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The Princess Paradigm
Elven princesses aren’t supposed to fall for brutish human warriors, especially not warriors from an empire of ferocious conquerers.
But when the tattooed Colonel Mrothgar stalks into the elven court, claiming to be there on a diplomatic mission, Princess Hysithea has to learn more about him.
Not because he’s handsome and his smile makes her insides melt. As a princess, it’s her duty to protect her people, and she needs to find out if the colonel is a threat to them.
But what if the answer is yes? And what if her heart leads her astray?
She can’t protect her people if she falls in love with the man who wants to conquer them.
But when the tattooed Colonel Mrothgar stalks into the elven court, claiming to be there on a diplomatic mission, Princess Hysithea has to learn more about him.
Not because he’s handsome and his smile makes her insides melt. As a princess, it’s her duty to protect her people, and she needs to find out if the colonel is a threat to them.
But what if the answer is yes? And what if her heart leads her astray?
She can’t protect her people if she falls in love with the man who wants to conquer them.
421 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2022
533 people are currently reading
2429 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay Buroker
197 books6,284 followersI'm a full-time indie fantasy and science fiction author. When I'm not writing, I'm ferrying my dogs to hiking trails for adventures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
November 19, 2022
I was excited to read this after the first book. Sadly, this wasn’t as good.
The heroine was too stupid to live. She threw herself into danger without any safety measures, contingency plans, or real plans, just hoping to get lucky. As a member of the royal family she should have been more cognizant of her value as a hostage and as leverage; but like a child she just heedlessly jumped in without looking.
The hero was no prize either. They’re supposed to have grown close, but even when they are he has to tattle on her ? Why? And somehow it’s perfectly all right with him that
The story kind of dragged on. A lot of time is spent just waiting for them to get from point to point, mostly with a lot of very annoying people with them.
The harebrained plan that was enacted later on also made no sense to me. The people from the empire showed themselves to be honorless oathbreakers multiple times. From , they all lied like Pinocchio. In light of this, risking her life to was so pointless. The "deal" made was also extremely one-sided, as they would be giving things they couldn't take back, while he could just go back on his word anytime. In fact, he didn't even make any real concessions , so it seemed like they risked everything just for the chance to give him presents. So stupid.
The heroine was too stupid to live. She threw herself into danger without any safety measures, contingency plans, or real plans, just hoping to get lucky. As a member of the royal family she should have been more cognizant of her value as a hostage and as leverage; but like a child she just heedlessly jumped in without looking.
The hero was no prize either. They’re supposed to have grown close, but even when they are he has to tattle on her ? Why? And somehow it’s perfectly all right with him that
The story kind of dragged on. A lot of time is spent just waiting for them to get from point to point, mostly with a lot of very annoying people with them.
The harebrained plan that was enacted later on also made no sense to me. The people from the empire showed themselves to be honorless oathbreakers multiple times. From , they all lied like Pinocchio. In light of this, risking her life to was so pointless. The "deal" made was also extremely one-sided, as they would be giving things they couldn't take back, while he could just go back on his word anytime. In fact, he didn't even make any real concessions , so it seemed like they risked everything just for the chance to give him presents. So stupid.
August 18, 2022
Very disappointed. I almost DNF it at 25%, but I kept going because I really enjoyed The Elf Tangent. Should've trusted my instincts!
I just could not get over the book's major plot point: The heroine runs away from home with a band of enemy soldiers, because...reasons?? Even though everyone told her it was a bad idea, even though these soldiers stated their intentions to kidnap and torture her - she leaves with them! Surprise, surprise, that was a bad idea!
With that as the starting point, I never believed in the ensuing romance with Mro-what's-his-name. I don't like Hysithea, I don't like the LI, and the story fell flat for me because of the faulty premise. Lindsay Buroker had never failed me yet for fun romance, but I recommend skipping this one.
I just could not get over the book's major plot point: The heroine runs away from home with a band of enemy soldiers, because...reasons?? Even though everyone told her it was a bad idea, even though these soldiers stated their intentions to kidnap and torture her - she leaves with them! Surprise, surprise, that was a bad idea!
With that as the starting point, I never believed in the ensuing romance with Mro-what's-his-name. I don't like Hysithea, I don't like the LI, and the story fell flat for me because of the faulty premise. Lindsay Buroker had never failed me yet for fun romance, but I recommend skipping this one.
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July 18, 2022I struggled with this book. I have read quite a bit by this author and I have really enjoyed some of her prior series. She writes quirky characters and humor of a certain type into all her books. Unfortunately, this book which I read in between her Dragon Gate series, contains a certain aspect that is problematic for me. It has also has been overused in the Dragon Gate series which made it stick out more here. She keep using rape as a constant threat in this book and the other series. I have an issue with it being used as a plot device or a cheap trick to ratchet up the tension. 90% of men seemed to fantasize or contemplate rape in these books. Maybe it's not that prevalent but it sure felt like it is. I don't remember this as a trend in her other books or series. If it was, it wasn't to this degree. If this is something that keeps showing up in her books I might have to stop considering her an author to auto-read and research her future books more carefully.
July 3, 2022
What's with the cover models? :'D
I liked the first book better, but I really liked The Princess Paradigm as well and I do hope for more books in this series. I wonder if the next book is about Minya or Frey....
I liked the first book better, but I really liked The Princess Paradigm as well and I do hope for more books in this series. I wonder if the next book is about Minya or Frey....
August 3, 2022
I have trouble with this book. In general, i like the tension in hate to love romance or in slow burn romance.. But there are limits to what i can accept and enjoy. The attraction starting from first sight while the guy is threatening to kill her brother, and then when he is heard plotting to invade her nation.. Is absurd. I m dissapointed in writers who insist that the female lead is smart and then make her feel and act stupid. Why not make the atrraction gradual, when the guy actually does things worth admiring.. I find this insta_attraction to be cheap writing, and very often it romanticizes toxic love.. I barely managed to enjoy the first book, but the attraction wasn't this immediate and that mind_mudeling for the heroine. Ok, i can get it that her nation has no personal history with the empire's extension, and so she is not personally disturbed by the colonel's intent to invade and enslave another human nation. But, the moment she realises that he scheemes to invade her poeple too, she should stop having attraction, if not at all, then not at her leading thought.
So, yep, i did not finish the book. I stopped where the woman started comtenplating to '' runaway'' from home like some teenage girl .. And not for the good_empowering reasons, but mainly bc of attraction to the bad guy.. Yeah yeah he has a tatoo that says he is not bad..what an argument ! She knows that enslave and take multiple wives from the' 'prizes' ' of war, she hears the soldiers speak of' 'taking her like a piece of meat' ' but she insists they are honorable poeple, and she will be safe to go with them. I m too old for this teenager_mind-set.
So, yep, i did not finish the book. I stopped where the woman started comtenplating to '' runaway'' from home like some teenage girl .. And not for the good_empowering reasons, but mainly bc of attraction to the bad guy.. Yeah yeah he has a tatoo that says he is not bad..what an argument ! She knows that enslave and take multiple wives from the' 'prizes' ' of war, she hears the soldiers speak of' 'taking her like a piece of meat' ' but she insists they are honorable poeple, and she will be safe to go with them. I m too old for this teenager_mind-set.
July 9, 2022
Another Delightful Adventure!
Before I ramble about how much I loved this story, I want you to know you should read The Elf Tangent first! I guarantee you will want to read it after finishing this book, so you might as well start with it. The Princess Paradigm as a stand-alone is fine. However, The Elf Tangent will then lack that exciting anticipatory spark that all books ignite when you read them for the first time, not knowing for sure how the story will end.
That being said, I love these characters! I don’t know if all of the author’s books are written like this, but the dialogue and banter is so amusing. I never feel annoyed with any of the main characters. Nothing overly intense or egregious happens between them that might be stressful for the reader (which is often the case for many slow burn romances).
I read a variety of romance, including the more explicit ones. This is very tasteful, but is not exactly a fade-to-black. It’s primary focus is the adventure, love story, and growth of the main characters, not their extra curricular activities.
I’m super excited for the next installment, whenever that may be. It’s refreshing to read stories about intelligent women who solve problems with their brain not just their fists or magical equivalent.
Before I ramble about how much I loved this story, I want you to know you should read The Elf Tangent first! I guarantee you will want to read it after finishing this book, so you might as well start with it. The Princess Paradigm as a stand-alone is fine. However, The Elf Tangent will then lack that exciting anticipatory spark that all books ignite when you read them for the first time, not knowing for sure how the story will end.
That being said, I love these characters! I don’t know if all of the author’s books are written like this, but the dialogue and banter is so amusing. I never feel annoyed with any of the main characters. Nothing overly intense or egregious happens between them that might be stressful for the reader (which is often the case for many slow burn romances).
I read a variety of romance, including the more explicit ones. This is very tasteful, but is not exactly a fade-to-black. It’s primary focus is the adventure, love story, and growth of the main characters, not their extra curricular activities.
I’m super excited for the next installment, whenever that may be. It’s refreshing to read stories about intelligent women who solve problems with their brain not just their fists or magical equivalent.
October 1, 2022
I liked the characters, but the story felt too long and slow.
August 1, 2022
TW: SA, colonization, medical experimentation
The horse deserves his own book and is a gift to the world (much like in Tangled or Tamora Pierce's Protector of the Small series)
I adored the first book and was delighted to see a sequel. This book, however, was so much darker than the first one and the fact that Hysithea is very team anti-colonisation while her love interest is not, is concerning. I thought this book would conclude with the empire being disbanded or at least prevented from any future conquests, but it just concludes with assurances against conquering the lands of the MC in this book and the previous one.
I don't think Lindsay Buroker is pro-colonisation but I think once you bring up that colonisation is bad, and then this discussion is dropped, that has unfortunate implications. The first book had dark moments but was really cute but this one involved a lot more abuse and cruelty and I think could be really unexpectedly triggering for people that liked the first book. SA at the same time as medical experimentation to see what makes a species different is so very dark.
The horse deserves his own book and is a gift to the world (much like in Tangled or Tamora Pierce's Protector of the Small series)
I adored the first book and was delighted to see a sequel. This book, however, was so much darker than the first one and the fact that Hysithea is very team anti-colonisation while her love interest is not, is concerning. I thought this book would conclude with the empire being disbanded or at least prevented from any future conquests, but it just concludes with assurances against conquering the lands of the MC in this book and the previous one.
I don't think Lindsay Buroker is pro-colonisation but I think once you bring up that colonisation is bad, and then this discussion is dropped, that has unfortunate implications. The first book had dark moments but was really cute but this one involved a lot more abuse and cruelty and I think could be really unexpectedly triggering for people that liked the first book. SA at the same time as medical experimentation to see what makes a species different is so very dark.
August 22, 2022
Usually love Lindsay Buroker’s books. This one, though, had a h who, more often than not, was TSTL. So frustrating! And SO selfish. Everything was all about her trying to prove herself, no matter the cost. But since she’d rather come across as stupid than broken…let’s just say, not one of Lindsay’s top books.
July 20, 2022
2.5. This one made even less sense than the first book, which I liked. The characters here were one dimensional. Even the returning cast seemed less interesting. But it was an easy read that held my attention enough so I rounded up.
July 4, 2022
It took me a long time to finish this book (lol I guess five days is considered long for me, someone who usually devours books within 24-36 hours). I blame this family road-trip to Orlando, FL. Fun times but little reading time.
I felt like we got more romantic moments between Hysithea and Mrothgar (Lindsay and those neck kisses, man 😍) but due to the enemies to lovers trope, I was undecided about their feelings and true thoughts for each other until the very end. Nothing bad about it but I do tend to like to have my romance timeline spelled out for my couples. I’m just weird like that though.
The emperor plot line really took until 95% for resolution and the first 25-35% was a lot of set up. I can see how this might be too slow for new readers who aren’t very invested in these characters or their stories. But I still recommend it.
I think I enjoyed Aldari and Hawk’s story better due to the different plot points (lol I mean yes there is kidnapping but the stuff after that). Maybe it was the magic of learning about the new world that made me like it better?
Also there were some plot points that didn’t quite get tied up. Like Hysithea didn’t officially meet Mrothgar’s mother and aunt on the pages. And I wish we had his tattoo explanation scene written out instead of summarized. Ughh, I was looking forward to it ever since Hysithea mentioned how important tattoo’s are to Taldarians. And the spy/traitor! I have a gues to who it is. And Vorkroft’s end was kind of random and sudden??? And Hysithea’s nightmares and trigger of her Twisted days? Idk… I still have so many questions!
Also, I get that Lindsay wrote this story thinking of setting up the next book’s heroine and set up books always tend to hit weaker for me.
I still like Elf Tangent better and recommend reading that one first. Beware the slow burn and enemies to lovers trope and lite romance.
If you liked the world and wanted to find out what happens with Hawk’s sister, I think you’ll enjoy The Princess Paradigm.
I felt like we got more romantic moments between Hysithea and Mrothgar (Lindsay and those neck kisses, man 😍) but due to the enemies to lovers trope, I was undecided about their feelings and true thoughts for each other until the very end. Nothing bad about it but I do tend to like to have my romance timeline spelled out for my couples. I’m just weird like that though.
The emperor plot line really took until 95% for resolution and the first 25-35% was a lot of set up. I can see how this might be too slow for new readers who aren’t very invested in these characters or their stories. But I still recommend it.
I think I enjoyed Aldari and Hawk’s story better due to the different plot points (lol I mean yes there is kidnapping but the stuff after that). Maybe it was the magic of learning about the new world that made me like it better?
Also there were some plot points that didn’t quite get tied up. Like Hysithea didn’t officially meet Mrothgar’s mother and aunt on the pages. And I wish we had his tattoo explanation scene written out instead of summarized. Ughh, I was looking forward to it ever since Hysithea mentioned how important tattoo’s are to Taldarians. And the spy/traitor! I have a gues to who it is. And Vorkroft’s end was kind of random and sudden??? And Hysithea’s nightmares and trigger of her Twisted days? Idk… I still have so many questions!
Also, I get that Lindsay wrote this story thinking of setting up the next book’s heroine and set up books always tend to hit weaker for me.
I still like Elf Tangent better and recommend reading that one first. Beware the slow burn and enemies to lovers trope and lite romance.
If you liked the world and wanted to find out what happens with Hawk’s sister, I think you’ll enjoy The Princess Paradigm.
July 12, 2022
The first third of the book was a bit of a slog. The main character's choices made no sense whatsoever, drove me crazy, I had to put it down several times then come back to it the next day. It was better after that first third, though I never really grew to like the two main characters. I preferred Aldari and Hawk from the first book.
June 30, 2022
I struggled with this story, and the struggle was the FMC I could not like her, the first few chapters were full of self pity, then she drove straight to reckless, kind of like how she ended up twisted in the first book.
August 12, 2022
This was definitely not up to the author's standards. The horse was the only character with any personality. Go read her other books, this one is not worth the time.
January 12, 2026
**MINOR SPOILERS**
This book is the second book in what is, at the time of this writing, a duology, and would be better read after the first. The author has said she may write at least one more book in the series. Lindsay Buroker is an auto-buy for me and is usually an automatic 5 stars. Unfortunately, this was not a 5 star book.
Hysithea was formerly a member of the Twisted, a group of Elves who were cursed to be violently mindless. Spoiler… in the prior book, the curse was lifted. However, since being returned to herself, Hysithea is unable to access her magic, has nightmares, and feels a need to get away.
When members of a foreign delegation come in order to exchange envoys who will learn about their countries, she wants to go. It is unbelievable that she would be asked to go alone with no way to contact her family. When her parents refuse to let her go, she sneaks out on her own to join the delegation. This was foolish in the extreme. It was also unbelievable that the delegation would have been allowed to leave without an escort.
She becomes attracted to Mrothgar, one of the delegation. She continuously gives away what little information she has and then realizes afterwards that she has done so. She even deliberately shares some information and then is upset when she realizes it could be used against her. She does not come across as very bright. As she realizes that the delegation is basically a spying mission, she becomes more and more concerned about her country as well as that of Andari, her future sister-in-law.
The situation escalates with international implications and the final resolution was unlikely.
Andari, the female main character from the first book, appears in this book as well. She is bright and clever in this book too.
The world building is robust. I liked that a map was included.
The author writes characters that are realistic. They have flaws and a good side whether they are the hero or the villain with a few exceptions. Some of the characters are similar to characters in her other series.
I enjoy the vocabulary used by the author. She uses interesting words in her writing. The dialogue is often humorous although. However, the balance between serious story and the joking that the author does for levity was tipped too far in favor of levity, especially early in the book.
Mrothgar’s horse, Trezaki, was an entertaining character and seemed to understand when spoken to.
I will continue to read this author but I was disappointed in this book. It is not as good as the first book in the series.
This book is the second book in what is, at the time of this writing, a duology, and would be better read after the first. The author has said she may write at least one more book in the series. Lindsay Buroker is an auto-buy for me and is usually an automatic 5 stars. Unfortunately, this was not a 5 star book.
Hysithea was formerly a member of the Twisted, a group of Elves who were cursed to be violently mindless. Spoiler… in the prior book, the curse was lifted. However, since being returned to herself, Hysithea is unable to access her magic, has nightmares, and feels a need to get away.
When members of a foreign delegation come in order to exchange envoys who will learn about their countries, she wants to go. It is unbelievable that she would be asked to go alone with no way to contact her family. When her parents refuse to let her go, she sneaks out on her own to join the delegation. This was foolish in the extreme. It was also unbelievable that the delegation would have been allowed to leave without an escort.
She becomes attracted to Mrothgar, one of the delegation. She continuously gives away what little information she has and then realizes afterwards that she has done so. She even deliberately shares some information and then is upset when she realizes it could be used against her. She does not come across as very bright. As she realizes that the delegation is basically a spying mission, she becomes more and more concerned about her country as well as that of Andari, her future sister-in-law.
The situation escalates with international implications and the final resolution was unlikely.
Andari, the female main character from the first book, appears in this book as well. She is bright and clever in this book too.
The world building is robust. I liked that a map was included.
The author writes characters that are realistic. They have flaws and a good side whether they are the hero or the villain with a few exceptions. Some of the characters are similar to characters in her other series.
I enjoy the vocabulary used by the author. She uses interesting words in her writing. The dialogue is often humorous although. However, the balance between serious story and the joking that the author does for levity was tipped too far in favor of levity, especially early in the book.
Mrothgar’s horse, Trezaki, was an entertaining character and seemed to understand when spoken to.
I will continue to read this author but I was disappointed in this book. It is not as good as the first book in the series.
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December 3, 2024DNF 30%
🧝Unfortunately this did not catch my attention at all🧝♂️
And I believe these are the reasons:
Overall, we're dealing with a stubborn and stupid 23 yo FMC who wants to show she can do whatever everyone else can and maybe throwing a bit of a tantrum. I did not relate to her whatsoever. As an author, if you're going to write a second book, please link the books together on various platforms. I did not know that this one was linked to The Elf Tangent. luckily I did read TET, but a year ago, which means I did not understand (remember) what the FMC had been through. Therefore, if you do not link your books as an author, please give us a lot more information than this on what previously happened. Yes, we got info on the wicked and saving the kingdom and the FMC, but why didn't we dig deeper into what happened to the FMC during that time? If I had known, I might even have understood her temper tantrums and why she so desperately wanted to prove to her family that she wasn't fragile. Unfortunately, this wasn't clear so I simply just hated her for being stupid and reckless by jumping into danger without thinking about the consequences. Her trauma could have been described better, and in much more detail. We did get a nightmare after her recklessness. But that was too late.
Also, the FMC seeing too many expressions on the MMC while they're both on a fucking horse. Unrealistic! First, staring at him for so long will get you neck pain. Second, way too intimate for two people who just met. Stare straight ahead and talk. Like normal people. 😅
I know this superficial, but it still bothered me.
So yeah, I wished for a much better beginning on this, but it simply just lacked. Thus, I didn't really like the FMC. I do have a feeling it gets better, but I just can't when I already dislike the main character.
🧝Unfortunately this did not catch my attention at all🧝♂️
And I believe these are the reasons:
Overall, we're dealing with a stubborn and stupid 23 yo FMC who wants to show she can do whatever everyone else can and maybe throwing a bit of a tantrum. I did not relate to her whatsoever. As an author, if you're going to write a second book, please link the books together on various platforms. I did not know that this one was linked to The Elf Tangent. luckily I did read TET, but a year ago, which means I did not understand (remember) what the FMC had been through. Therefore, if you do not link your books as an author, please give us a lot more information than this on what previously happened. Yes, we got info on the wicked and saving the kingdom and the FMC, but why didn't we dig deeper into what happened to the FMC during that time? If I had known, I might even have understood her temper tantrums and why she so desperately wanted to prove to her family that she wasn't fragile. Unfortunately, this wasn't clear so I simply just hated her for being stupid and reckless by jumping into danger without thinking about the consequences. Her trauma could have been described better, and in much more detail. We did get a nightmare after her recklessness. But that was too late.
Also, the FMC seeing too many expressions on the MMC while they're both on a fucking horse. Unrealistic! First, staring at him for so long will get you neck pain. Second, way too intimate for two people who just met. Stare straight ahead and talk. Like normal people. 😅
I know this superficial, but it still bothered me.
So yeah, I wished for a much better beginning on this, but it simply just lacked. Thus, I didn't really like the FMC. I do have a feeling it gets better, but I just can't when I already dislike the main character.
October 24, 2022
Not as good as author’s other books; but a pleasant, light read
The book is well edited in terms of punctuation and typos, but there is a preponderance of passive voice verbs that distance the reader from the action. Instead of feeling immersed in the story, the reader may feel more like an observer of past fictional events.
The protagonist is somewhat believable, but she is terribly naive. The author gives a plausible reason for her actions, mentioned over and over again, that she has traumatic memories to deal with, and those memories motivate her to go on her adventure. She has some fun banter with the male protagonist, which is typical of Buroker’s romance novels; however, the dialog feels formulaic instead of fresh and original. Too many of Buroker’s heroines are nerdy virgins with a bit of sass.
The hunky male hero is very observant, and Buroker captures his inner struggles with wonderful nuance. His horse is delightfully described.
The journey has a few dire incidents, including an almost rape, but the characters are frequently too handily rescued without much agency on their part. The secondary characters who are connected to Hysithea are too nice and accommodating. Not much conflict to overcome for her in terms of her family.
What redeems the book is the last action scene. It is spectacular but over too quickly and needs more emotional punch and sensory details to slow it down.
This book feels like a quickie written with less care and attention to detail than the author’s other books. The scenes lack sensory details—colors, smells, sounds, etc. There are details to get the gist, but there’s a lot left to be imagined. In spite of these issues, it’s still a pleasant story for passing the time.
The book is well edited in terms of punctuation and typos, but there is a preponderance of passive voice verbs that distance the reader from the action. Instead of feeling immersed in the story, the reader may feel more like an observer of past fictional events.
The protagonist is somewhat believable, but she is terribly naive. The author gives a plausible reason for her actions, mentioned over and over again, that she has traumatic memories to deal with, and those memories motivate her to go on her adventure. She has some fun banter with the male protagonist, which is typical of Buroker’s romance novels; however, the dialog feels formulaic instead of fresh and original. Too many of Buroker’s heroines are nerdy virgins with a bit of sass.
The hunky male hero is very observant, and Buroker captures his inner struggles with wonderful nuance. His horse is delightfully described.
The journey has a few dire incidents, including an almost rape, but the characters are frequently too handily rescued without much agency on their part. The secondary characters who are connected to Hysithea are too nice and accommodating. Not much conflict to overcome for her in terms of her family.
What redeems the book is the last action scene. It is spectacular but over too quickly and needs more emotional punch and sensory details to slow it down.
This book feels like a quickie written with less care and attention to detail than the author’s other books. The scenes lack sensory details—colors, smells, sounds, etc. There are details to get the gist, but there’s a lot left to be imagined. In spite of these issues, it’s still a pleasant story for passing the time.
November 1, 2024
The first book The Elf Tangent is nothing like this one. I had some issues with it but the characters, especially the woman lead, grew on me and actually acted in rational and thoughtful ways.
This one was bad. I kept skipping chapters at a time just to get through with it. So what made it such a painful experience?
- The pace was too slow
- The main protagonist is a supremely ridiculous and bad decision maker. Every thought, decision, argument were so frustrating to read about. This only got worse as the book went on and then acts shocked when people she clearly heard planning to manipulate her actually... manipulated her. Or when she WILLINGLY goes with kidnappers who were quite honest about their harmful motivations, and then is shook when they won't let her leave.
- I think the worst part was how she justified every stupid decision by even worse excuses. Most of them having to do with trusting a man she knew for 5 minutes. Why this blind trust in spite of every read flag? Because of some tattoo he had about honour. Give me a break. She acted like a 15 year old.
- A big point of this book was the Elfs assassinating some soldiers on an invasion mission. They were SOLDIERS sent to INVADE a land, and it just sounds like their feelings got hurt when people died and now want revenge. What kind of logic is that?!
- The characters are one dimensional and really unlikable. I never wanted to root for them and the only reason I wanted this threat to end is because of characters who crossed over from the previous book.
Skip this one and never look back.
This one was bad. I kept skipping chapters at a time just to get through with it. So what made it such a painful experience?
- The pace was too slow
- The main protagonist is a supremely ridiculous and bad decision maker. Every thought, decision, argument were so frustrating to read about. This only got worse as the book went on and then acts shocked when people she clearly heard planning to manipulate her actually... manipulated her. Or when she WILLINGLY goes with kidnappers who were quite honest about their harmful motivations, and then is shook when they won't let her leave.
- I think the worst part was how she justified every stupid decision by even worse excuses. Most of them having to do with trusting a man she knew for 5 minutes. Why this blind trust in spite of every read flag? Because of some tattoo he had about honour. Give me a break. She acted like a 15 year old.
- A big point of this book was the Elfs assassinating some soldiers on an invasion mission. They were SOLDIERS sent to INVADE a land, and it just sounds like their feelings got hurt when people died and now want revenge. What kind of logic is that?!
- The characters are one dimensional and really unlikable. I never wanted to root for them and the only reason I wanted this threat to end is because of characters who crossed over from the previous book.
Skip this one and never look back.
August 3, 2022
Fun
This book is a bit grittier, harsher but still good with the best biting horse I've ever fallen in love with. Book 1 is still my favorite favorite.
The main lady elf has recently been turned back to an elf from a murdering zombie and has reasonable ptsd from the event and is bucking against the coddling of her family and the suspicion of her village. Also her magic is broken .
She makes REALLY BAD CHOICE HERE. THAT MADE ME YELL AND RAWR (it was dumb). And finds herself in TERRIBLE POSITION. Thankfully, part of that position is right in front of gumbly hunk of a man ontop of said biting horse.
I loved the man. I loved the horse. She grew on me and I would have loved her had she not made dumb choice.
There is peril as they go back to the capital. One unfortunate event after the next and she starts making better choices. But then the last is a dangerous but reasonable one.
I loved the end.
The bows were tied well.
There is the start of sex on screen (not all fade to black). And another scene with a bad guy and almost R*pe. That scene was terrible but not long and not completed. Otherwise normal battle deaths with arrows or bullets.
This book is a bit grittier, harsher but still good with the best biting horse I've ever fallen in love with. Book 1 is still my favorite favorite.
The main lady elf has recently been turned back to an elf from a murdering zombie and has reasonable ptsd from the event and is bucking against the coddling of her family and the suspicion of her village. Also her magic is broken .
She makes REALLY BAD CHOICE HERE. THAT MADE ME YELL AND RAWR (it was dumb). And finds herself in TERRIBLE POSITION. Thankfully, part of that position is right in front of gumbly hunk of a man ontop of said biting horse.
I loved the man. I loved the horse. She grew on me and I would have loved her had she not made dumb choice.
There is peril as they go back to the capital. One unfortunate event after the next and she starts making better choices. But then the last is a dangerous but reasonable one.
I loved the end.
The bows were tied well.
There is the start of sex on screen (not all fade to black). And another scene with a bad guy and almost R*pe. That scene was terrible but not long and not completed. Otherwise normal battle deaths with arrows or bullets.
October 3, 2022
A fresh take on elves with a beautiful HEA
I truly enjoyed this book as well as The Elf Tangent that was the first installment of the series. This new world was expanded so well after having previously described to perfection in The Elf Tangent, which described Serth and Delantria. This novel focused on Serth and Taldaria which was done very well. I am growing very fond of this world, the series, and the characters involved!! I would love to read a book about Hysithea’s and Hawk’s other brother in the next installment in which he would hopefully travel to Razgizar on his own adventure to hopefully be involved in his own kidnapping or marriage conquest!! This book, The Princess Paradigm was very different from the first book, and even though the villain of this novel was mostly a singular person as well as another nation, it was comparable but done even better than the first book. If you enjoy a slow burn romance with enemies to lovers and a great adventure then this series is a great way to go!! I love Lindsay Buroker and her other books. Keep up the great work!! 👍👍👍
I truly enjoyed this book as well as The Elf Tangent that was the first installment of the series. This new world was expanded so well after having previously described to perfection in The Elf Tangent, which described Serth and Delantria. This novel focused on Serth and Taldaria which was done very well. I am growing very fond of this world, the series, and the characters involved!! I would love to read a book about Hysithea’s and Hawk’s other brother in the next installment in which he would hopefully travel to Razgizar on his own adventure to hopefully be involved in his own kidnapping or marriage conquest!! This book, The Princess Paradigm was very different from the first book, and even though the villain of this novel was mostly a singular person as well as another nation, it was comparable but done even better than the first book. If you enjoy a slow burn romance with enemies to lovers and a great adventure then this series is a great way to go!! I love Lindsay Buroker and her other books. Keep up the great work!! 👍👍👍
December 16, 2025
Most of the time elves and humans simply do not mix. least of all romantically.
Princess Hysithea did not plan to do so either, being an eleven princess and struggling with her magic.
But when some human warriors arrived and it became evident that the human emperor is evidently intend on wiping out the entire. elven nation, she had the notion she might just be able to sway the emperor's mind somehow, problematic magic or not.
And the handsome Colonel Mrothgar somehow might just be persuaded to somehow assist her, willingly or not.
The Princess Paradigm is a fantasy romance with quite a number of adventures thrown into the plot, in a rather strange world... enough to keep one paging the pages right up to the end.
Enjoy.
Princess Hysithea did not plan to do so either, being an eleven princess and struggling with her magic.
But when some human warriors arrived and it became evident that the human emperor is evidently intend on wiping out the entire. elven nation, she had the notion she might just be able to sway the emperor's mind somehow, problematic magic or not.
And the handsome Colonel Mrothgar somehow might just be persuaded to somehow assist her, willingly or not.
The Princess Paradigm is a fantasy romance with quite a number of adventures thrown into the plot, in a rather strange world... enough to keep one paging the pages right up to the end.
Enjoy.
August 8, 2022
What A Great Read!
This book took me through so many emotions. I was so tempted to jump to the end just to see how it ended (lol I did, but read the book from cover to cover). I loved how Hysithea and Mrothgar's relationship unfolded. Let's just admit, the beginning was a bit rough, but was pleased with the ending. It was also nice to see a softer side of Hawk when dealing with his twin sister. The older brother was mentioned occasionally throughout the book, l've been loving this series so much, it would be nice if Buroker made it a family affair and also wrote a book on the older brother 👀.
This book took me through so many emotions. I was so tempted to jump to the end just to see how it ended (lol I did, but read the book from cover to cover). I loved how Hysithea and Mrothgar's relationship unfolded. Let's just admit, the beginning was a bit rough, but was pleased with the ending. It was also nice to see a softer side of Hawk when dealing with his twin sister. The older brother was mentioned occasionally throughout the book, l've been loving this series so much, it would be nice if Buroker made it a family affair and also wrote a book on the older brother 👀.
January 10, 2025
This is another stand-alone novel by Lindsay Buroker. It is set in the same world as The Elf Tangent and contains some of the same characters.
I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy this book as much as I had The Elf Tangent as I thought the main character was behaving rather stupidly. Perhaps she was naive but she had ample opportunity to grow throughout the story and there were paths the plot turned down I didn't expect.
I ended up enjoying this story just as much as the other and am hoping the author does a third installment with the new character introduced at the end of this one.
I do have to admit: my favorite character was the horse.
I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy this book as much as I had The Elf Tangent as I thought the main character was behaving rather stupidly. Perhaps she was naive but she had ample opportunity to grow throughout the story and there were paths the plot turned down I didn't expect.
I ended up enjoying this story just as much as the other and am hoping the author does a third installment with the new character introduced at the end of this one.
I do have to admit: my favorite character was the horse.
June 29, 2022
From Enemies to Lovers
It is great that she (Lindsay Buroker) caved to requests for more books in stand alone Elf Tangent. She is correct that you did have to read the first to enjoy this.
As per usual, character development was terrific.
She offers herself to learn more about the enemy, he offers to protect her. Once on the road, she finds she is not a guest, but a science project. His horse, a brute, carries both. Mutual attraction keeps going, even the horse becomes her protector.
There is enough conflict and intrigue to keep it a
It is great that she (Lindsay Buroker) caved to requests for more books in stand alone Elf Tangent. She is correct that you did have to read the first to enjoy this.
As per usual, character development was terrific.
She offers herself to learn more about the enemy, he offers to protect her. Once on the road, she finds she is not a guest, but a science project. His horse, a brute, carries both. Mutual attraction keeps going, even the horse becomes her protector.
There is enough conflict and intrigue to keep it a
October 22, 2022
I was given a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. While it says the book is a standalone I saw a few reviews saying you should read 'The Elf Tangent' first and I completely agree.
Despite the author stating this is a standalone with cross over characters if you read this on its own you'd be extremely confused. So much of the story is based on what happened in Tangent.
I will say I liked this one more, the characters have more personality and are more interesting. I also liked that it actually had romance and not just flirting.
Despite the author stating this is a standalone with cross over characters if you read this on its own you'd be extremely confused. So much of the story is based on what happened in Tangent.
I will say I liked this one more, the characters have more personality and are more interesting. I also liked that it actually had romance and not just flirting.
December 29, 2022
Another fun adventure
I was surprised and pleased to see another story set in this world. I was interested in the story of the princess trying to reacclimate after being cursed.
Hysethia wasn’t my favorite heroine. She had questionable judgement to say the least. But it also kept me reading to find out how much trouble she was bringing on herself.
I always love the colorful side characters in Buroker’s books. While more subtle than others, the diva, but ever-loyal horse didn’t disappoint.
I’ve got my fingers crossed for a third book!
I was surprised and pleased to see another story set in this world. I was interested in the story of the princess trying to reacclimate after being cursed.
Hysethia wasn’t my favorite heroine. She had questionable judgement to say the least. But it also kept me reading to find out how much trouble she was bringing on herself.
I always love the colorful side characters in Buroker’s books. While more subtle than others, the diva, but ever-loyal horse didn’t disappoint.
I’ve got my fingers crossed for a third book!
October 8, 2023
After reading the Elf Tangent by this author, I was interested in reading some of her other work. I enjoyed this book very much right up until there’s a rescue about 3/4 thru the book. At that point, I thought the plot lost a lot of credibility as it is hard to believe two men (warriors) would be so easily convinced to take the princess’s plan possible. And I found it strange that the author would choose to go from such a serious situation to almost comical at times, but if you like light hearted, the ending will not be a disappointment. I was disappointed, but this was still a nice read.
January 27, 2026
Elf and human team together to stop a war
I am a Lindsay Buroker fan and enjoy her novels.
This one is a slow burn romance between a rugged, but handsome human warlord and a feisty female elf who are thrown together first as enemies but eventually try to stop a war between their two countries.
I enjoyed the action, but even more the banter between them. The interaction of the warlord’s horse and petite elf was hilarious and added to the story.
All in all, a fun read that I would recommend.
I am a Lindsay Buroker fan and enjoy her novels.
This one is a slow burn romance between a rugged, but handsome human warlord and a feisty female elf who are thrown together first as enemies but eventually try to stop a war between their two countries.
I enjoyed the action, but even more the banter between them. The interaction of the warlord’s horse and petite elf was hilarious and added to the story.
All in all, a fun read that I would recommend.
June 29, 2022
A Heroic Princess and a Sweet-loving Horse
Buroker draws an interesting elven princess whose nightmarish baggage pushes her to daring lengths. Be careful what you wish for…because it’s never quite as expected when you get it.
While the romance felt rushed and the resolution seemed a bit too convenient, the story had good pacing and a touch of the sassy dialogue that makes Buroker one of my favorite authors.
Buroker draws an interesting elven princess whose nightmarish baggage pushes her to daring lengths. Be careful what you wish for…because it’s never quite as expected when you get it.
While the romance felt rushed and the resolution seemed a bit too convenient, the story had good pacing and a touch of the sassy dialogue that makes Buroker one of my favorite authors.
July 1, 2022
I really enjoy this world and characters but wish the books were a little longer and more detailed. The romance developed very quickly and the major conflict was resolved even faster—I think a little more detail towards the end would have helped make the conclusion seem a bit more believable. But definitely another great book from Buroker. I’m very interested to see if she continues writing books in this series.
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