Elvenblood

Halfblood Chronicles #2

by Mercedes Lackey, Andre Norton

The powerful magic of ruthless Elvenlord masters has for centuries rules the world. Even Shana, the legendary Elvenbane prophesied to deliver the oppressed into freedom, is helpless before such power. She and her ragtag band of outcasts, half-blood wizards, escaped human slaves, and free-thinking dragons have gained only a token victory against the mighty lords.

Only the long-forgotten Iron People, a band of human nomads, have escaped the tyranny of the reigning wizards. How have they survived through the centuries?

As the winds of change sweep the world, and as tensions seething beneath the surface of Elven society threaten to break into open revolt. Shana meets the ancient tribe. Could an age-old secret free Shana and her people...or will its discovery call down their doom.

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy, High Fantasy, Elves, Magic

352 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 1, 1995

About the author

Mercedes entered this world on June 24, 1950, in Chicago, had a normal childhood and graduated from Purdue University in 1972. During the late 70's she worked as an artist's model and then went into the computer programming field, ending up with American Airlines in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In addition to her fantasy writing, she has written lyrics for and recorded nearly fifty songs for Firebird Arts & Music, a small recording company specializing in science fiction folk music.

"I'm a storyteller; that's what I see as 'my job'. My stories come out of my characters; how those characters would react to the given situation. Maybe that's why I get letters from readers as young as thirteen and as old as sixty-odd. One of the reasons I write song lyrics is because I see songs as a kind of 'story pill' -- they reduce a story to the barest essentials or encapsulate a particular crucial moment in time. I frequently will write a lyric when I am attempting to get to the heart of a crucial scene; I find that when I have done so, the scene has become absolutely clear in my mind, and I can write exactly what I wanted to say. Another reason is because of the kind of novels I am writing: that is, fantasy, set in an other-world semi-medieval atmosphere. Music is very important to medieval peoples; bards are the chief newsbringers. When I write the 'folk music' of these peoples, I am enriching my whole world, whether I actually use the song in the text or not.

"I began writing out of boredom; I continue out of addiction. I can't 'not' write, and as a result I have no social life! I began writing fantasy because I love it, but I try to construct my fantasy worlds with all the care of a 'high-tech' science fiction writer. I apply the principle of TANSTAAFL ['There ain't no such thing as free lunch', credited to Robert Heinlein) to magic, for instance; in my worlds, magic is paid for, and the cost to the magician is frequently a high one. I try to keep my world as solid and real as possible; people deal with stubborn pumps, bugs in the porridge, and love-lives that refuse to become untangled, right along with invading armies and evil magicians. And I try to make all of my characters, even the 'evil magicians,' something more than flat stereotypes. Even evil magicians get up in the night and look for cookies, sometimes.

"I suppose that in everything I write I try to expound the creed I gave my character Diana Tregarde in Burning Water:

"There's no such thing as 'one, true way'; the only answers worth having are the ones you find for yourself; leave the world better than you found it. Love, freedom, and the chance to do some good -- they're the things worth living and dying for, and if you aren't willing to die for the things worth living for, you might as well turn in your membership in the human race."

Also writes as Misty Lackey

Author's website

Reviews

[Jim C · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the second book of a series. The first one has to be read before this one. This picks up from our victory in the first battle that was covered in the first book. Our heroes were victorious but they also know that there will be retaliation and they will not survive. Also there is discord among our group as they get settled into their new environment.

I loved the first book. The world building was magnificent as well as the characters. Now with the second book there isn't as much world building. Did this affect my rating? I don't think so. I believe second books are mostly set up books to get the pieces into position for the finale. This book was definitely a set up book. The problem was I believe that it went on for way too long with the set up. It was stretched out. The characters were fine as I liked the new ones also. I really enjoyed the development of new relationships. But the set up dragged for me and this also included a macguffin to help our heroes in their upcoming battle. It is needed because without out our heroes don't stand a chance. But I did think it came out of nowhere.

What a difference from the first and second book. I loved the first book and recommended it to people. This one I will not be recommending. I believe the first book was just one author while this one was two different ones. Maybe that did not work for me. I just did not get the same enjoyment. That being said I do look forward to the finale.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly I was expecting more and I was going to give it 3 stars but I love the fantasy world of dragons and elves, half bloods, wizards etc too much to give it less. There were some great moments.

I just feel like this book was a bit poorly written, felt off pace, felt like it was really 2two people trying to make a story that didn't really jive together.

The characters kinda run off into the south and meet a bunch of dark skinned folk and then they loop them into the war that I'm assuming is going to take part in the 3rd and final book. Story felt kinda plain and simple.

I love the characters though :) Shana, Mero, Keman, Sheyrena, and Lorryn. I like the intro into Dora too.


- The pairing off of all the main characters seemed to happen all at once, rushed and without a proper lead up.
- The whole story with Myre is getting annoying and boring from the first book. Couldn't there have been a better villain? lol

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elvenblood is a book about blood, and the power struggles between those you do know and those you don't.

Sheyrena and Lorryn find their freedoms threatened, Sheyrena because her elven father arranges a marriage, and Lorryn because his father was human, not elven. So they must flee, and turn to Sheyrena's human slave who is strangely knowledgeable about dragons, Myre.

In the wake of a victory against elves, halfbloods like Shana, human wizards, and dragon shamans like her brother Keman have gathered only to find that they aren't the only people seeking freedom, there are the human nomads and traders, the Iron People.

They must in the end forge themselves anew into a weapon against elves, while becoming a shield for their friends.

[Kogiopsis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read as part of my ongoing shelf audit. Verdict: Better than the first installment, but still not a keeper.

The plot of this book was, in general, more structured and engaging than the first, and new characters raised in and escaping from Elven society gave a nice new perspective. I feel... weird about a couple of things, though. First off, this book brought up the disempowered position of elven women a lot, but still didn't spare very much dignity, agency, or individuality for enslaved humans. It's not a great look for two white American women to highlight how hard it is to be a woman of the slaveholder class while giving 0 pagetime to the perspectives of their captives. There's a lot of history underlying that writing choice.

Also, while the Iron People add an interesting element to the world, their presentation and characterization was kind of shallow, and in fact only three characters of this culture actually got, y'know, names and personalities (though those boiled down largely to 'supportive of Protagonists' or 'opposed to Protagonist').

And then there's what happened to Myre. Lackey, in my experience, has a tendency to lean into vindictive punishments in her fiction, and it's something that makes me very uncomfortable to read. I just keep thinking about the villain of a Tarma and Kethry story who, after assaulting women, was transformed to look like a woman and sent off to very likely be raped by his own men... Myre's fate wasn't as bad, but it was uncomfortably cruel, especially in the context of a world which is already so full of cruelty.

I note that when I first read this series, I rated the third book five stars - and I'll let that stand, because I'm not going to worry about tracking it down to re-read, and maybe it was that good! But overall, I'm thinking it's no great loss that this series is probably dead in the water at this point.

[Dawn Livingston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I couldn't wait to find out what happened next so much so that I almost gave up on the book, I kept putting it down because I couldn't stand the suspense. This book was just as good as the first full of great world building, good/great characters and a great story that twists and turns. This may be my favorite fantasy trilogy and I haven't even read the 3rd story in the trilogy yet, Elvenborn.

I did have some trouble getting into the book because I expected it to start with Lashana but it didn't so I had to get used to another character, a young elven woman.

Read this if you like fantasy, especially if you like fantasy. This has got to be if not the best fantasy trilogy then one of them. I like it even more than I do Mercedes Lackey's Valdermar books though it's easier to relate to the Valdermar series because it's so easy to picture oneself as a Herald with a companion, being Chosen.

Worth reading again, worth buying. This series should be part of your core library (not one you're going to get rid of when you periodically weed through your books to pare down your collection for the sake of space or a change in taste).

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just don't get it. My dad says Andre Norton is a fantastic writer, and he's not the only one who's recommended her to me. Maybe she and Lackey just don't make a great team? Maybe she hit a a dry run? Regardless, these ladies seemed to have missed the "Show, don't tell" chapter in "Writing Fiction 101." The writing is stilted and awkward. All the voices are the same. The convenient pairing off of everyone in the main party is cringeworthy. It is rather inconvenient that Velnyar and Haldor are left out of the deal—maybe we're supposed to assume they hooked up too? And the intense woman-power indoctrination is grating.
I wasn't crazy about the first book, The Elvenbane, but interested enough to finish the trilogy. Now I think I'll send #3 back to the library and read the spoilers here on goodreads to satisfy any lingering curiosity for how it ends.
Interesting in theory, but not worth my swiftly ticking time.

