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Elves of Eldarlan #1
The Elven Spymaster's Thief
In a world full of elves, woodwose, gargoyles, and brownies among others, humans can’t help crossing paths with all of the magical species. Well, everyone except Avril. She manages to avoid all elves. Then one day, her master orders her to steal a dagger from the very elf she wishes to evade most, the elven spymaster of Eldarlan. Bound by her indenture, she has no choice but to obey. She plans a swift sneak-and-grab mission, but things go awry.
Illeron knows more than any elf should. The gathering, analyzing, and disseminating of information consumes his life to the point his brother suggests he needs a distraction. So, when a human woman breaks into his study to steal his dagger, he seizes the opportunity and offers her a bargain she can’t refuse. And a fate he never imagined.
The Elven Spymaster’s Thief is a light, fantasy romance novella full of banter, flirting, and fun romantic moments. It features an opposites-attract romance between a human girl and a smoldering elf lord with a bit of a culture clash thrown in for fun.
Illeron knows more than any elf should. The gathering, analyzing, and disseminating of information consumes his life to the point his brother suggests he needs a distraction. So, when a human woman breaks into his study to steal his dagger, he seizes the opportunity and offers her a bargain she can’t refuse. And a fate he never imagined.
The Elven Spymaster’s Thief is a light, fantasy romance novella full of banter, flirting, and fun romantic moments. It features an opposites-attract romance between a human girl and a smoldering elf lord with a bit of a culture clash thrown in for fun.
154 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
March 31, 2022
This feels unfinished
- the aunt and uncle aren't punished
- we don't find out what the relationship is between the spymaster and the ex-master
- characters are introduced just before the end
While the writing is good, overall the plot is weak.
- more telling than showing
- not enough to explain why they fall in love
- the villain, their motives and their defeat is ridiculous
- the main character doesn't do much except eat, sleep, read, verbally poke at the spymaster and make him take breaks. Yes, that's why he made her his companion but I thought there would be more. At the very least, I expected her to be more active than passive.
- the world building is weak. New species are named left and right and there's no exposition.
- her hatred of the elves isn't very intense: it just fizzles out in a few days
- her brother, who is supposed to be a main plot point makes a very brief and unremarkable appearance
- the aunt and uncle aren't punished
- we don't find out what the relationship is between the spymaster and the ex-master
- characters are introduced just before the end
While the writing is good, overall the plot is weak.
- more telling than showing
- not enough to explain why they fall in love
- the villain, their motives and their defeat is ridiculous
- the main character doesn't do much except eat, sleep, read, verbally poke at the spymaster and make him take breaks. Yes, that's why he made her his companion but I thought there would be more. At the very least, I expected her to be more active than passive.
- the world building is weak. New species are named left and right and there's no exposition.
- her hatred of the elves isn't very intense: it just fizzles out in a few days
- her brother, who is supposed to be a main plot point makes a very brief and unremarkable appearance
April 5, 2022
Don't bother if you want a good story
Choppy storyline. Weak, practically non-existent plot.
***SPOILERS***
Avril, the human thief, is sent to the elven spymaster Illeron's home to steal a bronze toy dagger. Illeron is a Light Elf who has a network of Shadow Elf spies to help him in his service to the Elf King. Illeron's brother, Casimir, is one of his Shadow Elf spies. Illeron easily catches her and offers her the position of his companion. At first he is frustrated he has to deal with her, then he suddenly is in love with her.
His cousin, Loreili (spelling?) tries to kill Avril, so he banishes his cousin. Then harpies break through his magical protections on his lands and attack Illeron and Avril, nearly killing them. Illeron drains his magic healing Avril and has to be healed by another elf. Then a shadow elf stabs Avril and she is suddenly in the thrall of a siren that will kill her, unless it is stabbed with a bronze blade coated in the victim's (Avril's) blood. Illeron learns one of the shadow elves who works for him is double crossing him.
Illeron is summoned away from his lands and returns to find Avril has been captured by whoever is trying to kill her. It is his cousin, the same one he banished. She is quickly subdued and so is the shadow elf who helped her.
There is unfinished plotline concerning Avril's former employer, Warlord Grimore's, connection/history with Illeron.
Tnere is also unfinished business concerning Avril's aunt and uncle.
The plot was weak, the story was choppy. It was not a good read, and I had to skim a lot of it to get through the pages. Glad it was part of Kindle Unlimited.
Choppy storyline. Weak, practically non-existent plot.
***SPOILERS***
Avril, the human thief, is sent to the elven spymaster Illeron's home to steal a bronze toy dagger. Illeron is a Light Elf who has a network of Shadow Elf spies to help him in his service to the Elf King. Illeron's brother, Casimir, is one of his Shadow Elf spies. Illeron easily catches her and offers her the position of his companion. At first he is frustrated he has to deal with her, then he suddenly is in love with her.
His cousin, Loreili (spelling?) tries to kill Avril, so he banishes his cousin. Then harpies break through his magical protections on his lands and attack Illeron and Avril, nearly killing them. Illeron drains his magic healing Avril and has to be healed by another elf. Then a shadow elf stabs Avril and she is suddenly in the thrall of a siren that will kill her, unless it is stabbed with a bronze blade coated in the victim's (Avril's) blood. Illeron learns one of the shadow elves who works for him is double crossing him.
Illeron is summoned away from his lands and returns to find Avril has been captured by whoever is trying to kill her. It is his cousin, the same one he banished. She is quickly subdued and so is the shadow elf who helped her.
There is unfinished plotline concerning Avril's former employer, Warlord Grimore's, connection/history with Illeron.
Tnere is also unfinished business concerning Avril's aunt and uncle.
The plot was weak, the story was choppy. It was not a good read, and I had to skim a lot of it to get through the pages. Glad it was part of Kindle Unlimited.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2022
Rating: 4.5/5.0
“The Elven Spymaster’s Thief” is a delightful fusion of magical fantasy and charming character. Avril’s bright, mischievous affect serves as a perfect counterpoint to Whispier’s sober, work-driven reticence.
Read full review in the 2022 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
“The Elven Spymaster’s Thief” is a delightful fusion of magical fantasy and charming character. Avril’s bright, mischievous affect serves as a perfect counterpoint to Whispier’s sober, work-driven reticence.
Read full review in the 2022 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
February 23, 2022
A cute, clean elf-human romance.
December 28, 2022
DNF @ 30%
The romance was rushed, the world felt underdeveloped, and I couldn’t connect with the characters. Fun concept, but the execution was lacking.
The romance was rushed, the world felt underdeveloped, and I couldn’t connect with the characters. Fun concept, but the execution was lacking.
February 24, 2022
This one's about a 3.5 read for me. Definitely above the average in its genre at the very least. It is the beginning of the development of a great world and I'm curious about the magic system being presented. I like how the magic system and the world unveil more of themselves as they go along rather than bombarding you with everything from the get go. Looking forward to seeing more of my favorite child in the sequel. XD A great fun weekend read for those who love high fantasy.
April 4, 2022
This was a fine quick KU read- but the story felt like it was going so quickly that I really didn't really get time to get into the character's emotions and motivations before the plot was speeding along from one thing to the next- so sadly the romance felt rushed and not as satisfying.
March 22, 2022
If you're looking for a cute, fun, and clean fantasy read, this is it! It's light, fluffy, and it has elves (which were both cool because there were light + shadow elves, and disappointing because they didn't look dramatically different as I'd expected).
Although I will say, the plot was kinda lacking considering the amount of interesting things that were discussed. I did enjoy the world and its politics though, and I look forward to seeing where this potential war goes.
As for the characters, I did really enjoy Avril and Illeron. Illeron was a classic mysterious elf who's actually lonely, and Avril was the sassy, capable lady who makes the elf go all heart-eyed. There wasn't much depth to them, but they both had great backstories. I'd love to see more of their development before they meet, and I wish their relationship had been drawn out - they are a good match, but you don't get to see much more than just "oh hey, they're fun and cute, why not kiss?"
Overall, it's perfectly fluffy, clean, and creative, but this had room to become an epic.
Although I will say, the plot was kinda lacking considering the amount of interesting things that were discussed. I did enjoy the world and its politics though, and I look forward to seeing where this potential war goes.
As for the characters, I did really enjoy Avril and Illeron. Illeron was a classic mysterious elf who's actually lonely, and Avril was the sassy, capable lady who makes the elf go all heart-eyed. There wasn't much depth to them, but they both had great backstories. I'd love to see more of their development before they meet, and I wish their relationship had been drawn out - they are a good match, but you don't get to see much more than just "oh hey, they're fun and cute, why not kiss?"
Overall, it's perfectly fluffy, clean, and creative, but this had room to become an epic.
May 21, 2022
Highly recommended for fans of Tara Grayce
July 3, 2023
Stealing the spymaster’s heart
The Elven Spymaster’s Thief was a perfect, swoony read. I loved the way characters pulled at each other. Highly recommend!
The Elven Spymaster’s Thief was a perfect, swoony read. I loved the way characters pulled at each other. Highly recommend!
March 1, 2022
It wasn’t terrible but the world felt very underdeveloped and the relationship very rushed. I didn’t hate it but it wasn’t great.
February 26, 2022
This is the fantasy book I have been waiting for!!!! It reminds me of the gargoyles show I grew up where Goliath is on Avalon. That Disney like magic that transports you to a different world. Where honor, loyalty, and friendships thrive. Where you only think about what is the next scene going to bring. I💗LOVE the different creatures this book had along with the vividly described scenery. I 💗LOVED the characters and not just the main ones. The side characters helped make this story what it is, especially Waldorf the brownie. I 💗LOVED his character and his cooking made me very hungry. The main characters are so funny, especially how Avril gets Ileron to lighten up by throwing peas at him. He has a hard job and she is exactly what he needs. She lightens his mood and he helps her enjoy things she hasn't had the chance to really enjoy. Their banter is so funny and changed the dark atmosphere that was their when Avril first came to the palace. The villian in this story is a mystery throughout. First you think it maybe one then another. It keeps you guessing and I 💗LOVE books with mysteries like this. I Highly recommend this book, especially if you want to read a clean fantasy book.
**** Disclaimer I received a free copy of this book to review from the author. All opinions and thoughts are my own and I was not obligated to like or dislike this book.I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising
**** Disclaimer I received a free copy of this book to review from the author. All opinions and thoughts are my own and I was not obligated to like or dislike this book.I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising
March 8, 2022
short but sweet
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I will definitely pick up the next in the series. While the plot was predictable, the brothers and other relationships in the story brought this world to life. I liked w how the author handles the growing bound between the main characters as well. I look forward to reading more about these characters.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I will definitely pick up the next in the series. While the plot was predictable, the brothers and other relationships in the story brought this world to life. I liked w how the author handles the growing bound between the main characters as well. I look forward to reading more about these characters.
February 2, 2022
A Great Elf story
The plot isn't complicated & moves right along. The world-building is interesting & the MCs likeable. It is short , sweet & clean. Loved it.
The plot isn't complicated & moves right along. The world-building is interesting & the MCs likeable. It is short , sweet & clean. Loved it.
February 7, 2022
Fast paced
The events in this story happen quickly. Almost to the point of leaving out vital information. Still I like the story and will read the next if it is currently available.
The events in this story happen quickly. Almost to the point of leaving out vital information. Still I like the story and will read the next if it is currently available.
February 11, 2022
a short story about a human and an elf. though you can really only fit so many details and worldbuilding in a novella, this was a cute little book.
February 14, 2022
Amazing, heartwarming and sweet. Love the magic.
February 17, 2022
Enjoyable, light read
This was an enjoyable, light read just perfect as a break during stressful days at work. Looking forward to the next one!
This was an enjoyable, light read just perfect as a break during stressful days at work. Looking forward to the next one!
July 27, 2023
Si fuera una novela más extensa sería muy buena.
•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.
The Elven Spymaster’s Thief de Elisa Rae serie Elves of Eldarlan libro 1
Argumento:
En un mundo lleno de elfos, woodwose, gárgolas y brownies, entre otros, los humanos no pueden evitar cruzarse con todas las especies mágicas. Bueno, todos excepto Avril. Se las arregla para evitar a todos los elfos. Entonces, un día, su maestro le ordena robar una daga del elfo que más desea evadir, el maestro de espías elfo de Eldarlan.
Obligada por su contrato, no tiene más remedio que obedecer. Ella planea una misión rápida de escabullirse y agarrar, pero las cosas salen mal.
Illeron sabe más de lo que debería saber cualquier elfo. La recopilación, el análisis y la difusión de información consumen su vida hasta el punto en que su hermano sugiere que necesita una distracción. Entonces, cuando una mujer humana irrumpe en su estudio para robar su daga, él aprovecha la oportunidad y le ofrece un trato que no puede rechazar. Y un destino que nunca imaginó.
Mi humilde opinión:
La trama parecía prometedora con un abanico de seres mágicos, un reino en guerra, cñpeligro, acción e intrigas en un mundo de fantasía. Un romance ligero de polos opuestos con un elfo serio de la nobleza y una humana ladrona atrevida que lo hace soltar un poco. Los personajes, tanto principales como secundarios me parecían interesantes. Me tenía intrigada pero... se sintió plano, todo tenía un pobre y breve desarrollo.
Me dejó con ganas de conocer más el mundo. Hay mucho que sucedía y no entendía. Me decía pero no me mostraba. Me quedé sorprendida con la prima, qué pasaba con esta villana y la venganza?
Si la novela fuera más extensa y se trabajara más en el mundo y sus personajes sería muy buena.
Illeron y Avril me caían bien pero no me contaron mucho sobre ellos tampoco. El romance no fue en realidad divertido o dulce. A mí no me trasmitieron sentimientos profundos.
Avril no paraba de arrojarle cosas a Illeron para fastidiarlo, y cuando sucedió una y otra vez, no le vi el chiste.
Me gustaba que ella fuera sociable y encantara a todos en el palacio y que lograra que el elfo maestro tome un descanso del trabajo pero le faltó a la relación romántica, no tenía mucha sustancia. Si hubieran mostrado más química, por ejemplo mientras entrenaban o sus conversaciones, hubiera creído en su amor. Creo que las muestras de afecto sucedían cuando ella estaba en peligro. Me gustaba ver a Illeron protector y preocupado.
Al final hay un indicio de que la historia continúa con Casimir, el hermano de Illeron, pero no estoy tentada como para seguir leyendo la serie.
June 7, 2023
Content:
Language: None.
Violence: High mild. There is some blood depicted, though nothing graphically described. Characters get attacked by creatures and threatened with knives and such.
Sexual: Mild. There is kissing, not steamy. Hugs and touching, again not steamy.
First thing that comes to mind after reading this: abrupt.
The writing was kind of stilted from one scene to the next, things happening suddenly but without much of a transition in the writing, making me have to backtrack and do a mental double-take to see if I missed a sentence.
The romance too was just out of nowhere. She's stealing from him, then chucking things at his head, he's annoyed and then he kisses her. It felt a bit like I was watching an elementary school crush thing happening. And the girl is just all, yup, I'm okay with kissing him, and doesn't seem to have any concerns or emotion about it whatsoever, she's just there for the ride. The guy isn't much better. His brother was the sane one in the story.
Even with my major irritation at both the above things, I could see the potential for fun in the world here, and with the Shadow Elves and their ilk. The characters weren't fleshed out much, but there was an underlying tone that I liked overall. So I instantly grabbed the next book in the series and finished it in one sitting. I'm glad to say, the improvement is leaps and bounds better than this one. Maybe it's because the next book is about the sane brother.
Anyways, interesting intro, but the next book is ten times better. I am excited to see if the third book improves the romance too.
Language: None.
Violence: High mild. There is some blood depicted, though nothing graphically described. Characters get attacked by creatures and threatened with knives and such.
Sexual: Mild. There is kissing, not steamy. Hugs and touching, again not steamy.
First thing that comes to mind after reading this: abrupt.
The writing was kind of stilted from one scene to the next, things happening suddenly but without much of a transition in the writing, making me have to backtrack and do a mental double-take to see if I missed a sentence.
The romance too was just out of nowhere. She's stealing from him, then chucking things at his head, he's annoyed and then he kisses her. It felt a bit like I was watching an elementary school crush thing happening. And the girl is just all, yup, I'm okay with kissing him, and doesn't seem to have any concerns or emotion about it whatsoever, she's just there for the ride. The guy isn't much better. His brother was the sane one in the story.
Even with my major irritation at both the above things, I could see the potential for fun in the world here, and with the Shadow Elves and their ilk. The characters weren't fleshed out much, but there was an underlying tone that I liked overall. So I instantly grabbed the next book in the series and finished it in one sitting. I'm glad to say, the improvement is leaps and bounds better than this one. Maybe it's because the next book is about the sane brother.
Anyways, interesting intro, but the next book is ten times better. I am excited to see if the third book improves the romance too.
June 14, 2022
3.5 Stars
This has an interesting premise! There's all kinds of magical creatures along with humans living in this magical world. I enjoy the descriptions of everything and it was captivating. There's political intrigue and I wish we'd gotten more details on that and the King's curse but I guess we'll find out in the series. My problem with this book is that it seems to breeze by and gloss over things. Do we like Avril's former master? What's up with this slavery type deal with humans? What's being done about her evil aunt and uncle? Are her and her brother close? What makes Illeron and his brother concerned about humans and keeping the peace? What's the political power order?
The romance was really rushed. They hate each other then they interact a couple times and are suddenly in love. I could've used some more interaction between the 2 to make it feel believable. I wanted to see the relationship develop and see what changed their minds about each other. I wish we got a little more on the side characters! They seemed really interesting! All those shadow wraiths. I'm hoping all the shortcomings are addressed in the next book. I'm into it enough I think I'll continue with the series but I do feel this could've been done a little better.
This has an interesting premise! There's all kinds of magical creatures along with humans living in this magical world. I enjoy the descriptions of everything and it was captivating. There's political intrigue and I wish we'd gotten more details on that and the King's curse but I guess we'll find out in the series. My problem with this book is that it seems to breeze by and gloss over things. Do we like Avril's former master? What's up with this slavery type deal with humans? What's being done about her evil aunt and uncle? Are her and her brother close? What makes Illeron and his brother concerned about humans and keeping the peace? What's the political power order?
The romance was really rushed. They hate each other then they interact a couple times and are suddenly in love. I could've used some more interaction between the 2 to make it feel believable. I wanted to see the relationship develop and see what changed their minds about each other. I wish we got a little more on the side characters! They seemed really interesting! All those shadow wraiths. I'm hoping all the shortcomings are addressed in the next book. I'm into it enough I think I'll continue with the series but I do feel this could've been done a little better.
June 16, 2022
Loved it! It's light, short and sweet. Great for when you're wanting a fantasy read that's not epic lengths, or if you're new to the genre and don't anything heavy or intense world building. Different magical creatures. Human heroine and Elf Hero. Dual POV
Shadow Elves that shadow jump like in The Ealdspell Cycle by Jesikah Sundin.
A Deal with the Elf King vibes but clean romance.
Avril gives me Rowan vibes from Scarlet Princess. She is a little firecracker, a redhead, and loves annoy the love interest 😆
I definitely recommend and will be continuing the series!
💕RCRS: 2 - brief kissing
🗨 Some Quotes:
“What are you doing?” he demanded.
I slapped a grin on my face, despite my sudden fear at the anger darkening his eye color. “Testing the bond to see if it can detect intent.”
He closed his eyes, straightened, and took a long, careful breath. “It can. And apparently, the intent to irritate doesn’t trigger it. Are you satisfied?”
I shrugged. “For now.”
....
"Nothing done in love is foolish.”
.....
He spanned the distance between us in a single step, pulled me into his arms, and kissed me.
Shadow Elves that shadow jump like in The Ealdspell Cycle by Jesikah Sundin.
A Deal with the Elf King vibes but clean romance.
Avril gives me Rowan vibes from Scarlet Princess. She is a little firecracker, a redhead, and loves annoy the love interest 😆
I definitely recommend and will be continuing the series!
💕RCRS: 2 - brief kissing
🗨 Some Quotes:
“What are you doing?” he demanded.
I slapped a grin on my face, despite my sudden fear at the anger darkening his eye color. “Testing the bond to see if it can detect intent.”
He closed his eyes, straightened, and took a long, careful breath. “It can. And apparently, the intent to irritate doesn’t trigger it. Are you satisfied?”
I shrugged. “For now.”
....
"Nothing done in love is foolish.”
.....
He spanned the distance between us in a single step, pulled me into his arms, and kissed me.
September 13, 2022
Avril , a human has been dispatched to the Elven lands in order to steel an object from the Elf Spy master himself,by her Warlord keeper. The mission takes an unexpected turn when she is captured by the Spy master himself.
During the interrogation following her apprehension, she reveals that she has also come for Zolon, her brother, who, she accuses Illeron, the Spy master, of holding against his Will.
Illeron is quick to set the record straight in informing her that Zolon works for him under contract for which he is adequately paid. However, he is willing to void his contact with Zolon, of Avril will stay as his companion for the time remaining on the contract.
She accepts and he will call her his pet because of the false perception that this situation could create with the Elves.
This is a refreshing read with action, love, treachery and camaraderie that the author has masterfully written. I look forward to reading the series.
5 Stars
During the interrogation following her apprehension, she reveals that she has also come for Zolon, her brother, who, she accuses Illeron, the Spy master, of holding against his Will.
Illeron is quick to set the record straight in informing her that Zolon works for him under contract for which he is adequately paid. However, he is willing to void his contact with Zolon, of Avril will stay as his companion for the time remaining on the contract.
She accepts and he will call her his pet because of the false perception that this situation could create with the Elves.
This is a refreshing read with action, love, treachery and camaraderie that the author has masterfully written. I look forward to reading the series.
5 Stars
February 4, 2022
Good read, but I wish it was longer
This is a new-to-me author and I enjoyed her storytelling and characters. The plot was interesting, but I almost feel like some of it was left out due to how short the book is. Like the climax wasn't fully resolved or something... The motivation behind the attacks of the baddie were quite vague, which was disappointing. And the wrap-up of the romance was super quick too. But the banter between the main characters and their motivations and weaknesses were interesting and engaging. I liked the duo a lot. I also enjoyed the side characters and hope to see more of them in the next book!
And would recommend this book if you like human-elf fantasy romances and are in the mood for a quick, but fun read. It's squeaky clean and there isn't a cliff hanger
This is a new-to-me author and I enjoyed her storytelling and characters. The plot was interesting, but I almost feel like some of it was left out due to how short the book is. Like the climax wasn't fully resolved or something... The motivation behind the attacks of the baddie were quite vague, which was disappointing. And the wrap-up of the romance was super quick too. But the banter between the main characters and their motivations and weaknesses were interesting and engaging. I liked the duo a lot. I also enjoyed the side characters and hope to see more of them in the next book!
And would recommend this book if you like human-elf fantasy romances and are in the mood for a quick, but fun read. It's squeaky clean and there isn't a cliff hanger
March 5, 2022
Pretty good
Likes
HEA
No foul language
No explicit sex scenes
Dislikes
Abrupt scene changes
Mild spoiler
The hero leaves and zero sentences later he returns to a wildly changed scenario and it’s just a little bit sudden and disorienting for the reader.
There are random Loose Ends
Whatever happened with the aunt and uncle?
We may find out in the next book but it doesn’t look like the lack of closure is on purpose. The author doesn’t say anything about intentionally leaving it alone or following up in the next book so it looks like she just forgot about that particular aspect of the plot.
Otherwise it’s a good story and I recommend the book.
Likes
HEA
No foul language
No explicit sex scenes
Dislikes
Abrupt scene changes
Mild spoiler
The hero leaves and zero sentences later he returns to a wildly changed scenario and it’s just a little bit sudden and disorienting for the reader.
There are random Loose Ends
Whatever happened with the aunt and uncle?
We may find out in the next book but it doesn’t look like the lack of closure is on purpose. The author doesn’t say anything about intentionally leaving it alone or following up in the next book so it looks like she just forgot about that particular aspect of the plot.
Otherwise it’s a good story and I recommend the book.
June 2, 2022
Elves, spies and magical assassins
A compelling read that barely hints at the world where elves seek to keep balance between all the species. Humans, of course, overpopulate and conquer and scheme.
The characters are fun but not deep. I would have preferred to see wounds that motivated their actions. That’s what helps me connect and relate and remember.
A straightforward story with a too-quick romance and obvious villain.
Not a page turner but engaging enough that I returned to read it to the end.
Perfect for fans of elf-human romances who like brooding heroes and sassy sheroes.
A compelling read that barely hints at the world where elves seek to keep balance between all the species. Humans, of course, overpopulate and conquer and scheme.
The characters are fun but not deep. I would have preferred to see wounds that motivated their actions. That’s what helps me connect and relate and remember.
A straightforward story with a too-quick romance and obvious villain.
Not a page turner but engaging enough that I returned to read it to the end.
Perfect for fans of elf-human romances who like brooding heroes and sassy sheroes.
June 2, 2022
Nice Introduction
This is a short novel that makes a nice introduction to the world if elves, woodwose, brownies, gargoyles and humans. The relationship development is a bit light and the thread that was assiduously built up in regard to Avril’s aunt and uncle is unceremoniously dropped with no resolution. The peril is resolved without any surprises but the writing is nice, the characters are appealing and the world is engaging. Good enough for a light read, and excellent for setting up other plots in this world.
This is a short novel that makes a nice introduction to the world if elves, woodwose, brownies, gargoyles and humans. The relationship development is a bit light and the thread that was assiduously built up in regard to Avril’s aunt and uncle is unceremoniously dropped with no resolution. The peril is resolved without any surprises but the writing is nice, the characters are appealing and the world is engaging. Good enough for a light read, and excellent for setting up other plots in this world.
January 11, 2023
I really like the author's style and the fantasy world she creates. The main plot conflict was very slowly developed and then too quickly resolved at the end for my taste. Avril is a cute character with a quirky way of drawing out those around her. Illeron is a workaholic who was told he needed a companion. I wish there had been more development around the reasons the villain was repeatedly attacking. There were also a few side conflicts that did not get any resolution which was a bit frustrating.
February 17, 2022
It was kind of meh. The story wasn’t very engaging. Also there I got confused. Like in the beginning I thought whispier was a shadow elf, but later on in the book it was talking about the differences in how elves felt when meeting potential mates. Like was it an instant thing or more gradual. At that point it felt like whispier might be a light elf even though his brother is clearly a shadow elf. So, a little more clarity and explanation would have made this book better.
April 28, 2022
A light elf and human thief form interesting companionship contract
Avril is set up to be caught while stealing an old knife. The interaction between Avril and Illeron is too funny! Avril thinks Illeron is too serious and tries to annoy him and throw him off balance. Illeron is not sure what to make of Avril, yet attraction sparks between them. The dialog between Avril and Illeron is clever and witty. Murder attempts, mysteries, and quandaries ensue. Excellent world building.
Avril is set up to be caught while stealing an old knife. The interaction between Avril and Illeron is too funny! Avril thinks Illeron is too serious and tries to annoy him and throw him off balance. Illeron is not sure what to make of Avril, yet attraction sparks between them. The dialog between Avril and Illeron is clever and witty. Murder attempts, mysteries, and quandaries ensue. Excellent world building.
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