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Between Shade and Flame #3
Runemaster
A kidnapped governess. A goblin prince. A world on the brink of disaster.
Anrid Fray left her sister for an arranged marriage to a dark elf; instead, she is stolen away and accidentally binds herself to a temperamental magic known as the Bifrost. She only wants to find her betrothed, but a harassed Runemaster and a pack of unruly orphans won't let her leave.
Prince Jael Daemon needs to save his kingdom from strange earthquakes, but the Bifrost protecting Agmon is inexplicably failing. The last thing he wants is responsibility for his wayward younger brother, a naïve human girl, and her homeless goblinborn children who are all in danger.
With the Bifrost under attack and their souls bonded to its fate, can these star-crossed lovers reconcile duty and desire before shadows consume all they hold dear?
If you like Air Awakens or Prince of the Doomed City, then you’ll love this enchanting romance filled with found family, characters with disabilities, and clever nods to Norse and Greek mythology.
Scroll up and one-click to start reading this magical romantic fantasy packed with humor and heart today!
Anrid Fray left her sister for an arranged marriage to a dark elf; instead, she is stolen away and accidentally binds herself to a temperamental magic known as the Bifrost. She only wants to find her betrothed, but a harassed Runemaster and a pack of unruly orphans won't let her leave.
Prince Jael Daemon needs to save his kingdom from strange earthquakes, but the Bifrost protecting Agmon is inexplicably failing. The last thing he wants is responsibility for his wayward younger brother, a naïve human girl, and her homeless goblinborn children who are all in danger.
With the Bifrost under attack and their souls bonded to its fate, can these star-crossed lovers reconcile duty and desire before shadows consume all they hold dear?
If you like Air Awakens or Prince of the Doomed City, then you’ll love this enchanting romance filled with found family, characters with disabilities, and clever nods to Norse and Greek mythology.
Scroll up and one-click to start reading this magical romantic fantasy packed with humor and heart today!
- GenresFantasy
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 3, 2024
71 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Everly Haywood
9 books181 followersEverly Haywood imagines herself to be a shieldmaiden of great prowess…but you’re more likely to find her in a dusty library than on the battlefield slaying monsters from the underworld. She seeks to combine dark fantasy worlds with clean, sweet romance. She loves strong but sweet leading ladies and smoldering, tragic heroes, and if a dragon is thrown into the mix? That’s nearly perfection.
When she isn’t writing, Everly creates lovelies for her cover design business, homeschools her prissy Princess-in-the-Pea, and advocates for her special-needs Warrior Princess. She and her Knight in Shining Armor live in the country with their two daughters and their protective dog nanny.
Happy reading, and may your dragons fly true.
When she isn’t writing, Everly creates lovelies for her cover design business, homeschools her prissy Princess-in-the-Pea, and advocates for her special-needs Warrior Princess. She and her Knight in Shining Armor live in the country with their two daughters and their protective dog nanny.
Happy reading, and may your dragons fly true.
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May 9, 2023A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR
I must confess up front that the goblinborn in this story are blatantly inspired by my daughter with Down Syndrome. Since writing about any sort of disability brings an additional layer of challenges, I want to take a moment to share why I choose to write about characters with disabilities in this novel and the other books in this series.
When I sat down to create the goblin lore, I wanted to create a portion of the population that captured the beauty and challenges that families who live with a disabled loved one often face. The goblinborn in my tale never grow up, capturing the sweet innocence of childhood people with Down Syndrome and other learning disabilities often keep their entire lives. Their journey is wonderful and adventurous and filled with incredible moments and wild laughter…but it is also extremely challenging. Someone once asked me if there was a cure for Down Syndrome, would I use it?
The answer is…whole-heartedly…NO.
I would not change my daughter; I love her as she is. But I would change ME.
There have been moments in my daughter’s journey that brought me to the breaking point.
Moments when I was so scared about the challenges of her condition and the possibility we might lose her at a very early age that I feared I might lose my faith if asked to walk this road. These were brutal, raw moments I remember with lingering fear and shame…but also with joy. I can look back now and see how I have grown and strengthened because my daughter is a part of our life. I love her so fiercely it scares me sometimes, and I’m not afraid of Down Syndrome anymore.
But, in the beginning, I was terrified.
I didn’t think I was the right parent, didn’t think I had the medical skills to take care of her. I felt so inadequate.
There is a side character in this story who feels this raw sort of fear about taking care of the goblinborn. I want to allay your concerns up front that his reticence has nothing to do with the children or their special needs and everything to do with his own fear and feelings of inadequacy. His story will not conclude in this book, and we will further explore his emotional struggles in Songbender, book four in Between Shade and Flame series when he meets a beautiful young woman who struggles with a disability.
Please know that it was my desire to portray the characteristics of Down Syndrome with love, compassion, and joy even while I didn’t shy away from the more difficult aspects of taking care of children with extra special needs.
Now, sit back and enjoy the journey with Anrid, Jael, and the goblinborn children. You’re going to love the adventure.
I must confess up front that the goblinborn in this story are blatantly inspired by my daughter with Down Syndrome. Since writing about any sort of disability brings an additional layer of challenges, I want to take a moment to share why I choose to write about characters with disabilities in this novel and the other books in this series.
When I sat down to create the goblin lore, I wanted to create a portion of the population that captured the beauty and challenges that families who live with a disabled loved one often face. The goblinborn in my tale never grow up, capturing the sweet innocence of childhood people with Down Syndrome and other learning disabilities often keep their entire lives. Their journey is wonderful and adventurous and filled with incredible moments and wild laughter…but it is also extremely challenging. Someone once asked me if there was a cure for Down Syndrome, would I use it?
The answer is…whole-heartedly…NO.
I would not change my daughter; I love her as she is. But I would change ME.
There have been moments in my daughter’s journey that brought me to the breaking point.
Moments when I was so scared about the challenges of her condition and the possibility we might lose her at a very early age that I feared I might lose my faith if asked to walk this road. These were brutal, raw moments I remember with lingering fear and shame…but also with joy. I can look back now and see how I have grown and strengthened because my daughter is a part of our life. I love her so fiercely it scares me sometimes, and I’m not afraid of Down Syndrome anymore.
But, in the beginning, I was terrified.
I didn’t think I was the right parent, didn’t think I had the medical skills to take care of her. I felt so inadequate.
There is a side character in this story who feels this raw sort of fear about taking care of the goblinborn. I want to allay your concerns up front that his reticence has nothing to do with the children or their special needs and everything to do with his own fear and feelings of inadequacy. His story will not conclude in this book, and we will further explore his emotional struggles in Songbender, book four in Between Shade and Flame series when he meets a beautiful young woman who struggles with a disability.
Please know that it was my desire to portray the characteristics of Down Syndrome with love, compassion, and joy even while I didn’t shy away from the more difficult aspects of taking care of children with extra special needs.
Now, sit back and enjoy the journey with Anrid, Jael, and the goblinborn children. You’re going to love the adventure.
April 30, 2023
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To quote VeggieTales: I laughed, I cried, it moved me, Bob.
No joke, there were tears and laughter and moments I choked on my tea or had to set the book down because I was dying from secondhand embarrassment. This book has a collection of characters that just met so many needs in my soul in a way that I don't even know how to put into words.
While there's a complex plot with a gorgeous magic system--as usual for this author--the children were my favorite part, not to mention Anrid and Jael with them. As someone who has raised a Down syndrome child, this book was a beautiful thing. The experiences that Anrid and Jael had and their interactions with the children or worries and fears over them reminded me of things that I experienced every day. It's a story to make your inner-mother feel seen and known. And even if you don't care for children, I think you'll love them. They've got enough personality to put anyone to shame.
This is a book that I would 100% read again, and likely, my new favorite from this author. 100/10 would recommend.
To quote VeggieTales: I laughed, I cried, it moved me, Bob.
No joke, there were tears and laughter and moments I choked on my tea or had to set the book down because I was dying from secondhand embarrassment. This book has a collection of characters that just met so many needs in my soul in a way that I don't even know how to put into words.
While there's a complex plot with a gorgeous magic system--as usual for this author--the children were my favorite part, not to mention Anrid and Jael with them. As someone who has raised a Down syndrome child, this book was a beautiful thing. The experiences that Anrid and Jael had and their interactions with the children or worries and fears over them reminded me of things that I experienced every day. It's a story to make your inner-mother feel seen and known. And even if you don't care for children, I think you'll love them. They've got enough personality to put anyone to shame.
This is a book that I would 100% read again, and likely, my new favorite from this author. 100/10 would recommend.
April 18, 2023
This book was so much fun! I think the best part of it was the fact that even when threats loom, one can count on the hijinks of the goblinborn to make one smile.
Anrid's love for children and her dedication to her responsibilities made her a very easy mc to root for. Jael (love the name) was also fun to root for, but more because you can FEEL the frazzled vibes rolling off him at the beginning with a bunch of things coming at him from all directions and now there's a pretty human to make him flustered too and he doesn't know how to handle much, if any, of it.
I do think I would've liked more development on the relationship because it did seem to pop up pretty fast despite Jael and Anrid spending most of their time tending to their respective duties. I think a certain bifrost bond could've been put to good use in forcing them to spend more time together, but ah, well.
At any rate, I'm inspired to reread the entire series again, so if you'll excuse me, I'll be off now. Do yourself a favor and read this series!
**I received a ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review
Anrid's love for children and her dedication to her responsibilities made her a very easy mc to root for. Jael (love the name) was also fun to root for, but more because you can FEEL the frazzled vibes rolling off him at the beginning with a bunch of things coming at him from all directions and now there's a pretty human to make him flustered too and he doesn't know how to handle much, if any, of it.
I do think I would've liked more development on the relationship because it did seem to pop up pretty fast despite Jael and Anrid spending most of their time tending to their respective duties. I think a certain bifrost bond could've been put to good use in forcing them to spend more time together, but ah, well.
At any rate, I'm inspired to reread the entire series again, so if you'll excuse me, I'll be off now. Do yourself a favor and read this series!
**I received a ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review
April 30, 2023
Another great story by Haywood. The mix of angst and humor was enjoyable. The goblin born children provided great entertainment. Well done, lots of action to keep to the story going at a nice pace.
May 6, 2023
I recently discovered this series as I was searching for titles that would get me more into fantasy stories. I devoured the first two books in the series and received an ARC of this book. I loved the quick moving plot with lovable main characters. The magic and fantastical world is complex, but designed and described in such a way that you can easily understand it. I enjoyed learning about the goblin "world" in this third installment. The goblinborn brought wonderful humor to this book and made the book for me. I'm sure me being a Teacher Librarian makes me a little biased in loving the goblinborn and all their mischief. It also probably has something to do with Anrid being my favorite character so far in this series, but I love her dedication, courage, and down to earthness. This book is the perfect combination of fantasy, mystery, romance, and humor.
May 9, 2023
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Anrid & Jael’s points of view
Review:
I loved that this story was dual point of view! I really enjoyed both the other books in the series, but love to be able to see both ends of the romance and what they are thinking as things progress between them. The goblinborn were so funny and interesting to be around so much in the story! Just like children, you never knew what they would say or do next and how it would affect the characters around them at the time. I loved that Anrid cared for the children and did so well with it despite one of them being the reason she was taken off course from her original destination. I loved seeing Jael soften towards the goblinborn and end up caring for them just as much as Anrid did. I loved the mischievous fun that Kora brought to watching the kids. Some of my favorite scenes/moments in this story included: trying to care for/distract the goblinborn, Anrid & Kora sicking the goblinborn on each other under the guise of games for them to play, Anrid & Jael’s connecting dreams, going to the capitol, and everyone trying to get Jael to tell Anrid how he felt about her.
Summary:
Anrid was on her way to meet her soon to be dark elf husband when a child’s cry led her on an unexpected detour. Anrid is immersed in the goblin world and ends up the governess of a pack of young orphaned goblinborn as well as tied to the magic that keeps the goblin world safe. Until the Runemaster can figure out what her connection means to their way of life, she can’t leave and fulfill her obligation to the dark elves.
Jael is the Runemaster in charge of caring for the veins of Bifrost magic woven within the stones. When an unruly goblinborn and his captured human governess came along his path, he just ticked it off as another thing to fix on his ever growing list. But the governess and her charge soon becomes a higher priority when she connects to the Bifrost, which is unheard of as a human. Jael can’t let them leave until he discovers what this could mean and if it could help the Bifrost get fixed from whatever is ailing it. As Jael spends more and more time around Anrid & the goblinborn, he finds himself falling and softening for the woman and the children he never really wanted around. But she is betrothed to another and seems to have no feelings like that for Jael…
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Anrid & Jael’s points of view
Review:
I loved that this story was dual point of view! I really enjoyed both the other books in the series, but love to be able to see both ends of the romance and what they are thinking as things progress between them. The goblinborn were so funny and interesting to be around so much in the story! Just like children, you never knew what they would say or do next and how it would affect the characters around them at the time. I loved that Anrid cared for the children and did so well with it despite one of them being the reason she was taken off course from her original destination. I loved seeing Jael soften towards the goblinborn and end up caring for them just as much as Anrid did. I loved the mischievous fun that Kora brought to watching the kids. Some of my favorite scenes/moments in this story included: trying to care for/distract the goblinborn, Anrid & Kora sicking the goblinborn on each other under the guise of games for them to play, Anrid & Jael’s connecting dreams, going to the capitol, and everyone trying to get Jael to tell Anrid how he felt about her.
Summary:
Anrid was on her way to meet her soon to be dark elf husband when a child’s cry led her on an unexpected detour. Anrid is immersed in the goblin world and ends up the governess of a pack of young orphaned goblinborn as well as tied to the magic that keeps the goblin world safe. Until the Runemaster can figure out what her connection means to their way of life, she can’t leave and fulfill her obligation to the dark elves.
Jael is the Runemaster in charge of caring for the veins of Bifrost magic woven within the stones. When an unruly goblinborn and his captured human governess came along his path, he just ticked it off as another thing to fix on his ever growing list. But the governess and her charge soon becomes a higher priority when she connects to the Bifrost, which is unheard of as a human. Jael can’t let them leave until he discovers what this could mean and if it could help the Bifrost get fixed from whatever is ailing it. As Jael spends more and more time around Anrid & the goblinborn, he finds himself falling and softening for the woman and the children he never really wanted around. But she is betrothed to another and seems to have no feelings like that for Jael…
January 4, 2024
Runemaster was the fun! Sweet! And delightfully perfect book for me to start 2024 with!
Anrid is a nurturer by heart. It’s really the only existence she has ever know. Ever sense she was a young girl she has watched over and taken care of the children younger than herself. So when she hears unabated crying coming from the forest she can’t help but abandon her caravan and seek out the distraught. Little does she know that the small child she discovers isn’t at all what he appears. Nor does she realize that—bespelled or not—she is about to embark on a journey filled with interesting magic, deadly shadows that stalk your dreams, charming Goblinborn, a prince set on saving his kingdom, and the threat of collapse.
The Goblinborn in Runemaster are SPECTACULAR! ADORABLE! ENTIRELY SWEET! And I COULDN’T have ADORED THEM ANY MORE!!! This story was absolutely breathtaking and honestly, imo, the Goblinborn completely made this story! I loved the romance! I was intrigued with the plot! But the thing that really took this story to the next level and truly captured my heart and soul were all those little Goblinborn children! Each of them was unique and diverse but yet collectively they brought a whole new level of delight and warmth to the story. According to Haywood these Goblinborn are based on Down Syndrome Children—like her own daughter. And having known a couple Downs Children I agree that her portrayal was absolutely wonderful! And delightful! And perfectly represented their sweet, wonder-filled, and every joyful nature! It was just EXCEPTIONAL!
There were so many fantastic characters in this story. Be it Anrid and her selfless love for the Goblinborn, Jael and his steadfastness, determination, and willingness to sacrifice to save his kingdom, Medda who was completely delightful, sweet and stole my heart the second she was written onto the page, or even Kora who found himself doing the wrong things for the right reasons, they were ever diverse, relatable, and magically written.
So anyways! I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK! (And this entire series!) It was the perfect kind of cozy magic to warm my soul on these dreary January days and I highly (very highly) recommend it to any and all romantic fantasy lovers who enjoy a well written romance filled with AMAZING characters, unexpected revelations, sweetness, no spice, and just enough trepidation and angst to keep the plot moving and my mind and soul completely invested!
Anrid is a nurturer by heart. It’s really the only existence she has ever know. Ever sense she was a young girl she has watched over and taken care of the children younger than herself. So when she hears unabated crying coming from the forest she can’t help but abandon her caravan and seek out the distraught. Little does she know that the small child she discovers isn’t at all what he appears. Nor does she realize that—bespelled or not—she is about to embark on a journey filled with interesting magic, deadly shadows that stalk your dreams, charming Goblinborn, a prince set on saving his kingdom, and the threat of collapse.
The Goblinborn in Runemaster are SPECTACULAR! ADORABLE! ENTIRELY SWEET! And I COULDN’T have ADORED THEM ANY MORE!!! This story was absolutely breathtaking and honestly, imo, the Goblinborn completely made this story! I loved the romance! I was intrigued with the plot! But the thing that really took this story to the next level and truly captured my heart and soul were all those little Goblinborn children! Each of them was unique and diverse but yet collectively they brought a whole new level of delight and warmth to the story. According to Haywood these Goblinborn are based on Down Syndrome Children—like her own daughter. And having known a couple Downs Children I agree that her portrayal was absolutely wonderful! And delightful! And perfectly represented their sweet, wonder-filled, and every joyful nature! It was just EXCEPTIONAL!
There were so many fantastic characters in this story. Be it Anrid and her selfless love for the Goblinborn, Jael and his steadfastness, determination, and willingness to sacrifice to save his kingdom, Medda who was completely delightful, sweet and stole my heart the second she was written onto the page, or even Kora who found himself doing the wrong things for the right reasons, they were ever diverse, relatable, and magically written.
So anyways! I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK! (And this entire series!) It was the perfect kind of cozy magic to warm my soul on these dreary January days and I highly (very highly) recommend it to any and all romantic fantasy lovers who enjoy a well written romance filled with AMAZING characters, unexpected revelations, sweetness, no spice, and just enough trepidation and angst to keep the plot moving and my mind and soul completely invested!
April 5, 2023
Runemaster is the third book in the series of Between Shade and Flame. It can be read as a stand-alone, but it's more enjoyable to read the books in order as several characters make re-appearances here. So, yes, read all the books!
Haywood's characters are likable, not the typical fantasy hero wielding magic with great power battling great evil with supernatural magic. Her heroes are the quiet ones, often overlooked by others, humble with no other aspiration other than to protect the ones they love even if it means sacrificing themselves to do so. I love that her characters aren't perfect; seeing them overcome their limitations just makes the final victory much sweeter.
Anrid Fray is a human girl promised to a Fae as part of a peacekeeping treaty between humans and Fae. She agrees in order to protect her sister from this fate and travels to meet him, but on the way her compassion for children results in being trapped underground, bonded to a wild magic, and a caretaker of rambunctious, endearing goblinborn orphan children. Prince Jael Daemon, goblin prince tasked with maintaining the security of the magic stones vital to their kingdom is suddenly saddled with supervising his wayward, discontented brother. Circumstances throw them all together and this motley crew must choose to rise above their limitations to help each other do what none of them can do by themselves. The goblin kingdom is in jeopardy from dark magic, but love may be the only thing to save it.
(I received an advanced copy of this book in return for my honest review. All comments are my own.)
Haywood's characters are likable, not the typical fantasy hero wielding magic with great power battling great evil with supernatural magic. Her heroes are the quiet ones, often overlooked by others, humble with no other aspiration other than to protect the ones they love even if it means sacrificing themselves to do so. I love that her characters aren't perfect; seeing them overcome their limitations just makes the final victory much sweeter.
Anrid Fray is a human girl promised to a Fae as part of a peacekeeping treaty between humans and Fae. She agrees in order to protect her sister from this fate and travels to meet him, but on the way her compassion for children results in being trapped underground, bonded to a wild magic, and a caretaker of rambunctious, endearing goblinborn orphan children. Prince Jael Daemon, goblin prince tasked with maintaining the security of the magic stones vital to their kingdom is suddenly saddled with supervising his wayward, discontented brother. Circumstances throw them all together and this motley crew must choose to rise above their limitations to help each other do what none of them can do by themselves. The goblin kingdom is in jeopardy from dark magic, but love may be the only thing to save it.
(I received an advanced copy of this book in return for my honest review. All comments are my own.)
April 17, 2023
Runemaster by Everly Haywood is a lovely example of a medium length clean fantasy romance.
Anrid is on her way to be a Peaceweaver, a bride to a dark elf, part of the deal between the dark elves and the humans. She has an incredibly soft spot for children, to an extent she is blind to all else even her own safety. On her journey she comes across a scared child who looks nothing like any child she's seen before, and of course tries to help.
Before she knows it she is deep within the goblin kingdom. The kingdom is in trouble, the magic that lives there is failing. And the man, er... goblin that has to sort it out is Jael, an introverted academic who has to deal with Anrin and the many little orphans who have latched on to her, much to Jael's confusion.
An alternate POV between Jael and Anrid provides us with both of their thoughts and feelings. I loved Jael's thought processes, his growth, dedication and loyalty. Although it's a bit touch and go for a while in their relationship, it is a nice ending. Clean romance with a few very nicely timed kisses. I especially enjoyed the world building and all it's details, like the rune stones and the runes that work the magic. The writing is effortless to read and I look forward to the sequel, especially Kora's grins.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Anrid is on her way to be a Peaceweaver, a bride to a dark elf, part of the deal between the dark elves and the humans. She has an incredibly soft spot for children, to an extent she is blind to all else even her own safety. On her journey she comes across a scared child who looks nothing like any child she's seen before, and of course tries to help.
Before she knows it she is deep within the goblin kingdom. The kingdom is in trouble, the magic that lives there is failing. And the man, er... goblin that has to sort it out is Jael, an introverted academic who has to deal with Anrin and the many little orphans who have latched on to her, much to Jael's confusion.
An alternate POV between Jael and Anrid provides us with both of their thoughts and feelings. I loved Jael's thought processes, his growth, dedication and loyalty. Although it's a bit touch and go for a while in their relationship, it is a nice ending. Clean romance with a few very nicely timed kisses. I especially enjoyed the world building and all it's details, like the rune stones and the runes that work the magic. The writing is effortless to read and I look forward to the sequel, especially Kora's grins.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
May 3, 2023
Can a goblin and a human save the realm?
These days I am always up for a good clean fantasy tale – whether it's a fairytale retelling or straightforward fantasy – and the more imaginative and interesting the better. Runemaster met all of those requirements and much more.
This third Between Shade And Flame novel had me hooked from Anrid's kidnapping at the beginning all the way through a very dramatic showdown where help and treachery come from the most unexpected places. Underground danger and intrigue certainly kept me turning those pages quickly.
I loved the hints of mythology, at least the ones that I recognized anyway, and the little touches of humor that popped up throughout the story. But, was Everly Haywood's worldbuilding skills that impressed me the most about this book. From the underground realm of the goblins, to the appearance and customs of three races of beings, to her detailed magic system – none of it was skipped over.
I did have one big disappointment in Runemaster and that was when I finished it. I was sorry to have to say goodbye to Anrid and Jael and the rest of the Between Shade And Flame characters in this third book in the series. As I am sure you can imagine I will be looking for the next book from Everly Haywood with anticipation...
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
These days I am always up for a good clean fantasy tale – whether it's a fairytale retelling or straightforward fantasy – and the more imaginative and interesting the better. Runemaster met all of those requirements and much more.
This third Between Shade And Flame novel had me hooked from Anrid's kidnapping at the beginning all the way through a very dramatic showdown where help and treachery come from the most unexpected places. Underground danger and intrigue certainly kept me turning those pages quickly.
I loved the hints of mythology, at least the ones that I recognized anyway, and the little touches of humor that popped up throughout the story. But, was Everly Haywood's worldbuilding skills that impressed me the most about this book. From the underground realm of the goblins, to the appearance and customs of three races of beings, to her detailed magic system – none of it was skipped over.
I did have one big disappointment in Runemaster and that was when I finished it. I was sorry to have to say goodbye to Anrid and Jael and the rest of the Between Shade And Flame characters in this third book in the series. As I am sure you can imagine I will be looking for the next book from Everly Haywood with anticipation...
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
December 23, 2025
Awful and boring...
I rarely give anything less than 3 stars, but this book was such drudgery to read. At the halfway point, I really wanted to stop reading, but after the first book, I desired to find out what was happening in the world to the land. I suspect I'll be irritated with myself because it'll be for a lame or ridiculous plot, just like the magic in this world that makes no sense to me, but ...here I am.
I really enjoyed book 1, and book 2 was ok, but this one was rough. The writing is juvenile with MANY grammatical errors. The MFC is more annoying than anything, especially with her interactions with the "children" that aren't children and how she talks to everyone. Sometimes she's beyond formal, other times casual and even childish. It's inconsistent. She acts like no one should have consequences to their actions, no justice just mercy.
The MMC just seems like a weak and moody prince. He's a terrible leader until the end when he somehow saves the day. I also feel like Jael jumped straight from "eh, I need to send this nuisance home" to "I love her" with no relational growth. And so much secret-keeping that negativity affects them - I can't stand that in books.
I feel like not only is the story boring, but it didn't give much information or resolution to the "what's happening in this world?" mystery. I just can't recommend.
I rarely give anything less than 3 stars, but this book was such drudgery to read. At the halfway point, I really wanted to stop reading, but after the first book, I desired to find out what was happening in the world to the land. I suspect I'll be irritated with myself because it'll be for a lame or ridiculous plot, just like the magic in this world that makes no sense to me, but ...here I am.
I really enjoyed book 1, and book 2 was ok, but this one was rough. The writing is juvenile with MANY grammatical errors. The MFC is more annoying than anything, especially with her interactions with the "children" that aren't children and how she talks to everyone. Sometimes she's beyond formal, other times casual and even childish. It's inconsistent. She acts like no one should have consequences to their actions, no justice just mercy.
The MMC just seems like a weak and moody prince. He's a terrible leader until the end when he somehow saves the day. I also feel like Jael jumped straight from "eh, I need to send this nuisance home" to "I love her" with no relational growth. And so much secret-keeping that negativity affects them - I can't stand that in books.
I feel like not only is the story boring, but it didn't give much information or resolution to the "what's happening in this world?" mystery. I just can't recommend.
April 10, 2023
This was Book 3 in a series and I had a difficult time getting into it, so I strongly suggest you read the previous 2 books to better follow the story arc. On her way to marry a dark elf to fulfil a peace-treaty, the FMC, a human girl called Anrid, finds a strange child in the woods and her journey is hijacked. She is basically adopted by goblinborn half-starved kids & propelled to solve the problems of a goblin kingdom. More epic than actioney this book had fae and Mab, goblin royalty and Norse mythology (runes and a sentient moody Bifrost) intertwined. The male names - MMC Jael and his brother Kora- threw me a little coz I’m used to these name being female (in Hebrew & Greek, respectively) & I had trouble reading about them as male, but eventually it sunk in. There were bits of humour with the goblinborn children latching on to the goblin princes and piling onto Anrid in her bed - this I liked. It got interesting at page 26, so if you fancy reading about a human girl up to her eyeballs in trouble & soul-bindings, persevere beyond page 20. Lovers of slow burn and slow buildup, great world-building, epic fantasy with dual POV stories might like this.
April 18, 2023
Anrid is trying to do what is best but it is not actually what is likely best for her. She wants to help protect her sister and she's been promised to a dark elf. She had hopes of having her own family except she's realistic about her chances now. That doesn't stop her from going a child when she believes they need help. She'd do it again in a heartbeat even if it meant that she ended up in Agmon, surrounded by orphans and stuck with the most infuriating goblin prince who seems to be stealing her heart. Jael just wants to heal the Bifrost but his logical approach and need to be alone to try and fix this are not going to work it seems. Instead he's managed to get himself bounded to a human woman and is leading a veritable gaggle of goblinborn. If he could just work out what is happening to him as well as the Bifrost maybe he'd feel like the rug has not been pulled from under his feet!
I loved this so much. There is a real sense of magic about it. The characters and the world building is wonderful. I picked it up and could not put it down until finished except it has left me wanting more. I have to know what happens to Kora.
I loved this so much. There is a real sense of magic about it. The characters and the world building is wonderful. I picked it up and could not put it down until finished except it has left me wanting more. I have to know what happens to Kora.
April 17, 2023
So this is my first book by the author it's the 3rd book in the series. It said I can read it without reading from the first book. I disagree it's not a standalone book. They MC characters from what I can tell it's their story. I was confused at first with the world building, but could at least understand.
Other than that. I did enjoy the book, I read it on all one day. I enjoy the concept of the world and hopefully will start from the beginning.
Anrid is a governess to enjoys being with children on her to her future husband (whom I dislike) gets separate from the traveling group to help a child crying in the forest and than gets teleport to the goblins world underground.
Jael is the Runemaster and prince. Has to fix the barrier the protects their world from shadows (no clue who is the villian yet.)
This book is a slow burn which hits more than half way. I enjoyed the humour with the goblin orphans .
Great book.
Other than that. I did enjoy the book, I read it on all one day. I enjoy the concept of the world and hopefully will start from the beginning.
Anrid is a governess to enjoys being with children on her to her future husband (whom I dislike) gets separate from the traveling group to help a child crying in the forest and than gets teleport to the goblins world underground.
Jael is the Runemaster and prince. Has to fix the barrier the protects their world from shadows (no clue who is the villian yet.)
This book is a slow burn which hits more than half way. I enjoyed the humour with the goblin orphans .
Great book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2023
Another incredible story by Everly Haywood! I thoroughly enjoyed following the experiences of Anrid, Jael, and the goblinborn. It is a lot of fun reading a story that you have no idea what's going to happen next. At times I laughed, others I wanted to shake some sense into the characters, and other times I hurtled through the story desperately hoping everyone would be all right. I loved Anrid as a character especially though there was one time I furious with her for publicly berating Jael for defending her honor. Talk about the perfect way to crush and humiliate the man who cares about you.
Anyway, I've read the previous books in the series and thoroughly enjoyed them and this one was just as good. I have to admit I was sad when the book ended and I can hardly wait for the next one!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Anyway, I've read the previous books in the series and thoroughly enjoyed them and this one was just as good. I have to admit I was sad when the book ended and I can hardly wait for the next one!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2023
Okay, I want to start off saying I loved the first book, and book 2 with Dagmar was my favorite but I struggled a bit with book 3 here.
The romance was a bit rushed. (Jael fell in love after only knowing Anrid for a couple days with no real get to know ya convos happening), and Anrid was not as likable as her sister. Her poor choices and treatment of Jael at times was hard to read.
I absolutely loved the goblin born kiddos. They were so cute.
I would give the first half of this book 5 stars, but the second half I struggled a bit more with, so settling with a solid 3 stars.
As always with this author, her writing was great, clean, and I could picture everything in my mind. And I am excited to read Kora’s story.
Content: clean, whore was said once by a real bhole, nothing too violent or gory
The romance was a bit rushed. (Jael fell in love after only knowing Anrid for a couple days with no real get to know ya convos happening), and Anrid was not as likable as her sister. Her poor choices and treatment of Jael at times was hard to read.
I absolutely loved the goblin born kiddos. They were so cute.
I would give the first half of this book 5 stars, but the second half I struggled a bit more with, so settling with a solid 3 stars.
As always with this author, her writing was great, clean, and I could picture everything in my mind. And I am excited to read Kora’s story.
Content: clean, whore was said once by a real bhole, nothing too violent or gory
April 18, 2023
Imaginative world building including the “goblinborn”
Fun story! I love the word play between Anrid and Prince Kora; she could really handle his playful words and not get sucked into or put up with his nonsense. I enjoyed Anrid’s no-nonsense attitude and plain speaking, not beating around the bush unless it was about romantic feelings. I like the way Prince Jael was kindhearted and caring towards Anrid and his country; his devotion to duty. And I loved the goblinborn! They were such fun and so devoted to Anrid. I enjoyed Everly Haywood’s descriptive imagery of various situations. This story could use a little more editing. I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fun story! I love the word play between Anrid and Prince Kora; she could really handle his playful words and not get sucked into or put up with his nonsense. I enjoyed Anrid’s no-nonsense attitude and plain speaking, not beating around the bush unless it was about romantic feelings. I like the way Prince Jael was kindhearted and caring towards Anrid and his country; his devotion to duty. And I loved the goblinborn! They were such fun and so devoted to Anrid. I enjoyed Everly Haywood’s descriptive imagery of various situations. This story could use a little more editing. I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 2, 2023
I really wanted to like this book. I loved the magic and mystery. I liked Jael and I loved the children and all the chaos they create throughout the story. BUT the protagonist made the story almost unbearable for me, which was a surprise and a big disappointment since I LOVED Dagmar (her younger sister, protagonist of the previous book). Anrid seems like a petulant pre-teen, who acts as if she is the wisest, the most correct of all, but who actually just causes trouble and hurts the people around her (another unpleasant surprise for me because Dagmar is so mature and even though she is considered rude she is much kinder than Anrid). For 70% of the book she did and said things so absurd that I had to force myself not to give up on everything.
July 8, 2024
Sweet and simultaneously riveting!
Though the first two books were done with female MC POV (beyond an incredible bonus chapter of his view in book 2!), here it’s duel POV, and I loved it. You get a deeper understanding into the hearts of the main characters, and they are truly beautiful and fantastic.
Add to that magic, goblins, villains, secrets, and you’ve got yourself some amazing page-turner.
However, I also thoroughly enjoyed that every book, and especially this book in the series, deal with issues like disabilities, or differences, and corresponding prejudices.
It’s also clean (only kisses) which is a huge plus for me. But the emotional investment, depth of feelings, and the strength of love are all there and presented well.
Though the first two books were done with female MC POV (beyond an incredible bonus chapter of his view in book 2!), here it’s duel POV, and I loved it. You get a deeper understanding into the hearts of the main characters, and they are truly beautiful and fantastic.
Add to that magic, goblins, villains, secrets, and you’ve got yourself some amazing page-turner.
However, I also thoroughly enjoyed that every book, and especially this book in the series, deal with issues like disabilities, or differences, and corresponding prejudices.
It’s also clean (only kisses) which is a huge plus for me. But the emotional investment, depth of feelings, and the strength of love are all there and presented well.
January 21, 2025
Runemaster by Everly Haywood
5🌟
What I loved about this book:
⚒ A human girl
⚒ A goblin prince
⚒ The magic that binds them together
⚒ A kingdom that needs saving
⚒ Sweet and swoony romance, just kisses
Loved it!!!!!! This is one of those series that I need a 10 star rating for! Loved Jael and Anrid and all the little goblin orphans. Also contains a disability rep as many of the goblin children have a condition similar to Down Syndrome.
Part of the Between Flame and Shade series, could be read as a standalone but best read in order
Favorite scene: Trying to keep the children entertained
Favorite characters: Anrid (our main female character) and Math (Jael's assistant)
5🌟
What I loved about this book:
⚒ A human girl
⚒ A goblin prince
⚒ The magic that binds them together
⚒ A kingdom that needs saving
⚒ Sweet and swoony romance, just kisses
Loved it!!!!!! This is one of those series that I need a 10 star rating for! Loved Jael and Anrid and all the little goblin orphans. Also contains a disability rep as many of the goblin children have a condition similar to Down Syndrome.
Part of the Between Flame and Shade series, could be read as a standalone but best read in order
Favorite scene: Trying to keep the children entertained
Favorite characters: Anrid (our main female character) and Math (Jael's assistant)
March 1, 2023
Runemaster was hard to put down it was so good! I love all of the characters, even Kora, the scamp. Anrid and Jael are delightful to watch as they try to figure each other out and move forward. They both have such good hearts It's nice to see them together
I especially loved how Evelyn connects this book with the others. Although stand-alone novels, they actually work best when read together. I adore this series and can't wait to hear what happens!
I read this as an advanced copy reader, and this review is freely given.
I especially loved how Evelyn connects this book with the others. Although stand-alone novels, they actually work best when read together. I adore this series and can't wait to hear what happens!
I read this as an advanced copy reader, and this review is freely given.
March 19, 2023
This book was cute and I loved the world building. The romance was alright and I thought the young ones were a little overwhelming and annoying. I felt like the story was too short and they could have done more with it. I’m would have loved to learn even more about where the goblins live, other than focusing on a bunch of children. With that said, I loved the male lead and I thought he was interesting. I would have loved to learn more about the female lead other than “she liked children” but I digress.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this book, I loved the world building and the characters were great. Anrid is travelling to meet her betrothed when she is drawn into the woods by the sound of an anguished child's voice. Before she knows what is happening she finds herself in what seems a different world. She meets a goblin called Jael and is drawn into helping him to save his world before the shadows emerge and destroy everything, whilst all this is happening romance blossoms for Anrid = well worth reading to find out how things work out.
May 2, 2023
This series keeps getting better! Anrid and Jael are probably my favorite couple of the series... So far.
Anrid's love for children is amazing as is her sense of duty. Jael also has a great sense of duty but he also has a heavy burden, the safety of an entire kingdom, possibly even realm. Let's add dozens of magical children into the mix and a dose of danger. We now have shenanigans, evil creepy shadows, and a delicious will they won't they.
I loved the mix of mythologies into this book and I can't wait to see more of this world!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Anrid's love for children is amazing as is her sense of duty. Jael also has a great sense of duty but he also has a heavy burden, the safety of an entire kingdom, possibly even realm. Let's add dozens of magical children into the mix and a dose of danger. We now have shenanigans, evil creepy shadows, and a delicious will they won't they.
I loved the mix of mythologies into this book and I can't wait to see more of this world!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 2, 2023
This is the third book in the stand alone but interconnected Between Flame and Shade series and I think it is the best yet. The book follows the adventure of Dagmar's sister Anrid when she is waylaid on her way to meet her intended dark elf husband and instead finds herself in the underground realm of the goblins. The story is delightful and the characters involved wonderful. Can't wait for the next one.
September 5, 2023
I loved this! This world is so sweet and I’ve fallen in love with all three couples so far but I wish we’d seen more of the others in this book. I was convinced we would see Dagmar in this one and get the sisterly reunion but sadly not. And also when they were taking Medda to a healer I was sure it was our heroine from book 1.
I’m looking forward to book 4 which will hopefully wrap up the ongoing plot line and bring our four couples together for one final battle.
I’m looking forward to book 4 which will hopefully wrap up the ongoing plot line and bring our four couples together for one final battle.
March 20, 2023
After Anrid Fray is kidnapped she accidentally binds herself to a temperamental magic known as the Bifrost, bonds herself to the rune master who just so happens to be Prince Jael Daemon, and 3 dozen goblinborn children. Come along and see how Anrid gets herself out of this pickle that she has found herself in before the shadows destroy everything?
May 5, 2023
Adventure. Magic. Love. Intriguing characters. Unexpected twists and turns. A high adventure tale in this newest installment of an epic series. This fantasy story is detailed, but not so detailed or repetetive that the writing becomes boring or difficult to read, and the situation and characters are highly engaging. Recommend!
May 16, 2023
i'm glad we're still going strong in the Between Shade and Flame series, it was what I enjoyed from the first two books. The characters worked overall and I enjoyed getting back to this world. I was never bored when reading this and it was perfectly done. Everly Haywood has a great style and I enjoyed the journey.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 28, 2023
This is a wonderful romantic fantasy! I really liked it.. It is entertaining and fun-to-read, with great characters and scenes..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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