Born and raised in Michigan, I enjoy traveling to new adventures that inspire my writing.
Growing up, I read just about every book I could get my hands on, especially fantasy. I currently write YA fantasy and romantic fantasy filled with lots of humor, spunky and tough leading ladies, and broken heroes.
When I am not writing, I enjoy spending time with my chocolate lab, Miss Kisses.
Where do I begin without my heart wrenching inside me? I had a feeling that this book would be a sucker-punch to my heart, but boy…this was hard. I desperately need the next book to ease my scattered emotions!
Fieran, our determined FMC, very similar to Maverick in Top Gun, leads his Half-Blood Squad with valor. Pip, the squad’s diligent and protective mechanic is there to patch up any weaknesses that form after an attack. Their dynamic is so sweet and they fit so well together. I love the Found Family vibes in this book within the squad—every character, even the minor ones, has a very memorable personality and a lovable one as well.
I loved the interactions between Prince Farrendel and Pip—I died of laughter and second-hand embarrassment whenever they both froze up when meeting each other. And, for those who’ve read the book, the scene with Fieran, Pip, and Farrendel, shall we say (without spoiling anything), FILLED me with second-hand embarrassment to the ninth degree! I was afraid to read on to see Farrendel’s reaction!! 🤣
I’ll keep this review short as I don’t want to risk spoiling anything, but if you love steampunk elf fantasy romance, high stakes, WW1-like battles, Top Gun: Maverick characters/military camaraderie, and moments that PUT you in your FEELS, pick up this book—no, this series now! You won’t regret it!
Tara Grayce once again proves why she is among my favorite authors. The tension. The swoon. The you shouldn't wait until after the war. The danger. The heartbreak! I can't reveal more but if you haven't read her books, go and do it.
This is my absolute favorite book in the War of the Alliance series. I think it might be a contender for my favorite book from the preceding Elven Alliance series. And it doesn't release till August, so for those of you waiting, I'M SORRY, and for those of you haven't read these books yet, go catch up so you're ready for August 22nd.
You see, while I really liked our new leads in Fieran and Pip and their colorful cast in the first book...by the third book I am properly attached. And on top of that, in THIS book, we have the true return of Farrendel.
Farrendel. I must dedicate an entire portion of this review solely to Farrendel. *clasps hands together* Hear me now. When I say, Farrendel is the PERFECT fit for my teenage-fangirl self who was pretty sure the only thing Legolas needed was buckets of trauma and tragedy, I MEAN he is the perfect fit. And we should never get too far away from our youth, LOL.
Farrendel was perfectly amazing in his original series, Elven Alliance, but now seeing him as a mature father and seasoned warrior, he's even MORE INCREDIBLE. He has AURA that he's never had before. And true, its probably because we are outside his POV and aren't experiencing his anxiety and self-doubt, instead looking through the eyes of the hero-worshiping younger generation, but still, he really has just come into his own as an intimidating, glorious figure. Every time he strode to a room, I swear my heart skipped a beat. (And the way he has apparently adapted to certain modern inventions was most unexpected and extremely flustering.)
On top of that, the Father and Son vibes in this book, the FATHER AND SON!!!!! Fantasy has seriously been lacking on allowing its immortal baddies to get a family and then team up with their grown children to create the ultimate dynamic of power, trust, and love.
So THEREFORE, I ate up every chance I had to watch Fieran and Farrendel train with each other, fight alongside each other, fight FOR each other. I get people being all excited about "don't touch my wife" behavior, but "don't touch my kid" behavior is possibly even more thrilling.
Okay, okay, okay, back to the book review, back to the plot. There was never really a dull moment in this book. Fieran and Pip struggling through their romantic feelings was super cute. The more we learn about the Star Forest actor and his mousy author, the more I need to know about them. There was a lot of humor and heart, and it was wonderful to see all the characters grow closer as a team. Even the snobbiest of elves are learning to come out of their shell (a fantastic trademark for this series).
Speaking of elves, let's talk about the hair.
Cause I was so broken-hearted when Fieran chose the short hair route and then his far more elvish best-buddy Merrick was forced to cut in his hair in the military recruitment of Book 1. Due to changes in the military regulations for the human and elves alliance however, Merrick's hair is back to full-length glory in this book. HURRAH. HURRAH! And Fieran, as it turns out, has other reasons for keeping his hair short. I was extremely touched to see he still considers the long hair of the elven warrior as a high honor and testament to their kind, especially to men like his father. I don't know why I needed to mention that, I just really like it.
Okay, I'll try to be normal now. (I'm never normal about these books.)
Fly to Fury (War of the Alliance book 3) and Of Fathers and Sons (short story) by Tara Grayce
PHENOMENAL! This book was PHENOMENAL! In every sense of the word and every definition! And definitely worth the year long wait for it to finally release!
No spoilers…I’ll try…Mongavaria is as sick, twisted, and crazy as ever. They are still determined to wipe out The Alliance Kingdoms. And Fieran and his Flyboys and Flygirls are not about to back down or give up! EVER! And along with Pip and Ferrandel they have a few new secret tactics and advantages left to unleash.
But…it isn’t all deadly magic and won battles. If you’ve read War Bound and Death Wind you know that Grayce can pull at those heart strings…rip out your soul…make you ugly cry…just to put you back together again and finish with the sweetest and most satisfying of endings. And although not every loose end is tied up, not every wound healed, there is the deeply satisfying knowledge and belief that everything is and will end Happily Ever After.
This book made me laugh (as any Grayce story undoubtably does)! Made me sob (like only the most talented and ingenious authors can)! Made my heart truly happy and my soul sing! The depth of emotion is pure magic and even the parts that made me sob so hard I could barely see the pages were beautifully crafted perfection.
I loved the cameos that are always super fun (especily Ferrandel because I loves him even more than Pip!)! I loved all the steampunk and science fantasy elements (who knew I’d adore this subgenere as much as I do?!)! I loved all the flyboys and flygirls and all their shenanigans (eating popcorn with a spoon! Omg!)! And I love! Love! LOve! LOVe! LOVED! The romance that although very slow burn was written just perfectly and had me swooning and pining right along with Fieran and Pip!
Yep…This is the perfect middle book in a series. The pace was impeccable. The story was fresh and unexpected. The romance was top tier. And I highly recommend this series to anybody and everybody! Serially! I don’t even generally enjoy books centered around war…like ever…like I actively tend to avoid them…but The War of the Alliance is truly a masterpiece that can and should be enjoyed by any reader.
In Of Fathers and Sons we see the ending of Fly to Fury through Ferrandel’s POV and it’s just as emotional and beautiful as Fly to Fury but on a parental plain. It is the perfect little dwarf sized story to accompany to full length novel.
Ok…ok…I could fangirl about this book for literally the rest of the day…but instead…let me leave you with my very favorite quote that embodies the essence and heart of this series:
“And this was what made the Half-Breed Squadron special. Whether they were taking on the enemy or scrounging up a meal, they could accomplish anything when they pitched in together.”
If only I could write a book review by emojis. This was one roller coaster of a ride, friends. The first half of the book to 3/4 felt pretty mellow. I mean, there was a lot going on and I loved it, but compared to the swing my emotions went through in the back 25%, it was mellow indeed.
Were this not Tara Grayce, who has a history of writing amazing books that I love, I might have serious doubts about The War of the Alliance series turning out the way I want it to. As it is, I keep reminding myself, “It will be okay.” Because it has to be, right?
Is it a cliffhanger? Not really. It actually ends on a pretty decent note, if you can ignore all of the stirred up emotions and shed tears that came pretty close before it. But as much as I despise cliffhangers, I am wondering if a literal cliffhanger might have been better than this. My emotions have been through the wringer and are all puddled together after the end of the book, and I’m not sure which end is up.
Violence: think of the movie The Patriot with Mel Gibson. It’s a war book, but still not gory. That being said, don’t read it if you have a sensitive stomach, or have someone censor it first.
Romance: a bit more than books one and two. There is definitely more romantic tension between the two MCs, though it was still super squeaky clean as far as actions and words.
Language: no bad language. There are a few references to language being used, but that feels more realistic as it’s kind of a part of army life, as far as I know. It’s also on par with books one and two, nothing new. I would still classify it as super, super clean language-wise. Unless you find the word “butt” offensive. Which, let’s be real…I do. ; ) It is only used in a couple of times and only in a reference such as sitting. There is nothing romantic or rude about any of the uses.
Loved this book, as always, but I don't I don't really have much to say about it. Not much happened till the very end, and even then, nothing to dramatic happened.
I'm SoRrY!!! The end didn't feel as dramatic for me as it seemingly did for others, it was just alright.
I rated this book 4 stars, instead of 5, because I still feel like I just don't know much about the war. It seems like they just keep going on random side quests. Don't get me wrong they are fun and all, but not really as interesting to me as knowing more about the actual war. And even when they go on war-ish battles, they still feel like side quests because they have like no stakes at all. (Except the last battle)
I enjoyed this book and the characters, I don't really have anything bad to say, but it was just alright, nothing really groundbreaking for me.
Oh also, I still didn't like the constant alluding to people using foul language, the book doesn't have any bad words, but personally its just something I really don't like. I just don't see the overall purpose in it. Wish it wasn't there.
Anyways, I will most definitely read the next book in the series the second it releases. I can't wait to see the dynamics in the next book and to see more of Fierans family. This book was well written and fun, I just wish we knew more about the actual war and that the stakes were way higher.
I don't even know where to begin writing this review. I've just finished reading the book and the ending... oh my gosh! THE ENDING!!!
Seriously, I'm at a loss for words right now but I can definitely say that this is so far the best book in the series. All of the characters are back and we really get to journey along with them because we know them so well by now. They are now much more confident in their own abilities and really capable. The stakes have also gotten so much higher as they've started to go on the attack rather than just defend.
I loved the fast-paced action of this book. It really tugged at my heartstrings at so many parts, mainly the ending. I can't believe that Tara Grayce just decided to end the book here. I have no idea how I'll be able to wait for the next book without going crazy.
Despite all the heaviness, tension, and action, Tara Grayce still managed to incorporate light-hearted and fun moments where the team did some bonding exercises and I loved how Fieran and his dad got to be stationed at the same base. I really enjoyed their interactions - light-hearted and yet also meaningful.
This book is WAY MORE than anything I was hoping for or expecting from the next book in the series. It COMPLETELY EXCEEDED all of my expectations in amazing ways. I'm eagerly (and impatiently!) awaiting the release of the next book!
This book takes horrific turns that froze my blood. I couldn’t put it down. It brought war alive in ways that gave me nightmares. However, I am committed to Fieran and Pip, and, of course, Merrick, and I will read the next book in the series to see how things work out.
I love how the squadron united behind Fieran, despite his being half elf and half human—half-breed to both races. The stuck-up elves were transformed in their loyalties after he saved their elf captain’s life in a daring but deadly maneuver his plane was not designed to do. Pip followed their progress closely as their cheerleader and head mechanic, despite being half dwarf and so petite she was often in danger of being trampled by the taller races.
The once mocked airplanes have become essential to the war, possibly more so than the great airships. However, their greatest asset is found in Fieran’s magic that can take down an enemy airship. What if the enemy can take Fieran out of commission? Who would bring down the enemy airships then?
This action-packed story will keep you awake reading and will have you cheering on this squadron who came to embrace the name, “Half-breed.”
Wow!...Just…WOW! I’m still processing a bit! The emotions…😍😳😱😰💔❤️🩹 The last quarter kept me on the edge of my seat, ripped my heart out, and then put it back in slightly damaged! Tara Grayce really knows how to give us the realities of war with our main and secondary characters while not leaving us readers completely emotionally wrecked!
I loved seeing Farrendel again and his interactions with Fieran were perfect! I love it when we get to see our favorite characters as parents of young adult children! And father and son moments are the best! And the bonus short story Of Fathers and Sons (a companion short story for newsletter subscribers), the end of Fly to Fury from Farrendel's POV…..was perfect (and a little heart wrenching watching him go through that…I may have cried at one point)! Now excuse me while I go spend some time recovering!
It breaks my heart to give Tara Grayce a bad review. She's normally one of my absolute favorite authors. But this series just isn't doing it for me. I don't understand how someone who wrote such compelling romance in her whole first generation of books could throw it entirely aside for this generation. Instead, we get war, devastation, and soul crushing guilt. Isn't there enough of those things in real life? I read stories about elves (and trolls and dwarves) because even when there are battles, they live in a better world. One where good wins out. But how will Merrick or Fieran ever recover from this blow? I'm sure some people are giving her rave reviews for the realism and the research that clearly went into this series. But... It's just not what I care about. And it breaks my heart that we're not on the same page about that.
The war feels particularly intense as Fieran and his squads head to a base at the front lines and face an enemy with ever evolving tactics. The camaraderie is as tight knit, humorous, and heart warming as always. The slow burn clean romance continues on its journey in all of its twists and turns. The world building and magical abilities continue to be as intriguing as ever. Fly to Fury is the third book in a five book series that is best read in order. The series also comes after the Elven Alliance series and has some spoilers for it in the current series, but the current series could be read first if desired. This book doesn’t end in the easiest spot, but it doesn’t end on a cliffhanger. Having said that, this series has been so good and I’m excitedly rushing off to start book 4.
Fly to the Fury is such a fast-paced, action-packed, and a well-written fantasy story - even if it is out of my usual reading. It just wouldn't let me go. I finished this book and believe it is a compelling addition to what is really shaping up to be a wonderful series. These characters are so well-crafted, while the story is truly creative and well-plotted out. With several characters brought in from the Alliance series, it was interesting to see how their "lives" moved on. Tara Grayce is a wonderful and truly creative author. She takes her words, as well as her characters and adds a bit of fantasy as well as reality to them. I enjoyed this clean, well-done book and give 5 out of 5 stars.
This book was good, and oh, the emotional parts toward the end! I had right after finishing reading this book stayed up late to read to this part in the companion book, I got for free from sgining up for the authors newsletter, and reading that scene from Fieran Dacha's perspective about broke my heart. Oh my goodness, I haven't even read the series before this one about his parents yet, and I might need tissues once I do because of the background touched on from his father's perspective.
Ah, and then poor Merrick and Fieran.
Also what I really, really liked was, Lt. Rothilion character growth! The whole last book I was quietly hoping for him to be less snobby and become a friend of Fieran, but like even though they are not I still love his character growth so much! I can't wait to see him grow as character even more.
Well this book tore my heart out before starting to put it back together, but oh man. Lots of unresolved threads for the next book.
There is an unflinching, yet not overburdening, look at war and the horrific trauma that results, but also the bonds and camaraderie, not to mention innovations, that also can arise during times of battle. The author doesn’t shy away from the dark realities, but also infuses moments of hope and light.
I also really loved to see more of Farrendel and Fieran’s relationship as father and son. I have a feeling the next book we will get to see more of Essie (Fieran’s mother) which I’m excited about. But also
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I loved this book!!! The cliffhanger ending makes me want to read the next book, and I am so glad I decided to wait to get the next book before reading this one! I loved the relationships, the camaraderie, and the plotline of the story. It was wonderful to see more of Fieran's relationship with his dad, as well as more friendship moments with Merrick. I also loved seeing how Feiran and Pip's relationship progressed and I loved how, despite the intensity and dark-ish tone at the end, there was enough humour there to lighten it up a little without making light of the whole situation. Incredible book!
Admit it. We’re all mad that Fieran thinks romance with Pip would be a distraction.
Pip’s a little mad, too. And neither of them is doing a good job hiding their mutual admiration.
On the front lines of the war, it’s time for Pip to make her feelings known. But will the aggressive Mongavarians allow it?
Get ready to shed some tears because it wouldn’t be war if there weren’t casualties. And prepare to see Fieran’s dacha show that a papa bear can be as fierce as a mama when the cub is in danger.
The next installment can’t come soon enough for me.
This book brought the realities of war even closer and proved our main characters are not so overpowered that they’re invincible. Between that and the realistic mechanics, Grayce continues to impress me with the strength of her writing. It is the rare author that can convince me to pick up a steampunk fantasy book and devour it as quickly as Grayce has. I love the inclusion of Fieran’s family and the re-introduction of Mak. Clean in language and content. Highly recommend!
Overall have rather enjoyed Fieran and Pip's story and the WWI aviation fantasy mash-up, but I found this installment struggled to hold my interest. The tone in this series is somehow an attempt at "cozy military romance", and if that sounds like a contradiction you get at the fundamentally difficult tonal balancing in this series. Previous books actually did pull it off with considerable emotional payoff when the reality of being at war crashes into the the soap opera of the unit dynamics and core romance. I'm willing to keep reading to see how it works out.
Romantic, anguished, resolved, insecure, sweet, relatable, pained ... - I ran out of adjectives to describe this latest installment in this series. The tale of Fieran's introduction to the "glories" of war continues in this steampunk retelling of World War I combined with the general cast from Forgotten Realms. Fans of both Jason Aspach and Mercedes Lackey should find this series appealing and despite all the dirt and grimness, hopeful, as I do.
Fieran, Pip, Merrick and the gang are at a new airbase right at the front lines. Using his magic to protect and defend his crew and the base, Fieran shows why he is Captain of the half-breed squadron. Lots of battles, camaraderie and love. Plus all the familiar faces from the books that started it all. Farrendel, Julien, Vriska and more! Pip had better get over being star struck of his Dacha and the rest of his family but it is funny.
3.5 ⭐️ This is the best book in this follow up series so far!! I needed something of more emotional consequence to happen (the previous books might have had battles, but no one of any consequence to ANY of the main characters would be even remotely hurt in any way- it was all people who were never even named). This book delivered that, even if I was grieved for the characters. I’m excited for the next one in a way that I haven’t been for the previous ones!!
Oh good grief, way to go for the gut punch. Fair warning, if you too have spent two series getting attached to these families, be prepared to cry. I just knew she was going to go there and yet, I still cried. I’m glad I waited to read this until book 4 was out and didn’t have to sit with this ending and wait to find out what happens next for Fieran, Merrick, Pip, and the rest of their fly boys. Yep, still not okay after that ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I was so dreading reading this book. I heard this book would be ummm traumatic, and yes it was, but goodness I think my dread of the drama was worse. I will quickly start the next one in hopes of redemption, and I will no longer think of the author as "The Betrayer" Such a good read.
Slow progression. Lot of exposition with very little action in the first two-thirds of the book. Everything got exciting right at the end. Still want to follow these characters but this book could have been combined with the previous one.
So many feels for this book. All of them. It was wonderful - the flyboys, Pip’s brother, Pip and Fieren. And Farrendel. How I love Farrendel. Every moment with him was golden. Can’t wait to start book 3 in the morning. These cinnamon rolls need their happy ending.
An excellent story running the gamut of emotions. From laughter to heart-pounding tension to gut-wrenching sorrow, Fly to Fury is the best story so far in this series. And the building romance is just perfect.
I’m not sure I read this one, but I feel like I did. I started reading book 4, so I must not have very much in book 3 because I was not confused at all in book 4. I feel like the books are the same over and over.
Chapter 20 had me crying like a baby!! Portrays the love of parents so well and so passionately. Can’t wait to see how the fly boys do in the next book!
I am not sure if I will continue reading this series now. there is a lot of action, but I didnt care for the way things turned out. I dont think the next book in the series will make my any happier.