A review by ettaviereads
Of Elves and Embers by Robin D. Mahle, Elle Madison

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

2 🌶️ 

Thank you ElBin for gifting me an ARC of this standalone fantasy romance novel. 

My first novel by Elle and Robin didn’t disappoint. The characters are loveable and the plot tugged at my heartstrings throughout the novel. 

Ember is a reincarnation but doesn’t have access to her memories or isos. Haedon is a brooding, morally grey elfin king with shadow daddy vibes.

A host of Hades & Persephone vibes, witty banter, training montages, prophecies, and tense battle scenes provides a fantastic read with a fast pace. Utterly heartwarming and heartbreaking the story of Ember and Haedon gives way to the perfect slow burn, enemies to lovers combination that sucks the reader in. 

The  antagonist throughout the novel is challenging for both Ember and Haedon while Abba provides prophetic thoughts that lead the protagonists down a dark tunnel to save their courts. I absolutely did not call the plot twist at the climax.

Overall, this book was a wonderful combination of tension, banter, and heartwarming moments.