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The Taellaneth #3
Betrayed
A missing war mage. Death in the heartland.
Settling into her new life in the human world, the last thing Arrow expects is a request for aid from the Erith. The Erith’s favourite war mage is missing and Arrow is asked to investigate.
For the first time in her life, she is allowed into the Erith’s fabled heartland. It does not take long for Arrow to realise that the heartland is like the Erith themselves. Full of wonder, breathtakingly beautiful, and deadly.
Arrow is drawn into investigating a death at the very heart of the Erith’s homeland with the growing sense that there is far more wrong and far more at stake than a simple murder and missing mage.
Note: Betrayed (The Taellaneth – Book 3) continues Arrow’s story which started in Concealed (Book 1) and continued in Revealed (Book 2). The series is designed to be read in order and Betrayed may contain spoilers for the earlier books.
Settling into her new life in the human world, the last thing Arrow expects is a request for aid from the Erith. The Erith’s favourite war mage is missing and Arrow is asked to investigate.
For the first time in her life, she is allowed into the Erith’s fabled heartland. It does not take long for Arrow to realise that the heartland is like the Erith themselves. Full of wonder, breathtakingly beautiful, and deadly.
Arrow is drawn into investigating a death at the very heart of the Erith’s homeland with the growing sense that there is far more wrong and far more at stake than a simple murder and missing mage.
Note: Betrayed (The Taellaneth – Book 3) continues Arrow’s story which started in Concealed (Book 1) and continued in Revealed (Book 2). The series is designed to be read in order and Betrayed may contain spoilers for the earlier books.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2018
118 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Nelson
32 books424 followersI am a fantasy author living in Scotland, United Kingdom and spending my days juggling the demands of an elderly, spoiled cat, two giant dogs and a host of fictional characters.
As far as the cat is concerned, she’s in charge and should always come first. The older dog’s favourite method of getting my attention is a gentle nudge with his head. At least, he would say it’s gentle. And the younger dog's attention-getting method generally involves playing with the loudest squeaky toy he can find.
You can find out more information at the following places:
Website: www.vanessanelsonwrites.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Taellaneth
As far as the cat is concerned, she’s in charge and should always come first. The older dog’s favourite method of getting my attention is a gentle nudge with his head. At least, he would say it’s gentle. And the younger dog's attention-getting method generally involves playing with the loudest squeaky toy he can find.
You can find out more information at the following places:
Website: www.vanessanelsonwrites.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Taellaneth
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
August 25, 2021
This is the third in an Urban Fantasy series, so story and character arcs span books. Definitely read in order.
And if you've read in order, you're ready for the treat that is this book. Lots of things are answered, not least because Arrow spends most of the story in the capital of the Erith so we/she gets lots of heritage info she hadn't known. And her full lineage comes out. And we meet the queen and that was everything it needed to be and more.
I really liked the developments, here. I particularly like the misreads with the potential romantic interest. He's making poor assumptions and confusing everybody and I loved both the fallout and the recovery. The boy is teachable and that's always lovely.
I also liked turning a trope on its head. Near the end
Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed this. And not least for sneaking a twist right past me that was awesome. So five stars. I doubt it can keep up this trajectory, but I'm looking forward to the next.
A note about Craft: The editing in this one is better than the second but still worse than the first. So I have hope that the second was an anomaly.
A note about Chaste: Still no romance, really. Romance boy is ready and Arrow is interested. But she's still getting a handle on having basic life choices and isn't sure what to do with this thing she never thought to deal with (a romantic partner, or potential romantic partner). So this is very chaste and doesn't even have any kissing.
And if you've read in order, you're ready for the treat that is this book. Lots of things are answered, not least because Arrow spends most of the story in the capital of the Erith so we/she gets lots of heritage info she hadn't known. And her full lineage comes out. And we meet the queen and that was everything it needed to be and more.
I really liked the developments, here. I particularly like the misreads with the potential romantic interest. He's making poor assumptions and confusing everybody and I loved both the fallout and the recovery. The boy is teachable and that's always lovely.
I also liked turning a trope on its head. Near the end
Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed this. And not least for sneaking a twist right past me that was awesome. So five stars. I doubt it can keep up this trajectory, but I'm looking forward to the next.
A note about Craft: The editing in this one is better than the second but still worse than the first. So I have hope that the second was an anomaly.
A note about Chaste: Still no romance, really. Romance boy is ready and Arrow is interested. But she's still getting a handle on having basic life choices and isn't sure what to do with this thing she never thought to deal with (a romantic partner, or potential romantic partner). So this is very chaste and doesn't even have any kissing.
March 30, 2025
****4.5**** but I'm rounding down for reasons I'll explain.
I loved this book. I loved the deep dive into the Erith politics, meeting the Queen, finding out more about Arrow's family. I loved that some total assholes died and hope it's just the beginning of that because there are a lot of people who need to die in this series. I loved the heartland, and Arrow's complicated emotions regarding it. I loved the complicated plot, and the twisty way it all played out.
What I do not like is the love interest.
Let's be clear, this author writes clean fantasy, so we're not getting steamy. But we do get the tension of a romantic connection that is slowly building, Arrow trying to puzzle her way through feelings she's never had, given that everyone has treated her like a leper until now.
But I do not like Kester as the love interest. Let's be frank: this dude is one of the 10 person council of Taellan, the overlords who turned Arrow into a slave and allowed her to be abused for 15 years. I feel like the author is trying to play it like he didn't know how bad it was, but that does not fly. At all. Period. He was there for some of it in the first book! She was bleeding on the floor as they were spitting at her when reviewing her recording of the murder scene. Calling her "it" and "abomination" while cursing her and saying she should have been killed at birth. Dragging her around, manhandling and bruising, being absolute shitstain slavemasters. This fucking guy was in the room and frowning at her when she refused to retake the oath of slavery, telling her it was a bad idea when she didn't. Fuck. Him. He showed up at her home in Lix a full month later - after they exiled her, pushed her outside the gates with NOTHING BUT THE CLOTHES SHE WAS WEARING, miles from anyplace that could shelter or feed her - and expressed disappointment that he didn't see her in Taellaneth. Motherfucker, what about EXILE do you not understand, Mr. Member Of The Ruling Council???
I was okay with their developing friendship in book 2, because he was one of several people who seemed to be shifting their perspective of her - like Kallish and the cadre, who I like very much. People can learn and grow, and friendship can form where before there was deep-rooted misunderstanding and misimpressions. But him sliding up to love interest territory, with no acknowledgement of the EVIL he shares responsibility in, for enslaving her and (we find out in this book) I'm sorry, but no. No. Period. Full stop. This is like a Nazi chief of staff deciding to marry a Jew that escaped a concentration camp. The fucking Taellan - the ruling council he was part of - sent her out on missions with no support, hoping she'd die there, because they didn't want to get their precious hands THAT dirty. He doesn't get to act like he had no part in it, didn't know. These bullies decided to test their magic on her by literally shattering her hand. And then not healing her afterwards, so she barely has use of her right hand. Even though their healing magic could have healed that shattered hand perfectly, these fuckers decided the "abomination" didn't deserve such magic. This happened, by the way, when she she was magically enslaved - unable to decline any order. She just had to lay there and take it while every bone in her hand was shattered, because they told her to.
Her treatment makes me loathe the Erith, and would be fine with this series ending with their society wiped out. I mean totally wiped out - the entirety of the ruling Houses killed, the structure of their society gone. I don't mean genocide, I mean a clean slate, all the heads cut off the hydra so that the Erith can rebuild themselves with less despicable people in charge. Because this society is utterly rotted. Arrow met every challenge. Completed magic training that only 1 in 100 makes it through - probably not coincidentally, NO ONE on their ruling council made it through. Passed the Trials to become a war mage. So while they have to acknowledge that she is trained - and are okay with it because they can use her to do dangerous work they don't want to do themselves - they refused to give her the tools and training for the job. No war mage cloak that protects her from attack. No cadre of warriors who protect her physically while she casts spells. No training in combat or woodcraft (camping, hiking) or horse riding. They kept her as weak as possible while still creating a magical tool that they planned to enslave and abuse forever.
And her wanting anything to do with them - her continuing to help them - is already hard enough to swallow. I can accept it because she does have friends, and generally it is the friends asking for her to help. But even the friends fail to acknowledge the horror of a life the Erith people put her through, which makes me angry. The fact that a ruling council member is now becoming a love interest, while doing NOTHING to make amends for what he's put her through? Nope. Fuck that. This book lost a whole star for that shit. I don't read bully romance, ever - I have no tolerance for abusive relationships, or for authors that normalize abusive relationships ("oh just stick it out through the abuse, ladies, if you hang in there long enough he will change and love you like you deserve" - go fuck yourself, authors who push that narrative), and this is dancing very close to that line.
