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A dangerous mission. A war of the Gods. An epic destiny.

When elven rangers Eli’Far and Mae’Cara are dispatched to hunt down the dangerous criminal Mik’Las, the mission seems simple enough. Mik’Las has committed the unthinkable crimes of murder and kidnap, and though he’s a former ranger and skilled in the deadly arts, Eli is confident they will bring him to justice.

But after Mik’Las flees into the human kingdom of the Castol, Eli and Mae find their mission suddenly wrought with complications. Lord Edgun, an oppressive man grinding his people under the heel of his boot, has left its people desperate. Things grow even more complicated when the elves run into Jitanthra, a strange human girl being hunted by Edgun’s men, and who has connections to a mystical outcast, an elf currently imprisoned by Edgun.

Soon, Eli and Mae find themselves unexpectedly drawn into the middle of a rebellion, a struggle between gods, and the opening stages of the dreaded Last War.


Elven ranger Eli’Far, first introduced in Stiger’s Tigers, rapidly became one of the fantasy genre’s standout characters. With A Ranger’s Tale, Edelheit pulls back the shroud to reveal the shocking and exciting tale of how Eli starts down the path to a destiny he can scarcely imagine possible, a fate that sees him inextricably linked to Stiger.

9 pages, Audible Audio

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About the author

Marc Alan Edelheit

46 books859 followers
Bestselling author Marc Edelheit has traveled the world, from Asia to Europe, at one point crossing the border at Check Point Charlie in Berlin toward the end of the Cold War.

Marc is the ultimate history fan and incorporates much of that passion into his work to bring greater realism to his fans. He is also an avid reader, devouring several books per week, ranging from history to science fiction and fantasy.

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5 stars
716 (65%)
4 stars
294 (26%)
3 stars
69 (6%)
2 stars
11 (1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Charles  van Buren.
1,910 reviews303 followers
November 6, 2021
A backstory to a main character in the tales of Stiger and the great war.

Another great adventure by Marc Alan Edelheit. This one begins the back story of Ben Stiger's elf friend, Eli. All related to the various volumes concerning the great war among the gods, the war between good and evil.

A very good read. I've never read a bad book by Mr. Edelheit.
Profile Image for Michelle.
654 reviews56 followers
February 21, 2023
This is a difficult one to rate. I have toggled back and forth between 3.5 down to 3, or the 3.5 up to 4. The epilogue alone made me happy, so it's rounded up.

This is a prequel to the excellent Chronicles of an Imperial Legionary Officer series.

I think I prefer Eli in the CILO series, as Stiger's trusty sidekick. He has a little more levity in that series. In this one the banter felt obligatory, if you know what I mean. I wasn't amused but actually more irritated by it. And there were one too many smoochy occurrences when a fight was imminent. There's nothing wrong with smoochy scenes in their proper place, but these didn't seem to happen at the proper time.

I will read the next, just because. Hopefully the next will offer some Big Reveal moments about things I've always wondered about in the CILO series.
10 reviews
January 14, 2022
When I first got this book I was concerned it may be so heavily influenced by the Stiger books but it ends up being set in a time before they meet. The book is excellent and has a great new story moving forward with Eli. Questions I always wondered from the Stiger books about Eli are being answered. Must admit the end was special!
Profile Image for Pamela .
626 reviews36 followers
February 3, 2022
It's probably a 3.5, but I just couldn't go a 4. In the Ben Stiger books, I enjoy Eli's parts as much as Stiger's and was really looking forward to a fascinating background story. Unfortunately, this story just didn't live up to my expectations for a background of Eli. There were parts that were really enjoyable, but others just fell flat, and Eli seemed to lose that illusiveness that he possesses in the Stiger series.
Profile Image for Marshall Clowers.
267 reviews2 followers
November 4, 2021
Fans living in the "Stigerverse" can rejoice that there is more here to flesh out the world. With "A Ranger's Tale" we get to gain a little insight into Eli and his history. It's still suitably vague, for every answer revealed, two more questions arise.

There's a little bit of everything here; clever wordplay, intrigue, cloak-n-dagger skulking about, and action. The Pantheon opens up a bit more and there are some new characters to figure out.

Lot's of fun here. Enjoy it!
Profile Image for Barefoot Gypsy Jimerson.
713 reviews55 followers
April 5, 2022
One step to the future!

That was interesting to read. I have always wanted to know about Eli's life. Its such a mystery. So step it up Mr. Edelheit I'm waiting for book #2.
Profile Image for Jkane.
719 reviews2 followers
May 16, 2022
READ THIS BEFORE BUYING:

I had high expectations for this book given the high ratings on Audible and Goodreads. Little did I know, that the reason for the high ratings was because the readers are mostly those who see this as book 7 in Chronicles of an Imperial Legionary Officer. Those readers are all solidly invested in the series and the characters. I assumed this was a stand alone book, or the first in a new series. The main character, though, is a supporting character from that Chronicles story by Edelheit. This novel is that character's back story. It's an ok story, but certainly not impressive if you've never read the other novels in the series - which I haven't. I wouldn't recommend this to someone, though my opinion may have been different if I already knew the character. This might be a three star book but I was just so jaded because of such high ratings on Audible and Goodreads, that I expected so much more from this. Its mediocrity was very disappointing.

As for the Audible version, Steven Brand didn't even attempt to alter his voice for different characters, and used the same voice for male and female characters alike. With so many talented performers doing amazing work for Audible, this type of bankrupt performance really stuck out.
9 reviews
November 26, 2021
Welcome to Life According to Eli

Overall, a good plotline but the improved writing style and descriptive phrases are worthy to note. This intro to the story of Eli paints a portrait not only of the lead character but of the nature of the civilizations and the world he inhabits. There is enough intrigue from the plotline about Eli's pursuit of an Elvin criminal to carry forward a small cast of characters. The author allows a balance of dynamic action sequnces against each character's back story without devolving into a boring litergy of historical detail. The writer's tool is to show discovery and surprise from the characters' viewpoints, so the reader also moves forward in tandem with the same curiosity and interest of what may happen next. This is sn engaging and well written Elven story that rounds out a key player in the ongoing saga of Istros and the warriors that battle evil forces and magic in circumstances not alwsys in their control.
21 reviews
May 8, 2022
Ranger kicks butt

I love the whole book/ the whole world of Eli and stiger is a treat to get lost in, I have read the series 4 times now. Can't wait for part 2 of Eli adventure with Ben. If I had to say what I don't like about the book...to short, but am sure am not the only fan who thinks so. I can't get enough of the caraters/ series there part of my life, I ,we the fan base have am sure have spent many a night burning the midnight oil tearing through the next book. All I can say is Mr. Edelheit you have done a superb job with this series and I hope it continues on. I will not try to make this weird, but you have become one of my few favorite authors, thanks for the journey with you. Can't wait to see what comes next. Good health to you and yours and don't ever stop writing.
21 reviews
April 15, 2022
After Karus and Before Stiger

"Eli: A Fantasy Epic Adventure" is yet another thread of mystical fantasy by perhaps the most gifted and talented fantasy and sci-fi author I have been ever had the pleasure of reading. In preparation for the second book in this series, it is entirely appropriate that I finished re-reading Eli Book 1 on Good Friday. For followers of Karus and Stiger, revel in the Easter Egg Hunt. For newbies, my warmest welcome to the most captivating multi-threaded and extended series of fantasy stories imaginable. Enjoy!
19 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2021
Loved it!

Edelheit has written another great yarn. This was a good backstory on Eli, one of the characters from his earlier books. It’s a good story, fast moving and interesting and well written. I’ve been hooked on Edelheit’s stuff since his first book but theirs no doubt he’s getting even better as he goes.
3 reviews
December 25, 2021
Tiger and Eli

I have truly enjoyed every Tiger and Eli novel. And can't wait to read more. I tried to read other books about the same Era . But they can not keep my attention . Thank you for allowing to enter a realm to relax and not think about this crazy world for a little while.
598 reviews6 followers
July 30, 2022
Needs more gnomes!

I always enjoy Marc's books, I follow this author and have yet to be disappointed. This one lives up to the franchise, it gets a bit more caught up in the mythology than the Stiger's Tigers stories. I am looking forward to a arrows that seriously focuses on the Gnomes though.
91 reviews1 follower
December 13, 2022
Eli, mae, jit

Normally I'd rave or say great book, no novel, but I finished after putting down and starting two others that I finished before I finished this one. Over half way I became bored, can't recall why but I did come back and finished. I do have to admit that the second half was by far better, so if you are reading this novel stick with it.
383 reviews3 followers
September 25, 2023
Interesting series

I read through the series of the lost legion first and I feel like it’s been a while so I think I havnt connected with all the characters referenced here. I like Eli and the series is interesting. I know I loved the lost legion series so hopefully will continue to enjoy this.
Profile Image for Barbara S. Fetty.
68 reviews2 followers
November 7, 2021
Loved Eli's Story

I started reading and didn't quit until I finished. Didn't get much sleep. It was great getting to see another side of the Eli we know from Stiger's series. Can't wait for the next part of Eli's story.
461 reviews3 followers
November 11, 2021
A strong start. I was surprised to see this work at this time. I had expected another work in the Forging Destiny series.
That said. Not disappointed. The story telling is solid and the characters are well defined. Conflict is coming and cannot be ignored.
3 reviews1 follower
November 14, 2021
The first book on Eli was everything I expected

This book began the task of introducing Eli and his life before Ben providing background I have been anticipating. I am excited for the next series of books likely to follow.
88 reviews2 followers
November 18, 2021
Well written and long anticipated

Ever since Driver's Tigers I have wondered and looked forward to the story of Eli and how He and Ben came to know one another and become fast friends.

At last we begin Eli's story and find more than we bargain for.
Profile Image for Doug.
27 reviews
December 2, 2021
Predictable

And being predictable is exactly why I wanted to read it! It is full of action and the good guys win in Edelhart books - usually. I like the fantasy and yet bigger things are the undercurrent which become the main thing in the end. A good read.
69 reviews1 follower
December 18, 2021
Always love his books!!

Always love books that are steeped in honor, conflict that does not destroy ethics and loyalty! There are so few authors that even seem to recall honor and fewer still who write about doing what is right and good. Thank you so much for your work….
119 reviews1 follower
December 19, 2021
What a start to a new series

Once again Marc has managed to grab my attention and not let go. Elis story in his other series has always been something that I have wanted to know. You'll love the start to this beginning of Eli series .. Highly recommend
2 reviews
May 24, 2022
Eli's Backstory

Having grown to love Marc Edelheit's tales of Steiger, it's now great to discover more about his elf sidekick, Eli. The more I read Marc's tales the more I admire his writing. Please keep the stories coming.
Profile Image for C.M. Rutherford.
Author 3 books16 followers
June 2, 2022
One of my favorite characters from the Stiger's Tigers series. This story goes in depth on the elf Eli. Great pacing and action in all of Marc Alan Edelheit's stories keep you glued to the pages. This book is no exception. I highly recommend this book along with the rest of Edelheit's work.
6 reviews
July 12, 2022
Fantastic Alternate Roman Universe!

I have immersed myself in Mr. Edelheit's books over the past several months and I have enjoyed the experience immensely. There are several intertwined series and I look forward to reading each new addition with great anticipation. Well done!
Profile Image for Larry B Gray.
Author 6 books155 followers
September 8, 2022
Awesome Adventure

This is one of the best books about the elves and their adventures that I have read. It is full of fast-paced action and adventure. The characters are awesome and easy to get into. I really like this book and I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Paul.
437 reviews
November 8, 2022
Surprisingly Good

Marc Alan Edelheit has penned a great story without seemingly trying to. The characters are richly developed and interesting. I was sorry to finish book one, it was enjoyable.
Profile Image for Neil Plucknett.
48 reviews2 followers
June 11, 2023
An excellent beginning

First book of a new series set in the world(s) of Stiger. Yet again one of those book you start to.read and cannot put down till it is finished. I look forwards to seeing how this storyline pans out!!
Profile Image for Alon Lankri.
480 reviews2 followers
October 13, 2023
3.5/5

This book is incredibly linear and unsurprising. Every character is fully face value, no real decisions are made except romantic ones. The prose is solid and I like the world but this is far worse than other series by the same author.
207 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2023
Questions

The story line has many questions in it and few answers By reading and listening to the author style you will get more of the answers than just by reading it alone or many things many many many angles to this story line Good luck on the next book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews

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