Ever since finding a copy of The Hero and the Crown in her elementary school library, Bethany has loved fantasy. After subjecting her friends to stories scrawled in notebooks during study breaks all through high school, she decided to pursue an English degree at Middle Tennessee State University. When not writing or wrangling her two small children, Bethany enjoys reading, photography, and video games.
CURRENTLY WRITING: Solace, book 8 of The Return of the Elves. Status: In editing
As a follower of her Return of the Elves series, this book may be the best one yet. This story is about Lyr’s mother, Lynia and the Braelyn healer, Lial, but it is so much more than that. Seer Prince Ralan issues insight, which it turns out, involves all our beloved characters, but Lynia and Lial play a huge part. It’s suspenseful and emotional, with a little bit of humor. And, for those who have read the other books, a very special surprise. Well worth reading. I highly recommend it!
After the previous book, this was so lovely. I really enjoyed the build up we had in all the prior books to now see Lial and Lynea get their own story. I thought it was well done from the romance perspective, and really appreciate how the author handled the reverence these two characters had for previous relationships they experienced. Each of them held space for the prior partners, and realized that even if they were not each other’s “soulbonded” they loved each other on a similar level.
Now, with that said, I still maintain my enjoyment of the series would be greater if more effort was spent explaining a soulbond in this world. I’m really struggling with what that means, and if the author would just tell us and quit throwing in all these exceptions to the soul bonded when it doesn’t seem like it’s the norm. Our characters all seem to have a similar understanding of what a potential soulbond is, and we’re lead to believe that once you find them that is pretty much it, you’re destined to be with them. Very rarely is there a triad like Fen/Maddy/Anna, but then just as rare is the moving on from a soulbond. I mean, Lial was alone for 1400 years! Yet Lynea moved on after 22 years. 😳 Then again, we have Aris and Selia who are married and together for 500-years and we learned from their book they each met their potential soulbonded and chose not to bond with them like it was an actual option, even resisted it while being held prisoner in the case of Aris. So how are we to believe a soul bond is so rare and precious if we keep seeing the unusual?
Another frustration of this book was other characters like Dria and Vek who were completely missing, and Selia wasn’t in this much considering what Aris went through, not to mention Iren was also missing. Ralan was pretty sparse as well as Eri and Cora, Kai and Arlyn, and even Lyr wasn’t around much considering he’s the head dude in charge. Btw, why are Delbin and Inona still not bonded or married yet? I guess they’re another reason I wish the author would explain the whole soulbonded premise better.
I’m surprised I am still keeping this as 4-stars, but I enjoyed Lial and Lynia so very much, and am just going to have to deal with the parts that I felt were missing or the cliffhangers (old and new) regarding the overall series storyline.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Another adventure by Bethany Adams. Each book is a story in itself and the world she has built is extraordinary. With the portals between Earth and Morainia, elves live in both worlds. This book is the story of Lynia and Lial. Lynia is the mother of king Lyr and has been in mourning for 20yrs since her husband was suddenly killed. How does one recover from not only a broken heart but also a broken soulbond? Lial has realized he has deep feelings for her but it isn't proper to approach her. So they go their separate but together ways until disaster strikes. Ralan has had a premonition of a plague. With Lynia's research experience and Lial's healing abilities, will they be able to save both worlds. Or is it already too late. It helps if you have read each book in order but it isn't necessary to enjoy this book. The author has given a synopsis of each book at the beginning which helps refresh your memory. Don't miss this wonderful story.
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title. (Audible Membership)
Over the course of this series, many of the characters have become friends, in the way that you see their struggles and triumphs,get to understand their attitudes and responses to situations. This episode is about Lial, the one person who has been grumpy, overworked, and non complaining, although always an essential component to keep everyone healthy, never appreciated for the sound advice given. We see the man who is the healer, the twenty year unrequited love affair, and learn of his previous history that had made the healer that refuses to give up. As usual, we don't appreciate someone or something until we almost lose it.
Infatuation is not the same thing as love. Can be confusing, however. Lial is in love with Lynia. It comes off as obsessive infatuation in prior books. In this book his affection takes on a different feeling. A more intimate and reverential view of his feelings. When not respected Lial makes plans to move on. Only one thing stands in his way. A virus made by a mad man. With Lynia’s research and Lial’s medical expertise they have to succeed. Only the world’s fate rests on their success. Can Lynia decide what she wants before it’s too late? As if saving the world isn’t enough to contend with, she has to add in boy problems.
Loved it! Lial always was one of my favorite characters and I can relate to Lynia on so many levels. As with the other books, the plot is keeping you glued to the pages and the romances is sweet (and, with Lial being in focus, a bit maddening, but in a good way). I'm always amazed how the writing style of the individual books matches the protagonists so well, yet isn't discordant with the other books in the series. Bethany is truely a master onraiee.
This genre of storyline is somewhat new to me. But I must admit, this series of books drew me in and became like family as their story was revealed. It has all the necessary plots and twists. There is romance of course but there is also adventure, mystery, intrigue, and new knowledge. I highly recommend these not only for enjoyment but escape to a different and wonderful world.
This was such a tonal shift from the preceding book in the series, I relished the maturity and depth of emotion as the tale slowly unwound. Perhaps the most significant of all the pairings in the series, Lial and Lynia are the rational and pragmatic glue that hold the rest of the estate together. Delving into their past and looking towards their possible future, this story touched my heart deeply.
Oh, and there’s a plague that might kill everyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was such a good book; I may just start rereading it tomorrow. It seemed richer and fuller with mentions of previous events that are gathered together like ribbons to form an intricate bow. And so many future storylines! Can't wait for the next one. Perhaps a special novella for the arrival of the babies?
Firstly, I can see/ feel that this book in the series was a more difficult birthing of moving the story onwards. The characters, action and different strands of the worlds are threatened in a different way and yet that threat is familiar to all in our own now everyday lives. Lynia and Lial do not disappoint.
The lack of sleep continues... It might be a good thing this is the last book in the series for now, because I need to catch up on tons of sleep after binge reading this entire series over the last two weeks. I can't wait until the next one though, and I'm more than curious who will be staring in that one :)
From book one through to Solace I can say I’ve enjoyed every page. The characters and the ‘worlds’ have been crafted brilliantly. I really like the good guys and absolutely hate Meren and Kein. Well done Bethany for delivering such a great first offering. In anticipation for the next
Good read. But I’m at a loss in finding closure in some of the other characters lives. I’m not so sure how I feel about that part. But Lial needed this and I am so glad that he got all he dreamed of. 😁
What a pity this is the last book. I enjoyed reading it so much. I'll have to find Bethany's other books and read them now. Well worth the reading of such a wonderful series. Thoroughly recommend them to everyone..
As this is the 8th book in the series it's been one that I have really enjoyed. This one was totally in the land of the Elves this time. Primarily with the Healer and how to stop a plague.
I really like this series. While not mind-blowing (maybe 4.5/5 stars instead of 5), the books are comforting and cozy to read, but also not too predictable. Solace was one of my favourites so far. I liked the exploration of different kinds of magic and related skills, and the camahr sound cute
Relationship issues resolved. Death threats overcome. All without the overwhelming use of profanity that distracted from the story in the last couple of books. It's reassuring to know the author does have a vocabulary beyond profanity.
This book was so good as a healer he was grumpy most of the time because he was tired but he also was lonely he loved her but she didn't want him and then things happened