[Jay Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book started a little slow, but picked up quickly. You have the characters from the first book and several more are added to the mix. The Iron People are introduced who are nomads and have ways of restricting magic. From there, how well prepared will the wizards be for the Third Wizards War. The action is continuous and I can’t wait to read the third book.

[Gsd1985 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elvenblood continues the story of Shana and her friends, the misfit band of dragons and wizards, who have pledged to fight the Elvenlords to free the world from great oppression. It’s honestly better written than the first book and held my attention more.

The major plot in book 2 deals with the consequences that Shana and her friends face over their minor victory against the mighty lords. It also introduces the Iron People, a band of human nomads who have escaped the tyranny of the reigning tyrants. But how? An age old secret that Shana finds when she meets the ancient tribe promises to turn the tide of battle in their favor. But will the Elven-Lords and their cadre of evil wizards be ready?

There is definitely a better story here than the first and, although the first story had its problems, I am glad I kept reading. The second story opens up the narrative a bit more, as any series should do. As in the first book, some of the same descriptive problems are found here but Elvenblood is much better paced. I wasn’t bored at all and look forward to the final story.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the Halfblood Chronicles, opens with the story of an elven girl, Sheyrena who, like all those other elven ladies, is under the total power of her father.

When her father arranges a marriage for her, to a Lord's son without wit, grace, or intelligence, she is at her wits end as to how to escape this - and then her older brother, Lorryn, comes to her in fear, asking for her help.

She finds out a secret he, and their mother, have been holding all their lives and, in them both needing help, they turn to Sheyrena's maid, Myra, in the hopes that she can help them both escape.

What she doesn't know, is that Myra is actually a dragon, and is helping them for her own reasons - reasons that will touch off a war between elves, humans, halfbloods, dragons, and a force of humans coming out of the unknown south, that hold a secret that will change the lives of everyone involved!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, band loved all the new characters introduced. I can't wait to read what will happen next, in the third, and final, book in this trilogy: Elvenborn.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

I enjoyed this book, possibly because it's different from the other stuff I've been reading. The story, setting, and characters are interesting. Some of the transitions and character growth were less than smooth, and the romances all came at the same time, two somewhat suddenly. Although there was fighting and the beginning (I think) of a war, the violence is kept to a minimum, and there is hardly any gore. While some things may be insinuated, the romances are 100% clean and the book dwells on the emotions of those romances, rather than the physical aspects of them.

I liked that one of the main characters was different from your typical heroine: a woman bound by tradition who chafed under that role, but was too timid and browbeaten to do anything about it.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book in the Halfblood Chronicles is amazing, one of my favorite fantasy books EVER. This second book, however, has some major issues that make it a 3-star (maybe 2.5 star) for me.

Despite these continuity issues and plot holes, I still liked this book and found I couldn't put it down. I am too far invested in the story of Shana and the wizards and dragons to let these issues stop me from enjoying the story.

See my full review here: Elvenblood Review

[Julie Akeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too bad the books can't continue because of the death of Andre Norton. Still, it's worth reading. The second book is awesome with more challenges Alshanna has to face. I love love LOVE the dragons!!!

[Nataly · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's as good as the first book.

[Natty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent sequel. I like this series a lot, the female characters are often just as strong as the male characters which is quite nice.

[nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

destroying tyranny with jewelry is rad

[Lissa Notreallywolf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoilers and some political insights to follow:
I listened to this edition of the book, out of sequence with Elvenborn. It really made no difference, because the second and third books don't require reading in sequence. It did highlight a weakness in Norton/Lackey's writing, the lack of backstories and character depth. Ironically we do get a longterm sibling relationship between Sheyrena and Lorryn in this volume, but it is very much over narrated, and unfolds sequentially. When siblings share a "library" of memories of lessons, stories and their own adventures, they usually can communicate in shorthand, knowing the other has the same conclusion. In this story a huge secret looms between the siblings until they are young adults-the parentage of the elder brother. And a huge secret between mother and daughter, because the mther has conspired to keep her son hidden even from his sister. Sheyrena seems to be undisturbed by the long deception, perhaps fueled by their need to escape their house, once it is exposed. Sheyrena is also fleeing an untennable betrothal to a loutish hunter, and his controlling sire.
The book has a heavyhanded way of extolling the domestic virtues of Sheyrena, who is able to make camoflague, tame violent animals, and dry socks. Her awakening to useful particpation in the venture is a relief from the overly athletic and impetuos Shoshana, but more of it should be shown not told. Or told through her brother's awareness of her increasing assertion. He is refined enough to have made the heavy jewels that adorned her in the first reception, but can't control his powering of the boat? Why would he have made such tasteless adornments for his pale sister when he seems so sympathetic to her pale ways? Does he have any sense of how his well being has always made hers an after thought to their mother? Sadly elves not nly keep slaves, they also raise sons and rear daughters.
And on that critical note it is difficult to read these books without the very American institution of slavery overcasting the fantasy. The books are generally told from the overlords perspective, despite the slave who introduced the series and the Elvenbane. We get insight into Rena's horrible situation with the lout and his concubine, the test of her obedience by her prspective father-in-law. It is a mimicry of something out of Gone with the Wind. Yet when Rena returns she cheerfully depends on Myre, her human slave with tales of dragons to help them escape. We know Myre is Maya the dragon, a creature of domination and sadism, but apparently the concepts of dragons is too intoxicating for the gentle Rena to recognize the true nature of the girl. This strikes me as odd because most prey can detect predators rapidly-their lives depend on it. Myre does get them on the road, but can't complete the journey until they are discovered in the Herders encampment. The herders or Iron Men/People are remaniscent of both American Indians and nomads of Siberia and the deserts. They are black, and practice something like berdache traditions, with a high level of respect for women. But they are fooled by an unfamiliar Manhearted Woman who seeks to champion the war leader. In honor cultures this is impossible because everything is about reputation. The resulting fight is very satisfying because her come-uppance is harsh.
I'm rather put off by this narrative of abolitionist Elves, and the intertwining of racism and sexism in this world-I don't see what it teaches me, except sterotypes, and the notion that it must be untwined in the same fashion as it is in this world. Still everpresent is the meritocracy or utilitarian notions back at the Citadel, ingrained in the leading lady of this book.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as the first book in the series but still good. It’s funny but the main characters weren’t my favorite part of this book. I really liked Keman(Shana’s dragon adoptive brother) and Dora. Wish we could get short book on them. They were super cute- had this shy/nervous like each other thing going on. Reason I didn’t give 5stars is because this whole book is supposed to be about how there is going to be another wizard war but they spent more time on the set up then war. Basically they gave us one sentence saying yup there was a war/battle and it turned out ok for the wizards. Talk about rushed.

[Thrifty Geek · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read that took us all across the land. Their were different races, and magic styles that created of vibrant world. I thought the scenery of the fete in this book was gorgeous, to bad the company wasn't great. I felt some scenes were drug out too long, and other elements like the romances seem quick to happen seemingly coming out of no where. The dragon battle was beautifully written. You could really get in your mind how it would look. The painted a dour picture of the life of the citizens of an oppressive eleven male household, and the dangers for those trying to usurp them.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable continuation of the first book. Simple writing with an easy plot line. The main characters were explored a little further in depth which was great. I'm curious to see how the last book will go.

[Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great follow-up to the original.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning. Audible don’t do the next book in the series. This book ends in a satisfying way for the characters but the overriding plot isn’t finished.

[Vicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn’t like it as much as the first one. On to the third.

[Tomherndon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book was as fun as first. Again - nice break from the news cycle.

[Georgann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story even more than the first. I loved seeing Rena come into her own and the bad guys getting what's coming to them.

[Jennine Lona Tiedemann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting and passionate. Love this set.

[Michelle Swanson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good sequel , a lot more characters and development then the first book.
If you liked the first book this one is worth the read.

[Rhi Marks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one more than the first. Far more engaging plot and while I wasn't wild about any of the characters, I didn't get annoyed with any.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. Book 4 isn't written though.

[Vanillabean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of a cliffhanger ending on this one.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining overall story.

Writing has much to be desired.