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Elven Alliance #3
Death Wind
Essie should be planning her happily ever after, not planning a war.
Although they once were enemies, the humans of Escarland and the elves of Tarenhiel have allied to fight the trolls from the far north. But alliances are tricky things even in the best of times, and with Farrendel, the elves’ foremost warrior and Essie’s husband, captured by the trolls, the circumstances appear dire indeed.
But Essie won’t give up, and she will make her two peoples work together to fight this war if it’s the last thing she does. One way or another, she will get Farrendel back, no matter what it takes.
Although they once were enemies, the humans of Escarland and the elves of Tarenhiel have allied to fight the trolls from the far north. But alliances are tricky things even in the best of times, and with Farrendel, the elves’ foremost warrior and Essie’s husband, captured by the trolls, the circumstances appear dire indeed.
But Essie won’t give up, and she will make her two peoples work together to fight this war if it’s the last thing she does. One way or another, she will get Farrendel back, no matter what it takes.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2020
About the author
Tara Grayce
28 books690 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 302 reviews
September 1, 2020
Well, what can I say??? This series fulfills a surprising need in fantasy, that is Clean Romantic Comedy with Elves. It's basically a Fantasy Hallmark book. And it's wonderful. Therefore, I pre-ordered this book following the awful cliff-hanger of Book 2.
It is definitely a darker installment as our hero is captured and tortured by trolls, but as my first love for elves came from Tolkien, that is no deal-breaker for me.
Meanwhile, our heroine Essie manages to be as winsome as ever, even under the stress of uniting her brothers and in-laws (and their warring kingdoms) in the attempt to save her elf husband! I adore Essie, she is plucky and won't back down, but she's not that typical "fantasy" girl who loves fighting...no, Essie will pick up a gun and shoot if she has to, but she does not relish it.
Farrendel just gets better with each book. We've seen his awkwardness and cuteness before, now we see his fierce, dangerous side, and it's pretty fabulous.
Essie's brothers are awesome as always, and King Weylind, while a bit of a snoot, is still cool and some of that snootiness is rubbing off, which was fuuuuuuuun to see. I vote for more of that. Let's have Weylind dragged into a mud fight next book or something.
The big new pov of this book was Melantha...and considering what happened in Book 2, I was not utterly fond of her, BUT I was fond that the author dealt with her horrid action in an arc rather than just killing her off as is so often done, because the arc is MUCH MORE INTERESTING.
Romance: Again, just barely-described kissing. I see the wisdom in moving to new couples for future books so that we can give Essie and Farrendel their privacy, cause yeah, we all want those half-elf babies to come about.
Language: I do not recall any at all.
Violence: Some mildly described torture and death.
I would have to say the book could have probably used more content editing for repeated words and phrases, buuuuut I'm not here to nitpick, I am here for the STORY, because I LOVE THESE DARLINGS.
Next Book please.
Thank you.
It is definitely a darker installment as our hero is captured and tortured by trolls, but as my first love for elves came from Tolkien, that is no deal-breaker for me.
Meanwhile, our heroine Essie manages to be as winsome as ever, even under the stress of uniting her brothers and in-laws (and their warring kingdoms) in the attempt to save her elf husband! I adore Essie, she is plucky and won't back down, but she's not that typical "fantasy" girl who loves fighting...no, Essie will pick up a gun and shoot if she has to, but she does not relish it.
Farrendel just gets better with each book. We've seen his awkwardness and cuteness before, now we see his fierce, dangerous side, and it's pretty fabulous.
Essie's brothers are awesome as always, and King Weylind, while a bit of a snoot, is still cool and some of that snootiness is rubbing off, which was fuuuuuuuun to see. I vote for more of that. Let's have Weylind dragged into a mud fight next book or something.
The big new pov of this book was Melantha...and considering what happened in Book 2, I was not utterly fond of her, BUT I was fond that the author dealt with her horrid action in an arc rather than just killing her off as is so often done, because the arc is MUCH MORE INTERESTING.
Romance: Again, just barely-described kissing. I see the wisdom in moving to new couples for future books so that we can give Essie and Farrendel their privacy, cause yeah, we all want those half-elf babies to come about.
Language: I do not recall any at all.
Violence: Some mildly described torture and death.
I would have to say the book could have probably used more content editing for repeated words and phrases, buuuuut I'm not here to nitpick, I am here for the STORY, because I LOVE THESE DARLINGS.
Next Book please.
Thank you.
October 3, 2024
✅ Quick read
✅ Action
✅ Darker atmosphere
✅🆗 Characters
✅🆗 Plot
🆗 Romance
This book is darker than the first two books of the series. Farrendel has been captured by the trolls and is being tortured as Essie, her brothers (and their army), and the elves are trying to get to him before it's too late.
The book is basically about saving Farrendel, 75% of it is the build-up of the rescue mission and then there is the rescue, the fight, the aftermath all packed in the few remaining pages. I would have liked this book to be longer so we could have more details about the fighting and the aftermath of the combats, but it is still a good book (guilty pleasure, I admit it). I would also have enjoyed more Essie and Farrendel time, they spent almost the whole book apart, it is kind of sad because they were really cute together in War Bound and their relationship was starting to get stronger and more natural.
Overall, this series is very enjoyable. As I said in my review of Fierce Heart, there is nothing new or unexpected in these books, but they are so fast and easy to read, it was a nice adventure while it lasted. The second and third ones were definitely better than the first one. Really, I am happy with this series.
The fourth book seems to be more focused on Melantha though and I really don't care for her so I am not sure yet if I will read the fourth book when it comes out.
1. Fierce Heart ⭐⭐⭐
1.5 Elf Prince ⭐⭐⭐
2. War Bound ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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✅ Action
✅ Darker atmosphere
✅🆗 Characters
✅🆗 Plot
🆗 Romance
This book is darker than the first two books of the series. Farrendel has been captured by the trolls and is being tortured as Essie, her brothers (and their army), and the elves are trying to get to him before it's too late.
The book is basically about saving Farrendel, 75% of it is the build-up of the rescue mission and then there is the rescue, the fight, the aftermath all packed in the few remaining pages. I would have liked this book to be longer so we could have more details about the fighting and the aftermath of the combats, but it is still a good book (guilty pleasure, I admit it). I would also have enjoyed more Essie and Farrendel time, they spent almost the whole book apart, it is kind of sad because they were really cute together in War Bound and their relationship was starting to get stronger and more natural.
Overall, this series is very enjoyable. As I said in my review of Fierce Heart, there is nothing new or unexpected in these books, but they are so fast and easy to read, it was a nice adventure while it lasted. The second and third ones were definitely better than the first one. Really, I am happy with this series.
The fourth book seems to be more focused on Melantha though and I really don't care for her so I am not sure yet if I will read the fourth book when it comes out.
1. Fierce Heart ⭐⭐⭐
1.5 Elf Prince ⭐⭐⭐
2. War Bound ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Follow me on Instagram 🙂
September 1, 2020
Oh wow, this was so completely uninteresting I can’t even believe it. The rescue takes the whole book. Boring. Melantha’s point of view? Boring. I really couldn’t care less how she ended up betraying everyone and her “revelations” were so obvious that you felt like smacking her. I have ZERO sympathy for her plight and ZERO interest in her story. Is that what’s coming next? No thanks.
It felt like there was zero progress in the romance and definitely no progress in their physical intimacy. I’m not happy.
It felt like there was zero progress in the romance and definitely no progress in their physical intimacy. I’m not happy.
October 26, 2023
As Essie and Farrendel struggle to get back to each other, their love shines in their darkest experience together. Their love and hope are beautiful, helping them survive the pain.
I love the sibling/family/marriage relationships so, so much, especially Jalissa and Essie’s growing sisterly relationship and the developing something between Jalissa and Essie’s brother Edmund. (I cannot wait for their story to be told!)
The author ramps up the tension in this installment of the series, but I love the action. The pacing is excellent, and the writing is good as well, save a few phrases that are repeated too much.
I’m excited to read Troll Queen and see the characters dealing with the ramifications of the events in this book! I’m really impressed by this author’s work so far, and I’m definitely going to read more by her!
Content: violence (torture and death), a couple kisses
I love the sibling/family/marriage relationships so, so much, especially Jalissa and Essie’s growing sisterly relationship and the developing something between Jalissa and Essie’s brother Edmund. (I cannot wait for their story to be told!)
The author ramps up the tension in this installment of the series, but I love the action. The pacing is excellent, and the writing is good as well, save a few phrases that are repeated too much.
I’m excited to read Troll Queen and see the characters dealing with the ramifications of the events in this book! I’m really impressed by this author’s work so far, and I’m definitely going to read more by her!
Content: violence (torture and death), a couple kisses
September 26, 2020
3.75
Well, we are officially at war!
As we left off in the last book-Farrendel has been captured by the Troll army, betrayed by one of his own, and taken back to their home base to pay for his crime of assassinating the former Troll King.
Meanwhile, Essie is left trying to rally the troops- both human and elven- which is as difficult as it sounds. Both sides have lingering mutual mistrust as well as having to try and put aside their worry for Farrendel's life.
With the clock ticking, and Farrendel trying to remain steadfast in the face of constant torture at the hands of the enemy- Can Essie pull together two nations- and families- in time to storm the castle before its to late?
That being said I'm glad this is not the last book-
Will look forward to the next book!
Well, we are officially at war!
As we left off in the last book-Farrendel has been captured by the Troll army, betrayed by one of his own, and taken back to their home base to pay for his crime of assassinating the former Troll King.
Meanwhile, Essie is left trying to rally the troops- both human and elven- which is as difficult as it sounds. Both sides have lingering mutual mistrust as well as having to try and put aside their worry for Farrendel's life.
With the clock ticking, and Farrendel trying to remain steadfast in the face of constant torture at the hands of the enemy- Can Essie pull together two nations- and families- in time to storm the castle before its to late?
That being said I'm glad this is not the last book-
Will look forward to the next book!
September 1, 2020
So, I loved it. I loved the complexity of the politics and how not one side was fully good or evil. As much as I’m sure many readers hate Melantha for what she did, I really connected with her in her bitterness, hurt, and longing for something better without quite knowing how to properly go about it.
To say I NEED book 4 is an understatement.
As much as I love Farrendel and Essie, I CANNOT WAIT for Prince Rarrareth (I prolly spelled that completely wrong) and Melantha’s story. *GRABBY HANDS*
To say I NEED book 4 is an understatement.
As much as I love Farrendel and Essie, I CANNOT WAIT for Prince Rarrareth (I prolly spelled that completely wrong) and Melantha’s story. *GRABBY HANDS*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2020
I loved how the heroine brought two kingdom together and rescued her prince. She was such a brave character with so much optimism.
The final power packed showdown of hero’s vengeance was fantastic.
I loved the scenes where all the secondary characters came together. And I’m still not ready to forgive the traitor even though they redeemed themselves somewhat.
The writing was as usual gripping. And I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Very much safe and recommended.
The final power packed showdown of hero’s vengeance was fantastic.
I loved the scenes where all the secondary characters came together. And I’m still not ready to forgive the traitor even though they redeemed themselves somewhat.
The writing was as usual gripping. And I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Very much safe and recommended.
November 10, 2022
Re-read, bumped to 5 stars
*sees in my last review I said I "did get super emotional." I teared up this time. 😆 I also think the points that dragged or confused me last time was my mood, because I didn't notice as much last time. Also, so much more sympathetic to Melantha on this read-through.
---
A good and emotional installment
"Emotional" almost seems wrong, because *I* didn't get super emotional, but the characters and book had s good range of emotion. But there were some good "aww" moments, some giggling/laughter, and a lot of "my poor baby!" Some mildly surprising twists, some twists that would have surprised me if I wasn't aware of the title of the sequel 😆, and a twist I had BEEN WAITING FOR SINCE BOOK ONE that was at once satisfying and...not quite, because it didn't go as far as I'd hoped. A few moments that dragged (or I got impatient because my brain got ahead of the story 😅) and the timeline was quite confusing at points, but it mostly made sense. I still have ALL the love for Farrendel and Essie, and some of the other characters are really growing on me as well. I think a lot of the issues I had with book one have really been ironed out by this installment.
*sees in my last review I said I "did get super emotional." I teared up this time. 😆 I also think the points that dragged or confused me last time was my mood, because I didn't notice as much last time. Also, so much more sympathetic to Melantha on this read-through.
---
A good and emotional installment
"Emotional" almost seems wrong, because *I* didn't get super emotional, but the characters and book had s good range of emotion. But there were some good "aww" moments, some giggling/laughter, and a lot of "my poor baby!" Some mildly surprising twists, some twists that would have surprised me if I wasn't aware of the title of the sequel 😆, and a twist I had BEEN WAITING FOR SINCE BOOK ONE that was at once satisfying and...not quite, because it didn't go as far as I'd hoped. A few moments that dragged (or I got impatient because my brain got ahead of the story 😅) and the timeline was quite confusing at points, but it mostly made sense. I still have ALL the love for Farrendel and Essie, and some of the other characters are really growing on me as well. I think a lot of the issues I had with book one have really been ironed out by this installment.
September 4, 2020
A solid installment to a fun and easy series. This one was a little darker than the previous books since some pretty bad things happened to a certain character. However, the author didn't go a graphic route, so I was able to stomach it and not get depressed. If you're looking for a happy and fun read, though, you might want to wait until you're in a different mood to read this.
As it was, I appreciated the clean content, the decent world building, and likable main characters. I'm very interested in seeing where the author takes the MCs'relationship next. I hope that Farrandel doesn't push Essie away for too long. I want to see some cute half elf babies!
As it was, I appreciated the clean content, the decent world building, and likable main characters. I'm very interested in seeing where the author takes the MCs'relationship next. I hope that Farrandel doesn't push Essie away for too long. I want to see some cute half elf babies!
Read
January 15, 2021Although this story felt a little slow-moving in the first half, once the second half hit I finished the story in a single gulp! Fair warning, it's an instalment where the hero and heroine spend a lot of time apart, but it makes up for the shortfall with a) a TRULY spectacular climactic scene and b) my new favourite character of the entire series, the angry, terrible, and guilt-ridden Melantha, who has me seriously excited to read the next book.
September 18, 2020
I didn't enjoy this book that much.
Half of it was devoted to the thoughts and feelings of Melantha the Stupid Treacherous Bitch. Not only was she a blood traitor, she was also apparently so stupid she believed all the lies the trolls fed her, and drummed up really shaky justifications to herself.
There was all this internal hand-wringing and petty justifications and soul-searching going on in half the book for Melantha, and I just didn't give a shit. She was a repulsive piece of effluvia who betrayed her baby brother to torture and death at the hands of their enemies. The author wasted so much space in the book trying to redeem the irredeemable. It also didn't help that it was the same parts that featured Farrendel's drawn-out torture and agony, which I really didn't want to be reading about for so much of the book.
I won't be reading the next book, which will apparently feature Farrendel's recovery AND much more about Melantha the Stupid Treacherous Bitch.
Half of it was devoted to the thoughts and feelings of Melantha the Stupid Treacherous Bitch. Not only was she a blood traitor, she was also apparently so stupid she believed all the lies the trolls fed her, and drummed up really shaky justifications to herself.
There was all this internal hand-wringing and petty justifications and soul-searching going on in half the book for Melantha, and I just didn't give a shit. She was a repulsive piece of effluvia who betrayed her baby brother to torture and death at the hands of their enemies. The author wasted so much space in the book trying to redeem the irredeemable. It also didn't help that it was the same parts that featured Farrendel's drawn-out torture and agony, which I really didn't want to be reading about for so much of the book.
I won't be reading the next book, which will apparently feature Farrendel's recovery AND much more about Melantha the Stupid Treacherous Bitch.
September 8, 2020
No closure
Not cool. I really wanted Farrendel to find a happy ending and he didn't. A fourth book! Really? I felt like book two dragged along. Seriously the pacing was soooo slow. This book I was prepared for it and sadly, I wasn't disappointed either. Again, there was a lot of fluff stuff. It could have moved faster for me. Spoiler here: after all this time and 3 books we aren't any further into Farrendel and Elspeths relationship. Ug! So frustrating. Melantha is evil and gets a light punishment. Farrendel is forever trapped in his mind and a shell of himself. Elspetha still had some weird moments that are so odd they can't pass off as quirky. I got through it but it didn't solve anything other then Farrendel is back.
Not cool. I really wanted Farrendel to find a happy ending and he didn't. A fourth book! Really? I felt like book two dragged along. Seriously the pacing was soooo slow. This book I was prepared for it and sadly, I wasn't disappointed either. Again, there was a lot of fluff stuff. It could have moved faster for me. Spoiler here: after all this time and 3 books we aren't any further into Farrendel and Elspeths relationship. Ug! So frustrating. Melantha is evil and gets a light punishment. Farrendel is forever trapped in his mind and a shell of himself. Elspetha still had some weird moments that are so odd they can't pass off as quirky. I got through it but it didn't solve anything other then Farrendel is back.
October 5, 2020
In this book after being betrayed Farrendel has been captured by the Trolls, and spends most of this book being tortured as Essie and both kingdoms work to get to him before it is too late.
The bond between Essie and Farrendel remains strong in this I'm hoping we see more of them on page together in the next book. I wanted more progression in their romance and a tad bummed by the lack of movement on that front.
I have to say despite all that was happening, it didn't feel like much happened, things were far too drawn out.
Finished this book still disliking Melantha despite what she tries to do.
Acquired via KU.
The bond between Essie and Farrendel remains strong in this I'm hoping we see more of them on page together in the next book. I wanted more progression in their romance and a tad bummed by the lack of movement on that front.
I have to say despite all that was happening, it didn't feel like much happened, things were far too drawn out.
Finished this book still disliking Melantha despite what she tries to do.
Acquired via KU.
May 22, 2023
(Disclaimer: I was a copyeditor for this. But as an unbiased reader, I genuinely adore it!)
September 1, 2020
Wow
I didn’t think this series could get any better and boy was I proved wrong I started it as soon as it hit my kindle and couldn’t put it down
This book and more emotional then the past two dealing with trust , betrayal, pain and suffering but oh does it have some great moments
This book is different from the other two also because it has 3 ppl POV and honestly that would drive me nuts but it fit so well in this book
I’m only sad I have to sooooo many month for the next one !!
Thank you for another amazing book to this series
I didn’t think this series could get any better and boy was I proved wrong I started it as soon as it hit my kindle and couldn’t put it down
This book and more emotional then the past two dealing with trust , betrayal, pain and suffering but oh does it have some great moments
This book is different from the other two also because it has 3 ppl POV and honestly that would drive me nuts but it fit so well in this book
I’m only sad I have to sooooo many month for the next one !!
Thank you for another amazing book to this series
September 2, 2020
OMG!!!! This book was 🎶amazing🎶
Farrendel and Essie were both so strong. Through all the struggle they held on to each other, even from far away. They trusted in each other wholeheartedly. I hope one day to have a marriage strong like this!
There is romance in this book, but it is clean. I would recommend this book to any teen. Tara Grayce is an awesome writer!
Farrendel and Essie were both so strong. Through all the struggle they held on to each other, even from far away. They trusted in each other wholeheartedly. I hope one day to have a marriage strong like this!
There is romance in this book, but it is clean. I would recommend this book to any teen. Tara Grayce is an awesome writer!
July 6, 2021
SO. MUCH. PAIN!!!!!
But it was worth it. At times the book felt slow and dragged on FOREVER, but it also helped me feel what the characters felt with the impatience and hardship. Thus, while it took forever, it only added to the effect.
Death Wind is definitely the heaviest and most painful of the books so far in this series. Those are necessary though, and I definitely feel like I can understand the characters better after reading it!
Prepare yourself for pain and hardship when you go to read this one, but also know that there are glimpses of hope, forgiveness, and healing sprinkled throughout!
But it was worth it. At times the book felt slow and dragged on FOREVER, but it also helped me feel what the characters felt with the impatience and hardship. Thus, while it took forever, it only added to the effect.
Death Wind is definitely the heaviest and most painful of the books so far in this series. Those are necessary though, and I definitely feel like I can understand the characters better after reading it!
Prepare yourself for pain and hardship when you go to read this one, but also know that there are glimpses of hope, forgiveness, and healing sprinkled throughout!
July 2, 2021
4.5 stars.
It's hard to describe this series after the first book. It starts to get 'darker' in a sense, including harsher realities of life and war more directly, but also stays focused on goodness and light in a way I really appreciate. I know some people will find it cheesy because of this, but for me the balance is almost perfect.
Without getting too far into spoiler territory, I will say I sometimes find the bad guys less realistically portrayed, and not the fully fleshed out antagonists that I would usually prefer. That said, I come to this series when I DON'T want to be stressed out, and it's kind of amazing the author can tackle all the difficult topics she does while keeping the feel of a happy, fun read. I'll happily take that *almost* perfect balance in order to keep that feel.
This book does include depictions of torture, injuries, war and death as well as the emotional and mental side of betrayal, forgiveness, trauma/PTSD, and a lot of general angst about whether loved ones are alive (including some references to suicide).There are mild descriptions of kissing and snuggling.
It's hard to describe this series after the first book. It starts to get 'darker' in a sense, including harsher realities of life and war more directly, but also stays focused on goodness and light in a way I really appreciate. I know some people will find it cheesy because of this, but for me the balance is almost perfect.
Without getting too far into spoiler territory, I will say I sometimes find the bad guys less realistically portrayed, and not the fully fleshed out antagonists that I would usually prefer. That said, I come to this series when I DON'T want to be stressed out, and it's kind of amazing the author can tackle all the difficult topics she does while keeping the feel of a happy, fun read. I'll happily take that *almost* perfect balance in order to keep that feel.
This book does include depictions of torture, injuries, war and death as well as the emotional and mental side of betrayal, forgiveness, trauma/PTSD, and a lot of general angst about whether loved ones are alive (including some references to suicide).There are mild descriptions of kissing and snuggling.
July 4, 2021
Easily my favorite of the series! The feels, the almost crying/I may have cried a tear or two, the conflict, the smiles and laughs I had. :) The bros and side characters.
Melantha ❤
The povs were done really well in my opinion!
Content: There was quite a bit of torture, pain and some fighting/death and some kissing.
I am excited to read the next book!!
Melantha ❤
The povs were done really well in my opinion!
Content: There was quite a bit of torture, pain and some fighting/death and some kissing.
I am excited to read the next book!!
September 2, 2020
I’ll write a full review soon, but this book is SOOOOOO GOOD!
September 3, 2020
So good. Much feels. Hugs for Farrendel. Hugs for Essie. I have feelings about Melantha. Help. Excited for book 4!
November 21, 2023
A gr friend wrote a review about this book. Turns out there is a marriage of convenience in this case a political marriage in it which was the major deciding factor in reading this beside Helen's review.
I needed this trope for a challange.
The review will be about book #1 -#3 in this series. After book three I didn't continue with this series. I did a mix of listening and reading. The ebooks were free on KU.
First of all something in the writing style of the author annoyed me but I can't really pin down what exactly this was.
Essie is the main female character in the first three books but it changes in the next books as they will be about Essie's sisters in laws. (One will be the pairing of Essie's sister in law and her brother.)
Essie is a human princess and the her brother is a king. Their country had a dispute with the Elves and when they meet to negotiate how to go forward, the a political marriage between Essie and an Elve is suggested. Essie agrees to it but her brother isn't thrilled. She marries just some days after the agreement in the human country and travels with the Elves to be married there again.
Essie is determined to make things work and at least to become friend with her husband, even though his family is not happy with this marriage of convenience.
Turns out that the Elven prince she married has been through a lot and is their best warrior. But they manage to become friends. The first book is about Essie living with the Elves, the second one is about them living with Essie's family and the third is about the war between Elves and Trolls. But Essie's brother joins the war, as Essie's husband is kidnapped.
For me the three books were all three stars. I did enjoy the story.
I needed this trope for a challange.
The review will be about book #1 -#3 in this series. After book three I didn't continue with this series. I did a mix of listening and reading. The ebooks were free on KU.
First of all something in the writing style of the author annoyed me but I can't really pin down what exactly this was.
Essie is the main female character in the first three books but it changes in the next books as they will be about Essie's sisters in laws. (One will be the pairing of Essie's sister in law and her brother.)
Essie is a human princess and the her brother is a king. Their country had a dispute with the Elves and when they meet to negotiate how to go forward, the a political marriage between Essie and an Elve is suggested. Essie agrees to it but her brother isn't thrilled. She marries just some days after the agreement in the human country and travels with the Elves to be married there again.
Essie is determined to make things work and at least to become friend with her husband, even though his family is not happy with this marriage of convenience.
Turns out that the Elven prince she married has been through a lot and is their best warrior. But they manage to become friends. The first book is about Essie living with the Elves, the second one is about them living with Essie's family and the third is about the war between Elves and Trolls. But Essie's brother joins the war, as Essie's husband is kidnapped.
For me the three books were all three stars. I did enjoy the story.
August 30, 2021
okay see I think the thing I'm enjoying the most about this series is how satisfying Tara Grayce makes things turn out while still maintaining the reader's interest. I didn't feel gobsmacked over any particularly twisty bits of plot, or moved to tears by any hyped-up emotional moments, and I wouldn't dramatically profess my willingness to die for a given character unless I was very very sleepy and hyper (because let's face it, you really can't help it when it comes to Farrendel), but there's just this sensation of rightness to how things happen, no matter how much blood and pain comes up along the way.
I already raved about the healthy communication among characters in my brief review for book two, but I wanted to add that the arc in this book is another prime example and it's GOOD. Unexpected, but satisfying. I know I keep using that word but I can't think of one that more clearly expresses how I feel about the series so far.
I already raved about the healthy communication among characters in my brief review for book two, but I wanted to add that the arc in this book is another prime example and it's GOOD. Unexpected, but satisfying. I know I keep using that word but I can't think of one that more clearly expresses how I feel about the series so far.
June 6, 2021
I enjoyed this for the most part but it wasn't as engaging as the first book.
Ferendel and Essie spend almost the entire book apart. He gets tortured for most of the book. It's off page for the most part but it made for gloomy reading.
I still loved Essie.
The ending, well the Troll problem is taken care off, but there's not much romance. Ferendel is traumatized and in pain. So the ending wasn't an HEA. You'll need to read yet another book to hopefully finally get a GD HEA out of this author.
But 3 stars cause I did enjoy it and could tell early on that it wasn't going to have a 'happy' ending.
Ferendel is taken to the Troll fortress that is made of rock. Now Essie and her siblings and his need to combine armies and crush the Troll aggression on their homesoil rock.
I did love how Ferendell kicked troll ass in the end. I was kinda hoping the Troll king would suffer more though.
Ferendel and Essie spend almost the entire book apart. He gets tortured for most of the book. It's off page for the most part but it made for gloomy reading.
I still loved Essie.
The ending, well the Troll problem is taken care off, but there's not much romance. Ferendel is traumatized and in pain. So the ending wasn't an HEA. You'll need to read yet another book to hopefully finally get a GD HEA out of this author.
But 3 stars cause I did enjoy it and could tell early on that it wasn't going to have a 'happy' ending.
Ferendel is taken to the Troll fortress that is made of rock. Now Essie and her siblings and his need to combine armies and crush the Troll aggression on their home
I did love how Ferendell kicked troll ass in the end. I was kinda hoping the Troll king would suffer more though.
February 7, 2024
3 Stars ✨
Least favorite of the series so far. I don’t like when main characters get separated… seemed to be a lot of filler in this one- but I am looking forward to seeing where it goes since it looks like the next book will follow a new set of main characters.
Least favorite of the series so far. I don’t like when main characters get separated… seemed to be a lot of filler in this one- but I am looking forward to seeing where it goes since it looks like the next book will follow a new set of main characters.
October 30, 2020
Farrendel, the shy elvish prince has again been captured and tortured by the goblin nemesis. Essie, his human wife has to unite two previously warring nations, humans and elves, to save her tortured husband.
It is again nice to read about a committed relationship that depends on trust, patience and compromise rather than just straight lust and physical attraction. The author does a commendable job of building Essie's and Farrendel relationship over three books to the point where Farrendel's kidnapping could galvanize two warring nations to free him. Even though Farrendel is the Death on the Wind, able to destroy whole armies of trolls single handily, he's still this awkwardly shy young elf who blushes when holding his wife's hand in public and suffers for nightly nightmares. Essie, in contrast is a chatterbox royalty who should be vain and arrogant but is the most compassionate and loyal person, willing to love a people that murdered her father to maintain peace.
I am not sure I entirely believed Melantha's betrayal especially when she risked so much for so little. I again appreciated that this was a book about her redemption and Farrendel's compassionate heart, forgiving his sister after being tortured.
I enjoyed the homely and domestic feel of the series so far, and can't wait to read about Melantha's journey with her new troll king.
It is again nice to read about a committed relationship that depends on trust, patience and compromise rather than just straight lust and physical attraction. The author does a commendable job of building Essie's and Farrendel relationship over three books to the point where Farrendel's kidnapping could galvanize two warring nations to free him. Even though Farrendel is the Death on the Wind, able to destroy whole armies of trolls single handily, he's still this awkwardly shy young elf who blushes when holding his wife's hand in public and suffers for nightly nightmares. Essie, in contrast is a chatterbox royalty who should be vain and arrogant but is the most compassionate and loyal person, willing to love a people that murdered her father to maintain peace.
I am not sure I entirely believed Melantha's betrayal especially when she risked so much for so little. I again appreciated that this was a book about her redemption and Farrendel's compassionate heart, forgiving his sister after being tortured.
I enjoyed the homely and domestic feel of the series so far, and can't wait to read about Melantha's journey with her new troll king.
September 8, 2020
I think I am being generous with two stars. Mainly because this book was just so incredibly boring. Nothing really happens. No character development. No plot development. No action to pull you in. Just a whole bunch of talking. And whining. And talking. Between Essie's brother and the elven king. Essie and the elven king. Melantha and Farrendell. Farrendell and King Charvod. It was just so much boring dialogue that didn't move the plot along, didn't add any value to the story and was just plain boring.
I also have to say that while reading this book, I got more annoyed by the author's seemingly limited vocabulary. Or maybe it's just a lack of practice. But for example, King Charvod is always referred to as King Charvod. Imagine reading one page in a book and having to read the words "King Charvod" about ten times:
King Charvod entered the cell. Farrendell looked at King Charvod and asked what he wanted. "..." King Charvod said. "...?" Farredel asked King Charvod.
There really is absolutely no variation and that makes the entire writing seem very amateurish. At least experience with it a little. Mix it up and call him the troll king, or you know, just substitute with "he" once in a while!!! It came to a point where I was reading, where I really only saw all the instances of King Charvod on a page and couldn't even focus on anything else anymore. To me, this was just bad writing and finding other ways to refer to the ultimate bad guy shouldn't be that difficult.
I also have to say that this entire focus on Melantha and her turning to the dark side only to regret it and then spending so much time and effort trying to excuse her treason was a misplaced story. I wasn't interested. At all. It was just so out of place. After this entire introduction to Essie and Farrendel and at least the beginnings of an epic showdown between the trolls and elves united with humans, instead the author decided to focus on the inner battle of one spoiled elf and her heartfelt change. It was such a letdown. And the epic showdown also didn't happen, because the rescue mission is the only "action" like plot there is and it takes up the entire book.
Frankly, the sense of boredom has stuck with me since the first book and there was never enough plot, action or anything really to change that.
I also have to say that while reading this book, I got more annoyed by the author's seemingly limited vocabulary. Or maybe it's just a lack of practice. But for example, King Charvod is always referred to as King Charvod. Imagine reading one page in a book and having to read the words "King Charvod" about ten times:
King Charvod entered the cell. Farrendell looked at King Charvod and asked what he wanted. "..." King Charvod said. "...?" Farredel asked King Charvod.
There really is absolutely no variation and that makes the entire writing seem very amateurish. At least experience with it a little. Mix it up and call him the troll king, or you know, just substitute with "he" once in a while!!! It came to a point where I was reading, where I really only saw all the instances of King Charvod on a page and couldn't even focus on anything else anymore. To me, this was just bad writing and finding other ways to refer to the ultimate bad guy shouldn't be that difficult.
I also have to say that this entire focus on Melantha and her turning to the dark side only to regret it and then spending so much time and effort trying to excuse her treason was a misplaced story. I wasn't interested. At all. It was just so out of place. After this entire introduction to Essie and Farrendel and at least the beginnings of an epic showdown between the trolls and elves united with humans, instead the author decided to focus on the inner battle of one spoiled elf and her heartfelt change. It was such a letdown. And the epic showdown also didn't happen, because the rescue mission is the only "action" like plot there is and it takes up the entire book.
Frankly, the sense of boredom has stuck with me since the first book and there was never enough plot, action or anything really to change that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2020
This book was such a great continuation from the previous books in the series. A perfect combination of action, adventure, romance, and humor, these books get better with every new one. Essie and Farrendell are adorable as always, and the emotional tension throughout the story was worth it. I really liked seeing Essie and Farrendell's family trying to get along. I also enjoyed the elf-human alliance and seeing how two vastly different groups of people could/could not cooperate. The prison scenes were intense but not so gruesome that I wanted to close the book. And, believe it or not, I actually liked a certain person who betrayed them. That person grew on me as I read more about him/her and I look forward to the next book where this person will be more featured. Finally, I like how the author built the tension until the epic finale. I stayed up late two nights in a row to finish this book and it was sooo worth it!
May 17, 2024
Good wrap-up of the trilogy. I was a little bit unhappy with a thing or two, but it was my own expectations and not the fault of the author. Good job, Ms. Grace.
September 7, 2020
I love this series SO MUCH! Can't wait for book 4!
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