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The Rogue Elf #1
Half-Bloods Rising
War calls the elves of Urlas to battle. But Kealin, a young half-elf training to be a Sacred Blade, and his three siblings, are forbidden to go. They are not ready, or so they're told. But Kealin's lineage has a dark secret and the High Council of Urlas fears what he may become...
Kealin is about to learn that secret and in the cataclysm emerging, Urlas will wish they had embraced it.
When the soothsayer of Urlas tells Kealin that doom comes for all that left for the war, he and his siblings set off on what may be a one-way journey to the edge of the world. Darkness is upon them and a specter that dwells between the borders of the living realms has been waiting for them.
The Rogue Elf awakens... but is it too late to save those he loves?
A brave group of companions await you:
Kealin- a defiant half-blood that has little care of the purist High Elves and their beliefs. Eager, skilled, and sometimes a bit cocky, he fights with furious zeal to protect those he cares about.
Alri- The only female elf in the group. Her powers are far beyond her brothers. As a potent magic-user training under the best of the arcane masters, she knows much about her deadly art but necromancy is her natural gift. With her, a power unlike that taught in her homeland is just within her grasp yet she doesn't realize it yet.
Taslun- A son after his father's image. Strong, loyal to Urlas, and at 800 years old nearly ready to go before the High Council and be christened as a Blade of Urlas. He is the last anyone expects to become defiant. As the oldest sibling, he naturally desires to look after the young ones. They'll need his skills if they are all to survive.
Calak- The youngest of the males and with equal qualities of being cocky and honorable. While he is capable with a sword, his true gift is in his love of astrology, history, and ancient knowledge. Where he lacks in fighting ability he makes up for what his more 'violence-centric' brothers see as 'boring'.
Valrin- Not an elf but also not a normal human. However, the greatest mystery to the half-elves is his level of knowledge of the vast Glacial Seas and what he seems to know but not say about their quest. A loyal companion that has known of the elven lands and the coming darkness on the seas far before the half-elves left their home, he is the key to much to come. He commands the Aela Sunrise, a not-so-simple sailing vessel crafted by the ancient Sea Peoples of the North.
Kealin is about to learn that secret and in the cataclysm emerging, Urlas will wish they had embraced it.
When the soothsayer of Urlas tells Kealin that doom comes for all that left for the war, he and his siblings set off on what may be a one-way journey to the edge of the world. Darkness is upon them and a specter that dwells between the borders of the living realms has been waiting for them.
The Rogue Elf awakens... but is it too late to save those he loves?
A brave group of companions await you:
Kealin- a defiant half-blood that has little care of the purist High Elves and their beliefs. Eager, skilled, and sometimes a bit cocky, he fights with furious zeal to protect those he cares about.
Alri- The only female elf in the group. Her powers are far beyond her brothers. As a potent magic-user training under the best of the arcane masters, she knows much about her deadly art but necromancy is her natural gift. With her, a power unlike that taught in her homeland is just within her grasp yet she doesn't realize it yet.
Taslun- A son after his father's image. Strong, loyal to Urlas, and at 800 years old nearly ready to go before the High Council and be christened as a Blade of Urlas. He is the last anyone expects to become defiant. As the oldest sibling, he naturally desires to look after the young ones. They'll need his skills if they are all to survive.
Calak- The youngest of the males and with equal qualities of being cocky and honorable. While he is capable with a sword, his true gift is in his love of astrology, history, and ancient knowledge. Where he lacks in fighting ability he makes up for what his more 'violence-centric' brothers see as 'boring'.
Valrin- Not an elf but also not a normal human. However, the greatest mystery to the half-elves is his level of knowledge of the vast Glacial Seas and what he seems to know but not say about their quest. A loyal companion that has known of the elven lands and the coming darkness on the seas far before the half-elves left their home, he is the key to much to come. He commands the Aela Sunrise, a not-so-simple sailing vessel crafted by the ancient Sea Peoples of the North.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2016
1237 people are currently reading
1959 people want to read
About the author
J.T. Williams
93 books392 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling author J.T. Williams writes fast-paced sword and sorcery along with dark epic fantasy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
August 19, 2019
The one thing that really impressed me about this book is that every single chapter contained a massive fight scene with well-choreographed action. The plot struggled to keep my attention as the objective seemed to constantly shift from one thing to the other haphazardly. It’s written in a similar fashion as a fantasy rpg, similar to the Dragonlance, Drizzt and Malus Darkblade series. The unfocused plot felt like less of a fantasy rpg and more like a party of characters getting sidetracked by dozens of side quests within a fantasy rpg. Still a fun and entertaining book for what it was though, just wish the direction was a bit more focused.