I loved this book. I loved the deep dive into the Erith politics, meeting the Queen, finding out more about Arrow's family. I loved that some total assholes died and hope it's just the beginning of that because there are a lot of people who need to die in this series. I loved the heartland, and Arrow's complicated emotions regarding it. I loved the complicated plot, and the twisty way it all played out.
What I do not like is the love interest.
Let's be clear, this author writes clean fantasy, so we're not getting steamy. But we do get the tension of a romantic connection that is slowly building, Arrow trying to puzzle her way through feelings she's never had, given that everyone has treated her like a leper until now.
But I do not like Kester as the love interest. Let's be frank: this dude is one of the 10 person council of Taellan, the overlords who turned Arrow into a slave and allowed her to be abused for 15 years. I feel like the author is trying to play it like he didn't know how bad it was, but that does not fly. At all. Period. He was there for some of it in the first book! She was bleeding on the floor as they were spitting at her when reviewing her recording of the murder scene. Calling her "it" and "abomination" while cursing her and saying she should have been killed at birth. Dragging her around, manhandling and bruising, being absolute shitstain slavemasters. This fucking guy was in the room and frowning at her when she refused to retake the oath of slavery, telling her it was a bad idea when she didn't. Fuck. Him. He showed up at her home in Lix a full month later - after they exiled her, pushed her outside the gates with NOTHING BUT THE CLOTHES SHE WAS WEARING, miles from anyplace that could shelter or feed her - and expressed disappointment that he didn't see her in Taellaneth. Motherfucker, what about EXILE do you not understand, Mr. Member Of The Ruling Council???
I was okay with their developing friendship in book 2, because he was one of several people who seemed to be shifting their perspective of her - like Kallish and the cadre, who I like very much. People can learn and grow, and friendship can form where before there was deep-rooted misunderstanding and misimpressions. But him sliding up to love interest territory, with no acknowledgement of the EVIL he shares responsibility in, for enslaving her and (we find out in this book) I'm sorry, but no. No. Period. Full stop. This is like a Nazi chief of staff deciding to marry a Jew that escaped a concentration camp. The fucking Taellan - the ruling council he was part of - sent her out on missions with no support, hoping she'd die there, because they didn't want to get their precious hands THAT dirty. He doesn't get to act like he had no part in it, didn't know. These bullies decided to test their magic on her by literally shattering her hand. And then not healing her afterwards, so she barely has use of her right hand. Even though their healing magic could have healed that shattered hand perfectly, these fuckers decided the "abomination" didn't deserve such magic. This happened, by the way, when she she was magically enslaved - unable to decline any order. She just had to lay there and take it while every bone in her hand was shattered, because they told her to.
Her treatment makes me loathe the Erith, and would be fine with this series ending with their society wiped out. I mean totally wiped out - the entirety of the ruling Houses killed, the structure of their society gone. I don't mean genocide, I mean a clean slate, all the heads cut off the hydra so that the Erith can rebuild themselves with less despicable people in charge. Because this society is utterly rotted. Arrow met every challenge. Completed magic training that only 1 in 100 makes it through - probably not coincidentally, NO ONE on their ruling council made it through. Passed the Trials to become a war mage. So while they have to acknowledge that she is trained - and are okay with it because they can use her to do dangerous work they don't want to do themselves - they refused to give her the tools and training for the job. No war mage cloak that protects her from attack. No cadre of warriors who protect her physically while she casts spells. No training in combat or woodcraft (camping, hiking) or horse riding. They kept her as weak as possible while still creating a magical tool that they planned to enslave and abuse forever.
And her wanting anything to do with them - her continuing to help them - is already hard enough to swallow. I can accept it because she does have friends, and generally it is the friends asking for her to help. But even the friends fail to acknowledge the horror of a life the Erith people put her through, which makes me angry. The fact that a ruling council member is now becoming a love interest, while doing NOTHING to make amends for what he's put her through? Nope. Fuck that. This book lost a whole star for that shit. I don't read bully romance, ever - I have no tolerance for abusive relationships, or for authors that normalize abusive relationships ("oh just stick it out through the abuse, ladies, if you hang in there long enough he will change and love you like you deserve" - go fuck yourself, authors who push that narrative), and this is dancing very close to that line.
May 13, 2022
On to the Palace!
3.5
In this book Arrow is just starting to get settled into her new life with the Kin. She finally has her own space, time to do what she wants, as well as the freedom to practice her magic. With her exile still firmly in place, and the threat of the rogue mage taken care of, Arrow is focused on cleansing the demon taint from the human world.
That is until she is called back to the Taellaneth by Evellan to conscript her into searching for the missing war mage Gilean- and to do so she has to go to the Erith Palace in the heartland (a place she was banned from ever setting foot in)
When she arrives she is surrounded by devious courtiers and a request from the Queen- to not only find Gilean, but to help solve the murder of a female courtier. With enemies abound and even deeper into Erith politics Arrow has to protect herself even more guardedly as well as uncover an even bigger plot that could unravel everything.
Spoiler review:
3.5
In this book Arrow is just starting to get settled into her new life with the Kin. She finally has her own space, time to do what she wants, as well as the freedom to practice her magic. With her exile still firmly in place, and the threat of the rogue mage taken care of, Arrow is focused on cleansing the demon taint from the human world.
That is until she is called back to the Taellaneth by Evellan to conscript her into searching for the missing war mage Gilean- and to do so she has to go to the Erith Palace in the heartland (a place she was banned from ever setting foot in)
When she arrives she is surrounded by devious courtiers and a request from the Queen- to not only find Gilean, but to help solve the murder of a female courtier. With enemies abound and even deeper into Erith politics Arrow has to protect herself even more guardedly as well as uncover an even bigger plot that could unravel everything.
Spoiler review:
March 14, 2022
Wow!!!
It’s absolutely brilliant! 😍😍😍
Seriously, if you love TA. White’s series, you really need to read this series!
Continue to book #4.
❤️❤️❤️
It’s absolutely brilliant! 😍😍😍
Seriously, if you love TA. White’s series, you really need to read this series!
Continue to book #4.
❤️❤️❤️
June 9, 2023
4.5/5.0
I am still LOVING this series! The only thing keeping it from being absolutely perfect is the utter lack of any relationship whatsoever in it. I’m not even talking love relationship, I’d be okay with even a friendship! After the kiss at the very end of the last book, one would think it was at least possible, but nope. Nothing… not ONE Single glimmer throughout this entire book until the last couple of paragraphs. Then, a couple of lines that allow for a small amount of time being spent together. That’s it.
I’m also yearning for Arrow to start standing up for herself more. Her confidence has grown yet she still allows others to treat her abominably with no argument from her. I NEED her to put them in their place and demand respect! Hopefully that will happen in the next book
In the overall experience, these two things are very small, however. The intrigue and mystery aspects, along with the action is absolutely worth every word read, so I’m happily off to continue!
* Oh! And a small warning: The series is listed as urban fantasy but this installment is strictly in the fantasy realm.*
I am still LOVING this series! The only thing keeping it from being absolutely perfect is the utter lack of any relationship whatsoever in it. I’m not even talking love relationship, I’d be okay with even a friendship! After the kiss at the very end of the last book, one would think it was at least possible, but nope. Nothing… not ONE Single glimmer throughout this entire book until the last couple of paragraphs. Then, a couple of lines that allow for a small amount of time being spent together. That’s it.
I’m also yearning for Arrow to start standing up for herself more. Her confidence has grown yet she still allows others to treat her abominably with no argument from her. I NEED her to put them in their place and demand respect! Hopefully that will happen in the next book
In the overall experience, these two things are very small, however. The intrigue and mystery aspects, along with the action is absolutely worth every word read, so I’m happily off to continue!
* Oh! And a small warning: The series is listed as urban fantasy but this installment is strictly in the fantasy realm.*
May 29, 2025
Poor Arrow can’t catch a break, she’s free from the Erith but they’re dragging her back in to hunt for a war mage in the Heartland. This is Arrow’s first time getting to see the capital or seat of the Erieth world and if people would stop trying to kill her, maybe she can enjoy parts of it. There’s conspiracies, betrayals, more revelations about her parentage before it’s all over. This was a good third book in the series, I do wish that Artow’s powers are more fully explored in the books, and while there’s not a romance per se there’s a hint of one.
January 10, 2022
I once again enjoyed this book. I'm glad that we get to know more about Arrow's background, and once again there is mystery and intrigue. One thing that has been bothering me since the first book that I was finally able to figure out why in this book are the names. There are so many names introduced (people and places) that we're just expected to remember who's who despite many having similar sounds and spelling. When we got another place (group?) starting with T, I realized that I have no idea what the difference between Taellaneth and the other two are. A glossary or a quick reminder in each book about what's what would be helpful.
Overall:
Characters: 3 stars
Plot: 3.5 stars
World building: 3.5 stars
Overall:
Characters: 3 stars
Plot: 3.5 stars
World building: 3.5 stars
August 7, 2021
Truth revealed at last :)
February 24, 2023
2.5. It’s a bit like reading about an abusive relationship - Arrow has been and still is being treated atrociously by parts of the Erith, and still she stays, despite having every opportunity to do whatever else she fancies. The second book in the series had a better excuse, as the entire world would be destroyed if she didn’t banish the surjusi, but this plot concerns only Erith, and Erith nobility that she barely knows at that.
Arrow’s inner thoughts keep pointing out how the people around her, who now are on her side, have previously kept secrets that have hurt her, and yet, no confrontation, no explanation. It is deeply unsatisfying and also… unhealthy? I will still get into the next one though, with (futile?) hope she will get her answers, and her comeuppance.
Arrow’s inner thoughts keep pointing out how the people around her, who now are on her side, have previously kept secrets that have hurt her, and yet, no confrontation, no explanation. It is deeply unsatisfying and also… unhealthy? I will still get into the next one though, with (futile?) hope she will get her answers, and her comeuppance.
August 14, 2023
A bit of mystery, magic and mayhem makes a good book. My only complaint about this series are the names, some get quite confusing
July 11, 2025
I read on from here and skimmed to the end. That doesn't mean they were bad, just that I needed the ending but stopped being engaged reading them one after the other. But I know how it ends and will return to book 4, later when I am in the place to continue.
August 17, 2021
I liked this one better than the last one. Arrow if finally learning to work with other people and the different races are becoming better defined. I like the world building and the magic system.
August 2, 2025
I went back and forth on 3 or 4 stars on this book, and finally settled on 3. There was plenty I liked about the book, but in this case, there were some things that didn't work well for me.
Overall, we have the same things as previous books - Arrow and her complicated relationship with the Erith, fun magic, a puzzle to be solved. In this book, there really weren't any 'Kin around, which I think is part of why it didn't work as well. You didn't have them there to help even out the emotional field around Arrow.
Two major things that didn't work well for me. First, the book was too busy. There were just so many deaths and missing people, and secrets, and people having big feelings. While it almost entirely all linked up by the end, it just was a lot to keep track of, and led everything to feel frenetic in a way that wasn't enjoyable. As a tie in to this, I was struggling to keep everyone straight. There were several new characters to keep track of, and I was doing it more by context clues in each section than by names, as the names were all starting to blend together. And there was one that had two names or something? He was introduced by one name, but then called something else most of the time?
Second, Arrow's feeling as the book continued. All three books she's understandably struggled with her feelings toward the Erith. She was treated horribly and enslaved. This book, as she was surrounded by new Erith and secrets started to come to life, that anger started to boil over into her words and actions towards those around her. Which again, is reasonable for everything. But reasonable is not the same as enjoyable to read. There's only one character that she regularly interacts with in this book that was even really around her during her enslavement. Everyone else are folks she's met since then, and they're being kind, and she's tearing their heads off. It led to some very mixed feelings on my part.
Overall, we have the same things as previous books - Arrow and her complicated relationship with the Erith, fun magic, a puzzle to be solved. In this book, there really weren't any 'Kin around, which I think is part of why it didn't work as well. You didn't have them there to help even out the emotional field around Arrow.
Two major things that didn't work well for me. First, the book was too busy. There were just so many deaths and missing people, and secrets, and people having big feelings. While it almost entirely all linked up by the end, it just was a lot to keep track of, and led everything to feel frenetic in a way that wasn't enjoyable. As a tie in to this, I was struggling to keep everyone straight. There were several new characters to keep track of, and I was doing it more by context clues in each section than by names, as the names were all starting to blend together. And there was one that had two names or something? He was introduced by one name, but then called something else most of the time?
Second, Arrow's feeling as the book continued. All three books she's understandably struggled with her feelings toward the Erith. She was treated horribly and enslaved. This book, as she was surrounded by new Erith and secrets started to come to life, that anger started to boil over into her words and actions towards those around her. Which again, is reasonable for everything. But reasonable is not the same as enjoyable to read. There's only one character that she regularly interacts with in this book that was even really around her during her enslavement. Everyone else are folks she's met since then, and they're being kind, and she's tearing their heads off. It led to some very mixed feelings on my part.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2025
Betrayed was, without a doubt, the strongest installment in the series so far. Arrow ventured into entirely foreign lands and expanded the cast of characters to some intriguing new individuals. I still hate the Erith for how they treated (and continue to treat) Arrow, but this volume showed that there could be a place for her in their world.
The hinted-at romance from the previous book came a bit more into the forefront in this one, and while it hasn't been handled as well as it could, I think it holds promise. It'd be more believable if they interacted in any way that matters. Perhaps we'll see that in the next book.
With the upheaval caused by the conclusion of this story, I wonder what's to come for Arrow and the rest of the Erith. I still hold a grudge for how they abused and isolated her for her entire life. I hope she gets a chance to vent those feelings in the next book — she's kept a stone wall between herself and others out of necessity, but for once I'd like to see her feel safe enough to confide in someone and have a good breakdown over the injustice done to her.
P.S.
The hinted-at romance from the previous book came a bit more into the forefront in this one, and while it hasn't been handled as well as it could, I think it holds promise. It'd be more believable if they interacted in any way that matters. Perhaps we'll see that in the next book.
With the upheaval caused by the conclusion of this story, I wonder what's to come for Arrow and the rest of the Erith. I still hold a grudge for how they abused and isolated her for her entire life. I hope she gets a chance to vent those feelings in the next book — she's kept a stone wall between herself and others out of necessity, but for once I'd like to see her feel safe enough to confide in someone and have a good breakdown over the injustice done to her.
P.S.
June 27, 2023
Good
NOTE: this is the third book in the series, and it builds upon the first two books: which means this is not a standalone and you HAVE to read the others first!
Picking up about a month after the end of the second book, we find Arrow working with the Shifkin- up until she is summoned by the Erith to help.
First the mage Gilean is missing, which necessitates Arrow heading into the Heartland, a place that has been forbidden to her up until this point.
When she gets there, she discovers that there has been a murder, and she is asked to investigate.
What Arrow discovers places her in great danger, and unravels all kinds of political machinations, and betrayals that people never saw coming.
A lot happens in this book, and a lot of it is quite important to Arrow, providing her with some very necessary answers. There are also some rather important events in the book, that are sure to have future repercussions.
The main part of this book though, is the central mysteries- these are quite complex, and well crafted. It does make for a fast paced, and rather action filled book as things begin to heat up.
An excellent read for the fantasy-mystery fan, this series is a complex dive into a fascinating world that fantasy fans will enjoy.
NOTE: this is the third book in the series, and it builds upon the first two books: which means this is not a standalone and you HAVE to read the others first!
Picking up about a month after the end of the second book, we find Arrow working with the Shifkin- up until she is summoned by the Erith to help.
First the mage Gilean is missing, which necessitates Arrow heading into the Heartland, a place that has been forbidden to her up until this point.
When she gets there, she discovers that there has been a murder, and she is asked to investigate.
What Arrow discovers places her in great danger, and unravels all kinds of political machinations, and betrayals that people never saw coming.
A lot happens in this book, and a lot of it is quite important to Arrow, providing her with some very necessary answers. There are also some rather important events in the book, that are sure to have future repercussions.
The main part of this book though, is the central mysteries- these are quite complex, and well crafted. It does make for a fast paced, and rather action filled book as things begin to heat up.
An excellent read for the fantasy-mystery fan, this series is a complex dive into a fascinating world that fantasy fans will enjoy.
November 23, 2025
A new problem arises in the heartlands of Erith, specifically in the palace. Although Arrow is an exile, her service is still highly sought by those who valued her in Taellaneth.
However, the Taellan still show her little respect and causes problems, which makes it harder for her to carry out the tasks of finding the missing Erith and catching the killer on the loose. The latter task comes as a direct request from the Queen.
In the Heartlands, we also learn more about her lineage, including her birth name. Meanwhile, love remains a low priority in Vanessa’s book. After the near absence of romantic elements in books one and two, book three attempts to explore that theme.
However, readers who are looking for a full romance will be disappointed because it appears only briefly in chapter one and again in the final chapter.
Anyway, I cannot wait to see what awaits Arrow. Before I finish this ramble, one detail still nags at me. Since she is busy with an ongoing project for the Shifkin, it seems odd that she did not at least tell them she would be away to help the Erith. Just saying. 😁.
A slightly longer review will be available on my site as soon as I finish reading the series. 😉
However, the Taellan still show her little respect and causes problems, which makes it harder for her to carry out the tasks of finding the missing Erith and catching the killer on the loose. The latter task comes as a direct request from the Queen.
In the Heartlands, we also learn more about her lineage, including her birth name. Meanwhile, love remains a low priority in Vanessa’s book. After the near absence of romantic elements in books one and two, book three attempts to explore that theme.
However, readers who are looking for a full romance will be disappointed because it appears only briefly in chapter one and again in the final chapter.
Anyway, I cannot wait to see what awaits Arrow. Before I finish this ramble, one detail still nags at me. Since she is busy with an ongoing project for the Shifkin, it seems odd that she did not at least tell them she would be away to help the Erith. Just saying. 😁.
A slightly longer review will be available on my site as soon as I finish reading the series. 😉
July 3, 2022
Coming off the back of having loved Vanessa Nelson's Hundred series so much I was nervous about starting a new series. Would it be as good? Oh yes! Every bit as wonderful, heart warming, characters you want to know and live through every second with. This is the best sort of immersion reading where you really do forget the whole world around you and Arrow and her friends, allies and enemies became my everything for a few days. I am reviewing all 5 books together as once again I powered through all 5 in 5 days and literally let real life go into the background. My idea of a perfect book really. Arrow was broken, betrayed and patronised at every time by her peers yet she still sees the good in people, works for the greater good and eventually there are those that notice and she builds up a trusted circle and in which to literally save the world over and ever. Loved every second of it and wish I experience them for the first time all over again.
June 3, 2023
A few bugs - still an excellent story
The plot for this one seemed a little less tight - there were points where my brain started to say "wait a minute, who's that?", & I had to back up to figure out where a character was introduced (& one or two of them apparently hadn't been). It's also a little annoying to find out significant details about a character's relationship to Arrow several books after they were introduced.
Nevertheless, the story is so good & the things we learn are exciting enough that I hurried past the bumps & can't wait to read the next!
*** CONTENT ***
*Sex - nothing graphic; there's a character who mistakenly believes another character is propositioning her to be his mistress, & yet another character actually is someone's mistress. The same sex couple briefly alluded to in the last book is a little more obvious this time
Language: there's a d-mn this time
The plot for this one seemed a little less tight - there were points where my brain started to say "wait a minute, who's that?", & I had to back up to figure out where a character was introduced (& one or two of them apparently hadn't been). It's also a little annoying to find out significant details about a character's relationship to Arrow several books after they were introduced.
Nevertheless, the story is so good & the things we learn are exciting enough that I hurried past the bumps & can't wait to read the next!
*** CONTENT ***
*Sex - nothing graphic; there's a character who mistakenly believes another character is propositioning her to be his mistress, & yet another character actually is someone's mistress. The same sex couple briefly alluded to in the last book is a little more obvious this time
Language: there's a d-mn this time
August 20, 2024
Taellaneth3
Well. I am churning through this series, like a swimmer in the channel. Breathe to one side, wipe tears away to the other.
Arrow has an uneasy relationship with the Erith. Raised in their magic system, forced into obeisance, dispatched with indifference, treated with disdain; she hid much of what she was, and the fullness of her capabilities. And, at her core, unnamed. In Erith society, that meant she was nonpersoned.
Having fulfilled the tenure of her oaths, she shocked her abusers with a rejection of continuing servitude. Their response was banishment, with a wealth of spitefulness. But, Arrow was not cut adrift. There are those who appreciate her abilities, and treasure her promises.
And, some of those are Erith.
This book is about relationships and secrets. And, dreams.
Well. I am churning through this series, like a swimmer in the channel. Breathe to one side, wipe tears away to the other.
Arrow has an uneasy relationship with the Erith. Raised in their magic system, forced into obeisance, dispatched with indifference, treated with disdain; she hid much of what she was, and the fullness of her capabilities. And, at her core, unnamed. In Erith society, that meant she was nonpersoned.
Having fulfilled the tenure of her oaths, she shocked her abusers with a rejection of continuing servitude. Their response was banishment, with a wealth of spitefulness. But, Arrow was not cut adrift. There are those who appreciate her abilities, and treasure her promises.
And, some of those are Erith.
This book is about relationships and secrets. And, dreams.
November 16, 2025
Still good
Book 3, and im still enjoying them. Would probably give it 4.5 stars if I could. Not yet Patricia briggs or illona Andrews but far far better than expected.
Rare to find an author who is good on Kindle unlimited.
Very occasionally, protagonists' reactions don't ring quite true. I always find it a bit annoying when an obviously clever main character reacts out of that character just to further the plot. Overall, a likeable main character and very, very slow burn romance.
Definitely not a romantasy
Hats off..
Book 3, and im still enjoying them. Would probably give it 4.5 stars if I could. Not yet Patricia briggs or illona Andrews but far far better than expected.
Rare to find an author who is good on Kindle unlimited.
Very occasionally, protagonists' reactions don't ring quite true. I always find it a bit annoying when an obviously clever main character reacts out of that character just to further the plot. Overall, a likeable main character and very, very slow burn romance.
Definitely not a romantasy
Hats off..
December 29, 2018
Another great installment! Even more of the interesting background to Arrow's character is now becoming visible, providing quite a different backdrop and environment to the first two books and some interesting new characters. As before, these books provide the same fast-paced plotting and unpredictable twists seen previously in Books 1 and 2. The plot delves more deeply into Arrow's work as a magic-user and provides a great environment for character growth. Really recommend this series.
July 25, 2023
5/5 stars - Arrow Goes to Court
I really enjoyed this one. It mostly takes place at the Queen's court in the heartland, giving us a wider view of the world and many more characters to meet. It was a little slow in the beginning, but the pace picked up quickly. There was lots of action and mystery that kept me engaged. My one gripe is that Orlis is a super annoying character. I wish there was less of him and more of Kallish, but she showed up eventually.
I really enjoyed this one. It mostly takes place at the Queen's court in the heartland, giving us a wider view of the world and many more characters to meet. It was a little slow in the beginning, but the pace picked up quickly. There was lots of action and mystery that kept me engaged. My one gripe is that Orlis is a super annoying character. I wish there was less of him and more of Kallish, but she showed up eventually.
May 22, 2021
Enjoying The Story
20 or more words are required for a review, but I could sum up my enjoyment of this story using only the following:
I am enjoying this series, and this book as a single work, very much.
I strongly recommend this book.
Don't cut your enjoyment short. Start reading from the first book in the series.
20 or more words are required for a review, but I could sum up my enjoyment of this story using only the following:
I am enjoying this series, and this book as a single work, very much.
I strongly recommend this book.
Don't cut your enjoyment short. Start reading from the first book in the series.
July 12, 2023
A promise, a portrait, a betrayal, and a gift
‘Betrayed’, book 3 of ‘The Taellaneth’ is definitely named appropriately. Tasked with keeping a promise, discovering relative secrets, trusting only a handful of ‘maybe friends’ and receiving unasked for gifts keeps Arrow on edge throughout this exciting addition to ‘The Taellaneth’ series. I look forward to book 4.
‘Betrayed’, book 3 of ‘The Taellaneth’ is definitely named appropriately. Tasked with keeping a promise, discovering relative secrets, trusting only a handful of ‘maybe friends’ and receiving unasked for gifts keeps Arrow on edge throughout this exciting addition to ‘The Taellaneth’ series. I look forward to book 4.
June 13, 2024
Very few books...
...have drawn such an emotional reaction from me. Arrow was 'oath bound' (slave) and was treated horribly. I felt such anger on her behalf and sorrow that people could treat others like that. I look forward to Arrow's continued growth as a free person.
And a tiny part of me wants revenge. I hope she gets some.
...have drawn such an emotional reaction from me. Arrow was 'oath bound' (slave) and was treated horribly. I felt such anger on her behalf and sorrow that people could treat others like that. I look forward to Arrow's continued growth as a free person.
And a tiny part of me wants revenge. I hope she gets some.
January 31, 2025
I love this series, Vanessa Nelson is one of my favorite writers. Each book in the series’s gets better and better as the characters grow. This is the fifth series I read and lots of action and I love the female characters . I am sorry this series is going to end ! Each book keeps me awake and reading,hard to put down!
June 24, 2025
Betrayed, book three of the Taellaneth series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). Again, another excellent installment in this great series. It's nice to see Arrow in the driver's seat with the Erith who have to ask for her help, rather than order her about. This story has had interesting reveals and twists to maintain the tension. Well done.
January 17, 2026
really good
I am loving this series. I have not discovered Vanessa Nelson recently but am LOVING this series. It’s the second series I’ve read, both excellent.
It’s always good to find a new author with lots of books. Great characters, a few twists and turns, a real page turner.
I am loving this series. I have not discovered Vanessa Nelson recently but am LOVING this series. It’s the second series I’ve read, both excellent.
It’s always good to find a new author with lots of books. Great characters, a few twists and turns, a real page turner.
January 6, 2022
This book has been the best of the series so far. At last, I didn't feel lost and confused throughout the entire book. There are so many characters in this series, it seemed hard to keep up in the first two books. Things seemed a little easier in this book and the writing greatly improved.
January 30, 2022
4.5
For me this third book was an excellent melding of magic and mystery. I truly enjoyed the tracking of the bad guys, and while it ran a bit slow in some parts, the characters kept me going.
For me this third book was an excellent melding of magic and mystery. I truly enjoyed the tracking of the bad guys, and while it ran a bit slow in some parts, the characters kept me going.
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