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The Rebellious Elven Maiden
Magic and mysticism meet adventure and intrigue in this open-door romantic fantasy for fans of T. Kingfisher and Carissa Broadbent.
Holly Greenspire has watched helplessly as her kin suffered. Ashen ghouls shamble over their roads, and deserters from the Hillexian Empire’s army are harassing their villages. During the springtime thaw, a mysterious archaeologist known only as Minos arrives. He promises that the restoration of an ancient aristocracy will bring peace and prosperity to the Zellos Forest’s people.
The forest’s elves quickly begin singing praises for the return of the glorious Greenspire Dynasty, and so on the fateful evening of her mother’s coronation, only Holly is brave and furious enough to protest the new regime. Branded a traitor by her kin, she must flee her homeland, disguise herself as a tutor, and seek shelter in a distant country estate. Her wild tongue and stubborn attitude lead her to clash with Julius Stilguard, the estate’s stoic and rigorous master, but their mutual hostility soon gives way to an unexpected intimacy.
Together as one, will they be strong enough to uncover the true nature of the tyranny that has corrupted Holly’s homeland?
Holly Greenspire has watched helplessly as her kin suffered. Ashen ghouls shamble over their roads, and deserters from the Hillexian Empire’s army are harassing their villages. During the springtime thaw, a mysterious archaeologist known only as Minos arrives. He promises that the restoration of an ancient aristocracy will bring peace and prosperity to the Zellos Forest’s people.
The forest’s elves quickly begin singing praises for the return of the glorious Greenspire Dynasty, and so on the fateful evening of her mother’s coronation, only Holly is brave and furious enough to protest the new regime. Branded a traitor by her kin, she must flee her homeland, disguise herself as a tutor, and seek shelter in a distant country estate. Her wild tongue and stubborn attitude lead her to clash with Julius Stilguard, the estate’s stoic and rigorous master, but their mutual hostility soon gives way to an unexpected intimacy.
Together as one, will they be strong enough to uncover the true nature of the tyranny that has corrupted Holly’s homeland?
521 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2025
2 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 25, 2026
Funnily, before reading this, I’d just finished another story with a similar storyline, and I loved seeing how different writers tackle the same tropes. The Rebellious Elven Maiden is a story about a woman taking back control of her own narrative and finding her voice. It features a slow-burn romance and strong found-family vibes.
This story does include a few darker themes, so check the content warnings if that’s something you’re mindful of. The writing was lyrical at times without feeling overdone, and overall it was a genuine joy to read. I’m really looking forward to reading more from this author, and if this synopsis interests you, I’d definitely recommend giving this book a go.
This story does include a few darker themes, so check the content warnings if that’s something you’re mindful of. The writing was lyrical at times without feeling overdone, and overall it was a genuine joy to read. I’m really looking forward to reading more from this author, and if this synopsis interests you, I’d definitely recommend giving this book a go.
December 8, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to read this book, and enjoyed this as a opening chapter to the Erogena Saga series. I enjoyed this as a fantasy adventure and how the romance concept was used during this and was invested in how well the world was used and how the characters were used. It has a strong plot and enjoyed the overall feel of this and enjoyed how well everything worked together. Nora Sage has a strong writing style and left me excited for the next chapter.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 25, 2026
3.5 stars! A lyrical, mystical, fantasy full of magic, different beings, and spice!
-Elves, ghouls, shifters
-Quests
-Spice
-Strong FMC
-Political intrigue
-Magic system
This story, following Holly who has fled her home land and the new regime that has procured it, and she now is working as a tutor for an estates stoic master, Julius.
This was a very unique story, and I loved that about it!
Filled with world building, unique magic, some swoon and spice, banter, and a quest to get back and rescue Holly’s sister from the homeland she fled.
Highly recommend for any fantasy or romantasy lovers!
-Elves, ghouls, shifters
-Quests
-Spice
-Strong FMC
-Political intrigue
-Magic system
This story, following Holly who has fled her home land and the new regime that has procured it, and she now is working as a tutor for an estates stoic master, Julius.
This was a very unique story, and I loved that about it!
Filled with world building, unique magic, some swoon and spice, banter, and a quest to get back and rescue Holly’s sister from the homeland she fled.
Highly recommend for any fantasy or romantasy lovers!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews