Exiled

Return of the Elves #3

by Bethany Adams, Gabrielle de Cuir (Narrator), Stefan Rudnicki (Narrator)

A willing exile
For a hundred years, Delbin has lived on Earth, voluntarily cut off from his birth land, Moranaia. He's learned to hide his elven nature and use his mind magic without getting noticed. Until he accidentally wields it on the Moranaian scout sent to check on him.

A hesitant ally
Though Inona has good reason to mistrust exiles, part of her job is to make sure they aren't causing trouble. She sets out for Earth with one goal--get this annoying mission over with. But from the moment Delbin tries to use his power on her, she can tell he is different. As more of his story unfolds, she learns that some exiles might not be what they seem.

An unexpected enemy
When a rogue Moranaian prince tries to recruit Delbin, Inona's mission becomes anything but standard. Now Delbin and Inona must work together to hunt down the prince and uncover his latest plot.

Delbin might not be able to return to Moranaia, but he'll do anything to save it.

BONUS - Includes the free, stand-alone short story "The Grove Between," previously published in the Against All Odds anthology.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Audiobook, Fae, Magic, Elves, Paranormal Romance

4 pages, Audible Audio

First published March 21, 2017

About the author

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

Reviews

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third book is a shorter book than the first two books, and it tells the story of Delbin, an exile on earth and Inona a guide sent to check on him and other exiles as was her duty. They develop feelings for one another when she realises Delbin was not the criminal she thought he was, but a loyal hero who did what he thought was best to protect his family. He had previously lived in Oria, under Allafon and as he was a telepath he was afraid that the evil Allafon would use his powers to hurt others. Whilst on earth they also came upon the other exile we had met in the previous book Kien, and he was still trying to pollute the earth's energy. I enjoyed reading this short story as it continues to give us a clearer picture of what is happening on earth and how this is effecting the people in Moranaia. I will go on to read book 4 as this series has become my addiction.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good novella. Good flow and story. But there's no resolution. Ends on a huge what is going on note.

[anna (annatheadventuress) · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay. The first book in the series was my favorite so far. Each book follows different characters and this one, so far was my least favorite.

[Ira · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I hadn't read the other books by the author, this book would have got three stars instead of four because even though it was great, it was just great until the end - which came far too early. It is a novella, I'm aware of that but the book ends where the actions starts. Or rather should start because, you see, we are finally back and I was prepared to kick some a..pish brutes but - there it was: the end. I clicked back and forth actually to verify that it was indeed the end and not just some technical stuff that prevented me from going further.
Hoping for an equally amazing sequel to this very promising beginning that is a sequel to the other "Return of the Elves" books but focuses on other characters (and trust me, you will love Delbin and Inona!), I'm really looking forward to the rest of the story, I just hope that it comes soon.
I have no problem with the story itself spanning several volumes but I would have preferred to have every couple's story in one book. Otherwise, it is well written, the story continues to be really amazing with a wonderful, well-developed world of its own that exists alongside our world and I can recommend this book if you are prepared to deal with the frustration at the end - or wait till the next book is out.

[Suz · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

This novella with new characters should have been numbered 2.5 but was enjoyable enough nevertheless.

[MJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

02.06/18 01-12/19

[Megan Collins · Rating 2 out of 5]

While covering Coric's paternity leave, scout Inona is sent to earth to check on Delbin Raya. Exiled for over 100 years, this young elf is caught using his magic on humans. As Inona investigates, she discovers Delbin voluntarily left Moranaia to hide his mind powers from a mad vassal and protect his family. Worse, she spots Prince Kein--an enemy poisoning the magical rift and trying to overthrow the king--nearby. Can she foil Kein's latest plot or save Delbin from the past?
Lots of plusses and minuses. The story doesn't stand alone--not enough introduction to the world/ characters. It doesn't continue the events of the prior franchise entries either as we have two new main characters. It does start to connect towards the end but then acts like we might not ever mention these events again... so I guess I have to wait and see. The writing and plot are okay. It's still just instalove with no development as far as romance goes. I'm still confused about the formatting of the tale. I probably would rate it higher if it was just an added novella in the universe but by labeling as book 3, my expectations fought with what was here.

BONUS short story "The Grove Between" - A lady is pulled into another dimension where she requests aid fae forces against her uncle and the impeding militant religious force. It's okay but lacks a lot of context. Also I think I may have read this somewhere before, it felt very familiar.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this. It’s not a true standalone because you both need to have read the books before it to understand the world and what’s going on, and because there’s a mystery concerning the bad guy getting away that largely just gets dropped.

Paradoxically, that’s a believable element in the story to my mind. This is a novella about “ordinary” denizens of Moranaia as opposed to the princes and nobility featured in the full length books so far. There’s a scout doing her duty checking on an exile and together they stumble into the bad guy from the overarching plot. They do what they can do/need to do in that situation, get safely out, and then report. Others take over from there. That’s what would happen in real life.

There’s a lot going on in this story, and it wasn’t until I finished that I decided the main focus is probably Delbin, the character who’s been living in exile, the reasons behind that exile, and the resolution to his family situation and the exile itself.

There are hints of a romance, and some character depth and development for Inona, but neither of these things are main in the end. And the rest of the plot is just a side story to the overarching plot playing out in the full length books.

I hope we get some bits or hints of Delbin and Inona in future books, but it’s okay if we don’t.

[Paperbacks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spanning the gap between Sundered and Seared, Exiled is a lovely light read full of the usual expansive world building, beautiful Morananian language and general gorgeousness I have come to expect from the series. It introduces us to Delbin, an exile from Moranania who has been on earth for over 100 years, and Inona who is a Morananian scout tasked with checking in on those who have been exiled. But with Kien on the run on Earth, a quick check in for Inona leads to a world of trouble!

Although a Novella, there is a lot going on in Exiled and I feel like it’s setting up Seared quite nicely. Kien’s involvement brings an exciting twist with the poisoned magic still going strong on Earth despite the efforts of Lyr and the others back on the other side. Delbin has more going on that it first appears and I’m sure that he and Ralan together will be a real force to be reckoned with in the future. I’m also loving the new laid back Lyr at the moment, i’m guessing that all these elves who have spent a while on Earth are rubbing off on him!

It would have been nice to have had a bit longer with Delbin and Inona and I’m hoping that their story continues in following books in the series. Roll on Seared!

[Laurelwreath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is novella that is integral to the overall story line. It introduces Delbin and Inona as well as the remnant of Kien's gang.
I loved Inona's introduction to the fun of a fair and especially cotton candy ie "blue, nectar fuzz"
With Delbin's gift, he can track the 'wrong' energy to its source.
So he and Inona do. Then she says
“We should’ve come up with a plan.”
“It’s simple. You’ll hide while I go in. Then you save me if I don’t come out.”
He responds.
I laughed out loud and my husband shook his head, again.

Delbin's conflict of whether he goes back to Moranaia and gets to stay or is exiled again. His meeting his new "master" the prince. His struggle to control his gift. Sometimes when we are exiled at a young age and have to find our way with little help, the subsequent difficulties can be overwhelming. I like how Bethany reveals the challenges we have using the characters and the wonderous and dangerous world they live in.

I have read this series at least three times a year since I discovered it. It is that well written.

[Shamima · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2.5 of the series and it covers the story of an elf who agreed to be exiled to Earth to protect someone dear to him and the female warrior scout/guard who was tasked to look into him and see what he was up to.

They quickly realize that the other isn't what they expected and fall for one another - only to get caught in the same trouble that has been plaguing the other characters since the beginning of the series; Kien.

They are able to gather a lot of intel and even though the fight wasn't concluded (with the bad guys failing here), we DO get a HEA since he can go back home. And he's not alone anymore. I didn't particularly find myself getting too involved with the characters themselves, they weren't my cup of tea but it was written so well that I found I wasn't able to skip to the next book.

It also contained a lot of information on the conflict in the Elven realms and helped create a lot of bridges that will be referenced in the next book.

[Chloe Downie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. 0 🌶️. This is a short little novella set in the same world as the rest of the series so far. There is mention of some of our well known characters but the story centres around some new ones. We catch up with Lyr, Ralan and Lial towards the end. We are introduced to a potential relationship between Deblin and Inona.

In the Grove between we meet Faen and Mio and are introduced to a race of humans (Mio being the lady ruler) in a land called Kioku that once dealt directly with the elves who granted them wishes who they call the Eiana race. The humans went on to insult and betray the Eiana, and consequently sealed the portal and no longer had dealings with the humans. Mio has eleven blood, and because of this rift is often outcast. Faen is a mage lords estranged son, who has refused to practice the arts. At the end of the story, Mio conquers her pursuer and it looks like we have another fated mate couple. Not sure how these two will come into the main storyline.

[Susan]

Return of the Elves is a romantic fantasy series of 8 books creatively written by Bethany Adams.

I can only speak of the first four books: Soulbound, Sundered, Exiled, and Seared. I listened during my morning walks and became captivated.

From the beginning, I was thrust into the middle of a wonderous and mystifying story filled with action, love, betrayal, secrets, and mysteries. I grew to love a few characters while despising others. Elves, humans, half-bloods, seers, scouts, and exiles were brilliantly interwoven through multiple worlds separated only by the Veil.

If you love fantasies with soulmates, this series will easily become a favorite.

Personal Note: I felt the writer did a beautiful job with characters, worlds, and storyline. In book one, elves did not understand or use human expletives, but as the books progressed, they began, uncharacteristically using them, creating a crack in the storyline that I had a difficulty forgiving.

[Yohan (요한) Yukiya (雪矢) Sese (사・謝) Cuneta (ᜃᜓᜈᜒᜆ) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too short! But two good stories!

This was a very good novella. A short look into other events in the series from the perspective of other people. Clearly, there are stories to be told other than the main characters in the first two books.

The bonus story, though nothing official if it existed in the same multiverse, is equally colourful and intriguing. If it does exist in the same multiverse, it seems to be set in the distant past after humanity started banishing magic and non-humans. Or, it could very well be another set of hidden worlds accessible through different means in the same multiverse. Regardless, I want to see this a series, it will be a very good read.

[Carolina Firefly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somehow I missed the message that Exiled was a novella (2 hours, 50 mins on the audiobook) plus a short story (50 mins), but as such this book was great. Well worth the time, and FYI, it is essential reading for the next book. I would have liked a confrontation between Delbin and Moren over the latter’s failure to protect Delbin’s family after going to the extreme of exiling him as a child to save them. Any showdown with him would have helped the story. As it was, this and a few other plot holes leave the book at 4 stars.

Yet another complaint about the audiobook: one reader gives Ralan a southern accent, the other does not. Do you people not talk to each other?

[Little Ghost · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short novella connects the second story and the book to be released very soon - fingers crossed. Again, the lead characters have shifted. Somehow, the story is completely unique and engaging anyway. (Adams is a secretive mastermind?)

It was a short and sweet telling of a short adventure that will have very interesting consequences in the elven world Adams created. Even in a short tale, Adams gently reminds us to be better people. Encouraging us to challenge our mental models and prejudices because no one and nothing is quite as it seems.

(3 stars because 3.5 is not an option and it does not quite meet a 4)

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short story that's a continuation of the "Return of the Elves" series. It introduces two new characters, and moves the overall story forward a little. A few of the main characters from the main series make brief appearances.
Inona is assigned to check on exile Delbin. Usually another elf has this duty, but he's on paternity leave. The two are attracted to each other, but circumstances might not allow a relationship. They both take a risk when they encounter renegade elf Kien.
Typo: apostrophe s plural (Myern's nostril's flared).

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've said this before about other books in Adams' Return of the Elves series, but there is so much to like! The characters, the intertwining storylines, the creation of the entire story up to now, I just adore all of it. This short was a great addition and just adds another layer of characters to our other regulars. As a bonus, there is even a snippet from another book she wrote. Might have to look into that one. Can't wait to read the next book in this series!

[Imagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is much shorter than the rest in the series, but it holds important info and scenes for the following books in the series. Delbin and Inona don’t have as big a story as the rest, but the work they do together in such a short amount of time will greatly alter the evil plans of the bad guy 😆 I wish I had some more time with them, oh well!

I also really enjoyed the short story at the end of this book. It was really good and I would love to see it expanded upon in its own book(s)📕

[Beth Ann Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bethany weaves a delightful tale, sprinkled with intrigue and attraction. Delbin has been on Earth for more than 100 years of self exile. Inona checks up on exiles from time to time. Even though Delbin & Inona are skeptical of one another they band together to save Moranaia and Earth from Prince's evil plot. (Also, bonus short story The Grove Between...charming)

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wished it was longer

I love this world and these characters. This fit in perfectly with what is happening in the series. The author also really knows how to write characters that are interesting and engaging. I only wish that it was longer. It ended and I was like WTF? Onto the next installment.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good short story

New characters are introduced in this short story. Delbin and Inona, he was exiled at 16 to Earth, she was sent to Earth to check up on him. Together they take on the evil Prince Kien. They capture him and Kien escapes from them. Will they find him again? Or will Kien find them first? I can't wait to read the next book to find out what happens.

[Kadie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the first 2 books in the series mainly because we follow two new characters that were never really mentioned before and that in itself made me lose interest rather fast.

I feel the story moved way too quickly with too much instalust and quick familiarity along with not great action and a rather abrupt ending.

This won't put me off reading more in this series though.

[Alana Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was disappointed that this story didn’t go farther than it did. I can see where it might fit in and the author states this ambiguity in her intro. If you are reading the series, don’t skip it or the other much shorter story. At least in my edition.
If you aren’t into the series this is still a great little read. Whimsical and romantic.

[Chris Cmpton · Rating 5 out of 5]

short, but good

New characters introduced on their own and then tied into the old crowd into a smooth story. Still compelling... on to book #4.
Buy it in a pack, unless it is cheap - one bad thing about online books is you don’t know it is only 136 pages until after you’ve bought it!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting addition - or rather, two...

The main story of the scout and the exile continues the main saga, adding two delightfully no-BS characters to the mix. Their chemistry is wickedly witty.

The bonus story felt like something that will be important later on, but in the immediate moment it's a heart-pounder.

On to #4 - my stars, I adore this series!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So real!

As situations come along, the author gives the reader an effective feel in her short description of each setting. I liked that emotional connection. She also carefully brings out the character's thoughts and emotions as they evolve. I felt like I was a mouse in a pocket who was seeing a real life story!

[Halie Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the new characters in this story, but I also really missed the old ones that I had grown to love. I like that it explores more of Ralan's story and his history...& im interested to see how this novella plays into the third full story in the series.

[Courtney Huchton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great mini book! I really enjoyed getting to know Delbin and Inona. You just wanted them to be able to find love with one another, there seems to be a lot more to Inona and I hope that we will get to hear more about her and Delbin and what will become of his future.

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the authors writing style and world building, this was a short novella that opened up more questions on the entire storyline. Love the world building and all of the characters, a fun quick read.