspicion, and monsters long enough to find a way home? Even if the price of returning requires the sacrifice of her heart?
The Dryad Chronicles is a Why Choose Fantasy Romance meaning that the heroine will end up with more than one love interest. This is book one in a series of five books. There is an older version of this story that was published in 3rd person.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2024
119 people are currently reading
697 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
March 17, 2022
Excellent portal fantasy with steamy MFM romance
I was immediately drawn into the rich world building of THE DAUGHTER OF EARTH. Melissa is a struggling elementary school teacher and former foster care kid. She’s been fighting her whole life to just get a break, and everywhere she goes, no one will give her a chance. After being sexually harassed by her principal, the necklace she’s had since a child opens a portal to another world. Melissa takes the plunge. One of the best things about this novel is Melissa’s strong characterization. Despite everything that has happened to her and all the challenges she is facing where she ends up, she is strong and keeps marching forward, no doubt due to her foster care upbringing. The worldbuilding once Melissa arrives on her new planet and meets up with the dryads is exceptionally done. Lovely earthy descriptions with lots of different races and a complex layered magic system. I especially enjoyed the friendship with Cassie and the way that even though Melissa was in a place that wasn’t home, the people she found quickly became her found family. Such a great theme. The romance and tension between Melissa, elf Kellan and satyr Graak was very well done with hot steamy scenes and great drama between certain characters. I can’t wait to see how things develop for these three characters in book two!
I was immediately drawn into the rich world building of THE DAUGHTER OF EARTH. Melissa is a struggling elementary school teacher and former foster care kid. She’s been fighting her whole life to just get a break, and everywhere she goes, no one will give her a chance. After being sexually harassed by her principal, the necklace she’s had since a child opens a portal to another world. Melissa takes the plunge. One of the best things about this novel is Melissa’s strong characterization. Despite everything that has happened to her and all the challenges she is facing where she ends up, she is strong and keeps marching forward, no doubt due to her foster care upbringing. The worldbuilding once Melissa arrives on her new planet and meets up with the dryads is exceptionally done. Lovely earthy descriptions with lots of different races and a complex layered magic system. I especially enjoyed the friendship with Cassie and the way that even though Melissa was in a place that wasn’t home, the people she found quickly became her found family. Such a great theme. The romance and tension between Melissa, elf Kellan and satyr Graak was very well done with hot steamy scenes and great drama between certain characters. I can’t wait to see how things develop for these three characters in book two!
April 20, 2022
This was such an unique fantasy read! This series has elemental powers, all sorts of magical creatures, fated mate tropes and a steamy MFM relationship 🔥🥵
Melissa moves from job to job, trying to keep her past from catching up to her. Until one night, when she thought hope was lost yet again, she is magically whisked away into another world... A world with fae, elves, elemental magic and a brutal war that has been going on for decades.
She finds herself in the company of the watchtowers, a powerful group hand-selected by the Gods themselves. As Melissa tries to uncover the truth of how she came to be in this place and the role she has yet to play here, she trains with the watchtowers and learns about their world. I loved watching her friendship with the watchtowers blossom. The world building is complex and unique, it takes some reading to fully understand all the terms, but soon enough I had grasped everything and couldn't get enough of this magical world!
The romance is a quick burn and steamy! Melissa feels this undeniable pull towards Kelan from the first moment they met. I love a possessive alpha male that knows what's his, and Kelan fits this role perfectly! However Melissa can't deny that she also feels a mysterious pull towards someone else...
I am so excited to continue the series! It has all my favorite tropes and a lot of magic
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review!
Melissa moves from job to job, trying to keep her past from catching up to her. Until one night, when she thought hope was lost yet again, she is magically whisked away into another world... A world with fae, elves, elemental magic and a brutal war that has been going on for decades.
She finds herself in the company of the watchtowers, a powerful group hand-selected by the Gods themselves. As Melissa tries to uncover the truth of how she came to be in this place and the role she has yet to play here, she trains with the watchtowers and learns about their world. I loved watching her friendship with the watchtowers blossom. The world building is complex and unique, it takes some reading to fully understand all the terms, but soon enough I had grasped everything and couldn't get enough of this magical world!
The romance is a quick burn and steamy! Melissa feels this undeniable pull towards Kelan from the first moment they met. I love a possessive alpha male that knows what's his, and Kelan fits this role perfectly! However Melissa can't deny that she also feels a mysterious pull towards someone else...
I am so excited to continue the series! It has all my favorite tropes and a lot of magic
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review!
April 11, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! I’ve never read a dryad fantasy story before and really enjoyed exploring that aspect of fantasy through this book.
This story had all the things I love to find in fantasies…portals to other worlds, fated mates, found family…it also features a MC who goes through a huge character growth arc. While Melissa starts the story being preyed upon, she grows into a powerful, strong woman by the end of the book.
I was confused a bit at the beginning and had to reread parts a few times to grasp what was happening, but overall it was a fast paced and enjoyable read.
Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This story had all the things I love to find in fantasies…portals to other worlds, fated mates, found family…it also features a MC who goes through a huge character growth arc. While Melissa starts the story being preyed upon, she grows into a powerful, strong woman by the end of the book.
I was confused a bit at the beginning and had to reread parts a few times to grasp what was happening, but overall it was a fast paced and enjoyable read.
Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 28, 2025
ARC review 5/5
Epic
He falls hard first
Portal worlds
Elemental magic
Found family
Sweet but steamy romance
Magical (mythological) creatures
So far my favorite book for the year.
The story is amazing. The whole book feels like I was reading a fairy tale but for grown ups. The romance is so cute.
There is everything - parallel world, portal traveling, elemental magic. Characters from the mythology.
It felt like I was truly experiencing everything.
Writing was great!
Warning ⚠️: It ends with the good old cliffhanger. I can’t wait to see what is in store for the next one!
I will definitely put Callie Pey on my she-writes-it-I-read-it list.
Epic
He falls hard first
Portal worlds
Elemental magic
Found family
Sweet but steamy romance
Magical (mythological) creatures
So far my favorite book for the year.
The story is amazing. The whole book feels like I was reading a fairy tale but for grown ups. The romance is so cute.
There is everything - parallel world, portal traveling, elemental magic. Characters from the mythology.
It felt like I was truly experiencing everything.
Writing was great!
Warning ⚠️: It ends with the good old cliffhanger. I can’t wait to see what is in store for the next one!
I will definitely put Callie Pey on my she-writes-it-I-read-it list.
March 28, 2022
This is book one in The Dryad Chronicles. I was surprised and delighted by this portal fantasy. I had never read a book quite like this one. I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series.
June 2, 2022
I enjoyed this story, it was a fun ride… I will definitely read the next book.
The spicy scene are great! 🌶🌶
But I must be honest with some.
There are some paragraphs or writing errors that make you wonder if the author or the editor paid attention when re-read the book; like the part when Melissa knows about Cassie’s bow when she never saw it until that moment or that she knew details…. If she saw it before… the author forgot to mention it…
Or the Prophecy: they mentioned it but they did not say what it was…
This Siraye appears out of no where and they already have an history of fighting each other? Like no way this happened … ? There has to be more details or something more… this is something that the author left unattended and it’s confusing.
Maybe this is something about the first book and I might get it…
I like the characters, it would have been a good idea to explore more about them… also more about the world… I was left with the urge to know more about it…
The author wrote just a scratch of the world… and she has such an enormous number of possibilities in there to explore and give us more!
Hopefully she will be in the next!
The spicy scene are great! 🌶🌶
But I must be honest with some.
There are some paragraphs or writing errors that make you wonder if the author or the editor paid attention when re-read the book; like the part when Melissa knows about Cassie’s bow when she never saw it until that moment or that she knew details…. If she saw it before… the author forgot to mention it…
Or the Prophecy: they mentioned it but they did not say what it was…
This Siraye appears out of no where and they already have an history of fighting each other? Like no way this happened … ? There has to be more details or something more… this is something that the author left unattended and it’s confusing.
Maybe this is something about the first book and I might get it…
I like the characters, it would have been a good idea to explore more about them… also more about the world… I was left with the urge to know more about it…
The author wrote just a scratch of the world… and she has such an enormous number of possibilities in there to explore and give us more!
Hopefully she will be in the next!
April 19, 2022
This story kept me hooked. I was surprised with Melissa's story. It was good to see so many elements that we find in our day to day. It's my first time reading a story about Dryads! It didn't disappoint, I enjoyed Melissa's character development and the dynamic between the side characters.
This is perfect for those that love a mix of our world with fantasy. I am a huge fan of found family and we see this trope in this story, as well as the fated mates. Melissa was a character I really liked, she's strong and witty. I feel like she was a bit impulsive with her reasoning in some of her actions but it didnt stop me from connecting with her.
The magic was great to follow, I hope to learn more about the origins about the world in the next book! Huge thanks to the author for sending me a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
This is perfect for those that love a mix of our world with fantasy. I am a huge fan of found family and we see this trope in this story, as well as the fated mates. Melissa was a character I really liked, she's strong and witty. I feel like she was a bit impulsive with her reasoning in some of her actions but it didnt stop me from connecting with her.
