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Elf Killers
“Not for the fainthearted! Kids die horribly, and amid the trolls jockeying for leadership is trial by head bashing.” For the Elves, it's the very worst time to be in the woods. Trolls are hunting them down. Will they live long enough to reach a safe place to live? "Elf Killers is a fast-moving Fantasy Adventure with a ton of heart and boundless imagination." Oisin’s plan is to come with his bow to help Aedan and Doona lead a party of children into the forest to gather the maidenhair seedlings his people would take across the sea as they flee the trolls who hunt them as prey. Maybe he can be back in time for supper. And if he only dares to dream, he might also be back in time to speak with Doona alone. Dyr's plan is an early evening head smash for the foolish Elves who think they can steal away to the sands of the endless eye sting water and build their strange float huts. They will make a glorious feast. But on the way, Dyr's brutes stumble across Oisin's gathering party and attack, leaving Aedan mortally wounded and scattering Doona and the children to flee in terror into the dark mountain woods, only to be run down and captured by the bloodthirsty trolls. Can Oisin find the bonfires of the trolls and rescue them before it’s too late? And what then? Will any of them live long enough to reach safety? "Elf Killers is about death … and life. Seriously imaginative (especially troll-speak!) and gritty in action and battle, this is worth a read … but be prepared! Oh, be prepared. I dare you to grab a copy!" WARNING If THIS WERE A FILM IT MIGHT BE RATED R
- GenresFantasy
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2011
25 people are currently reading
475 people want to read
About the author
Carol Marrs Phipps
12 books163 followersI am an author who writes fantasy, mainly with my husband. We currently have nine books independently published on Amazon. I currently live in the country with my husband, eight cats, two cockatiels, a raven and a parrot.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 14, 2020
Elf Killers
By: Carol Marrs Phipps, Tom Phipps
Narrated by: Sky Wildmist
This was a book the authors were giving away on Twitter. I love the title and the cover is amazing! I love fantasy so I asked for a code. Now am I sorry! This is one of the worst books I have read/listened to ever! Those that know my reviews know I am honest and am easy on the ratings. But this was terrible.
First, no plot. Flat characters. The endless obnoxious troll language, made worse on audible with lots of grunts going on and on! The trolls eat elves but the violence against children in how they killed, butchered and roasted them was not necessary. Lots of TELLING and not SHOWING!
The narration was in a heavy Scottish or Irish accent and difficult to understand. She also recorded it maybe too close to the mic because it has a constant sssssssss sounds with almost ever word.
I am glad this was free but I wish I had passed on this deal. I really wanted to like this book.
By: Carol Marrs Phipps, Tom Phipps
Narrated by: Sky Wildmist
This was a book the authors were giving away on Twitter. I love the title and the cover is amazing! I love fantasy so I asked for a code. Now am I sorry! This is one of the worst books I have read/listened to ever! Those that know my reviews know I am honest and am easy on the ratings. But this was terrible.
First, no plot. Flat characters. The endless obnoxious troll language, made worse on audible with lots of grunts going on and on! The trolls eat elves but the violence against children in how they killed, butchered and roasted them was not necessary. Lots of TELLING and not SHOWING!
The narration was in a heavy Scottish or Irish accent and difficult to understand. She also recorded it maybe too close to the mic because it has a constant sssssssss sounds with almost ever word.
I am glad this was free but I wish I had passed on this deal. I really wanted to like this book.
July 16, 2017
This story is rich in imagery and fantasy that it must have taken an age to construct. We have basically, Good v Evil i.e. Elves v Trolls. At first I had a problem with the language, which reminded me of Clockwork Orange but given the nature of the story it wouldn't be out of place with Lord of The Rings.
Once the head scratching language became clearer it all began to make sense and is well worth sticking with. Team Phipps do an excellent job in not shying away from some grim scenes as the Trolls like a bit of roasted elf flesh. We very quickly know whose side we're on! Overall an excellent and highly imaginative story.
Once the head scratching language became clearer it all began to make sense and is well worth sticking with. Team Phipps do an excellent job in not shying away from some grim scenes as the Trolls like a bit of roasted elf flesh. We very quickly know whose side we're on! Overall an excellent and highly imaginative story.
May 12, 2015
This is an intriguing book, not least because it features an imaginary language for which there is a glossary in the back of the book but I didn't feel it necessary to look up any words. It's a bit like when I watch a foreign film and enjoy the original language even though I may not understand every word but it's an authentic and original experience.
This is a fantasy adventure about Trolls killing and eating our heroes - the Elves. At first, I was expecting the book to be quite a light and fun read, and though it was fun it definitely was quite dark in places. Children had their heads bashed in and were eaten after being roasted over a fire!
It takes great imagination to come up with such a world and put it down on paper as a story and I congratulate the authors for their achievement.
This is a fantasy adventure about Trolls killing and eating our heroes - the Elves. At first, I was expecting the book to be quite a light and fun read, and though it was fun it definitely was quite dark in places. Children had their heads bashed in and were eaten after being roasted over a fire!
It takes great imagination to come up with such a world and put it down on paper as a story and I congratulate the authors for their achievement.
April 30, 2018
Hold onto your chair while reading this! Set in another place, elves and trolls are pitted against each other, and the action is non-stop. Add into the mix killer birds and harsh conditions, and every breath becomes a test in survival. Not for the fainthearted! Kids die horribly, and amid the trolls jockeying for leadership is trial by head bashing.
And yet, amid the carnage, there is beauty. Graceful unicorns, magnificent forests and mighty mountains gift this tale the reason for survival, as does love and friendship. Never surrender to what seems inevitable is the overriding message, in my opinion. Elf Killers is about death … and life. Seriously imaginative (especially troll-speak!) and gritty in action and battle, this is worth a read … but be prepared! Oh, be prepared. I dare you to grab a copy!
And yet, amid the carnage, there is beauty. Graceful unicorns, magnificent forests and mighty mountains gift this tale the reason for survival, as does love and friendship. Never surrender to what seems inevitable is the overriding message, in my opinion. Elf Killers is about death … and life. Seriously imaginative (especially troll-speak!) and gritty in action and battle, this is worth a read … but be prepared! Oh, be prepared. I dare you to grab a copy!
September 16, 2017
Although I haven’t read many books in this genre, I have read other works by Carol Phipps and was looking forward to this one, which, I have to say, did not disappoint. Trying to rescue a group of young elves from trolls is just the beginning of this adventure. The story delves into the world of elves, their lives and the hazards of being one, especially with trolls kidnapping and feasting upon them. I had to cringe a few times at the trolls’ behavior, but that just made it easier to cheer at the elves’ victories. Battles, lives, love, troll-speak, this story has it all. And I have to add that the troll-speak, once I caught on, was pretty catchy and often humorous. This is an imaginative tale and a good adventure, well worth recommending.
March 23, 2025
DNF 9%
There were some scenes that I liked. The general premise is interesting, but the violence intertwined with a writing style that is aimed for a Middle Grade audience just didn't lure my interest and I haven't felt like continuing the book after so many years.
There were some scenes that I liked. The general premise is interesting, but the violence intertwined with a writing style that is aimed for a Middle Grade audience just didn't lure my interest and I haven't felt like continuing the book after so many years.
May 27, 2018
‘Boundless Imagination’
The Elf Killers, by Carol Marrs Phipps and Tom Phipps is a finely crafted tale set in a vivid fantasy world filled with constant menace. It’s a landscape brimming with danger and a vast assortment of mythical creatures. Elves, Trolls, Sprites and Unicorns glow the pages along with a few ingenious creations I imagined finding in a book of Greek myths. (Homer would have applauded the Strike Falcons.)
While reading this story of a colony of elves, cleverly described with a bevy of human qualities, racing to find an elusive refuge from the savage trolls who hunt them for slaughter, I initially appraised it as just another magical creature story.
But it’s more.
As I read on, I found the authors had smartly knitted together a tale of how our environment and the varying circumstances we’ve been handed shape and define us.
As a lioness hunts antelope in Sub-Saharan Africa to feed its young, or a bear pulls majestic salmon from a river in Oregon, the trolls are neither malicious nor despicable. They’re simply a product of an evolutionary path in a world where their existence requires them to hunt an available prey.
The story is also about bonding as the elves work together to escape the predators or when they make a valiant stand and fight.
The elf characters were extremely well-developed. Courageous against a more formidable foe, loyal to their immediate families and to everyone in their tribe, compassionate, and endearing. Romances bud when their flight to safety slows. Caring parents display deep affection for their children, pride in their accomplishments, and despair for the ones they’d failed to save.
The pace is fast without being frenetic and only slows during times of story development.
What I liked most:
Character development.
The authors were diligent with their creation of believable, compelling fantasy characters mirroring with them a wide assortment of human qualities: Courage – compassion – fear – aggression – weakness – honour – loyalty and strength.
As with all good fantasy writing, while reading Elf Killers, at some point I was able to release that logical, conceptual part of me that knew these were fictional, magical creatures and began seeing them as real. I attached myself to their plight and empathised with them for their fears and losses.
This is an ability that we, as adults, lose that children do instinctively. (Such a terrible loss.)
Story design:
The outline is logical, fits a neat three-act structure and builds and releases tension with precision. Early on, I began imagining this as the basis of a screenplay for a fine animated film. “The genius writers at Pixar would do wonders with this story.”
Criticisms:
Only one, and nothing that would lessen my 5-Star rating or a high recommendation.
There were many characters with unique names. This made the story confusing at times. I found myself reading back at points to reacquaint myself with someone who’d been introduced earlier wishing to place them into context. A faster reader, also someone not typically reading three to four books at one time, may not suffer this confusion.
Summary and Recommendation:
Elf Killers is a fast-moving Fantasy / Adventure with a ton of heart and boundless imagination. If called upon to classify it, I would place it on the same shelf as the first two Harry Potter books and the Percy Jackson books. Essentially a Young Adult read that will also satisfy an adult who enjoys letting go and consuming middle-grade fiction.
I give The Elf Killers 5-Stars and my highest recommendation.
