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Return of the Elves #4
Seared
A reluctant prince
After more than three hundred years on Earth, Prince Ralan has finally returned to Moranaia. But with his wicked brother Kien on the loose, the homecoming is a short one. A dire vision sends Ralan back to Earth to save his soulbonded from his dark brother. The problem? Ralan’s Sight grows more erratic by the moment even as danger closes in on every side.
A woman far from home
Ever since a failed alliance ruined her family, Cora has lived on Earth. Far from discontent, her days are spent running her clothing shop and helping newly arrived fae adapt to mundane life. Then a golden-eyed prince strides into her store, trouble stalking his heels. Big trouble.
A fate foretold
Ralan’s Sight might be broken, but one thing remains clear—stopping Kien will mean Ralan’s death. So how could the Gods choose now to introduce his soulbonded? As Ralan and Cora search for Kien, their relationship grows stronger. Unfortunately, so does the threat. Now Ralan must choose between his own life and the fate of all their worlds.
After more than three hundred years on Earth, Prince Ralan has finally returned to Moranaia. But with his wicked brother Kien on the loose, the homecoming is a short one. A dire vision sends Ralan back to Earth to save his soulbonded from his dark brother. The problem? Ralan’s Sight grows more erratic by the moment even as danger closes in on every side.
A woman far from home
Ever since a failed alliance ruined her family, Cora has lived on Earth. Far from discontent, her days are spent running her clothing shop and helping newly arrived fae adapt to mundane life. Then a golden-eyed prince strides into her store, trouble stalking his heels. Big trouble.
A fate foretold
Ralan’s Sight might be broken, but one thing remains clear—stopping Kien will mean Ralan’s death. So how could the Gods choose now to introduce his soulbonded? As Ralan and Cora search for Kien, their relationship grows stronger. Unfortunately, so does the threat. Now Ralan must choose between his own life and the fate of all their worlds.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2017
369 people are currently reading
714 people want to read
About the author
Bethany Adams
25 books717 followersEver since finding a copy of The Hero and the Crown in her elementary school library, Bethany has loved fantasy. After subjecting her friends to stories scrawled in notebooks during study breaks all through high school, she decided to pursue an English degree at Middle Tennessee State University. When not writing or wrangling her two small children, Bethany enjoys reading, photography, and video games.
CURRENTLY WRITING: Solace, book 8 of The Return of the Elves. Status: In editing
CURRENTLY WRITING: Solace, book 8 of The Return of the Elves. Status: In editing
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
February 27, 2020
I devoured the first 3 books in this series and loved them. They were excellent fantasy books with a touch of romance but the focus was on world-building and the storyline.
This book was still well-crafted in terms of the technical aspects with one major irritation--the goddess Megelien screams her every line (her words are in all capital letters). I understand it was an effort to make that dialogue special, indicating that it was a conversation with Ralal's diety, but all caps was a bad format choice. It's jarring. Eradisiel and the goddess the tree connects to don't yell in their communication so I don't understand the difference, but it served to annoy me in every scene that Megelien communicates in.
Also, there was more romance and characters making stupid choices because they choose not to have an adult conversation and react excessively to plot twists where the first 3 books felt like the characters were actually behaving like adults and reasoning instead of reacting. Here, the world aspects and characters are consistent with the first 3 books in the series but there's more reacting instead of reasoning. It also felt like the romance was more dramatized and focused in this book instead of being a part of the story unfolding--forced instead of organic in the story, the sex scene was also more explicit, not particularly erotic and, in my opinion, the book would have been better without the explicit scene and the usual romance novel tropes.
This one serves to complete the storyline involving Kien, but it was a disappointment overall.
This book was still well-crafted in terms of the technical aspects with one major irritation--the goddess Megelien screams her every line (her words are in all capital letters). I understand it was an effort to make that dialogue special, indicating that it was a conversation with Ralal's diety, but all caps was a bad format choice. It's jarring. Eradisiel and the goddess the tree connects to don't yell in their communication so I don't understand the difference, but it served to annoy me in every scene that Megelien communicates in.
Also, there was more romance and characters making stupid choices because they choose not to have an adult conversation and react excessively to plot twists where the first 3 books felt like the characters were actually behaving like adults and reasoning instead of reacting. Here, the world aspects and characters are consistent with the first 3 books in the series but there's more reacting instead of reasoning. It also felt like the romance was more dramatized and focused in this book instead of being a part of the story unfolding--forced instead of organic in the story, the sex scene was also more explicit, not particularly erotic and, in my opinion, the book would have been better without the explicit scene and the usual romance novel tropes.
This one serves to complete the storyline involving Kien, but it was a disappointment overall.
January 4, 2024
3.75⭐️
Great world building — ever growing, easy writing, entertaining and fun.
I’ll likely keep reading the series as it’s free on Audible.
Great world building — ever growing, easy writing, entertaining and fun.
I’ll likely keep reading the series as it’s free on Audible.
March 30, 2020
A very thrilling book full of action both on earth and on Moranaia as the hunt for Kien is full on. In the process Ralan who is hunting for his brother, together with his student Delbin and Inona his soulbonded and warrior guide meets his own soulbonded, Cora. They encounter many assassins working for Kien namely, Patrick and Victor and the Fen, an unseelie mage, some half-bloods and some exiled to earth. The plan to poison earth was still being worked upon and Ralan knew his brother's evil plans had to be stopped before they caused the intended threat to his father and King back home. Cora's friend and assistant Maddy is hurt in one of the battles at the cave where Kien and his minions were hiding but she was not meant to die at his hands. This book is very riveting from start to finish, I love the new characters which have been introduced, I also really love the precociousness of Eri, Ralan's young very talented seer daughter, and the surly attitude of the very caring and overworked healer Lial. Would love to see his love for Lynia, Lyr's gracious mother, returned as they both deserve happiness. I am still addicted to this series and though this book gives us a bit of closure I would dearly love to go on reading into the beautifully descriptive narrative about Moranaia and the lovely elves who dwell there.
March 20, 2018
Oh My!
This one went p!aces I never Saw. My only complaint is that now I'm at Bethany Adams' mercy awaiting the next novel. The characters, worlds, and stories are so rich and beautifully conceived. I envy her the time she has spent among the Fae.
This one went p!aces I never Saw. My only complaint is that now I'm at Bethany Adams' mercy awaiting the next novel. The characters, worlds, and stories are so rich and beautifully conceived. I envy her the time she has spent among the Fae.
January 6, 2024
Ehhh, this was just very insta-lovey. Very predictable. And not as interesting as the other books.
February 16, 2024
I think this is my favourite book in the series so far. Was really hard to put it down.
June 30, 2018
Just WOW! Seared is an amazing addition to the Return of the Elves series. It is a series which has never disappointed but this was just exceptional and it is always a huge testament to the skill of an author when a series goes from strength to strength in the way this series does. In all honesty Seared utterly blew me away and left me almost breathless at times. There is never a dull moment and like a seers threads, there are so many avenues and possibilities across the pages. We are introduced to some new characters with perhaps a hint of future things to come from the series as well as a healthy dose of the characters we know and love. Of course there will always be plenty of time for more Kai!
This book however, focuses on Ralan, who had already endeared himself as an amazing character from the previous books, Kien is still on the loose and needs to be shut down. Ralan has angered the goddess of sight so all he ever sees is his own painful and inevitable death. There is a level of acceptance until Cora appears on the scene. There is an immediate affinity between the two, having spent as much time on earth as each other in the past – but there is more to it and in more ways than you would think. As has become a feature of the series, we know that each book now will be based around a soulbond, which I love! But for Ralan and Cora it is bittersweet and proves to be one of the most shocking and standout moments of the series when the depth of their connection is revealed. I was left reeling after that scene which was so emotional and intense, I struggled to pick my jaw up off the floor. Eri continues to be just adorable, so much sight and pressure on one so young though. One of my favourite lines in the book sums her up so perfectly “When a six year old seer with the touch of the goddess tells you to go save someone you do it.” I hope that she remains such an integral part to the series in future as great things can come from her.
This book also shows the start of a more darker tone. Yes, there is still the wonderful less is more but still hand fan worthy romance, but there is no shying away from the fact that there is bad stuff going down. The two meld so well together which adds to the pace and emotion in the words. Kien’s threat is real and dangerous and the story isn’t tempered in that regard. It’s not often a book leaves me so speechless I struggle with writing a review but I really have with this. There are lots of twists and storylines coming together but I don’t want to say more for fear of spoilers, but the payoff in Seared is huge!
Seared is outstanding. If you have not read the series yet I recommend you do so right now! The depth of the world building, the character development and the layers upon layers of amazing story telling make me want to give this six stars and beyond if I could but for now I give this a highly commended 5*
This book however, focuses on Ralan, who had already endeared himself as an amazing character from the previous books, Kien is still on the loose and needs to be shut down. Ralan has angered the goddess of sight so all he ever sees is his own painful and inevitable death. There is a level of acceptance until Cora appears on the scene. There is an immediate affinity between the two, having spent as much time on earth as each other in the past – but there is more to it and in more ways than you would think. As has become a feature of the series, we know that each book now will be based around a soulbond, which I love! But for Ralan and Cora it is bittersweet and proves to be one of the most shocking and standout moments of the series when the depth of their connection is revealed. I was left reeling after that scene which was so emotional and intense, I struggled to pick my jaw up off the floor. Eri continues to be just adorable, so much sight and pressure on one so young though. One of my favourite lines in the book sums her up so perfectly “When a six year old seer with the touch of the goddess tells you to go save someone you do it.” I hope that she remains such an integral part to the series in future as great things can come from her.
This book also shows the start of a more darker tone. Yes, there is still the wonderful less is more but still hand fan worthy romance, but there is no shying away from the fact that there is bad stuff going down. The two meld so well together which adds to the pace and emotion in the words. Kien’s threat is real and dangerous and the story isn’t tempered in that regard. It’s not often a book leaves me so speechless I struggle with writing a review but I really have with this. There are lots of twists and storylines coming together but I don’t want to say more for fear of spoilers, but the payoff in Seared is huge!
Seared is outstanding. If you have not read the series yet I recommend you do so right now! The depth of the world building, the character development and the layers upon layers of amazing story telling make me want to give this six stars and beyond if I could but for now I give this a highly commended 5*
May 10, 2018
When the uncommon becomes common
I am really enjoying this series. The writing is clean and engaging, the story original and imaginative, but one thing that disappoints me is that the reader is given the impression in the first book that everyone has a soulbonded, but not everyone finds them, that finding the connection is rare and precious. Yet nearly every major character is finding them. That is the one aspect of the stories that disappoints me. It barely feels special anymore. Don't get me wrong, though. I am loving the books.
I am really enjoying this series. The writing is clean and engaging, the story original and imaginative, but one thing that disappoints me is that the reader is given the impression in the first book that everyone has a soulbonded, but not everyone finds them, that finding the connection is rare and precious. Yet nearly every major character is finding them. That is the one aspect of the stories that disappoints me. It barely feels special anymore. Don't get me wrong, though. I am loving the books.
April 3, 2018
Great Read
Well written characters, great adventure, excitement, edge of your seat battles with more of a merging with the original characters.
I cannot wait to read the next book. The writer gets better with each book.
Well written characters, great adventure, excitement, edge of your seat battles with more of a merging with the original characters.
I cannot wait to read the next book. The writer gets better with each book.
June 20, 2025
I liked this one okay, but not as much as I liked either Soulbound or Sundered. Ralan caught my interest at his introduction, but by the time he became the star of his own book I liked him less. To a certain degree this was allayed by his being the main character, so that I got to experience his point of view more. But his gift doesn't make a whole lot of sense. He can see things sometimes. Much of what he sees is useless because it's always changing. But some of what he sees is absolutely right or absolutely going to happen. He's kind of arrogant and arbitrary and some of that's his being a prince and some of it's his gift and everyone gets mad at him and then everyone feels badly because of his gift and gets over it. Over and over again. And his daughter has the gift stronger and clearer and better than he does, and is jumping in and telling people what to do or not do all over the place, which is simultaneously less irritating because she's just a kid, and maybe less believable because of how young she is? Either way, it's sort of redundant.
Magic is tricky in a book, because if you come up with special powers as an author, you then have to come of with special challenges. Prophecy is extremely tricky in a book because you need a plot. You need tension. You need the readers to wonder how they're going to pull through and if they're going to pull through. Some all knowing character telling people what to do cuts down significantly on tension. So, as soon as an author introduces a power like that, they immediately have to put boundaries on it or otherwise do something to mitigate it and render it less powerful. Like in Homer, Cassandra has the gift of prophecy and the curse that no one will ever believe her. Here, Ralan has this gift he's turned his back on for 300 years that he's now using again. Only it's not working right. Except when it is. And either way, his daughter's gift makes up for when his gift isn't working. And then there's the goddess who used to help Ralan when he was a child and now helps his daughter and who may help him or may not help him because he's an adult, or may be angry with him because he turned his back on his gift for 300 years, or may be happy to help him. I don't know. It was a lot of stuff, and I didn't really ever feel like I understood the full positive side or full burden of the gift, or how it was to be used. There's the assertion that a Seer would make a terrible king, and the fact that Ralan will be king...and the conflict between these two statements is never resolved.