The magic was great to follow, I hope to learn more about the origins about the world in the next book! Huge thanks to the author for sending me a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
April 27, 2024
This is the first book in the Dryad Chronicles, a why choose fantasy romance. The series was originally written and published in 3rd person POV and is now being re-written and re-released in first person narrative (with multiple POVs). Tropes include why choose (mfm), hidden identities, found family, fated mates and prophecies. This book contains open door spice scenes.
The Lovely: I loved the characters and plot of this book. The characters, both main and side, were each unique with their own motives, personalities, and past experiences. The relationships between the FMC and the MMCs, as well as with her friends, are quite sweet and heartwarming. I also enjoyed the plot and how even various story lines wound back together around the FMC. This mysterious element made for a fun and engaging read.
The Mundane: The dialogue and narration felt flat and/or stilted much of the time, like it didn’t match the character’s point of view. For example, one of the MMCs remarks to himself (internal monologue) “Still, the infernals kept coming. I’d never seen so many.” This sounds basic or childlike for a 100ish year old experienced soldier/guard. Ultimately, these moments were distracting to me as the reader and broke the flow of the scene.
Rating: 4/5 Stars 2/5 Flames
Recommendation: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I see a lot of why choose paranormal romance but, by far, I love epic fantasies more. So, when I saw this why choose epic fantasy I shrieked with joy, and wow did it deliver. The why choose element was well executed and there are true why choose scenes in the first book. I can’t wait to see where this series goes next and how some of the story lines continue to develop.
The Lovely: I loved the characters and plot of this book. The characters, both main and side, were each unique with their own motives, personalities, and past experiences. The relationships between the FMC and the MMCs, as well as with her friends, are quite sweet and heartwarming. I also enjoyed the plot and how even various story lines wound back together around the FMC. This mysterious element made for a fun and engaging read.
The Mundane: The dialogue and narration felt flat and/or stilted much of the time, like it didn’t match the character’s point of view. For example, one of the MMCs remarks to himself (internal monologue) “Still, the infernals kept coming. I’d never seen so many.” This sounds basic or childlike for a 100ish year old experienced soldier/guard. Ultimately, these moments were distracting to me as the reader and broke the flow of the scene.
Rating: 4/5 Stars 2/5 Flames
Recommendation: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I see a lot of why choose paranormal romance but, by far, I love epic fantasies more. So, when I saw this why choose epic fantasy I shrieked with joy, and wow did it deliver. The why choose element was well executed and there are true why choose scenes in the first book. I can’t wait to see where this series goes next and how some of the story lines continue to develop.
May 2, 2024
The Dryad Chronicles book 1, Daughter of Earth, is a POV rewrite from Callie Pey in this new re-release. Book 1 is out now and the rest of the series is yet to be re-released.
The books opens with Melissa, a 27 year old teacher in hard circumstances that ends up being transported to another world. In this new world of dryads, elf, nymph, satyrs, fae, etc., they haven’t seen a human travel here in a long time and don’t k is how to help her back to earth.
Melissa begins to feel like she belongs with this new group of earth-magic dryads as they teach her this new world and train her to mister hunt with them. She starts to find her purpose and wonders if she wants to find a way back to her life before. These doubts are even more increased as she falls for an elven guard and quickly finds herself dealing with her prophecy, the elf vs fae war, and her own why-choose fated-mates.
This books sets up a great, refreshing fantasy story-line with all the magic, spice, and amazing world building that is easy to follow. I will be looking forward to the rest of this series being released as hope to continue ARC reading with this author as well.
The books opens with Melissa, a 27 year old teacher in hard circumstances that ends up being transported to another world. In this new world of dryads, elf, nymph, satyrs, fae, etc., they haven’t seen a human travel here in a long time and don’t k is how to help her back to earth.
Melissa begins to feel like she belongs with this new group of earth-magic dryads as they teach her this new world and train her to mister hunt with them. She starts to find her purpose and wonders if she wants to find a way back to her life before. These doubts are even more increased as she falls for an elven guard and quickly finds herself dealing with her prophecy, the elf vs fae war, and her own why-choose fated-mates.
This books sets up a great, refreshing fantasy story-line with all the magic, spice, and amazing world building that is easy to follow. I will be looking forward to the rest of this series being released as hope to continue ARC reading with this author as well.
October 10, 2021
Pros:
-The world building and descriptions are phenomenal
-The main female character is likable and strong
-The story is interesting and kept me engaged
Cons:
-I wish I would have known the reasons the character was running away on Earth from the beginning. It would have made more sense.
- The transitions between dreams and reality threw me off a bit
All in all, I liked it and will be reading the sequel.
-The world building and descriptions are phenomenal
-The main female character is likable and strong
-The story is interesting and kept me engaged
Cons:
-I wish I would have known the reasons the character was running away on Earth from the beginning. It would have made more sense.
- The transitions between dreams and reality threw me off a bit
All in all, I liked it and will be reading the sequel.
July 14, 2024
I loved this world! The magic system was top of the line, the romance was just the right amount of steam, and I became so invested in each character. That cliffhanger? Don't do that to me! *Runs to find book 2 right now*
March 13, 2022
The magic, action, drama, interactions, and intriguing characters kept me immersed in this interesting adventure. Uses multiple points of views in telling the story which I always find makes the story more interesting.
February 27, 2022
*4,5 star review
Melissa never had a lot of luck in life. A life in foster care after being found in the woods all alone, and a lot of confrontations with abusive men made for a life of constantly starting over again. But she never could have imagined starting over in an entirely new world filled with magic, and a prophecy that might have predicted her arrival a long time ago...
I absolutely loved the world building in this first book of the Dryad chronicles. The author created a very interesting environment for the story, weaving together elements from myths and mythology in a whole new fantasy world. I have to admit it took me a while to appreciate the fact that I felt just as lost as Melissa entering a world we both had to get to know from scratch. It made it harder to get through the first chapters, but once Melissa got more accustomed to her surroundings, the same happened to me as a reader and I managed to enjoy the story better. Some reviews mention a lot of spice, but I honestly felt it was nicely balanced with plot developement and world building. I enjoyed reading about the connections Melissa builds with the people around her; there are some lovely characters involved that I'm excited to find out more about.
This book is a good start of a multiple POV MFM series, especially because of the world building and the interesting connections between very different characters.
Melissa never had a lot of luck in life. A life in foster care after being found in the woods all alone, and a lot of confrontations with abusive men made for a life of constantly starting over again. But she never could have imagined starting over in an entirely new world filled with magic, and a prophecy that might have predicted her arrival a long time ago...
I absolutely loved the world building in this first book of the Dryad chronicles. The author created a very interesting environment for the story, weaving together elements from myths and mythology in a whole new fantasy world. I have to admit it took me a while to appreciate the fact that I felt just as lost as Melissa entering a world we both had to get to know from scratch. It made it harder to get through the first chapters, but once Melissa got more accustomed to her surroundings, the same happened to me as a reader and I managed to enjoy the story better. Some reviews mention a lot of spice, but I honestly felt it was nicely balanced with plot developement and world building. I enjoyed reading about the connections Melissa builds with the people around her; there are some lovely characters involved that I'm excited to find out more about.
This book is a good start of a multiple POV MFM series, especially because of the world building and the interesting connections between very different characters.
March 14, 2022
I really enjoyed this story! This follows Melissa who is an ordinary human who wants something more with her life when she’s suddenly transported to another world parallel to ours. Here she meets dryads who are trying to help her get home. While there, she begins to learn things about herself that make her question whether she should go home or not.
I really liked the world more than anything! I love how many unique mythical creatures there are in this book, and there are many! I really enjoyed the cute romance in here too, and the whole time you’re just rooting for them especially when Melissa wants to return home, or would like to.
This is a pretty fast book, at least for me, but I love the unique world filled with mythical creatures, and the steamy romance of course!
I really liked the world more than anything! I love how many unique mythical creatures there are in this book, and there are many! I really enjoyed the cute romance in here too, and the whole time you’re just rooting for them especially when Melissa wants to return home, or would like to.
This is a pretty fast book, at least for me, but I love the unique world filled with mythical creatures, and the steamy romance of course!
March 8, 2022
Good first book in the series, well developed characters, beautiful descriptions of the this magical world and plenty of background information. There is action, spicy scenes, danger and the development of relationships. Wish there was a more defined, deeper plot but looking forward to what may develop in the next book.
March 5, 2022
Love this series. I can't get over this beautifully built world full of fantastic characters and steam to clear your sinuses.
February 2, 2023
"The age of old power will draw to an end. The birth of the new will destroy before it will mend."
I FLEW through this book. Wow! I have nothing but praises for The Daughter of Earth. I was already familiar with the characters due to reading two other books in this series, but I had so much fun discovering how Melissa met each of her mates. I was a super Kelan fan, but in this book, I'm now a super Graak fan. I suspect he'll become more prominent in the next book, so I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series as well!
Loved this book. Highly recommend!
I FLEW through this book. Wow! I have nothing but praises for The Daughter of Earth. I was already familiar with the characters due to reading two other books in this series, but I had so much fun discovering how Melissa met each of her mates. I was a super Kelan fan, but in this book, I'm now a super Graak fan. I suspect he'll become more prominent in the next book, so I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series as well!
Loved this book. Highly recommend!
March 3, 2022
This book was a pleasant surprise! It’s way more than I thought it would be. It has a little bit of everything; I was definitely surprised by the spicy content! This is a great book to start the series, I can’t wait to see what’s next for Melissa.
April 21, 2022
I’ve always loved a good Dryad book. Throw in some romance. Make it MFM and some spice and I am sold! I am really intrigued to see where this one is going.
January 11, 2023
This book has taken a special place in my heart. The Daughter of Earth is possibly the finest example of fantasy writing I have ever had the pleasure to dive into as a reader. The raw emotion which pours from every aspect of this story is unmatched by anything I have read from this sort of book so far. Love, loss, hatred and excitement Aré but a fraction of the emotions this book will drag you through. Every word of each page leaves you enthralled and excited to find out what happens next. There is virtually nothing mundane or predictable about this book. The flow of every day life and action makes the story that much more intense. There is a bit of smuttyness to it which is delivered with heated hunger and passionate affection in a way unique to the story. An absolutely fantastic read with a perfect balance of spice sprinkled in with all of the emotions summoned within one’s soul by the words within its pages. The ending will leave one frustrated and aching for the next book as quickly as is possible. A must read. Get a copy today! While you’re at it purchase the next book. You won’t be disappointed I promise!
February 23, 2022
Abostly love this book. Great start to the series.
5 star book. highly recommend this book. Look forward to reading more books by this author. Cover fits into what the book is about. Kept me pulled into it. couldn't put it down.
5 star book. highly recommend this book. Look forward to reading more books by this author. Cover fits into what the book is about. Kept me pulled into it. couldn't put it down.
October 22, 2021
Note: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is an engaging, extremely steamy story (with fated mate context) that reads quickly. Yes, a little too quickly at times (and yes there are copy editing issues), but the story and other raw materials are all there, which counts for more to me (and is harder to achieve). If you feel the same and like a good portal fantasy adventure, you’ll enjoy this one, too. (Note that a late scene involves unwanted contact and may be triggering.)
The storytelling starts at a break-neck pace that was too quick for me. 2 1/2 to 3 chapters in, it slows and lets the characters develop (while remaining fairly fast). Melissa is dropped through a portal just as everything is going wrong, and her reactions are sometimes lost in the swift pacing. I did feel like I wanted to hear her thoughts more, especially as she meets a blur of characters. Some you’ll get to know and love, like Cassie, but others remain in the periphery, like Ferox.
As the pacing eases, Melissa finds more acceptance with her new friends, the Watchtowers, than she found in all her years on Earth. She doesn’t have to justify herself to them or explain her past. They’re like the perfect found family, though they expect her to learn to defend herself. In response to their warmth, Melissa develops a drive to be useful, repaying kindness with service. She also finds love, which is another area where the story really shines.
The MFM romance in Daughter of Earth is graphic but sex positive, and wonderfully nuanced. I really liked the sweetly awkward early advances of Kelan, who is drawn to MC Melissa and can’t stay away (as a wood elf, he’s pretty fixated on presenting her with his “credentials”), and that her brief interactions with satyr Graak are like a one night stand that leaves both of them confused and hurt. The gods brought the three of them together, and not everybody’s happy about it. I can’t say enough good things about that dynamic.
Throughout the story, Melissa grows in every way possible. We see her go from an orphaned and powerless woman on Earth who’s reduced to an object to a physically strong one who fights monsters and makes her own family. With a world of dryads, nymphs, elves, fae and satyrs, Daughter of Earth has familiar world-building with a modern twist. The ending was satisfying, too—though I’m already wondering what happens next.
This is an engaging, extremely steamy story (with fated mate context) that reads quickly. Yes, a little too quickly at times (and yes there are copy editing issues), but the story and other raw materials are all there, which counts for more to me (and is harder to achieve). If you feel the same and like a good portal fantasy adventure, you’ll enjoy this one, too. (Note that a late scene involves unwanted contact and may be triggering.)
The storytelling starts at a break-neck pace that was too quick for me. 2 1/2 to 3 chapters in, it slows and lets the characters develop (while remaining fairly fast). Melissa is dropped through a portal just as everything is going wrong, and her reactions are sometimes lost in the swift pacing. I did feel like I wanted to hear her thoughts more, especially as she meets a blur of characters. Some you’ll get to know and love, like Cassie, but others remain in the periphery, like Ferox.
As the pacing eases, Melissa finds more acceptance with her new friends, the Watchtowers, than she found in all her years on Earth. She doesn’t have to justify herself to them or explain her past. They’re like the perfect found family, though they expect her to learn to defend herself. In response to their warmth, Melissa develops a drive to be useful, repaying kindness with service. She also finds love, which is another area where the story really shines.
The MFM romance in Daughter of Earth is graphic but sex positive, and wonderfully nuanced. I really liked the sweetly awkward early advances of Kelan, who is drawn to MC Melissa and can’t stay away (as a wood elf, he’s pretty fixated on presenting her with his “credentials”), and that her brief interactions with satyr Graak are like a one night stand that leaves both of them confused and hurt. The gods brought the three of them together, and not everybody’s happy about it. I can’t say enough good things about that dynamic.
Throughout the story, Melissa grows in every way possible. We see her go from an orphaned and powerless woman on Earth who’s reduced to an object to a physically strong one who fights monsters and makes her own family. With a world of dryads, nymphs, elves, fae and satyrs, Daughter of Earth has familiar world-building with a modern twist. The ending was satisfying, too—though I’m already wondering what happens next.
April 30, 2024
A breathtaking and phenomenal must read
(I got to read another ARC from Callie Pey and with my reviews I do them as l am reading but I try not to giveaway too much details because I don't want to spoil this must read.)
I can already sense that familiar detail within her writen words. I love how each and every author is uniquely different and reading anything from Callie is like a breath of fresh air where I know I am in for an amazing read, especially with the title Daughter of Earth. Well I shall continue this magical read and I will slowly write down each thought while it is fresh in my head!!
I will add my description written below is how everything I've gotten to read from Callie feels like.
Callie, your writing is like stepping outside surrounded by nature and breathing in the air when Mother Earth is reawakening from her slumber from the winter before she begins to bloom all around. This story already has me in a trance and I am already connected within the first chapter!!
The main character I feel is about to awaken just like my explanation when Mother Earth reawakens and I am here for it.
Each chapter I read, the more in love and breath taken I am not only with the amount of beautiful detail of description, thoughts, feelings, or worlds, etc; but there's a particular detail to Callie's writing that feels like a welcoming hug that will forever be needed. With all the stories and worlds she has written will forever be my favorites of hers; in each chapter of Daughter of Earth has blended perfectly within one another while taking you deeper into the world written within these pages, worlds!!
Melissa so far has begun to find pieces herself little by little while finding possibilities in a certain someone's. We shall see where Melissa will go and what will happen, will there be a happy ending or heartbreak, a mixture of both? We will only know within time but I will say this is a must read for anyone, especially those that love all things magical beings and Mother Earth. I will continue this journey with no spoilers but only love.!
This. Is. A. Must. Read. I will not give much detail other than this book baby you will find your heart racing and needing, aching and falling in love. The ending..... well you have to read to know what emotion my heart, possibly lungs felt.
(I got to read another ARC from Callie Pey and with my reviews I do them as l am reading but I try not to giveaway too much details because I don't want to spoil this must read.)
I can already sense that familiar detail within her writen words. I love how each and every author is uniquely different and reading anything from Callie is like a breath of fresh air where I know I am in for an amazing read, especially with the title Daughter of Earth. Well I shall continue this magical read and I will slowly write down each thought while it is fresh in my head!!
I will add my description written below is how everything I've gotten to read from Callie feels like.
Callie, your writing is like stepping outside surrounded by nature and breathing in the air when Mother Earth is reawakening from her slumber from the winter before she begins to bloom all around. This story already has me in a trance and I am already connected within the first chapter!!
The main character I feel is about to awaken just like my explanation when Mother Earth reawakens and I am here for it.
Each chapter I read, the more in love and breath taken I am not only with the amount of beautiful detail of description, thoughts, feelings, or worlds, etc; but there's a particular detail to Callie's writing that feels like a welcoming hug that will forever be needed. With all the stories and worlds she has written will forever be my favorites of hers; in each chapter of Daughter of Earth has blended perfectly within one another while taking you deeper into the world written within these pages, worlds!!
Melissa so far has begun to find pieces herself little by little while finding possibilities in a certain someone's. We shall see where Melissa will go and what will happen, will there be a happy ending or heartbreak, a mixture of both? We will only know within time but I will say this is a must read for anyone, especially those that love all things magical beings and Mother Earth. I will continue this journey with no spoilers but only love.!
This. Is. A. Must. Read. I will not give much detail other than this book baby you will find your heart racing and needing, aching and falling in love. The ending..... well you have to read to know what emotion my heart, possibly lungs felt.
December 1, 2021
I did a beta-read swap with Callie for this novel!
This novel tells the story of Melissa who is transported from earth and into another, fantastical world filled with nature magic and finding out who she really is!
