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The Taellaneth #1–5 omnibus
Taellaneth Complete Series
Arrow just wants her freedom. Days away from the end of her service, the Erith set her one last task, perhaps the most difficult she has ever faced; investigate the sudden death of a high-ranking shape-changer, the Erith’s ancient enemies.
Arrow quickly finds herself in the middle of an ancient conflict, and it’s not just her life, and her freedom, that’s at risk.
The Erith have tried to make her an outcast, but she might be the only one who can save them.
Follow Arrow’s complete story in one volume for the first time - Taellaneth Complete Series contains all five books of The Taellaneth:
1.Concealed
2.Revealed
3.Betrayed
4.Tainted
5.Cloaked
Arrow quickly finds herself in the middle of an ancient conflict, and it’s not just her life, and her freedom, that’s at risk.
The Erith have tried to make her an outcast, but she might be the only one who can save them.
Follow Arrow’s complete story in one volume for the first time - Taellaneth Complete Series contains all five books of The Taellaneth:
1.Concealed
2.Revealed
3.Betrayed
4.Tainted
5.Cloaked
1335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2020
768 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Nelson
32 books419 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 200 reviews
June 3, 2022
June 2022 review: This set of five books is still available on Amazon for a steal ($0.99 in Canadian funds). Seriously, if you like fantasy, go buy the set. After re-reading this series all in one go I’m bumping the rating up to 5 stars. I really enjoyed revisiting the world that Arrow lives in and the wealth of imaginative plot lines and characters in this light hearted but engaging sword and sorcery style fantasy series. I would be happy to read more stories set in this world.
August 2021:
Individual books in the series were read and rated. Overall I gave the series 4 stars and definitely recommend this author to those who like fantasy without insta-love or annoying teenagers.
August 2021:
Individual books in the series were read and rated. Overall I gave the series 4 stars and definitely recommend this author to those who like fantasy without insta-love or annoying teenagers.
March 19, 2022
Fantastic read!
See my reviews in each book in the series.
❤️❤️❤️
See my reviews in each book in the series.
❤️❤️❤️
August 8, 2021
I loved this series and I gorged on it in 2 days. That says a lot :)
I would recommend to try this author, her books are on KU and above all are cheap enough that you won’t loose much if it’s not up your alley.
I honestly liked so many things that I didn’t notice if there were typos or grammatical errors (that I’m told by other reviewers are there).
I’m not giving full five stars as I believe that world building should be a little better/deeper, many little and not so little details don’t make much sense otherwise.
None of the above marred my enjoyment though :)
I would recommend to try this author, her books are on KU and above all are cheap enough that you won’t loose much if it’s not up your alley.
I honestly liked so many things that I didn’t notice if there were typos or grammatical errors (that I’m told by other reviewers are there).
I’m not giving full five stars as I believe that world building should be a little better/deeper, many little and not so little details don’t make much sense otherwise.
None of the above marred my enjoyment though :)
April 3, 2025
I would like a gratuitous epilogue for this series.
June 30, 2022
I inhaled this one after the other, so I'll give it 5 stars for entertainment and pacing. The fantasy world is vivid if not especially novel (lots of Tolkeinesque not-Elves) and the disciplined first person gives us a strong affinity with MC Arrow, who is at heart an uncomplicatedly righteous and courageous heroine.
I also appreciated the clean language and low key romance.
Negatives :
Whenever things look like getting dull, the heroine gets beaten up or shot at again. (I lost count of how many times she broke her ribs). A sort of physically intense flavour of Bujold's Rule - if in doubt about what happens next, imagine the worst thing for your characters. This became a bit repetitive and overpowering. There was at times a feeling that this was an RPG campaign - fight monsters, consume potions, travel to next battle. Arrow always levels up in time and is mega awesomely powerful. The villains throughout were basically demons with a taste for melodrama and this is entertaining but not very subtle. Also, I never did work out why the villain didn't just kill her mid book 5 when she's down, rather than the elaborate side trip we get instead.
Secondary characters were a mixed bag - some quite cool, some rather 1-note or overpowered, and some annoying. The flip side of the first person narration, large cast and frenetic pace is that I think the secondary characters were never as well developed as they obviously are in the author's head.
And yet - any enjoyable ride and very likeable overall.
I also appreciated the clean language and low key romance.