October 2, 2018
Get ready for an adventure--this one just blew me away! The style of the writing reminded me of the Warcraft books, particularly Richard A. Knaak (one of my favorite fantasy authors). I love that he brings back Valrin, even though he is not the main character in this one. But I might even like Kealin better! I loved the imagery surrounding Vankou--that scene was probably my favorite! The story of the elves is just unfolding with so many mysteries and unknowns... I am anxious to read the next book!
If you like Richard Knaak, Brandon Sanderson, Patrick Rothfuss, and Jeff Wheeler, you're going to love this adventure!
If you like Richard Knaak, Brandon Sanderson, Patrick Rothfuss, and Jeff Wheeler, you're going to love this adventure!
August 27, 2018
A quest begins
Four half-elf siblings begin a quest to save the world they know.
World building was good. Felt that I understood the struggles facing the siblings. Although the many of the challenges seemed a bit too simple. However, that may have been the plan since it seems they were misled a bit during their journey.
Interested in seeing where the story leads next.
Four half-elf siblings begin a quest to save the world they know.
World building was good. Felt that I understood the struggles facing the siblings. Although the many of the challenges seemed a bit too simple. However, that may have been the plan since it seems they were misled a bit during their journey.
Interested in seeing where the story leads next.
February 23, 2018
I liked the fast pace and the bizzare world, which reminded me of the Malus Darkblade novels by Dan Abnett. However, the main character was a bit bland, the writing needs polishing and the ending was needlessly grim. Nevertheless, I plan to give the second book a chance as well.
You can read review in Bulgarian here:
http://citadelata.com/half-bloods-ris...
You can read review in Bulgarian here:
http://citadelata.com/half-bloods-ris...
April 13, 2018
It’s fun and easy to read
I picked up this book because I saw it compared to the legend of Drizzt books. It’s really a poor comparison, they are nothing alike other than a dual-sword wielding main character.
It’s definitely easier to read than RA Salvatore, and there are some spelling and grammar errors, but overall the story is interesting and fun to read.
I picked up this book because I saw it compared to the legend of Drizzt books. It’s really a poor comparison, they are nothing alike other than a dual-sword wielding main character.
It’s definitely easier to read than RA Salvatore, and there are some spelling and grammar errors, but overall the story is interesting and fun to read.
September 4, 2016
The elves have been called to war. As his parents leave, Kealin and his siblings stay behind to continue to train for the inevitable bloodshed that will reach their shores. For all their lives they have been persecuted for being half-elf. Kealin has never questioned his mother's true lineage but she has been in hiding and he will soon discover why. A prophecy is revealed that foretells doom for all the warriors who departed. In order to avert the disaster, Kealin and his half-blood siblings embark into the frigid seas of the north aboard an enchanted ship. In a perilous journey, Kealin discovers a power not at all elven in nature. He is changing. As the blood of the race of a long dead people surges in his veins, a power awakens within his mind tying him to a lost and powerful culture. But what else is waking in the long frozen north, will risk all of them and Kealin is playing into the hands of a master deceiver. He must learn to control this ancient power before a hidden plot destroys all he seeks to save.
This book has something for everybody – elves, dragons, gods, dwarves, and many other interesting things. It’s a story of four half-blooded elf siblings wanting to be apart of the war their mother and father and many other elves have been call to the war in the south. Having been forbidden to leave the safety of the Urlas Woodlands. A consultation with the Shaman Iouir sends them on a mission to take a message to Dimn the wind god of the north of a growing darkness in the Glacial Seas. Very engaging, I believe you'll enjoy it.
This book has something for everybody – elves, dragons, gods, dwarves, and many other interesting things. It’s a story of four half-blooded elf siblings wanting to be apart of the war their mother and father and many other elves have been call to the war in the south. Having been forbidden to leave the safety of the Urlas Woodlands. A consultation with the Shaman Iouir sends them on a mission to take a message to Dimn the wind god of the north of a growing darkness in the Glacial Seas. Very engaging, I believe you'll enjoy it.
October 7, 2018
Ok wow! I have had this book on my kindle since July and I finally started reading it last night. I just finished it and I feel like I'm still in that world. This book was amazing!! I loved the characters and loved learining a little more about each of them as the book went on. The action was out of this world awesomeness. It was like nothing else even mattered while I was reading, that's how much this book drew me in. I cannot wait to read the next one and I have definitely found a favorite new author! The ending was so intense I can't even find words to say what it was. If you are a lover of all things fantasy then you have got to read this book!!
February 17, 2017
Available Kindle Unlimited but must have gotten it on one of those free for a day or whatever through one of my freebie sites. Just read what I call a space opera plus and now this, a fantasy plus I guess.
Kindle Unlimited, one of a series
Kindle Unlimited, one of a series
July 23, 2017
Half-Life Rising (Half-Elf book 1)
Action,fantasy,sea creatures, Woodland creatures, evil gods, good versus evil something for almost everyone! Exciting action and I couldn't put it down.
Action,fantasy,sea creatures, Woodland creatures, evil gods, good versus evil something for almost everyone! Exciting action and I couldn't put it down.
January 11, 2021
Sent by an ancient shaman, four siblings set out on a dangerous quest to aid in a war that has called their parents away. Each learn their strengths, but none more than Kealin. As the journey increasingly grows more perilous, Kealin develops abilities from the ancients. Is this good or bad, and who is actually benefiting from their actions.
An action packed, sword fighting, magical story, that reminds me of a Drizzit tale. Thoroughly enjoyed and will continue with book two.
An action packed, sword fighting, magical story, that reminds me of a Drizzit tale. Thoroughly enjoyed and will continue with book two.
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September 28, 2023Good character development and an interesting series of events
May 28, 2016
***I was given an ARC for a true and honest review***
This was a very enjoyable book! I can't wait for the next book to become available in this series. I haven't read any fantasy for a while, don't really know why but this was actually a great book to renew my interest in the fantasy genre.
This book has something for everybody – elves, dragons, gods, dwarves, and many other interesting things. It’s a story of four half-blooded elf siblings wanting to be apart of the war their mother and father and many other elves have been call to the war in the south. Having been forbidden to leave the safety of the Urlas Woodlands. A consultation with the Shaman Iouir sends them on a mission to take a message to Dimn the wind god of the north of a growing darkness in the Glacial Seas.
This first book of the series is about the harsh realities of the lands beyond the barrier of their homelands that the siblings have to face. Their journey is a series of strife, misfortunes, and dealings with enraged dwarves, trickster supernatural beings, and fighting for their lives in the defense of Dimn's temple.
After their intense fight Kealin the second oldest brother believes his eldest and younger brothers are dead and his sister is sent away from their desperate struggle to survive. Alri and Kealin are thrown to the fortune of the winds.
Are his brothers dead or alive he's not sure and he doesn't know where the winds sent his little sister Alri. Having been grievously wounded Kealin must first mend his body before he sets off to find his sister. He wonders what the future holds for himself and his siblings if they did survive. Is he the sole survivor of their quest thus far? I guess will have to see in the next book. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
This was a very enjoyable book! I can't wait for the next book to become available in this series. I haven't read any fantasy for a while, don't really know why but this was actually a great book to renew my interest in the fantasy genre.
This book has something for everybody – elves, dragons, gods, dwarves, and many other interesting things. It’s a story of four half-blooded elf siblings wanting to be apart of the war their mother and father and many other elves have been call to the war in the south. Having been forbidden to leave the safety of the Urlas Woodlands. A consultation with the Shaman Iouir sends them on a mission to take a message to Dimn the wind god of the north of a growing darkness in the Glacial Seas.
This first book of the series is about the harsh realities of the lands beyond the barrier of their homelands that the siblings have to face. Their journey is a series of strife, misfortunes, and dealings with enraged dwarves, trickster supernatural beings, and fighting for their lives in the defense of Dimn's temple.
After their intense fight Kealin the second oldest brother believes his eldest and younger brothers are dead and his sister is sent away from their desperate struggle to survive. Alri and Kealin are thrown to the fortune of the winds.
Are his brothers dead or alive he's not sure and he doesn't know where the winds sent his little sister Alri. Having been grievously wounded Kealin must first mend his body before he sets off to find his sister. He wonders what the future holds for himself and his siblings if they did survive. Is he the sole survivor of their quest thus far? I guess will have to see in the next book. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
March 23, 2020
I really wish this author had slowed the pace of this novel long enough to develop his characters better and to allow the plot to find some footing. Instead it felt as if he had a thousand actions he wanted to include and was determined to do it in the shortest number of pages while ignoring all the other aspects of a good book.
Rapid-fire action by itself isn’t enough. When certain events happen, the reader needs to feel what the characters feel; they need to be invested in the story. There was no time for that here.
Rapid-fire action by itself isn’t enough. When certain events happen, the reader needs to feel what the characters feel; they need to be invested in the story. There was no time for that here.
November 2, 2021
I really enjoyed this. It had me at “elves.” If there’s an elf, I’m in! They are a little different than I’m use to for the fact I haven’t come across an elf with a bow yet and not once have they been described as beautiful.
I am also really disappointed over Vals. (Valrin) I was thoroughly invested when he was introduced. He isn’t what he appears and he is important to the story so far. He really brightened up the adventure in my opinion and quickly became my favorite character.
I am also really disappointed over Vals. (Valrin) I was thoroughly invested when he was introduced. He isn’t what he appears and he is important to the story so far. He really brightened up the adventure in my opinion and quickly became my favorite character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2017
This sucked! It wasn't so bad during the middle of it but in the story became too simple and to predictable. But I think, I hated about it most about this story was the ending! I saw it coming from a mile away and it still happened and was even more stupid than I would've guessed. The best thing that can be done with this story is not to write any more of them.
September 16, 2016
Awesome book! Please see the full review. Non spoilers.
http://datbeardedbastard.blogspot.com...
http://datbeardedbastard.blogspot.com...
September 20, 2016
Good
It was a good book but i kinda felt like there was no direction. I give it the benefit of the doubt at this point.
It was a good book but i kinda felt like there was no direction. I give it the benefit of the doubt at this point.
August 28, 2018
The elves of the Urlas Woodlands are leaving to fight in the South and Kealin's parents leave with the group. He and his siblings who are half-elf's decide to leave as well but they travel to the North to come to the aid of the God Dimn. They face many difficulties on their treacherous voyage across the seas but they also manage to get aid from the sea creatures. Kealin who had always felt less than his brothers for not being recognised as a pure blood is discovering that he is coming into some other powers and that he is part of an ancient culture called the Dwemhar. He makes friends with a Narwhal called Tulasiro, and his new friend helps him go through the maelstrom of the Glacial Seas to reach the Northern God of the Winds. However the God departs to go and aid his brothers Kel and Wura in the south and the Itsu arrive at his temple. The siblings do their best to defend the temple but Kealin's brothers are killed during the fight and Kealin vows to avenge his siblings as he has a wish upon his soul for retribution. This adventure is just starting in this Book 1 of the Half-Elf Chronicles and I am sure we are to get many more adventures in the following books in the same series where we see Kealin battling against the Itsu in a war waged against the Gods.
November 13, 2018
Eh. It was okay, I guess. Read more like a first draft than a full-fledged novel. Had potential to be great if the author fleshed out the characters better. This entire book could have been about a singular character on a quest and it still would have had the same impact.
The writing style isn't the best, really on the nose and definitely suited for a younger audience. One thing this novel has going for it is that it is very ambitious on where it moves the story. Sadly, this ambition ends up muddling itself in random story events that are barely if not ever fully realized.
If you like stories that read like video games than this book is sure up your alley. Nothing complex here, just a straightforward adventure romp akin to Lord of the Rings and D&D.
It's interesting but once you finish reading you won't remember any of the characters name, even the protagonist's own.
The writing style isn't the best, really on the nose and definitely suited for a younger audience. One thing this novel has going for it is that it is very ambitious on where it moves the story. Sadly, this ambition ends up muddling itself in random story events that are barely if not ever fully realized.