The love story with Cora is pretty arbitrary. I think I felt more strongly for all three of the previous couples than I did for Ralan and Cora. Though there was something toward the beginning of it that I really liked. Something about how Ralan didn't know Cora yet, but felt safe with her because of the soul bond and like he could grow to love her. I really liked that idea. That the soul bond doesn't equal love or create love, but rather creates a safe relationship in which love can grow. But within a page or two after that he's suddenly deciding he loves her. I wanted more depth, I think.
Magic is tricky in a book, because if you come up with special powers as an author, you then have to come of with special challenges. Prophecy is extremely tricky in a book because you need a plot. You need tension. You need the readers to wonder how they're going to pull through and if they're going to pull through. Some all knowing character telling people what to do cuts down significantly on tension. So, as soon as an author introduces a power like that, they immediately have to put boundaries on it or otherwise do something to mitigate it and render it less powerful. Like in Homer, Cassandra has the gift of prophecy and the curse that no one will ever believe her. Here, Ralan has this gift he's turned his back on for 300 years that he's now using again. Only it's not working right. Except when it is. And either way, his daughter's gift makes up for when his gift isn't working. And then there's the goddess who used to help Ralan when he was a child and now helps his daughter and who may help him or may not help him because he's an adult, or may be angry with him because he turned his back on his gift for 300 years, or may be happy to help him. I don't know. It was a lot of stuff, and I didn't really ever feel like I understood the full positive side or full burden of the gift, or how it was to be used. There's the assertion that a Seer would make a terrible king, and the fact that Ralan will be king...and the conflict between these two statements is never resolved.
The love story with Cora is pretty arbitrary. I think I felt more strongly for all three of the previous couples than I did for Ralan and Cora. Though there was something toward the beginning of it that I really liked. Something about how Ralan didn't know Cora yet, but felt safe with her because of the soul bond and like he could grow to love her. I really liked that idea. That the soul bond doesn't equal love or create love, but rather creates a safe relationship in which love can grow. But within a page or two after that he's suddenly deciding he loves her. I wanted more depth, I think.
March 25, 2018
Oh my god, this was actually amazing. 5/5 stars for sure!!!
This is the story of Prince Ralan and his bonded Cora. Guys. I thought I had this book figured out. I'm generally very good at spotting plot twists from a mile away but there were quite a few that snuck up on me without warning.
Like I had to put the book down and pause for a second while my thoughts ran in the direction of something like "Did that really just happen? For real? I didn't read that wrong?". Like I was actually shook! Its actually been so long since i've been surprised by a book of this sort which I found honestly refreshing.
The characters themselves were amazing!!! I actually liked Cora more than Ralan in this one - which is wierd because I figured it would be the other way around. Cora comes into our lives a wary yet self assured individual. She's scared because she's constantly looking over her shoulders and running from her demons but throughout the book, she changes from being a cornered and caged bird to this glorious pheonix (you'll see why when you read the book). Like can we all just take a moment to appreciate this girl's character development?! I have no words. Its phenomenal how intricate and lifelike some of these characters are like.. and near the end with Ralan's last battle with Kien and what she's able to do after his injury?! Yess Queeen!!! Pheonix indeed.
I'm still wondering what that flash was. I am 99.99825% sure that it is foreshadowing for the future. And Eri. Eri is awesome. She's like a happy little bundle of energy, cuteness and raw power. I can't wait to see what the future will bring for her with all the hints Ralan was dropping in this book and some of the others.
I can't wait until Abyss comes out late May 2018!!!
This is the story of Prince Ralan and his bonded Cora. Guys. I thought I had this book figured out. I'm generally very good at spotting plot twists from a mile away but there were quite a few that snuck up on me without warning.
Like I had to put the book down and pause for a second while my thoughts ran in the direction of something like "Did that really just happen? For real? I didn't read that wrong?". Like I was actually shook! Its actually been so long since i've been surprised by a book of this sort which I found honestly refreshing.