The novel has loads of interesting and memorable side characters (especially the bestie Cassie who is so sweet, their friendship is adorable. It's so nice to have a genuine friendship between two female characters without there being rivalry or fighting over love interests which is so common in novels...) And also some intriguing love interests too, can't forget them! Despite Melissa having two romantic interests there isn't a love triangle in this book (which is personally something I don't hugely like in stories!), instead hinting at a poly relationship. There's still tension and romance, and spiciness (between all three of them!) Kelan is just too sweet and romantic for this world. Graak features less but I've been assured he gets more time in the next novel which I'm looking forward to find out more about him!
The magic system and history in the novel really revolves around nature magic, druidism and dryads. For me, it gave me nostalgic feels for a lot of games I used to play growing up (especially those based around DnD). I loved it because I especially feel like nature based powers isn't something that's that often explored in fantasy novels?
Anyway...
The ending sets things up for the future which I'm excited to read the next novel and see what happens!
The writing style, as well, I felt was really good. It wasn't over the top with flowery prose and such which I'm not a big fan of, but there was enough description and setting to set the mood and scene for what I imagined in the head - without there being reams and reams of paragraphs describing tiny little details!
My only complaint is the villain really piqued my interest at the end and I wanted to know more about him, which obviously is not an actual complaint but... maybe in the future, who knows? ;)
This novel tells the story of Melissa who is transported from earth and into another, fantastical world filled with nature magic and finding out who she really is!
The novel has loads of interesting and memorable side characters (especially the bestie Cassie who is so sweet, their friendship is adorable. It's so nice to have a genuine friendship between two female characters without there being rivalry or fighting over love interests which is so common in novels...) And also some intriguing love interests too, can't forget them! Despite Melissa having two romantic interests there isn't a love triangle in this book (which is personally something I don't hugely like in stories!), instead hinting at a poly relationship. There's still tension and romance, and spiciness (between all three of them!) Kelan is just too sweet and romantic for this world. Graak features less but I've been assured he gets more time in the next novel which I'm looking forward to find out more about him!
The magic system and history in the novel really revolves around nature magic, druidism and dryads. For me, it gave me nostalgic feels for a lot of games I used to play growing up (especially those based around DnD). I loved it because I especially feel like nature based powers isn't something that's that often explored in fantasy novels?
Anyway...
The ending sets things up for the future which I'm excited to read the next novel and see what happens!
The writing style, as well, I felt was really good. It wasn't over the top with flowery prose and such which I'm not a big fan of, but there was enough description and setting to set the mood and scene for what I imagined in the head - without there being reams and reams of paragraphs describing tiny little details!
My only complaint is the villain really piqued my interest at the end and I wanted to know more about him, which obviously is not an actual complaint but... maybe in the future, who knows? ;)
February 9, 2022
This is a fun light-hearted read with lots of magical creatures and fae lore. Melissa is dropped into a magical forest where she makes instant friends with powerful warriors while figuring out what she wants her future to look like. Her whirlwind romance is very positive with a little tension from Graak, whom I'm most excited to read about in the next book!
May 20, 2024
As soon as I saw this cover, I knew I was going to want to read this book! It’s gorgeous. I love all the elements it has on it.
I love a good fantasy romance. This book had such good characters. The whole atmosphere was just perfect. It’s always good when he falls first. I think that’s one of my favorites besides enemies to lovers. Melissa feels that she no longer has luck on her side and is hoping that if she cleans up her life that things will get better. Callie has such a beautiful way of writing. Each chapter was intriguing. The way she wrote the world building was just right. I loved the different terms that this book had in it. I love when a book has a big cliffhanger at the end and goodness did this one!!!
🌱High Epic Fantasy
🌱Sweet but Steamy Romance
🌱Why Choose (MFM)
🌱Cinnamon Roll MMC
🌱Mistaken Identity
🌱Elves, Fae, Satyrs, and Nymphs
🌱Portal worlds
🌱Found Family
🌱Mid-burn (book 1)
🌱Fated Mates
I love a good fantasy romance. This book had such good characters. The whole atmosphere was just perfect. It’s always good when he falls first. I think that’s one of my favorites besides enemies to lovers. Melissa feels that she no longer has luck on her side and is hoping that if she cleans up her life that things will get better. Callie has such a beautiful way of writing. Each chapter was intriguing. The way she wrote the world building was just right. I loved the different terms that this book had in it. I love when a book has a big cliffhanger at the end and goodness did this one!!!
🌱High Epic Fantasy
🌱Sweet but Steamy Romance
🌱Why Choose (MFM)
🌱Cinnamon Roll MMC
🌱Mistaken Identity
🌱Elves, Fae, Satyrs, and Nymphs
🌱Portal worlds
🌱Found Family
🌱Mid-burn (book 1)
🌱Fated Mates
May 2, 2024
Daughter Of Earth is book 1 of 5 in the Dryad Chronicles. It has mfm why choose, elemental magic, portals, found family, hidden identity, cinnamon roll, sunshine, and grump, he falls first, very slow burn, fated mates, prophecies, and on the sweet side for spice. Since this is the first of five books, there is a lot of background and world building, but push through this hidden gem. The dialog is a little off at times and sometimes too modern for beings over 100 years of age. There is an explosive cliffhanger and I need the next book!
March 11, 2025
From the moment I picked this book up, I couldn’t put it down. Artemesia is a richly built world, full of unique creatures, layered politics, and a fascinating magic system. The relationships between the elves, fae, and groves add depth and mystery, making the world feel alive and complex.
I absolutely adore our FMC, Melissa. She’s been dealt some difficult cards in life, yet she remains resilient and finds beauty in the world around her. I especially related to her struggles with self-confidence and her journey toward self-acceptance. She approaches her new surroundings with curiosity and an open mind, which makes her growth feel natural and rewarding.
"I knew I was worth more even if society couldn't see it."
And can we talk about the romance? Kelan had me swooning! Their whirlwind courtship is full of laughter, tenderness, and undeniable chemistry. Their dynamic is both sweet and spicy, making their love story a joy to follow.
"How could I already love this man so much? Perhaps time didn't matter when the right person entered the picture."
There’s so much more to uncover. I’m especially intrigued by Graak and can’t wait to learn more about his story. Plus, the mysteries surrounding Melissa’s origins and the strange events unfolding around her have me eagerly anticipating book two!
I absolutely adore our FMC, Melissa. She’s been dealt some difficult cards in life, yet she remains resilient and finds beauty in the world around her. I especially related to her struggles with self-confidence and her journey toward self-acceptance. She approaches her new surroundings with curiosity and an open mind, which makes her growth feel natural and rewarding.
"I knew I was worth more even if society couldn't see it."
And can we talk about the romance? Kelan had me swooning! Their whirlwind courtship is full of laughter, tenderness, and undeniable chemistry. Their dynamic is both sweet and spicy, making their love story a joy to follow.
"How could I already love this man so much? Perhaps time didn't matter when the right person entered the picture."
There’s so much more to uncover. I’m especially intrigued by Graak and can’t wait to learn more about his story. Plus, the mysteries surrounding Melissa’s origins and the strange events unfolding around her have me eagerly anticipating book two!
November 2, 2023
I first want to say. I won this book in a Facebook group and was happy to receive it.
The cover is beautiful first off. I love the colors and details.
I have to say I was confused about the new world and the war. Was hard to try to understand it all.
I loved the watchtowers. They were so nice and sweet to take care of Melissa.
Big fan of Kelan. He is a dream. I loved the dates he took her on.
I do have to say I'm not a fan of Grakk ot how he came into the story. Doesn't make sense to me. I mean towards the end i started realizing some thing that would probably be mentioned earlier.
But with how Grakk was introduced I wasn't a fan. I was all into the book and once it got to grakk and Melissa meeting it just lost my interest. Didn't seem to fit for me.
The cover is beautiful first off. I love the colors and details.
I have to say I was confused about the new world and the war. Was hard to try to understand it all.
I loved the watchtowers. They were so nice and sweet to take care of Melissa.
Big fan of Kelan. He is a dream. I loved the dates he took her on.
I do have to say I'm not a fan of Grakk ot how he came into the story. Doesn't make sense to me. I mean towards the end i started realizing some thing that would probably be mentioned earlier.
But with how Grakk was introduced I wasn't a fan. I was all into the book and once it got to grakk and Melissa meeting it just lost my interest. Didn't seem to fit for me.
February 17, 2023
The Daughter of Earth is a good book by Callie Pey.
There is a lot of world building and story telling in this story. Melissa, our main FMC, goes from a rough life on Earth to a whole different world. She meets the watchtowers (Minithe, Cassie, Lilisa, and Ferox). She has to learn and find answers to her questions. Does she want to go back to Earth? What are her dreams telling her, if anything? What will she do when so goes back to Earth? What will she do if she decides to stay?
This does end on a cliffy and I’m so glad I have the next book ready.
There is a lot of world building and story telling in this story. Melissa, our main FMC, goes from a rough life on Earth to a whole different world. She meets the watchtowers (Minithe, Cassie, Lilisa, and Ferox). She has to learn and find answers to her questions. Does she want to go back to Earth? What are her dreams telling her, if anything? What will she do when so goes back to Earth? What will she do if she decides to stay?
This does end on a cliffy and I’m so glad I have the next book ready.
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