Jev Dharrow is trying to convince his father to cancel his arranged marriage so he can wed Zenia, the woman he loves. But when elven assassins arrive in the city, all his personal problems must be set aside.
They are after his good friend, Lornysh, an elf who has saved Jev's life a dozen times over the years. The assassins consider Lornysh to be a traitor to their people, and they’ll kill anyone who stands at his side. They wield great magic as well as their swords, and they have the power to destroy half the city as they chase after their target.
With the arranged marriage looming and elven assassins on the warpath, Jev is running out of time to save his friend—and his own future.
Kinda getting tired of Jev and Zenia's romance but I did enjoy Lorynsh's back story event though it spanned across like half a page. The action scenes were good and overall, it was quite well paced. I do however feel that these books are missing Ms. Buroker's real charm. Hopefully the final book satisfies that itch for me.
This series just keeps getting better with each book, and in this one, we see a group of Elven Warden’s come to Korvan to seek ‘Justice’ against Lornysh for his switching sides in the Human/Elvish war, and killing his own kind. This is another multi-faceted tale, one in which it is not just the story of Jev and Zenia trying to help Lornysh, but in which there are multiple other stories that unfold as well. In book 4, we see the continuing saga of Jev and his marriage problems continue, as his father, refuses to acknowledge Zenia as an acceptable partner for Jev, and has arranged a marriage to a young woman. This of course, has caused problems for Jev and Zenia as well, as she is both in love with Jev, but confused about what to do with the situation, as she does not want to be a Zyndar mistress. It places a strain on their relationship at work as well (not helped of course by the ever helpful Rhi, who makes her rather observant, but humorous jabs at Zenia about things). Elven Fury is a really interesting story, there is a lot of intrigue in this one, not just the story about Jev’s love life, and the enforced marriage to Fremia (and there is a really interesting storyline throughout the book involving Fremia’s mother Bashlari that adds another dimension to this story), but the main story that evolves around the Elves. What starts out as a small hunting party for Lornysh quickly escalates, and the city is soon under siege by a dangerous Elvish faction, not only hunting Lornysh, but also wreaking havoc throughout the city. When the Elvish Princess Yesleva arrives in Korvann to assist, this only makes things worse as she also becomes a target for these assassins. This is a story of political intrigue in which two nations, having only just come to a difficult peace agreement, suddenly find themselves in a dangerous battle as a renegade faction of Elves seeks revenge against not only Lornysh, but the city for the war. Zenia and Jev have to unravel not only who they are, but why they are there, and their ultimate goals if they have any hope of stopping them. Elven Fury sees a combination of fast and furious action, with brutal combat scenes, and some incredible magic, both from Zenia and the Elves, intertwined with the political intrigue of a Kingdom under siege. Targyon works with his Agents to try and understand what is happening, whilst also meeting with the Elven Princess (and this leads to some very humourous scenes). Amongst this, Jev and Zenia continue to deal with the fallout of Jev’s ‘engagement’, as well as his cousin Wyleria, and her relationship difficulties. This is a book filled with a lot of relationship troubles, as nearly all of the main characters seem to be having some sort of relationship now, Jev and Zenia, but complicated by his engagement to Fremia, Hydal and Rhi, Targyon is trying to deal with the Elven Princess, Cutter is trying to impress (and ‘Woo’) the Master Dwarven Cutter. We even learn some really fascinating back story about Lornysh in this book, some of his history, who he is, and it is great to get to learn more about not just Lornysh, but the Taziira. Buroker continues to grow and develop this wonderful world that she has created, the world-building is exceptional, and makes this story so beautiful to read, you really feel like you are walking through the Kingdom in parts, or climbing the stairs (or walls?) of the Elven Tower. It really brings this story to life. This is a wonderfully crafted story, one that is an absolute joy to read as the characters are just so much fun, and the story is compelling. With a multi-faceted storyline, full of intrigue and adventure, once you pick this book up, you just won’t be able to put it down. Elven Fury is a truly magical sequel in the series, and should not be missed, this is an Epic series, and I can’t wait for book 5!!
Novel keempat dari siri Agents of the Crown, bergenre fantasi+penyiasatan. Dalam buku kali ni, plotnya dark sikit. Tapi character development dan scene2 pertarungan makin menarik.
Dalam buku kali ni, Jev dan Zenia ditugaskan untuk menyiasat dan menghalang kumpulan elf yang dikenali sebagai Zsayon faction yg cuba untuk membunuh Lornysh (rakan Jev) dan mencetuskan huru-hara di negara Korvann. Sementara itu, Jev telah dipaksa oleh ayahnya utk mengahwini seorang gadis dari golongan bangsawan. Jev bertekad utk menghalang niat ayahnya itu.
Really enjoying this series, but that seems to be what I always say when reading anything from Lindsay Buroker. Huh...she includes magic in her stories, but maybe she really includes magic in her stories - like written with magic? She's yet to disappoint and I've read a ton of her books. Her stories are written in an easy, smart style, sprinkled with humor, which is just enjoyable to read. Agents of the Crown is another entertaining example - has me thinking back after I finish, and really looking forward to returning to these characters. That's the other thing - I can't believe how quickly she publishes her books so it's great knowing I won't have to wait long!
Enjoyed the book. Liked the characters. An interesting world with a unique collection of transportation, weapons, mysteries and talents. Certain you will like it.
This was definitely an uptick in quality from Duty Bound. The plot and danger felt much more fleshed out and prevalent through the whole book, not just the end. The elves were scary and dangerous, the attacks were very exciting. But as with every book in this series, the titular "elven fury" seems to be confined to just the one book. I would have happily read a whole series about fighting criminal guilds, or hunting would-be assassins, or stopping an Orc invastion, or battling Elven avengers. But instead the series is trying to do all of those things, and not doing any of them justice.
I'm looking forward to the last book because it looks like we might finally see some dragons, but I'm mourning all the possible avenues this series could have explored that would have been equally exciting.
Also, I was pretty sure from the get-go that Jev and Zenia wouldn't be able to find a way to be together and I still don't see how it will be possible. At this point I will disappointed in their lack of integrity if they do throw out all their values for love lust.
I really need to switch over to SciFi but in this Pandemic times it feels good dealing with swords instead of guns. But after saying that I really enjoy this series. Jev is really in trouble, first he is the Kings main agent of the Crown. Second he is recuperating from the explosion aboard the dwarven vessel. Just to make life even harder he is in love with Zenia. But his father will not approve the relationship because she is a commoner. Finally his biggest problem is that he is engaged and we all know that one is the deadly one. Oh yes, he has a lot of people looking to kill him, but that is manageable. The Elven Princess returns and the King has a crush on her. Elves angry over the war are now roaming the city and they are after Lornysh. This one is hard to describe without giving it away.
Just when Jev and Zenia are finally on the verge of embarking on a romance, Jev receives the highly unappreciated news that his father has arranged a suitable bride for his only living son and heir. Trying to talk the old man into breaking off Jev's unwanted engagement and letting him marry Zenia instead soon takes a backseat to another most unwelcome problem: A team of extremely lethal elven assassins is in town, hunting Jev's friend Lornysh whom they consider a traitor who must be eliminated.
Fun, fastpaced entertainment as always. We finally learn Lornysh's backstory, which has been a huge mystery thus far, as well as more about Zenia's extraordinarily powerful dragon tear. Too bad that the next book is already the last in the series!
Book Four in Agents of the Crown series. Zenia and Jev, Agents for the Crown, struggle against society’s expectations in terms of marriage. Jev’s father, a member of the nobility, refuses to allow Jev to marry Zenia, a commoner. He arranges a marriage for his son to a zyndari-class woman. Meanwhile, Jev’s elven friend, Lornysh, fends off assassins. These elven wardens wreak havoc in the land and destroy the ship of a visiting elven princess. The king is disturbed by these invaders and assigns Zenia and Jev the task of getting rid of them. Zenia knows her magical dragon’s tear can help her, but at what cost? This fast-paced fantasy has excellent world building and memorable characters.
The fourth instalment in Lindsay Buroker’s most recent series (Agent’s of the Crown) does not disappoint. The characters continue to be both likeable and believable, and each book in the series has effectively deepened the background, continued the world building and fleshed out the characters. The action rattled along and I, for one, kept turning the pages until well after midnite to see what happened next. While there was a suitable denouement with this book, I eagerly await book 5 in the series!
Lindsay Buroker, one of my absolute all-time favorite authors across several genres (sci fi, fantasy, steampunk, even SFR under a pen name) is back. Her latest, Elven Fury (Agents of the Crown Book 4), is once again a fantastic book and wonderful continuation of yet another fabulous series. I’m addicted to this author and books like this one show why. Action and adventure, elves and magic, a fantastic set of leads in Zenia and Jev who continue to grow and are supported by a wonderfully crafted cast. A great story and growing overarching story arc, all tied up by a bow of perfect writing. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
Zev's friend, Lornysh, and elf who fought against his own people during the war, is being hunted by a group of Elven Wardens. Zenia and Jev must work to stop the onslaught from these very powerful elves and save Lornysh while also working to stop Zev's forced wedding that may have been agreed to based on magic. Another easy read in this series that I am really enjoying.
I'm in love with this series, it is a refreshing break from the norm in this genre! I love Jev's humour his passion to do right by Zenia his partner crown agents working for the new King Tarygon. In this book we see Tarygon start to slip into his role as king. I don't like to give spoilers away in my reviews I will say that Lindsay Buroker welds her pen the way a good mage does a dragon tear! The writing keeps you enthralled, the sub plots are woven masterfully into the main plot, the characters all are people you root for, I want Zenia and Jev to overcome tradition and be allowed to love and I love that he is willing to give up his birth right and be a lowly clerk and carry her books through the castle (get your mind out of the gutter that was no euphemism! Shane on you!) We find out more to the story of Lornyish, Jev's elven friend who served with him in the war against the elves as a faction of elves, powerful elves arrive in Kor to kill him as the traitor they see him to be. I sincerely love this series, each book fills it out, adding to each character, investing you in their future, especially that way it has been left, I am SO ready for the next book, please hurry!
The relationship between Jeb and Zenia continues to develop. Denise Dragon year plays a key part as its power develops.. Relations with elves undergoes change some good and some bad. The next book will feature Dragon tears and its eagerly awaited.
Wow, Lindsay Buroker has written another great book. But don't take my word for it read it for yourself. Murderous e!ven wardens come to Kor . Jev and Zenia must do their best to stop them from destroying the city and Jev's good friend. Will Jev get to marry the woman of his dreams or will his father force into a loveless marriage. Is Zenia's Dragon gem actually a part of a real live dragon? Read for yourselves, the adventure continues.
I've really enjoyed this 4th book in the series and can't wait for the next one, although I am sad it will b the last. I'm still waiting for some more of hers to come on the unlimited site as I have now read all those that are. Keep it up Lindsay, I'm an avid fan of your style of writing.
Jev and Zenia overcome many obstacles trying to help the young king and their elven friend; Lornysh. Cutter, the young dwarf, gets in a few licks with his magically enchanted hammer. Elvish terrorists threaten the fragile peace between elves & humans. Out-magic-ed & out-manuvered at every turn, our unlikely crew manages to somehow salvage the situation. And we finally discover the source of Zenia's mysterious messages (sorta?) and her nighmares. Which conveniently sets us up for the next book. Love the author, love this book, adore this series. Well worth the price! Can't wait for the next installment.
I enjoy LIndsay's books. They are contain fantasy, action, mild romance and silly, lightweight dialogue. They aren't for people looking for serious, hardcore fantasy. The worldbuilding is never as in depth as some series. The characters are the main draw. Her females are strong in their own various ways. They contain a ragtag group of seemingly disparate characters that go together well anyway. They provide good escapist reading.
This series is no different. Her humor might not be for everyone so try out a sample. However, I like the silly and sarcastic dialogue and the lack of taking itself too seriously.
The relationship drama drags down the story. I have zero investment in their half-baked, uninspired romance.
Difficult to root for a heroine who: - does all the work -doesn’t assert her authority -always seems unsure of her position (one she was appointed to BY THE KING) and is always afraid of asserting her authority -assumes nearly all the blame for causing the strife between the hero and his father -just kind of accepts the hero’s passivity.
I get the sense that Buroker likes writing a heroine who is constantly shat on by society; I noticed this with Val Thorvald in the “Death Before Dragons” series, so I’m assuming the author enjoys making her heroines this mistreatment. Doesn’t Zenia want a hero who will fight for her? She just accepts Jev’s difficult “situation” and feels so much sympathy for him. Where’s her self-respect and sense of self-worth? She’s the one with everything at stake, most importantly her professional reputation, but she continues to “get caught” in compromising situations with Jev (i.e. she’s stupidly unable to keep her hands off of him in public), further fueling the rumors that have shown to be disruptive to not only her personal life, but also undermine her authority as head of the Crown Agents. She bemoans the constant disparagement she endures as a commoner and she wants people to take her seriously as a captain, but she up and loses her head whenever Jev is near. And for the love of god, give Zenia a badge or something so she can identify herself as a Royal captain and cut down the disrespect she receives from assholes.
As for Jev, it’s difficult to root for a passive hero. I initially liked that he’s sort of a reluctant hero: he doesn’t actually enjoy combat or leading armies of men, nor is he an irresponsible ne’er-do-well, but he’s increasingly shown to be highly conflict-avoidant, much to my frustration. Jev is also painfully naive about the unimpeachably privileged status zyndars hold in society. He’s just now becoming aware of their abuses of power and what assholes most of them are? And why are Jev and Zenia attempting win over his heinous father? The man has made himself clear. I suspect Jev simply doesn’t truly want to make hard choices, and Zenia doesn’t feel worthy of the sacrifices Jev may Ave to make in order to marry her; I also suspect she fears that when push comes to shove, Jev will disappoint her.
The world continues to be muddy with the details. I’m confused about the power of the dragon tears; it seems anyone with enough money can buy and use one, so why aren’t all zyndars using them to basically enslave the commoners? How were humans able to wage war against the elves when elves are the stronger force and can access powerful magic? How are humans able to defend themselves from incursions from the much stronger trolls and orcs? The battle scenes make no sense because I find it implausible that humans are able to fight these super-strong-magically-powered elves. I understand this series is meant to be a low-fantasy romp, but the vague organization of this world makes it difficult for me to enjoy the ride.
Basic Details: Book Title: Elven Fury Subtitle: (Agents of the Crown #4) Author: Lindsay Buroker Genre: Fantasy Part of a series? Yes Order in series: 4 Best read after earlier books in series? Yes Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
Overall score: I scored this book 5/5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Short Summary of the book: Jev and Zenia meet more challenges in the fourth book in the series. Jev’s father has found out about the attraction between Jev and Zenia and has arranged for a wedding to someone he feels is more suited. Jev tries to convince his dad to call off the engagement and allow Jev to choose his own bride but needs to deal with another problem first. One of Jev’s friends, Lornish, is at risk of being assassinated by Elfish assassins who consider him a traitor. Will Jev be able to come out on top of both challenges? What I liked about the book: I loved this book as much as the other three and just couldn’t stop reading. I read all books in the series in a matter of two to three weeks in February 2020. What I didn’t like about the book: There was nothing I disliked about the book. My favourite bits in the book: I enjoyed all the suspense and action within the book with the hint of romance. My least favourite bits in the book: The end. I wanted to read more and find out what happened next. This is most likely what led me to buy the next book in the series immediately after reading this one. Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author? The author has written more books in this series and I’m definitely a fan. What books could this be compared to and why? The book is similar to the first in the series. It uses magic, suspense, mystery and detective skills. Definitely a winner. Recommendation: In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No Young Adult Yes Adult Yes
If you like mystery and fantasy with a bit of magic thrown in, this book may be the book for you. Book Description by Author: Jev Dharrow is trying to convince his father to cancel his arranged marriage so he can wed Zenia, the woman he loves. But when elven assassins arrive in the city, all his personal problems must be set aside.
They are after his good friend, Lornysh, an elf who has saved Jev's life a dozen times over the years. The assassins consider Lornysh to be a traitor to their people, and they’ll kill anyone who stands at his side. They wield great magic as well as their swords, and they have the power to destroy half the city as they chase after their target.
With the arranged marriage looming and elven assassins on the warpath, Jev is running out of time to save his friend—and his own future. About the Author: I'm a full-time indie fantasy and science fiction author. When I'm not writing, I'm ferrying my dogs to hiking trails for adventures.
Lornysh's secrets, finally, in another exciting installment
Not only do we finally get to learn what turned Lornysh against his own elven people (and vice versa), but also, in the end, we learn something important about the dragon-soul linked to Zenia's dragon tear, setting up the fifth and final book's mission.
Along the way, there are magically powerful, assassination-minded elven wardens to confront, as well as the scheming zyndari mother whose suspicious influence over Jev's father has gotten her daughter engaged to the more-than-reluctant Jev. We also meet again the elven princess last seen when the Eye of Truth was reclaimed.
I'm not sure why I didn't read this one right away when it first came out (especially since Lornysh's untold backstory was one element I'd been impatiently waiting for), but that means that I can go straight on to Dragon Tear now!
Sorry for the short review, but my opinion of Lindsay Buroker is pretty predictable: fun action with likable protagonists (though occasionally Jev's attempts at flirtatious humor are a bit of a groaner, particularly since any relationship with Zenia is as yet still merely a matter of hope on her part and determination to find a way on his), and an overarching plot that is maybe a bit protracted... but why complain at this point, now that resolutions to it all are drawing near?
Oh, and I didn't notice a single proofreading error this time!
This one was a little too heavy on the romance side. And a bit more needless sex comments/jokes. Rhy is obnoxious, I only barely like her. Finding her frustratingly inappropriate, totally lacking insight, awareness. But loyal. The dwarf is funny though, with his advice about making gifts. A wholly likeable character, along with the elf. The king has more potential for being interesting and endearing. I hope that character is developed a bit more. All the rest is good. I thought Rhe had an inner magic with the sword. Not yet. And, this society is so abusive and demeaning, lacking in placing any value on women. I thought at least a general comment on the need to improve the status of women might at least be recognized the only issue it seems is about marriage customs. Even that is only because it's inconvenient not that it's wrong. But I get that isn't what the book is about. Its good to illustrate injustice in a unfocused way. It might be more effective tool in teaching to make up your own mind rather than be lead to make a decision that the writing directs the reader to make. Not being required to make a judgement.
One can find a lunatic fringe in any society, their being relatively harmless or extremely dangerous, depending on circumstances. However, finding such amongst the elves somehow surprised. But there is a story attached and on the end revolves around Jev's elven friend, Lornysh. It started when a hood covered person approached Jev and his dwarfish friend, Cutter, to find out where Lornysh is. And for a change, Jev could feel the malice in this mysterious person's voice and stance. Which is when Cutter interfered. That meeting with somebody of the elvish lunatic fringe escalated quickly into a nasty fight. From there it escalated drastically into various lethal incidents. No doubt about it, the lunatic fringe here was of the lethal variety and aimed squarely even at the surviving veterans of the elven-human war. Believe me, it is quite amazing to note how easily one's fingers get used to rapidly flip pages almost continuously for a couple of hours as you fervently try to keep up with the rapid plot pace of Elven Fury. Enjoy.
Okay, yeah. So not only does Jev have to deal with assassins and other manner of dangerous shenanigans, but his father has broken his word about giving him time to find a wife and has arranged a marriage with a girl still in her teens. Which, ewww. Plus, her mom is kind of a jerk and I'm not okay with arranged marriages, as it turns out.
Let's get back to those assassins, though. They aren't just assassins. They're highly trained Elven assassins and they seem to be gunning specifically for Lornysh. Seeing how Jev likes the guy despite his surly attitude, he's not okay with someone (or several someones) trying to kill him.
As you might expect, he throws himself (and Zenia) into the middle of things.
A little danger. A lot of snark. A WHOLE lot of longing looks. Some head bashing. A few unexpected revelations. All in a day's work for the agents, amirite?!?!
Zenia has finally decided to open up only to have rugged snatched from underneath her when she learns that Jev is to be married in a short time. Adding insult to injury, rumors are being spread about her being a loose woman. Jev is just about to lose his stuffings and has almost threaten his father with walking away from everything. Unfortunately his close commandre, Lornysh is threaten by another set of elves which you can clearly see that this is about seeking revenge one way or another for something Lornysh had no control over. In this book we learn the true cause behind Lornysh cause in the war. It saddens me that humans as well as other worldly races can be so cruel and insert their higher ranking believing others are below them.
Good fun read with likable and amusing characters, a bit of mystery and lots magic. Although very reminiscent of this authors EE series in style (indeed some of the characters are very similar to their counterparts) this didn't bother me at all because I LOVE EE and this gives me the same sense of anticipation - when I have a new book to start and enjoyment when I read it. Was glad to see Jev stand up to his father about the marriage as I was a bit worried that would drag out. Can't wait for the next one.