The characters themselves were amazing!!! I actually liked Cora more than Ralan in this one - which is wierd because I figured it would be the other way around. Cora comes into our lives a wary yet self assured individual. She's scared because she's constantly looking over her shoulders and running from her demons but throughout the book, she changes from being a cornered and caged bird to this glorious pheonix (you'll see why when you read the book). Like can we all just take a moment to appreciate this girl's character development?! I have no words. Its phenomenal how intricate and lifelike some of these characters are like.. and near the end with Ralan's last battle with Kien and what she's able to do after his injury?! Yess Queeen!!! Pheonix indeed.
I'm still wondering what that flash was. I am 99.99825% sure that it is foreshadowing for the future. And Eri. Eri is awesome. She's like a happy little bundle of energy, cuteness and raw power. I can't wait to see what the future will bring for her with all the hints Ralan was dropping in this book and some of the others.
I can't wait until Abyss comes out late May 2018!!!
May 23, 2022
Prince Ralan is haunted by visions of his own death and his erratic seer powers. However, he must stop his brother Kien now before he is able to poison the magical connections between the realms again or assume the Moranaian throne by force. The goddess Megelien grants him a clear image of Cora on earth. This strange fae appears to be his soulbounded and somehow within Kien’s grasp. Ralan leaves his beloved daughter Eri in the care of Lyr and races to help an enchanting seamstress, resolve an abduction, and guide his loved ones to the best possible future left open to him.
This one seems to be a good representative for the series. The stories aren’t exactly stand alone. There are nagging unfinished threads and unresolved relationships as each book jumps to different points of view. The world building has some truly interesting concepts or quirks, but they tend to get relegated to the background or left vague. The characters are likable in some way if a bit variable in personality to fit the current plot. It’s a more complete arc than the novella style third entry. The increase in action and drama set a darker, but also richer tone. The protagonists being royalty set higher stakes for our growing cast. The connected past adds layers in this particular entry, but overall I am still disappointing by the insta-love, all too commonplace, soul bond which drives the romance elements. I’m glad to have tried something different, but I’m not sure I’ll continue with the franchise.
This one seems to be a good representative for the series. The stories aren’t exactly stand alone. There are nagging unfinished threads and unresolved relationships as each book jumps to different points of view. The world building has some truly interesting concepts or quirks, but they tend to get relegated to the background or left vague. The characters are likable in some way if a bit variable in personality to fit the current plot. It’s a more complete arc than the novella style third entry. The increase in action and drama set a darker, but also richer tone. The protagonists being royalty set higher stakes for our growing cast. The connected past adds layers in this particular entry, but overall I am still disappointing by the insta-love, all too commonplace, soul bond which drives the romance elements. I’m glad to have tried something different, but I’m not sure I’ll continue with the franchise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2023
The premise of the whole series interests me that is why I kept trudging on every book. In the end I cannot connect with the characters because they annoy me. The second book's hero is wounded half the book and by this third book it became apparent to me that the heroines are forced into staying with their respective hero but it is okay because apparently they already decided 'on their mind' to stay before the event that forced them to be tied down occurred.
Anybody else hear the warning bells with me?
All hero and heroines of these 3 books has this self-flagellating personality. They think so big of themselves that they think all the bad things happening are because of them. "All their fault." By this third book it is nauseating to read and accept. I just started book 4 and its the same pattern so I am doing a lot of skipping to save myself the torture.
The heroine in this third book particularly has been cowering from someone for hundreds of years but her confrontation with her 'stalker' was just like snapping your finger - figuratively. Really, if she is that powerful, apparently this book says that she needed the hero to grow a backbone because she could have did what she did to the bad guy in the very beginning and he would have left her alone. Sigh...well, then there won't be a story. O well just filling the time until Ilona Andrews' next book release.
Anybody else hear the warning bells with me?
All hero and heroines of these 3 books has this self-flagellating personality. They think so big of themselves that they think all the bad things happening are because of them. "All their fault." By this third book it is nauseating to read and accept. I just started book 4 and its the same pattern so I am doing a lot of skipping to save myself the torture.
The heroine in this third book particularly has been cowering from someone for hundreds of years but her confrontation with her 'stalker' was just like snapping your finger - figuratively. Really, if she is that powerful, apparently this book says that she needed the hero to grow a backbone because she could have did what she did to the bad guy in the very beginning and he would have left her alone. Sigh...well, then there won't be a story. O well just filling the time until Ilona Andrews' next book release.
July 22, 2023
I’m still enjoying this series, despite some missing information, the insta love, and I’m frustrated with the female narrator making characters sound like whiny, petulant children when they have disagreements rather than adults arguing.
As far as the story goes, unless I missed it somewhere, we have not idea who Eri’s mother is. Now, given that Ralan has stayed away from Morinia for over 300 years because of the betrayal of his former love, with whom he had no children, and Cora was initially worried Talan was still in love with her, wouldn’t you think at the very least the author would ALSO address where the woman was who was Eri’s mother? Where is she? Will she be a factor at some point? Was she really human, or is she another fae given how powerful Eri is at such a young age? I just don’t understand how that piece has been left out almost completely at this point.
Also, I knew some trickery was afoot when Ralan and Cora didn’t share anything about themselves when they first met. I guess trying to use they’ve both been on earth a long time so their formal greetings or etiquette were forgotten, but it still seemed so different than how our previous couples met that it was noticeable.
As far as the story goes, unless I missed it somewhere, we have not idea who Eri’s mother is. Now, given that Ralan has stayed away from Morinia for over 300 years because of the betrayal of his former love, with whom he had no children, and Cora was initially worried Talan was still in love with her, wouldn’t you think at the very least the author would ALSO address where the woman was who was Eri’s mother? Where is she? Will she be a factor at some point? Was she really human, or is she another fae given how powerful Eri is at such a young age? I just don’t understand how that piece has been left out almost completely at this point.
Also, I knew some trickery was afoot when Ralan and Cora didn’t share anything about themselves when they first met. I guess trying to use they’ve both been on earth a long time so their formal greetings or etiquette were forgotten, but it still seemed so different than how our previous couples met that it was noticeable.
August 1, 2025
🥰 This book might just be my absolute favorite from the series. The worry and anxiety of Ralan is how I feel I live my day to day life. I felt like I was seen and understood reading his story. It resonates with me on such a level that when we get to his happy scenes I feel extremely giddy and excited. I have felt this happy from the ending of a book as I do today. I adore Ralan’s energy and attitude, how great a father he is to young Eri, and most definitely how he treats his souldbonded Cora. 🩷
So many things happened in the world of the Moranaians in this book. It only keeps getting better with each new book. Being able to switch to a different view point of someone in the story for each book is amazing. You still get to see the continuation of the lives of those you’ve read about in the previous books, but you also get to know other characters on a deeper level. I love it so much! What a great way to start my day today 😄
Also I’m loving the cover. I know it is related to Cora’s fire magic, but it gives me Supernatural vibes as well. Been watching a lot of that this week.
So many things happened in the world of the Moranaians in this book. It only keeps getting better with each new book. Being able to switch to a different view point of someone in the story for each book is amazing. You still get to see the continuation of the lives of those you’ve read about in the previous books, but you also get to know other characters on a deeper level. I love it so much! What a great way to start my day today 😄
Also I’m loving the cover. I know it is related to Cora’s fire magic, but it gives me Supernatural vibes as well. Been watching a lot of that this week.
January 13, 2022
Well, I think this is the end of the road for me and this series. Don't get me wrong, the book was good enough, but I'm just not invested. I am almost pathological about finishing books I start (my DNF list is currently still in single digits) but somewhere along the way, I've given up finishing any series that has turned into a slog. In this series, there are four more books that have been published, with another due out in a few months, and I'm not sure if that one is the end or not. So even if I keep going, I'm not going to finish it now. This seems as good a time to jump ship as any. This book finishes the story arc with Kien, and the blurbs for the next few are just not tempting enough for me.
On the audiobook: The narrators still annoy me with how inconsistent they are with accents for each character. Pseudo-British accents come and go, a character may sound Southern with one narrator but not with the other, and it is bothersome.
On the audiobook: The narrators still annoy me with how inconsistent they are with accents for each character. Pseudo-British accents come and go, a character may sound Southern with one narrator but not with the other, and it is bothersome.
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February 3, 2025Return of the Elves is a romantic fantasy series of 8 books creatively written by Bethany Adams.
I can only speak of the first four books: Soulbound, Sundered, Exiled, and Seared. I listened during my morning walks and became captivated.
From the beginning, I was thrust into the middle of a wonderous and mystifying story filled with action, love, betrayal, secrets, and mysteries. I grew to love a few characters while despising others. Elves, humans, half-bloods, seers, scouts, and exiles were brilliantly interwoven through multiple worlds separated only by the Veil.
If you love fantasies with soulmates, this series will easily become a favorite.
Personal Note: I felt the writer did a beautiful job with characters, worlds, and storyline. In book one, elves did not understand or use human expletives, but as the books progressed, they began, uncharacteristically using them, creating a crack in the storyline that I had a difficulty forgiving.
I can only speak of the first four books: Soulbound, Sundered, Exiled, and Seared. I listened during my morning walks and became captivated.
From the beginning, I was thrust into the middle of a wonderous and mystifying story filled with action, love, betrayal, secrets, and mysteries. I grew to love a few characters while despising others. Elves, humans, half-bloods, seers, scouts, and exiles were brilliantly interwoven through multiple worlds separated only by the Veil.
If you love fantasies with soulmates, this series will easily become a favorite.
Personal Note: I felt the writer did a beautiful job with characters, worlds, and storyline. In book one, elves did not understand or use human expletives, but as the books progressed, they began, uncharacteristically using them, creating a crack in the storyline that I had a difficulty forgiving.
August 12, 2020
There's certainly a lot going on in book four of the series. It wraps many things up and involves a large cast of characters. It still leaves enough unresolved so there is plenty of room for follow-up in sequels.
There was a tiny bit of repetition where something was brought up by a character (their royal background) but the person they told later expressed surprise at this fact. One issue that was stressed (neutralize Kien's connection to Earth if you kill him) seemed to be ignored later.
Typos: I read this in the Kindle books 1-4 collection. Pouring (as a liquid) is used for poring (reading closely) in chapter 1, and there were a few stray extra or missing minor words later in the book.
There was a tiny bit of repetition where something was brought up by a character (their royal background) but the person they told later expressed surprise at this fact. One issue that was stressed (neutralize Kien's connection to Earth if you kill him) seemed to be ignored later.
Typos: I read this in the Kindle books 1-4 collection. Pouring (as a liquid) is used for poring (reading closely) in chapter 1, and there were a few stray extra or missing minor words later in the book.
December 17, 2024
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ & 1 🌶️. So it’s clear now how the novella’s will tie in. Deblin and Inona feature alongside all of our beloved characters. As usual there’s some drama and we catch up with some old missing enemies.
Prince Ralan meets a potential mate in Kora. Unfortunately it’s after a pretty dreadful sight of the future. Who knew he was a suave sexy beast eh? I feel there’s gonna be more drama from Kora’s past. Is anyone in this not some secret lord/heir/prince/princess/queen?
In this respect the world building and character links continue to be very clever from Bethany Adams. It’s a charming fantasy story with deep rooted traditions, politics and lore. I have really enjoyed listening to this series so far.
Prince Ralan meets a potential mate in Kora. Unfortunately it’s after a pretty dreadful sight of the future. Who knew he was a suave sexy beast eh? I feel there’s gonna be more drama from Kora’s past. Is anyone in this not some secret lord/heir/prince/princess/queen?
In this respect the world building and character links continue to be very clever from Bethany Adams. It’s a charming fantasy story with deep rooted traditions, politics and lore. I have really enjoyed listening to this series so far.
November 14, 2021
My favourite book of the series so far! Which actually surprised me, because it took me a little while to get into compared to the last. But the last few chapters? Damn. What an emotional rollercoaster!
This book brought together all of the characters we love, and well hate. (Alot.) And connected us to them in an incredible way. I felt the ending was perfectly wrapped up, with a pretty bow on top! I know there are more books in the series, which makes me super curious, but I doubt I'll pick them up for a while, because I could happily leave it here and daydream about the rest. What a journey this series was!
This book brought together all of the characters we love, and well hate. (Alot.) And connected us to them in an incredible way. I felt the ending was perfectly wrapped up, with a pretty bow on top! I know there are more books in the series, which makes me super curious, but I doubt I'll pick them up for a while, because I could happily leave it here and daydream about the rest. What a journey this series was!
November 10, 2022
Okay I worked why I'm enjoying this series. Imagine you are a teenage girl, and you are writing fantasy romance stories.
Got that image? Great.
Now each story you write has a handsome elf man who meets a beautiful magical woman (who is TOTALLY not a stand-in for you). You -- I mean, the magical woman who is totally not your stand-in -- goes on dramatic adventures with the elf man, and they both fall in love. Melodrama, sexy times and happily ever after ensue.
Anyway, this series is giving me weirdly nostalgic feelings. Teenage me would have eaten this up (although she may have been squeamish about the sporadic swearing and occasional smexy descriptions).
Got that image? Great.
Now each story you write has a handsome elf man who meets a beautiful magical woman (who is TOTALLY not a stand-in for you). You -- I mean, the magical woman who is totally not your stand-in -- goes on dramatic adventures with the elf man, and they both fall in love. Melodrama, sexy times and happily ever after ensue.
Anyway, this series is giving me weirdly nostalgic feelings. Teenage me would have eaten this up (although she may have been squeamish about the sporadic swearing and occasional smexy descriptions).
December 9, 2024
I started this series 3.5 days ago and haven't been able to stop binging my way right through the series. My favorite character in this series is quickly becoming Ralan's little girl, Eri. She is adorable and your heart really feels for her and how grown up she has had to learn to be from such a young age with the gift she's been given. I also like that, despite Ralan's shortcomings, he is a good dad and his first priority is always making sure that she is taken care of before anything else. I love their relationship.
May 24, 2018
Everything happens for a reason and sometimes you make a choice for a different path, for Ralan he was lucky enough that his destiny was so strong that he got a chance to be back on the path he was meant to be on with his soul bound. The strong with Ralan's brother and even his dad come to an end. You are left wishing for another outcome for Ralan, his soul bound and daughter. Something has to take place that a seer cant see, to make the right choice. I love these books! Such an escape.
January 15, 2022
An entertaining listen for sure. The plot runs away a little bit and there's always a lot going on but I've gotten used to that with the other books in the series. I found I disliked Ralan more in this book than in previous but I think it's because it pointed out his shortcomings in order to help overcome them. I still really like his character. And the book was enjoyable overall. I'll definitely continue to listen to the series.
March 26, 2018
Loved this series!
Just as good as the others. I couldn't stop reading until the very last page of the last book in the series. Masterful character development and an intricate and riveting plot held me spellbound throughout the series. It would be interesting to see how the lives of the three bonded couples progressed through the years
Just as good as the others. I couldn't stop reading until the very last page of the last book in the series. Masterful character development and an intricate and riveting plot held me spellbound throughout the series. It would be interesting to see how the lives of the three bonded couples progressed through the years
February 4, 2019
Must read
Like it's predecessors this book is well written and hard to put down. Seared mainly follows Ralan and Cora and shows that the future isn't always predictable even to seers. Only complaint I really have is the supposedly rare and precious finding of the soulbound doesn't seem so rare anymore.
Like it's predecessors this book is well written and hard to put down. Seared mainly follows Ralan and Cora and shows that the future isn't always predictable even to seers. Only complaint I really have is the supposedly rare and precious finding of the soulbound doesn't seem so rare anymore.
September 11, 2019
Though I wasn't keen on the two main characters at first this book slowly started to grow on me.
I love the elven world and how the story is fast paced and never lets up.
I felt the romance was far too fast for them just meeting and they do some odd things when their friends are supposed to be in danger. That being said I loved the conclusion and I'm sure this is not the end of Kien.
I love the elven world and how the story is fast paced and never lets up.
I felt the romance was far too fast for them just meeting and they do some odd things when their friends are supposed to be in danger. That being said I loved the conclusion and I'm sure this is not the end of Kien.
March 27, 2023
So, as this part of the story goes, we have the conflict between brothers, a Goddess unhappy with her practioner for his neglect over three hundred odd years, a young Seer with incredible talent, and a group of people more than obliging to help where they can.
It is a gripping tale through the whole 4 books, and well worth the time and effort to read.
It is a gripping tale through the whole 4 books, and well worth the time and effort to read.
February 12, 2024
"Seared" continues the Return of the Elves saga with the introduction of several new characters, who are immediately drawn into the twists and turns of the drama. Once again, the action is well-balanced by the further world building and interpersonal relationships.
This series is so good, I can't wait to find out what happens next!
This series is so good, I can't wait to find out what happens next!
January 8, 2018
I really enjoyed this book and thought that it wrapped up the trilogy well while still leaving plenty of stories to tell in this world. I hope that the author continues to write about these characters!
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