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The Telepath and the Sorcerer #1
The Sorcerer's Concubine
Born of wood, cloth, and a substantial dose of magic, Velsa is a Fanarlem, a beautiful artificial girl. Raised to be a concubine, told that her soul is damaged and fated to serve others, she has seen her friends at the House of Perfumed Ribbons sold off to be the pets of wealthy men. Now her own dreaded day has come.
Grau Thanneau is a sorcerer who expects to own a spectacular piece of spell work--he doesn't realize that everything he has been told about Fanarlem is a lie. Velsa is not a dull-witted doll, but an intelligent and luminous girl who captivates his heart. Grau would throw away everything just to keep Velsa safe, but he can’t control the larger forces swirling around them—nor shirk his duty to serve in the border patrol, where concubine dolls are allowed to keep the men out of trouble with Miralem female spies.
There is a land where Fanarlem aren’t treated like slaves—and it’s in the nations of their enemy. The Miralem people to the north have terrifying powers to read and control minds, to heal or destroy. And they share this power with the most rare and terrifying creatures of all—the dragons.
Some Fanarlem are born with these telepathic powers as well, and Velsa is one of them—her powers locked by a golden band around her neck. All her life,her ability has been suppressed and untrained. War is brewing, and when the enemy attacks, Velsa might be the only one who can stand against the Miralem and the dragons. Grau would never be welcome in the Miralem lands, but when a life with him means she will always be treated as nothing, how can she choose?
Grau Thanneau is a sorcerer who expects to own a spectacular piece of spell work--he doesn't realize that everything he has been told about Fanarlem is a lie. Velsa is not a dull-witted doll, but an intelligent and luminous girl who captivates his heart. Grau would throw away everything just to keep Velsa safe, but he can’t control the larger forces swirling around them—nor shirk his duty to serve in the border patrol, where concubine dolls are allowed to keep the men out of trouble with Miralem female spies.
There is a land where Fanarlem aren’t treated like slaves—and it’s in the nations of their enemy. The Miralem people to the north have terrifying powers to read and control minds, to heal or destroy. And they share this power with the most rare and terrifying creatures of all—the dragons.
Some Fanarlem are born with these telepathic powers as well, and Velsa is one of them—her powers locked by a golden band around her neck. All her life,her ability has been suppressed and untrained. War is brewing, and when the enemy attacks, Velsa might be the only one who can stand against the Miralem and the dragons. Grau would never be welcome in the Miralem lands, but when a life with him means she will always be treated as nothing, how can she choose?
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2016
334 people are currently reading
811 people want to read
About the author
Lidiya Foxglove
61 books437 followersLidiya Foxglove grew up on a steady diet of fairy tales, folklore and fantasy and also reads way too much manga. Fantasy romance is her favorite thing in the world, but she likes it steamy. She also loves cats and tea--it's cliche for a reason!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
October 29, 2017
This was one of the last #SPFBO books I had to get around to reading and although some elements were a pleasant surprise for me, I found some areas of the plot and concept a little too troubling too. This story focuses on a main character called Velsa who is a Farnalem. Farnalem are essentially enchanted dolls who are made with wooden bones, skin with stuffing, waterproof hands, and are the same in most other ways as regular women. They each have a soul which is trapped within them to make them 'real' and they are all uniquely crafted at different institutes in the world where thew story takes place. These ladies/men are all the remnants of 'real' people (supposedly evil ones) who have been trapped on their planet in this new form and made to become concubines to the 'flesh and blood' people of the world.
Velsa's story was one which immediately felt readable. She's a relatable character and she comes across as young, but also someone who we can feel for as the reader. Her life to this point has been training and prep for the moment where she can be 'bought' by her 'master'. She's terrified of getting a 'bad' master, and she tries her best not to be wilful - something relatively hard for Vesla as she's got a gold band which stops her magical powers or telekineses and makes her feel somehow less than she should be.
What I liked about this was the concept of the world and the set up felt very intriguing to me. The moment I found out the idea of Farnalem I was reminded of those in Westworld and I really like exploring the morals/ethics of when is a person a person etc. I definitely feel like that was a great part of this book, along with the wonderful representation of some more diverse groups (e.g. lesbians etc.)
One part of the book which jarred a little more with me was the whole concept of love. Velsa and her master inevitably end up falling for one another, but I felt like this all happened far too fast on Vesla's part after seeing how guarded she was at first. I think I would have liked to see a more gradual build here as I think that meant her character was a little hard to believe at times.
The other part I didn't like as much was the girl vs. girl trope. I've seen this happen in life and in stories so many times, and I feel like I'd really enjoy not seeing the 'bad guy' of the story being another girl who really could have helped or been beneficial to our main character just because it's a bit easier to write. Maybe that's a personal niggle, either way it wasn't too major to detract my enjoyment.
In the end I gave this a solid 3.5*s and I would recommend it as it's a very good concept and it has some really interesting ideas which are discussed. Although I had a few quibbles, generally I read it super quickly and found myself keen to get back to it and see what would happen next :)
Velsa's story was one which immediately felt readable. She's a relatable character and she comes across as young, but also someone who we can feel for as the reader. Her life to this point has been training and prep for the moment where she can be 'bought' by her 'master'. She's terrified of getting a 'bad' master, and she tries her best not to be wilful - something relatively hard for Vesla as she's got a gold band which stops her magical powers or telekineses and makes her feel somehow less than she should be.
What I liked about this was the concept of the world and the set up felt very intriguing to me. The moment I found out the idea of Farnalem I was reminded of those in Westworld and I really like exploring the morals/ethics of when is a person a person etc. I definitely feel like that was a great part of this book, along with the wonderful representation of some more diverse groups (e.g. lesbians etc.)
One part of the book which jarred a little more with me was the whole concept of love. Velsa and her master inevitably end up falling for one another, but I felt like this all happened far too fast on Vesla's part after seeing how guarded she was at first. I think I would have liked to see a more gradual build here as I think that meant her character was a little hard to believe at times.
The other part I didn't like as much was the girl vs. girl trope. I've seen this happen in life and in stories so many times, and I feel like I'd really enjoy not seeing the 'bad guy' of the story being another girl who really could have helped or been beneficial to our main character just because it's a bit easier to write. Maybe that's a personal niggle, either way it wasn't too major to detract my enjoyment.
In the end I gave this a solid 3.5*s and I would recommend it as it's a very good concept and it has some really interesting ideas which are discussed. Although I had a few quibbles, generally I read it super quickly and found myself keen to get back to it and see what would happen next :)
July 18, 2025
This is the most enjoyable romantasy I've read so far. Yay! It was a low bar to clear, considering how many I've DNFed for being careless about the fantasy, the romance, or both (or in one case, for being boring).
Grau is an elemental sorcerer who also belongs to a country or race that has gained extended life through a sacrifice of many people. His dad gave him some money to buy a concubine from a place that's something like a shop, and something like a brothel. These storefront brides are doll-like magical constructs, with wooden bones, cloth skin, and stuffing, and their souls residing in their eyes.
Velsa, one of the concubines, is the point of view character. As soon as she and Grau see each other, they're in love, and Grau immediately arranges to purchase her. But once the papers have been signed and he takes her away, he controls himself and insists that consummating their pairing will wait until she becomes interested in sex with him in her own right. That doesn't take too, too long, and it isn't long after that that they're saying they want to get married. Tough to do when one of the partners isn't considered entirely human in a legal sense.
The fantasy setting is laid out nicely in bits and pieces as Velsa and Grau head out to the military posting that Grau has been conscripted to serve at for six months. Along the way to the posting, we stop off at Grau's parents' house and witness the marriage of Grau's reluctant sister, who's gay. The sister flirts with Velsa in a way that I found a bit creepy.
The doll-like people, known as Fanarlem, are one of the more interesting and discomfiting aspects of this story. It was hard to wrap my head around the idea of a magical construction made of cloth and batting also having a clitoris and sensitive nipples, coming to orgasm, and all that, and also not having to eat, and not having any internal organs, nerves, etc. to carry signals like pleasure or pain around. It's magic, I know. But the writing wasn't able to create enough suspension of disbelief for me.
Speaking of magic, it isn't gone into in a lot of detail, which is usually perfectly fine with me. I would have appreciated more information about the limitations, for example, of Velsa's telepathy, that ended up being both plot-handy and powerful. There's room for the reader to decide for themselves (at least so far) where a Fanarlem soul might come from, and where it might go when it literally leaves their eyes. As we see things through Velsa's perspective, it's evident she is fully human, capable of independent decision and thought, despite the indoctrination she grew up with in the concubine house.
I often think white people (of which I'm also one) don't do a great job depicting slavery. This book's no exception. "I bought the person I ended up falling in love with" is, well. You get it.
If nothing else, Grau and Velsa's time at the military camp makes it pretty evident that having camp followers in the camp--rather than at its peripheries--isn't a great idea. Velsa is admitted to the camp as a sorcery assistant for Grau, and ends up making herself generally useful, i.e. as a cook. But few of the men at the camp accept her as anything but Grau's sex slave.
Flower is another Fanarlem at the camp who's straightforwardly a concubine, and who doesn't appreciate the pity Velsa sends her way. Flower and a couple of the men who she's servicing bully Velsa, who's only safe from that when Grau's around. Of course, this leads to Grau rushing to Velsa's rescue a few times.
Velsa has some "not like other girls" going on, which makes her a good partner for Grau, whose opinions are very similar to hers. Both of them question the official belief that the Fanarlem are reincarnations of wicked souls whose sufferings in this life of slavery will redeem them. The painful parts of their relationship have more to do with how freely she can use telepathy--something she has in common with their country's war opponents--than any real friction in their values, or the slave thing.
The romance was a little rushed, I thought, and I didn't ever feel like I got to know Grau very well. The fantasy plotting was on the sparse side, and the inevitable big battle at the end of the book was short and lacking in impact, though I did like Velsa's interactions with . Not bad for a 300-page book.
If I decide to read further in this series (maybe!), I'd like to see Velsa have some interactions with other Fanarlem that are more cooperative or congenial than hateful. There was some missed opportunity there. On the whole, this was nice easy reading, with some minor food for thought along the way.
Grau is an elemental sorcerer who also belongs to a country or race that has gained extended life through a sacrifice of many people. His dad gave him some money to buy a concubine from a place that's something like a shop, and something like a brothel. These storefront brides are doll-like magical constructs, with wooden bones, cloth skin, and stuffing, and their souls residing in their eyes.
Velsa, one of the concubines, is the point of view character. As soon as she and Grau see each other, they're in love, and Grau immediately arranges to purchase her. But once the papers have been signed and he takes her away, he controls himself and insists that consummating their pairing will wait until she becomes interested in sex with him in her own right. That doesn't take too, too long, and it isn't long after that that they're saying they want to get married. Tough to do when one of the partners isn't considered entirely human in a legal sense.
The fantasy setting is laid out nicely in bits and pieces as Velsa and Grau head out to the military posting that Grau has been conscripted to serve at for six months. Along the way to the posting, we stop off at Grau's parents' house and witness the marriage of Grau's reluctant sister, who's gay. The sister flirts with Velsa in a way that I found a bit creepy.
The doll-like people, known as Fanarlem, are one of the more interesting and discomfiting aspects of this story. It was hard to wrap my head around the idea of a magical construction made of cloth and batting also having a clitoris and sensitive nipples, coming to orgasm, and all that, and also not having to eat, and not having any internal organs, nerves, etc. to carry signals like pleasure or pain around. It's magic, I know. But the writing wasn't able to create enough suspension of disbelief for me.
Speaking of magic, it isn't gone into in a lot of detail, which is usually perfectly fine with me. I would have appreciated more information about the limitations, for example, of Velsa's telepathy, that ended up being both plot-handy and powerful. There's room for the reader to decide for themselves (at least so far) where a Fanarlem soul might come from, and where it might go when it literally leaves their eyes. As we see things through Velsa's perspective, it's evident she is fully human, capable of independent decision and thought, despite the indoctrination she grew up with in the concubine house.
I often think white people (of which I'm also one) don't do a great job depicting slavery. This book's no exception. "I bought the person I ended up falling in love with" is, well. You get it.
If nothing else, Grau and Velsa's time at the military camp makes it pretty evident that having camp followers in the camp--rather than at its peripheries--isn't a great idea. Velsa is admitted to the camp as a sorcery assistant for Grau, and ends up making herself generally useful, i.e. as a cook. But few of the men at the camp accept her as anything but Grau's sex slave.
Flower is another Fanarlem at the camp who's straightforwardly a concubine, and who doesn't appreciate the pity Velsa sends her way. Flower and a couple of the men who she's servicing bully Velsa, who's only safe from that when Grau's around. Of course, this leads to Grau rushing to Velsa's rescue a few times.
Velsa has some "not like other girls" going on, which makes her a good partner for Grau, whose opinions are very similar to hers. Both of them question the official belief that the Fanarlem are reincarnations of wicked souls whose sufferings in this life of slavery will redeem them. The painful parts of their relationship have more to do with how freely she can use telepathy--something she has in common with their country's war opponents--than any real friction in their values, or the slave thing.
The romance was a little rushed, I thought, and I didn't ever feel like I got to know Grau very well. The fantasy plotting was on the sparse side, and the inevitable big battle at the end of the book was short and lacking in impact, though I did like Velsa's interactions with . Not bad for a 300-page book.
If I decide to read further in this series (maybe!), I'd like to see Velsa have some interactions with other Fanarlem that are more cooperative or congenial than hateful. There was some missed opportunity there. On the whole, this was nice easy reading, with some minor food for thought along the way.
Want to read
December 25, 2021I have exactly no idea what's going on but, this is literally a book published many years prior with a new cover and under a different author, but, I don't think the two authors are the same person???
Like... all these books already existed then vanished off Amazon and are getting republished without any acknowledgement or anything that I could find.
Does anyone know what's up? Is Lidiya actually Jaclyn??? Or is this theft because Jaclyn hasn't been active? Or maybe Jaclyn sold the books to Lidiya?
Anyway, no one was mentioning this so, I wanted to.
Like... all these books already existed then vanished off Amazon and are getting republished without any acknowledgement or anything that I could find.
Does anyone know what's up? Is Lidiya actually Jaclyn??? Or is this theft because Jaclyn hasn't been active? Or maybe Jaclyn sold the books to Lidiya?
Anyway, no one was mentioning this so, I wanted to.
May 22, 2017
In overall I quite enjoyed the book; and now after I finished the trilogy I have to say I loved the world-building so much. The trilogy while completing Velsa and Grau story leaves much for other books in the series to deal. I can’t wait to read The Heiress and the Vampire duology.
What I loved about the book is a complex world Dolamore created; I loved the original idea of doll people with real human souls. I loved that the books deals with woman rights and slavery.
It’s a Romance in its core, but the books has deeper meaning and doesn’t afraid of being dark and disturbing. Somewhere in the middle the book became much more Fantasy, which deals with self-discovery, freedom and respect. I loved this part. The showdown was quite awesome.
Velsa undeniably is a beautiful character. I think Dolamore did a great job in portraying non-human, non-biological character, and yet very human. Velsa is a doll and she acts and walks, quite believably, like one.
My problem with the first part of the book is Grau-Velsa falling in love. It was too quick; I wish the Romance were a little bit slower and detailed. Also Grau a little bit too good and a little bit too flat. I liked him, but it is pity he wasn’t as complex character as Velsa.
The sex part of the book is both brilliant and a bit kinky. But I enjoyed those parts too; they were very personal and served the plot by adding sides to Velsa’s personality.
What I loved about the book is a complex world Dolamore created; I loved the original idea of doll people with real human souls. I loved that the books deals with woman rights and slavery.
It’s a Romance in its core, but the books has deeper meaning and doesn’t afraid of being dark and disturbing. Somewhere in the middle the book became much more Fantasy, which deals with self-discovery, freedom and respect. I loved this part. The showdown was quite awesome.
Velsa undeniably is a beautiful character. I think Dolamore did a great job in portraying non-human, non-biological character, and yet very human. Velsa is a doll and she acts and walks, quite believably, like one.
My problem with the first part of the book is Grau-Velsa falling in love. It was too quick; I wish the Romance were a little bit slower and detailed. Also Grau a little bit too good and a little bit too flat. I liked him, but it is pity he wasn’t as complex character as Velsa.
The sex part of the book is both brilliant and a bit kinky. But I enjoyed those parts too; they were very personal and served the plot by adding sides to Velsa’s personality.
May 28, 2018
The Sorcerer's Concubine caught my eye with pretty cover, so when I needed long flowing hair for a challenge, I used it as an excuse to read it. I did not expect much, since it was obviously fantasy-romance genre, and that genre was hit-or-miss for me. But I was pleasantly surprised.
+ Intriguing world-building. Another world, but with some similarities to our own. Reminded me of 'Dark Tower' series. So I am interested to see will this turn out to be future version of our world or just a parallel universe.
🎶"Oh Su-za-na. oh don't you cry for me,
I come on down the river with a bastir on my knee."🎶
+ Nicely developed heroine. Velsa and me hit it off from the start. We connected over our mutual love of books and I loved her way of thinking, her spirit.
+ What-makes-us-human musings. As you saw from the synopsis. Velsa is an artificially made girl. Something like a robot, but made with magic. I loved all the questions book nudged at us, about the right of such beings. And how it is to live without some essential human right that we take for granted.
¿ "Could she be anything more than this? What would it feel like to belong only to herself?" ¿
+ There is a dragon. He does not have a big role and only makes a small appearance. But I love dragons, so that made my day nevertheless.
- Some characters were pretty bland. Like the hero Grau. I really wish he was more colorful and complex. But there were some quirky side characters, so I hope Grau will develop more in the sequel.
The Sorcerer's Concubine managed to overcome a cliche of fantasy-romance genre and offer me more then just a couple of hot love scenes. I can't wait to see how the world and characters will develop in the sequel The Sorcerer's Wife.
+ Intriguing world-building. Another world, but with some similarities to our own. Reminded me of 'Dark Tower' series. So I am interested to see will this turn out to be future version of our world or just a parallel universe.
🎶"Oh Su-za-na. oh don't you cry for me,
I come on down the river with a bastir on my knee."🎶
+ Nicely developed heroine. Velsa and me hit it off from the start. We connected over our mutual love of books and I loved her way of thinking, her spirit.
+ What-makes-us-human musings. As you saw from the synopsis. Velsa is an artificially made girl. Something like a robot, but made with magic. I loved all the questions book nudged at us, about the right of such beings. And how it is to live without some essential human right that we take for granted.
¿ "Could she be anything more than this? What would it feel like to belong only to herself?" ¿
+ There is a dragon. He does not have a big role and only makes a small appearance. But I love dragons, so that made my day nevertheless.
- Some characters were pretty bland. Like the hero Grau. I really wish he was more colorful and complex. But there were some quirky side characters, so I hope Grau will develop more in the sequel.
The Sorcerer's Concubine managed to overcome a cliche of fantasy-romance genre and offer me more then just a couple of hot love scenes. I can't wait to see how the world and characters will develop in the sequel The Sorcerer's Wife.
September 24, 2016
I ended up liking this book a lot more than I expected. I like to take a chance on books and authors I've never heard of, but this year, I've had so many disappointments and DNFs. But this was available through kindle unlimited, so I decided to take a chance...and I ended up loving it. It's a story in a vaguely steampunkish fantasy setting. In this world, there are people--Fanarlem--who are created from wood and cloth and then given life through magic, but they are treated as slaves and are bought and sold for various duties.
Velsa is a Fanarlem who was created to be a concubine, and she is told that the best she can hope for is for a kind person to buy her. Grau is a young sorcerer who was encouraged to find a concubine to keep him happy while he serves on an outpost of the border patrol, but he never expected her to have her own feelings and personality. This turned out to be a very sweet love story and both Velsa and Grau were engaging and sympathetic. But I also loved the action, the world-building, the writing--it was a very short book but I didn't want it to end. Now I can't wait for the sequel.
Velsa is a Fanarlem who was created to be a concubine, and she is told that the best she can hope for is for a kind person to buy her. Grau is a young sorcerer who was encouraged to find a concubine to keep him happy while he serves on an outpost of the border patrol, but he never expected her to have her own feelings and personality. This turned out to be a very sweet love story and both Velsa and Grau were engaging and sympathetic. But I also loved the action, the world-building, the writing--it was a very short book but I didn't want it to end. Now I can't wait for the sequel.
November 25, 2024
Two stars
I found this entire book lacking. I went into this book hoping for an introspection on personhood and got sexy doll fantasy book. And don't get me wrong, I love that too but don't try to be something your not, don't pretend you're a deep look on things when really you're something else.
This book was originally written in 2016, the era of not like other girls and it shows. Instead of finding community with other fanarlem - Velsa only likes her husband-master. Every other fanarlem is actually jealous about how cool and awesome Velsa is and how great her husband-master is. And somehow, with Velsa's entire life being indoctrination and never being exposed to other opinions she intrinsically knows that the religion is a lie??? Like wtf? Ease into it? She also knew way too much about things she shouldn't. The author did not get into her head at all. This book sucks.
I found this entire book lacking. I went into this book hoping for an introspection on personhood and got sexy doll fantasy book. And don't get me wrong, I love that too but don't try to be something your not, don't pretend you're a deep look on things when really you're something else.
This book was originally written in 2016, the era of not like other girls and it shows. Instead of finding community with other fanarlem - Velsa only likes her husband-master. Every other fanarlem is actually jealous about how cool and awesome Velsa is and how great her husband-master is. And somehow, with Velsa's entire life being indoctrination and never being exposed to other opinions she intrinsically knows that the religion is a lie??? Like wtf? Ease into it? She also knew way too much about things she shouldn't. The author did not get into her head at all. This book sucks.
February 13, 2023
A Walking, Talking, Living Doll
Bizarre, ethically thought thought-provoking, fantasy/sci-fi/romance. Where dead souls can be transplanted into cloth and wooden dolls; where these dolls are slaves for different types of servitude, including sexual; where sorcery is a respectable profession; how much kindness and decency do you exhibit?
An unusual romance with well-defined characters struggling to make sense of senseless laws. Bigotry and unexpected kindnesses litter this compelling read.
Bizarre, ethically thought thought-provoking, fantasy/sci-fi/romance. Where dead souls can be transplanted into cloth and wooden dolls; where these dolls are slaves for different types of servitude, including sexual; where sorcery is a respectable profession; how much kindness and decency do you exhibit?
An unusual romance with well-defined characters struggling to make sense of senseless laws. Bigotry and unexpected kindnesses litter this compelling read.
March 23, 2017
I did not know what to expect with the first book in this series. I am ashamed to admit, I looked at the title and lumped this book in many other genre cliché fantasy erotica books. I apologise to the Dolamore for this!
__
Born of wood, cloth, and a substantial dose of magic, Velsa is a Fanarlem, a beautiful artificial girl. Raised to be a concubine, she has seen her friends at the House of Perfumed Ribbons sold off to be the pets of wealthy men. Now her own dreaded day has come. Grau Thanneau is a kind and handsome sorcerer who expects to own a spectacular piece of spellwork–he doesn’t realize that everything he has been told about Fanarlem is a lie. Velsa is not a dull-witted doll, but an intelligent and luminous soul who captivates his heart. Neither of them expected to fall in love, in a land where the law will never recognize her as his equal…
__
This book has an amazing premise, such an ingenious world and honestly made me want to read more right from the first page. It’s the concept of ‘love dolls’ in a fantastical setting, and a country on the border of war.
If you loved the Grisha series by Leigh Bardudo, you will love this novel!
5/5
M x
__
Born of wood, cloth, and a substantial dose of magic, Velsa is a Fanarlem, a beautiful artificial girl. Raised to be a concubine, she has seen her friends at the House of Perfumed Ribbons sold off to be the pets of wealthy men. Now her own dreaded day has come. Grau Thanneau is a kind and handsome sorcerer who expects to own a spectacular piece of spellwork–he doesn’t realize that everything he has been told about Fanarlem is a lie. Velsa is not a dull-witted doll, but an intelligent and luminous soul who captivates his heart. Neither of them expected to fall in love, in a land where the law will never recognize her as his equal…
__
This book has an amazing premise, such an ingenious world and honestly made me want to read more right from the first page. It’s the concept of ‘love dolls’ in a fantastical setting, and a country on the border of war.
If you loved the Grisha series by Leigh Bardudo, you will love this novel!
5/5
M x
November 19, 2016
This has so much potential but it's a really short and light read so I'm not complaining much about the things I don't like. It started off with the interesting Fanarlem House and the pretty dolls, unfortunately, after they left Fanarlem and went to the camp, it just became another erotica book. I don't have any problems with erotica books but I was truly engrossed in the beginning and it has so much potential than just being a new adult book. Such a disappointment especially the climax. I don't mind reading the sequel and the other books of the author. They're really short and will only take an hour or two to read.
April 4, 2017
3.5ish. Interesting concept with a brothel of enchanted girls made out of cloth and infused with "tainted" souls. Grau, a pretty stand-up guy in a world full of shitheads, buys Vespa and realizes that she's more than just an animated doll and of course falls in love with her. There's some other background things happening but the plot gets a little muddied. I know there's more in the series, but I needed a break for now and I'll return to the rest later. Entertaining book on Kindle Unlimited, though.
September 24, 2021
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
I was really excited for this book. Not only is it written by Lidiya Foxglove, but it's another fantasy romance books which I like and it would be the first MF romance I've read by this author. Having said that I wasn't quite sure what to expect in terms of plot. This book took me by surprise in the best possible way, I needed some time to get used to the concept, but once I did I fell in love with this book. This might be my favorite book by this author yet!
The Sorcerer's Concubine is told from the point of view of Velsa, the concubine. The prologue is written from Grau's point of view, the sorcerer mentioned in the title. Grau buys Velsa because he falls in love with her at first sight. This story has an unique twist on some more common plot lines. Velsa is a soul put into an artificial body, which reminded me a bit of the set up for some science fiction books, but this is the fantasy twist on it. These artificial bodies are called Fanarlem. Velsa's body is made from wood and stuffing and magic. Thanks to the spells she looks almost like a real person.
People in this world believe that only cursed soul can reside in Fanarlem bodies and so they believe it's okay to abuse these Fanarlem and use them as slaves. This book made me uncomfortable at times with how everyone treats these Fanarlem and at the same time it shows so clearly how such a deep-rooted belief can stay existing and no one ever questions it. Except some do and I really liked that part. I liked how we see Velsa and Grau questioning these beliefs and even some of the side characters they meet, but it's also clear the danger this brings them in.
Grau and Velsa's romance starts off a bit weirdly as she is literally owned by him. This is also addressed in the book and it takes a while before Velsa really starts to believe Grau is truthful and honest with his intentions. I felt so bad for Velsa with how she was treated by everyone, so it was wonderful to see Grau treat her with respect and give her choices. I just loved their romance. It was complicated at times, but also felt very sweet and realistic. The way Grau would do anything for her and went out of his way to protect her even at the cost of his own safety. How he struggled with what he had been taught for so long, but Velsa was proof that those beliefs were wrong and he slowly sheds his long held beliefs. I actually liked how some of those beliefs take a while to fully fade, it feels realistic and it was interesting seeing him struggle with what he had been taught and then what he sees in Velsa.
I also really liked Velsa the way she is a little bit rebellious and always has struggled with what she has been taught, but also knowing she can't voice those things. And then when Grau slowly gives her a voice and fights for her, it's beautiful. I also liked that at times she still has her doubts and fears. These two were just so awesome together.
The whole idea of Vels being in an artificial body weirded me out a bit at the start, but as time went on I became to find it such an interesting and unique aspect of this world. We learn about how these bodies are made and how they can repair them. The benefits of having an artificial body, but also the downsides. And the prejudice from everyone against these souls who live in artificial bodies as they believe they are cursed.
Besides that there is quite a lot of world building. There is an impending war, rumors of dragons, magic, a strong ruler, telepathy, shapeshifting and other races. It all forms a fascinating fantasy world, that feels fresh and unique. I like how parts of it felt very modern like the artificial bodies or the way they flesh and blood people can hire shapeshifters to change their own bodies and make them longer or remove their winkles. Then other aspects really had that fantasy feel with the magic and sorcerers and the army Grau has to join. It was such an unique combination of elements and I really liked getting to know more of this world.
To summarize: I really enjoyed this book! It might be my favorite book by this author yet. While it took me a bit of time to really get into the story, once I got used to this new and fascinating world I was hooked and just wanted to keep reading. The story could be sad at times and made me uncomfortable at times with how people treat Velsa as they believe her soul is cursed. And at the same time I thought it was a very beautiful story with how Velsa and Grau fall in love and how Grau fights for her. The concept of artificial bodies in a fantasy world was really interesting. I liked Velsa and her spirit. She has had a hard upbringing and struggles to trust Grau's intentions, but once they grow closer and Velsa slowly begins to believe he really is such a good man, it's really awesome. I really loved the romance between these two and how Grau stood up for Velsa and even struggled with what he had been taught and his own beliefs. Their romance is complicated and difficult at times, but it's also very beautiful to see. The world building is really interesting with a mix of almost more modern elements and more traditional fantasy elements. It made for a great combination and interesting world. I can't wait for book 2 to see how their story continues.
I was really excited for this book. Not only is it written by Lidiya Foxglove, but it's another fantasy romance books which I like and it would be the first MF romance I've read by this author. Having said that I wasn't quite sure what to expect in terms of plot. This book took me by surprise in the best possible way, I needed some time to get used to the concept, but once I did I fell in love with this book. This might be my favorite book by this author yet!
The Sorcerer's Concubine is told from the point of view of Velsa, the concubine. The prologue is written from Grau's point of view, the sorcerer mentioned in the title. Grau buys Velsa because he falls in love with her at first sight. This story has an unique twist on some more common plot lines. Velsa is a soul put into an artificial body, which reminded me a bit of the set up for some science fiction books, but this is the fantasy twist on it. These artificial bodies are called Fanarlem. Velsa's body is made from wood and stuffing and magic. Thanks to the spells she looks almost like a real person.
People in this world believe that only cursed soul can reside in Fanarlem bodies and so they believe it's okay to abuse these Fanarlem and use them as slaves. This book made me uncomfortable at times with how everyone treats these Fanarlem and at the same time it shows so clearly how such a deep-rooted belief can stay existing and no one ever questions it. Except some do and I really liked that part. I liked how we see Velsa and Grau questioning these beliefs and even some of the side characters they meet, but it's also clear the danger this brings them in.
Grau and Velsa's romance starts off a bit weirdly as she is literally owned by him. This is also addressed in the book and it takes a while before Velsa really starts to believe Grau is truthful and honest with his intentions. I felt so bad for Velsa with how she was treated by everyone, so it was wonderful to see Grau treat her with respect and give her choices. I just loved their romance. It was complicated at times, but also felt very sweet and realistic. The way Grau would do anything for her and went out of his way to protect her even at the cost of his own safety. How he struggled with what he had been taught for so long, but Velsa was proof that those beliefs were wrong and he slowly sheds his long held beliefs. I actually liked how some of those beliefs take a while to fully fade, it feels realistic and it was interesting seeing him struggle with what he had been taught and then what he sees in Velsa.
I also really liked Velsa the way she is a little bit rebellious and always has struggled with what she has been taught, but also knowing she can't voice those things. And then when Grau slowly gives her a voice and fights for her, it's beautiful. I also liked that at times she still has her doubts and fears. These two were just so awesome together.
The whole idea of Vels being in an artificial body weirded me out a bit at the start, but as time went on I became to find it such an interesting and unique aspect of this world. We learn about how these bodies are made and how they can repair them. The benefits of having an artificial body, but also the downsides. And the prejudice from everyone against these souls who live in artificial bodies as they believe they are cursed.
Besides that there is quite a lot of world building. There is an impending war, rumors of dragons, magic, a strong ruler, telepathy, shapeshifting and other races. It all forms a fascinating fantasy world, that feels fresh and unique. I like how parts of it felt very modern like the artificial bodies or the way they flesh and blood people can hire shapeshifters to change their own bodies and make them longer or remove their winkles. Then other aspects really had that fantasy feel with the magic and sorcerers and the army Grau has to join. It was such an unique combination of elements and I really liked getting to know more of this world.
To summarize: I really enjoyed this book! It might be my favorite book by this author yet. While it took me a bit of time to really get into the story, once I got used to this new and fascinating world I was hooked and just wanted to keep reading. The story could be sad at times and made me uncomfortable at times with how people treat Velsa as they believe her soul is cursed. And at the same time I thought it was a very beautiful story with how Velsa and Grau fall in love and how Grau fights for her. The concept of artificial bodies in a fantasy world was really interesting. I liked Velsa and her spirit. She has had a hard upbringing and struggles to trust Grau's intentions, but once they grow closer and Velsa slowly begins to believe he really is such a good man, it's really awesome. I really loved the romance between these two and how Grau stood up for Velsa and even struggled with what he had been taught and his own beliefs. Their romance is complicated and difficult at times, but it's also very beautiful to see. The world building is really interesting with a mix of almost more modern elements and more traditional fantasy elements. It made for a great combination and interesting world. I can't wait for book 2 to see how their story continues.
dont-want-to-read
December 15, 2021From reading reviews, sounds like problematic on consent.
June 28, 2017
I'm really divided here - It had some genuinely interesting things going for it. The concept of what the "fanarlem" are and how they're made is fascinating, as well as the brief explanation of what magic is and how it works in this world. There's also some tantalizing hints that this world is tied to ours somehow- even if it turns out irrelevant to the plot, it was still fun- There are some really great ideas in the book....but...
For one thing, Velsa ( the main character) spends SO MUCH time reminding us she's not real, and has stuffing and wooden bones....I don't know about the other readers, but I had no trouble remembering that Velsa was a doll filled with stuffing for more than three paragraphs, and didn't need to be reminded. It fact, by the second love scene between Velsa and her beau, I found myself profoundly creeped out by the incessant talk about the mechanics of the whole thing. Velsa spent a lot of time worrying about what a tragedy it would be if she got damp...then IT HAPPENS aaaaaand...it's ok, they go just buy new stuffing, no biggie? When you find yourself pondering how a doll who has a vanishing spell and waterproofing on her -ahem- lady bits to prevent messes is not waterproofed all over, it takes a bit away from the story.
I also found it incredibly unfortunate that Grau takes her to his parents house first. I actually burst out laughing ... Like, he sweeps in and looks all dashing and does magic and rescues her from the flophouse, then when they get out of town he's like "JK, I'm a really big nerd and I live with my parents and, in fact, my dad gave me the money to buy you...". I kid you not, I spent the rest of the book trying not to think of him as some sort of Sheldon-Cooper-like figure with a talking Real Doll wandering around. It was unfortunate.
The real problem though is the dialogue. It rarely flows, and all the characters - not just the sheltered valsa- seem to have the vocabulary and critical reasoning skills of a reasonably intelligent tween.
I sound mean, and I apologize. I really, really wanted to like this so much more than I did, but it just did not click with me at all.
For one thing, Velsa ( the main character) spends SO MUCH time reminding us she's not real, and has stuffing and wooden bones....I don't know about the other readers, but I had no trouble remembering that Velsa was a doll filled with stuffing for more than three paragraphs, and didn't need to be reminded. It fact, by the second love scene between Velsa and her beau, I found myself profoundly creeped out by the incessant talk about the mechanics of the whole thing. Velsa spent a lot of time worrying about what a tragedy it would be if she got damp...then IT HAPPENS aaaaaand...it's ok, they go just buy new stuffing, no biggie? When you find yourself pondering how a doll who has a vanishing spell and waterproofing on her -ahem- lady bits to prevent messes is not waterproofed all over, it takes a bit away from the story.
I also found it incredibly unfortunate that Grau takes her to his parents house first. I actually burst out laughing ... Like, he sweeps in and looks all dashing and does magic and rescues her from the flophouse, then when they get out of town he's like "JK, I'm a really big nerd and I live with my parents and, in fact, my dad gave me the money to buy you...". I kid you not, I spent the rest of the book trying not to think of him as some sort of Sheldon-Cooper-like figure with a talking Real Doll wandering around. It was unfortunate.
The real problem though is the dialogue. It rarely flows, and all the characters - not just the sheltered valsa- seem to have the vocabulary and critical reasoning skills of a reasonably intelligent tween.
I sound mean, and I apologize. I really, really wanted to like this so much more than I did, but it just did not click with me at all.
July 7, 2016
I liked the world building. The story was original. I liked Grau and some of the other characters of the story. What I did not like was Velsa. She seemed very stupid and lazy. She knew Grau's father didn't like her because he paid a lot to purchase her yet she refused to serve like other Fanarlem girls. She knew other Fanarlem slaves didn't like her too because she acted liked a pampered bitch yet she refused to change her "entitled" behavior. Grau was very romantic but I failed to understand how he could love Velsa who seemed worthless, despite her powers. Bad things kept happening to her, and I felt she deserved it. Fanarlem girls are considered cursed spirits and they are looked upon as servants. However, Velsa believed she was not cursed and acted like she was equal to flesh and blood humans. Despite knowing how difficult things would be for her and Grau if she acted above her "station", she continued to do as she pleased, yet acted surprised when people tried to kill or harm her for her impertinence. I kept waiting and hoping she would realize how incredibly stupid she was being but Velsa continued to be as self-centered and focused on her wants and needs and no one else's until the end.
July 20, 2016
Ever since I read The Vengeful Half, I've been really curious about the Fanarlem so this was an auto-buy for me. I really enjoyed Velsa and Grau's characters equally, the descriptions were vivid and I easily lost myself in their world. I read half the book in one sitting without realizing it.
This is a fairly short story that is really great if you're just coming out of a heavy fantasy or need something fun to read in between longer books. Original and creative, definitely looking forward to the next book!
This is a fairly short story that is really great if you're just coming out of a heavy fantasy or need something fun to read in between longer books. Original and creative, definitely looking forward to the next book!
August 26, 2017
I downloaded The Sorcerer's Concubine as a free book from Amazon. An interesting plot, but the story lacked any real tension. The author missed a real opportunity to play up the magical aspects of the story, and relied on prejudice as the only conflict. I also have a problem when the cover doesn't match the character description. The concubine has black hair-- I kept waiting for a catastrophic even that turned it white. Err, no. No tragic event, or overwhelming drama. A good story with average characters--probably a 3.5 rating for me.
November 23, 2016
A totally insane concept (our heroine is literally a doll made out of cloth only with a soul!) that somehow works wonderfully. It has a cool sense of the world, a story that never bored me, and an OTP that is a true rarity in fiction - caring, functional and really concerned for each other. Basically, give this a chance!
October 19, 2024
Super-lovely read, I was surprised how full of an arc both of the leads went through by the end. With a premise this loaded you really want air-tight control of the theming, and I think this book's extremely in control of what it's saying, the kind of relationship and world it wants to express. Definitely interested in reading the other two books.
April 23, 2023
This wasn't for me... I felt uncomfortable most of the time- I'm glad it's over...
December 16, 2017
Title: The Sorcerer's Concubine (The Telepath and the Sorcerer, #1)
Author: Jaclyn Dolamore
Format: Kindle (Free)
[ Enjoyed ] Yes.
[ Last Read ] Finished last night.
[ Reread ] Probably won't.
[ Cover Lust ] A little.
[ Intriguing Title ] No.
[ Interesting Premise/Plot ] Yes.
[ Preview Impressions ] Hmm, maybe? Maybe not? It's free. *grabs it*
[ Kept My Attention ] Most of the time.
[ Got Bored / Mind Wandering ] A little here and there.
[ Skimmed/Skipped Scenes/Chapters ] No.
[ Reread Past Scenes For Fun ] Nope.
[ Reread Past ScenesCause My Memory Sucks To Clear Confusion ] Didn't bother.
[ Stayed Up Late ] Yes.
[ Took a Long Break Midway ] Yes (but only cause I began it while waiting for a different series I wanted to read to arrived in the mail.)
[ Ending Left Me Feeling ] Mostly satisfied in an open ended way. (Thank you for not being a cliffhanger!) Might or might not look into next book.
[ Easy Light Reading ] Yes.
[ Turn Brain Off ] *shrugs* I mostly did.
[ Guilty Pleasure ] Expected it to feel like one, but it didn't.
Other thoughts I'm throwing in: (Might contain spoilers; I fail at identifying them.)
Despite the title, I wasn't expecting sex scenes. (Not that it bothers me.) And from that, I wasn't expecting the magic in Fanarlem bodies to experience pleasure, given their purpose and outlook in life. (Or maybe I misread/misinterpreted something early on.)
Got frustrated at some characters' mindsets, but that was to be expected. Curious about how Velsa and Grau continue on after the ending and the secret(?) of Fanarlems' souls, but not tempted to immediately grab next book to read on.
Author: Jaclyn Dolamore
Format: Kindle (Free)
[ Enjoyed ] Yes.
[ Last Read ] Finished last night.
[ Reread ] Probably won't.
[ Cover Lust ] A little.
[ Intriguing Title ] No.
[ Interesting Premise/Plot ] Yes.
[ Preview Impressions ] Hmm, maybe? Maybe not? It's free. *grabs it*
[ Kept My Attention ] Most of the time.
[ Got Bored / Mind Wandering ] A little here and there.
[ Skimmed/Skipped Scenes/Chapters ] No.
[ Reread Past Scenes For Fun ] Nope.
[ Reread Past Scenes
[ Stayed Up Late ] Yes.
[ Took a Long Break Midway ] Yes (but only cause I began it while waiting for a different series I wanted to read to arrived in the mail.)
[ Ending Left Me Feeling ] Mostly satisfied in an open ended way. (Thank you for not being a cliffhanger!) Might or might not look into next book.
[ Easy Light Reading ] Yes.
[ Turn Brain Off ] *shrugs* I mostly did.
[ Guilty Pleasure ] Expected it to feel like one, but it didn't.
Other thoughts I'm throwing in: (Might contain spoilers; I fail at identifying them.)
Despite the title, I wasn't expecting sex scenes. (Not that it bothers me.) And from that, I wasn't expecting the magic in Fanarlem bodies to experience pleasure, given their purpose and outlook in life. (Or maybe I misread/misinterpreted something early on.)
Got frustrated at some characters' mindsets, but that was to be expected. Curious about how Velsa and Grau continue on after the ending and the secret(?) of Fanarlems' souls, but not tempted to immediately grab next book to read on.
April 25, 2024
Wow this book took me by surprise, never have I ever heard of this concept before. I guess there would be maybe robot or AI books similar but this is just so fresh & original!!!
In a world with magic, and where science & technology is something new and unfamiliar.
We started the story in a shop filled with different kinds of sex dolls (concubines they are called) the creepy thing is that they have a real soul.
They are told they must of done horrible things in their first life that they now need to redeem their soul in this life as a subservient doll for a master. With magic the soul is trapped in the eyes of the dolls. Everything else about the body can be changed but the eyes!
Our female protagonist is lucky that a young man getting ready to work for army purchases her & not one of the sick men who do unspeakable things to the girls.
They fall in love authentically, and even though she saved the lives of the other men in the army more than once they hate her and try to hurt her.
She has powers that are meant to be locked up with a collar around her neck a sign that her soul would have belonged to the people they are fighting in this war.
There was a dragon & she could speak to it, sadly they killed it!
Now they have to leave as people keep trying to hurt them. Luckily his general is kind and actually appreciates what they had done to save everyone that he fake’s paperwork that she was a born girl not made & her body was to badly damaged as a child that her parents had her “made”.
This gives her all the rights of a flesh & bone girl and not looked at as a slave.
In a world with magic, and where science & technology is something new and unfamiliar.
We started the story in a shop filled with different kinds of sex dolls (concubines they are called) the creepy thing is that they have a real soul.
They are told they must of done horrible things in their first life that they now need to redeem their soul in this life as a subservient doll for a master. With magic the soul is trapped in the eyes of the dolls. Everything else about the body can be changed but the eyes!
Our female protagonist is lucky that a young man getting ready to work for army purchases her & not one of the sick men who do unspeakable things to the girls.
They fall in love authentically, and even though she saved the lives of the other men in the army more than once they hate her and try to hurt her.
She has powers that are meant to be locked up with a collar around her neck a sign that her soul would have belonged to the people they are fighting in this war.
There was a dragon & she could speak to it, sadly they killed it!
Now they have to leave as people keep trying to hurt them. Luckily his general is kind and actually appreciates what they had done to save everyone that he fake’s paperwork that she was a born girl not made & her body was to badly damaged as a child that her parents had her “made”.
This gives her all the rights of a flesh & bone girl and not looked at as a slave.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2018
It wasn't too bad but it was getting pretty boring that practically every other male other than Grau was not a great person. It was almost refreshing to get 2 other guys who actually were decent people later in the book but, they barely had a personalities but had just enough to be likeable. Unfortunately once it got to the half of the book where they were at the camp it was such a boring read. I was waiting for everything to be over. Even the "drama" between Velsa and Flower didn't really spark anything. Anything that was supposed to be interesting in that half just felt like it was just there to try and make that part of the book a little bit interesting. But for me it didn't help and I was thankful when the dragon came because suddenly the story seemed to have life in it again.
Also the fight between Velsa a Grau was so short lived. It was nice that he did care about her enough to try and trust her and her telepathy but the tension that had been slowly building, especially after she had a moment to have her band off, was like thats it?
This was still interesting to keep reading but, I'm not in a rush to read the next part either.
Also the fight between Velsa a Grau was so short lived. It was nice that he did care about her enough to try and trust her and her telepathy but the tension that had been slowly building, especially after she had a moment to have her band off, was like thats it?
This was still interesting to keep reading but, I'm not in a rush to read the next part either.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2019
This was a really interesting story. It really sucked me in in the beginning. But unfortunately, I sort of lost interest in where the story was going by the end. I really liked the story, but I just don't know if I'm going to finish the series. Maybe I will come back to it. I can't really even put my finger on why I'm not much interested in finishing it.
I did sort of get a little weirded out by the whole doll thing. She was made of fabric and stuffing. It was kind of strange. She was basically a walking, talking sex doll. But she had feelings which was unexpected to most people who came into contact with her.
Grau was a good man, he was kind and sort of gentle. I prefer more of an alpha character, but he was definitely more of the scholarly type. He fit the story though. Because what alpha needs a sex doll when he should be able to get the real deal from real women. So, Grau was perfect in this setting, but that may have also been what lost my interest. I'm just not as interested in the scholarly type.
I did sort of get a little weirded out by the whole doll thing. She was made of fabric and stuffing. It was kind of strange. She was basically a walking, talking sex doll. But she had feelings which was unexpected to most people who came into contact with her.
Grau was a good man, he was kind and sort of gentle. I prefer more of an alpha character, but he was definitely more of the scholarly type. He fit the story though. Because what alpha needs a sex doll when he should be able to get the real deal from real women. So, Grau was perfect in this setting, but that may have also been what lost my interest. I'm just not as interested in the scholarly type.
August 21, 2025
TW- SA
This book read me as much as I read it.
I haven't read a book this wonderful in years! It was heavy in some areas, but I believe it was handled well.
Fanarlem are doll like people created via magic who are treated as slaves in different ways, depending on how they're created. They are also the most relatable, cathartic fantasy creatures I've found in a long time and I need to read more about them.
The romance was fantastic, but the fantasy truly sold it for me which is often the other way around! Velsa's story is such a breath of fresh air while acknowledging most fanarlem are not so lucky. I also appreciate the way it reflects real life.
Something else I appreciate is how often when you live a marginalized experience, you often learn to turn on each other, especially those who have had a better life than you, and Velsa, the main character experiences this several times.
I'm so glad I got to read this book and it helped me to process some pieces of my own past.
This book read me as much as I read it.
I haven't read a book this wonderful in years! It was heavy in some areas, but I believe it was handled well.
Fanarlem are doll like people created via magic who are treated as slaves in different ways, depending on how they're created. They are also the most relatable, cathartic fantasy creatures I've found in a long time and I need to read more about them.
The romance was fantastic, but the fantasy truly sold it for me which is often the other way around! Velsa's story is such a breath of fresh air while acknowledging most fanarlem are not so lucky. I also appreciate the way it reflects real life.
Something else I appreciate is how often when you live a marginalized experience, you often learn to turn on each other, especially those who have had a better life than you, and Velsa, the main character experiences this several times.
I'm so glad I got to read this book and it helped me to process some pieces of my own past.
October 21, 2025
This was a fascinating read. The story takes place in a deeply patriarchal society where Fanarlem (People shaped dolls given souls via magic) are treated as a slave class. Our heroine Velsa is a Fanarlem raised to be a concubine. And upon their first meeting, her love interest Grau senses something special in her eyes that attracts him to her. For a Fanarlem the eyes are literally where the soul resides. Velsa must be submissive and deferential to abide by her station, but we come to find there is a rebellious fire hidden behind those eyes.
Velsa and Grau have a nice romance that starts with tender affection, progressing to passionate love and then truly building trust between one another.
I quite enjoy the fantasy world this story was built in. It’s cool to see the cultural aspects of Daramon life and the little intricacies of Fanarlem construction. I also read Doll Girl Meets Dead Guy from the same fantasy world and enjoyed that, but this book had a decent amount of action while Doll Girl was far more laid back.
I’m excited to continue with this series.
Velsa and Grau have a nice romance that starts with tender affection, progressing to passionate love and then truly building trust between one another.
I quite enjoy the fantasy world this story was built in. It’s cool to see the cultural aspects of Daramon life and the little intricacies of Fanarlem construction. I also read Doll Girl Meets Dead Guy from the same fantasy world and enjoyed that, but this book had a decent amount of action while Doll Girl was far more laid back.
I’m excited to continue with this series.
May 16, 2017
I got drawn into the world, and the characters are likable and pretty believable,... though the romance, and the romancey sort of erotica sprinkled in, isn't really my thing. Still, I LIKED the main couple and believed that they liked each other, and their relationship was nice enough to read about.
The heroine's struggle with her identity as a soul in an artificially constructed body and the general plight of others of her kind, though, was why I stayed. The sorcerer does rescue her, but she's not content JUST to be rescued, and yanno, that's nice. It was a pretty quick easy read and inexpensive, so I'll probably go for the next one.
...I do just have to point out that at one point, uh, someone forgot the established fact of Velsa having a dry clothy mouth. Just sayin'.
The heroine's struggle with her identity as a soul in an artificially constructed body and the general plight of others of her kind, though, was why I stayed. The sorcerer does rescue her, but she's not content JUST to be rescued, and yanno, that's nice. It was a pretty quick easy read and inexpensive, so I'll probably go for the next one.
...I do just have to point out that at one point, uh, someone forgot the established fact of Velsa having a dry clothy mouth. Just sayin'.
August 30, 2017
This book was so thoroughly weird and I loved it.
It's strange, because I cannot explain why I loved it so much. If I talk about the book, it always ends up with a "it was really weird and sometimes uncomfortable to read". The idea of women as dolls automatically makes creepy crawlies start climbing over my arms. But then I read more, and couldn't put the damn book down.
It was sweet at time, tender at others, and frustrating throughout the entire book because she was a "real" woman in my head, not a doll. But everyone else seemed to think she was just a doll and that drove me INSANE.
5 stars for making me uncomfortable but oddly intrigued.
It's strange, because I cannot explain why I loved it so much. If I talk about the book, it always ends up with a "it was really weird and sometimes uncomfortable to read". The idea of women as dolls automatically makes creepy crawlies start climbing over my arms. But then I read more, and couldn't put the damn book down.
It was sweet at time, tender at others, and frustrating throughout the entire book because she was a "real" woman in my head, not a doll. But everyone else seemed to think she was just a doll and that drove me INSANE.
5 stars for making me uncomfortable but oddly intrigued.
April 29, 2019
Interesting premise, cool if a bit confusing setting (couldn't decide whether to picture everyone kind of Middle Eastern or Asian, also is there a connection to the real world since there's Atlantis?), cute OTP and entertaining enough if you don't dig too deep (why is a doll designed for men's pleasure not waterproof everywhere? why is a doll supposedly containing a cursed soul for punishment designed with a clitoris and the ability for physical pleasure? Although I guess it would be more of a punishment to have it but always be frustrated or worse because most men who would want a doll toy wouldn't usually care about it...).
November 19, 2017
This book really has some interesting ideas which is why I enjoyed it a little. Aside from that it feels empty in a worldly way. I got the sense that things were only thought through to the next barn or the next city. The writing also misses some emotional description and for that reason it was hard for me to relate rather than observe. I would give the next book a read, but this one is a 3.5.
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