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Elves of Eldarlan #4
The Elven Healer's Apprentice
Merlon, the king of Eldarlan’s healer, hides his soft heart beneath a prickly exterior. Despite a traumatic childhood, he strives to excel as a healer and an elf. But he gets more than he bargained for when he rescues a human woman from certain death right before being snared in the curse put on the king of Eldarlan.
Left to fend for herself in an absent elf healer’s compound, Adela tries to be useful. The patients call her the healer’s apprentice. Something the healer rejects when he finally returns. Despite his grumpy manner, the healer displays a strange mixture of kindness and care. Intrigued, Adela suspects the healer hides more than he reveals.
The Elven Healer’s Apprentice is a light, fantasy romance novella about a romance between an elven healer and a human woman. It features a grumpy sunshine romance where opposites attract when they encounter forced proximity and jeopardy.
Left to fend for herself in an absent elf healer’s compound, Adela tries to be useful. The patients call her the healer’s apprentice. Something the healer rejects when he finally returns. Despite his grumpy manner, the healer displays a strange mixture of kindness and care. Intrigued, Adela suspects the healer hides more than he reveals.
The Elven Healer’s Apprentice is a light, fantasy romance novella about a romance between an elven healer and a human woman. It features a grumpy sunshine romance where opposites attract when they encounter forced proximity and jeopardy.
179 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 9, 2023
34 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 16, 2023
I've been loving these short, clean and swoony, elf romances by Elisa Rae! Each book in this series just gets better and better, and I ADORED this latest release in the series when I read it over the weekend! I might love it just as much as book 3, and Emrys and Kate are hard to top!
This book is definitely a sunshine x grumpy trope. I loved how grumpy and irritable Merlon is without being abusive or cruel (which is a hard line to balance). Adela makes for a lovely heroine. A compassionate heroine, yet she's also strong enough to carry on through the tragedies in her life.
These books are nice and short if you are looking for an easy read. It is hard to find cute and clean elf romances, so if you are looking for more of those, you'll want to check out the Elves of Eldarlan series!
This book is definitely a sunshine x grumpy trope. I loved how grumpy and irritable Merlon is without being abusive or cruel (which is a hard line to balance). Adela makes for a lovely heroine. A compassionate heroine, yet she's also strong enough to carry on through the tragedies in her life.
These books are nice and short if you are looking for an easy read. It is hard to find cute and clean elf romances, so if you are looking for more of those, you'll want to check out the Elves of Eldarlan series!
June 14, 2023
Content:
Language: None.
Violence: Mild. Perilous situations, a character gets roughed up and is bruised and a little bloody. Cuts and other injuries are on screen due to the main character's profession as a healer.
Sexual: Mild. Some hugs and kissing.
CW: There is a child death in the book. Abusive relatives also, emotional and physical. Nothing is dwelt on long though, only to illustrate why a character acts as they do in the present from those past experiences.
3.5 stars
I was really looking forward to Merlon's story as he's been there from the start of the series. Knowing this was a grump/sunshine trope also intrigued me. I enjoy the misunderstood grump that lets the outgoing optimist into their life stories.
This wasn't that. I was disappointed by a lot of the choices in the book. Firstly, that it is once again, another 'fated mates' love story. It's hard to do those well, and I found it to be a bit of a lazy choice for this story. Merlon does a 180 once he figures out that Adela is his fated person. It wasn't portrayed as him actually coming around to liking her, it was all about his reaction to how touching her made everything sharper, and helped his magic and so on.
And Adela wasn't a sunshine character as I'd heard from others. She was pretty pragmatic and incredibly permissive of Merlon's grumpiness. The two of them had really similar backgrounds, which made for a lovely scene of connection pretty early into their acquaintance. I would've loved for the book to keep on that track rather than getting distracted by the weird fated mates trope. I wanted genuineness from the two of them, not Adela trying to keep her safe place at Merlon's house, or Merlon giving in and deciding to love her because of his weird responses to the mate thing.
I was seriously irritated by the end of the book. Mostly because the potential for me to adore the story was there, but fell flat because of the missed romantic opportunities of true connection and not a magically forced one. ie: I wanted them to choose to like-love each other, not be all "I love you because it's destiny.
Knowing the next book in the series is yet another fated mates book made me groan deeply. I don't know if I can do another one. I want choice in my romance. I want the two love interests to spark out of a mutual respect for their actual character or personality, not some arbitrary magic bond. Fated mates is just not a trope I find romantic whatsoever.
Language: None.
Violence: Mild. Perilous situations, a character gets roughed up and is bruised and a little bloody. Cuts and other injuries are on screen due to the main character's profession as a healer.
Sexual: Mild. Some hugs and kissing.
CW: There is a child death in the book. Abusive relatives also, emotional and physical. Nothing is dwelt on long though, only to illustrate why a character acts as they do in the present from those past experiences.
3.5 stars
I was really looking forward to Merlon's story as he's been there from the start of the series. Knowing this was a grump/sunshine trope also intrigued me. I enjoy the misunderstood grump that lets the outgoing optimist into their life stories.
This wasn't that. I was disappointed by a lot of the choices in the book. Firstly, that it is once again, another 'fated mates' love story. It's hard to do those well, and I found it to be a bit of a lazy choice for this story. Merlon does a 180 once he figures out that Adela is his fated person. It wasn't portrayed as him actually coming around to liking her, it was all about his reaction to how touching her made everything sharper, and helped his magic and so on.
And Adela wasn't a sunshine character as I'd heard from others. She was pretty pragmatic and incredibly permissive of Merlon's grumpiness. The two of them had really similar backgrounds, which made for a lovely scene of connection pretty early into their acquaintance. I would've loved for the book to keep on that track rather than getting distracted by the weird fated mates trope. I wanted genuineness from the two of them, not Adela trying to keep her safe place at Merlon's house, or Merlon giving in and deciding to love her because of his weird responses to the mate thing.
I was seriously irritated by the end of the book. Mostly because the potential for me to adore the story was there, but fell flat because of the missed romantic opportunities of true connection and not a magically forced one. ie: I wanted them to choose to like-love each other, not be all "I love you because it's destiny.
Knowing the next book in the series is yet another fated mates book made me groan deeply. I don't know if I can do another one. I want choice in my romance. I want the two love interests to spark out of a mutual respect for their actual character or personality, not some arbitrary magic bond. Fated mates is just not a trope I find romantic whatsoever.
April 3, 2023
I want to read more now.
This is a brand new author to me and I picked up this book looking for healer stories.
It’s a short, easy read with the healer vibe. Lord of hurt/comfort and plenty of elves.
The blurb I read said it could be read as a standalone and I haven’t read the other books in the series and was able to follow it just fine so I agree it could be a standalone but with the other characters that we see and the events referenced throughout I think reading the other books in the series would make it much more enjoyable.
I plan to go back and read the others since the events sound intriguing and I like the writing style.
A m/f romantic fantasy. Found family, Fae creatures, elves, fast paced and the only one horse trope.
Dual povs told in first person
Main couple-
Merlin- male, light elf healer
Adela- female, human healer/midwife
Steam- low, clean read with only kissing
This is a brand new author to me and I picked up this book looking for healer stories.
It’s a short, easy read with the healer vibe. Lord of hurt/comfort and plenty of elves.
The blurb I read said it could be read as a standalone and I haven’t read the other books in the series and was able to follow it just fine so I agree it could be a standalone but with the other characters that we see and the events referenced throughout I think reading the other books in the series would make it much more enjoyable.
I plan to go back and read the others since the events sound intriguing and I like the writing style.
A m/f romantic fantasy. Found family, Fae creatures, elves, fast paced and the only one horse trope.
Dual povs told in first person
Main couple-
Merlin- male, light elf healer
Adela- female, human healer/midwife
Steam- low, clean read with only kissing
February 7, 2023
I received an ARC of this novella in exchange for an honest review.
This slow burn romance offers a unique and realistic garnering of respect between the main characters human Adela and Merlon the elf Merlon. Sensory details and interesting side characters add humor and heart to this epic journey to fated love. I especially loved Sina the overbearing hobgoblin and Sage the stubborn unicorn.
The book itself had some errors that I assume will be removed in the final form of the book. There were less than six that I saw in the entire 179 pages and they did not make finishing the book a problem for me.
My favorite part of the plot was the mystery behind the unique ability Adela has considering she is a non-magical human. I also appreciated how unique the take on Elves is and the relationships between Merlon and the other Elven leaders in their territories. The backstories of the characters are seamlessly woven into how the romance develops (so no major info dumps) and adds to the emotional elements of the story. Enough action kept me reading and thinking about the book even when life made me put down my phone.
Overall, I would give this story 4 stars and encourage you to check it out!
This slow burn romance offers a unique and realistic garnering of respect between the main characters human Adela and Merlon the elf Merlon. Sensory details and interesting side characters add humor and heart to this epic journey to fated love. I especially loved Sina the overbearing hobgoblin and Sage the stubborn unicorn.
The book itself had some errors that I assume will be removed in the final form of the book. There were less than six that I saw in the entire 179 pages and they did not make finishing the book a problem for me.
My favorite part of the plot was the mystery behind the unique ability Adela has considering she is a non-magical human. I also appreciated how unique the take on Elves is and the relationships between Merlon and the other Elven leaders in their territories. The backstories of the characters are seamlessly woven into how the romance develops (so no major info dumps) and adds to the emotional elements of the story. Enough action kept me reading and thinking about the book even when life made me put down my phone.
Overall, I would give this story 4 stars and encourage you to check it out!
February 12, 2023
3.85 stars. An elven healer returns from an involuntary absence to find the human woman he rescued before his disappearance ensconced far more firmly into his life than he cares to find comfortable.
Though this is part of a series and I have not read the other books, there's enough context included for this to stand on its own. It's a slice-of-life story, with the fantastic elements coming from the characters and the patients being treated rather than any overarching magical/mystical/otherworldly quests or puzzles to be solved, Though it is a pleasant read, there isn't much build to the relationship between Adela and Merlon. Instead, Adela's switch from "admittedly talented intruder" to "love interest" hinges upon one decision by Merlon, after which their relationship still lacked much of the growing warmth and connection one hopes for between characters realizing their affection for each other. When the climactic dark moment occurred, it was partially resolved off-screen by someone other than Merlon, which made it seem an unnecessary effort to tie up one last loose end without investing too much additional plot time into it.
I was given the opportunity to review an e-ARC of THE ELVEN HEALER'S APPRENTICE through NetGalley.
Though this is part of a series and I have not read the other books, there's enough context included for this to stand on its own. It's a slice-of-life story, with the fantastic elements coming from the characters and the patients being treated rather than any overarching magical/mystical/otherworldly quests or puzzles to be solved, Though it is a pleasant read, there isn't much build to the relationship between Adela and Merlon. Instead, Adela's switch from "admittedly talented intruder" to "love interest" hinges upon one decision by Merlon, after which their relationship still lacked much of the growing warmth and connection one hopes for between characters realizing their affection for each other. When the climactic dark moment occurred, it was partially resolved off-screen by someone other than Merlon, which made it seem an unnecessary effort to tie up one last loose end without investing too much additional plot time into it.
I was given the opportunity to review an e-ARC of THE ELVEN HEALER'S APPRENTICE through NetGalley.
February 12, 2023
The Elven Healer's Apprentice
4 Stars
The Elven Healer's Apprentice was an enjoyable read. I fell right into the book, and read it in one setting. I loved the sweet, slow-burn romance side- story inside of a magical adventure.
We follow a young lady named Adela, who is a human healer that comes from an abusive home life. She's reluctantly saved by a grumpy old Elven healer. He took her to his home, like a stray animal (like the others he saved), and abandoned her for a while. Let the games begin!
I love Adela's witty banter with Merlin. Each of them has a lot to learn from each other. Adela’s smart, kind and hardworking. She has her work cut out for her. Adela’s trying to find a place to fit in, and not upset the stubborn elf. This short story had cool magical creatures and interesting side characters. All in all, The Elven Healer's Apprentice was a pretty uplifting, fun, and lighthearted book. Thank you, NetGalley and, for an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
4 Stars
The Elven Healer's Apprentice was an enjoyable read. I fell right into the book, and read it in one setting. I loved the sweet, slow-burn romance side- story inside of a magical adventure.
We follow a young lady named Adela, who is a human healer that comes from an abusive home life. She's reluctantly saved by a grumpy old Elven healer. He took her to his home, like a stray animal (like the others he saved), and abandoned her for a while. Let the games begin!
I love Adela's witty banter with Merlin. Each of them has a lot to learn from each other. Adela’s smart, kind and hardworking. She has her work cut out for her. Adela’s trying to find a place to fit in, and not upset the stubborn elf. This short story had cool magical creatures and interesting side characters. All in all, The Elven Healer's Apprentice was a pretty uplifting, fun, and lighthearted book. Thank you, NetGalley and, for an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 2, 2023
To start, thank you so much for this ARC. I have always enjoyed a nice cozy fantasy and this one did not disappoint.
We follow a human girl named Adela, a healer in her own right, that comes from a bad home life but is somewhat reluctantly saved by a stubborn prickly elven healer. He brings her to his compound and the adventure starts there.
We also meet a faun assistant , a few sweet and sassy hobgoblins , and other magical creatures.
This cozy fantasy is whimsical , sweet, and magical, the side characters are just as wholesome and relatable as our main two making it a relaxing read with great banter.
I love the forced proximity to sweet slow burn romance throughout and their development. I also loved Adela’s intelligence and courage, and our elven healers journey to love.
If you are looking for your next read, look no further and enjoy the ride! I know I did!
We follow a human girl named Adela, a healer in her own right, that comes from a bad home life but is somewhat reluctantly saved by a stubborn prickly elven healer. He brings her to his compound and the adventure starts there.
We also meet a faun assistant , a few sweet and sassy hobgoblins , and other magical creatures.
This cozy fantasy is whimsical , sweet, and magical, the side characters are just as wholesome and relatable as our main two making it a relaxing read with great banter.
I love the forced proximity to sweet slow burn romance throughout and their development. I also loved Adela’s intelligence and courage, and our elven healers journey to love.
If you are looking for your next read, look no further and enjoy the ride! I know I did!
March 8, 2023
The Elven Healer's Apprentice is a great read.
It is a great read because it is an excellent human story, though it includes fascinating elves.
Adela and little Henri grab you by the heart from the start. Adela has a warm empathy, and Merlon an appealing integrity. Both of their weaknesses, driven by fears, and the way they overcome conflict, accept and support each other with all their hearts, gives us a glimpse into a great romance.
The author makes it beautiful to learn to look outside yourself in true, tender care for someone else.
From Merlon's heroic entry at the beginning, through danger and discovery, the warmth of this story is phenomenal.
I had one thing against the book - it was too short! I didn't want it to end.
It is a great read because it is an excellent human story, though it includes fascinating elves.
Adela and little Henri grab you by the heart from the start. Adela has a warm empathy, and Merlon an appealing integrity. Both of their weaknesses, driven by fears, and the way they overcome conflict, accept and support each other with all their hearts, gives us a glimpse into a great romance.
The author makes it beautiful to learn to look outside yourself in true, tender care for someone else.
From Merlon's heroic entry at the beginning, through danger and discovery, the warmth of this story is phenomenal.
I had one thing against the book - it was too short! I didn't want it to end.
March 29, 2023
Prickly healer Merlon and sweet caring Adela
Merlon is the Elf King’s and elves’ main healer, but was abused in his youth and has some fears. Adela is sweet, caring, and no-nonsense; she has knowledge of human healing and was also abused by someone who should have supported her. The interesting connection between Merlon and Adela is surprising to both of them. It was fun to see prickly Merlon humbled a little, but also for him to find connection and belonging. I really liked Adela and how she connected to the elf moms and families. But I especially liked how she connected to animals, imprinted a unicorn, and eventually connected with Merlon and didn’t put up with his prickles.
Merlon is the Elf King’s and elves’ main healer, but was abused in his youth and has some fears. Adela is sweet, caring, and no-nonsense; she has knowledge of human healing and was also abused by someone who should have supported her. The interesting connection between Merlon and Adela is surprising to both of them. It was fun to see prickly Merlon humbled a little, but also for him to find connection and belonging. I really liked Adela and how she connected to the elf moms and families. But I especially liked how she connected to animals, imprinted a unicorn, and eventually connected with Merlon and didn’t put up with his prickles.
June 10, 2023
Such a beautiful story about finding where you belong and trusting in others. I ❤️LOVED the main couple, because they are a perfect match. They both decided to be healers after what they went through as children. They also strengthen each others weaknesses. Adela is compassionate while Merlon is reserved. Adela also helped Merlon get over his fear, while he helped her find a trusting and loving family. I ❤️LOVED the side characters too they where so funny, especially Sage the unicorn. So much adventure in this story you just keep wanting to know what will happen next. I HIGHLY Recommend it
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author and was not obligated to like or dislike it. I am saying this in accordance to Federal Guidelines about Advertising.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author and was not obligated to like or dislike it. I am saying this in accordance to Federal Guidelines about Advertising.
March 5, 2023
*This review is based on an ARC received from NetGalley*
4 Stars!!!!
The Elven Healer's Apprentice is a short novel about an essentially abandoned human woman who becomes an apprentice/assistant/unwanted guest of a healer Elf. He is an utter grouch and she is kind, patient and most importantly, smart enough to be able to handle him! This book tells the story of how he slowly warms to her, and she warms to him.
The characters are well written and likeable, and the plot is interesting. The love story is sweet!
If I have one issue it is that I wish the passing of time had been depicted with more show and less tell!
My thanks to the the author, the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC!
4 Stars!!!!
The Elven Healer's Apprentice is a short novel about an essentially abandoned human woman who becomes an apprentice/assistant/unwanted guest of a healer Elf. He is an utter grouch and she is kind, patient and most importantly, smart enough to be able to handle him! This book tells the story of how he slowly warms to her, and she warms to him.
The characters are well written and likeable, and the plot is interesting. The love story is sweet!
If I have one issue it is that I wish the passing of time had been depicted with more show and less tell!
My thanks to the the author, the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC!
February 12, 2023
More than a Romance Story
I’ve enjoyed this entire series of human women becoming wives of elves. But this was my favorite.
Romance is fun. But I am partial to a story that involves real issues and problems I can relate with. Merlon and Adele both have abuse in their backgrounds, and the author handles their journey toward trusting each other smoothly and with believability.
The story ended a bit abruptly but only because I wasn’t ready for it to be over.
I’ve enjoyed this entire series of human women becoming wives of elves. But this was my favorite.
Romance is fun. But I am partial to a story that involves real issues and problems I can relate with. Merlon and Adele both have abuse in their backgrounds, and the author handles their journey toward trusting each other smoothly and with believability.
The story ended a bit abruptly but only because I wasn’t ready for it to be over.
February 16, 2023
I received an ARC of this novella and finished it in one sitting. I enjoyed the storyline of Merlon and Adela. I wish I could have read more of their story. I know that Adela had a lot to overcome but I wished there was more insight to her internal feelings, as it seemed more in Merlon’s internal dialogue.
And now I want a sassy unicorn named Sage who follows me everywhere.
Will definitely read more of this series and would recommend to anyone who likes a cozy fantasy read!
3.5/5🌟
And now I want a sassy unicorn named Sage who follows me everywhere.
Will definitely read more of this series and would recommend to anyone who likes a cozy fantasy read!
