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Out of Underhill #1
Kelpie Blue
Mama always said, don't go near the lake. Rin already knew the forest was filled with dark things, but aside from Mama no one had warned him about the lake. One day, Rin wanders off to the lake, where a beautiful blue horse asks him to go for a swim, and Rin learns too late it may not be a swim he survives.
158 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2018
9 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Mell Eight
69 books281 followersWhen Mell Eight was in high school, she discovered dragons. Beautiful, wondrous creatures that took her on epic adventures both to faraway lands and on journeys of the heart. Mell wanted to create dragons of her own, so she put pen to paper. Mell Eight is now known for her own soaring dragons, as well as for other wonderful characters dancing across the pages of her books. While she mostly writes paranormal or fantasy stories, she has been seen exploring the real world once or twice.
For more information on Mell’s stories and future writing plans, visit her website.
For more information on Mell’s stories and future writing plans, visit her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 28, 2025
This was cute. I kinda liked it.Their relationship was sweet. I loved the lil notes they wrote to each other in their diary. But man, all that horse stuff was boring and dragged... I wish we spent more time exploring the underhill instead of racing horses and cleaning stalls..
For my freaky friends... this is low spice (they don't do any butt stuff).
For my freaky friends... this is low spice (they don't do any butt stuff).
April 23, 2018
I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley
This was a cute story but I feel like the summary is just wildly off-base. It makes it sound like it's going to be some ...I don't know, dark fairytale I guess? But really we come into the story after Blue [the kelpie] has been living with Rin and his Mom for like 2 or 3 years and they're already together and most of the plot is taken up by horse racing stuff. It was still a pretty fun story, but it was definitely not what I was looking for / expecting and I don't think I'll be continuing with the series.
This was a cute story but I feel like the summary is just wildly off-base. It makes it sound like it's going to be some ...I don't know, dark fairytale I guess? But really we come into the story after Blue [the kelpie] has been living with Rin and his Mom for like 2 or 3 years and they're already together and most of the plot is taken up by horse racing stuff. It was still a pretty fun story, but it was definitely not what I was looking for / expecting and I don't think I'll be continuing with the series.
April 11, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
This really is a fun story, with a touch of romance between Rin and Blue. Turns out Rin’s daddy likely was a Fae, and there are some other lesser fae that get involved in the horse dealings. I loved how committed this odd family was to staying together, and Blue, who is a taciturn trickster, overcoming his fears of discovery to assist Rin and his mama make enough money to stay on their farm by his lake. This is the first book in a series, though I don’t know if these characters will repeat in later stories. It’s not a particularly sexy book, but it’s well-imagined and the world and characters felt fresh. It was fun to be in Blue’s head. He fell hard for his “snack,” aka Rin, and is rewarded with love and a family that he’d been missing since his family lake had been poisoned when he was young.
We get a rescue mission, too, because Rin and Blue must travel into the Underhill, the world of the Fae and other creatures, in order to actually save the farm and…people. It’s a romp that also leads to Rin learning his true paternity. I don’t want to spoil this, because it was so fun and engaging. Rin and Blue go back and forth with snarky journaling, and it becomes a running joke from beginning to end.
A lot of the backstory is revealed upfront, yet in a way that doesn’t slow the pacing of the book. Knowing that more books are coming, I’d definitely read on.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
This really is a fun story, with a touch of romance between Rin and Blue. Turns out Rin’s daddy likely was a Fae, and there are some other lesser fae that get involved in the horse dealings. I loved how committed this odd family was to staying together, and Blue, who is a taciturn trickster, overcoming his fears of discovery to assist Rin and his mama make enough money to stay on their farm by his lake. This is the first book in a series, though I don’t know if these characters will repeat in later stories. It’s not a particularly sexy book, but it’s well-imagined and the world and characters felt fresh. It was fun to be in Blue’s head. He fell hard for his “snack,” aka Rin, and is rewarded with love and a family that he’d been missing since his family lake had been poisoned when he was young.
We get a rescue mission, too, because Rin and Blue must travel into the Underhill, the world of the Fae and other creatures, in order to actually save the farm and…people. It’s a romp that also leads to Rin learning his true paternity. I don’t want to spoil this, because it was so fun and engaging. Rin and Blue go back and forth with snarky journaling, and it becomes a running joke from beginning to end.
A lot of the backstory is revealed upfront, yet in a way that doesn’t slow the pacing of the book. Knowing that more books are coming, I’d definitely read on.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2018
Mell,
I do so enjoy your stories!
I do so enjoy your stories!
March 30, 2018
3.5 stars
An interesting story that combines fantasy (kelpie! fae!) with contemporary horse farm and horse-racing world. Unlike anything I usually read for sure. I also thought the storytelling to be interesting because it weaved journal/diary of Rin (the half-fae MC), with some "additions" from Blue the kelpie, with third-person POV of the real timing.
I did think some of the time-progress to be unclear though. Like suddenly it was weeks or years later? It disrupted the flow a bit for me.
An interesting story that combines fantasy (kelpie! fae!) with contemporary horse farm and horse-racing world. Unlike anything I usually read for sure. I also thought the storytelling to be interesting because it weaved journal/diary of Rin (the half-fae MC), with some "additions" from Blue the kelpie, with third-person POV of the real timing.
I did think some of the time-progress to be unclear though. Like suddenly it was weeks or years later? It disrupted the flow a bit for me.
April 6, 2018
4 Stars
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book via NetGalley. This has not influenced my review.*
This book was unusual in that it didn't really have a focused plot with a clear end goal (there was some conflict involving the fae, but it was just a small part of the story and handled fairly easily), but I found I didn't mind and was happy to go along for the ride. This was a sweet, fluffy, stress-free read about a period of time in a character's life and his growing relationship with the kelpie he loved (who loved him back). And it was exactly what I was in the mood for when I read it. I also just love books about uncommon paranormals, so I enjoyed getting to read this author's take on kelpies. Blue was an interesting character to read about because his mind seemed a little more simplistic and pure than is typical---mostly focused on comforts, food, swimming, and being with Rin---due to his animal nature, and sometimes he would blurt out things about eating people that would take me so by surprise I couldn't help but laugh. There were some very brief sexy scenes, and I liked that they were kind of understated because it made them feel realistic. Another plus was disability rep since Rin (the main character) had bag legs due to an accident he was in when he was younger. I even feel like I learned a bit about horse racing since there was a lot about that. Overall this book was short but sweet, with a cute relationship and likeable characters, and I enjoyed it!
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book via NetGalley. This has not influenced my review.*
This book was unusual in that it didn't really have a focused plot with a clear end goal (there was some conflict involving the fae, but it was just a small part of the story and handled fairly easily), but I found I didn't mind and was happy to go along for the ride. This was a sweet, fluffy, stress-free read about a period of time in a character's life and his growing relationship with the kelpie he loved (who loved him back). And it was exactly what I was in the mood for when I read it. I also just love books about uncommon paranormals, so I enjoyed getting to read this author's take on kelpies. Blue was an interesting character to read about because his mind seemed a little more simplistic and pure than is typical---mostly focused on comforts, food, swimming, and being with Rin---due to his animal nature, and sometimes he would blurt out things about eating people that would take me so by surprise I couldn't help but laugh. There were some very brief sexy scenes, and I liked that they were kind of understated because it made them feel realistic. Another plus was disability rep since Rin (the main character) had bag legs due to an accident he was in when he was younger. I even feel like I learned a bit about horse racing since there was a lot about that. Overall this book was short but sweet, with a cute relationship and likeable characters, and I enjoyed it!
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
January 14, 2021
Didn't know I needed a shape-shifting kelpie-human m/m romance in my life until now. One day Rin passes out near a lake after over-exerting himself. Instead of eating him, as he normally would, the lake's kelpie, Blue, carries him home. They're inseparable after that.
Pros: Blue and Rin's relationship over time, shapeshifting kelpie, physical disability rep, m/m romance, journey Underhill to fae realms, horse shenanigans, a badass single mom, cute diary entries back and forth between Blue and Rin, hell hound puppies
Cons: wish it was 200 pages longer, ending a bit rushed (would have happily read more)
Pros: Blue and Rin's relationship over time, shapeshifting kelpie, physical disability rep, m/m romance, journey Underhill to fae realms, horse shenanigans, a badass single mom, cute diary entries back and forth between Blue and Rin, hell hound puppies
Cons: wish it was 200 pages longer, ending a bit rushed (would have happily read more)
March 29, 2018
This is a lovely N.A. paranormal tale of a broken boy and the kelpie who decides not to eat him. I loved the way this was written with the narrative interspersed with diary entries, mostly from Rin with Blue adding comments.
I enjoyed it immensely.
I enjoyed it immensely.
March 25, 2018
Why aren't there more reviews? This was a GREAT book. I love Mell Eight, her books are at least as good as Megan Derr's better half. I was a bit apprehensive at first about the Kelpie bit and feared it might get too kitschy, but it really wasn't. Great YA horse / elven magic story with enough details to keep it realistic. Ish.
May 15, 2018
This was a strange book but I enjoyed it... hmm
December 31, 2020
I love the world building in this story, and how Rin and Blue fit into that world. I liked how it’s written in part prose, and part Rin’s diary entries—which are occasionally hijacked by Blue. The characters are interesting, and Blue comes across as very other worldly.
Blue and Rin are sweet together, and although they’re growing into a physical relationship, there’s an innocence about both of them too. I love how Blue refers to Rin as his ‘snack,’ and how their relationship changes and grows over time. The reveal about Rin is nicely done, and although I half guessed some of it, I needed to keep reading to find out the details, and to make sure they got their HEA. I got invested in the characters very quickly.
I liked how Underhill and its inhabitants play their part in the story, and I’d love to read more set in this world, and its politics. It has a feel of having a rich history, with its references to mythology, but with a slightly different take in places.
Rin’s mother Lizzie is a strong capable character, especially considering everything she’s been through. I liked how she takes Blue under her wing and treats him like family. I liked the hint that she gets her own HEA. I liked Jim too, and how he helped. Wesley is a horrible piece of work. I was very happy with how things ended for him.
I thought this was a wonderful fantasy with a sweet romance, and I liked how it unfolded slowly at first, then picked up speed as the villains make their move.
The horse race totally rocked, and the puppy is adorable yet formidable. I’m looking forward to more in this series.
Blue and Rin are sweet together, and although they’re growing into a physical relationship, there’s an innocence about both of them too. I love how Blue refers to Rin as his ‘snack,’ and how their relationship changes and grows over time. The reveal about Rin is nicely done, and although I half guessed some of it, I needed to keep reading to find out the details, and to make sure they got their HEA. I got invested in the characters very quickly.
I liked how Underhill and its inhabitants play their part in the story, and I’d love to read more set in this world, and its politics. It has a feel of having a rich history, with its references to mythology, but with a slightly different take in places.
Rin’s mother Lizzie is a strong capable character, especially considering everything she’s been through. I liked how she takes Blue under her wing and treats him like family. I liked the hint that she gets her own HEA. I liked Jim too, and how he helped. Wesley is a horrible piece of work. I was very happy with how things ended for him.
I thought this was a wonderful fantasy with a sweet romance, and I liked how it unfolded slowly at first, then picked up speed as the villains make their move.
The horse race totally rocked, and the puppy is adorable yet formidable. I’m looking forward to more in this series.
July 21, 2018
It is absolutely ridiculous just how much I enjoyed this book. I’m pretty sure that I read the whole thing with a big stupid smile on my face, because it was just that darn cute. However, I have a suspicion that the majority of readers might not enjoy it quite so much. Judging from the blurb I thought that I was going to be reading something along the lines of a dark fairytale. Instead, this was a story about the love between a boy and his horse, and not in a “I think this porn is illegal” way, but in a young adult paranormal “what happens when a kelpie doesn’t eat his snack” way. Although we never do learn the exact age of Blue, Rin is in his late teens for the majority of this book and both main characters do act youngish. Not immature, but rather sexually innocent, although that is slowly changing. So if you don’t like young adult then I’m not sure if this book will be for you.
In a nutshell, since the blurb is so vague, Rin and his mother live alone on a farm. His mother was a successful horse trainer until they were both injured in a car accident and could no longer ride horses. One day Rin falls asleep by the lake on their farm, the lake that his mother has warned him not to go near. In this lake lives Blue, a young kelpie who loves to crunch on human bones and suck out the marrow. But Blue can’t bring himself to eat Rin, who seems different from all the other snacks who wander down to his lake. Instead Blue carries Rin home, and decides to stay.
The story is told primarily from Rin’s point of view, but the author very cleverly sneaks in Blue’s thoughts every now and again through the use of Rin’s diary. Throughout the story, but especially closer to the beginning, the diary is used to let the reader know what happened in the past and allows for Blue to leave comments and opinions that are highly entertaining. I won’t lie, a couple of times I was slightly confused by the past/present switches, but to be honest I found the diary dialogue between Rin and Blue so hilarious that I really didn’t mind. These two boys are too too cute together! I love that Blue affectionately calls Rin “my snack” as a term of endearment and chews on him in his sleep, though Rin is fairly certain that Blue would only ever eat him if it was a real emergency.
The “action” part of the plot, that requires the boys to head to the fae world of Underhill was definitely interesting though I wish we could have spent more time there. Mell Eight always does a great job of creating worlds that I never want to leave. There were plenty of attention grabbing secondary characters here, but the blurb for the next book in the series, scheduled for release later this year, apparently tells the story of a completely new set of characters. Either way, I can’t wait for the author to continue with this series and introduce us to more of the Underhill world.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2018/07/2...
In a nutshell, since the blurb is so vague, Rin and his mother live alone on a farm. His mother was a successful horse trainer until they were both injured in a car accident and could no longer ride horses. One day Rin falls asleep by the lake on their farm, the lake that his mother has warned him not to go near. In this lake lives Blue, a young kelpie who loves to crunch on human bones and suck out the marrow. But Blue can’t bring himself to eat Rin, who seems different from all the other snacks who wander down to his lake. Instead Blue carries Rin home, and decides to stay.
The story is told primarily from Rin’s point of view, but the author very cleverly sneaks in Blue’s thoughts every now and again through the use of Rin’s diary. Throughout the story, but especially closer to the beginning, the diary is used to let the reader know what happened in the past and allows for Blue to leave comments and opinions that are highly entertaining. I won’t lie, a couple of times I was slightly confused by the past/present switches, but to be honest I found the diary dialogue between Rin and Blue so hilarious that I really didn’t mind. These two boys are too too cute together! I love that Blue affectionately calls Rin “my snack” as a term of endearment and chews on him in his sleep, though Rin is fairly certain that Blue would only ever eat him if it was a real emergency.
The “action” part of the plot, that requires the boys to head to the fae world of Underhill was definitely interesting though I wish we could have spent more time there. Mell Eight always does a great job of creating worlds that I never want to leave. There were plenty of attention grabbing secondary characters here, but the blurb for the next book in the series, scheduled for release later this year, apparently tells the story of a completely new set of characters. Either way, I can’t wait for the author to continue with this series and introduce us to more of the Underhill world.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2018/07/2...
December 28, 2020
Welcome to this book review !
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book in exchange of an honest review. AND it in no way affects my review.
Now recently and always really I am in a mood to read romances with paranormal or in a fantasy/sci-fi setting. Also on another note always in the mood to find more of those and more amazing BDSM romances if anyone has some recommendations, it's hard to find some great LGBT ones.... !!
This book caught my eye by surprise, first of all the font of the cover was super pretty and it was written Kelpie on it which is rare in books. The description also said that it would contain fae's sooo right up my alley..
I enjoyed it, overall Blue and Rin were cute together, and I enjoyed their dynamic, the lore was nicely put and it felt like I was not being "info-dumped" on, which is always a plus. I liked that Rin was half-fae and not simply a human lured by a Kelpie. It was told in a different format sometimes, more as a journal than a typical novel, and in third person POV most of the time. While that was all fine and dandy, for the most part, because of the lack of direct connection to both our MC's I felt detached in a way I had not anticipated. I did not connect with them or the story as much as I would've wanted to. I however, really enjoyed Rin's mom !
Because it was journal like, I wouldn't have imagine the time skips to be an issue, but often I found myself wondering when chronologically this or that was happening and I felt like I was missing some of the motivation and reasoning behind things that happened. It felt like bits and pieces where missing between scenes, what happened during those years, weeks, etc. , we skipped ???
Also while Rin is the main POV of the story I found myself wondering how, when it was in the journal, Rin knew what Blue was thinking ? I would've preferred a dual POV or for conversations to happen.
In the end I really enjoyed the author's writing and found myself rooting for the cuteness of the story, Do not let the cover fool you it is not a dark book by any mean. I also loved the time when they had, because of the plot, to go into the fae world of Underhill, I would've liked more of that world building and discovery to have been included in the book. While this is the first book of a series, I would've enjoyed if the author could've left us with less unanswered questions at the end of it.
In the end, a nice read.
3.5/5 stars
Bookarina
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book in exchange of an honest review. AND it in no way affects my review.
Now recently and always really I am in a mood to read romances with paranormal or in a fantasy/sci-fi setting. Also on another note always in the mood to find more of those and more amazing BDSM romances if anyone has some recommendations, it's hard to find some great LGBT ones.... !!
This book caught my eye by surprise, first of all the font of the cover was super pretty and it was written Kelpie on it which is rare in books. The description also said that it would contain fae's sooo right up my alley..
I enjoyed it, overall Blue and Rin were cute together, and I enjoyed their dynamic, the lore was nicely put and it felt like I was not being "info-dumped" on, which is always a plus. I liked that Rin was half-fae and not simply a human lured by a Kelpie. It was told in a different format sometimes, more as a journal than a typical novel, and in third person POV most of the time. While that was all fine and dandy, for the most part, because of the lack of direct connection to both our MC's I felt detached in a way I had not anticipated. I did not connect with them or the story as much as I would've wanted to. I however, really enjoyed Rin's mom !
Because it was journal like, I wouldn't have imagine the time skips to be an issue, but often I found myself wondering when chronologically this or that was happening and I felt like I was missing some of the motivation and reasoning behind things that happened. It felt like bits and pieces where missing between scenes, what happened during those years, weeks, etc. , we skipped ???
Also while Rin is the main POV of the story I found myself wondering how, when it was in the journal, Rin knew what Blue was thinking ? I would've preferred a dual POV or for conversations to happen.
In the end I really enjoyed the author's writing and found myself rooting for the cuteness of the story, Do not let the cover fool you it is not a dark book by any mean. I also loved the time when they had, because of the plot, to go into the fae world of Underhill, I would've liked more of that world building and discovery to have been included in the book. While this is the first book of a series, I would've enjoyed if the author could've left us with less unanswered questions at the end of it.
In the end, a nice read.
3.5/5 stars
Bookarina
April 1, 2018
Rating: 4.5 stars
I had no idea what this book was going to be about when I bought it. The extremely short blurb intrigued me so I took a chance. I loved this story. From start to finish it grabbed my attention and didn’t let go. Both Rin and Blue were just wonderful. Loved Rin’s mother and Jim just as much. By the end of the book, I just wanted to keep reading about these characters.
I have just a couple of nitpicky things that brought my rating down some. There were a couple of typos in the story that I found distracting. Also, a couple of minor questions at the end that I wanted answered. Other than that, the story was wonderful. I highly recommend it if you like fantasy and a bit of a more unusual love story.
I had no idea what this book was going to be about when I bought it. The extremely short blurb intrigued me so I took a chance. I loved this story. From start to finish it grabbed my attention and didn’t let go. Both Rin and Blue were just wonderful. Loved Rin’s mother and Jim just as much. By the end of the book, I just wanted to keep reading about these characters.
I have just a couple of nitpicky things that brought my rating down some. There were a couple of typos in the story that I found distracting. Also, a couple of minor questions at the end that I wanted answered. Other than that, the story was wonderful. I highly recommend it if you like fantasy and a bit of a more unusual love story.
April 28, 2018
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
For the full review visit https://wp.me/p220KL-dup
From that review " But Kelpie Blue (Out of Underhill #1) by Mell Eight kept taking one interesting turn after another, and eventually I even enjoyed the peculiar mindset of a Kelpie (thoughts of eating humans included)."
For all our reviews, check out http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
For the full review visit https://wp.me/p220KL-dup
From that review " But Kelpie Blue (Out of Underhill #1) by Mell Eight kept taking one interesting turn after another, and eventually I even enjoyed the peculiar mindset of a Kelpie (thoughts of eating humans included)."
For all our reviews, check out http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
April 10, 2021
A sweetly crafted story with a family filling up all their bits of emptiness to create something new, something whole, something perfect. Blue in all his intrigued confusion concerning Rin, Rin's damaged strength and subtle constancy, and Mama's stubborn consistency and generous heart, all of them needed something and through trial, discovery, peril, and rescue, they made it all work for their benefit and for their future.
Rin was a main character that kind of faded to the background in a subtle way. He was a constant, one who could tie everyone together, but he wasn't a magnetic person either so he was just a solid, kind presence throughout the story. Memorable only in the large scale picture of the book, but on his own he had a tendency to fade around the stronger personalities of Blue and Mama as well as the mystery of Jim and the drama surrounding the ranch.
Blue was really cute and his constant referral to Rin as his snack from the very first to the very last was actually more endearing than creepy, thankfully. His additions to the journal/diary gave life to the whole telling and I wanted so much more about him, what he could do, and to see his powers more on the page. The eponymous character became a charming, amusing side character almost.
It was those elements of imbalance that kept the story from being as magical as it could have been. I liked the drama and felt it was appropriate to the story and really worked for pushing the conflict along as well as for introducing some big players from Underhill. Overall this was a really sweet story that worked as an introduction to the world of Underhill and I'm interested to see where the series will go from here.
Rin was a main character that kind of faded to the background in a subtle way. He was a constant, one who could tie everyone together, but he wasn't a magnetic person either so he was just a solid, kind presence throughout the story. Memorable only in the large scale picture of the book, but on his own he had a tendency to fade around the stronger personalities of Blue and Mama as well as the mystery of Jim and the drama surrounding the ranch.
Blue was really cute and his constant referral to Rin as his snack from the very first to the very last was actually more endearing than creepy, thankfully. His additions to the journal/diary gave life to the whole telling and I wanted so much more about him, what he could do, and to see his powers more on the page. The eponymous character became a charming, amusing side character almost.
It was those elements of imbalance that kept the story from being as magical as it could have been. I liked the drama and felt it was appropriate to the story and really worked for pushing the conflict along as well as for introducing some big players from Underhill. Overall this was a really sweet story that worked as an introduction to the world of Underhill and I'm interested to see where the series will go from here.
January 3, 2019
As a kelpie, Blue is used to drowning humans in his lake and devouring them. But when a human named Rin and his mother move on to the property, Blue becomes fascinated by the strange boy. Eventually, the pair becomes inseparable but Rin's mother is on the verge of losing the farm and her horse raising business. Blue offers to help by using his horse form to win races but outside forces from the fairie realm put them all in more danger than just losing their home.
As a gay romance, it's fairly light but as a fantasy, this book is fun and interesting. I have to say I didn't expect how the story went as the blurb accompanying it was WAY more vague, but it was satisfying and entertaining. Blue is a great character and Rin's mother is a badass. Rin himself is more of a blank slate in comparison but we're following his story and he's a decent enough guy. I also love how the story is framed by Rin and Blue writing to each other in what is supposed to be a private diary. Very cute. 3.9 out of 5.
As a gay romance, it's fairly light but as a fantasy, this book is fun and interesting. I have to say I didn't expect how the story went as the blurb accompanying it was WAY more vague, but it was satisfying and entertaining. Blue is a great character and Rin's mother is a badass. Rin himself is more of a blank slate in comparison but we're following his story and he's a decent enough guy. I also love how the story is framed by Rin and Blue writing to each other in what is supposed to be a private diary. Very cute. 3.9 out of 5.
February 7, 2021
Kelpie Blue is so much more than its description might lead readers to believe. I’ve been a fan of Mell Eight’s since I discovered the re-release of her Supernatural Consultant series. When I found this one, I knew I had to read it. Although it doesn’t have the same “feel” as the stories about the young dragons I’ve come to adore, that’s not a bad thing – and I definitely wasn’t disappointed.
I really liked the relationship between Rin and Blue. I also liked the relationship between Rin and his mom. They gave Blue a family – something he hadn’t had in a long time.
There was a bit of mystery, danger, magic, a sweet romance and more than a few surprises. Pretty much everything I enjoy in a fantasy. The next book in the series is If a Butterfly Don’t Fly. Even though I’d love to spend more time with Rin and Blue, I’m looking forward to continuing the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of Kelpie Blue. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really liked the relationship between Rin and Blue. I also liked the relationship between Rin and his mom. They gave Blue a family – something he hadn’t had in a long time.
There was a bit of mystery, danger, magic, a sweet romance and more than a few surprises. Pretty much everything I enjoy in a fantasy. The next book in the series is If a Butterfly Don’t Fly. Even though I’d love to spend more time with Rin and Blue, I’m looking forward to continuing the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of Kelpie Blue. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 23, 2018
3.5 stars.
This is a cute little story about horse racing and a kelpie, told through the eyes of Rin, Rin’s diary and Blue the kelpie. As with most Mell Eight stories the romance is pretty much instant and adorable with a definite young adult feel.
I was a little sad that the most exciting moment – when Rin collapses beside the lake and Blue finds him there, in full hungry kelpie mode – is all told via the diary. Blue’s additions to Rin’s diary are cute and I loved that he called Rin his pretty snack (which is a rather twisted endearment and yet oddly endearing), but it felt like a small let down in a kelpie story not to have the full fearful kelpie effect.
In fact a lot of stuff is told via the diary – first meetings, coming out to Rin’s mother, living together for the first few years – because the main story here isn’t about Rin finding Blue, or even the pair of them falling in love, it’s about trying to save the racing stables and interacting with more fae.
So maybe dial back your expectations a bit, because those small disappointments aside, this is a cute, easy to read tale with interesting fae, light romance, a bit of mystery and danger and lots and lots of sweetness. Everything I’ve come to expect and enjoy from this author – and I look forward to reading more from this series.
(Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)
This is a cute little story about horse racing and a kelpie, told through the eyes of Rin, Rin’s diary and Blue the kelpie. As with most Mell Eight stories the romance is pretty much instant and adorable with a definite young adult feel.
I was a little sad that the most exciting moment – when Rin collapses beside the lake and Blue finds him there, in full hungry kelpie mode – is all told via the diary. Blue’s additions to Rin’s diary are cute and I loved that he called Rin his pretty snack (which is a rather twisted endearment and yet oddly endearing), but it felt like a small let down in a kelpie story not to have the full fearful kelpie effect.
In fact a lot of stuff is told via the diary – first meetings, coming out to Rin’s mother, living together for the first few years – because the main story here isn’t about Rin finding Blue, or even the pair of them falling in love, it’s about trying to save the racing stables and interacting with more fae.
So maybe dial back your expectations a bit, because those small disappointments aside, this is a cute, easy to read tale with interesting fae, light romance, a bit of mystery and danger and lots and lots of sweetness. Everything I’ve come to expect and enjoy from this author – and I look forward to reading more from this series.
(Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)
July 15, 2021
This was a charming & quirky story with a mix of folklore, fae, family, contemporary horse racing and young love. I liked the dynamic between Rin and Blue. Some parts felt a bit choppy, but overall I rather enjoyed it.
April 2, 2021
I do love faerie stories - and modernised retellings and adaptations are always interesting to read. This book has a variety of fae but mostly focuses on Blue, a kelpie, and his relationship with the human boy, Rin. Blue's form varies between human, semi-human, semi-horse, and horse - but is mostly nearer to human. The scene is set by Rin in a journal entry, where he describes his childhood, the accident that injured him so badly he could no longer ride horses, and the downfall of his mother's business. He also talks of how he met Blue - but the book itself is written quite some time after their meeting, and their relationship is already very much established. Blue actually lives with Rin and his mother, who are fully aware of his fae nature and extremely accepting.
Much of the book is set in the ordinary human realm, with the three main characters struggling to keep the business afloat. As Blue is the only 'horse' that Rin is able to ride, they decide to enter a race to earn some money (and publicity). And while they're preparing for this, Jim comes along. He's another kind of faerie, and he's looking for Blue.
And to top it all off, Rin's mother is kidnapped soon after the big race. This demands a rescue mission, wherein Rin and Blue venture Underhill, to the faerie realm.
This sounds like a very epic fantasy adventure - and it is. But the actual adventure Underhill is a rather small proportion of the book. A much more prominent theme is Blue and Rin's relationship, which becomes increasingly sexually explicit.
There's also some mystery around Rin's father, who he never met. His mother admits to him having some kind of magical heritage, which brings a lot of questions to Rin's mind.
I enjoyed the Underhill journey, but it was disappointingly short. The general relationship between Rin and Blue was rather interesting, but I wasn't keen on all the sexual scenes, honestly. I didn't really feel that they were all that necessary. I actually really liked the kind of day-to-day narrative with Blue; if you've ever wondered what life would be like if you were living with a blue faerie, this book should give you some insight. Overall, I definitely did enjoy this. But it wasn't quite what I expected, and it didn't particularly resonate with me personally or emotionally. 3.5 stars.
Much of the book is set in the ordinary human realm, with the three main characters struggling to keep the business afloat. As Blue is the only 'horse' that Rin is able to ride, they decide to enter a race to earn some money (and publicity). And while they're preparing for this, Jim comes along. He's another kind of faerie, and he's looking for Blue.
And to top it all off, Rin's mother is kidnapped soon after the big race. This demands a rescue mission, wherein Rin and Blue venture Underhill, to the faerie realm.
This sounds like a very epic fantasy adventure - and it is. But the actual adventure Underhill is a rather small proportion of the book. A much more prominent theme is Blue and Rin's relationship, which becomes increasingly sexually explicit.
There's also some mystery around Rin's father, who he never met. His mother admits to him having some kind of magical heritage, which brings a lot of questions to Rin's mind.
I enjoyed the Underhill journey, but it was disappointingly short. The general relationship between Rin and Blue was rather interesting, but I wasn't keen on all the sexual scenes, honestly. I didn't really feel that they were all that necessary. I actually really liked the kind of day-to-day narrative with Blue; if you've ever wondered what life would be like if you were living with a blue faerie, this book should give you some insight. Overall, I definitely did enjoy this. But it wasn't quite what I expected, and it didn't particularly resonate with me personally or emotionally. 3.5 stars.
May 21, 2020
I received a copy of Kelpie Blue from Netgalley for review Considerations. This in no way influences my opinion of this book.
This was an interesting story that combines fantasy with contemporary horse farm and horse-racing world. Unlike anything I usually read for sure. But really we come into the story after Blue has been living with Rin and his Mum for like 2 or 3 years and they’re already together and most of the plot is taken up by horse racing stuff. I did think some of the time-progress to be unclear. Like suddenly it was weeks or years later? It disrupted the flow a bit for me.
Kelpie Blue lacks well-developed characters, plot and bearable writing. It was definitely not what I was looking for or expecting and I don’t think I’ll be continuing with the series.
This was an interesting story that combines fantasy with contemporary horse farm and horse-racing world. Unlike anything I usually read for sure. But really we come into the story after Blue has been living with Rin and his Mum for like 2 or 3 years and they’re already together and most of the plot is taken up by horse racing stuff. I did think some of the time-progress to be unclear. Like suddenly it was weeks or years later? It disrupted the flow a bit for me.
Kelpie Blue lacks well-developed characters, plot and bearable writing. It was definitely not what I was looking for or expecting and I don’t think I’ll be continuing with the series.
November 1, 2021
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is well written and the characters are described well. I really enjoyed Blue and Rin's characters. It is fast paced and it keeps your attention from the first page. This book is a fun reading experience. TRIGGER WARNING ABDUCTION. I definitely plan to read more books by this author in the future. I highly highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. This ebook is in stores for $4.99 (USD).
May 8, 2021
This was a sweet, YA, paranormal, futuristic novella.
This was a pretty short read, with a unique world building and a solid plot.
Rin and Blue were adorable together and I liked their cute tale.
This was a pretty short read, with a unique world building and a solid plot.
Rin and Blue were adorable together and I liked their cute tale.
March 23, 2018
Family accepts Kelpie into family
Flexible attitudes form new family ties. Three very 3D family members make for better story than most fantasy books. Background horse racing.
Flexible attitudes form new family ties. Three very 3D family members make for better story than most fantasy books. Background horse racing.
February 12, 2019
I liked it.
December 30, 2020
This is not a bad tale.
I'll have to admit, after reading "A Little Fairy Dust", which I did enjoy a bit but didn't like, I was fairly scared about this book. I was 100% sure I was not going to like it - Eight seems to sexualize her gay couples a lot (despite not writing R18+ rated scenes, which is both understandable and good) and also seemed a bit of an ableist in her approach to certain stories in the Dust anthology.
One of the other reviews said this was more of a story about racehorses than it was about magic, and that's true, but this is probably one of the reasons I actually enjoyed the tale. Reality and all that was to do with fae were nicely mixed up.
I would have liked to see more growth in the relationship between Rin and Blue, and to see Rin's father instead of only having mentions of him in the Epilogue.
EARC sent by NetGalley in exchange for a sincere review.
I'll have to admit, after reading "A Little Fairy Dust", which I did enjoy a bit but didn't like, I was fairly scared about this book. I was 100% sure I was not going to like it - Eight seems to sexualize her gay couples a lot (despite not writing R18+ rated scenes, which is both understandable and good) and also seemed a bit of an ableist in her approach to certain stories in the Dust anthology.
One of the other reviews said this was more of a story about racehorses than it was about magic, and that's true, but this is probably one of the reasons I actually enjoyed the tale. Reality and all that was to do with fae were nicely mixed up.
I would have liked to see more growth in the relationship between Rin and Blue, and to see Rin's father instead of only having mentions of him in the Epilogue.
EARC sent by NetGalley in exchange for a sincere review.
September 13, 2022
this was 158 pages of abject misery. if i could rate it 0 stars i would. cheyenne, i hate you for making me read this.
-rin and blue do nsfw stuff for the first time after 3 years, and it merits 8 sentences.
-multiple really weird anti-union comments
-blue calls a dwarf, which was described as a "lesser class" in the preceding sentence, a "silly digger" (oh my fucking god???????)
-oh by the way my dad's the best magical healer ever. no biggie. he just taught me how to be a godlike healer in 10 seconds
-rin and blue don't even properly bang. i did not WANT to read that, but i did expect it
i am extremely against censoring literature but if i could ban and burn this book i would
-rin and blue do nsfw stuff for the first time after 3 years, and it merits 8 sentences.
-multiple really weird anti-union comments
-blue calls a dwarf, which was described as a "lesser class" in the preceding sentence, a "silly digger" (oh my fucking god???????)
-oh by the way my dad's the best magical healer ever. no biggie. he just taught me how to be a godlike healer in 10 seconds
-rin and blue don't even properly bang. i did not WANT to read that, but i did expect it
i am extremely against censoring literature but if i could ban and burn this book i would
February 2, 2023
The prose is simplistic, giving the feeling the book is aimed towards younger readers. This makes the romance and in particular the sex stuff feel really out of place. The plot was fairly straightforward. The relationship between Rin and Blue is quite sweet. Initially, the disability rep was ok, acknowledging both the physical and mental impact of his injuries on Rin, but later in the book this is dropped and falls into one of my least favourite tropes: the disability is magically healed. It is mentioned that Rin's at higher risk of future injury but nothing happens in the book to demonstrate this. The whole book just felt a bit light on actual content.
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