The Elf Killers, by Carol Marrs Phipps and Tom Phipps is a finely crafted tale set in a vivid fantasy world filled with constant menace. It’s a landscape brimming with danger and a vast assortment of mythical creatures. Elves, Trolls, Sprites and Unicorns glow the pages along with a few ingenious creations I imagined finding in a book of Greek myths. (Homer would have applauded the Strike Falcons.)
While reading this story of a colony of elves, cleverly described with a bevy of human qualities, racing to find an elusive refuge from the savage trolls who hunt them for slaughter, I initially appraised it as just another magical creature story.
But it’s more.
As I read on, I found the authors had smartly knitted together a tale of how our environment and the varying circumstances we’ve been handed shape and define us.
As a lioness hunts antelope in Sub-Saharan Africa to feed its young, or a bear pulls majestic salmon from a river in Oregon, the trolls are neither malicious nor despicable. They’re simply a product of an evolutionary path in a world where their existence requires them to hunt an available prey.
The story is also about bonding as the elves work together to escape the predators or when they make a valiant stand and fight.
The elf characters were extremely well-developed. Courageous against a more formidable foe, loyal to their immediate families and to everyone in their tribe, compassionate, and endearing. Romances bud when their flight to safety slows. Caring parents display deep affection for their children, pride in their accomplishments, and despair for the ones they’d failed to save.
The pace is fast without being frenetic and only slows during times of story development.
What I liked most:
Character development.
The authors were diligent with their creation of believable, compelling fantasy characters mirroring with them a wide assortment of human qualities: Courage – compassion – fear – aggression – weakness – honour – loyalty and strength.
As with all good fantasy writing, while reading Elf Killers, at some point I was able to release that logical, conceptual part of me that knew these were fictional, magical creatures and began seeing them as real. I attached myself to their plight and empathised with them for their fears and losses.
This is an ability that we, as adults, lose that children do instinctively. (Such a terrible loss.)
Story design:
The outline is logical, fits a neat three-act structure and builds and releases tension with precision. Early on, I began imagining this as the basis of a screenplay for a fine animated film. “The genius writers at Pixar would do wonders with this story.”
Criticisms:
Only one, and nothing that would lessen my 5-Star rating or a high recommendation.
There were many characters with unique names. This made the story confusing at times. I found myself reading back at points to reacquaint myself with someone who’d been introduced earlier wishing to place them into context. A faster reader, also someone not typically reading three to four books at one time, may not suffer this confusion.
Summary and Recommendation:
Elf Killers is a fast-moving Fantasy / Adventure with a ton of heart and boundless imagination. If called upon to classify it, I would place it on the same shelf as the first two Harry Potter books and the Percy Jackson books. Essentially a Young Adult read that will also satisfy an adult who enjoys letting go and consuming middle-grade fiction.
I give The Elf Killers 5-Stars and my highest recommendation.
September 29, 2018
For me this was a 2 or 1 star book, but I recognize that some stuff going on that I took issue with are personal. Also, I was having such a bad time reading this; I stopped about 20 pages in. So maybe it gets better or some of my out of the gate problems with the work resolve. I am conflicted writing a review for a book I didn’t finish. On one side, it was so bad; I stopped reading. On the other side, I never saw the ending.
So, I’m splitting the difference and rating the book with a 3 and laying out some facts in this book. If it appeals to you: go to town.
1. The book takes you right in to a fantasy world, which sounds amazing, but what I mean is that there are peoples, lifestyles, and words with NO EXPLANATION, it’s just happening and hope the reader figures out the significance....or that the reader cares enough to go to the back and read the glossary. Real talk, I’ve read Shakespeare, Canterbury Tales, and Beowulf using context clues to get through the parts I didn’t understand. This story doesn’t have enough context to do that. I don’t know what’s going on, I don’t know why it’s happening, and worse I don’t know why I should care. The Elf vs Dwarf scenario is alien and all the imaginary whatever made it feel more like it had nothing to do with me and my world instead of drawing me in.
2. The elf vs dwarf feels problematic. It’s always problematic when you have two intelligent species living together and one group is hunting and eating the other group. It’s further complicated because they base the language off of human languages and that makes me wonder if there were cultural connections or jabs intertwined.
3. The writing is so tied up in this world building by a glossary, that I can’t discern if it’s good or bad on its own. I lean towards a neutral writing style. I have downloaded “Wham” (which is a bad title) hoping to glean more about the author’s style.
4.Pacing was a miss for me. Maybe if I could have figured out what the elves were doing or why---or if I could have understood what the dwarves were doing and why, it would be different. As the work stands, pacing appears confusing. There seemed like a lot of waiting for reasons.
So, I’m splitting the difference and rating the book with a 3 and laying out some facts in this book. If it appeals to you: go to town.
1. The book takes you right in to a fantasy world, which sounds amazing, but what I mean is that there are peoples, lifestyles, and words with NO EXPLANATION, it’s just happening and hope the reader figures out the significance....or that the reader cares enough to go to the back and read the glossary. Real talk, I’ve read Shakespeare, Canterbury Tales, and Beowulf using context clues to get through the parts I didn’t understand. This story doesn’t have enough context to do that. I don’t know what’s going on, I don’t know why it’s happening, and worse I don’t know why I should care. The Elf vs Dwarf scenario is alien and all the imaginary whatever made it feel more like it had nothing to do with me and my world instead of drawing me in.
2. The elf vs dwarf feels problematic. It’s always problematic when you have two intelligent species living together and one group is hunting and eating the other group. It’s further complicated because they base the language off of human languages and that makes me wonder if there were cultural connections or jabs intertwined.
3. The writing is so tied up in this world building by a glossary, that I can’t discern if it’s good or bad on its own. I lean towards a neutral writing style. I have downloaded “Wham” (which is a bad title) hoping to glean more about the author’s style.
4.Pacing was a miss for me. Maybe if I could have figured out what the elves were doing or why---or if I could have understood what the dwarves were doing and why, it would be different. As the work stands, pacing appears confusing. There seemed like a lot of waiting for reasons.
August 24, 2018
Whether "Elf Killers" by Carol Marrs Phipps and Tom Phipps is a prequel to the "Heart of the Staff" series or not, it is doubtlessly a great, stand-alone novel, too.
In a fantasy world-building style similar to J.R.R. Tolkien (language invention, detailed geography, invention of a variety of life forms similarities) the author duo of Carol and Tom Phipps have exceled.
"Elf Killers" is an enthralling tale of good versus evil with elves, trolls, unicorns and other fascinating creatures. Trollish, the language of the Trolls, is "a transposition of an aboriginal tongue" and within this story becomes a work of art in itself. I read it as a hip-hop, beatnik kind of rhythm, easy to understand and thoroughly entertaining. The characters, be they elf, troll, shawkyn sppghey (strike falcons) or otherwise are excellently described and portrayed.
A fan of verisimilitude throughout any and every story, I thought the authors did a great job with world building. The invention of plants, creatures, geography, etc. was first-rate. In my opinion, realism in the details of every facet of story is important; including verisimilitude in violent scenes. The trolls are among the most despicable of creatures ever invented and their killing and eating of elves equally so. I admire the author's courage in staying the course with realistic and detailed description. Because of this realism, I would recommend "Elf Killers" to an eighteen and older reading audience.
In a fantasy world-building style similar to J.R.R. Tolkien (language invention, detailed geography, invention of a variety of life forms similarities) the author duo of Carol and Tom Phipps have exceled.
"Elf Killers" is an enthralling tale of good versus evil with elves, trolls, unicorns and other fascinating creatures. Trollish, the language of the Trolls, is "a transposition of an aboriginal tongue" and within this story becomes a work of art in itself. I read it as a hip-hop, beatnik kind of rhythm, easy to understand and thoroughly entertaining. The characters, be they elf, troll, shawkyn sppghey (strike falcons) or otherwise are excellently described and portrayed.
A fan of verisimilitude throughout any and every story, I thought the authors did a great job with world building. The invention of plants, creatures, geography, etc. was first-rate. In my opinion, realism in the details of every facet of story is important; including verisimilitude in violent scenes. The trolls are among the most despicable of creatures ever invented and their killing and eating of elves equally so. I admire the author's courage in staying the course with realistic and detailed description. Because of this realism, I would recommend "Elf Killers" to an eighteen and older reading audience.
August 30, 2017
Elf Killers by Carol Marrs Phipps is a fantastic tale of the battle between Elves and Trolls. This particular iteration of Phipps' fantasy world, takes place millennia before the previous book of hers I had read, but it is just as enchanting and enthralling as the last book.
The Elves are forever in fear of the Trolls, whose sole purpose in being, it seems, is to catch and eat Elves. A group of Elf children goes missing just before the Elf community is to depart for far lands to seek respite from the constant threat of the Trolls. By the time the children are discovered the bulk of the Elf community have departed and the children, with the assistance of a few adults, are left to fare for themselves.
Seeking shelter from the constant threat of Troll attack they head for parts unknown and dangers of a different sort, determined to set up a happy community away from the threat of being eaten.
This story captivated me, as did many of the Elven characters. I will admit I struggled initially with the Trollish language, but it didn't take too long into the book before I was able to interpret their meaning, without recourse to the excellent glossary of terms at the end of the book.
Phipps has presented us with a wonderfully imaginative world and equally amazing characters. I can highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy, romance and exciting new worlds.
The Elves are forever in fear of the Trolls, whose sole purpose in being, it seems, is to catch and eat Elves. A group of Elf children goes missing just before the Elf community is to depart for far lands to seek respite from the constant threat of the Trolls. By the time the children are discovered the bulk of the Elf community have departed and the children, with the assistance of a few adults, are left to fare for themselves.
Seeking shelter from the constant threat of Troll attack they head for parts unknown and dangers of a different sort, determined to set up a happy community away from the threat of being eaten.
This story captivated me, as did many of the Elven characters. I will admit I struggled initially with the Trollish language, but it didn't take too long into the book before I was able to interpret their meaning, without recourse to the excellent glossary of terms at the end of the book.
Phipps has presented us with a wonderfully imaginative world and equally amazing characters. I can highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy, romance and exciting new worlds.
June 27, 2020
I wanted to like this one.
Based on the summary and the amazing cover art I was looking forward to this one.... but it was disappointing. It does start off pretty quickly in the action, but it's pretty gruesome with the description of trolls killing elves and elf children then the way they eat and dismember them too-- it was just too much. The troll manner of speaking is very choppy and although inventive was weird and distracting. On top of that the whole plot was the elves trying to save others captured and escape the trolls, overall sadly it fell flat for me.
The narrator was ok, she spoke a little slow and I had to put the reading speed on 1,25 to get it closer to a normal speed. She used primarily a British and Irish accents which were fine but some of the characters voices were the same and during some of dialogue it was a bit hard to track.
Parent rating primarily due to graphic violence would most likely be rated - R
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Based on the summary and the amazing cover art I was looking forward to this one.... but it was disappointing. It does start off pretty quickly in the action, but it's pretty gruesome with the description of trolls killing elves and elf children then the way they eat and dismember them too-- it was just too much. The troll manner of speaking is very choppy and although inventive was weird and distracting. On top of that the whole plot was the elves trying to save others captured and escape the trolls, overall sadly it fell flat for me.
The narrator was ok, she spoke a little slow and I had to put the reading speed on 1,25 to get it closer to a normal speed. She used primarily a British and Irish accents which were fine but some of the characters voices were the same and during some of dialogue it was a bit hard to track.
Parent rating primarily due to graphic violence would most likely be rated - R
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
September 23, 2021
ELF KILLERS
Carol Marrs Phipps and Tom Phipps
Review by Author Roy Murry
Firstly, my friends, the reader must read the glossary to get a rhythm of Trollish language. Otherwise, you may be irritated by what many Trolls are saying.
Then delve into this fast pace fantasy of two imaginary being types. The Elves are compassionate, intelligent beings, and the Trolls, are brutish war-loving individuals who enjoy eating elves.
The appearance of being true or accurate of these beings comes through in Phipps' writing. The reader will laugh at the antics of the Trolls and will feel the trauma of the Elves.
Elf Killers is a multi-level composition of good versus evil—unfortunately, that theme has been used to death in novels. However, Carol and Tom Phipps' twist engages the reader's curiosity, leaving them wanting more.
That is why I have read three of their novels.
Carol Marrs Phipps and Tom Phipps
Review by Author Roy Murry
Firstly, my friends, the reader must read the glossary to get a rhythm of Trollish language. Otherwise, you may be irritated by what many Trolls are saying.
Then delve into this fast pace fantasy of two imaginary being types. The Elves are compassionate, intelligent beings, and the Trolls, are brutish war-loving individuals who enjoy eating elves.
The appearance of being true or accurate of these beings comes through in Phipps' writing. The reader will laugh at the antics of the Trolls and will feel the trauma of the Elves.
Elf Killers is a multi-level composition of good versus evil—unfortunately, that theme has been used to death in novels. However, Carol and Tom Phipps' twist engages the reader's curiosity, leaving them wanting more.
That is why I have read three of their novels.
April 28, 2023
Not my favorite book. I understand that the authors wanted to show that the trolls spoke a less intelligent language than the Elves, but it got tiring reading "Ooot, ooot, ooot, ooot" and other such words for pages and pages. I also felt the denouement needed work, as it ended abruptly.
November 4, 2020
Excellent read
Very good book .. Certainly a re-read full of wonders around every page ..love every bit of this book ... Enjoy
Very good book .. Certainly a re-read full of wonders around every page ..love every bit of this book ... Enjoy
December 15, 2012
There are Trollish language and Elven Gwaeler words throughout the book. There is a glossary at the back of the book. You may want to look at it to make the reading a little easier.
Doona and Aedan were going to lead some children into the forest to gather Maiden-hair seedlings. This was a bad time to be in the woods, so Oisin was going to take his bow to help. Oisin was hoping to b eback in time for supper. He thinks he is dreaming though. He also wants to talk to Doona alone.
Dyr's plan is a head smash for the foolish Elves who think they can flee away to the sands of the eye sting water and build their huts that float. Dyr's brutes stumble upon Oisin's gathering party and attack them, mortally wounding Aeden. Doona and the children flee in terror into the dark mountains.
They were run down and captured by the blood thirsty Trolls. Trolls are ugly, lacking in manners and hygiene. They were barbaric hunters who captured young Elves and had them for supper.
Can Oisin find the bonfires of the Trolls and arescue the young Elves before it'sa too late? Will any of them live long enough to be saved? The Elves head to the mountains to rescue the Elven children who were snatched by the Trolls. They were helped through the dark by a light from the friendly Fire Sprite.
Oisin's people would flee the Trolls who hurt them by sailing across the sea. The journey of included Elves, good Trolls, Sprites, Unicorns and trained falcons.
I think this is a grown-up fantasy, a fairy tale of good and evil. This is a story of a harsh, evil world where no one is safe, not even children. This is true in real life, also. The characters such as Doona, Aedan, Oisin, and the Elves were very brave and showed courage. Could this be the ending of another race? Think about it? In fantasy-land anything is possible.
The author wrote a well detailed, descriptive, flowing book. The scenery was richly described and the way the author created the fantasy names of the strange creatures.
I would have liked to be able to step into the beautiful mountains of Elf Land just to have a fantasy day.
I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from Manic Readers on behalf of You Got To Read for this unbiased review.
http://bemiown.blogspot.com
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15...
Doona and Aedan were going to lead some children into the forest to gather Maiden-hair seedlings. This was a bad time to be in the woods, so Oisin was going to take his bow to help. Oisin was hoping to b eback in time for supper. He thinks he is dreaming though. He also wants to talk to Doona alone.
Dyr's plan is a head smash for the foolish Elves who think they can flee away to the sands of the eye sting water and build their huts that float. Dyr's brutes stumble upon Oisin's gathering party and attack them, mortally wounding Aeden. Doona and the children flee in terror into the dark mountains.
They were run down and captured by the blood thirsty Trolls. Trolls are ugly, lacking in manners and hygiene. They were barbaric hunters who captured young Elves and had them for supper.
Can Oisin find the bonfires of the Trolls and arescue the young Elves before it'sa too late? Will any of them live long enough to be saved? The Elves head to the mountains to rescue the Elven children who were snatched by the Trolls. They were helped through the dark by a light from the friendly Fire Sprite.
Oisin's people would flee the Trolls who hurt them by sailing across the sea. The journey of included Elves, good Trolls, Sprites, Unicorns and trained falcons.
I think this is a grown-up fantasy, a fairy tale of good and evil. This is a story of a harsh, evil world where no one is safe, not even children. This is true in real life, also. The characters such as Doona, Aedan, Oisin, and the Elves were very brave and showed courage. Could this be the ending of another race? Think about it? In fantasy-land anything is possible.
The author wrote a well detailed, descriptive, flowing book. The scenery was richly described and the way the author created the fantasy names of the strange creatures.
I would have liked to be able to step into the beautiful mountains of Elf Land just to have a fantasy day.
I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from Manic Readers on behalf of You Got To Read for this unbiased review.
http://bemiown.blogspot.com
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15...
June 8, 2012
There is something very brave about this book. First the attempt to create a half-language that the reader can still absorb and understand, yet completely imprints another culture. That would be brave enough on its own - but second, there is a sense of these two authors showing real courage in breaking taboos. They do not stint on the violence and some may find that harsh, but it's a harsh world they have allowed us to glimpse. They show a world in which no-one is safe, including children, and don't step back with false sentiment to protect the reader. Their world is not our world, but it's as real as it can get. And at times it hints at great beauty - I for one would like to spend longer in the lives of the elf-kind, as opposed to their fight for survival. And I would also like more of the 'breakaway' trolls that show potential to rise above the more monstrous of their own tribe - they hold such intrigue as an evolving race. Yet I cannot fault the authors for their unstinting sense of purpose. To my mind, it's as if they have painted the early stages of extinction for a race of people and we are watching the last embers desperately vying for life. It is for that vivid portrayal that I have given this review. These two have experimented here. The characters themselves show courage, but it is the two writers who have set the pace and tried something different, fresh and innovative. Bravo.
July 12, 2017
"Elf Killers" is a well-written and fast-paced novel from the first page to the last. The authors have done a superb job with world building. Besides the standard fare of elves and trolls, they have also created new creatures making this story unique. There is plenty of action and romance, and humor and sorrow.
The troll language was rather difficult to read through, and most times I skimmed it, but was able to get the gist of the meaning nonetheless. There is a glossary at the end, but I tend to find these annoying when I am trying to read a story. I'd prefer not to be taken out of the story to continuously look up meanings. It would be fine for a word to two, but not complete dialog. However, this is only a minor distraction, as I was able to understand the basics of what was happening in the troll world. In fact, the annoyance in reading it made the trolls themselves even more annoying. :)
It was confusing at times with the names of some characters being so similar. But, again, as you read through the story, the characters became clearer.
I was a little disappointed with the ending. It felt too rushed. I though perhaps the leaf from the fairy tree (that could restore life) might play some role in the story, but after it was put in the book, nothing more was mentioned about it.
But, in all this was quite entertaining, and I recommend it to lovers of fantasies.
The troll language was rather difficult to read through, and most times I skimmed it, but was able to get the gist of the meaning nonetheless. There is a glossary at the end, but I tend to find these annoying when I am trying to read a story. I'd prefer not to be taken out of the story to continuously look up meanings. It would be fine for a word to two, but not complete dialog. However, this is only a minor distraction, as I was able to understand the basics of what was happening in the troll world. In fact, the annoyance in reading it made the trolls themselves even more annoying. :)
It was confusing at times with the names of some characters being so similar. But, again, as you read through the story, the characters became clearer.
I was a little disappointed with the ending. It felt too rushed. I though perhaps the leaf from the fairy tree (that could restore life) might play some role in the story, but after it was put in the book, nothing more was mentioned about it.
But, in all this was quite entertaining, and I recommend it to lovers of fantasies.
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August 23, 2016The very first thing that captured my imagination about Elf Killers was the wonderful languages the author created for the Trolls and the Elves, which are found in a handy glossary at the back of the book. I read through this first, actually, before diving into the story and am glad I did, as otherwise I might have been flicking to the glossary disruptively throughout my reading. The adventure takes off within the first few paragraphs, whisking the reader away to mythical realms and immersing them in a world of goodness, brutality, fear, romance, and intrigue.
The story is a prequel, which had me anticipating I would become attached to the characters and long to follow the story into the Heart of the Staff series; unfortunately, I didn’t connect with them as I hoped I might until nearly half way through the book. They simply didn’t grab my hand and lure me in, but as I thought about it, I came to the conclusion that Elves are, by nature, secretive and this is why (at least in my mind) they didn’t choose to overwhelm me and reveal all their secrets at once. I was ultimately drawn into the action, as well as the compelling love triangle amidst the Elves, which kept me reading through to the satisfying conclusion.
A solid first offering introducing readers to what promises to be a thrilling series!
The story is a prequel, which had me anticipating I would become attached to the characters and long to follow the story into the Heart of the Staff series; unfortunately, I didn’t connect with them as I hoped I might until nearly half way through the book. They simply didn’t grab my hand and lure me in, but as I thought about it, I came to the conclusion that Elves are, by nature, secretive and this is why (at least in my mind) they didn’t choose to overwhelm me and reveal all their secrets at once. I was ultimately drawn into the action, as well as the compelling love triangle amidst the Elves, which kept me reading through to the satisfying conclusion.
A solid first offering introducing readers to what promises to be a thrilling series!
August 3, 2014
'Elf Killers' is the tale of a group of elves and their struggle for survival against vicious trolls who hunt them for food.
This is an epic fantasy novel with a horror element that is very well done. The book contains a made-up troll language, which to begin with I found fascinating and relatively easy to figure out, however I must admit that after a while all the strange words and phrases started to get on my nerves, but this was my only real complaint with the book and it certainly didn't stop me from reading.
The world built here was captivating and I found it incredibly difficult to put the book down. The pacing was good, the suspense high, and there certainly wasn't any filler. The elf characters were believable and likeable, and there were disturbing and horrifying moments in the story where the depth of their troubles with their brutal enemies are really felt. There is also hope at the heart of the story, with the elves finding a way to fight back against the trolls, and with a bit of romance blossoming between two of the characters.
Overall this is a captivating fantasy read with an element of horror which is very well done. I would recommend this book to fans of epic fantasy.
This is an epic fantasy novel with a horror element that is very well done. The book contains a made-up troll language, which to begin with I found fascinating and relatively easy to figure out, however I must admit that after a while all the strange words and phrases started to get on my nerves, but this was my only real complaint with the book and it certainly didn't stop me from reading.
The world built here was captivating and I found it incredibly difficult to put the book down. The pacing was good, the suspense high, and there certainly wasn't any filler. The elf characters were believable and likeable, and there were disturbing and horrifying moments in the story where the depth of their troubles with their brutal enemies are really felt. There is also hope at the heart of the story, with the elves finding a way to fight back against the trolls, and with a bit of romance blossoming between two of the characters.
Overall this is a captivating fantasy read with an element of horror which is very well done. I would recommend this book to fans of epic fantasy.
February 5, 2014
How big is a troll?
I ask because it's a relevant question. Time and time again I found myself wondering this while reading this book. It's a train of thought that was triggered during an early part of the elves flight from the trolls. It was one of the first inconsistencies that jared me the last one being the end which made no sense if I'm being honest.
While creating languages for the two races in the book was admirable they heavily over use it with the trolls. Two thirds of the way through the book I started to skip large parts of the troll dialog, much of which was repetition anyway, to save myself a headache.
The story is not bad but several things never made sense to me. For example why didn't the elves stay in the eastern woods instead of risking their lives in the Strah with troll killing birds?
Overall not a good read.
I ask because it's a relevant question. Time and time again I found myself wondering this while reading this book. It's a train of thought that was triggered during an early part of the elves flight from the trolls. It was one of the first inconsistencies that jared me the last one being the end which made no sense if I'm being honest.
While creating languages for the two races in the book was admirable they heavily over use it with the trolls. Two thirds of the way through the book I started to skip large parts of the troll dialog, much of which was repetition anyway, to save myself a headache.
The story is not bad but several things never made sense to me. For example why didn't the elves stay in the eastern woods instead of risking their lives in the Strah with troll killing birds?
Overall not a good read.
December 1, 2014
It was a ride getting through this fantasy. Especially because it wasn’t easy reading the language of the trolls and the brutes. I got one word for them – DISGUSTING! I have another word for the author, FANTASTIC!! To write like this and keep my attention takes skill. I almost put it down on several occasions during the read but wanting to know what was happening to the elves kept me at it. In spite of my difficulty understanding the language, I somehow figured out what the author wanted us to get at each chapter - barely. You have to be a good writer to keep me with you. Good ending. There is room for a sequel. Good Job!
Elf Killers
Reviewed on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/RZQ9KT2D...
Elf Killers
Reviewed on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/RZQ9KT2D...
October 3, 2014
One of the best books I have read this year. Elf Killers by Carol Marrs Phipps & Tom Phipps is excellent example of how a fantasy book should be written.
The author's storytelling style really came through in this book. The storyline is well developed and flowed smoothly. The fast paced and twisting plots are easy to follow and get into. I found myself getting drawn into and caught up in the story. This is way I like a book, one where I lose myself in it.
I really liked the way the author developed the characters in the story. With the background and insights provided it was easy to identify with each of them. The characters came to life as the story develop, becoming more real and life like.
I really liked Elf Killers by Carol Marrs Phipps & Tom Phipps and I highly recommend this book to all readers.
The author's storytelling style really came through in this book. The storyline is well developed and flowed smoothly. The fast paced and twisting plots are easy to follow and get into. I found myself getting drawn into and caught up in the story. This is way I like a book, one where I lose myself in it.
I really liked the way the author developed the characters in the story. With the background and insights provided it was easy to identify with each of them. The characters came to life as the story develop, becoming more real and life like.
I really liked Elf Killers by Carol Marrs Phipps & Tom Phipps and I highly recommend this book to all readers.
July 25, 2015
Elf Killers is a solid first effort by the authors as the tale of elves attempting to survive the constant threat of trolls who have a taste for them as food. The story features desperate escapes, tragic loss, cunning bad guys (trolls), intrigue and determination all with numerous twists. I kept turning the pages with interest to see what happened. The trolls were especially portrayed in a unique style that draws the reader along with the inevitable dangers that loom for the elves.
There were a number of flaws on the writing as I thought the trolls language was distracting. While the fights were sudden surprises, these scenes needed a bit more description. There was also a bit more telling than I prefer. However, I did want to continue reading regardless of the flaws so don't fear the shortcomings. I'm very interested in reading what the authors have already published since this book.
There were a number of flaws on the writing as I thought the trolls language was distracting. While the fights were sudden surprises, these scenes needed a bit more description. There was also a bit more telling than I prefer. However, I did want to continue reading regardless of the flaws so don't fear the shortcomings. I'm very interested in reading what the authors have already published since this book.
January 2, 2016
While I applaud the authors for the research and effort that went into the linguistic aspects of the book, especially regarding the troll language, it really detracted from the story. Most importantly, it distanced the reader. When inside the head of a character who understands the language being spoken, the linguistic aspects of the language should be invisible - i.e., if reading in English, the mind of the character that I'm in should automatically translate the words into understandable English.
This same distancing also occurred, to a lesser degree, with the Elvish words used. Overall, this made it impossible for me to "get in to" the book, to "become the characters." While I applaud the foresight to include a Glossary, it should not be required reading. Many fantasy novels have glossaries, but they are intended to remind readers, not educate them.
This same distancing also occurred, to a lesser degree, with the Elvish words used. Overall, this made it impossible for me to "get in to" the book, to "become the characters." While I applaud the foresight to include a Glossary, it should not be required reading. Many fantasy novels have glossaries, but they are intended to remind readers, not educate them.
March 12, 2013
While reading this I suddenly had the thought that this is exactly the sort of tale Wendy would have made up for the lost boys. With the thought the theater in my mind took over and I could just see Wendy spinning the tale while all the lost boys chimed in to play the parts of the trolls with foot stomping glee.
This is a book that just begs to be read out loud, (even if only to yourself). If I had a pack of rainy day cub scouts this would be my choice for a fun group play acting readalong.
The story runs away with you right from the first page to the last. Noble Hero's facing impossible odd's, a grand adventure quest and foot stomping trolls ohh and unicorns too. All in all a fun read.
This is a book that just begs to be read out loud, (even if only to yourself). If I had a pack of rainy day cub scouts this would be my choice for a fun group play acting readalong.
The story runs away with you right from the first page to the last. Noble Hero's facing impossible odd's, a grand adventure quest and foot stomping trolls ohh and unicorns too. All in all a fun read.
September 14, 2011
4.5 stars.The cover’s a bit creepy almost like a doll in a elf like get up…haunting and spine chilling.This book opened my eyes to a whole new different world..took the trolls and elves up to the next level though a bit odd at first glancing through back and forth the glossary for some amazingly new words I’ve learned and just recently discovered took me quite a while to get use to it nevertheless I like it! The fantasy and thrill that shook my mind and senses all those running, journeys to save the other elves from killer trolls was indeed a fantastic adventure! Truly epic!
March 2, 2016
Great Story Line
A nice science fiction read and full of action. The characters are well developed with excellent dialogue. It was nice the author put a dialogue dictionary at the end of the book but it was not helpful as I read the book. I found the troll dialogue very distracting because of not understanding what was being said. I reached the point that I just skipped through the dialogue. Other than the one area it was well written and I enjoyed it.
A nice science fiction read and full of action. The characters are well developed with excellent dialogue. It was nice the author put a dialogue dictionary at the end of the book but it was not helpful as I read the book. I found the troll dialogue very distracting because of not understanding what was being said. I reached the point that I just skipped through the dialogue. Other than the one area it was well written and I enjoyed it.
July 22, 2015
had to force myself to attempt reading. i'm not a big reader of this type fantasy and it got very tired very fast of having to refer to back of book for explanations. this could have possibly been a good read if i understood more of this particular genre
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January 8, 2013I'm not going to bother to rate it. I tried to get into it, but I got bored almost inmmediately; also, I didn't like the narrative style.
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