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Elfling: An Elves & Urchins Historical Fantasy for Teens
SHE MUST FIND HER FATHER… OR DIE. Alone on the streets of London, young Serapia Ravena seeks her father, her only hope of survival. But he hides a dark secret, one that threatens his very life and his very soul. The search for his salvation will carry Serapia to the very heart of the wild places and bring her face to face with her own mysterious heritage. If you love tales of redemption and second chances, good and evil, elfin and dragonets, you’ll love this heart-warming fantasy in the tradition of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Winner of the 2019 ‘Teen’ Catholic Press Association Book Award, ELFLING also spent a month at No. 1 on Authonomy’s ‘Editor’s Desk.’ Buy the book to enter Serapia’s world today. ‘I was instantly drawn in’ - EOIN COLFER, author of ARTEMIS FOWL
365 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 16, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 2, 2025
ENGLISH: This is the seventh book by Corinna Turner I have read. Previously I had read her famous novel I Am Margaret (a futuristic dystopy), one of her series on revived dinosaurs (science fiction), and four in her series about "Friends in High Places" (lives of saints adapted to young people in our time).
In this book the author deals with a different genre: Fairy, the world of longaevi, more or less superposed to real life, a little in the line of The Lord of the Rings. Her elves, in fact, remind me of Tolkien's elves, although those described here have a limited lapse of living, albeit long.
The novel deals with important subjects, such as the possibility of repentance (which some characters consider impossible), the unacceptability of further sin (whatever the cost), and the offering of one's life for the salvation of another person.
ESPAÑOL: Este es el séptimo libro de Corinna Turner que he leído. Anteriormente había leído su famosa novela I Am Margaret (una distopía futurista), un ejemplar de su serie sobre dinosaurios reconstruidos (ciencia-ficción), y cuatro de su serie sobre "Amigos en las alturas" (vidas de santos adaptadas a los jóvenes de nuestro tiempo).
En este libro la autora aborda un género diferente: el del mundo de los longaevi, más o menos superpuesto a la vida real, un poco en la línea de El Señor de los Anillos. Sus elfos, de hecho, me recuerdan a los elfos de Tolkien, aunque los que se describen aquí tienen una duración de vida larga, pero limitada.
La novela trata sobre temas importantes, como la posibilidad del arrepentimiento (que algunos personajes consideran imposible), la inaceptabilidad de seguir pecando (cualquiera sea el coste) y el ofrecimiento de la propia vida por la salvación de otra persona.
In this book the author deals with a different genre: Fairy, the world of longaevi, more or less superposed to real life, a little in the line of The Lord of the Rings. Her elves, in fact, remind me of Tolkien's elves, although those described here have a limited lapse of living, albeit long.
The novel deals with important subjects, such as the possibility of repentance (which some characters consider impossible), the unacceptability of further sin (whatever the cost), and the offering of one's life for the salvation of another person.
ESPAÑOL: Este es el séptimo libro de Corinna Turner que he leído. Anteriormente había leído su famosa novela I Am Margaret (una distopía futurista), un ejemplar de su serie sobre dinosaurios reconstruidos (ciencia-ficción), y cuatro de su serie sobre "Amigos en las alturas" (vidas de santos adaptadas a los jóvenes de nuestro tiempo).
En este libro la autora aborda un género diferente: el del mundo de los longaevi, más o menos superpuesto a la vida real, un poco en la línea de El Señor de los Anillos. Sus elfos, de hecho, me recuerdan a los elfos de Tolkien, aunque los que se describen aquí tienen una duración de vida larga, pero limitada.
La novela trata sobre temas importantes, como la posibilidad del arrepentimiento (que algunos personajes consideran imposible), la inaceptabilidad de seguir pecando (cualquiera sea el coste) y el ofrecimiento de la propia vida por la salvación de otra persona.
May 19, 2021
I really love the works of Turner. And consider her to be an excellent writer. But I just did not like the original cover of this book, Elfling, and never got around to reading it, even though I had picked it up shortly after it was available. And even after it underwent a cover revision, I just never got around to reading it. I also had the short story, The Most Expensive Alley Cat In London, set in the same world. I had that story on my device for a while now, as well. These were the only published works from Turner I had not read and I was looking for a shorter read while waiting one day. That story was that read, and I devoured it and Elfling in under 24 hours. I could just not stop. And though she has many other series on the go, including one that has a second story that is ‘coming soon’ since 2016. I really hope she expands upon this world as well. That there will be more stories about Serapia Ravena and her pet Raven. But back to this specific story.
As mentioned once I started reading the short story story I could not stop. I had other things to do, and some things that needed to get done, but reading took precedence. I devoured both of these stories. It has amazing characters, a great story, and wonderful world building. The description of this volume is:
“She must find her father or die.
