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The Taellaneth #4
Tainted
Peace at breaking point. A dark and ambitious conspiracy. A lethal adversary.
Woken from sleep by intruders, Arrow is shocked to realise that humans have managed to break through her wards. This was no simple break-in. It quickly becomes clear this was just part of a series, and the Erith's ancient enemies may be involved.
Worse than that, the peace treaty that holds shape-changers, humans and Erith from all-out war is on the brink of collapse.
Arrow is once more in the middle of a deadly power struggle.
Note: Tainted (The Taellaneth – Book 4) continues Arrow’s story started in Concealed (Book 1). The series is designed to be read in order and Tainted may contain spoilers for the earlier books.
Woken from sleep by intruders, Arrow is shocked to realise that humans have managed to break through her wards. This was no simple break-in. It quickly becomes clear this was just part of a series, and the Erith's ancient enemies may be involved.
Worse than that, the peace treaty that holds shape-changers, humans and Erith from all-out war is on the brink of collapse.
Arrow is once more in the middle of a deadly power struggle.
Note: Tainted (The Taellaneth – Book 4) continues Arrow’s story started in Concealed (Book 1). The series is designed to be read in order and Tainted may contain spoilers for the earlier books.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2018
116 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Nelson
32 books427 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 44 reviews
August 26, 2021
Fourth in a UF series. So read in order.
I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the others. The last couple of books have been realm-focused so I guess this one is the humans' turn? The start is weak, I think, with a sudden peace talks centerpoint. The main human wizard liaison felt cardboard and the main bad guy felt projected and predictable.
And then Arrow gets . It still felt a little, I dunno, wandery, though.
The final developments were fantastic and edge-of-the-seat tense and we got a stronger sense of the shape of the main conflict and it was pretty awesome. So I'm going to go with four stars and note that I'm looking forward to the final of the series.
A note about Craft: Still having editing issues. About on par for the previous book so I feel like we've reached Nelson's "norm". It's not a good norm, but it isn't awful, either.
A note about Chaste: Lovely developments with Arrow's main squeeze. There's an outstanding kiss near the end, and it was exactly what it needed to be. But that's all there was. So still very chaste, I think.
I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the others. The last couple of books have been realm-focused so I guess this one is the humans' turn? The start is weak, I think, with a sudden peace talks centerpoint. The main human wizard liaison felt cardboard and the main bad guy felt projected and predictable.
And then Arrow gets . It still felt a little, I dunno, wandery, though.
The final developments were fantastic and edge-of-the-seat tense and we got a stronger sense of the shape of the main conflict and it was pretty awesome. So I'm going to go with four stars and note that I'm looking forward to the final of the series.
A note about Craft: Still having editing issues. About on par for the previous book so I feel like we've reached Nelson's "norm". It's not a good norm, but it isn't awful, either.
A note about Chaste: Lovely developments with Arrow's main squeeze. There's an outstanding kiss near the end, and it was exactly what it needed to be. But that's all there was. So still very chaste, I think.
March 20, 2023
“I could not just let you go,” he told her, fingers tightening around hers. “Not alone.”
So it looks like the humans want to get in on the game of power this time around. The story starts out with two powerful, but untrained magic users breaking into Arrow's home in the middle of the night. While she can't quite figure out what they were looking for- there is one major problem- they didn't just get through her wards but bypassed them completely? How is that possible?
After looking more into it Arrow and the Prime realize that her home was not the only one broken into, and they discover the baddies have been taking ancient relics from all over town some unknown purpose.
With tensions also rising in the background between humans, kin, and Erith- the Prime Zachary has asked Arrow to help during an upcoming summit amongst the powers to decide a new treaty. Another problem? Well, it looks like the human delegation has some tricks up their sleeves with bring along The Collegia Magica aka the highest authority in human magic.
When things go serious awry during the meeting, Arrow and her friends find out what the stones are meant for.... and with their interference Arrow and Kester are dragged into the plot.
Can the two survive what's comming, or will Arrow's unique blend of shadow walker and war mage combo drive her further into the darkness?
Spoilery Stuff:
March 31, 2025
This really is a fabulous series. Such great world building and characters.
Still eh about the love interest. Funnily enough, I like him as a person/character. But with the continuing lack of acknowledgement of his role in her abuse - and the horrifying abuse perpetuated by the leaders in Taellaneth - I will continue to dislike him as a love interest. This shit just can't be swept under the rug. And if he truly understood how wrong it was, his regret would drive him to not just talk to her about it, but also be actively working to change that part of their society. This is a dude in a leadership position. He CAN help foster change. But he can't even admit what they did to her was wrong, so I don't know if he even understands that it was. I truly don't.
This book had a great arc, though. And I love that more and more characters are having their eyes opened to reality. The secondary human characters - the mages, I think their names were Dillon and Juniper? - had a really great arc as they realized how damaged their leadership structure was, how corrupt. But now - as leaders of Collegia - they are humbled and busting their ass to make changes. This is the character growth I want to see.
Also, we found
Still eh about the love interest. Funnily enough, I like him as a person/character. But with the continuing lack of acknowledgement of his role in her abuse - and the horrifying abuse perpetuated by the leaders in Taellaneth - I will continue to dislike him as a love interest. This shit just can't be swept under the rug. And if he truly understood how wrong it was, his regret would drive him to not just talk to her about it, but also be actively working to change that part of their society. This is a dude in a leadership position. He CAN help foster change. But he can't even admit what they did to her was wrong, so I don't know if he even understands that it was. I truly don't.
This book had a great arc, though. And I love that more and more characters are having their eyes opened to reality. The secondary human characters - the mages, I think their names were Dillon and Juniper? - had a really great arc as they realized how damaged their leadership structure was, how corrupt. But now - as leaders of Collegia - they are humbled and busting their ass to make changes. This is the character growth I want to see.
Also, we found
March 16, 2022
I love it!
It was never stop surprising me!
Continue to the last book in the series 😍.
❤️❤️❤️
It was never stop surprising me!
Continue to the last book in the series 😍.
❤️❤️❤️
June 10, 2023
All I have to say is, “side-trek into some weird, wandery realm” and anyone who has ever read my reviews will know exactly why the three star rating.
The book started just as amazing as each before with the super interesting idea of a Human/Erith/Shifkin conference to update the treaties. Wow! How much mayhem can be caused when you get them all together - YES! But before anything much could happen Arrow and Kester fall into a portal and spend the majority of the book wandering aimlessly in the dark while fighting and meeting all kinds of weird stuff. Then, at the last of the book, they are able to pop out and the original story finally continues. Unfortunately, it was the original story that would have been incredible (IMHO) but by that time there wasn’t time. So, it just wrapped up. *sigh* CanNOT figure the reasoning behind this….
SOPE, if you want my overal opinion: First 1/4 of the book, AWESOME. Second 2/4 of the book, ‘just get back already” annoying. Last 1/4 of the book, AWESOME!
Oh, and just as a side-note. What’s with the girl on all the covers? It is an oft-repeated fact in the stories that Arrow has wild, curly hair with freckles on her face yet all the pictures are of a girl with stick straight hair and perfectly plain skin. It’s distracting, I tell ya!
The book started just as amazing as each before with the super interesting idea of a Human/Erith/Shifkin conference to update the treaties. Wow! How much mayhem can be caused when you get them all together - YES! But before anything much could happen Arrow and Kester fall into a portal and spend the majority of the book wandering aimlessly in the dark while fighting and meeting all kinds of weird stuff. Then, at the last of the book, they are able to pop out and the original story finally continues. Unfortunately, it was the original story that would have been incredible (IMHO) but by that time there wasn’t time. So, it just wrapped up. *sigh* CanNOT figure the reasoning behind this….
SOPE, if you want my overal opinion: First 1/4 of the book, AWESOME. Second 2/4 of the book, ‘just get back already” annoying. Last 1/4 of the book, AWESOME!
Oh, and just as a side-note. What’s with the girl on all the covers? It is an oft-repeated fact in the stories that Arrow has wild, curly hair with freckles on her face yet all the pictures are of a girl with stick straight hair and perfectly plain skin. It’s distracting, I tell ya!
August 18, 2021
3.5/5; 4 stars
I kept thinking about Eileen Wilks World of the Lupi series and Lily’s unfortunate trip to Dis when I was reading this book. I liked this story but for some reason didn’t like being in the ‘human’ world as much as the ‘kin or Erith.
I like that Arrow is coming into her own and making some true friends in the various groups. Very little time has actually passed since book 1 so I shouldn’t expect her to get over her years of abuse yet but for some reason I do. One of those smart allies should be getting her some therapy along with regular meals and time to rest!
I kept thinking about Eileen Wilks World of the Lupi series and Lily’s unfortunate trip to Dis when I was reading this book. I liked this story but for some reason didn’t like being in the ‘human’ world as much as the ‘kin or Erith.
I like that Arrow is coming into her own and making some true friends in the various groups. Very little time has actually passed since book 1 so I shouldn’t expect her to get over her years of abuse yet but for some reason I do. One of those smart allies should be getting her some therapy along with regular meals and time to rest!
June 24, 2023
A lot more action! One setting brought to mind a scene from the movie "Galaxy Quest." There was texture/dimension (no pun intended) to this "Tainted" that I felt had been missing in prior books. The plot was layered. I felt one character did not match description set from the previous installments, making that character a disappointment. Arrow's character character growth keeps me engaged with this series. On a side note: I am hopeful that there is a series featuring Zachary, the Prime. Please tell me we see him again. Anyone?
June 5, 2025
A home run
Book 4 in the series and I liked it even more than book three. Arrow upped her magical game in this one and she got to seen a lot more time with Kester. Having been thrust into the demon realm, Arrow, Kesterand two humans have to battle their way across the territory and the demons to find a portal ack home and to the peace treaty summit that’s being sabotaged. Some fun new characters are introduced ( the Six are funny and awesome) and they totally adopt arrow thus expanding her found family. Unfortunately she finds yet another family member who does nothing but put her down, and put his needs ahead of her. Serren is a total tool. It was good seeing arrow really stand up for herself ✌️✌️ and I did like that the author finally gave her a backbone. There were some secondary characters who had some major growth throughout the story that really added to the plot and theme. Overall, great addition.
Book 4 in the series and I liked it even more than book three. Arrow upped her magical game in this one and she got to seen a lot more time with Kester. Having been thrust into the demon realm, Arrow, Kesterand two humans have to battle their way across the territory and the demons to find a portal ack home and to the peace treaty summit that’s being sabotaged. Some fun new characters are introduced ( the Six are funny and awesome) and they totally adopt arrow thus expanding her found family. Unfortunately she finds yet another family member who does nothing but put her down, and put his needs ahead of her. Serren is a total tool. It was good seeing arrow really stand up for herself ✌️✌️ and I did like that the author finally gave her a backbone. There were some secondary characters who had some major growth throughout the story that really added to the plot and theme. Overall, great addition.
March 2, 2023
Better than the last one, because there are fewer Erith in it and the abuse Arrow has suffered at their hands is less relevant. The magic system is a mess and I’m getting rather tired of “new” types of spells being introduced left and right. It would have been nicer with a well thought out and balanced system that does not rely on the seemingly all-powerful Arrow getting overwhelmed simply because she hasn’t encountered this particular attack type before. Also, her plot armor is incredibly strong, so attempts at tension often fall flat.
But, it was still a fun read, so I give it 2,5 stars.
But, it was still a fun read, so I give it 2,5 stars.
June 4, 2023
(4.5 stars) - slowish start but picks up ...
... and the ending is especially good! Arrow is growing into a pretty awesome person!
I was totally not expecting where it was going or any of the major things that happened there except for Arrow defeating the bad guys.
I have my own idea of where the story might be heading & look forward to reading the final book to find out if I'm right!
*** CONTENT ***
Still clean; mention of an Erith character siring multiple children outside of the Erith equivalent of marriage, two characters begin some intense making out but nothing crosses the "peeping tom" line
... and the ending is especially good! Arrow is growing into a pretty awesome person!
I was totally not expecting where it was going or any of the major things that happened there except for Arrow defeating the bad guys.
I have my own idea of where the story might be heading & look forward to reading the final book to find out if I'm right!
*** CONTENT ***
Still clean; mention of an Erith character siring multiple children outside of the Erith equivalent of marriage, two characters begin some intense making out but nothing crosses the "peeping tom" line
August 15, 2023
I didn’t find this quite as good as the last 3 because there were a couple of confusing spots in the middle. Not enough to ruin the story, they just threw off the flow of the book for me. Still enjoyed this and am looking forward to the next book
December 27, 2018
Wonderful
I love Arrow and Kester. Arrow has grown and found her strength. She doesn’t wait for anyone to save her. I have binge read the series over the past few days as it is thoroughly engrossing. Can’t wait for the final book.
I love Arrow and Kester. Arrow has grown and found her strength. She doesn’t wait for anyone to save her. I have binge read the series over the past few days as it is thoroughly engrossing. Can’t wait for the final book.
May 23, 2021
Arrogance Busted
Spoiler - like a fly leaf, generally.
A worldwide crisis kicks some of the arrogance out of the Elves, or, Erith, and the humans greed for more land is squelched when a major attack by magic eating Saul is beaten.
Once more, I recommend this book and series.
Spoiler - like a fly leaf, generally.
A worldwide crisis kicks some of the arrogance out of the Elves, or, Erith, and the humans greed for more land is squelched when a major attack by magic eating Saul is beaten.
Once more, I recommend this book and series.
September 16, 2019
While I'm enjoying the budding romance, I'm starting to get a little tired of 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 28, 2023
Good
Note: this is not a standalone, you need to read the first three books before this one.
When humans break through Arrow’s wards, she knows something is wrong.
Asked to help oversee a summit to discuss the treaties between the three races, she soon learns what is happening, and with Kester by her side, faces her toughest and most dangerous battle yet.
Arrow goes through a lot in this one, and has to face some horrible truths. The demonic beings she has faced before have left their mark, both on her and on others and she has to face this.
Fortunately Kester is a loyal companion, and she gets to meet some fun new friends along the way.
This book has some of the darkest imagery from the series yet, and is incredibly tense at times. The author skillfully weaves tales of intrigue, suspense, darkness, and hope together, to make for a compelling fantasy tale.
It’s a great read, and one fantasy fans will enjoy.
Note: this is not a standalone, you need to read the first three books before this one.
When humans break through Arrow’s wards, she knows something is wrong.
Asked to help oversee a summit to discuss the treaties between the three races, she soon learns what is happening, and with Kester by her side, faces her toughest and most dangerous battle yet.
Arrow goes through a lot in this one, and has to face some horrible truths. The demonic beings she has faced before have left their mark, both on her and on others and she has to face this.
Fortunately Kester is a loyal companion, and she gets to meet some fun new friends along the way.
This book has some of the darkest imagery from the series yet, and is incredibly tense at times. The author skillfully weaves tales of intrigue, suspense, darkness, and hope together, to make for a compelling fantasy tale.
It’s a great read, and one fantasy fans will enjoy.
August 20, 2024
Taellaneth4;4.5 ⭐️
Arrow is alone in her workplace. Still living out her Erith banishment, fulfilling her obligations to the shifkin, and making plans and potions. Then her home is invaded. The intruders turn her wards off, and attack her. One is caught, but one escapes. Then, she finds out the have six other incursions; what was stolen?
Finding out is no easy task, especially when the Collegia Magica (human magic academy) weighs in to block Arrow’s access. But, she persists, and there is a link - magically active sculpture, designed for protection.
Before, it was all about the Erith. This time, the humans are striving for their piece of the pie - and they want the whole thing.
And they don’t mind going through hell to get it. So, of course, Arrow and Kestor end up in the demon dimension. Through a blood magic portal.
Some people will believe anything.
Arrow is alone in her workplace. Still living out her Erith banishment, fulfilling her obligations to the shifkin, and making plans and potions. Then her home is invaded. The intruders turn her wards off, and attack her. One is caught, but one escapes. Then, she finds out the have six other incursions; what was stolen?
Finding out is no easy task, especially when the Collegia Magica (human magic academy) weighs in to block Arrow’s access. But, she persists, and there is a link - magically active sculpture, designed for protection.
Before, it was all about the Erith. This time, the humans are striving for their piece of the pie - and they want the whole thing.
And they don’t mind going through hell to get it. So, of course, Arrow and Kestor end up in the demon dimension. Through a blood magic portal.
Some people will believe anything.
December 29, 2018
I'm so loving this series! Gripping reading. This book has the same fast-paced and very unpredictable plot as previous books from the Taellaneth series, and builds further on the established characters and their relationships. However, this installment of Arrow's story moves in a different direction than the previous books - there's no chance of the reader getting bored. The world that Arrow lives in is extremely detailed and rich, and I like that we are exploring it at a very leisurely pace as the books progress. There's plenty of scope for different perspectives from the different peoples that inhabit the books, which makes for an exciting background for new relationships and dynamics between the characters. Can't wait for the next book.
July 13, 2023
3.5 Stars; I love this series and Arrow, but this book was a let down in comparison to the prior ones. First, the plot was very straight forward and it lacked the complexity, suspense, excitement, and twists that I loved so much in the prior books. Most of this book was just Arrow (and company) in the Demon Realm, which ended up being pretty boring. I hate how Serran is actually an ass and while it has been a while since I've read the 1st book in the series, his current demeanor and attitude seems at odd with what Arrow said about her guardian then. Also, the end part where Arrow banished Saul was a little confusing and I can't even begin to visualize how it would have looked when Arrow "said" Saul's real name.
November 28, 2025
Book four raises the stakes in every direction. Instead of slowing down, the plot intensifies. This time, we not only explore human territory but also visit the realm of Surjusi, AKA the demons.
I cannot say enough how much I love Arrow’s adventure. We have seen her grow so much over the past four books, and I am eager to discover what awaits her in the final instalment. So far, the series has taken us through every territory mentioned in the story.
Perhaps we will see positive changes in Taellan and on the human side. The Shifkin appear to be in good hands, and the Erith still owe Arrow the recognition she deserves and a chance at a happily ever after. 🤞
I cannot say enough how much I love Arrow’s adventure. We have seen her grow so much over the past four books, and I am eager to discover what awaits her in the final instalment. So far, the series has taken us through every territory mentioned in the story.
Perhaps we will see positive changes in Taellan and on the human side. The Shifkin appear to be in good hands, and the Erith still owe Arrow the recognition she deserves and a chance at a happily ever after. 🤞
May 25, 2023
I like this book if I don’t think about the plot. But if I start to analyze it, I have questions:
I still enjoy this series and I’m looking forward to reading the last book and looking into the other works by this author
I still enjoy this series and I’m looking forward to reading the last book and looking into the other works by this author
November 22, 2018
Simply brilliant!
Once more a beautifully written story, drawing you in and allowing you to live it alongside the characters. Often later books in a series are not quite as good as the first, but with this author they just get better and better.
Difficult to put down and most certainly one of the best series I’ve read. I look forward to reading more and to even more romance with Kester.
Once more a beautifully written story, drawing you in and allowing you to live it alongside the characters. Often later books in a series are not quite as good as the first, but with this author they just get better and better.
Difficult to put down and most certainly one of the best series I’ve read. I look forward to reading more and to even more romance with Kester.
July 25, 2023
3.5/5 - Unfortunate New Setting
I didn't love this one as much as the others. It's set pretty much in two different places, and I didn't enjoy one of them. It was a bit boring there at times, and I didn't love the new secondary characters. It was too much of a departure from what I liked about the other books. Unfortunately, it was nearly half of the book. Still, the rest of the story was really good. And we got a little more progress on the romance front so that was nice.
I didn't love this one as much as the others. It's set pretty much in two different places, and I didn't enjoy one of them. It was a bit boring there at times, and I didn't love the new secondary characters. It was too much of a departure from what I liked about the other books. Unfortunately, it was nearly half of the book. Still, the rest of the story was really good. And we got a little more progress on the romance front so that was nice.
June 24, 2025
Tainted, book four of the Taellaneth series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). And, once again, the writer has tweaked the storyline and the tension builds between the Erith, humans, and shape-changers and the treaty between the races is in danger of falling apart. Arrow is right in the middle of things, as usual. This book in the series seemed to ratchet up the tension, while maintaining it's progression and pacing. Nicely balanced juggling.
March 12, 2024
Most of this book takes place in a totally new realm. I'm not really a fan.
I still like Arrow, I don't even mind Kestel, but I'm not sure the romantic subplot was necessary in this series.
Anyway, as well written as anything before, this one just didn't resonate with me as much as the previous book.
I still like Arrow, I don't even mind Kestel, but I'm not sure the romantic subplot was necessary in this series.
Anyway, as well written as anything before, this one just didn't resonate with me as much as the previous book.
January 31, 2025
Excellent series. Lots of action. Each book keeps me up till0200 am I don’t want to put this book down. I’m finally too tired to keep going. Hard to find a lull to stop reading. I also like that I can listen on audible when I’m doing chores or in the car running errands. Excellent hope I find more by this author. On a score of 1-10 I give it a 10 plus. Excellent characters !
June 21, 2021
Another enjoyable read
Another great book in this excellent series. A bit slow in places but the storyline kept me hooked, wanting to see if they managed to get back home. Loved the ending and cannot wait to see what happens next.
Another great book in this excellent series. A bit slow in places but the storyline kept me hooked, wanting to see if they managed to get back home. Loved the ending and cannot wait to see what happens next.
January 31, 2022
4.5
Another really enjoyable read in this series. The author has kept the quality of the story at a very high level through four books so far. I can’t wait to read the last book in this series.
Another really enjoyable read in this series. The author has kept the quality of the story at a very high level through four books so far. I can’t wait to read the last book in this series.
July 14, 2023
statues, lots of dust, rocks and brandy
‘Tainted’, book 4 of ‘The Taellaneth’ by Vanessa Nelson introduces new players, old enemies and a gathering of species. This series, to be read in order, is filled with surprises and fun. I look forward to book 5.
‘Tainted’, book 4 of ‘The Taellaneth’ by Vanessa Nelson introduces new players, old enemies and a gathering of species. This series, to be read in order, is filled with surprises and fun. I look forward to book 5.
June 5, 2024
Excellent character and world development!
TW: past physical and verbal abuse.
Incredibly imaginative world building, wonderful characters, great story arc!! Read all four books! Loved them!
TW: past physical and verbal abuse.
Incredibly imaginative world building, wonderful characters, great story arc!! Read all four books! Loved them!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews