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Dark Elves of Protheka #4
The Dark Elf's Mate
I just need to survive. It doesn’t matter what these Dark Elves do. I will survive.
The Dark Elves are vile.
But I’m tired. And hungry. The orphans that I take care of are even hungrier than me.
I’m desperate. I’ll do anything to feed them.
That’s exactly what the Dark Elf Commander they call Karish is expecting. That I’ll be his filthy human toy so that I can save what’s left of my town that the Orc’s didn’t destroy.
What neither of us is expecting is how our spirits will collide and fuse together. How in trying to desecrate me, he’ll open himself up to my own twisted affections.
Two broken people. Playing with the fires of affection.
Karish and I will rock Dark Elf society to the core. And their society, built on violence and degradation will deal with a weapon it has never encountered.
Love.
The Dark Elves are vile.
But I’m tired. And hungry. The orphans that I take care of are even hungrier than me.
I’m desperate. I’ll do anything to feed them.
That’s exactly what the Dark Elf Commander they call Karish is expecting. That I’ll be his filthy human toy so that I can save what’s left of my town that the Orc’s didn’t destroy.
What neither of us is expecting is how our spirits will collide and fuse together. How in trying to desecrate me, he’ll open himself up to my own twisted affections.
Two broken people. Playing with the fires of affection.
Karish and I will rock Dark Elf society to the core. And their society, built on violence and degradation will deal with a weapon it has never encountered.
Love.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2022
138 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Celeste King
323 books282 followersCeleste King is the author behind the Worlds of Protheka, a collection of interconnected series that promise dark fantasy, intense romance, and washboard abs. When it comes to her stories, there are sure to brooding alphas, sassy humans, and plenty of spice to look forward to.
With the ever growing fantasy worlds, the 'what ifs' are endless, and that is what excites her the most. Even she doesn't know just how far these characters will go, but she's gladly along for the ride.
You can always find her fearlessly diving into an adventure (in this world or another), typically with her husband, and partner in crime, at her side.
She helps keep the excitement alive for the rest us with each of her Prothekan works, where there are no heroes coming to save you and being kidnapped...isn't so bad when your captor is this hot.
With the ever growing fantasy worlds, the 'what ifs' are endless, and that is what excites her the most. Even she doesn't know just how far these characters will go, but she's gladly along for the ride.
You can always find her fearlessly diving into an adventure (in this world or another), typically with her husband, and partner in crime, at her side.
She helps keep the excitement alive for the rest us with each of her Prothekan works, where there are no heroes coming to save you and being kidnapped...isn't so bad when your captor is this hot.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 21, 2022
ending was a let down
I didn’t enjoy this one too much. It started out really crappy—the hero “breaks in” the new females that come to the camp to be used as cum dumps. The reasoning was really bogus for why he has to try every single new woman that comes in. And the fact that every single woman in the camp hes been with just made my skin crawl and my stomach turn.
He breaks in the heroine in exchange for food. But unlike with the other women he’s used like a dirty gym sock, he actually has feelings for the h and doesn’t know why. So he keeps her around. The heroine discovers that the hero has never experienced familial love or affection. He doesn’t understand family or sacrificing for those one loves. She sets out to teach him and in the process they fall in love, and he is only with her from the moment they meet. So he redeems himself in the end.
What really let me down was that the story has them wanting children and trying to get pregnant but it ends a year later with them still trying and no baby. And on top of that, there’s no epilogue. It just felt like a big fail.
Not safe. Hero is a giant scumbag manwhore who has slimed with every female in the camp. Heroine is subjected to facing every day females he has fucked. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to the hero. Sex with each other only after meeting. No abuse or cheating. HEA was unsatisfactory, no epilogue and heroine wanted babies but doesn’t get pregnant.
I didn’t enjoy this one too much. It started out really crappy—the hero “breaks in” the new females that come to the camp to be used as cum dumps. The reasoning was really bogus for why he has to try every single new woman that comes in. And the fact that every single woman in the camp hes been with just made my skin crawl and my stomach turn.
He breaks in the heroine in exchange for food. But unlike with the other women he’s used like a dirty gym sock, he actually has feelings for the h and doesn’t know why. So he keeps her around. The heroine discovers that the hero has never experienced familial love or affection. He doesn’t understand family or sacrificing for those one loves. She sets out to teach him and in the process they fall in love, and he is only with her from the moment they meet. So he redeems himself in the end.
What really let me down was that the story has them wanting children and trying to get pregnant but it ends a year later with them still trying and no baby. And on top of that, there’s no epilogue. It just felt like a big fail.
Not safe. Hero is a giant scumbag manwhore who has slimed with every female in the camp. Heroine is subjected to facing every day females he has fucked. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to the hero. Sex with each other only after meeting. No abuse or cheating. HEA was unsatisfactory, no epilogue and heroine wanted babies but doesn’t get pregnant.
June 14, 2022
Karish is a dark elf and a commander of the king's forces on the wild borders. He was born from a low ranked family but was very talented magically. His sole ambition is to climb the ranks, marry a noble woman and raise his status. He does his best to carry out his duty in a way that would impress the king. Karish doesn't hate humans but he doesn't respect them much. He does enforce the rule that his men only use willing women for relief. These women are offered food, shelter and protection for themselves and their family. After Karish and his men fight of an orc attack to one of their human settlements, a spirited young human woman comes begging to serve him and his men. Karish recognizes Marionette is a determined fighter for what she wants and it intrigues him. He decides to give her a chance with him. The more time he spends with Marionette, the more he feels unusual feelings. Maybe there is more to life that climbing the social ladder.
Marionette lives in a human settlement under the dark elves. Life is hard and gets impossible when the orcs attack. She tried to get the other humans to hide in the basement but is only able to convince some children to go with her. After the battle, Marionette tries to find food for her charges but has no luck. Refusing to let the children starve, she decides to becomes an elf pleasure woman. If she serves the elves, she will get food, shelter and protection for herself and the kids. Even though she has pride, she will do what it takes to keep those kids safe. Luckily she catches the commander's eye and he takes her for himself at first. He treats her kindly and passionately. Maybe serving his needs won't be so bad.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Marionette lives in a human settlement under the dark elves. Life is hard and gets impossible when the orcs attack. She tried to get the other humans to hide in the basement but is only able to convince some children to go with her. After the battle, Marionette tries to find food for her charges but has no luck. Refusing to let the children starve, she decides to becomes an elf pleasure woman. If she serves the elves, she will get food, shelter and protection for herself and the kids. Even though she has pride, she will do what it takes to keep those kids safe. Luckily she catches the commander's eye and he takes her for himself at first. He treats her kindly and passionately. Maybe serving his needs won't be so bad.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 13, 2022
Mari and Karish . . .
Battling the Orcs, Karish, the Dark Elf Commander, hears distant screaming and realizes this fight was merely a distraction while the Orcs were attacking the settlements nearby. The first settlement had already been destroyed, even women and children killed. They move on to the next and defeat the last of the Orcs in a bloody battle.
When the Orcs attacked the human settlement, Marionette (“Mari”) took the children into a bunker to keep them safe. Not all of her people followed and they are now dead. When the battle ends, Mari looks at the starved children and knows that she will protect them now. They have no one else. But begging for food door-to-door is useless. No one will help. As she returns she sees a group of dark elves, but she knows they won’t attack her. Their king has told them the humans are workers and not sex-slaves. But she hears them saying that their Commander has offered food, a place to sleep, and protection in return for female favors for his men. Perhaps this is the answer to how she can feed the orphaned children? And when Karish takes Mari to his own bed, will he see things differently as she is willing to give herself to save the children and as their feelings for each other grow? Could this be the beginning of change between the humans and elves?
Battling the Orcs, Karish, the Dark Elf Commander, hears distant screaming and realizes this fight was merely a distraction while the Orcs were attacking the settlements nearby. The first settlement had already been destroyed, even women and children killed. They move on to the next and defeat the last of the Orcs in a bloody battle.
When the Orcs attacked the human settlement, Marionette (“Mari”) took the children into a bunker to keep them safe. Not all of her people followed and they are now dead. When the battle ends, Mari looks at the starved children and knows that she will protect them now. They have no one else. But begging for food door-to-door is useless. No one will help. As she returns she sees a group of dark elves, but she knows they won’t attack her. Their king has told them the humans are workers and not sex-slaves. But she hears them saying that their Commander has offered food, a place to sleep, and protection in return for female favors for his men. Perhaps this is the answer to how she can feed the orphaned children? And when Karish takes Mari to his own bed, will he see things differently as she is willing to give herself to save the children and as their feelings for each other grow? Could this be the beginning of change between the humans and elves?
December 29, 2022
I feel like I must have read a different book than everybody else? I kept seeing these Dark Elf covers popping up and decided to try one out since it was at least different. This is obviously part of a series but all the books can be read as standalones. Obviously a fantasy, this story centers on Karish, a dark elf general of sorts who patrols the borderlands and fights off enemy Orcs. Marionette is the human living in a nearby village that is decimated by one of the Orc incursions. Humans are little more than slaves or annoyances and since she is in charge of a surviving group of children she makes the decision to prostitute herself for food. Karish sleeps with nearly every human woman who shows up for the camp whore job (ick) and encounters our h. There are insta feelings and copious sex (more ick since he's such a manwhore first) Yadda, Yadda. This is short and in the first person with chapters alternating who is narrating. Honestly this reminds me of Ruby Dixon's Ice Planet series somewhat but not as well written. The h was typically innocent but becomes a sex machine with the H but it's been done to death and better. Am I missing something about this series? I may have to give another book in the series a shot but I picked this one because it had a higher rating. Kudo's on those covers though! They dragged me in for sure.
June 16, 2022
I loved this book and how the main characters had to learn and grow all the while keeping true to themselves. Mari is a human living in the human settlement until the Orc’s attacked them killing a lot of parents and now Mari has taken on the roll there carer but with so many mouths to feed and other humans settlements won’t take them in so she approaches the Dark Elves and offers herself up to them in exchange for food and protection for the children and herself. One violent Dark Elf goes to take her but the Dark Elf commander Karish bets him to it and now they are all under his protection. Commander Karish has just met a sexy human offering herself up for food and protection and he agrees mostly to stop the Elf from taking her because he finds her intriguing alluring and wants more than one night together and it isn’t long before they start a relationship together but not everyone is happy about it. Can they have a future together or not and can they change the way the other Dark Elves view humans in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 12, 2022
Mari has adopted and needs to feed a tassel of kids. In a world where humans have very little value to the dominant monster races, she decides to offer herself as a camp wench to the Dark Elf unit protecting the border against Orcs in exchange for food and a place to keep her family safe. In her mind, it’s a good trade off. Karish, the unit commander claims her for himself. Their courtship was a bit of a whirlwind. My favorite line in the story is when Karish thinks about his future epitaph:
"After a long, happy life with his wife, they both passed away on the same day surrounded by a million grandchildren."
I think that would be the most wonderful happy ending of all.
I like the Dark Elf series. Each story is a stand-alone. They have an almost fairytale quality to them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
"After a long, happy life with his wife, they both passed away on the same day surrounded by a million grandchildren."
I think that would be the most wonderful happy ending of all.
I like the Dark Elf series. Each story is a stand-alone. They have an almost fairytale quality to them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 19, 2022
I LOVE this series. Each story gets better and better. And fortunately this series as well as all the many creature of Protheka series are available to read for free with Kindle Unlimited. Mari has adopted all the orphaned kids in her village and is trying to provide for them all. She decides the only choice she has is to become a "comfort women" in the Dark Elf camp. Karish, the Dark Elf Commander has seen what these brutal orcs do to the human camps, killing men, women, and children. So when he sees Mari, he decides to keep her for himself. He is puzzled by this human, but intrigued as well. The book has great pace, twists, turns, sizzle, steam , and more. I loved the growth in this relationship and am so looking forward to the next 2 books. Awesome series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 16, 2023
IM OBSESSED WITH THESE DARK ELVES!!! Okay, I know I said how the last one was my new favorite, but I think this might be my new new favorite LOL. Each story in this series is completely different and that's what makes these so amazing. They're all fresh, new, and exciting! You fall in love with each couple relatively quickly and worry about them when they're in danger.
I also appreciate how each book builds off of the ones before it, bringing certain characters back or mentioning how the world is changing because of them. My only issue with any of these stories is that they're pretty short. You can definitely read one in a day, or even a busy weekend. I am so attached to these characters that I really could read more about each and every one!
I am addicted to this world that Celeste King has created and I want everyone to know it !!!!!
I also appreciate how each book builds off of the ones before it, bringing certain characters back or mentioning how the world is changing because of them. My only issue with any of these stories is that they're pretty short. You can definitely read one in a day, or even a busy weekend. I am so attached to these characters that I really could read more about each and every one!
I am addicted to this world that Celeste King has created and I want everyone to know it !!!!!
June 9, 2022
After an Orc attack on her human settlement, Mari (h) finds herself offering to be a military prostitute to the Dark Elves in order to be able to provide food and shelter the group of young orphan children she's taken into her care. Karish (H), a Dark Elf Commander, takes Mari to his bed and finds himself slowly being influence by the young woman and her loving devotion to her unorthodox family. They develop feelings for one another as their relationship develops from a sexual one to something much more. But their relationship will face challenges as they have to confront the distrustful and prejudiced feelings between the Dark Elves and humans. Looking forward to the next book in the series!
June 13, 2022
I love reading the stories based on the world Protheka by Celeste King. This engaging story is about Mari (Marionette) a human and Karish, an elf and unit commander. I got involved in their story while reading. I love both characters who ended up doing good for others. Mari is the primary keeper of young children, trying to keep them alive in a war-torn land between the Orc's and the Elves after her village was decimated by the Orc's. Mari chooses the Elves by offering herself as a bed wench when she hears there will be food, bed and protection. Mari is chosen by Karish. What happens as Karish begins to see through Mari eyes about how humans are treated, and their romance was quite entertaining read. I volunteer to read and review this ARC that I received via Booksprout.
June 14, 2022
I loved this book. Rich world building as always in these wonderful Protheka books. But the characters were the ones that completely captivated me. Mari's settlement was nearly completely decimated by orcs, and she had no way to feed the orphaned children in her care. She goes to the dark elf camp to trade her body in exchange for food and shelter for the children. She catches the eye of dark elf Commander Karish and the chemistry between them is palpable. They were very different people, and yet they were drawn to each other. His past is a sad one, emotionally, and I loved how she helped him to understand the concept of family and love. Karish is my favorite dark elf in this series. These stories only keep getting better. Wonderful read. 5 stars.
April 13, 2023
I still don’t understand
Why doesn’t anyone know about the Archduke’s marriage to a human? He’s the king’s brother for goodness sake and if they are trying to promote change, more people should know and it should be flaunted.
This book finally mentioned having kids between the two races, which I also don’t understand how it hasn’t happened yet considering it’s been years since the Great Rift.
Every book seems detached from each other, with barely a mention of the original characters from book one. I’m not used to that in a series like this and it makes getting attached to the characters difficult. Hopefully soon they will connect.
See my notes and highlights on Goodreads. Happy reading!
Why doesn’t anyone know about the Archduke’s marriage to a human? He’s the king’s brother for goodness sake and if they are trying to promote change, more people should know and it should be flaunted.
This book finally mentioned having kids between the two races, which I also don’t understand how it hasn’t happened yet considering it’s been years since the Great Rift.
Every book seems detached from each other, with barely a mention of the original characters from book one. I’m not used to that in a series like this and it makes getting attached to the characters difficult. Hopefully soon they will connect.
See my notes and highlights on Goodreads. Happy reading!
June 14, 2022
Like all dark elf Karish has no remorse and acts according to his ambitions, his thirst for power. In a cruel world he taught her that one must take what one desires at any cost.
And Mari? She grew up in the same world, humiliated and mistreated by all beings alike, orcs, elves and humans. What did she learn? That unconditional love is the force that drives us to move forward.
Once again this author brings us these strong women who are capable, through sheer willpower and good love, of changing the world around them and transforming the darkest heart.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
And Mari? She grew up in the same world, humiliated and mistreated by all beings alike, orcs, elves and humans. What did she learn? That unconditional love is the force that drives us to move forward.
Once again this author brings us these strong women who are capable, through sheer willpower and good love, of changing the world around them and transforming the darkest heart.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 10, 2022
Maria is a human caught in the wars and battles and over-rules of a land fear and starvation, her entire village is destoryed leaving her responsible for the fate and lives of some dear young children she has taken in and sworn to protect. How far will she go with Karish - The dark Elf Commander ? Can she survive to care for her little charges ?
More Erotic than i was expecting - short read , but with well written characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
More Erotic than i was expecting - short read , but with well written characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 11, 2022
good read
Sometimes when I read this series I get a little upset but I end up loving the part where the Dark Elf sees the error of their ways. I hope by the time this series is over that humans will be treated as equals. Now saying that Mari was taking care kids who had lost their parents. They were hungry and no one would help them. She went to the Dark Elf post to trade herself for food for the kids. The Commander fall for her and the takes her and the orphans under his protection. Good read.
Sometimes when I read this series I get a little upset but I end up loving the part where the Dark Elf sees the error of their ways. I hope by the time this series is over that humans will be treated as equals. Now saying that Mari was taking care kids who had lost their parents. They were hungry and no one would help them. She went to the Dark Elf post to trade herself for food for the kids. The Commander fall for her and the takes her and the orphans under his protection. Good read.
August 7, 2022
A good story and romance
I am reading this series and I have to say this is by far the nicest characters. It quite surprised me when the Commander Karish stopped to help a human female Marionette. And then he continued to help her in a fair way. I liked this flip of tone to the story. Marionette is like a guardian Angel and she helps children in need. The storyline is good and there is low angst. There is fighting with the Orcs in this book, like in the other books but no crossover characters. Read On!
I am reading this series and I have to say this is by far the nicest characters. It quite surprised me when the Commander Karish stopped to help a human female Marionette. And then he continued to help her in a fair way. I liked this flip of tone to the story. Marionette is like a guardian Angel and she helps children in need. The storyline is good and there is low angst. There is fighting with the Orcs in this book, like in the other books but no crossover characters. Read On!
June 9, 2022
A fast read. I liked that there was a bit of a look into Dark Elf culture, with the Caste System. It's a short book so there wasn't much time spent of the male lead actually earning the female leads trust, and the one major conflict sorted itself out way to easily considering the insult necessary for it to be resolved. I enjoyed it overall and will continue with the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 13, 2022
This book was ok. It was fast and the characters were decent. And I always like when humans are shown to be worthwhile. But I am beginning to feel like I have just been reading the same story over and over. It's good that the stories are standalone. But they have definite pattern and rhythm. And I don't think that they are hitting as well as the first few did.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 8, 2022
Wow!
I really enjoyed this story more than the others, not that the others were not good enough. This one was a bit different because it was more about the characters and their relationship. Karish was interesting in that he started out “cold and one dimensional” with Mari being “the brightness”. As the story progresses, you can see them change and it’s so much more. It’s more thought provoking with what they’re future holds when the story ends but I love it!
I really enjoyed this story more than the others, not that the others were not good enough. This one was a bit different because it was more about the characters and their relationship. Karish was interesting in that he started out “cold and one dimensional” with Mari being “the brightness”. As the story progresses, you can see them change and it’s so much more. It’s more thought provoking with what they’re future holds when the story ends but I love it!
June 16, 2022
This book was not my favorite of the series but it was still an enjoyable read. Mari has a heart of gold and would do anything for her family. Something that the dark elf Karish has no concept of and she needs his approval if she wants to successfully care for her children.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 24, 2023
Opposite Attracts but Commonalities Sustain
On the surface they are opposites. But, they soon discover that they have more in common than they originally believed.
At first, I didn't care for the main male lead but he soon redeemed himself and the way he connected with his mate was next level.
Yummy book to read.
On the surface they are opposites. But, they soon discover that they have more in common than they originally believed.
At first, I didn't care for the main male lead but he soon redeemed himself and the way he connected with his mate was next level.
Yummy book to read.
June 11, 2022
New
I enjoyed this story. It ended kind of weird but I enjoyed it anyway. It would be nice to read what happens after the story ends. It would be nice of one of these couple did have a baby at the end.
I enjoyed this story. It ended kind of weird but I enjoyed it anyway. It would be nice to read what happens after the story ends. It would be nice of one of these couple did have a baby at the end.
March 15, 2023
The Dark Elf's Mate.
This dark elves are suppose to be big and bad, but there must be quite a few good ones too. They seem to be able to find human women to fall in love with and care for them. I really like this series.
This dark elves are suppose to be big and bad, but there must be quite a few good ones too. They seem to be able to find human women to fall in love with and care for them. I really like this series.
June 12, 2023
Fantastic story
This story was so moving, exciting, entertaining and awe inspiring!!. Celeste is a fantastic storyteller and is a PHENOMENAL writer!! I love reading her stories they are always so moving!!.
This story was so moving, exciting, entertaining and awe inspiring!!. Celeste is a fantastic storyteller and is a PHENOMENAL writer!! I love reading her stories they are always so moving!!.
August 18, 2023
Elves and humans
The fight action in this book was enjoyable. Karish is a stern commander, but when he meets Mar, things become different. Mari is a determined female with children, depending on her. When she meets Karish, things become . . . .
The fight action in this book was enjoyable. Karish is a stern commander, but when he meets Mar, things become different. Mari is a determined female with children, depending on her. When she meets Karish, things become . . . .
June 11, 2022
Ok
This was ok. I think the first two were the best. The characters were kind of interesting, but the story seemed light.
This was ok. I think the first two were the best. The characters were kind of interesting, but the story seemed light.
June 12, 2022
I actually enjoyed this story - it was a little but gruesome at the start however I got past it. I would read another from this series / author
June 14, 2022
TW for survival sex-work in the beginning but that ends after a few chapters. The story was sweet and I think the characters had enough substance. Pretty fast read.
March 22, 2023
I loved it!
Such a riveting tale. I couldn’t put it down. I got so engrossed in the story that I actually felt like I was apart of the story.
Such a riveting tale. I couldn’t put it down. I got so engrossed in the story that I actually felt like I was apart of the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews