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The First Dryad #1
The First Dryad
The Romance Story Of A Generation
Aia spent her life in hiding…until her secret was discovered and she was taken to the Palace in chains. Now, among the last crop of an ancient arboreal race, she will have to prove herself useful to the High Prince to survive. But alas, love is ruin. And the last of one race might become the first in another.
From The Episode Entitled, "What Nightmares Do You Mean?"
“You dropped your book,” the Second Prince said with a smirk. “Did you do that on purpose, Little Tree?” He folded his ink-stained hands together in front of him, his elbows on the desk.
I bent and snatched the book up, clutching it to my chest. “Why would I drop a book on purpose?”
He tilted his head. “To appear helpless.”
“Why would I put so much effort into feigning a state to which I have already fallen victim?”
His eyebrows raised, his stormy eyes lightening for a moment. “You are a victim to helplessness?”
“Well, I am here in this Palace against my will. And I cannot help myself except to accelerate my own demise if I so chose, which I do not. So yes, I would say I am quite helpless. And so, if I drop a book, it is not some strategy. I am merely nervous. And now you have made fun of me for it.”
“Hmm….” He picked up his quill after studying me for just a bit and made as if he would write again. But before he touched it to his paper, he looked back up at me, surprised that I still stood before him. “Will you not…go, then, since I have made you so nervous?”
I knew how ferociously I blushed, and how my heart squeezed almost to the point beyond beating in my chest, and how my hands gripped the book too tightly. But I could not, for any reason or after any amount of urging myself, convince my feet to move.
The Second Prince laughed, but not the happy sort, and stood up from his seat. He approached me, his white shirt unbuttoned at the top and his brown breeches nicely cut and perfectly hemmed. When he was very close to me, he reached out to take the book from my hands.
I let him do this, of course, because he was a Monarch of the Realm, and who was I to deny him? Except when I looked down at my arms, the book was still pressed against my bosom, and his hand had retreated, for I had dodged its advance with the slightest deflection.
He was very surprised then, as was I, and his dark-blue eyes glittered with amusement. “May I see your book please, Honorable Tree?”
I bit my lip as I handed it to him. And then, because I did not know what to do with my empty hands, I clenched the formerly smooth fabric along the sides of my sage green dress.
The Prince traced his fingers across the leather cover of the book, and I felt my chest burn. I gasped at this response, for it was not allowable for me to think about his fingers or the way they moved so lightly over the brown leather. I was not meant to wonder what those same hands would feel like wandering over my skin.
His eyes flicked up at me when I gasped, but then, when he saw I had nothing to say, he continued with his examination of the book.
The First Dryad
From The Mind Of Teshelle Combs
Aia spent her life in hiding…until her secret was discovered and she was taken to the Palace in chains. Now, among the last crop of an ancient arboreal race, she will have to prove herself useful to the High Prince to survive. But alas, love is ruin. And the last of one race might become the first in another.
From The Episode Entitled, "What Nightmares Do You Mean?"
“You dropped your book,” the Second Prince said with a smirk. “Did you do that on purpose, Little Tree?” He folded his ink-stained hands together in front of him, his elbows on the desk.
I bent and snatched the book up, clutching it to my chest. “Why would I drop a book on purpose?”
He tilted his head. “To appear helpless.”
“Why would I put so much effort into feigning a state to which I have already fallen victim?”
His eyebrows raised, his stormy eyes lightening for a moment. “You are a victim to helplessness?”
“Well, I am here in this Palace against my will. And I cannot help myself except to accelerate my own demise if I so chose, which I do not. So yes, I would say I am quite helpless. And so, if I drop a book, it is not some strategy. I am merely nervous. And now you have made fun of me for it.”
“Hmm….” He picked up his quill after studying me for just a bit and made as if he would write again. But before he touched it to his paper, he looked back up at me, surprised that I still stood before him. “Will you not…go, then, since I have made you so nervous?”
I knew how ferociously I blushed, and how my heart squeezed almost to the point beyond beating in my chest, and how my hands gripped the book too tightly. But I could not, for any reason or after any amount of urging myself, convince my feet to move.
The Second Prince laughed, but not the happy sort, and stood up from his seat. He approached me, his white shirt unbuttoned at the top and his brown breeches nicely cut and perfectly hemmed. When he was very close to me, he reached out to take the book from my hands.