If you like stories that read like video games than this book is sure up your alley. Nothing complex here, just a straightforward adventure romp akin to Lord of the Rings and D&D.
It's interesting but once you finish reading you won't remember any of the characters name, even the protagonist's own.
June 10, 2019
*Thank you to the author for providing an ARC/review copy of this book*
🌟🌟🌟🌟 ~ couldn't-put-it-down great
“… remember that to use your blade for no reason but to kill makes you as the enemy yourself - senseless.”
Half-Bloods Rising was a great start to the Half-Elf Chronicles! It was well-paced, with plenty of action and mystery! I loved Kealin, and the family dynamics between himself and his siblings as they set off on their epic journey! There were interesting quests along the way and plenty of foreshadowing for the rest of the series, particularly in regard to the siblings' lineage! I especially loved the addition of the narwhals; it's not a creature I've seen used prominently in fantasy before 😍
There were some minor grammatical and spelling errors, which the author has been fixing, but overall it was definitely a worthwhile read and I can't wait to continue the adventure in Seer of Lost Sands 😊
🌟🌟🌟🌟 ~ couldn't-put-it-down great
“… remember that to use your blade for no reason but to kill makes you as the enemy yourself - senseless.”
Half-Bloods Rising was a great start to the Half-Elf Chronicles! It was well-paced, with plenty of action and mystery! I loved Kealin, and the family dynamics between himself and his siblings as they set off on their epic journey! There were interesting quests along the way and plenty of foreshadowing for the rest of the series, particularly in regard to the siblings' lineage! I especially loved the addition of the narwhals; it's not a creature I've seen used prominently in fantasy before 😍
There were some minor grammatical and spelling errors, which the author has been fixing, but overall it was definitely a worthwhile read and I can't wait to continue the adventure in Seer of Lost Sands 😊
August 9, 2019
Three and a half stars
In a world replete with elves, dwarves, wrights, an ice drake and the old gods, evil is on the move.
Four siblings venture forth on a quest at the behest of a seer and an action-filled adventure ensues as they encounter unusual creatures both friend and foe.
Interestingly, I think it's the first time I've come across prejudice by elves toward a fellow elf, even if those in question are only half-elves. It was rather refreshing to have a less than perfect group of elves, it made the world and characters feel a little more real.
Good world building, strong, well-developed characters and a intriguing plot. A compelling read after a slightly slow start and a series I will be following!
In a world replete with elves, dwarves, wrights, an ice drake and the old gods, evil is on the move.
Four siblings venture forth on a quest at the behest of a seer and an action-filled adventure ensues as they encounter unusual creatures both friend and foe.
Interestingly, I think it's the first time I've come across prejudice by elves toward a fellow elf, even if those in question are only half-elves. It was rather refreshing to have a less than perfect group of elves, it made the world and characters feel a little more real.
Good world building, strong, well-developed characters and a intriguing plot. A compelling read after a slightly slow start and a series I will be following!
October 12, 2018
Interesting but not enough depth
Kaelin with his two brothers and sister rush to fulfill a prophecy by their Shaman. Then unknown forces push them to perform acts which lead to unintended consequences. Can they survive and help the wind God?
The start was very random and so were the acts of the half elfs. There was not much of any character building and everything just happened. The elfs followed random advice from unknown entities resulting in things they didn't intend to happen. Would expect more background and some better storyline.
Kaelin with his two brothers and sister rush to fulfill a prophecy by their Shaman. Then unknown forces push them to perform acts which lead to unintended consequences. Can they survive and help the wind God?
The start was very random and so were the acts of the half elfs. There was not much of any character building and everything just happened. The elfs followed random advice from unknown entities resulting in things they didn't intend to happen. Would expect more background and some better storyline.
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January 8, 2021Half-Bloods Rising (The Rogue Elf Book 1), my first read from author J.T. Williams, an author I'd wanted to read for some time yet never got around to, so many books, so little time. December seemed to be my month for new authors and January looks to continue the trend. An excellent read, enjoyable and captivating in its detail and development. I was gifted a free copy and I'm voluntarily reviewing it because every good books need reviews. I look forward to more from this author and in this series. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
June 18, 2016
Disapointing
I had hard time staying committed to this book. If a book feels like work it's probably not well written. The concept was so good I thought if I kept reading it that it might get better. There just isn't any character development or world building. The author has a good imagination if this is his first book I hope he keeps trying. He really needs a good editor to help him out. I only made it to 70 percent and just had to give up at that point. Keep trying.
I had hard time staying committed to this book. If a book feels like work it's probably not well written. The concept was so good I thought if I kept reading it that it might get better. There just isn't any character development or world building. The author has a good imagination if this is his first book I hope he keeps trying. He really needs a good editor to help him out. I only made it to 70 percent and just had to give up at that point. Keep trying.
June 26, 2016
AWSOME BOOK
I consider this a 5/5 because of how the author writes this story you have to read the first book to know the characters drive through the story but if you have not this book will still captivate your imagination. How he bring together so many themes is amazing. It is a book of friendships, battles, a little bit of love , but mainly lots of battles which I love. You must this book it is great.
I consider this a 5/5 because of how the author writes this story you have to read the first book to know the characters drive through the story but if you have not this book will still captivate your imagination. How he bring together so many themes is amazing. It is a book of friendships, battles, a little bit of love , but mainly lots of battles which I love. You must this book it is great.
October 16, 2018
Half-Elf Chronicles #1
A Tale of The Dwemhar,
of the early years of Kelain the Half-Elf along with his brothers and sister and their parents. We learn why Kealin sometimes talks like a drunk slurring his words. We also meet Brethor whom we meet in" Rogues of Magic " . These books in this series are absolutely great. Hard to put down and keeps you up late reading! . The Half-Elf Chronicles are by far the best. Each book gets better and better.
A Tale of The Dwemhar,
of the early years of Kelain the Half-Elf along with his brothers and sister and their parents. We learn why Kealin sometimes talks like a drunk slurring his words. We also meet Brethor whom we meet in" Rogues of Magic " . These books in this series are absolutely great. Hard to put down and keeps you up late reading! . The Half-Elf Chronicles are by far the best. Each book gets better and better.
January 14, 2019
Kealin’s backstory
I got this book because I was interested to learn about Kealin’s backstory. He is one of the more interesting characters in Mr William’s series and also one of the more mysterious ones. It gave me a greater understanding of Kealin and how he sometimes reverts to a different way of speaking. If you have read any of Mr Williams other stories then I recommend reading this one as well.
I got this book because I was interested to learn about Kealin’s backstory. He is one of the more interesting characters in Mr William’s series and also one of the more mysterious ones. It gave me a greater understanding of Kealin and how he sometimes reverts to a different way of speaking. If you have read any of Mr Williams other stories then I recommend reading this one as well.
November 9, 2019
This is not a book I would have normally picked up but I'm glad I did. I love the combination of elves, magic and mythical gods. The cover/title gave me the impression that it was going to be a race take over type war book, but it's not that at all. Much more of a questing, journey to save the world type book. The world building is well laid out, and I loved the use of so many different intelligent beings/creatures. (100% here for the narwhals). I can't wait to see what book 2 has in store.
January 4, 2021
Intense and Absorbing
This is a major rewrite of this story. I read the original and this had some degree of familiarity but was definitely different. It is dark and intense as it follows Kealin and his siblings as they discover their powers and their destiny. It is the start of a series and, as such, leaves the major story arc unresolved. However, it does bring closure to this part of the story.
Very hard to put down at night.
This is a major rewrite of this story. I read the original and this had some degree of familiarity but was definitely different. It is dark and intense as it follows Kealin and his siblings as they discover their powers and their destiny. It is the start of a series and, as such, leaves the major story arc unresolved. However, it does bring closure to this part of the story.
Very hard to put down at night.
January 17, 2018
Needs editing
Good story. Needs a good editor. At times, it’s like it was written in a foreign language and then translated. Sometimes, you can almost understand that it was rewritten sloppily. On the other hand, it is a beautiful story. It doesn’t make sense, hut it is beautidul.
Good story. Needs a good editor. At times, it’s like it was written in a foreign language and then translated. Sometimes, you can almost understand that it was rewritten sloppily. On the other hand, it is a beautiful story. It doesn’t make sense, hut it is beautidul.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews