Silvara
Written on May 3, 2015
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I really liked this book. I liked even more, that you don't have to read this series in order. The last book I read in this series was #6, and then I got distracted and kept forgetting to get the next books. But each book can be read as a stand-alone, so it's great for people who like things all wrapped up by the end of the book. And it's still good for those who like series, as each book has some of the same elements, just new characters and situations.
There were a lot of creatures in this book. Sylphs, Sprites and other Wind Elementals, Trolls, mentions of Dwarves and Brownies, Werewolves and Vampires. Not all of which were encountered over the course of the book. There was also some serious world-building going on. Lots of description, without it being over-the-top at any point. It made you feel like the things and places described were real, and helped immerse you into the story.
All the major characters were really fleshed out, and had flaws and quirks as well as their good points. Even the minor characters weren't just cardboard. I loved learning about Giselle and her world.
My only real quibble is her hair. It's stated a few times in the book, that since she is an Elemental Master, she has to be super careful about what happens to her hair. If she cuts it and isn't at home where it's safe, she has to burn every strand. This is to be sure no one evil gets a hold of it, because then they could make her do anything they wish. At one point, someone in the show wants to cut locks and sell it as novelties. And is shot down because of the danger to Giselle.
Trying to not give spoilers here. So this will be a bit vague. With all the precautions she and her Mother, and her friends go to to keep her hair away from others. It struck me as highly strange what use her saved braids were put to, and had been being used for over the years.
With that said, I really enjoyed this book and I love the series in general. If you haven't read any of these books yet, you need to. This would be a great one to start with.
This review was originally posted on Fantasy of the Silver Dragon