I let him do this, of course, because he was a Monarch of the Realm, and who was I to deny him? Except when I looked down at my arms, the book was still pressed against my bosom, and his hand had retreated, for I had dodged its advance with the slightest deflection.
He was very surprised then, as was I, and his dark-blue eyes glittered with amusement. “May I see your book please, Honorable Tree?”
I bit my lip as I handed it to him. And then, because I did not know what to do with my empty hands, I clenched the formerly smooth fabric along the sides of my sage green dress.
The Prince traced his fingers across the leather cover of the book, and I felt my chest burn. I gasped at this response, for it was not allowable for me to think about his fingers or the way they moved so lightly over the brown leather. I was not meant to wonder what those same hands would feel like wandering over my skin.
His eyes flicked up at me when I gasped, but then, when he saw I had nothing to say, he continued with his examination of the book.
The First Dryad
From The Mind Of Teshelle Combs
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2022
193 people are currently reading
1675 people want to read
About the author
Teshelle Combs
58 books568 followersTeshelle Combs is the award-winning author of books like The Underglow and the First Collection.
She's well known for her fantasy romance standalones like The First Dryad, The First Stone, The First Nymph, and The First Flame. (Read in any order, listed in order of writing).
Tropes include enemies-to-lovers, forbidden love, arranged marriage, twists & turns, and more.
Find TC @booksarebrightstars on TikTok.
She's well known for her fantasy romance standalones like The First Dryad, The First Stone, The First Nymph, and The First Flame. (Read in any order, listed in order of writing).
Tropes include enemies-to-lovers, forbidden love, arranged marriage, twists & turns, and more.
Find TC @booksarebrightstars on TikTok.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews
April 4, 2024
I read this book as part of an ARC giveaway organised by the author. I want to be honest with my review though and not let that affect my opinion.
I overall really enjoyed this story. It's certainly very unique and a refreshing read. I found both Aia and Willen to be loveable characters and their attraction never seemed forced and their chemistry was natural. I really enjoyed them, they were by far my favourite part of the book. The world building leaves a little to be desired though, I really feel like there was room to flesh out the politics more and really immerse the reader in the world. I don't think this was done well as I'm still a little confused as to who the ancients are that made these laws and why they need true trees in the first place. Theor as well was a little annoying as he was such a typical cookie-cutter villain. Everything was so black and white and I was waiting for some moral grayness to really drive the intrigue and build some depth to the characters, but it never happened.
The writing is a little rough around the edges and it took me a while to get used to the first person, past tense narration. I also wish there was some indication in the chapters when the POV switched from Aia to Willen.
Overall a rough, but enjoying read with a really promising storyline. I'm looking forward to book 2 :)
I overall really enjoyed this story. It's certainly very unique and a refreshing read. I found both Aia and Willen to be loveable characters and their attraction never seemed forced and their chemistry was natural. I really enjoyed them, they were by far my favourite part of the book. The world building leaves a little to be desired though, I really feel like there was room to flesh out the politics more and really immerse the reader in the world. I don't think this was done well as I'm still a little confused as to who the ancients are that made these laws and why they need true trees in the first place. Theor as well was a little annoying as he was such a typical cookie-cutter villain. Everything was so black and white and I was waiting for some moral grayness to really drive the intrigue and build some depth to the characters, but it never happened.
The writing is a little rough around the edges and it took me a while to get used to the first person, past tense narration. I also wish there was some indication in the chapters when the POV switched from Aia to Willen.
Overall a rough, but enjoying read with a really promising storyline. I'm looking forward to book 2 :)
January 30, 2024
Cinderella meets Rapunzel
Aia has spent part of her life held captive in a cellar by her brother, completely unaware of the world outside. But, when she is handed over to the Palace to bear the seed of the next High King, Theor Vedan, the second prince, Willen Vedan, becomes enamored with her. As Aia discovers her remarkable abilities as a Tree, Willen struggles to contain his desire to interact with her. This romantasy includes action, world-building, mystery, and a thrilling slow burn!
"I could feel him draw closer to me. It was what I imagined an eclipse to be like. Only I was the moon and he was the sun."
"You are the only thing I've ever witnessed worth my undivided attention."
Aia has spent part of her life held captive in a cellar by her brother, completely unaware of the world outside. But, when she is handed over to the Palace to bear the seed of the next High King, Theor Vedan, the second prince, Willen Vedan, becomes enamored with her. As Aia discovers her remarkable abilities as a Tree, Willen struggles to contain his desire to interact with her. This romantasy includes action, world-building, mystery, and a thrilling slow burn!
"I could feel him draw closer to me. It was what I imagined an eclipse to be like. Only I was the moon and he was the sun."
"You are the only thing I've ever witnessed worth my undivided attention."
January 13, 2024
Very unique world where some women are brought to the palace to match with the high prince to become a tree to sustain the environment and realm. The world building was happening as you read since the FMC Aia was sheltered her whole life, it was interesting to see the magic of this world and how their wonder (magic) could manipulate anything and transport them. While I did get confused in some aspects with the magic, such as a times they would be in one room and it would immediately skip to them being in a different location, I did enjoy the story and how Aia learned more about herself and her world and learned how to fight for herself and what she loves.
January 12, 2024
The First Dryad
⭐️2.5
This book has its moments but as a whole, I had a hard time following along with some of the world building, plot, and subplots. I had to go back and reread some sections to figure out what exactly was going on. It does give a Hunger Games meets Princess and the Pea vibes as girls are taken to compete against each other for the affection of the High Prince. A lot of pointless deaths, unclear backstory, and woo den sounding characters.
I’m not sure if my confusion comes in from this being my first book in this series to read or not. Maybe some of the deeper backstory of the Realm, the Trees, and the issues plaguing the country were explained in other books of the series, but I am really not sure what exactly happened, what happens/purpose of pairing the Trees with the High Prince, why it hadn’t happened in so long, or why exactly everyone seems to have to die.
The characters felt a bit wooden. The most realistic character to me was the Second Prince’s advisor. Then a little over halfway through I think it was, the POV changes to the MMC for the first time which can throw you off.
The story was unique and intriguing in idea. I wanted to like it. I just had a hard time following along.
I received this as an ARC, and it said a 1-2 spice rating, but my personal ranking would be more of a 3. (My ranking system is more
1 - sweet kiss/hug/hand holding
2 - more intense kissing/embracing and fade to black/closed door
3 - intimate scene(s) not extensive or explicit but more detail than fade to black
4 - detailed multiple explicit scenes
5 - darker explicit (based on ratings I have seen from others .)
I know ratings tend to differ from person to person so I thought this might help someone else.
⭐️2.5
This book has its moments but as a whole, I had a hard time following along with some of the world building, plot, and subplots. I had to go back and reread some sections to figure out what exactly was going on. It does give a Hunger Games meets Princess and the Pea vibes as girls are taken to compete against each other for the affection of the High Prince. A lot of pointless deaths, unclear backstory, and woo den sounding characters.
I’m not sure if my confusion comes in from this being my first book in this series to read or not. Maybe some of the deeper backstory of the Realm, the Trees, and the issues plaguing the country were explained in other books of the series, but I am really not sure what exactly happened, what happens/purpose of pairing the Trees with the High Prince, why it hadn’t happened in so long, or why exactly everyone seems to have to die.
The characters felt a bit wooden. The most realistic character to me was the Second Prince’s advisor. Then a little over halfway through I think it was, the POV changes to the MMC for the first time which can throw you off.
The story was unique and intriguing in idea. I wanted to like it. I just had a hard time following along.
I received this as an ARC, and it said a 1-2 spice rating, but my personal ranking would be more of a 3. (My ranking system is more
1 - sweet kiss/hug/hand holding
2 - more intense kissing/embracing and fade to black/closed door
3 - intimate scene(s) not extensive or explicit but more detail than fade to black
4 - detailed multiple explicit scenes
5 - darker explicit (based on ratings I have seen from others .)
I know ratings tend to differ from person to person so I thought this might help someone else.
January 5, 2024
✨ARC review✨
I just could never get interested in the “world” the author built for this fantasy. I couldn’t get with the idea that the women were trees. The characters remained shallow and without enough description. There was so much sacrificial and useless death it was just dumb. There were a few times I thought the plot action would make it better, like when Aia discovered the new little tree being tortured and saved her, but it just wasn’t enough. I didn’t even care that much about the MMC.
I just could never get interested in the “world” the author built for this fantasy. I couldn’t get with the idea that the women were trees. The characters remained shallow and without enough description. There was so much sacrificial and useless death it was just dumb. There were a few times I thought the plot action would make it better, like when Aia discovered the new little tree being tortured and saved her, but it just wasn’t enough. I didn’t even care that much about the MMC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2023
✨ARC Review✨
Right of the bat the book gives me Cinderella vibes. You automatically start feeling bad for Aia and the situation she’s been placed in. The love she has for the second Prince and he for her is absolutely beautiful! The heartbreak I felt at the realization she would not return from her tree like state almost killed me until she managed to get to the palace and return to a human! I can not wait to read book 2!
Right of the bat the book gives me Cinderella vibes. You automatically start feeling bad for Aia and the situation she’s been placed in. The love she has for the second Prince and he for her is absolutely beautiful! The heartbreak I felt at the realization she would not return from her tree like state almost killed me until she managed to get to the palace and return to a human! I can not wait to read book 2!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2023
Beautifully devestating in all the right ways
Be ready to FEEL things when you read TC's books. These stories, especially this story, will make your soul shout and weep and smile and sigh. Again and again this author sends her words out and manages to capture us all with her message of the power within us all.
Be ready to FEEL things when you read TC's books. These stories, especially this story, will make your soul shout and weep and smile and sigh. Again and again this author sends her words out and manages to capture us all with her message of the power within us all.
January 10, 2024
This was such a stunning book. The world gets built as you read, which makes complete sense as we follow a girl who was locked in a cellar up until she is whisked away into a world and role she does not understand.
One of the things I loved about this book is that a lot of the descriptions of characters and surroundings is still a bit up to interpretation. For example, the main character, Aia, has changing features. Her eyes change color, her skin glistens and has veins of moving color. Designers (people who use essentially magic- called Wonder) can also assist in changing the aesthetic of characters.
The story is complex with plenty of room to flesh out in future books, but still simple enough to not be a chore to read.
One of the things I loved about this book is that a lot of the descriptions of characters and surroundings is still a bit up to interpretation. For example, the main character, Aia, has changing features. Her eyes change color, her skin glistens and has veins of moving color. Designers (people who use essentially magic- called Wonder) can also assist in changing the aesthetic of characters.
The story is complex with plenty of room to flesh out in future books, but still simple enough to not be a chore to read.
January 23, 2024
Truly an original idea of star crossed lovers, told in a way that gets you emotionally invested in the characters from the very beginning. All the characters wielding different magical powers, or wonders as they are called, to keep you guessing to what was going to happen next. Very early on I found myself rooting for Aia and Willen as the plot layers were slowly pealed away revealing the rules and laws they were willing to break in an attempt to find the last true tree, to save the world from destruction, to find the first Dryad.
June 21, 2023
Such an amazing story! Loved the characters so much and their personalities, especially Glenne! I felt like I had a strong connection to the characters and their struggles and just overall the story made me so happy! Cannot wait to read the second one!
July 8, 2023
AMAZING
This book broke my heart but quickly mended it, I could NOT put it down! I can't wait to start book 2! I even read between patients at work because I NEEDED to know what happened!!!
This book broke my heart but quickly mended it, I could NOT put it down! I can't wait to start book 2! I even read between patients at work because I NEEDED to know what happened!!!
May 25, 2024
A wonderful book with the unique and fresh concept of magic weaved in. Following the story, there was a constant feel of intrigue. As much as the book managed to deliver it's unique concept, the way author portrayed the dialogues of characters from the book was awkward for me at the beginning but then I settled off with it as the story progressed. However, I felt the character development of both main characters a bit shallow than what I expected. Theor was a little annoying as he was such a typical villain. Everything was so black and white and I was waiting for some morally greyness to really drive the intrigue and build some depth to the characters, but it never happened.
December 17, 2023
Confusing to the end
The writing in this book has a very wooden quality to it (no pun intended), and the dialogue never feels quite natural. The pacing is intentionally dreamlike, shifting from scene to scene without proper transitions with the excuse given that the characters’ magic shifts the world, the circumstances, and time itself as needed. Personally, I don’t think it adds anything to the story.
I don’t know what to say… I just didn’t like this book much at all. It wasn’t unbearable to read, but it left me feeling sad, confused and kind of empty. The kingdom in this book has customs that are cartoonishly evil, head-scratchingly so. FMC is intentionally raised to know as little about her world and the conflicts within it as possible, making her a stand-in for the reader, but she is strangely incurious and the characters around her are not forthcoming.
The writing in this book has a very wooden quality to it (no pun intended), and the dialogue never feels quite natural. The pacing is intentionally dreamlike, shifting from scene to scene without proper transitions with the excuse given that the characters’ magic shifts the world, the circumstances, and time itself as needed. Personally, I don’t think it adds anything to the story.
I don’t know what to say… I just didn’t like this book much at all. It wasn’t unbearable to read, but it left me feeling sad, confused and kind of empty. The kingdom in this book has customs that are cartoonishly evil, head-scratchingly so. FMC is intentionally raised to know as little about her world and the conflicts within it as possible, making her a stand-in for the reader, but she is strangely incurious and the characters around her are not forthcoming.
January 29, 2024
The First Dryad
Another great read by the lovely Teshelle Combs! After reading Book 1, I am chomping at the bit to read Book 2.
The characters, world building and plot were all well done as usual!
Aia had my heart right from the start.
*I received this as an ARC and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review.*
Another great read by the lovely Teshelle Combs! After reading Book 1, I am chomping at the bit to read Book 2.
The characters, world building and plot were all well done as usual!
Aia had my heart right from the start.
*I received this as an ARC and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review.*
January 5, 2025
This is a very unique and wonderful story. Aia, who was held captive in a cellar or other hiding place her brother kept her until her sold her story and she was sent to the palace. There at the palace, she meets and falls in love with Willen, the second prince. It is a forbidden love story packed with all sorts of unique twists. Aia is under trials with other trees to find who is the true tree so they can give the high prince a seed. I really enjoyed this unique story and will go on to read The First Dryad 2.
March 13, 2025
Every time I pick up a new book from Tess I know it will not disappoint, yet every time I’m pleasantly surprised by how utterly brilliant she is and how beautifully she weaves these worlds. The First Dryad is truly gripping and a very vibrant story that will have you feeling ALL the feels! I can’t wait to see what happens next in the sequel (The First Dryad 2) and read more from The First Collection!
July 8, 2023
A wonderful new world
Aia is use to being in the dark hid away from everyone. She is not to speak to anyone except her brother. The only way to stay safe is to hide or so she thought. Now her brother has sold her out to the palace where she is suppose to perform for the Prince and become his Tree. She has no idea how to become a tree or keep from getting herself killed! Will Aia figure it out in time?
Aia is use to being in the dark hid away from everyone. She is not to speak to anyone except her brother. The only way to stay safe is to hide or so she thought. Now her brother has sold her out to the palace where she is suppose to perform for the Prince and become his Tree. She has no idea how to become a tree or keep from getting herself killed! Will Aia figure it out in time?
January 24, 2023
Absolutely loved
This story omg... I have never read fantasy on this level. The imagination of this author had me in awe. It had everything in it and had my emotions all over the place. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
This story omg... I have never read fantasy on this level. The imagination of this author had me in awe. It had everything in it and had my emotions all over the place. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
August 15, 2023
This book was really good. I liked the character development as well as the characters. The storyline was really good, too. I’m curious how the second book will play out. Thank you so much for the arc.
January 8, 2024
This book was just okay. I loved that this book was a page turner...but it did take a bit to get into. Towards the end, the author changes the POV from Aia to Willen and it took me a second to grasp what was going on.
April 7, 2024
I enjoyed this story of unforbidden love. The storyline was good with twists I didnt see coming. Good descriptive characters.
I only hope they can stop the war an that that Tohmas an the first Muse are the rulers still of Morn as unsure if this book is before or after there reign.
I only hope they can stop the war an that that Tohmas an the first Muse are the rulers still of Morn as unsure if this book is before or after there reign.
January 11, 2024
This story is about a young girl or tree, that is sold to the palace for trials to become the high princes’ tree in hopes of gifting the prince a seed that will save he realm. Throughout the story the female main character, Aia, forms a strong connection with the Second Prince, Willen. Although they know the ancient rules and what will happen if they are broken they fall madly in love. Their magic, wonder, drawing them towards one another in times of need or desperation provides a mystical obstacle in trying to abide by the rules of the ancients and royals. Through their journey they begin objecting to the laws of the ancients and the royals in attempts at keeping friends and themselves safe only to eventually land entangled into one another’s arms when Aia secretly plants a seed in Willen and shoots up from the ground growing into a strong and beautiful tree where she “does not intervene. She does not act. She simply observes. She stands. She is admired”. That is until she hears a conversation between the High King and Willen and is left no choice but to pull her roots out of the ground to intervene and act against all that is her nature.
I marveled at the story concept and idea. I think it has enormous potential. The concept of a desolate land and descendants of an ancient arboreal race that help to flourish the lands when nurtured properly is very compelling. However, I think the world building is too vague. We hardly know what the world actually looks like or how the realm functions. I understand this is suppose to be in alignment with Aia herself as she was forced to stay inside in a dark cellar most of her life and she herself was just learning things and we as the reader were learning with her, but it felt like it was just too much and rather jarring than learning with the character. That could be because of plot holes within the story itself. There are many mentions of ancient rules and if they are not followed the person will just drop dead in that moment or will someone be stopped from breaking the rules. We see this in a few scenes where one royal brother tries to hit the other, but it frozen before they can make contact. Another one of these rules is holding the queen in highest esteem forever, but there are a couple of instances where she is not held in any esteem at all and nothing happens to those people?
In addition to this I feel as if the whole first few chapters could have been condensed or taken out entirely. reading about where she comes from is great yes, but it also seemed to be written completely different than the rest of the book and as a reader it was a bit jarring and I feel like those chapters were there more to fill space than to set a tone or anything else. The information in those chapters could have been filled in during other moments throughout the book to flush out world building and deepen the character development and relationship between Aia and Willen. Instead it feels like everything is rushed and disjointed throughout the story.
Then we throw in a few unannounced and random chapters to Willen’s point of view some not even relating to the previous Aia chapter, but a few before it to make the reader’s thrown out of the story even further. I think any of Willen’s POV chapters would have been amazing as bonus chapters and even having it shift to his perspective when she became a fully fledged tree would have been better, but also maybe having them labeled as “Willen’s POV” would have made it less jarring as well. There’s nothing like finishing a chapter to begin a new one only to find yourself reading similar if not the same materials from chapters before thinking “oh no, this must be a mistake” and to learn it is just from someone else’s perspective.
Also, where were the trails? there was a whole lot of talking about trials and then one final sentiment from another tree and then nothing about trials at all. It was like this plot point that the story is based off of was just left behind entirely. Were the balls the trials? I know the not eating or drinking and the bathing scene are part of the trails. I was just expecting a bit more development where the trails are concerned. Like discuss what the trials are, give some context to the readers at least in some form.
All in all, I do think the the character development growth and the relationship between Aia and Willen was spectacular. I think these were really thought out characters. I also enjoy the concept of the book as a whole. I do think it needs some more developing and to be edited a few more times, but I throughly enjoyed the concept.
I would recommend this book just for the concept itself with the warning that it does not seem fully developed. feel like this story, as it stands, is meant for those that enjoyed the fashion of the Hunger Games and the Selection. The scenes between Aia and her designer are some of the more well-developed scenes, and I got the feeling that the trials in the book are suppose to be more like those in the Selection.
I marveled at the story concept and idea. I think it has enormous potential. The concept of a desolate land and descendants of an ancient arboreal race that help to flourish the lands when nurtured properly is very compelling. However, I think the world building is too vague. We hardly know what the world actually looks like or how the realm functions. I understand this is suppose to be in alignment with Aia herself as she was forced to stay inside in a dark cellar most of her life and she herself was just learning things and we as the reader were learning with her, but it felt like it was just too much and rather jarring than learning with the character. That could be because of plot holes within the story itself. There are many mentions of ancient rules and if they are not followed the person will just drop dead in that moment or will someone be stopped from breaking the rules. We see this in a few scenes where one royal brother tries to hit the other, but it frozen before they can make contact. Another one of these rules is holding the queen in highest esteem forever, but there are a couple of instances where she is not held in any esteem at all and nothing happens to those people?
In addition to this I feel as if the whole first few chapters could have been condensed or taken out entirely. reading about where she comes from is great yes, but it also seemed to be written completely different than the rest of the book and as a reader it was a bit jarring and I feel like those chapters were there more to fill space than to set a tone or anything else. The information in those chapters could have been filled in during other moments throughout the book to flush out world building and deepen the character development and relationship between Aia and Willen. Instead it feels like everything is rushed and disjointed throughout the story.