3.5/5🌟
February 14, 2023
Ended too soon!
Loved this one!!! It finished too soon. It ended almost like a cliffhanger. Merlon was such a grouch all the time. I wanted more of how he handled being bonded. I wanted to see if things changed. I feel a bit cheated. All in all another good story in this world.
Loved this one!!! It finished too soon. It ended almost like a cliffhanger. Merlon was such a grouch all the time. I wanted more of how he handled being bonded. I wanted to see if things changed. I feel a bit cheated. All in all another good story in this world.
February 15, 2023
What a fantastic story
I was so excited to read Merlin's story, and experience the grumpy healer's happily ever after. This story did not disappoint and is just as sweet as the previous stories in this series. And to find out there will be another one! Fantastic! A fun read.
I was so excited to read Merlin's story, and experience the grumpy healer's happily ever after. This story did not disappoint and is just as sweet as the previous stories in this series. And to find out there will be another one! Fantastic! A fun read.
February 16, 2023
Happy Endings
I also love happy endings with a well written book and story. It always makes me feel good and gives me a great nights sleep. A very interesting and sweet story for all ages.
I also love happy endings with a well written book and story. It always makes me feel good and gives me a great nights sleep. A very interesting and sweet story for all ages.
July 5, 2023
The healer finds healing
I’m really loving this series. The Elven Healer’s Apprentice was chock full of snappy banter, a befuddled elf, and a strong heroine. It’s amazing how much satisfying story Elisa Rae can pack in a novella.
I’m really loving this series. The Elven Healer’s Apprentice was chock full of snappy banter, a befuddled elf, and a strong heroine. It’s amazing how much satisfying story Elisa Rae can pack in a novella.
December 17, 2023
Something refreshing and new
I liked the plot and the fact that there wasn't any mental back and forth on decisions.
I like how things turned out sad that her little brother died.
Glad she was appreciated for her talents.
I liked the plot and the fact that there wasn't any mental back and forth on decisions.
I like how things turned out sad that her little brother died.
Glad she was appreciated for her talents.
March 1, 2024
With her other books, I felt like there were more details that should have been their and weren't. This book was the most detailed, the amount written fit the story. The whole mate thing could've been weird but wasn't; all in all, it progressed very reasonably
March 6, 2024
This book goes deeper into the magical world of Eldarlan. I think the author was very wise to introduce new species and cultures a bit at a time so as not to overwhelm the reader. I am so hooked, I don't want this journey to end.
February 10, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Elisa Rae for a free eARC for an honest review!
Short and sweet cozy fantasy story!
Short and sweet cozy fantasy story!
February 13, 2023
Merlon is kind of a dickbag and there was zero chemistry between them. I felt like he only loved her because they’re fated, and she only loved him because she had nowhere else to go.
February 14, 2023
awesome read
Great characters beautifully written, grea story-what more could you ask for! Loved every page of it. Look forward to seeing what is next!
Great characters beautifully written, grea story-what more could you ask for! Loved every page of it. Look forward to seeing what is next!
March 23, 2023
This one and the second one are my favorites in the series. And much as I liked the second one, this one is probably better written…fewer holes, anyway.
April 1, 2023
I really enjoyed this story.
Content: clean
Content: clean
April 17, 2023
I've really enjoyed this series. Elisa writes relatable characters and with such an easy flow. Her stories are also clean, which I really appreciate this. In this story we get to see why the elven healer is so touchy, and the relationship between the men is so strong. The human woman who has suddenly become his "apprentice" during his year of being caught in the King's Curse, gradually fills his heart and softens him.
Just a very good story over all.
Just a very good story over all.
September 1, 2023
A little short, but I loved it. The plot wasn't too drawn-out.
November 7, 2023
Best one yet!
By far my favorite story of the Elves of Eldarlan! Getting to see another side of the “prickly” healer made this a page turner.
By far my favorite story of the Elves of Eldarlan! Getting to see another side of the “prickly” healer made this a page turner.
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January 4, 2023Not rating since I read a Beta copy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews