What do you think?
Rate this book
Mark of Drelves
Part dragon, part elf — an outcast marked for death. Will she save the realms or watch them fall to darkness?
Born of two warring bloodlines, Lyria Ironwing has spent her life in the shadows—hunted, hated, and hiding a secret that could unite or destroy the realms. When a dark power rises and ancient enemies awaken, Lyria’s forbidden mark ignites, thrusting her into a deadly prophecy she can’t escape.
Pursued by monstrous creatures and betrayed at every turn, Lyria must Will she rise to face the darkness, or fall and take the world with her?
In a realm where dragons, elves, and outcasts collide, one choice will determine the fate of all.
Born of two warring bloodlines, Lyria Ironwing has spent her life in the shadows—hunted, hated, and hiding a secret that could unite or destroy the realms. When a dark power rises and ancient enemies awaken, Lyria’s forbidden mark ignites, thrusting her into a deadly prophecy she can’t escape.
Pursued by monstrous creatures and betrayed at every turn, Lyria must Will she rise to face the darkness, or fall and take the world with her?
In a realm where dragons, elves, and outcasts collide, one choice will determine the fate of all.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2025
4 people are currently reading
974 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 1, 2025
This book could be a high fantasy dnd campaign with some of the oddly detailed conversation(in a good way). Dragon/elf shifter, ancient magic, world a ruin… this is full of old school fantasy vibes with new writing style. I love the cover art. Great book all a around.
June 30, 2025
A new fantasy book that feels like like classic fantasy fiction I really love the main character and the story
July 15, 2025
Eldrin and Lyria . . .
The Drelves are part dragon, part elf and not accepted by the other populations. But Lyria Ironwing will play a large part in the continued existence of the world once the prophecy begins to play out. She has been forced into hiding as she is hated and scorned by others and threatened with death if she is overcome by those who hunt her. But darkness hides an ancient enemy far worse that threatens all the realms. Vartharax, the dark dragon ruler of the Abyss, feels the darkness stir and something awakens. He sends Drakor to find the bearer of the mark. Destroying her will give Vartharax total dominance and unlimited power. And while Vartharax relies on his strength to overcome his enemies, the sly Drakor has his own nefarious plans, sharpening his mind and hoarding secrets to allow him to win. This was his moment to prove that cunning could actually surpass brute strength, and that the shadows held power greater than any fire or fang brutality.
Another participant in what is to come is Eldrin. His hair is in an intricate braid adorned with a silver clasp with the royal sigil of his house. The braid marked him as a son of the Elven King. Would he be taking part in the prophecy’s unfolding? And what side will Lyria choose to fight for as she prepares for what is coming? Her mark has ignited and she becomes a vital part of that long-ago prophecy, the actual key to the prophecy. Will she protect the realms who have scorned and hunted her? Will she go up against the darkness and battle the seen and unseen enemies? Can she defeat the evil that seems invincible? Because if she doesn’t survive, not just Lyria but the world around her will be lost… and she’s not aware of Drakor’s trickery that just might overcome her! And she didn’t see the red dragon Korrath coming for her from the sky as she fought shadow panthers on the ramparts! Has all been lost? Or is there still hope for a victory as Eldrin’s Aetherstone, his mother’s dagger, blazes to life in blue fire and magic surges. Don’t miss this amazing storyline! The surprises never end!
The Drelves are part dragon, part elf and not accepted by the other populations. But Lyria Ironwing will play a large part in the continued existence of the world once the prophecy begins to play out. She has been forced into hiding as she is hated and scorned by others and threatened with death if she is overcome by those who hunt her. But darkness hides an ancient enemy far worse that threatens all the realms. Vartharax, the dark dragon ruler of the Abyss, feels the darkness stir and something awakens. He sends Drakor to find the bearer of the mark. Destroying her will give Vartharax total dominance and unlimited power. And while Vartharax relies on his strength to overcome his enemies, the sly Drakor has his own nefarious plans, sharpening his mind and hoarding secrets to allow him to win. This was his moment to prove that cunning could actually surpass brute strength, and that the shadows held power greater than any fire or fang brutality.
Another participant in what is to come is Eldrin. His hair is in an intricate braid adorned with a silver clasp with the royal sigil of his house. The braid marked him as a son of the Elven King. Would he be taking part in the prophecy’s unfolding? And what side will Lyria choose to fight for as she prepares for what is coming? Her mark has ignited and she becomes a vital part of that long-ago prophecy, the actual key to the prophecy. Will she protect the realms who have scorned and hunted her? Will she go up against the darkness and battle the seen and unseen enemies? Can she defeat the evil that seems invincible? Because if she doesn’t survive, not just Lyria but the world around her will be lost… and she’s not aware of Drakor’s trickery that just might overcome her! And she didn’t see the red dragon Korrath coming for her from the sky as she fought shadow panthers on the ramparts! Has all been lost? Or is there still hope for a victory as Eldrin’s Aetherstone, his mother’s dagger, blazes to life in blue fire and magic surges. Don’t miss this amazing storyline! The surprises never end!
July 22, 2025
Mark of Drelves fulfills the promise of its beautiful cover, delivering the fun I really need from my books right now. Swiftly paced yet deliciously Tolkienesque, it’s an absolute delight right from the start. Author C. Star brings satisfying twists to classic fantasy tropes, particularly with regard to the rival villains Drakor and Korrath (who undermine each other while plotting to supplant their master Vartharax), and the royal siblings Eldrin and Thalendir, whose loyalties to each other and to their kingdom are put to the test.
To stand against the coming darkness, elf prince Eldrin must join forces with the novel’s winged heroine Lyria, whose mixed heritage marks her as an enemy of the elves. The world-building is particularly effective in depicting Lyria’s people; these elf/dragon hybrids are more than just elves with wings. There’s a very real sense in which Lyria’s society is partially draconic, even down to the ways in which they view magic, warfare, and food. To the insular elves, there’s something profoundly foreign about the drelven folk, making the gap between the two cultures seemingly impossible to overcome. I’m reminded of the way Holly Black handles cultural differences in her Folk of the Air novels: complex characters coming from very different worlds have to find a way to build alliances and trust, even as social forces and conditioning pit them against each other.
Snappy dialogue and expertly choreographed fight scenes sustain momentum throughout this captivating novel, and I’m happy to see that Mark of Drelves is the start of a trilogy. Oh, and I also want to add that there are excellent horses in this novel, and I hope we'll see more of them in Books II and III.
To stand against the coming darkness, elf prince Eldrin must join forces with the novel’s winged heroine Lyria, whose mixed heritage marks her as an enemy of the elves. The world-building is particularly effective in depicting Lyria’s people; these elf/dragon hybrids are more than just elves with wings. There’s a very real sense in which Lyria’s society is partially draconic, even down to the ways in which they view magic, warfare, and food. To the insular elves, there’s something profoundly foreign about the drelven folk, making the gap between the two cultures seemingly impossible to overcome. I’m reminded of the way Holly Black handles cultural differences in her Folk of the Air novels: complex characters coming from very different worlds have to find a way to build alliances and trust, even as social forces and conditioning pit them against each other.
Snappy dialogue and expertly choreographed fight scenes sustain momentum throughout this captivating novel, and I’m happy to see that Mark of Drelves is the start of a trilogy. Oh, and I also want to add that there are excellent horses in this novel, and I hope we'll see more of them in Books II and III.
December 23, 2025
📕Title: "Mark of Drelves: Elves, Drelves & Dragons Book One"
✍️Author: C. Star
📚Review: Mark of Drelves: Elves, Drelves & Dragons Book One by C. Star is a polished introduction to a richly imagined fantasy saga that blends classic epic themes with a fresh, character-driven voice. At its heart is Lyria Ironwing, a compelling heroine born of dragon and elf blood, whose very existence challenges a world built on fear and division. Her struggle for identity, belonging, and survival gives the story emotional weight beyond its high-stakes prophecy.
The novel excels in world-building without overwhelming the reader. Ancient rivalries, emerging darkness, and the mystery of Lyria’s forbidden mark unfold at a confident pace, balancing action with quieter moments of growth and reflection. Fans of sweeping quests, slow-burn romance, and morally complex heroes will appreciate how the narrative echoes beloved fantasy traditions while standing firmly on its own.
As the first entry in the Elves, Drelves & Dragons trilogy, this book lays a strong foundation for an ambitious journey. Immersive and thoughtfully written, Mark of Drelves is recommended for YA and adult fantasy readers alike. If you enjoy dragons and destiny, this book is essential.
✨#books #bookstagram #book #booklover #reading
✍️Author: C. Star
📚Review: Mark of Drelves: Elves, Drelves & Dragons Book One by C. Star is a polished introduction to a richly imagined fantasy saga that blends classic epic themes with a fresh, character-driven voice. At its heart is Lyria Ironwing, a compelling heroine born of dragon and elf blood, whose very existence challenges a world built on fear and division. Her struggle for identity, belonging, and survival gives the story emotional weight beyond its high-stakes prophecy.
The novel excels in world-building without overwhelming the reader. Ancient rivalries, emerging darkness, and the mystery of Lyria’s forbidden mark unfold at a confident pace, balancing action with quieter moments of growth and reflection. Fans of sweeping quests, slow-burn romance, and morally complex heroes will appreciate how the narrative echoes beloved fantasy traditions while standing firmly on its own.
As the first entry in the Elves, Drelves & Dragons trilogy, this book lays a strong foundation for an ambitious journey. Immersive and thoughtfully written, Mark of Drelves is recommended for YA and adult fantasy readers alike. If you enjoy dragons and destiny, this book is essential.
✨#books #bookstagram #book #booklover #reading
July 19, 2025
Lyria Ironwing, a half-dragon, half-elf outcast, lives in the shadows, hunted and marked by a secret that could either unite or destroy the realms. As a dark power rises and ancient enemies awaken, her forbidden mark ignites, pulling her into a deadly prophecy. Pursued by monstrous creatures and faced with betrayal, Lyria must choose between confronting the darkness or succumbing to it, with the fate of the realms hanging in the balance.
This was exciting to read, and I can't wait to read more from this author!
This was exciting to read, and I can't wait to read more from this author!
July 21, 2025
Received a digital copy through GoodReads giveaway. Flowing action helps keep tempo of the story high and various internal intrigues set the stage for an expected triumph of good over darkness in this first volume of the series.
November 11, 2025
Whisper of Elves here I come
What a thoughtfully put together book. This book was a real page turner. I accidentally picked this book, but am so glade I did. Now off to book two
What a thoughtfully put together book. This book was a real page turner. I accidentally picked this book, but am so glade I did. Now off to book two
June 29, 2025
Her life has always been in the shadows as she was not supposed to exist. She is part dragon and part elf which means everyone seems to want her dead. She has the power to save them or even destroy them. She how she will decide what to do
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a wonderful fantasy book
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a wonderful fantasy book
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews