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Elven Alliance #4
Troll Queen
Essie has her elf back...but his mind is still stuck in that dungeon.
The war is over. A peace treaty has been signed. But Farrendel and Essie still have a battle ahead of them. Will Farrendel be able to build a new life with Essie now that he no longer has a war to fight?
Melantha has ruined her life and the lives of all those around her. Now that she finds herself far from home and married to a troll who was once her enemy and captor, can she figure out what love and honor truly mean before it is too late for all of them?
Not everyone in Kostaria is happy with peace or with their new elven queen. If Rharreth and Melantha cannot find a way to bring peace to their troubled kingdom, war threatens not only their happily ever after, but Essie and Farrendel's as well.
The epic adventure and slowburn romances of the Elven Alliance series continue in this clean, romantic fantasy perfect for fans of K.M. Shea and Kenley Davidson.
The war is over. A peace treaty has been signed. But Farrendel and Essie still have a battle ahead of them. Will Farrendel be able to build a new life with Essie now that he no longer has a war to fight?
Melantha has ruined her life and the lives of all those around her. Now that she finds herself far from home and married to a troll who was once her enemy and captor, can she figure out what love and honor truly mean before it is too late for all of them?
Not everyone in Kostaria is happy with peace or with their new elven queen. If Rharreth and Melantha cannot find a way to bring peace to their troubled kingdom, war threatens not only their happily ever after, but Essie and Farrendel's as well.
The epic adventure and slowburn romances of the Elven Alliance series continue in this clean, romantic fantasy perfect for fans of K.M. Shea and Kenley Davidson.
499 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2021
527 people are currently reading
1158 people want to read
About the author
Tara Grayce
33 books789 followersBorn and raised in Michigan, I enjoy traveling to new adventures that inspire my writing.
Growing up, I read just about every book I could get my hands on, especially fantasy. I currently write YA fantasy and romantic fantasy filled with lots of humor, spunky and tough leading ladies, and broken heroes.
When I am not writing, I enjoy spending time with my chocolate lab, Miss Kisses.
Growing up, I read just about every book I could get my hands on, especially fantasy. I currently write YA fantasy and romantic fantasy filled with lots of humor, spunky and tough leading ladies, and broken heroes.
When I am not writing, I enjoy spending time with my chocolate lab, Miss Kisses.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 266 reviews
April 22, 2021
Disclaimer: You should already know I’m about to spoil a lot of this book, so do not read on if you haven’t read or do not like spoilers.
Oof, okay. I have a LOT of feelings about Troll Queen. Let me preface this by saying that I was super stoked to read this book, and overall it was a pleasing read. Tara Grayce excels at writing heartwarming family moments, and this book manages to have plenty. That said, given how dark the previous book in the series was, the setup of dealing with its aftermath for both Farrendel and Melantha, I find myself so disappointed that I don’t even know where to start.
After reading the first three books I didn’t really care for Melantha until the last half of book three. I sort of despised her by the end of book two (for obvious reasons), and in book three I was so gutted by her earlier betrayal I didn’t really even care to read about her thoughts and feelings. Then she begins to help Farrendel in the dungeon, standing up to the trolls on his behalf and I realized what potential there could be in her redemption story. So when I found out the next book was literally titled Troll Queen I was ecstatic. I assumed (and that’s probably where I went wrong) that this book would primarily focus on Melantha and her journey to redemption and eventually happiness as she married Rharreth and adjusted to life not only as a wife, but also as an unwanted queen in the land of her people’s enemies, the trolls. And sure, the book touches on these things, but therein lies the problem—these elements are all but glossed over and never really fleshed out.
As a proud elf princess now scorned by her own people, guilty of one of the worst betrayals possible, alone in hostile territory, and now shackled in marriage to someone she doesn’t know and by all rights should loathe due to elf/troll animosity—I expected Melantha to struggle. Oh sure, she’s strong-willed and has plenty of anger to keep her going, but by the end of the third book she is also full of self-loathing, broken by her actions, and stripped of everything she has ever been and known. There was just a lot to work through for her character alone, and I was so ready for the heartache of reading as she waded through all of it. And sure, Melantha deals with some dislike from the trolls, and she thinks about how she needs to be a better person, but that’s kind of it? There was no fleshing out of all her anger, all her broken pride, her need for forgiveness not only from her family but also from herself. No difficult moments between her and Rharreth (or really any of the trolls for that matter) because of her dishonorable deeds, no breaking point or gradual building back up of her character into a stronger and more wholesome person. Yes, she learns how to love herself, but more in a way that the reader is told about instead of earned or felt. I could probably go on and on, because more than any other character in the series, Melantha is my type of protagonist, but I seriously doubt anyone has even made it this far so I will digress. Suffice to say, I’m ready to fight and die for my troll queen, but more because of my own headcanon than anything the author actually made me feel.
As if that’s not enough of a letdown, let’s discuss the romance between Melantha and Rharreth. I think most readers of this series were initially drawn in by the arranged marriage between elf and human, an alliance seeking peace between enemies. Troll Queen has obvious parallels, but it feels like a more intense reimagining. We, the readers, know these characters, we have stronger feelings about the elf/troll conflict (did anyone even like trolls until this book??), and therefore we are doubly invested. Rharreth became intriguing by the end of the third book, I respected him and was fully ready to fall in love with him. But this book should have read more like an enemies to lovers tale, where Rharreth and Melantha struggled to find common ground and respect for one another. Sure, they already had the common ground of struggling against Charvod in the dungeon, but Rharreth should have struggled to see Melantha in any kind of good light. As a troll whose honor is more important than his life (or so we are led to believe and understand), Rharreth should have been hard pressed to respect much less love Melantha. For her part, Melantha’s guard should have been up as a lone elf woman in a hostile land, and Rharreth should have represented a target for all her aforementioned guilt and anger and self-loathing. Instead the two of them had immediate respect and attraction for one another. Instead, we see trolls showing their hate for Melantha by spitting on her, throwing rocks, etc., and not ONCE does Rharreth stand up for her in any satisfying way. Sure, he fights Vriska in the sparring ring as a warning, but he never calls anyone out on their abuse of Melantha as the abuse happens, even though we are led to believe he knows full well what is happening to her behind his back. So the same troll who took a whipping from his brother for Melantha, does not say a word to those who mistreat his queen even though each assault should be a mark upon his honor, particularly because Melantha is not a warrior in their society and cannot fight those battles on her own. (Which is not to say that I wouldn’t have enjoyed watching Melantha fight back—and she should have, with her angry warrior’s spirit, like a feral wildcat—but she, too, just lets it happen.) Rharreth is not seen as her protector—even though romance novels such as this THRIVE on such things—but Melantha feels safe and respected all the same. The attraction between the two is one of the best parts of the romance, but this too is never earned, just immediately given—when I tell you I CHOKED when Rharreth realized he’d started falling in love with Melantha in the *DUNGEON*. The entire romance is just rushed and told instead of felt—glossed over and unsatisfying.
Which brings me to why there was no room for the romance or redemption story to be fleshed out. Farrendel. And Essie. Both have already had THREE books. This book is titled “Troll Queen”. It is NOT their spotlight anymore. Sure, I wanted to know what happened next in their story, and I was definitely interested in Farrendel’s recovery from the devastating effects of his time in Kostaria in book three. But really and truly, all of that could have been condensed into a novella instead of taking up time and space in Melantha and Rharreth’s story. Instead Farrendel and Essie are gifted just as much space in this story, and honestly because I’m salty, if you counted their chapters and compared—they probably got more than Melantha and Rharreth. When I say I literally screamed every time the narrative returned to Essie and Farrendel, I am not kidding. But ok, fine, the series is obviously theirs and the author was not willing to cede even a book (or two, considering book five) to anyone else. But the premise that their portion of the book would be about dealing with Farrendel’s recovery is a bit of a joke. There was no real pain or trauma felt. I think one or two chapters had a little difficulty and tears, but that was it. The rest of the time is spent buying hot chocolate and the corresponding mugs or magical engineering and college acceptance. I kid you not. And, after dealing with my initial frustration every time I saw their names on the page, I did enjoy reading about the way both families came together to help Farrendel heal. I also loved the family and especially the sibling interactions—remember the author excels at these. I even really enjoyed Essie learning to utilize Farrendel’s magic and becoming something of a warrior herself. (Side note: how on earth is a custom made armor set comparable to a hot chocolate mug?!) But was it worth half the book when Melantha and Rharreth were fighting for their lives? That would be a resounding no.
Since this is already ridiculously long, I will let this review do Rharreth the same disservice as the book and not really flesh out how his character arc could have been better and conclude this review by saying that I did surprisingly still find some elements of the book to enjoy. For what was written, for the very ingenuity that created these characters I get to rant about, Tara Grayce deserves major props. Letdown or no, this book still had some great scenes. Melantha learning to fight, learning to love her healing for the incredible skill it is. Rharreth showing Melantha the northern lights. Literally any scene with Julien and Edmund. The softness, the love and support between Essie and Farrendel as Farrendel found healing. The moment where Melantha cuts her hair for Farrendel, one of the most beautiful moments in the book (Rharreth trailing his fingers through her hair, but fully understanding her need to perform the act—not to mention the very troll-like desire to restore her honor by doing in the first place?? *chef’s kiss*).
So, if you’re a huge fan of the series or connected to these characters it’s worth the frustration of reading. Will I read the next book? For Edmund, definitely. But it will most likely be lower on the TBR.
Oof, okay. I have a LOT of feelings about Troll Queen. Let me preface this by saying that I was super stoked to read this book, and overall it was a pleasing read. Tara Grayce excels at writing heartwarming family moments, and this book manages to have plenty. That said, given how dark the previous book in the series was, the setup of dealing with its aftermath for both Farrendel and Melantha, I find myself so disappointed that I don’t even know where to start.
After reading the first three books I didn’t really care for Melantha until the last half of book three. I sort of despised her by the end of book two (for obvious reasons), and in book three I was so gutted by her earlier betrayal I didn’t really even care to read about her thoughts and feelings. Then she begins to help Farrendel in the dungeon, standing up to the trolls on his behalf and I realized what potential there could be in her redemption story. So when I found out the next book was literally titled Troll Queen I was ecstatic. I assumed (and that’s probably where I went wrong) that this book would primarily focus on Melantha and her journey to redemption and eventually happiness as she married Rharreth and adjusted to life not only as a wife, but also as an unwanted queen in the land of her people’s enemies, the trolls. And sure, the book touches on these things, but therein lies the problem—these elements are all but glossed over and never really fleshed out.
As a proud elf princess now scorned by her own people, guilty of one of the worst betrayals possible, alone in hostile territory, and now shackled in marriage to someone she doesn’t know and by all rights should loathe due to elf/troll animosity—I expected Melantha to struggle. Oh sure, she’s strong-willed and has plenty of anger to keep her going, but by the end of the third book she is also full of self-loathing, broken by her actions, and stripped of everything she has ever been and known. There was just a lot to work through for her character alone, and I was so ready for the heartache of reading as she waded through all of it. And sure, Melantha deals with some dislike from the trolls, and she thinks about how she needs to be a better person, but that’s kind of it? There was no fleshing out of all her anger, all her broken pride, her need for forgiveness not only from her family but also from herself. No difficult moments between her and Rharreth (or really any of the trolls for that matter) because of her dishonorable deeds, no breaking point or gradual building back up of her character into a stronger and more wholesome person. Yes, she learns how to love herself, but more in a way that the reader is told about instead of earned or felt. I could probably go on and on, because more than any other character in the series, Melantha is my type of protagonist, but I seriously doubt anyone has even made it this far so I will digress. Suffice to say, I’m ready to fight and die for my troll queen, but more because of my own headcanon than anything the author actually made me feel.
As if that’s not enough of a letdown, let’s discuss the romance between Melantha and Rharreth. I think most readers of this series were initially drawn in by the arranged marriage between elf and human, an alliance seeking peace between enemies. Troll Queen has obvious parallels, but it feels like a more intense reimagining. We, the readers, know these characters, we have stronger feelings about the elf/troll conflict (did anyone even like trolls until this book??), and therefore we are doubly invested. Rharreth became intriguing by the end of the third book, I respected him and was fully ready to fall in love with him. But this book should have read more like an enemies to lovers tale, where Rharreth and Melantha struggled to find common ground and respect for one another. Sure, they already had the common ground of struggling against Charvod in the dungeon, but Rharreth should have struggled to see Melantha in any kind of good light. As a troll whose honor is more important than his life (or so we are led to believe and understand), Rharreth should have been hard pressed to respect much less love Melantha. For her part, Melantha’s guard should have been up as a lone elf woman in a hostile land, and Rharreth should have represented a target for all her aforementioned guilt and anger and self-loathing. Instead the two of them had immediate respect and attraction for one another. Instead, we see trolls showing their hate for Melantha by spitting on her, throwing rocks, etc., and not ONCE does Rharreth stand up for her in any satisfying way. Sure, he fights Vriska in the sparring ring as a warning, but he never calls anyone out on their abuse of Melantha as the abuse happens, even though we are led to believe he knows full well what is happening to her behind his back. So the same troll who took a whipping from his brother for Melantha, does not say a word to those who mistreat his queen even though each assault should be a mark upon his honor, particularly because Melantha is not a warrior in their society and cannot fight those battles on her own. (Which is not to say that I wouldn’t have enjoyed watching Melantha fight back—and she should have, with her angry warrior’s spirit, like a feral wildcat—but she, too, just lets it happen.) Rharreth is not seen as her protector—even though romance novels such as this THRIVE on such things—but Melantha feels safe and respected all the same. The attraction between the two is one of the best parts of the romance, but this too is never earned, just immediately given—when I tell you I CHOKED when Rharreth realized he’d started falling in love with Melantha in the *DUNGEON*. The entire romance is just rushed and told instead of felt—glossed over and unsatisfying.
Which brings me to why there was no room for the romance or redemption story to be fleshed out. Farrendel. And Essie. Both have already had THREE books. This book is titled “Troll Queen”. It is NOT their spotlight anymore. Sure, I wanted to know what happened next in their story, and I was definitely interested in Farrendel’s recovery from the devastating effects of his time in Kostaria in book three. But really and truly, all of that could have been condensed into a novella instead of taking up time and space in Melantha and Rharreth’s story. Instead Farrendel and Essie are gifted just as much space in this story, and honestly because I’m salty, if you counted their chapters and compared—they probably got more than Melantha and Rharreth. When I say I literally screamed every time the narrative returned to Essie and Farrendel, I am not kidding. But ok, fine, the series is obviously theirs and the author was not willing to cede even a book (or two, considering book five) to anyone else. But the premise that their portion of the book would be about dealing with Farrendel’s recovery is a bit of a joke. There was no real pain or trauma felt. I think one or two chapters had a little difficulty and tears, but that was it. The rest of the time is spent buying hot chocolate and the corresponding mugs or magical engineering and college acceptance. I kid you not. And, after dealing with my initial frustration every time I saw their names on the page, I did enjoy reading about the way both families came together to help Farrendel heal. I also loved the family and especially the sibling interactions—remember the author excels at these. I even really enjoyed Essie learning to utilize Farrendel’s magic and becoming something of a warrior herself. (Side note: how on earth is a custom made armor set comparable to a hot chocolate mug?!) But was it worth half the book when Melantha and Rharreth were fighting for their lives? That would be a resounding no.
Since this is already ridiculously long, I will let this review do Rharreth the same disservice as the book and not really flesh out how his character arc could have been better and conclude this review by saying that I did surprisingly still find some elements of the book to enjoy. For what was written, for the very ingenuity that created these characters I get to rant about, Tara Grayce deserves major props. Letdown or no, this book still had some great scenes. Melantha learning to fight, learning to love her healing for the incredible skill it is. Rharreth showing Melantha the northern lights. Literally any scene with Julien and Edmund. The softness, the love and support between Essie and Farrendel as Farrendel found healing. The moment where Melantha cuts her hair for Farrendel, one of the most beautiful moments in the book (Rharreth trailing his fingers through her hair, but fully understanding her need to perform the act—not to mention the very troll-like desire to restore her honor by doing in the first place?? *chef’s kiss*).
So, if you’re a huge fan of the series or connected to these characters it’s worth the frustration of reading. Will I read the next book? For Edmund, definitely. But it will most likely be lower on the TBR.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2021
I will never have enough of Tara Grayce's elf romances, which are about 10% plot and 90% wish fulfilment, if your particular brand of wish fulfilment involves a world full of good-looking people addressing their life challenges and mental health problems with maturity, sincerity, understanding, magic, and prank gifts. Please, dive with me into a fantasy world where empathy and healing IS possible, and there is also hot chocolate.
February 15, 2021
IT’S. SO. GOOD!!!
October 17, 2024
Well, what can I say? It's my new favorite of The Elven Alliance.
Book 3, the darkest installment we had yet in a series that is mostly romance/comedy/drama, left us off with quite a few problems. So if you haven't read the previous stories and don't want spoilers, you should probably look away.
Let's start with Farrendel, because Farrendel is Best Boi. No lie, the beginning of this book is pretty tough, because the effect of trauma is completely taking over his brain and making him act out of fear and anger. I really appreciated that this isn't resolved by Essie's endless positivity. (No, in fact, Essie's positivity has finally reached its limit. As much as I love her "glass half full" personality, it was refreshing and important to see her break down. Really wanted to give her a hug!) Instead, Farrendel's mental sickness is addressed as something that needs proper care just like any physical sickness...medicine, counseling, time, lots of patience, gentle persistence, exercise, and safe environments. I was really glad to see a fantasy story confront trauma in this way rather than just let the character deal with it on their own.
And as the story goes on, we do see healing begin, and its the beeeeeeeeeeeeeest. So many cute and iconic moments that Tara is becoming famous for! The family vibes are wonderful.
Before I get too much further, let us address the titular main characters of this book--the new troll queen, former elf princess, Melantha and her husband Rharreth.
It is such a bold move making Melantha a heroine. She starts off SO unlikable, so dishonorable, so....GRRRR. And yet. Instead of killing her as a form of revenge or partial redemption, Tara picks her up and gives her an arc. A real, painful arc of self-reflection, repentance, and discovery. I applaud.
I shan't say too much, but I was both surprised and not surprised that Melantha and Rharreth's chemistry moved along so naturally at a quick pace.
Our mains are not the only ones who get development. Turns out Weylind's wife, Rheva, is a dear! And Weylind himself gets some much needed time to be real with others.
The world-building has been good, but I really enjoyed it in this book in particular due to the troll kingdom. I know it shouldn't be, but skiing and sled-dogs seems so unique in a fantasy novel.
I won't give details, but the climax was EEEEEPIIIIIIIC.
Violence: Some blood, combat, killing. Nothing too descriptive.
Romance: Again, Tara keeps it classy. Some kissing, not physically descriptive. Melantha and Rharreth's relationship definitely has more heat then Essie and Farrendel, but it doesn't get too intrusive. I would say there are a couple of fade-to-black moments, but they were not uncomfortable, and I'm guessing the hint would fly over young minds.
Language: None?
Spiritual: Not included.
Book 3, the darkest installment we had yet in a series that is mostly romance/comedy/drama, left us off with quite a few problems. So if you haven't read the previous stories and don't want spoilers, you should probably look away.
Let's start with Farrendel, because Farrendel is Best Boi. No lie, the beginning of this book is pretty tough, because the effect of trauma is completely taking over his brain and making him act out of fear and anger. I really appreciated that this isn't resolved by Essie's endless positivity. (No, in fact, Essie's positivity has finally reached its limit. As much as I love her "glass half full" personality, it was refreshing and important to see her break down. Really wanted to give her a hug!) Instead, Farrendel's mental sickness is addressed as something that needs proper care just like any physical sickness...medicine, counseling, time, lots of patience, gentle persistence, exercise, and safe environments. I was really glad to see a fantasy story confront trauma in this way rather than just let the character deal with it on their own.
And as the story goes on, we do see healing begin, and its the beeeeeeeeeeeeeest. So many cute and iconic moments that Tara is becoming famous for! The family vibes are wonderful.
Before I get too much further, let us address the titular main characters of this book--the new troll queen, former elf princess, Melantha and her husband Rharreth.
It is such a bold move making Melantha a heroine. She starts off SO unlikable, so dishonorable, so....GRRRR. And yet. Instead of killing her as a form of revenge or partial redemption, Tara picks her up and gives her an arc. A real, painful arc of self-reflection, repentance, and discovery. I applaud.
I shan't say too much, but I was both surprised and not surprised that Melantha and Rharreth's chemistry moved along so naturally at a quick pace.
Our mains are not the only ones who get development. Turns out Weylind's wife, Rheva, is a dear! And Weylind himself gets some much needed time to be real with others.
The world-building has been good, but I really enjoyed it in this book in particular due to the troll kingdom. I know it shouldn't be, but skiing and sled-dogs seems so unique in a fantasy novel.
I won't give details, but the climax was EEEEEPIIIIIIIC.
Violence: Some blood, combat, killing. Nothing too descriptive.
Romance: Again, Tara keeps it classy. Some kissing, not physically descriptive. Melantha and Rharreth's relationship definitely has more heat then Essie and Farrendel, but it doesn't get too intrusive. I would say there are a couple of fade-to-black moments, but they were not uncomfortable, and I'm guessing the hint would fly over young minds.
Language: None?
Spiritual: Not included.
March 10, 2021
Well, what can I say? It's my new favorite of The Elven Alliance.
Book 3, the darkest installment we had yet in a series that is mostly romance/comedy/drama, left us off with quite a few problems. So if you haven't read the previous stories and don't want spoilers, you should probably look away.
Let's start with Farrendel, because Farrendel is Best Boi. No lie, the beginning of this book is pretty tough, because the effect of trauma is completely taking over his brain and making him act out of fear and anger. I really appreciated that this isn't resolved by Essie's endless positivity. (No, in fact, Essie's positivity has finally reached its limit. As much as I love her "glass half full" personality, it was refreshing and important to see her break down. Really wanted to give her a hug!) Instead, Farrendel's mental sickness is addressed as something that needs proper care just like any physical sickness...medicine, counseling, time, lots of patience, gentle persistence, exercise, and safe environments. I was really glad to see a fantasy story confront trauma in this way rather than just let the character deal with it on their own.
And as the story goes on, we do see healing begin, and its the beeeeeeeeeeeeeest. So many cute and iconic moments that Tara is becoming famous for! The family vibes are wonderful.
Before I get too much further, let us address the titular main characters of this book--the new troll queen, former elf princess, Melantha and her husband Rharreth.
It is such a bold move making Melantha a heroine. She starts off SO unlikable, so dishonorable, so....GRRRR. And yet. Instead of killing her as a form of revenge or partial redemption, Tara picks her up and gives her an arc. A real, painful arc of self-reflection, repentance, and discovery. I applaud.
I shan't say too much, but I was both surprised and not surprised that Melantha and Rharreth's chemistry moved along so naturally at a quick pace.
Our mains are not the only ones who get development. Turns out Weylind's wife, Rheva, is a dear! And Weylind himself gets some much needed time to be real with others.
The world-building has been good, but I really enjoyed it in this book in particular due to the troll kingdom. I know it shouldn't be, but skiing and sled-dogs seems so unique in a fantasy novel.
I won't give details, but the climax was EEEEEPIIIIIIIC.
Violence: Some blood, combat, killing. Nothing too descriptive.
Romance: Again, Tara keeps it classy. Some kissing, not physically descriptive. Melantha and Rharreth's relationship definitely has more heat then Essie and Farrendel, but it doesn't get too intrusive. I would say there are a couple of fade-to-black moments, but they were not uncomfortable, and I'm guessing the hint would fly over young minds.
Language: None?
Spiritual: Not included.
Book 3, the darkest installment we had yet in a series that is mostly romance/comedy/drama, left us off with quite a few problems. So if you haven't read the previous stories and don't want spoilers, you should probably look away.
Let's start with Farrendel, because Farrendel is Best Boi. No lie, the beginning of this book is pretty tough, because the effect of trauma is completely taking over his brain and making him act out of fear and anger. I really appreciated that this isn't resolved by Essie's endless positivity. (No, in fact, Essie's positivity has finally reached its limit. As much as I love her "glass half full" personality, it was refreshing and important to see her break down. Really wanted to give her a hug!) Instead, Farrendel's mental sickness is addressed as something that needs proper care just like any physical sickness...medicine, counseling, time, lots of patience, gentle persistence, exercise, and safe environments. I was really glad to see a fantasy story confront trauma in this way rather than just let the character deal with it on their own.
And as the story goes on, we do see healing begin, and its the beeeeeeeeeeeeeest. So many cute and iconic moments that Tara is becoming famous for! The family vibes are wonderful.
Before I get too much further, let us address the titular main characters of this book--the new troll queen, former elf princess, Melantha and her husband Rharreth.
It is such a bold move making Melantha a heroine. She starts off SO unlikable, so dishonorable, so....GRRRR. And yet. Instead of killing her as a form of revenge or partial redemption, Tara picks her up and gives her an arc. A real, painful arc of self-reflection, repentance, and discovery. I applaud.
I shan't say too much, but I was both surprised and not surprised that Melantha and Rharreth's chemistry moved along so naturally at a quick pace.
Our mains are not the only ones who get development. Turns out Weylind's wife, Rheva, is a dear! And Weylind himself gets some much needed time to be real with others.
The world-building has been good, but I really enjoyed it in this book in particular due to the troll kingdom. I know it shouldn't be, but skiing and sled-dogs seems so unique in a fantasy novel.
I won't give details, but the climax was EEEEEPIIIIIIIC.
Violence: Some blood, combat, killing. Nothing too descriptive.
Romance: Again, Tara keeps it classy. Some kissing, not physically descriptive. Melantha and Rharreth's relationship definitely has more heat then Essie and Farrendel, but it doesn't get too intrusive. I would say there are a couple of fade-to-black moments, but they were not uncomfortable, and I'm guessing the hint would fly over young minds.
Language: None?
Spiritual: Not included.
Want to read
March 12, 2023I AM SO READY FOR THIS BOOK.
FARRENDEL/ESSIE HEALING
MELANTHA REDEMPTION/HEALING/FINALLY FINDING LOVE HOPEFULLY.
I AM READY FOR HEALINGGGGGG.
FARRENDEL/ESSIE HEALING
MELANTHA REDEMPTION/HEALING/FINALLY FINDING LOVE HOPEFULLY.
I AM READY FOR HEALINGGGGGG.
July 4, 2021
Oh my. Oh my oh my oh my!
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I have been waiting for this book since last December, when my wonderful friend thrust book one at me and I promptly had all three of Tara’s book devoured over the course of a week! (Thank you Amazon Prime!) And Troll Queen did not disappoint.
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(If you haven’t read the first there books of this series, I recommend forgoing the rest of this review!)
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I was so happy when I saw the page count (nearly 450!) because I needed it all! After the end of Death Wind, I really needed some happy, but it took some time. I actually really appreciated that though, because there is no way for Farrendel and Essie, to have healed instantly. Not with the trauma they faced.
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Speaking of characters ... Farrendel and Essie, Melantha and Rharreth, Weylind, Julien, Edmund Avie, Jalissa, Leyloria, Rheva, Paige, the boys! How is it possible to fall absolutely in love with every single character Tara pens onto the page?! (And that isn’t even all of them!) They’re all just so relatable. From Farrendel and his panic attacks (which were spot on btw) to Weylind and Avie’s big brother protectiveness, to Essie’s joy and love, there’s just no way to hate these precious cinnamon rolls.
•
And the message! Ahhh I loved, loved, LOVED how each of Tara’s books delve into another layer or aspect of love. Below are some of my favorite quotes from the book!
•
“Love was not something that strove to earn another’s affectionate, give only for what one could get back. Love was self-sacrificing without expectation of any reward ... it was feeling compassion for these people, even as some still shouted and spat at her as they passed ...”
•
“I have always loved your magic, just as I have always loved your scars. Because your scars and your magic are a part of you, and I love you. All of you.”
•
“Happiness, like love, is the choice to dwell in the deeper joy, deeper contentment. Some are born with the ability to do this without a second thought. Some have to learn I do this through a lot of struggle.”
•
An amazing, fantastic read!
Five hundred out of five!
Ages 16 & up!
•
I have been waiting for this book since last December, when my wonderful friend thrust book one at me and I promptly had all three of Tara’s book devoured over the course of a week! (Thank you Amazon Prime!) And Troll Queen did not disappoint.
•
(If you haven’t read the first there books of this series, I recommend forgoing the rest of this review!)
•
I was so happy when I saw the page count (nearly 450!) because I needed it all! After the end of Death Wind, I really needed some happy, but it took some time. I actually really appreciated that though, because there is no way for Farrendel and Essie, to have healed instantly. Not with the trauma they faced.
•
Speaking of characters ... Farrendel and Essie, Melantha and Rharreth, Weylind, Julien, Edmund Avie, Jalissa, Leyloria, Rheva, Paige, the boys! How is it possible to fall absolutely in love with every single character Tara pens onto the page?! (And that isn’t even all of them!) They’re all just so relatable. From Farrendel and his panic attacks (which were spot on btw) to Weylind and Avie’s big brother protectiveness, to Essie’s joy and love, there’s just no way to hate these precious cinnamon rolls.
•
And the message! Ahhh I loved, loved, LOVED how each of Tara’s books delve into another layer or aspect of love. Below are some of my favorite quotes from the book!
•
“Love was not something that strove to earn another’s affectionate, give only for what one could get back. Love was self-sacrificing without expectation of any reward ... it was feeling compassion for these people, even as some still shouted and spat at her as they passed ...”
•
“I have always loved your magic, just as I have always loved your scars. Because your scars and your magic are a part of you, and I love you. All of you.”
•
“Happiness, like love, is the choice to dwell in the deeper joy, deeper contentment. Some are born with the ability to do this without a second thought. Some have to learn I do this through a lot of struggle.”
•
An amazing, fantastic read!
Five hundred out of five!
Ages 16 & up!
November 10, 2022
Re-read
Last time I read this somewhat chunky book in five days. This time in three. 😆
I get nervous every time I re-read a favorite book for the first time. What if it isn't as good as I remembered? What if I've changed and don't like it as much, or flaws I hadn't noticed last time stick out this time?
That did not happen with Troll Queen. In fact, I think I loved it even more the second time around. Still my favorite of the series, now that I've read the sequels and then re-read this one.
I feel like it's not often I relate to multiple characters in one book, but I do in this one. Parts of Melantha, Rharreth, Essie, Farrendel, Averett, and Weylind, and their struggles in this book--I nearly started crying several times. I love the themes of redemption and healing and forgiveness and acceptance of self and others and learning how to use your talents and personality. I still love, love, love that Farrendel gets medicine and counseling for his PTSD and anxiety--and that it isn't a "cool, all better, no more difficulties" thing.
And the plot is possibly the most complicated and interesting in this one, while still being so full of fun and life and humor and much romantic cuteness.
This book is the main reason I want everybody to read this series. 😆
--
The best one yet
(Spoilers for previous books)
Full disclosure: I went into this book begrudgingly, unsure I was interested in Rharreth and Melantha's story, and I was considering not reading it except that the blurb mentioned Farrendel and Essie. A few people told me this one was their favorite, and my internal response was "uh-huh, sure. Not gonna like it partly out of stubbornness."
I was wrong.
😆😅 This was SO good. Some little bits I thought were rocky or repetitive or needlessly long-winded, but overall, this one definitely has the strongest themes and greatest character growth.
Farrendel's PTSD finally got the attention and he got the healing he deserves. Overall, this was handled so well, with so much care put into understanding that mental health challenges can require a mixture of treatments and there's no shame in struggling or getting help it made me emotional. There was a bit there in the middle where I feared it was falling into the trap of "healing us linear and you get some counseling and take some meds for a few months and then you're right as rain and we move on," but then it wasn't that. It was still hopeful and Farrendel still is healed, but it's not a healing that left no scars or is perfect, and the book doesn't shy away from there will be better and worse days and things will still be triggers--even letting Farrendel cut back on counseling but not entirely stop and I--*emotional over a healthy portrayal of mental healthcare in fantasy* Parts of this book were also more painful to me than Death Wind with all its trauma, because the aftermath is hard, and Grayce captured well Farrendel's struggles and Essie's pain and frustration as she tries to navigate supporting him when even he doesn't know what he needs. Other random things like Weylind's regrets hit hard. Also, Farrendel & Essie are forever my adorable favs. AND YUUUUS ESSIE MAGIC.
Anyway. Melantha and Rharreth. I love them?? Oh my word??? I totally fell for them and ship them so hard and love them almost as much as Essie and Farrendel, and their parallel yet very different story of healing was so good alongside Farrendel and Essie's and on its own. Melantha's growth was beautiful and touching.
So yeah. *mutters* Okay, I was wrong, this one was amazing...
Last time I read this somewhat chunky book in five days. This time in three. 😆
I get nervous every time I re-read a favorite book for the first time. What if it isn't as good as I remembered? What if I've changed and don't like it as much, or flaws I hadn't noticed last time stick out this time?
That did not happen with Troll Queen. In fact, I think I loved it even more the second time around. Still my favorite of the series, now that I've read the sequels and then re-read this one.
I feel like it's not often I relate to multiple characters in one book, but I do in this one. Parts of Melantha, Rharreth, Essie, Farrendel, Averett, and Weylind, and their struggles in this book--I nearly started crying several times. I love the themes of redemption and healing and forgiveness and acceptance of self and others and learning how to use your talents and personality. I still love, love, love that Farrendel gets medicine and counseling for his PTSD and anxiety--and that it isn't a "cool, all better, no more difficulties" thing.
And the plot is possibly the most complicated and interesting in this one, while still being so full of fun and life and humor and much romantic cuteness.
This book is the main reason I want everybody to read this series. 😆
--
The best one yet
(Spoilers for previous books)
Full disclosure: I went into this book begrudgingly, unsure I was interested in Rharreth and Melantha's story, and I was considering not reading it except that the blurb mentioned Farrendel and Essie. A few people told me this one was their favorite, and my internal response was "uh-huh, sure. Not gonna like it partly out of stubbornness."
I was wrong.
😆😅 This was SO good. Some little bits I thought were rocky or repetitive or needlessly long-winded, but overall, this one definitely has the strongest themes and greatest character growth.
Farrendel's PTSD finally got the attention and he got the healing he deserves. Overall, this was handled so well, with so much care put into understanding that mental health challenges can require a mixture of treatments and there's no shame in struggling or getting help it made me emotional. There was a bit there in the middle where I feared it was falling into the trap of "healing us linear and you get some counseling and take some meds for a few months and then you're right as rain and we move on," but then it wasn't that. It was still hopeful and Farrendel still is healed, but it's not a healing that left no scars or is perfect, and the book doesn't shy away from there will be better and worse days and things will still be triggers--even letting Farrendel cut back on counseling but not entirely stop and I--*emotional over a healthy portrayal of mental healthcare in fantasy* Parts of this book were also more painful to me than Death Wind with all its trauma, because the aftermath is hard, and Grayce captured well Farrendel's struggles and Essie's pain and frustration as she tries to navigate supporting him when even he doesn't know what he needs. Other random things like Weylind's regrets hit hard. Also, Farrendel & Essie are forever my adorable favs. AND YUUUUS ESSIE MAGIC.
Anyway. Melantha and Rharreth. I love them?? Oh my word??? I totally fell for them and ship them so hard and love them almost as much as Essie and Farrendel, and their parallel yet very different story of healing was so good alongside Farrendel and Essie's and on its own. Melantha's growth was beautiful and touching.
So yeah. *mutters* Okay, I was wrong, this one was amazing...
August 10, 2022
That was absolutely fantastic! Is it too much to ask for my characters to stay happy??? Based on the synopsis of the next book, yes. Yes it is definitely too much to ask. I'm not sure how much more I can take 😂😂 one of these days I just need to read a 100% happy easy book
October 26, 2023
This was largely a healing story. And I loved it. It managed to be a perfect, lovely blend of healing, heartache, intrigue, and hope with a dash of humor. And, in true Tara Grayce fashion, the love between the couples in this book was so beautiful, sacrificial, and exemplary.
I agree with what other reviewers have said: it was fantastic that the author decided to give Melantha an arc instead of just killing her off. It takes very careful handling to write a character like Melantha, and I was astounded at the way the author handled her arc. It was wonderful. I’ll leave it at that and let you read it for yourself. :)
I admit - I did not expect to like Melantha or Rharreth or their relationship. At all. But I was so pleasantly surprised. (This series has just continued to pleasantly surprise me!) I loved how the author carefully crafted both Melantha and Rharreth so that their personalities were very distinct and well-explored.
The portrayal of PTSD in this book was excellent, and it was a great demonstration of how mental illness requires patience, love, sacrifice, and healing just like any other sickness. So many fantasy books dump the characters into horrifying situations and then cut away from the consequential trauma. Troll Queen didn’t do that. It walked alongside Essie and Farrendel as they struggled to fight for their someday. And it was both heartbreaking and beautiful.
The family relationships are just as fun and lovely as ever. (The family snowball fight was one of the best parts.) I’ll never get tired of reading about this big, elf-human family.
This just might be my favorite installment of the Elven Alliance series yet.
Content: violence, a few kisses between married couples, a couple possible fade-to-black moments (but just veiled hints, not uncomfortable at all)
I agree with what other reviewers have said: it was fantastic that the author decided to give Melantha an arc instead of just killing her off. It takes very careful handling to write a character like Melantha, and I was astounded at the way the author handled her arc. It was wonderful. I’ll leave it at that and let you read it for yourself. :)
I admit - I did not expect to like Melantha or Rharreth or their relationship. At all. But I was so pleasantly surprised. (This series has just continued to pleasantly surprise me!) I loved how the author carefully crafted both Melantha and Rharreth so that their personalities were very distinct and well-explored.
The portrayal of PTSD in this book was excellent, and it was a great demonstration of how mental illness requires patience, love, sacrifice, and healing just like any other sickness. So many fantasy books dump the characters into horrifying situations and then cut away from the consequential trauma. Troll Queen didn’t do that. It walked alongside Essie and Farrendel as they struggled to fight for their someday. And it was both heartbreaking and beautiful.
The family relationships are just as fun and lovely as ever. (The family snowball fight was one of the best parts.) I’ll never get tired of reading about this big, elf-human family.
This just might be my favorite installment of the Elven Alliance series yet.
Content: violence, a few kisses between married couples, a couple possible fade-to-black moments (but just veiled hints, not uncomfortable at all)
December 2, 2024
This was so good!!! I was a little unsure if I would like this book as much as the others due to being with Melantha so much, but I trusted Tara would write a compelling and well done redemption arc for her, and I was right! Even when I didn’t like her at all that much I could see her growth and change of heart as she learned what real love and forgiveness truly are, and I can honestly say I loved her by the end. During that time I grew to really like Rharreth as I found him more tolerable and sympathetic then Melantha at first, lol!
Then we have my babies and the stars of the show Essie and Farrendel and can I say my heart bled and wept for these two? 😭😭😭 Farrendel especially I broke over how broken he was and rejoiced at every tiny step he took (with the help of Essie and their wonderful, wonderful families) towards healing and wholeness once more and even beyond what he had ever been able to be before. I loved his progression and how gradual and real his progress was, not to mention how healing it was for him and Essie to work through all the pain and trauma together and come out stronger on the other side. I love them so so much and relished their chapters each time I came to one even after I grew to love Melantha and Rharreth, haha. They’re just not Essie and Farrendel, okay? No one in this series can hold a candle to them and my love and adoration for them. 😍🥰😍🥰
This is definitely turning out to be a hopeful soon to be all time favorite series!
‼️Content‼️
TRIGGER WARNING: a character suffers from nightmares and PTSD; hints at past physical abuse from a father/husband to his wife/children (not detailed or shown); depression and anxiety
Violence: a character was tortured and suffers through the trauma of it (not detailed); fighting with weapons and magic (not detailed); injuries and blood (not detailed); characters are whipped (not detailed); hints at past physical abuse from a father/husband to his wife/children (not detailed or shown)
Sexual: a wife notices and admires her husband’s muscles and chest (in a sweet, innocent way); kissing (not detailed)
Other: magic; magical abilities and races; a character suffers from nightmares and PTSD; a character is illegitimate; depression and anxiety
Then we have my babies and the stars of the show Essie and Farrendel and can I say my heart bled and wept for these two? 😭😭😭 Farrendel especially I broke over how broken he was and rejoiced at every tiny step he took (with the help of Essie and their wonderful, wonderful families) towards healing and wholeness once more and even beyond what he had ever been able to be before. I loved his progression and how gradual and real his progress was, not to mention how healing it was for him and Essie to work through all the pain and trauma together and come out stronger on the other side. I love them so so much and relished their chapters each time I came to one even after I grew to love Melantha and Rharreth, haha. They’re just not Essie and Farrendel, okay? No one in this series can hold a candle to them and my love and adoration for them. 😍🥰😍🥰
This is definitely turning out to be a hopeful soon to be all time favorite series!
‼️Content‼️
TRIGGER WARNING: a character suffers from nightmares and PTSD; hints at past physical abuse from a father/husband to his wife/children (not detailed or shown); depression and anxiety
Violence: a character was tortured and suffers through the trauma of it (not detailed); fighting with weapons and magic (not detailed); injuries and blood (not detailed); characters are whipped (not detailed); hints at past physical abuse from a father/husband to his wife/children (not detailed or shown)
Sexual: a wife notices and admires her husband’s muscles and chest (in a sweet, innocent way); kissing (not detailed)
Other: magic; magical abilities and races; a character suffers from nightmares and PTSD; a character is illegitimate; depression and anxiety
July 6, 2021
Clean romance.
Not standalone.
Recommended.
Not standalone.
Recommended.
March 21, 2021
This was so good. I still feel like Farrendel and Essie had more chapters than Melantha and Rharreth🤷🏻♀️or maybe their chapters were just longer. I adore ALL of the characters and was happy to see their happy endings. They all faced so many challenges, heart breaks and joy.
I can’t wait for the next book that seems to be about Jelessa and Julian BUT, I read the synopsis of it and it was once again focused on Farrendel with another danger to him. Why???? Can we not just focus on the other characters?
I can’t wait for the next book that seems to be about Jelessa and Julian BUT, I read the synopsis of it and it was once again focused on Farrendel with another danger to him. Why???? Can we not just focus on the other characters?
Want to read
November 23, 202011/21-I want more Ferrendel and Essie. Not a fan of Melantha. Would rather read about Edmund and Jalissa’s story instead. It’s fine to redeem Melantha, but like, later. I don’t care about her redemption arc when my main couple have their own relationship arc to get through. I am interested in the troll prince dude though.
March 24, 2021
Ok so I CAN'T WAIT for this to come out!!
I need to see Farrendel healing and Essie being patient and loving and helping him through it. I need all their sweet moments and Farrendel being comforted and loved like he deserves.
Also when I read the reviews of Death Wind I couldn't imagine NOT hating Melantha, but now here I am shipping her with Rharreth and honestly he seems like he has a heart and will turn out to be quite sweet so I am very much looking forward to that.
About 2 months till this comes out; I already have it pre-ordered so now I just have to wait until it releases. Time to distract myself with schoolwork until then!
Update:
3 more hours! It releases on the 19th! I'm so excited, guys -
~~~~~~~Actual Review~~~~~~~
I love Rharreth and Melantha together and how much Melantha fits in with the trolls and how much she comes to care for them.
I love the healing in the families and specifically Farrendel's.
And once again Farrendel and Essie are adorable and sweet and I loved watching their relationship evolve and progress from Farrendel's trauma and healing.
Also I am rather hoping for a novella about Weylind; he's becoming such an intriguing character.
We got to see a bit more of Reva in this installment which I loved.
So much shipping. So many kisses. So much healing.
I adored it, as expected.
I need to see Farrendel healing and Essie being patient and loving and helping him through it. I need all their sweet moments and Farrendel being comforted and loved like he deserves.
Also when I read the reviews of Death Wind I couldn't imagine NOT hating Melantha, but now here I am shipping her with Rharreth and honestly he seems like he has a heart and will turn out to be quite sweet so I am very much looking forward to that.
About 2 months till this comes out; I already have it pre-ordered so now I just have to wait until it releases. Time to distract myself with schoolwork until then!
Update:
3 more hours! It releases on the 19th! I'm so excited, guys -
~~~~~~~Actual Review~~~~~~~
I love Rharreth and Melantha together and how much Melantha fits in with the trolls and how much she comes to care for them.
I love the healing in the families and specifically Farrendel's.
And once again Farrendel and Essie are adorable and sweet and I loved watching their relationship evolve and progress from Farrendel's trauma and healing.
Also I am rather hoping for a novella about Weylind; he's becoming such an intriguing character.
We got to see a bit more of Reva in this installment which I loved.
So much shipping. So many kisses. So much healing.
I adored it, as expected.
October 16, 2022
4.5 stars // read October 2022
possible RTC
possible RTC
April 12, 2021
Rating 4.5/5 Stars
Yeesh, finally getting around to writing my review! *hides face*
Let's see.. where to start???
Troll Queen was -unsurprisingly- a great read!
For those of you who are expecting a lot of action, I will say that nothing action-y (that's a word, right?) really happens until about halfway through this installment.
With that being said.. the first half focuses a lot on character growth - specifically, healing(emotionally/physically/mentally), finding one's place and purpose? in the world and bonding *cue warm fuzzies*.
Of course, there are some "laugh out loud" moments-usually at Weylind's expense- ;p and we also get a little dash of that "Edmund snark" sprinkled in there too. ;)
I think my only complaint was not being able to see a whole lot of the Troll Kingdom... I mean it's there, but it's more of a vague idea of a kingdom rather than a clear one to me -compared to the Elf & Human Kingdoms, anyway-. Though I do understand that it's hard to fit everything into one book especially when trying to tell two interconnected stories from four different POVs.
I digress...
-but- Perhaps, we will get some more Troll Kingdom in the future!
~I have to say the ending was pretty awesome and I can. not. wait. for Edmund and Jalissa's story! <3 <3 <3
Clean Rating 4.5/5
Some light romance- I.e. some non-detailed kissing
and per the usual for my apparent choices in literature Violence -though nothing too gory...that I recall anyways...*insert thinking face*
P.S.
*sniffs* I don't want to brag or anything, but I happened to be credited for naming a character in this here book. One ~Captain Merrick~ to be specific.
I have to say I'm pretty proud of myself. *takes a sip out of wine glass*
...I mean sure, someone else may have submitted the same name too, but hey, what is it that they say? Ah, yes. Great minds think alike. ;p XD
Yeesh, finally getting around to writing my review! *hides face*
Let's see.. where to start???
Troll Queen was -unsurprisingly- a great read!
For those of you who are expecting a lot of action, I will say that nothing action-y (that's a word, right?) really happens until about halfway through this installment.
With that being said.. the first half focuses a lot on character growth - specifically, healing(emotionally/physically/mentally), finding one's place and purpose? in the world and bonding *cue warm fuzzies*.
Of course, there are some "laugh out loud" moments-usually at Weylind's expense- ;p and we also get a little dash of that "Edmund snark" sprinkled in there too. ;)
I think my only complaint was not being able to see a whole lot of the Troll Kingdom... I mean it's there, but it's more of a vague idea of a kingdom rather than a clear one to me -compared to the Elf & Human Kingdoms, anyway-. Though I do understand that it's hard to fit everything into one book especially when trying to tell two interconnected stories from four different POVs.
I digress...
-but- Perhaps, we will get some more Troll Kingdom in the future!
~I have to say the ending was pretty awesome and I can. not. wait. for Edmund and Jalissa's story! <3 <3 <3
Clean Rating 4.5/5
Some light romance- I.e. some non-detailed kissing
and per the usual for my apparent choices in literature Violence -though nothing too gory...that I recall anyways...*insert thinking face*
P.S.
*sniffs* I don't want to brag or anything, but I happened to be credited for naming a character in this here book. One ~Captain Merrick~ to be specific.
I have to say I'm pretty proud of myself. *takes a sip out of wine glass*
...I mean sure, someone else may have submitted the same name too, but hey, what is it that they say? Ah, yes. Great minds think alike. ;p XD
May 28, 2021
Too much hot chocolate and novelty mugs
It’s written for ten year olds but even then this one doesn’t hold up to the others and we could do with Less Essie and more trolls
It’s written for ten year olds but even then this one doesn’t hold up to the others and we could do with Less Essie and more trolls
May 15, 2021
I was excited to read this the day it was released, but it was a disappointment. It felt silly/fluffy, like we were just following around the main characters as they went about their life. Eating some breakfast, walking to the store, choosing some gifts for family, saying hi to friends, signing up for college courses, deciding where they will live... It was boring. It felt like an epilogue that went 200 pages too long.
But here’s the kicker- after all the chemistry between them from previous books, after all the waiting for the guy to pursue wanting to be with his wife as a married couple, it was handled like, “I realized I haven’t loved you fully, and I want to change that.”
End of scene.
No romance. No flirting. No desire. No attraction. That’s the fade to black scene and the story rolls along as they go about their mundane activities the next day. What?! I don’t want a sex scene but I do expect some scene between them that I can relish, like flirtation and seeing his desire finally kick in. I want to see his vulnerability, I want to see his interest in her. Idk, it was just a huge let down. So sterile. He felt asexual, to be honest. Even from his own perspective/point of view, he never thought about her in a physically intimate way. Like wanting to kiss her or having the desire to touch her or noticing her soft skin... Not even a hint of attraction. It was... weird. The culmination of their relationship was not compelling at all.
I was sad.
And then the sister, Melantha’s, romance was total insta-love. Their chemistry was just an idea, a hope, and then boom, he is suddenly so devoted to her that he says he would leave his whole kingdom behind just to keep her. Really? ‘Cause you actually hardly know each other and I didn’t even know that you were attracted to her - physically or emotionally. When did that happen?
??
So neither of their stories held any chemistry at all. Super sad. I lost interest. I kept meaning to go back and finish the last few chapters but I just never did. I’m finally accepting that I probably won’t ever finish it.
Content:
Language, Sex, Violence- Clean.
But here’s the kicker- after all the chemistry between them from previous books, after all the waiting for the guy to pursue wanting to be with his wife as a married couple, it was handled like, “I realized I haven’t loved you fully, and I want to change that.”
End of scene.
No romance. No flirting. No desire. No attraction. That’s the fade to black scene and the story rolls along as they go about their mundane activities the next day. What?! I don’t want a sex scene but I do expect some scene between them that I can relish, like flirtation and seeing his desire finally kick in. I want to see his vulnerability, I want to see his interest in her. Idk, it was just a huge let down. So sterile. He felt asexual, to be honest. Even from his own perspective/point of view, he never thought about her in a physically intimate way. Like wanting to kiss her or having the desire to touch her or noticing her soft skin... Not even a hint of attraction. It was... weird. The culmination of their relationship was not compelling at all.
I was sad.
And then the sister, Melantha’s, romance was total insta-love. Their chemistry was just an idea, a hope, and then boom, he is suddenly so devoted to her that he says he would leave his whole kingdom behind just to keep her. Really? ‘Cause you actually hardly know each other and I didn’t even know that you were attracted to her - physically or emotionally. When did that happen?
??
So neither of their stories held any chemistry at all. Super sad. I lost interest. I kept meaning to go back and finish the last few chapters but I just never did. I’m finally accepting that I probably won’t ever finish it.
Content:
Language, Sex, Violence- Clean.
March 14, 2021
AHHHHHHH!!!
I don't think I can truly convey how much I love this series. This has to be one of the best fantasy romance series I've read (and I read A LOT). You know when you read something and love it so much that you keep trying to find something equally as awesome and you can't? That's the emotion I have every time I finish one of these books in this series.
The characters in this series are so well crafted. I love Farrendel and Essie; I'm falling in love with Rharreth and Melantha. Each character is complex and unique, with motives and thoughts/emotions all their own. They are so well-written that you can guess how they will react to a situation, yet they are not cardboard cutouts just going through the motions.
And the romance is so satisfying without being raunchy. This isn't the Hallmark-ish clean romance leaving you saying "oh, that's cute." This is the clean romance that leaves you sighing and falling in love just as hard and fast as Essie and Melantha.
The plotline is nothing to sneeze at either. Great world-building, enough tension that the precariousness of the situation is felt, and excellent (and unexpected) resolutions to the difficulties. I can't wait for book 5, but I know I'll be rereading this series many times over.
Rated PG-13 for some violence
--some violence
--mild gore
--intense situations
--clean romance without bedroom scenes
--no language
I don't think I can truly convey how much I love this series. This has to be one of the best fantasy romance series I've read (and I read A LOT). You know when you read something and love it so much that you keep trying to find something equally as awesome and you can't? That's the emotion I have every time I finish one of these books in this series.
The characters in this series are so well crafted. I love Farrendel and Essie; I'm falling in love with Rharreth and Melantha. Each character is complex and unique, with motives and thoughts/emotions all their own. They are so well-written that you can guess how they will react to a situation, yet they are not cardboard cutouts just going through the motions.
And the romance is so satisfying without being raunchy. This isn't the Hallmark-ish clean romance leaving you saying "oh, that's cute." This is the clean romance that leaves you sighing and falling in love just as hard and fast as Essie and Melantha.
The plotline is nothing to sneeze at either. Great world-building, enough tension that the precariousness of the situation is felt, and excellent (and unexpected) resolutions to the difficulties. I can't wait for book 5, but I know I'll be rereading this series many times over.
Rated PG-13 for some violence
--some violence
--mild gore
--intense situations
--clean romance without bedroom scenes
--no language
November 2, 2021
•Updated Review
November 1st 2021
Ahhh! I have loved every magical minute. (Get it?Because they have magical powers?) of rereading Elven Alliance!! Ah! *squeals* it’s even better the second time around!!!! This will always be one of my comfort series. I love this series so stinking much! Rharreth,my boy, how I love you so. Farren. Uh. I love you.❤️ Eeeekkk!!! I can’t wait for Pretense. (39 days!!!! LETSS GOOO!!!)
•Original Review•
April 2nd 2021
*sighs dreamily* It was so good to be reunited with everyone. Farrendel, Essie, Avie, Edmund,Julian,Weylind, Rheva, Jalissa,Melantha, Rharreth. *finishes the book* *hardcore fangirls* *screams* I loved this book so much. I love this series. I love these characters. Rharreth and Melantha... their adorable!😭 Melantha deserves to find happiness. And I’m so glad she found someone who truly loves her. Rharreth. *clears throat* he is such a cinnamon roll😭 Farrendel and Essie are adorable. 😭 *cries my eyes out* I love them so much. I’m so happy to see Farrendel happy again.😭 Happy Farrendel is the best Farrendel. and Essie I just love her so much ❤️😭 TARAAAA I NEEEEEEEDDD PRETENSE
November 1st 2021
Ahhh! I have loved every magical minute. (Get it?Because they have magical powers?) of rereading Elven Alliance!! Ah! *squeals* it’s even better the second time around!!!! This will always be one of my comfort series. I love this series so stinking much! Rharreth,my boy, how I love you so. Farren. Uh. I love you.❤️ Eeeekkk!!! I can’t wait for Pretense. (39 days!!!! LETSS GOOO!!!)
•Original Review•
April 2nd 2021
*sighs dreamily* It was so good to be reunited with everyone. Farrendel, Essie, Avie, Edmund,Julian,Weylind, Rheva, Jalissa,Melantha, Rharreth. *finishes the book* *hardcore fangirls* *screams* I loved this book so much. I love this series. I love these characters. Rharreth and Melantha... their adorable!😭 Melantha deserves to find happiness. And I’m so glad she found someone who truly loves her. Rharreth. *clears throat* he is such a cinnamon roll😭 Farrendel and Essie are adorable. 😭 *cries my eyes out* I love them so much. I’m so happy to see Farrendel happy again.😭 Happy Farrendel is the best Farrendel. and Essie I just love her so much ❤️😭 TARAAAA I NEEEEEEEDDD PRETENSE
March 20, 2021
As Prince Zuko would say, "FOR HONORRRR!"
Aaand with that out of the way, I can happily say this was another fun installment of the series. Ahhh, it was beautiful to see all the development and healing these characters went through. The family dynamics in this one were so fluffy and heartwarming, and the continuation of this steampunk world (in the three presented kingdoms) was rather interesting. I think it leaves the reader satisfied with the future of everyone, considering all the angst they went through.
My only complaint is that the storyline in the Troll Kingdom felt a little fuzzy (vague, I know). But I was left satisfied and nothing really felt forced, for sure - some parts a bit quick but the overall redemption aspect was (undoubtedly) well-written.
Now I can't wait for the last book! I've loved seeing all these characters grow and can't wait for more!
Content: some violence and light romance (they are married but everything was kept pg, nothing beyond kissing).
Aaand with that out of the way, I can happily say this was another fun installment of the series. Ahhh, it was beautiful to see all the development and healing these characters went through. The family dynamics in this one were so fluffy and heartwarming, and the continuation of this steampunk world (in the three presented kingdoms) was rather interesting. I think it leaves the reader satisfied with the future of everyone, considering all the angst they went through.
My only complaint is that the storyline in the Troll Kingdom felt a little fuzzy (vague, I know). But I was left satisfied and nothing really felt forced, for sure - some parts a bit quick but the overall redemption aspect was (undoubtedly) well-written.
Now I can't wait for the last book! I've loved seeing all these characters grow and can't wait for more!
Content: some violence and light romance (they are married but everything was kept pg, nothing beyond kissing).
May 18, 2021
Usually when authors branch out to create side characters of a series into the main characters it is a sign of completion in the story of the current main characters. But Essie and Farrendel’s story isn’t over so this was a bit weird. What is the time line? Less than a year of marriage for Essie and Farrendel for these four books and so much has happened with them yet they still feel frozen in time because of the very, VERY slow progress of their relationship, ahem, intimately.
I agree with comments here that there didn’t need to be any explicit detailed sex scenes but there did need to be more/any implied sexual activities. I understand that this is a "clean book". They started off seeming like they were becoming lovers but since it’s been four books and we haven’t really gotten to know about them intimately or about them desiring each other they seem like just close friends. Which is a shame because their love story is what I’m showing up for. Yeah, they kiss and hold hands. So do middle schoolers.
It felt like the author was bored with them and didn’t want to finish their story so she gave us some bits of them because maybe she figured she had to but what she really was interested in writing about was Melantha & Rharreth. Yuck. So they were given a bit of the love and affection scenes that I felt Essie and Farrendel deserved. Melantha & Rharreth are rough because their story is done well but a few things don’t sit right. This almost love at first sight from Rharreth seemed to come out of nowhere. Melantha has shown she is not honorable (a big no,no to the trolls) and that she is selfish and misguided. Along with Farrendel killing Rharreth’s father and brother; Melantha is a very odd choice for a bride. A lot of things happened like this- “it is so because the story must go on”.
I love the first book so much. And I’m glad that each book has gotten a bit longer to tell us more of the story. I will even say the second and third books are very good too even though we seem not to move forward with the romantic relationship which hurt both book 2 and 3. What I’m concerned about is the next book and how it’s described as between Jalissa and Edmund's story. What about Essie and Farrendel’s story completing? Does that just ghost out and fade into the distance? Or is this last book going to be a complete mess of 6 different perspectives: Essie and Farrendel, Melantha and Rharreth, Jalissa and Edmund. What a confusing mistake that would be.
I agree with comments here that there didn’t need to be any explicit detailed sex scenes but there did need to be more/any implied sexual activities. I understand that this is a "clean book". They started off seeming like they were becoming lovers but since it’s been four books and we haven’t really gotten to know about them intimately or about them desiring each other they seem like just close friends. Which is a shame because their love story is what I’m showing up for. Yeah, they kiss and hold hands. So do middle schoolers.
It felt like the author was bored with them and didn’t want to finish their story so she gave us some bits of them because maybe she figured she had to but what she really was interested in writing about was Melantha & Rharreth. Yuck. So they were given a bit of the love and affection scenes that I felt Essie and Farrendel deserved. Melantha & Rharreth are rough because their story is done well but a few things don’t sit right. This almost love at first sight from Rharreth seemed to come out of nowhere. Melantha has shown she is not honorable (a big no,no to the trolls) and that she is selfish and misguided. Along with Farrendel killing Rharreth’s father and brother; Melantha is a very odd choice for a bride. A lot of things happened like this- “it is so because the story must go on”.
I love the first book so much. And I’m glad that each book has gotten a bit longer to tell us more of the story. I will even say the second and third books are very good too even though we seem not to move forward with the romantic relationship which hurt both book 2 and 3. What I’m concerned about is the next book and how it’s described as between Jalissa and Edmund's story. What about Essie and Farrendel’s story completing? Does that just ghost out and fade into the distance? Or is this last book going to be a complete mess of 6 different perspectives: Essie and Farrendel, Melantha and Rharreth, Jalissa and Edmund. What a confusing mistake that would be.
October 14, 2023
I enjoyed this installment a lot more than the first three. It was more complicated and had a storyline separate from Essie and Farrandel's. I like Essie and Farrendel, but I get tired of the drama in their relationship and how Essie is so perfect. The other POV/storyline (being purposely vague) is much better, in my opinion. (And I loved the redemption arc!!🥰)
April 15, 2021
Essie! Farrendel! Melantha and Rharreth are actually cute together, somehow. Danger and PTSD and healing and adorableness and treachery and all the things. This is a long one, but I read it within just a couple days. Y'all, if you haven't read this series yet, I don't know what you're doing with your lives.
August 18, 2022
I don't remember when I read this book. It was somewhere in the zone of "life is good but extremely weird and no-mans-land-ish" a.k.a. the entirety of winter 2021-22. I remembered its existence after a friend who had borrowed it returned it to me along with the fifth book which I'll try to read soon. I remember almost nothing about my reading experience, just that it's a good book, that I was excited to read it, and little bits and pieces of loving Rharreth and Melantha. And poor bby Farrendel (and Essie) trying to figure out the complicated parts of healing.
Anyway this is Melantha's book so it gets five stars no matter what.
Anyway this is Melantha's book so it gets five stars no matter what.
December 10, 2024
I wasn't crazy about reading Melantha's story initially but I grew to like her way more and Rharreth was great, loved him!
So much growth in our main guy Farrendel!
As for the romance: there are 2 fade to black scenes for 2 married couples but they are very mild, not detailed, more of an emotional step.
Content: PTSD, counseling, magic
Christian faith content: 0/3 clean secular fiction
So much growth in our main guy Farrendel!
As for the romance: there are 2 fade to black scenes for 2 married couples but they are very mild, not detailed, more of an emotional step.
Content: PTSD, counseling, magic
Christian faith content: 0/3 clean secular fiction
June 2, 2025
2024 Update
I picked up Death Wind to reread a few favorite scenes on a stressful day and ended up reading the whole second half of Death Wind and all of Troll Queen. No regrets. (I found it easier to enjoy and focus on Melantha's story this time through too.)
2023 Review
I've been reading this series at the rate of one book per day (and yes, I have a job and a busy life, though this weekend did provide an unusually large block of time to read). I can't think of a better recommendation for a book than that. However, you can check out my review of book one for a bit more detail.
I described this series, in general, to a friend as, "Imagine if Joanne Bischof wrote fantasy." Troll Queen in particular reminded me of Saber's Pride, with their similar, honorable male leads trying to patch up generations of damage done by angy, abusive fathers and grandfathers.
Also, I especially enjoyed the female leads in this story. Tara manages to keep Essie bright and compassionate, while also showing her strength in weilding a power she never would have asked for. Essie is happy to be protected but is just as much a protector when she needs to be. Similarly, this story shows Melantha's sharp edges being eased as she learns to value healing, compassion, and selflessness ... but her arc does not remove the fierceness that makes her her. I love that, instead of stripping away her fire, this story shows her embracing it in a more healthy manner. More lady characters like this, please and thank you!
My one (very personal) "complaint" is that I would have enjoyed seeing more of Farrendell's journey to healing. It felt a bit skimmed-over to me. But, I suppose, with the book already sitting at 500 pages long, something had to give.
For "ratings" of romance, language, violence, and religion, refer to the review of book one linked above.
I picked up Death Wind to reread a few favorite scenes on a stressful day and ended up reading the whole second half of Death Wind and all of Troll Queen. No regrets. (I found it easier to enjoy and focus on Melantha's story this time through too.)
2023 Review
I've been reading this series at the rate of one book per day (and yes, I have a job and a busy life, though this weekend did provide an unusually large block of time to read). I can't think of a better recommendation for a book than that. However, you can check out my review of book one for a bit more detail.
I described this series, in general, to a friend as, "Imagine if Joanne Bischof wrote fantasy." Troll Queen in particular reminded me of Saber's Pride, with their similar, honorable male leads trying to patch up generations of damage done by angy, abusive fathers and grandfathers.
Also, I especially enjoyed the female leads in this story. Tara manages to keep Essie bright and compassionate, while also showing her strength in weilding a power she never would have asked for. Essie is happy to be protected but is just as much a protector when she needs to be. Similarly, this story shows Melantha's sharp edges being eased as she learns to value healing, compassion, and selflessness ... but her arc does not remove the fierceness that makes her her. I love that, instead of stripping away her fire, this story shows her embracing it in a more healthy manner. More lady characters like this, please and thank you!
My one (very personal) "complaint" is that I would have enjoyed seeing more of Farrendell's journey to healing. It felt a bit skimmed-over to me. But, I suppose, with the book already sitting at 500 pages long, something had to give.
For "ratings" of romance, language, violence, and religion, refer to the review of book one linked above.
May 25, 2021
Melantha, having betrayed the elves and her younger brother, Farrendal to the dreaded trolls, must now marry Rharreth, the troll king to establish a peace treaty between the elves, humans, and the trolls. Rharreth an honorable troll must find a path forward with an elvish wife and a starving and angry people. Farrendal, the pride of the elvish warriors, after being tortured and imprisoned by the trolls returns bask to Essie, his human wife, broken and withdrawn. Essie must use all the tools in her belt to heal her broken elf husband as another war looms on the horizon.
This was an easy and nice read. I like how the author establishes a real relationship between the couples without one mention of sex. The couple's relationships of support, friendship, and strength made for a somewhat light but nuanced account of couples during war time. I liked that none of the characters were dimensional, each fleshed out and real.
Family and betrayal were a big thing in this book, but also forgiveness even by the victim. I liked that justice was served but was not cruel. Melantha should have been the big bad after selling out her brother and her country, but the author gave her room to evolve and to be forgiven. Farrendel's and Essie's relationship was of course the star of the book. For people from disparate cultures and background, they are one of the strongest couples I've ever read.
I can't wait to read the next book.
This was an easy and nice read. I like how the author establishes a real relationship between the couples without one mention of sex. The couple's relationships of support, friendship, and strength made for a somewhat light but nuanced account of couples during war time. I liked that none of the characters were dimensional, each fleshed out and real.
Family and betrayal were a big thing in this book, but also forgiveness even by the victim. I liked that justice was served but was not cruel. Melantha should have been the big bad after selling out her brother and her country, but the author gave her room to evolve and to be forgiven. Farrendel's and Essie's relationship was of course the star of the book. For people from disparate cultures and background, they are one of the strongest couples I've ever read.
I can't wait to read the next book.
March 19, 2021
Disappointed 😞
I’m really disappointed in this book. Books 1-3 were awesome but this one failed. Tara tried to do too many things at once and unfortunately it did not come through on either end. Would have loved for this to be either Essie’s story continued or 100% about the troll queen. There was little success in doing both. Had it been any other author I would not have finished, but I stuck through because I really like Tara’s book, and I should have stopped when I was ahead.
I’m really disappointed in this book. Books 1-3 were awesome but this one failed. Tara tried to do too many things at once and unfortunately it did not come through on either end. Would have loved for this to be either Essie’s story continued or 100% about the troll queen. There was little success in doing both. Had it been any other author I would not have finished, but I stuck through because I really like Tara’s book, and I should have stopped when I was ahead.
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