Then we throw in a few unannounced and random chapters to Willen’s point of view some not even relating to the previous Aia chapter, but a few before it to make the reader’s thrown out of the story even further. I think any of Willen’s POV chapters would have been amazing as bonus chapters and even having it shift to his perspective when she became a fully fledged tree would have been better, but also maybe having them labeled as “Willen’s POV” would have made it less jarring as well. There’s nothing like finishing a chapter to begin a new one only to find yourself reading similar if not the same materials from chapters before thinking “oh no, this must be a mistake” and to learn it is just from someone else’s perspective.
Also, where were the trails? there was a whole lot of talking about trials and then one final sentiment from another tree and then nothing about trials at all. It was like this plot point that the story is based off of was just left behind entirely. Were the balls the trials? I know the not eating or drinking and the bathing scene are part of the trails. I was just expecting a bit more development where the trails are concerned. Like discuss what the trials are, give some context to the readers at least in some form.
All in all, I do think the the character development growth and the relationship between Aia and Willen was spectacular. I think these were really thought out characters. I also enjoy the concept of the book as a whole. I do think it needs some more developing and to be edited a few more times, but I throughly enjoyed the concept.
I would recommend this book just for the concept itself with the warning that it does not seem fully developed. feel like this story, as it stands, is meant for those that enjoyed the fashion of the Hunger Games and the Selection. The scenes between Aia and her designer are some of the more well-developed scenes, and I got the feeling that the trials in the book are suppose to be more like those in the Selection.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2024
I wanted to like it. The concept was very interesting but I ended up DNF. I just couldn’t get into it as much as I wanted to. The writing was very dry and not my style. I see so many positive reviews that I honestly feel horrible saying I DNF but I just couldn’t struggle with it any longer.
January 1, 2023
What a blessing.
I've had some major reading paralysis for a few months now, and The First Dryad was the perfect read to break the spell.
Only knowing mostly Aia's point of view kept things smooth and mysterious instead of overwhelming.
Each character had their own individual spice, with plenty of personality.
I forgot that I was reading and got lost in it.
I've had some major reading paralysis for a few months now, and The First Dryad was the perfect read to break the spell.
Only knowing mostly Aia's point of view kept things smooth and mysterious instead of overwhelming.
Each character had their own individual spice, with plenty of personality.
I forgot that I was reading and got lost in it.
January 8, 2024
This is such a great, clean fantasy. I really loved the Mc. The story is so easy to read that you can easily read it within a few hours. It will leave you ready and excited for the next book!
July 15, 2023
Another wonderful story by Teshelle Combs. Her world building and characters always draws me in and makes me care about the characters. Can’t wait to read the next one.
December 18, 2022
I had fun reading this
I really enjoyed the uniqueness of this book. It is a hard premise to write. I loved the twists and the overall theme the author seemed to be communicating about standing up for yourself. There were some moments where I had a hard time imagining the scenery at the beginning, but once I understood more about the world, it became a little easier. So if there was something more concrete to hold onto, it would help me to put my self in the locations. Overall, this was a very enjoyable read!
I really enjoyed the uniqueness of this book. It is a hard premise to write. I loved the twists and the overall theme the author seemed to be communicating about standing up for yourself. There were some moments where I had a hard time imagining the scenery at the beginning, but once I understood more about the world, it became a little easier. So if there was something more concrete to hold onto, it would help me to put my self in the locations. Overall, this was a very enjoyable read!
December 18, 2022
A wonderful surprise. The plot, the writing, and the characters make for a delightful book. The only reason it took me two days is I had to sleep after a day of working on a woodshop project. ( I tend to lose track of time when in my shop). I am enthralled with the people of the Realm, especially Ai.
I highly recommend this book.
I highly recommend this book.
September 16, 2023
Jag testade någonting nytt. Ny författare, ny genre och blev ändå positivt överraskad. Jag läser inte mycket romantisk fantasy, eller fantasy alls, men det var romantiken som ledde denna bok framåt, i en härlig mix av magi och övernaturliga väsen. Vem tycker inte om en kärleksduo som vill rädda världen med sin kärlek?
January 6, 2024
At the beginning of the book i was a little confused but as i kept reading it got better & I started to understand what was going on! I loved the characters especially berealt & glenne!!!! (They are real ones)
Be ready cause this story gets you in ALLLL the feels but in the best ways! Overall I enjoyed reading this book & im ready to start book 2!! Cause baby that ending 😮💨
Be ready cause this story gets you in ALLLL the feels but in the best ways! Overall I enjoyed reading this book & im ready to start book 2!! Cause baby that ending 😮💨
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