Negatives :
Whenever things look like getting dull, the heroine gets beaten up or shot at again. (I lost count of how many times she broke her ribs). A sort of physically intense flavour of Bujold's Rule - if in doubt about what happens next, imagine the worst thing for your characters. This became a bit repetitive and overpowering. There was at times a feeling that this was an RPG campaign - fight monsters, consume potions, travel to next battle. Arrow always levels up in time and is mega awesomely powerful. The villains throughout were basically demons with a taste for melodrama and this is entertaining but not very subtle. Also, I never did work out why the villain didn't just kill her mid book 5 when she's down, rather than the elaborate side trip we get instead.
Secondary characters were a mixed bag - some quite cool, some rather 1-note or overpowered, and some annoying. The flip side of the first person narration, large cast and frenetic pace is that I think the secondary characters were never as well developed as they obviously are in the author's head.
And yet - any enjoyable ride and very likeable overall.
November 25, 2024
To hold my interest over five books is remarkable, but it never flagged. The series was well-written, very detailed, with great, rounded characters and a fully developed environment. Definitely one of the best books I've read this year. Strongly recommended for fans of magical fantasy.
November 2, 2021
That series was a great read !!! Arrow was a great h.
July 25, 2023
I read the complete series, and will thus leave a review regarding all of them. I gave it a collective 5 stars, as I adored the series as a whole. It wasn't perfect, but one of the best series' I've ever read.
What I disliked:
The FC cried too much, but I notice this is a trend in ALL the books of this writer.
And she threw up WAY too many times. Seriously, who think it's what readers wants to read about?
The "travelling book" is like ALL travelling books... boring. No one wants to read how characters walk... and walk... and walk... and walk... <*snore*>.
I hated how she let herself be used. Repeatedly. I would've given them the finger until they begged and pleaded and more importantly, apologised!
The FC had a better connection to another male in the books than the one she chose. She thought more about the other male, looked around for him, laughed with him, etc.
The MC was a bit pathetic. He was just... there. Barely featuring except as some kind of backup for her.
The FC and MC never discussed the fact that he was part of the group that enslaved her. Literally enslaved her. And they just ignore it as if he wasn't guilty too?! How weird.
I loved the romance up to the part where they had their first misunderstanding. Then, instead of working through it and taking us on their journey, the writer jumped a few weeks ahead and ignored it all, never to be spoken about again.
Then, once they got together, again the writer jumped ahead and just referenced how they had some nice dates. We weren't privy to any of it, so it felt disconnected.
What I loved:
The story building was wonderful!! I want to read more about the different races!
I loved the magic and fairytale ideas. Amazing spells and books and some unique happenings.
I loved how she grew. From oppressed into exactly who she wanted to be.
I loved how loyal she stayed to her people, her species, even when some of them treated her atrociously.
I loved how she accepted her lot in life until the day she could change it. And then, she did!
I loved her team and the people around her.
I loved the shifters!! Even though the first meeting in the book sucked big time.
I cried so much for the FC. She really tucked on my heartstrings. Especially during the first 2 books.
I loved how she took delight in small things. Just to be able to use your magic on yourself, for example.
I loved the action scenes, the fighting, etc. Some of it did end up feeling contrived though.
Basically, I loved the books! If you at all love paranormal, read this.
What I disliked:
The FC cried too much, but I notice this is a trend in ALL the books of this writer.
And she threw up WAY too many times. Seriously, who think it's what readers wants to read about?
The "travelling book" is like ALL travelling books... boring. No one wants to read how characters walk... and walk... and walk... and walk... <*snore*>.
I hated how she let herself be used. Repeatedly. I would've given them the finger until they begged and pleaded and more importantly, apologised!
The FC had a better connection to another male in the books than the one she chose. She thought more about the other male, looked around for him, laughed with him, etc.
The MC was a bit pathetic. He was just... there. Barely featuring except as some kind of backup for her.
The FC and MC never discussed the fact that he was part of the group that enslaved her. Literally enslaved her. And they just ignore it as if he wasn't guilty too?! How weird.
I loved the romance up to the part where they had their first misunderstanding. Then, instead of working through it and taking us on their journey, the writer jumped a few weeks ahead and ignored it all, never to be spoken about again.
Then, once they got together, again the writer jumped ahead and just referenced how they had some nice dates. We weren't privy to any of it, so it felt disconnected.
What I loved:
The story building was wonderful!! I want to read more about the different races!
I loved the magic and fairytale ideas. Amazing spells and books and some unique happenings.
I loved how she grew. From oppressed into exactly who she wanted to be.
I loved how loyal she stayed to her people, her species, even when some of them treated her atrociously.
I loved how she accepted her lot in life until the day she could change it. And then, she did!
I loved her team and the people around her.
I loved the shifters!! Even though the first meeting in the book sucked big time.
I cried so much for the FC. She really tucked on my heartstrings. Especially during the first 2 books.
I loved how she took delight in small things. Just to be able to use your magic on yourself, for example.
I loved the action scenes, the fighting, etc. Some of it did end up feeling contrived though.
Basically, I loved the books! If you at all love paranormal, read this.
November 10, 2021
This is a great KU find, that while isn't setting the world on fire with new and novel ideas, themes and tropes (not!elves, boring!humans and werewolves, oh my!) is still executed very well, mainly as Arrow the lead is extremely likeable and competent. Which is good, as she's carrying the damn series for five books.
It was a joy to watch her say the magical word of 'no' and stand up to her abusers. Oddly the love interest was dull, but works for the lead- Arrow needed someone dependable and solid. I will say the romance plot itself is tiny, but the series is very much about a conflicted heroine saving the world, there's no time for smooching. That's not to say the rest of the supporting cast are cardboard cut-outs either- I got especially attached to Kallish, Orlis and Zachary. There's also no shitty love triangle, as these kind of series are often plagued with, and what would be one love interest in the hands of another author becomes a very good, firm friend/ally instead, which was delightful to read. I like reading friendships too!
I do like the writer kept not!elves/Erith as arrogant bastards all though out to the end, and that Arrow eventually got a life on her terms. It's a vaguely modern setting too which is fun, thanks to human tech. The thought of an eldery not!elf warrior trying to fix a fridge and a bunch of werewolves happy to consume croissants and pastries was delightful. I had troubles trying to work out everyone's accents, though- Vaguely RP English? Who knows. Fantasy is like this, sometimes.
It was a joy to watch her say the magical word of 'no' and stand up to her abusers. Oddly the love interest was dull, but works for the lead- Arrow needed someone dependable and solid. I will say the romance plot itself is tiny, but the series is very much about a conflicted heroine saving the world, there's no time for smooching. That's not to say the rest of the supporting cast are cardboard cut-outs either- I got especially attached to Kallish, Orlis and Zachary. There's also no shitty love triangle, as these kind of series are often plagued with, and what would be one love interest in the hands of another author becomes a very good, firm friend/ally instead, which was delightful to read. I like reading friendships too!
I do like the writer kept not!elves/Erith as arrogant bastards all though out to the end, and that Arrow eventually got a life on her terms. It's a vaguely modern setting too which is fun, thanks to human tech. The thought of an eldery not!elf warrior trying to fix a fridge and a bunch of werewolves happy to consume croissants and pastries was delightful. I had troubles trying to work out everyone's accents, though- Vaguely RP English? Who knows. Fantasy is like this, sometimes.
March 26, 2021
wow! incredibly good writing - an epic tale - lots of magic & a strong, bright, brave female lead - deep & wide plot lines that make sense and hold together - and even tho there's a bit of understated romance, the book does not devolve into it as so many do. I am impressed. Such a satisfying read. The fourth book went a little slow but goodness the ending made up for it. I've discovered that i don't mind series when the books are well written, with good copy editors, and they are all available to read at once.
September 1, 2023
The world building and magical process is interesting and unique, but the further into the five book series I go, the more the author undermines her own characters and appears to be adding in magical features to further the plot she wants to uncover. In the first two books the protagonist does incredibly stupid things regarding her own safety, and I am exhausted hearing about all of the times she is attacked, wounded and near death. All of the bad guys have perfectly secret groups operating in stealth and with the most effective arcane protections from detection.
The intelligence and security of the "most powerful" Erith rulers is non-existent, and two of the most skilled and revered mages, who supposedly have multiple oaths and dedications to the sanctity of their craft, wasted time letting killers run rampant while they tried to convince the ringleader to give up his many decades of planning and villainy - and then they were released after being caught and basically told "oh, it's okay you let lots of people be killed and didn't do anything, 'cause you wanted to help the poor misguided bad guy, so go ahead, go back to your positions of power and authority with no repercussions".
The political and social structure of the Erith was not believable ultimately because it was so flawed with corruption and class stagnation it didn't seem possible for it to have survived for decades, much less hundreds of years.
The intelligence and security of the "most powerful" Erith rulers is non-existent, and two of the most skilled and revered mages, who supposedly have multiple oaths and dedications to the sanctity of their craft, wasted time letting killers run rampant while they tried to convince the ringleader to give up his many decades of planning and villainy - and then they were released after being caught and basically told "oh, it's okay you let lots of people be killed and didn't do anything, 'cause you wanted to help the poor misguided bad guy, so go ahead, go back to your positions of power and authority with no repercussions".
The political and social structure of the Erith was not believable ultimately because it was so flawed with corruption and class stagnation it didn't seem possible for it to have survived for decades, much less hundreds of years.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2024
Recommended read
Fast paced story and action. Extremely likeable (and hateable) characters with a clean romance. Great character progression with Arrow starting as the downtrodden, forcibly meek halfbreed bound to near slave like servitude to the pure blooded Taellan by magical oath. Once the oath expires she stands up to those determined to force the oath on her once again and is exiled from Erith lands for it. Arrow's adventures see her learning about her family, her unique powers, and what true friendship and support really are.
There are some loose ends to this series, and a plot twist in the last book that doesn't really make sense: When you are an evil blood mage and all your enemies are lying unconscious and stripped of magic at your feet, you'd most likely kill them, lock them up, or torture them. Or all of the above. Not pick them up and scatter them in a jungle. Also, the hatred Arrow faces from the maternal side of her family seems overkill just because her father was half human. Arrow is also an inquisitive person who strangely doesn't question her parents' mysterious deaths when she is told about it.
Still, an awesome read and highly recommend
Fast paced story and action. Extremely likeable (and hateable) characters with a clean romance. Great character progression with Arrow starting as the downtrodden, forcibly meek halfbreed bound to near slave like servitude to the pure blooded Taellan by magical oath. Once the oath expires she stands up to those determined to force the oath on her once again and is exiled from Erith lands for it. Arrow's adventures see her learning about her family, her unique powers, and what true friendship and support really are.
There are some loose ends to this series, and a plot twist in the last book that doesn't really make sense: When you are an evil blood mage and all your enemies are lying unconscious and stripped of magic at your feet, you'd most likely kill them, lock them up, or torture them. Or all of the above. Not pick them up and scatter them in a jungle. Also, the hatred Arrow faces from the maternal side of her family seems overkill just because her father was half human. Arrow is also an inquisitive person who strangely doesn't question her parents' mysterious deaths when she is told about it.
Still, an awesome read and highly recommend
October 3, 2021
I really enjoyed this series. Vanessa Nelson developed the character of Arrow so well, as we saw her develop from a poorly treated servant to a character of confidence, who knows their own strengths and worth. I liked how she also developed from someone who, because they had been so poorly treated, couldn’t trust anyone and was in danger of becoming cynical and isolated but through the help and support of the shifkin (like animal shape changers) and the good Edith (a bit like elves) could develop into a fully rounded human (or Erith) being.
I also enjoyed the slow build up of the romance between Kester and Arrow. Although I would have liked a little more of their relationship- it was perhaps a little chaste for my tastes - just a couple of passionate kisses, the plot was so good and they were such a caring couple that I was able to overlook this! It was also believable that someone so emotionally scarred would take a long time to recover enough to be able to fully love someone.
If you like fantasy books about self discovery, where good defeats evil and there is a slow burning romance, this is definitely a book I would recommend.
I also enjoyed the slow build up of the romance between Kester and Arrow. Although I would have liked a little more of their relationship- it was perhaps a little chaste for my tastes - just a couple of passionate kisses, the plot was so good and they were such a caring couple that I was able to overlook this! It was also believable that someone so emotionally scarred would take a long time to recover enough to be able to fully love someone.
If you like fantasy books about self discovery, where good defeats evil and there is a slow burning romance, this is definitely a book I would recommend.
July 20, 2023
Lots of fighting and a heroine who is over-powered but somehow also gets injured a lot (so feels more believable). Her awkwardness and obliviousness to what most people thought of her were especially believable and relatable based on the neglect and abuse she had experienced. The enemies were interesting, but perhaps a little too one-dimensional, but many of the characters were portrayed in that more distant way, including the heroine. I think it was a writing style choice. Normally, I hate that, but the detached style worked in this series.
The romance felt like it came out of left field and was a little weird to me. I loved that it wasn't insta-love and barely hinted at a physical relationship, so that gets 5 stars! It was weird because he was part of the group that happily went along with her enslavement, but she admired him because he wasn't purposefully cruel, I guess? That gets 1 star. If he hadn't been on the council, the romance would have made a lot more sense.
It was a no-guilt read that I could pick up whenever the mood struck me and lasted me for a good month, at least.
The romance felt like it came out of left field and was a little weird to me. I loved that it wasn't insta-love and barely hinted at a physical relationship, so that gets 5 stars! It was weird because he was part of the group that happily went along with her enslavement, but she admired him because he wasn't purposefully cruel, I guess? That gets 1 star. If he hadn't been on the council, the romance would have made a lot more sense.
It was a no-guilt read that I could pick up whenever the mood struck me and lasted me for a good month, at least.
November 14, 2021
Could read these forever
Ok there were some pretty serious plot/text factual errors, which I reported. The name she gave at the end of the book did NOT match the scrolls. SORRY, but that's a huge issue for me! It was a totally different name! Like as an author, that's pretty danged important to get right.
But I loved the books. Glossary should be UP FRONT. Because by the time we're at the last page, we've figured out the words and names already. We need explanations before we are confused. That's a major issue in world building books.
The world is very well thought out. Some of the terms are hard to follow, but the glossary in the back clears it all up.
The characters are awesome. Honestly, I spent a lot of time smiling affectionately as I was reading, then catching myself and feeling weird about it, lol. I really got invested in everyone.
Worth the read. I loved ever minute, and would read more about their lives if given the chance.
Ok there were some pretty serious plot/text factual errors, which I reported. The name she gave at the end of the book did NOT match the scrolls. SORRY, but that's a huge issue for me! It was a totally different name! Like as an author, that's pretty danged important to get right.
But I loved the books. Glossary should be UP FRONT. Because by the time we're at the last page, we've figured out the words and names already. We need explanations before we are confused. That's a major issue in world building books.
The world is very well thought out. Some of the terms are hard to follow, but the glossary in the back clears it all up.
The characters are awesome. Honestly, I spent a lot of time smiling affectionately as I was reading, then catching myself and feeling weird about it, lol. I really got invested in everyone.
Worth the read. I loved ever minute, and would read more about their lives if given the chance.
May 17, 2022
I was close to giving the series 5 stars simply because it has been a while that I enjoyed a story this much.
I’m simply delighted and sad that it is over.
The negative:
the lengthy sentences in the first three books. Book one had me repeatedly re-read paragraphs to be able to understand what I was told.
I can only describe it as talking a lot without saying anything.
The positive: everything
No stereotype mage, werewolf, demon or fee or typical romance.
To me it was fresh and different. Each new characters introduced to the story interesting and as with Arrow, their personality to be revealed in time.
There are many and their names are unfamiliar to me so I had difficulties at some points to remember who this person was.
What stood out to me the most was that Arrow, at the beginning, was like a blank page. Nothing to like, nothing to dislike. No particular character traits shown, no strong emotions. A wonderful unknown, to be discovered over the length of all books.
I’m simply delighted and sad that it is over.
The negative:
the lengthy sentences in the first three books. Book one had me repeatedly re-read paragraphs to be able to understand what I was told.
I can only describe it as talking a lot without saying anything.
The positive: everything
No stereotype mage, werewolf, demon or fee or typical romance.
To me it was fresh and different. Each new characters introduced to the story interesting and as with Arrow, their personality to be revealed in time.
There are many and their names are unfamiliar to me so I had difficulties at some points to remember who this person was.
What stood out to me the most was that Arrow, at the beginning, was like a blank page. Nothing to like, nothing to dislike. No particular character traits shown, no strong emotions. A wonderful unknown, to be discovered over the length of all books.
August 22, 2024
Length And Breadth, And Everything Together
Taellanth1-5
How wonderful to read as all of a piece!
From beginning to end, this story blossomed. The growth was furtive at the start, with so much of Arrow underground. Her roots, while hardy, were waiting for unencumbered soil in which to grow.
Despised, rejected and abused, she held steady, determined they would not best her … in anything. Denied recognition of herself, her skills and talents, sent out, time after time, alone to fulfill thankless tasks. But, the soil was waiting.
Allies and friends were gathering. And freedom bridged by hope was possible, if she could survive her last task for the Taellan, one so vague and open ended, that she knew they hoped she would fail. But, Arrow was always an excellent student, who soaked up knowledge, and treasured kindness. And protected her secrets.
Her power is unique, unusual and more than any knew. And. It. Is. Maturing.
Enjoy!
Taellanth1-5
How wonderful to read as all of a piece!
From beginning to end, this story blossomed. The growth was furtive at the start, with so much of Arrow underground. Her roots, while hardy, were waiting for unencumbered soil in which to grow.
Despised, rejected and abused, she held steady, determined they would not best her … in anything. Denied recognition of herself, her skills and talents, sent out, time after time, alone to fulfill thankless tasks. But, the soil was waiting.
Allies and friends were gathering. And freedom bridged by hope was possible, if she could survive her last task for the Taellan, one so vague and open ended, that she knew they hoped she would fail. But, Arrow was always an excellent student, who soaked up knowledge, and treasured kindness. And protected her secrets.
Her power is unique, unusual and more than any knew. And. It. Is. Maturing.
Enjoy!
February 28, 2022
Absolutely Brilliant
I bought the Taellaneth complete series for a song. It is now up there with my all time favourites, Trudi Cavanagh and Diana Gabolden.
It was interesting, thoughtful, different and logical. The characters, especially the main character, Arrow, were all very well defined. They grew well as the books progressed and became friends to the reader with each book.
The only complaint I have is regarding the merging of the books. At the end of each one, I was treated to the last chapters if the previous book which I had just read. Lots of swiping left, and the next book is reached.
This technical hitch in no way detracts from the stories which I found really enjoyable. I would definitely recommend this set of books .
I will now be looking forward to Vanessas next books.
I bought the Taellaneth complete series for a song. It is now up there with my all time favourites, Trudi Cavanagh and Diana Gabolden.
It was interesting, thoughtful, different and logical. The characters, especially the main character, Arrow, were all very well defined. They grew well as the books progressed and became friends to the reader with each book.
The only complaint I have is regarding the merging of the books. At the end of each one, I was treated to the last chapters if the previous book which I had just read. Lots of swiping left, and the next book is reached.
This technical hitch in no way detracts from the stories which I found really enjoyable. I would definitely recommend this set of books .
I will now be looking forward to Vanessas next books.
June 17, 2022
I wish I’d found this sooner
At its heart, this story asks, ‘how does an exile find home?’ And Ms. Nelson has given us 5 very well-written books so we can walk alongside Arrow as she discovers her answers to the question. What Ms. Nelson does especially well is to craft a balance between evil, courage, tragedy and wonder. Those elements are part of the best heroic fantasies, but if the balance between them is off, the reader’s experience is diminished. That’s never an issue here, and the main character Arrow is a heroine of the best sort as well. She knows what she wants and what she doesn’t, and she has enough determination to back up her choices, even at the worst moments. There’s never a false note—and I think that’s especially hard to do over a five book series. At any rate this one goes in the ‘to be reread collection.’ I highly recommend it.
At its heart, this story asks, ‘how does an exile find home?’ And Ms. Nelson has given us 5 very well-written books so we can walk alongside Arrow as she discovers her answers to the question. What Ms. Nelson does especially well is to craft a balance between evil, courage, tragedy and wonder. Those elements are part of the best heroic fantasies, but if the balance between them is off, the reader’s experience is diminished. That’s never an issue here, and the main character Arrow is a heroine of the best sort as well. She knows what she wants and what she doesn’t, and she has enough determination to back up her choices, even at the worst moments. There’s never a false note—and I think that’s especially hard to do over a five book series. At any rate this one goes in the ‘to be reread collection.’ I highly recommend it.
August 2, 2025
Excellent! Must read.
This series is fantastic. It has it all. Intrigue, adventure, love, conspiracies and a wonderful heroine at it's core. It is well written with a great storyline.
It centres around Arrow, one of the Erith (like elves) and part human. She is forced to work for them and they constantly send her into situations that may kill her. She is "disposable". Then, near the end of her service, she is sent to the Shifkin on order from the Taellan (governing arm of the Erith). Her adventures are difficult but she learns just how powerful she truly is.
I loved every one of these novels and, if you like this type of novel, you should too. I just wish there were more to read about Arrow's life, after this ends.
Thank you for a favourite read that I will keep coming back to.
This series is fantastic. It has it all. Intrigue, adventure, love, conspiracies and a wonderful heroine at it's core. It is well written with a great storyline.
It centres around Arrow, one of the Erith (like elves) and part human. She is forced to work for them and they constantly send her into situations that may kill her. She is "disposable". Then, near the end of her service, she is sent to the Shifkin on order from the Taellan (governing arm of the Erith). Her adventures are difficult but she learns just how powerful she truly is.
I loved every one of these novels and, if you like this type of novel, you should too. I just wish there were more to read about Arrow's life, after this ends.
Thank you for a favourite read that I will keep coming back to.
December 8, 2025
So sad to say goodbye to these characters!
The underlying story is one of a young woman finding her place in a world that doesn’t seem to want her. It is a story about finding friendship while fighting evil…and there is evil. These books are a series of adventures. Our protagonist has some special powers that allow her to be especially suited to fighting the evil in her world. She finds friends and love along the way, although this is not a romance. It is definitely more adventure with a very little romance sprinkled throughout.
The characters are well developed. There are strong male and female characters. There are weak male and female characters. There are some surprises along the way. I am sorry to have to say goodbye to people I have grown fond of. I am looking forward to trying out another book by this author!
The underlying story is one of a young woman finding her place in a world that doesn’t seem to want her. It is a story about finding friendship while fighting evil…and there is evil. These books are a series of adventures. Our protagonist has some special powers that allow her to be especially suited to fighting the evil in her world. She finds friends and love along the way, although this is not a romance. It is definitely more adventure with a very little romance sprinkled throughout.
The characters are well developed. There are strong male and female characters. There are weak male and female characters. There are some surprises along the way. I am sorry to have to say goodbye to people I have grown fond of. I am looking forward to trying out another book by this author!
December 26, 2022
I really enjoyed this series and binged all 5 books over 3 days. The world building was fascinating. It’s a story about a young woman coming into her own powers after a lifetime of being oppressed. There are 3 main races in the book the Erlith who seem like a fae/ high elf type race, the ‘kin or shapeshifters and humans. The main character is Arrow, a mixed race mage raised, but not always appreciated by, the Erlith.
There’s a very slow burn fade to black romance but more than that the relationships Arrow builds throughout the books and how she grows as a person was a pleasure to read. There’s mystery and battles and magic, all things one looks for in a good fantasy series. Would definitely recommend.
There’s a very slow burn fade to black romance but more than that the relationships Arrow builds throughout the books and how she grows as a person was a pleasure to read. There’s mystery and battles and magic, all things one looks for in a good fantasy series. Would definitely recommend.
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September 9, 2023This is one of the few KU reads that's actually really solid. I read all the way till book three, but took too long a break and I can't get back into it anymore. Anyway, this is a fantasy series with a main character who starts out in a position very close to that of a serf (?). She's very magically powerful, with a unique and dangerous skillset (if I remember correctly), and thus feared and ostracized.
The books are written as mysteries. She's solving a murder in the first one and along the way uncovers a conspiracy and gains freedom and autonomy. I was somewhat skeptical of her love interest -- I think he belongs to the same group as the ones who enslave her, and I think the romance was just beginning when I took a break from the story. Anyway, this was pretty well-written.
The books are written as mysteries. She's solving a murder in the first one and along the way uncovers a conspiracy and gains freedom and autonomy. I was somewhat skeptical of her love interest -- I think he belongs to the same group as the ones who enslave her, and I think the romance was just beginning when I took a break from the story. Anyway, this was pretty well-written.
January 6, 2024
Amazing
I didn't expect much from this series, and I was blown away. Utterly and completely blown away. I am emotionally spent now that it's over. I'm sure I will read it again to revisit characters that now feel familiar. The world building, the characters, the mystery, and suspense. It's just so very well done. It's well written, well plotted. I highly recommend it.
Arrow starts as the lowest of the low in the Erith Academy. A highly trained mage held in magical slavery due to the circumstances of her birth. This series is her fight for her freedom, herself, and establishing a new life; all while fighting a terrible foe not seen for generations. Each book is essentially a battle in the overall war. Too much detail will spoil the surprises.
I didn't expect much from this series, and I was blown away. Utterly and completely blown away. I am emotionally spent now that it's over. I'm sure I will read it again to revisit characters that now feel familiar. The world building, the characters, the mystery, and suspense. It's just so very well done. It's well written, well plotted. I highly recommend it.
Arrow starts as the lowest of the low in the Erith Academy. A highly trained mage held in magical slavery due to the circumstances of her birth. This series is her fight for her freedom, herself, and establishing a new life; all while fighting a terrible foe not seen for generations. Each book is essentially a battle in the overall war. Too much detail will spoil the surprises.
July 24, 2025
A marvellous series
I found the books in this series very difficult to put down when there was work to do. Vanessa Nelson's writing is skilled, her characters believable and her plot compelling. I look forward
to reading more of her work.
An earlier reviewer complained of poor editing but I am an editor and I found few errors. (An editor can always find something they would like to change. )
They also complained about incomplete sentences in Arrow's stream of consciousness during fight scenes like the first one in the first book. But I find it a very evocative portrayal of a scene when there is no time for the mind to form full sentences.
I heartily recommend the Taellaneth series.
I found the books in this series very difficult to put down when there was work to do. Vanessa Nelson's writing is skilled, her characters believable and her plot compelling. I look forward
to reading more of her work.
An earlier reviewer complained of poor editing but I am an editor and I found few errors. (An editor can always find something they would like to change. )
They also complained about incomplete sentences in Arrow's stream of consciousness during fight scenes like the first one in the first book. But I find it a very evocative portrayal of a scene when there is no time for the mind to form full sentences.
I heartily recommend the Taellaneth series.
May 11, 2021
A captivating take of finding peace and love despite prejudice and discrimination
Wonderfully written story about one woman's fight for acceptance and a place in the world despite having to fight against everything and everyone. The characters are incredibly detailed and thoughtfully presented, immersive experience guaranteed right from the beginning in a fascinating and compelling 'fantasy ' with a feeling of reality. I believe that this series is a necessary reading for anyone loving a brilliant and fantastic adventure which is thoughtfully written. There aren't enough stars available to do this series justice.
Wonderfully written story about one woman's fight for acceptance and a place in the world despite having to fight against everything and everyone. The characters are incredibly detailed and thoughtfully presented, immersive experience guaranteed right from the beginning in a fascinating and compelling 'fantasy ' with a feeling of reality. I believe that this series is a necessary reading for anyone loving a brilliant and fantastic adventure which is thoughtfully written. There aren't enough stars available to do this series justice.
September 12, 2021
Great reading.
I enjoyed these books very much. I was enthralled throughout. There were a few typo and grammatical errors, which normally I note in case someone really does read those note comments and does something (not a given). However, I was so taken up with the story I couldn't be bothered. There were some things I wished were explained more fully, such as Arrows earlier years and her parents romance and life, how they died. These are the first books I have read by this author. I plan on reading many more. Do any of her others reflect back onto Arrows story? If not maybe I can hope for a prequel.
I enjoyed these books very much. I was enthralled throughout. There were a few typo and grammatical errors, which normally I note in case someone really does read those note comments and does something (not a given). However, I was so taken up with the story I couldn't be bothered. There were some things I wished were explained more fully, such as Arrows earlier years and her parents romance and life, how they died. These are the first books I have read by this author. I plan on reading many more. Do any of her others reflect back onto Arrows story? If not maybe I can hope for a prequel.
September 25, 2021
Brilliant
A great set of books. Very enjoyable read. Characters well developed through the books, the main character, Arrow was very likeable and believable, a slightly damaged person that you felt for. The series built without feeling it was building towards another book that many series do. Each book can stand alone but the following one has connections that lead you into the next, which I liked. ( i hate it when you feel the author is deliberately setting the story up, leaving unanswered questions so you need to buy the next book, which is often turns out to be unimportant or pointless. )
A great set of books. Very enjoyable read. Characters well developed through the books, the main character, Arrow was very likeable and believable, a slightly damaged person that you felt for. The series built without feeling it was building towards another book that many series do. Each book can stand alone but the following one has connections that lead you into the next, which I liked. ( i hate it when you feel the author is deliberately setting the story up, leaving unanswered questions so you need to buy the next book, which is often turns out to be unimportant or pointless. )
December 23, 2021
A shopping storyline. Magic
I love to tread but cannot be held by reality storylines.
These books like many I have read of this genre have been captivating but this series has been one of the best in a long time. Most I compare to "Lord of the Rings". Not this one.
The plot was not something I was able to guess or foretell the twists and turns kept me addicted to each character and their incorporated stories with the lead character.
If you want a story to read with imagination, suspence , action and emotions this is a must.
I'm no scholar and my review is not well written but from my heart and mind.
I truly envy those who can create such mastery.
I love to tread but cannot be held by reality storylines.
These books like many I have read of this genre have been captivating but this series has been one of the best in a long time. Most I compare to "Lord of the Rings". Not this one.
The plot was not something I was able to guess or foretell the twists and turns kept me addicted to each character and their incorporated stories with the lead character.
If you want a story to read with imagination, suspence , action and emotions this is a must.
I'm no scholar and my review is not well written but from my heart and mind.
I truly envy those who can create such mastery.
September 20, 2023
A rich, enjoyable mystery fantasy series
I truly enjoyed this series. The world-building is wonderful, and the intersections of the low- and high-fantasy worlds of humans, shiftkin (wolf shapeshifters) and erith (elvish people), come together in an amazingly seamless blend. Each book of the series is different enough that they don't become redundant, but push the series plotline forward in a natural and interesting manner. Add in believable character arcs of the heroes I absolutely wanted to cheer for ... and it gave me an addictive read that left my heart full and satisfied. I highly recommend this series.
I truly enjoyed this series. The world-building is wonderful, and the intersections of the low- and high-fantasy worlds of humans, shiftkin (wolf shapeshifters) and erith (elvish people), come together in an amazingly seamless blend. Each book of the series is different enough that they don't become redundant, but push the series plotline forward in a natural and interesting manner. Add in believable character arcs of the heroes I absolutely wanted to cheer for ... and it gave me an addictive read that left my heart full and satisfied. I highly recommend this series.
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