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Darkwood Chronicles #1
Elfhame
Skeleton Key Book Series
One Skeleton Key. Endless Adventures.
https://skeletonkeybookseries.com
ELFHAME - From USA Today bestselling author Anthea Sharp, a richly-imagined fantasy romance uniting an adventurous young woman and a fearsome Dark Elf warrior, in a magical tale reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast. Suitable for readers 12 and up. No explicit content.
Deep in the Darkwood, a mystic portal awaits...
Mara Geary faces a bleak future in the village of Little Hazel until, on the eve of her seventeenth birthday, strange glowing lights beckon her into the mysterious shadows under the trees. She follows, hoping for adventure. What she finds is her destiny...
Prince of the Hawthorne Court, Brannon Luthinor has spent his life becoming a powerful warrior in order to save his people. Now, on the eve of war, his fate is rapidly approaching.
Centuries ago, the Dark Elves retreated to their homeland of Elfhame, sealing the portal between their lands and the human world. But when their realm is threatened, prophecy demands that the doorway be opened, and that Bran marry whatever mortal woman manages to find the hidden key and unlock the door.
Thrown together, Bran and Mara forge an unlikely alliance. But in the face of evil, will they be able to trust their lives - and their hearts - to one another?
One Skeleton Key. Endless Adventures.
https://skeletonkeybookseries.com
ELFHAME - From USA Today bestselling author Anthea Sharp, a richly-imagined fantasy romance uniting an adventurous young woman and a fearsome Dark Elf warrior, in a magical tale reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast. Suitable for readers 12 and up. No explicit content.
Deep in the Darkwood, a mystic portal awaits...
Mara Geary faces a bleak future in the village of Little Hazel until, on the eve of her seventeenth birthday, strange glowing lights beckon her into the mysterious shadows under the trees. She follows, hoping for adventure. What she finds is her destiny...
Prince of the Hawthorne Court, Brannon Luthinor has spent his life becoming a powerful warrior in order to save his people. Now, on the eve of war, his fate is rapidly approaching.
Centuries ago, the Dark Elves retreated to their homeland of Elfhame, sealing the portal between their lands and the human world. But when their realm is threatened, prophecy demands that the doorway be opened, and that Bran marry whatever mortal woman manages to find the hidden key and unlock the door.
Thrown together, Bran and Mara forge an unlikely alliance. But in the face of evil, will they be able to trust their lives - and their hearts - to one another?
234 pages, ebook
First published June 13, 2016
531 people are currently reading
2378 people want to read
About the author
Anthea Sharp
126 books1,292 followersGrowing up, Anthea Sharp spent her summers raiding the library shelves and reading, especially fantasy. She now makes her home in the Pacific Northwest, where she writes, plays the fiddle, hangs out in virtual worlds, and spends time with her small-but-good family. Contact her at antheasharp@hotmail.com, follow her on twitter, find her on facebook (http://www.facebook.com/AntheaSharp), and visit her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
April 13, 2022
Started out so good! I was immediately drawn in and intrigued & couldn’t wait to get a chance to read at night and delve back into the story!
But sadly the rest of the book felt like it was written by someone else. It took on a different vibe & lost that suspenseful intrigue that initially pulled me in. Which is too bad because it couldn’t been something really great had it continued on in that way when Eldhame and the Dark Elves were introduced.
I still enjoyed the story, especially reading in 3rd person multiple, despite the fizzling out and even though the ending became muddled with confusing out of nowhere insta-love.
Had the completely irrational undying love between the two MC’s (who only met like 3x) not ruined the plot, I definitely would continue on with the series. But there’s nothing to root for now. The possibility of romance is no longer something exciting to look forward to, it was rushed into and I’m sad about that.
But still. It’s definitely still a solid read. I highly recommend for fans of cleaner Fae romance such as Cruel Prince and Stolen Songbird.
The trilogy is .99c on Kindle US today (9/26/2020)
Free on Kindle US today (11/6/2019) !
But sadly the rest of the book felt like it was written by someone else. It took on a different vibe & lost that suspenseful intrigue that initially pulled me in. Which is too bad because it couldn’t been something really great had it continued on in that way when Eldhame and the Dark Elves were introduced.
I still enjoyed the story, especially reading in 3rd person multiple, despite the fizzling out and even though the ending became muddled with confusing out of nowhere insta-love.
Had the completely irrational undying love between the two MC’s (who only met like 3x) not ruined the plot, I definitely would continue on with the series. But there’s nothing to root for now. The possibility of romance is no longer something exciting to look forward to, it was rushed into and I’m sad about that.
But still. It’s definitely still a solid read. I highly recommend for fans of cleaner Fae romance such as Cruel Prince and Stolen Songbird.
The trilogy is .99c on Kindle US today (9/26/2020)
Free on Kindle US today (11/6/2019) !
December 11, 2021
2,5 ★
The book would have been great if it weren't for the confusing pacing. The story was moving painfully slow during the first 70% of the book, and then the ending was completely rushed, everything was resolved in like 5 pages or so.
The romance could have been a decent slow-burn, instead it was rushed to the point of ridiculousness. They barely knew each other, they both found each other hideous, had at most two conversations and BAM they were suddenly in 'I can't live without you' kind of love in the last few chapters. No build up of their relationship. At all.
But at least the writing was good.
I still want to read the second book, maybe the sequel will surprise me.
The book would have been great if it weren't for the confusing pacing. The story was moving painfully slow during the first 70% of the book, and then the ending was completely rushed, everything was resolved in like 5 pages or so.
The romance could have been a decent slow-burn, instead it was rushed to the point of ridiculousness. They barely knew each other, they both found each other hideous, had at most two conversations and BAM they were suddenly in 'I can't live without you' kind of love in the last few chapters. No build up of their relationship. At all.
But at least the writing was good.
I still want to read the second book, maybe the sequel will surprise me.
February 7, 2018
I have to say... after the Feyland books I was hoping to be blown away by this book because it just sounds SO good.
And it WAS good, just not the amazing, life-changing good I really hoped for.
I liked the the description of the worlds (as expected because really how many people can do descriptions like Anthea Sharp), I liked the way the author created a new re-telling of Beauty and the Beast. One pretty removed from the original story and yet still with pretty obvious connections.
I guess my biggest complaint would be that because the story is quite short, it wasn't fleshed out and explored to its potential. There were places where I felt like there was too much information about the legend or the worlds being spit out to either the reader or Mara. I wish that could've been intertwined more seamlessly.
I also feel like the romance didn't hit its full potential and seemed kind of shallow because of the short length. Now I don't know if the author didn't want to spend a lot of time specifically on romance (however it IS and beauty and the beast re-telling so LOVE IS KINDA A BIG THING). It felt a little fast/rushed.
The take on the elf world was really cool. I haven't read tons of books with elves in them but they seemed pretty unique to me. As well as the enemies the Dark Elves were fighting against (which I would have loved if they'd been explored more).
Descriptions, although wordy some of the time, were on point. I could see the dangerous, dark vitality of the elf world so well it was like I was there.
(And I kinda wish it hadn't stopped right after the climactic ending. Like guys, I need more. this is not enough)
And it WAS good, just not the amazing, life-changing good I really hoped for.
I liked the the description of the worlds (as expected because really how many people can do descriptions like Anthea Sharp), I liked the way the author created a new re-telling of Beauty and the Beast. One pretty removed from the original story and yet still with pretty obvious connections.
I guess my biggest complaint would be that because the story is quite short, it wasn't fleshed out and explored to its potential. There were places where I felt like there was too much information about the legend or the worlds being spit out to either the reader or Mara. I wish that could've been intertwined more seamlessly.
I also feel like the romance didn't hit its full potential and seemed kind of shallow because of the short length. Now I don't know if the author didn't want to spend a lot of time specifically on romance (however it IS and beauty and the beast re-telling so LOVE IS KINDA A BIG THING). It felt a little fast/rushed.
The take on the elf world was really cool. I haven't read tons of books with elves in them but they seemed pretty unique to me. As well as the enemies the Dark Elves were fighting against (which I would have loved if they'd been explored more).
Descriptions, although wordy some of the time, were on point. I could see the dangerous, dark vitality of the elf world so well it was like I was there.
(And I kinda wish it hadn't stopped right after the climactic ending. Like guys, I need more. this is not enough)
July 8, 2016
Holy smokes! What a trip! Sharp took me out of this world and on an adventure unlike any other with this tale. It was simply magical. The tale was vividly beautiful yet the heaviness of the Dark Court shines through. Not only was the world well developed and the scenery vivid, but the plot was intense. The fast paced tale melded action, adventure, and a healthy dose of unlikely romance to create a whole that I couldn’t put down. And the ending? It definitely brought me to tears. It was fantastic!
Bran was such a fantastic hero. His pride, courage and strength allowed him to stand out while his hidden emotions had my heart breaking for him. Mara’s softness combined with her inner strength and desire to do right were a poignant and at times comical counterpoint to Bran’s machismo. Goodness but I loved these two.
I definitely couldn’t get enough of this story. Sharp has definitely outdone herself this time. I love fantasy and romance and the way that she melded them together was fantastic. This one will be loved by teens and adults alike.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
Bran was such a fantastic hero. His pride, courage and strength allowed him to stand out while his hidden emotions had my heart breaking for him. Mara’s softness combined with her inner strength and desire to do right were a poignant and at times comical counterpoint to Bran’s machismo. Goodness but I loved these two.
I definitely couldn’t get enough of this story. Sharp has definitely outdone herself this time. I love fantasy and romance and the way that she melded them together was fantastic. This one will be loved by teens and adults alike.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2019
Rating ~2.5
This book could have been amazing if the story itself had been given more time to grow and develop. The backbone was there. But due to its length, it felt rushed. And therefore, I did not really believe the main characters fell in love so quickly. It was not exactly insta-love but because the book was so short it felt like it.
This book could have been amazing if the story itself had been given more time to grow and develop. The backbone was there. But due to its length, it felt rushed. And therefore, I did not really believe the main characters fell in love so quickly. It was not exactly insta-love but because the book was so short it felt like it.
May 11, 2020
This is a short, fast-paced book with dark elves and a prophesied, arranged marriage between a dark elf prince and human girl. It is also a Beauty and the Beast retelling that manages to hit all the beats of that original fairy tale in surprising ways.
It is short and fast-paced, which does make the romance and the ending feel a little rushed in places. But I was also glad it didn't linger and drag out.
If you're looking for a steamy elf-human romance, this book isn't it. Maybe later books will have more steam, but in this book, the two main characters are too busy trying not to die to do anything but kiss at the very end. But the romance is all the sweeter for how it is built on working together to save others.
It is short and fast-paced, which does make the romance and the ending feel a little rushed in places. But I was also glad it didn't linger and drag out.
If you're looking for a steamy elf-human romance, this book isn't it. Maybe later books will have more steam, but in this book, the two main characters are too busy trying not to die to do anything but kiss at the very end. But the romance is all the sweeter for how it is built on working together to save others.
February 1, 2020
Elfhame
“Elfhame” was another quick read for me. The story is not too complicated and the world-building is there.
The first half of the book was exciting and page-turning, but the second half went too quickly and the resolution occurred in a blink of the eye.
I wish there was more interaction between Mara and Bran for their romance to feel more believeable, as it comes across as insta-love.
The re-telling selling point is confusing as it only seems to be a “Beauty and the Beast” story because of how Mara describes Bran.
“Elfhame” was another quick read for me. The story is not too complicated and the world-building is there.
The first half of the book was exciting and page-turning, but the second half went too quickly and the resolution occurred in a blink of the eye.
I wish there was more interaction between Mara and Bran for their romance to feel more believeable, as it comes across as insta-love.
The re-telling selling point is confusing as it only seems to be a “Beauty and the Beast” story because of how Mara describes Bran.
December 17, 2019
I really want to brag on this book because HOLY GUACAMOLE WAS IT AMAZING !! 😍
This is probably the best fantasy setting /story I've read this year . On top of that it was also a Beauty and the Beast retelling ,this is hands down the best one I've ever read . It was so unique ,sure there were some familiar tropes ,but there was something so special and original about it !
'Belle' aka Mara wasn't unbelievably perfect she wasn't cut with a Disney Princess cookie cutter .To my surprise I actually liked the female lead Mara and I liked the Prince ,and he's actually not a jerk .I was actually so skeptical just waiting for it to be ruined ,but it never happened . * Explodes in happiness* 😍.
My one problem is how quickly two of the characters fell in love ,but I still didn't ruin the story .
I just adore this so much the settings ,the food ,the atmosphere , the people ,the magic . 😍✨
I really want to visit .😂
Content :
CRYSTAL CLEAN *explodes in happiness* 🤯
This is probably the best fantasy setting /story I've read this year . On top of that it was also a Beauty and the Beast retelling ,this is hands down the best one I've ever read . It was so unique ,sure there were some familiar tropes ,but there was something so special and original about it !
'Belle' aka Mara wasn't unbelievably perfect she wasn't cut with a Disney Princess cookie cutter .To my surprise I actually liked the female lead Mara and I liked the Prince ,and he's actually not a jerk .I was actually so skeptical just waiting for it to be ruined ,but it never happened . * Explodes in happiness* 😍.
My one problem is how quickly two of the characters fell in love ,but I still didn't ruin the story .
I just adore this so much the settings ,the food ,the atmosphere , the people ,the magic . 😍✨
I really want to visit .😂
Content :
CRYSTAL CLEAN *explodes in happiness* 🤯
June 3, 2021
A tale of magic, a realm in danger and a young girl on the brink of womanhood unknowingly fated to be a saviour of a magical realm. Crossing from her everyday life facing a bleak future to a realm of Elves and dark forces trying to destroy it. She is whisked away on a daring and dangerous adventure.
A great read full of magic, danger, challenges, love, friendship, family, courage and destiny.
A great read full of magic, danger, challenges, love, friendship, family, courage and destiny.
October 30, 2021
2.5 stars.
This had a promising beginning but as the story went on, it became obvious that this was fantasy lite. There was some interesting world building but just not enough of it. The characters also needed some more development. Given its short length, I think the author did a credible job. However, compared to full length works, this left some things to be desired. I'm hopeful that everything will be further developed in the second book.
On a positive note, I appreciated the clean content. I also found the little that we heard about the heroine's family dynamics to be hilarious. We have a lot of kids in our house and there is one (or two) who seem like he (or she) doesn't really fit in with anyone else. They're their own person. :0)
This had a promising beginning but as the story went on, it became obvious that this was fantasy lite. There was some interesting world building but just not enough of it. The characters also needed some more development. Given its short length, I think the author did a credible job. However, compared to full length works, this left some things to be desired. I'm hopeful that everything will be further developed in the second book.
On a positive note, I appreciated the clean content. I also found the little that we heard about the heroine's family dynamics to be hilarious. We have a lot of kids in our house and there is one (or two) who seem like he (or she) doesn't really fit in with anyone else. They're their own person. :0)
September 1, 2020
Overall, I enjoyed this story. I agree with other reviewers that the second half could have been better developed - it did seem a little rushed, some of the events crammed together. It never really explained why the two main characters came to love each other, just that they did.
The storytelling could have been stronger with fewer adverbs.
The storytelling could have been stronger with fewer adverbs.
December 28, 2023
Short and sweet.
August 3, 2021
I am a complete sucker for lush, descriptive writing, and this book has it in spades. I was also sold as soon as I saw "Beauty and the Beast retelling" and FRICKIN' DARK ELVES in the description, because ohhhhh, good friends and neighbors, I love me some sexy dark elves.
Unfortunately, I was thinking something more along the lines of sexy Drizzt or Honfleur's Dark Elves of Nightbloom, and this isn't quite the same thing. It's also very light on the romance. This may be a fault with my expectations going in, but the blurb did make it sound like there would be more romance in this fantasy than was actually delivered. And yet I don't think the author was pulling the old ploy of taking a single novel's worth of content and bloating it into multiple books. There's no bloat here. Quite the opposite. I found myself craving more meat, because the bones are promising. (It's my metaphor, I'll mangle it if I want to! 😆)
Its excellent world-building would have been better served, I think, by weaving it more seamlessly with the narrative. Less info-dumping, more tapestry weaving.
Still, I'm game for the next book, so we shall see how it goes! 😃
Unfortunately, I was thinking something more along the lines of sexy Drizzt or Honfleur's Dark Elves of Nightbloom, and this isn't quite the same thing. It's also very light on the romance. This may be a fault with my expectations going in, but the blurb did make it sound like there would be more romance in this fantasy than was actually delivered. And yet I don't think the author was pulling the old ploy of taking a single novel's worth of content and bloating it into multiple books. There's no bloat here. Quite the opposite. I found myself craving more meat, because the bones are promising. (It's my metaphor, I'll mangle it if I want to! 😆)
Its excellent world-building would have been better served, I think, by weaving it more seamlessly with the narrative. Less info-dumping, more tapestry weaving.
Still, I'm game for the next book, so we shall see how it goes! 😃
July 8, 2021
This is one of those 'eh' books that you read to fill some time and forget about the next day. Which is a shame, because it has potential. There's some great little metaphors and dialogue in there, it's just hindered by- almost everything else.
Don't get me wrong, it's eminently readable. I spend through it with a few cups of tea and a a couple of spare half-hour gaps in my day. And I enjoyed it while I was reading it.
But it's too fast. The pacing is all the way off, charging headfirst through the plot as if desperate just to get it over with. The plot itself hinges on a mysterious threat known as The Void which is never explained or even really properly touched upon. Likewise the magic remains a complete mystery to us and especially to our heroine, who is so special she doesn't even know what she's doing as she staggers bravely from one scene to the next.
As I say, ask me about this tomorrow morning, and I'll have considerably fewer opinions. Ask me next week, and I'm not even sure I'll remember reading it.
Don't get me wrong, it's eminently readable. I spend through it with a few cups of tea and a a couple of spare half-hour gaps in my day. And I enjoyed it while I was reading it.
But it's too fast. The pacing is all the way off, charging headfirst through the plot as if desperate just to get it over with. The plot itself hinges on a mysterious threat known as The Void which is never explained or even really properly touched upon. Likewise the magic remains a complete mystery to us and especially to our heroine, who is so special she doesn't even know what she's doing as she staggers bravely from one scene to the next.
As I say, ask me about this tomorrow morning, and I'll have considerably fewer opinions. Ask me next week, and I'm not even sure I'll remember reading it.
September 14, 2019
Elfhame
Dark and dangerous. A fantastic fantasy adventure full of magic, suspense and love. I really enjoyed the story and characters. The story was a bit fast paced and I would’ve loved to see the characters relationship develop further but overall it was good and I look forward to seeing what happens next.
Dark and dangerous. A fantastic fantasy adventure full of magic, suspense and love. I really enjoyed the story and characters. The story was a bit fast paced and I would’ve loved to see the characters relationship develop further but overall it was good and I look forward to seeing what happens next.
January 13, 2021
This is a new author for me and I am glad that I found her.
Mara wants out of Little Hazel but had no idea that following the glowing lights (tiny little people) would bring her into a very dangerous adventure.
Brannon Luthinor, a dark elf prince, is on his way back to battling the evil creatures escaping from the void. Their shields have been failing and there are only two or three elves strong enough in their magic to hold back the evil. He has been waiting for the mortal woman from the prophesy to come, and it better be soon, or there will be no hope. That's when he runs across Mara fighting one of the evil creatures. She used the glass key to make her way into this new world, and now she finds she must marry the prince if they are all to survive!
This is a clean read.
Mara wants out of Little Hazel but had no idea that following the glowing lights (tiny little people) would bring her into a very dangerous adventure.
Brannon Luthinor, a dark elf prince, is on his way back to battling the evil creatures escaping from the void. Their shields have been failing and there are only two or three elves strong enough in their magic to hold back the evil. He has been waiting for the mortal woman from the prophesy to come, and it better be soon, or there will be no hope. That's when he runs across Mara fighting one of the evil creatures. She used the glass key to make her way into this new world, and now she finds she must marry the prince if they are all to survive!
This is a clean read.
May 9, 2021
Oh man, this book was awful. I'm sorry but it was so so bad. I mean I'm all for a fast paced. Ok but there was literally no set up in this. Within hours of coming to Elfhame she's marry Bram (which is okay I'm fine with a forced marriage troupe) but then minutes later she's defeating this great terrible evil with some magic she just found out about a couple hours before. And then they're confessing their undying love for each other less than 24 hours after they meet. Like seriously? I lost count how many times I rolled my eyes in this one. At least it was a quick read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2019
I hate to say it, but I have a huge bias against stories labeled as re-tellings. In fact, I absolutely abhor them, I avoid them at all costs, you can’t pay me enough to read them. I find the label distracting, I spend my entire time looking for similarities between the original and current, comparing and contrasting the changes made, and looking for key plot points to appear. Also why read something if you already know how it’s more or less going to pan out/end? I almost didn’t read Elfhame because of this label. I passed it up time and time again, and I find myself here now only thanks to a free promotional download. Thank you free downloads, because with out you I would have continued to pass up a quite enjoyable tale.
Maybe I enjoyed it so much because it doesn’t share much in common with it’s supposed origin - Beauty and the Beast. In fact, once you get past the fact that it revolves around a mortal woman, who doesn’t want to marry the local woodcutter, dreams of a more fulfilling life, and likes to read, and an Elf, whose appearance may be considered ‘beastly’ to a mortal’s eye (not really, but Mara thinks so…), the two tales share nothing else in common. In fact, Sharp does herself a disservice comparing the two, and Elfhame deserves to stand on its own merits without the tie in.
Advertised as a free book, I was surprised by the quality of this tale. Although it clocks in at slightly more than 200 pages, Sharp is able to create quite a compelling, if short, story. Her writing is mature and straightforward. And although the world is not nearly as fleshed out as I would want to be, the details included are rich. I was also surprised by the amount of conflict and plot she was able to cram into Elfhame, and although we never truly understand why the Void exists or what it really wants/is, those details are not as missed as would be expected because I was busy enjoying the interaction between Bran and Mara.
Although overall I enjoyed reading it, there are a few areas that I wish were stronger. On their own both Mara and Bran are compelling characters. I love Mara’s strength and backbone. Bran’s quiet stoicism and dry humor is written with a deft hand. The two of them together have the potential to be quite the complimentary couple, and yet the romance never really materializes. That is not to say it doesn’t occur, it’s just that for the amount of pages Sharp has left herself to convincingly commit them to one another, she doesn’t use her time well. I appreciate that they both initially stick together out of duty/promises made. I appreciate that it takes them a while to get past initial appearances. I appreciate that they have a realm to save and thus not a lot of time to get to know one another, but once the battle is won there seems to be an outpouring of love towards each other that doesn’t really have the chance to grow within the bulk of the tale.
I think part of this problem is that Sharp spends almost too much time setting the stage for a story that is too short to hold this amount of information. In a 300 page novel her opening wouldn’t be remiss. And even as it currently stands it is nice, although superfluous, to see Mara and Bran’s lives within their own world before they come together. But they don’t actually meet until 30% in, and by then, with a conflict brewing, there isn’t enough time left for Sharp to commit to letting Mara and Bran spend time together without outside forces influencing them. They simply need more time to get to know each other.
I’m happy to see that Mara and Bran’s tale will continue on in Hawthorne, and I hope that a sequel will give Sharp the time needed to build upon their relationship. Both characters are just beginning to bloom, and I would like to spend more time with them. Elfhame came around just at the right time when I needed a break from more mentally stimulating novels. I had a lovely time drifting through the Darkwoods and I hope to return to it sometime soon. ***4 lilting stars***
Maybe I enjoyed it so much because it doesn’t share much in common with it’s supposed origin - Beauty and the Beast. In fact, once you get past the fact that it revolves around a mortal woman, who doesn’t want to marry the local woodcutter, dreams of a more fulfilling life, and likes to read, and an Elf, whose appearance may be considered ‘beastly’ to a mortal’s eye (not really, but Mara thinks so…), the two tales share nothing else in common. In fact, Sharp does herself a disservice comparing the two, and Elfhame deserves to stand on its own merits without the tie in.
Advertised as a free book, I was surprised by the quality of this tale. Although it clocks in at slightly more than 200 pages, Sharp is able to create quite a compelling, if short, story. Her writing is mature and straightforward. And although the world is not nearly as fleshed out as I would want to be, the details included are rich. I was also surprised by the amount of conflict and plot she was able to cram into Elfhame, and although we never truly understand why the Void exists or what it really wants/is, those details are not as missed as would be expected because I was busy enjoying the interaction between Bran and Mara.
Although overall I enjoyed reading it, there are a few areas that I wish were stronger. On their own both Mara and Bran are compelling characters. I love Mara’s strength and backbone. Bran’s quiet stoicism and dry humor is written with a deft hand. The two of them together have the potential to be quite the complimentary couple, and yet the romance never really materializes. That is not to say it doesn’t occur, it’s just that for the amount of pages Sharp has left herself to convincingly commit them to one another, she doesn’t use her time well. I appreciate that they both initially stick together out of duty/promises made. I appreciate that it takes them a while to get past initial appearances. I appreciate that they have a realm to save and thus not a lot of time to get to know one another, but once the battle is won there seems to be an outpouring of love towards each other that doesn’t really have the chance to grow within the bulk of the tale.
I think part of this problem is that Sharp spends almost too much time setting the stage for a story that is too short to hold this amount of information. In a 300 page novel her opening wouldn’t be remiss. And even as it currently stands it is nice, although superfluous, to see Mara and Bran’s lives within their own world before they come together. But they don’t actually meet until 30% in, and by then, with a conflict brewing, there isn’t enough time left for Sharp to commit to letting Mara and Bran spend time together without outside forces influencing them. They simply need more time to get to know each other.
I’m happy to see that Mara and Bran’s tale will continue on in Hawthorne, and I hope that a sequel will give Sharp the time needed to build upon their relationship. Both characters are just beginning to bloom, and I would like to spend more time with them. Elfhame came around just at the right time when I needed a break from more mentally stimulating novels. I had a lovely time drifting through the Darkwoods and I hope to return to it sometime soon. ***4 lilting stars***
December 27, 2020
I'm stuck between rating this a 2 or 3 star, which is why I really wish there were 1/2 star ratings. The pacing felt really off here. The almost first 40% of the book was slow and dull, and I was so close to DNFing. The characters were forced together without any time to build a relationship, so the romance felt unrealistic.
Just ended up not being the book for me, and I don't think I'll be continuing with the series.
Just ended up not being the book for me, and I don't think I'll be continuing with the series.
August 6, 2020
This book was a hidden gem.
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book, but it was surprisingly pleasant. The world building and lore was great. My only complaint is that it went by too fast. I feel like the book could have been a little longer and more intense. I felt like I blinked and all of a sudden the book was over.
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book, but it was surprisingly pleasant. The world building and lore was great. My only complaint is that it went by too fast. I feel like the book could have been a little longer and more intense. I felt like I blinked and all of a sudden the book was over.
May 14, 2023
An Excellent Fantasy Tale
This was an excellent fantasy tale. I didn't want to stop reading. It's not very long, but it's packed with action, adventure, and romance. If you're looking for a clean fantasy story which stays true to the genre, in my opinion, then you won't want to miss this one.
This was an excellent fantasy tale. I didn't want to stop reading. It's not very long, but it's packed with action, adventure, and romance. If you're looking for a clean fantasy story which stays true to the genre, in my opinion, then you won't want to miss this one.
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November 28, 2019Def way tok short, but good writing and engaging story!
September 24, 2020
Seriously cute story, read in a single day, enjoyed it thoroughly.
Light on romance, but a very strong fairy tale retelling.
Light on romance, but a very strong fairy tale retelling.
January 1, 2023
The ending was amazing. The whole book was a bit rushed tho. Still loved it!
February 4, 2019
I frankly adore Anthea Sharp, both her astonishingly wonderful Feyland books and the others I’ve read (and I think I’ve read most of what she’s written at this point). Thus you can imagine my glee to discover that there’s a whole new series of books by her, the Darkwood Trilogy, of which Elfhame is the first book (it’s also somehow linked to something called the Skeleton Key books, but I haven’t figured out that connection yet). Elfhame is truly spectacular, a Dark Elf Fairy Tale, a romance, an adventure and a real thrilling ride of a story all wrapped together by superb writing and a fabulous cast from Mara Geary, human gal from Little Hazel village, to Brannon Luthinor, elven Prince of the Hawthorne Court on down. This is just a truly fantastic and fun novel. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises. The book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to Hawthorne, the next book in this series.
June 14, 2016
Anthea took such unique approach to this book. When the book is through the mortal women's viewpoint, the story is strictly through her perspective. Thoughts of others are not interspersed with hers; we move along the story with her view of reality. Although the Prince has his own moments of introspection, they are nothing to Mara's. And the description of the Dark Elves (so now I know why they are called that!) is also unique. These are not the elves of Tolkien! Anthea didn't downplay the differences between the two races but used those differences to help create the storyline. Finally, the elfin clothes were created with folding and tucking and wrapping so that they really were a one size fits all! What a great idea! I could sure use clothes like that.
I received copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I received copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2016
From The Book Junkie Reads . . .
A young adult fantasy that was all about the female lead and her fate to become the one to marry. Marry a dark elven prince may not have been on her to do list for the day. Mara was resourceful and strong. Mara had inner strength the worked to her advantage. She was sweet and very compassionate. Bran was no slouch in the hero department. But following prophecy was not exactly what he was wanting either. He was more than what was on the surface.
Watching this world come together with the vivid imagery evoked by the words made for a fantastical read with supernatural beings. The Dark Elves were what some nightmares were made of but the world was rich and truly alive. This was a dark edition to the Skeleton Key series. It has most certainly earned its spot.
**This ARC was provided via IndieSage PR via Kindle in exchange for an honest review.**
A young adult fantasy that was all about the female lead and her fate to become the one to marry. Marry a dark elven prince may not have been on her to do list for the day. Mara was resourceful and strong. Mara had inner strength the worked to her advantage. She was sweet and very compassionate. Bran was no slouch in the hero department. But following prophecy was not exactly what he was wanting either. He was more than what was on the surface.
Watching this world come together with the vivid imagery evoked by the words made for a fantastical read with supernatural beings. The Dark Elves were what some nightmares were made of but the world was rich and truly alive. This was a dark edition to the Skeleton Key series. It has most certainly earned its spot.
**This ARC was provided via IndieSage PR via Kindle in exchange for an honest review.**
June 17, 2016
Wow, what a great story.
Elfhame by Anthea Sharp has it all, suspense, action, romance and even different species. A prophecy brings together Brann, a dark elf, and Mara, a mortal young woman. It was said that during Elfhame's greatest need, a doorway would open bringing a mortal woman that Brann would need to marry if they were to save Elfhame. While Brann has know of this prophecy his entire life, Mara know nothing about it until she find an unusual skeleton key, that leads her into another world filled with terrifying creatures and where magic seems to be in abundance.
This book was very well written and I hope that Anthea continues this storyline. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves intrigue and fairy tales.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Elfhame by Anthea Sharp has it all, suspense, action, romance and even different species. A prophecy brings together Brann, a dark elf, and Mara, a mortal young woman. It was said that during Elfhame's greatest need, a doorway would open bringing a mortal woman that Brann would need to marry if they were to save Elfhame. While Brann has know of this prophecy his entire life, Mara know nothing about it until she find an unusual skeleton key, that leads her into another world filled with terrifying creatures and where magic seems to be in abundance.
This book was very well written and I hope that Anthea continues this storyline. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves intrigue and fairy tales.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 22, 2019
Meh
I'm going to be honest, the only reason I even looked at this book is because it was a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It was fast paced, which was both a good thing and a bad thing. It was good because you got to experience a whole lot in a small amount of pages. However, it could have been more detailed and enhanced to make the world pop out a bit more. And they fell in love too fast, which I didn't like at all. This could have been such a great story if there was more behind it.
I'm going to be honest, the only reason I even looked at this book is because it was a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It was fast paced, which was both a good thing and a bad thing. It was good because you got to experience a whole lot in a small amount of pages. However, it could have been more detailed and enhanced to make the world pop out a bit more. And they fell in love too fast, which I didn't like at all. This could have been such a great story if there was more behind it.
June 22, 2016
Elfhame was an intriguing story of a young woman who finds herself as a unlikely heroine in a world full of magical forces, both light and dark. The storyline was slightly predictable, but the author kept you intrigued with beautifully detailed writing. I would highly recommend! Looking forward to reading more in the Skeleton Key series! <>
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