Alone on the streets of London, young Serapia Ravena seeks her father, her only hope of survival. When the elusive Duke suddenly returns to the city, Serapia finds a loving father, who quickly thwarts her uncle’s murderous plans. But it soon becomes clear that he hides a dark secret, one that threatens his very life, and his very soul. The search for his salvation will carry Serapia hundreds of leagues, to the heart of the wild places, and to the fort of the elfin, bringing her face to face with her own mysterious heritage.”
And after reading it I can easily understand why the short story won a CPA Award. These stories are masterfully told. They are set in a world unlike any other that Turner has created to date. Serapia’s world is a wonderful place. But for her it was also a very dangerous place. Living on the street, doing what she must to survive. But still learning her faith and visiting with a priest. Desperate to find her father, before her days run short. But her time on the streets were not easy on her. And once her life starts turning around it seems like she will lose it all again. But she believes in her Father and believes she can find a way to hear him. But will time run out on her this time?
To find out you will need to read this incredible novel. Both the stories in this world are fascinating reads. If you have read the short story, you will love this novel. And If not it is still a great place to begin. An amazing fantasy tale with elves, dragons, and magic. It is very well written. The story has excellent characters. A fantastic read, from a master wordsmith.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!
As mentioned once I started reading the short story story I could not stop. I had other things to do, and some things that needed to get done, but reading took precedence. I devoured both of these stories. It has amazing characters, a great story, and wonderful world building. The description of this volume is:
“She must find her father or die.
Alone on the streets of London, young Serapia Ravena seeks her father, her only hope of survival. When the elusive Duke suddenly returns to the city, Serapia finds a loving father, who quickly thwarts her uncle’s murderous plans. But it soon becomes clear that he hides a dark secret, one that threatens his very life, and his very soul. The search for his salvation will carry Serapia hundreds of leagues, to the heart of the wild places, and to the fort of the elfin, bringing her face to face with her own mysterious heritage.”
And after reading it I can easily understand why the short story won a CPA Award. These stories are masterfully told. They are set in a world unlike any other that Turner has created to date. Serapia’s world is a wonderful place. But for her it was also a very dangerous place. Living on the street, doing what she must to survive. But still learning her faith and visiting with a priest. Desperate to find her father, before her days run short. But her time on the streets were not easy on her. And once her life starts turning around it seems like she will lose it all again. But she believes in her Father and believes she can find a way to hear him. But will time run out on her this time?
To find out you will need to read this incredible novel. Both the stories in this world are fascinating reads. If you have read the short story, you will love this novel. And If not it is still a great place to begin. An amazing fantasy tale with elves, dragons, and magic. It is very well written. The story has excellent characters. A fantastic read, from a master wordsmith.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!
November 21, 2018
Few authors are as blessed with creativity as Corinna Turner. Whether it be her incredible dystopian series - I am Margaret, her middle-grade novel – Mandy Lamb, her Jurassic-type short story Drive, or this YA fantasy novel, she always does a masterful job of creating new, unique worlds. The details she includes, such as new words, complicated technologies, and realistic histories, is impressive.
Elfling is the story of Serapia who after the death of her mother has been forced to fend for herself on the unforgiving streets. With her small dragonet along for the adventure, she embarks on a quest to find her father, only to learn that he is dying. This leads Serapia on a search for elves and healing powers.
There are some elements of sorcery, but it is made very clear that this is evil. I did think the middle of the story bogged down just a little through her long journey and the flashbacks of resurfacing memories. But I really liked the strong themes of good vs. bad and that Serapia prayed and believed in God. I think older teens who like fantasy novels will thoroughly enjoy this very imaginative story.
Elfling is the story of Serapia who after the death of her mother has been forced to fend for herself on the unforgiving streets. With her small dragonet along for the adventure, she embarks on a quest to find her father, only to learn that he is dying. This leads Serapia on a search for elves and healing powers.
There are some elements of sorcery, but it is made very clear that this is evil. I did think the middle of the story bogged down just a little through her long journey and the flashbacks of resurfacing memories. But I really liked the strong themes of good vs. bad and that Serapia prayed and believed in God. I think older teens who like fantasy novels will thoroughly enjoy this very imaginative story.
March 11, 2019
4.5 stars for a gritty and realistic fantasy set in historical England. The MC Serapia captured my heart in the heartbreaking opening scene. Her struggle to survive on the streets after her mother's death makes her strong but doesn't destroy her fiercely loyal and loving heart. Once she finds her father and the love she'd only dreamt of, everything is again threatened by a monstrous evil, and Serapia's toughness and tenacity learned on the streets becomes vital as she embarks on an impossible quest to find healing for her father's body and salvation for his soul. The many flashbacks of her time with the elfin were a little distracting and felt like a second narrative, but they were a clever way to show how Serapia's memories manifested themselves in unexpected bursts. The climax nearly stopped my heart, it was so intense. I would rate this book PG-13 for the violence, although it never went over-the-top, considering the subject matter. I loved the dragonets and only wished to see a glimpse of the larger dragons. Recommended for older teens and up!
October 11, 2025
This was a real page-turner, with so many different settings in a single book: the urchins trying to survive in the slums, a duel and an execution at the Queen's court, a newly found father and all the wonderful days when father and daughter get acquainted, a stay at the Elf's fort, persecution and fights through the streets of London, sorcery... Serapia is a great main character who stays unmovably focused on her mission to help her father.
January 1, 2026
Corinna Turner's books provide a refreshing oasis of fiction for Catholic young adults. I enjoyed her dystopian series "I am Margaret", which bore some similarity to Orwell's 1984 and Benson's Lord of the World. Elfling is more in the genre of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, but in a smaller world and with explicit religious themes. (Even the elves seem to be Catholic!)
Corinna is a talented world-builder, and she allows her faith to infuse those worlds. It is this combination of fantasy and faith that especially draws me to her books. As a young writer, she is still developing her story-telling style, which sometimes comes close to piercing the veil between heaven and earth, and sometimes drags or feels overly linear and simplistic.
A couple of the other reviewers said that they found the switching back and forth between present moment and flashbacks in the second half of the book to bog things down. I personally enjoyed the effect, and thought it showed good narrative technique in drawing out the tension of important plot moments.
I look forward to reading more of Corinna's books, and I would recommend Elfling to anyone interested in fantasy-fiction. Keep up the good work, Corinna!
Corinna is a talented world-builder, and she allows her faith to infuse those worlds. It is this combination of fantasy and faith that especially draws me to her books. As a young writer, she is still developing her story-telling style, which sometimes comes close to piercing the veil between heaven and earth, and sometimes drags or feels overly linear and simplistic.
A couple of the other reviewers said that they found the switching back and forth between present moment and flashbacks in the second half of the book to bog things down. I personally enjoyed the effect, and thought it showed good narrative technique in drawing out the tension of important plot moments.
I look forward to reading more of Corinna's books, and I would recommend Elfling to anyone interested in fantasy-fiction. Keep up the good work, Corinna!
February 14, 2019
I purchased Elfling because I love all of the books I’ve read by Corinna Turner, but I was afraid to start reading it. I put it off for a long time because I’m so in love with her I Am Margaret Series that I thought Elfling would be a huge let down. So I finally forced myself to let go of my preconceived notions and I was very pleasantly surprised! I was quickly drawn into Serapia’s world in which there is a mysterious lord, her scheming uncle, Elves, dark Elves, and sorcery! Who would have thought there would be Elves in England! I can’t wait to jump into another one of Ms. Turner’s novels!
July 7, 2018
Fantastic novel for Catholic fantasy fans. I thoroughly enjoyed the fast paced, interesting story line and the unique world Corinna Turner creates.
November 19, 2024
I want spikes on my neck, dragon ancestry, and an elvish bodyguard
May 25, 2018
Elfling is a highly imaginative fantasy novel about a young girl's quest to find and save her father. Serapia, accompanied by her dragonet pet, goes from a smart, toughened street urchin to a beloved daughter.
Revelations about her parents' split and the nature of her father's past sin took me by surprise, propelling the story in a direction I hadn't anticipated. Serapia's subsequent (relentless) quest to obtain healing for her father at the hands of an unwilling he-elf examines the nature of evil, sin and its consequences, suffering, forgiveness, and immortality from a Christian perspective.
Although Serapia's persistent efforts to compel the he-elf include many flashbacks as she regains her memory, I found that segment of the story a bit long, making it somewhat repetitive. Even so, fans of fantasy will enjoy the detailed world and rich story Corinna Turner has created.
Revelations about her parents' split and the nature of her father's past sin took me by surprise, propelling the story in a direction I hadn't anticipated. Serapia's subsequent (relentless) quest to obtain healing for her father at the hands of an unwilling he-elf examines the nature of evil, sin and its consequences, suffering, forgiveness, and immortality from a Christian perspective.
Although Serapia's persistent efforts to compel the he-elf include many flashbacks as she regains her memory, I found that segment of the story a bit long, making it somewhat repetitive. Even so, fans of fantasy will enjoy the detailed world and rich story Corinna Turner has created.
October 6, 2025
This is a simple and heartwarming story about justice and second chances. I found the writing to be pretty straightforward, more in accordance with the YA genre; the first-person through the lens of a thirteen-year-old girl will not appeal to everyone, but the narrative is compelling enough to keep the pages turning. Yet, some juvenile expressions made me roll my eyes (maybe it was intended?), and the flashbacks in the form of visions throughout the second half really hurt the pacing, despite adding depth to the world and its characters. It did pay off, but with some cost.
The lore behind the creation of the elves may not please some people. It may be nothing more than a mythical account, but I am still no fan of angels copulating with other species.
Regardless, it's Catholic in spirit and letter and truly deserves a chance, especially from Christian readers.
The lore behind the creation of the elves may not please some people. It may be nothing more than a mythical account, but I am still no fan of angels copulating with other species.
Regardless, it's Catholic in spirit and letter and truly deserves a chance, especially from Christian readers.
July 28, 2022
One thing Corinna Turner is never afraid to do is deal with dark and gritty themes in her books and this unflinching approach is one of the things that makes her books so gripping. As with the I am Margaret series, her characters are well drawn and there is a strong spiritual element throughout.
I thought it lagged a little towards the 75% point, but the ending was gripping and made it worth the wait.
A well rounded, gritty fantasy from a great author.
I thought it lagged a little towards the 75% point, but the ending was gripping and made it worth the wait.
A well rounded, gritty fantasy from a great author.
September 24, 2025
(Review content TW: Attempted sexual assault)
This is easily the most unique fantasy book I have read. It is a "low fantasy" novel (taking place in the real world) and is entirely contained to England, where magical creatures (such as elves) live in secret. It is the only fantasy book I have ever read where Catholicism is present, let alone where the main character is faithful, practicing Catholic. This book also gave me a bit of reader's whiplash, since it contains a lot of the whimsy of a children's fairy tale, but then also includes elements such as a case of attempted sexual assault, at least one violent gory murder, and two attempted Satanic child sacrifice rituals. Given the content listed above, I can only in good conscience recommend the novel to adults who are well-formed in their Faith.
Serapia was a surprisingly endearing main character. Despite her rough edges and (at times) lack of respect for others, she truly means well and tries her best to live out her Catholic faith and do the right thing.
Where the book truly shines are its themes familial love, and of forgiveness, both for others and for oneself.
The book was overall a good experience, and I am glad I picked it up on a whim at a Catholic book store.
This is easily the most unique fantasy book I have read. It is a "low fantasy" novel (taking place in the real world) and is entirely contained to England, where magical creatures (such as elves) live in secret. It is the only fantasy book I have ever read where Catholicism is present, let alone where the main character is faithful, practicing Catholic. This book also gave me a bit of reader's whiplash, since it contains a lot of the whimsy of a children's fairy tale, but then also includes elements such as a case of attempted sexual assault, at least one violent gory murder, and two attempted Satanic child sacrifice rituals. Given the content listed above, I can only in good conscience recommend the novel to adults who are well-formed in their Faith.
Serapia was a surprisingly endearing main character. Despite her rough edges and (at times) lack of respect for others, she truly means well and tries her best to live out her Catholic faith and do the right thing.
Where the book truly shines are its themes familial love, and of forgiveness, both for others and for oneself.
The book was overall a good experience, and I am glad I picked it up on a whim at a Catholic book store.
March 30, 2023
Discerning the will of God — and choosing whether to follow it — drives this historical fantasy. Elfling, by Corinna Turner is a young adult novel set in a fantasy England with Medieval elements such as priests and sorcerers but also a race of elves, and dragonets—miniature dragons that add a charming, whimsical touch to a story that raises unusually serious moral questions. The heroine, Serapia Ravena, goes from rags to riches but also from spiritual ignorance to wisdom over the course of her character trajectory. She is a girl experiencing the changes of puberty but also a moral agent exercising responsibility for decisions whose consequences she does not always foresee. Elfling is a quest story with lots of plot twists and fast-paced action, but Serapia’s quest is a deeply personal one. The young heroine is on a desperate mission to find and keep her father, first for the sake of her own survival, and then for the sake of his.... Read the full review at https://catholicreads.com/2022/06/30/....
October 16, 2021
Adventures of an elfling
This is a good, character-driven story with a plucky female hero, an adorable dragonet, and an elven lord fighting to overcome a sorcerer's curse. The strong element of mercy, redemption and forgiveness is nicely balanced with magical themes and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
This is a good, character-driven story with a plucky female hero, an adorable dragonet, and an elven lord fighting to overcome a sorcerer's curse. The strong element of mercy, redemption and forgiveness is nicely balanced with magical themes and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
January 3, 2023
Great fantasy Catholic/Christian read.
Elf’s are truly Catholic.
Elf’s are truly Catholic.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews