Reviewed by Quirky Cat on
How To Love Your Elf is the first novel in the Embraced By Magic series by Kerrelyn Sparks. But it’s also the fourth novel in a larger series, known as the Embraced. That might be a bit confusing for some. While it is technically the first in a new series (according to the branding), having read the Embraced beforehand will likely make a huge impact on this read.
Sorcha is one of five. Five girls, all saved. Now they are five women, seeking to find their place in the world. Or rather, Sorcha is still searching. Many of her sisters have already found their place in this world. Now it is her turn.
Perhaps that is why she agreed to take on such a dangerous mission. Though knowing you’re about to set off on a dangerous mission, and actually completing said mission are two very different things. A fact she is about to learn.
“She was definitely a sneaky one. Unpredictable. Surprising. A challenge.”
How To Love Your Elf was an interesting read. It’s set in a complex world of magic, politics, and so much more. The plot was very heavily character-driven, giving readers plenty of opportunities to get to know the one and only Sorcha.
Admittedly, I think I would have enjoyed it so much more if I had more had I read the first three novels in this series. I know that this book is being marketed as the first in a new series, but it really doesn’t read like it. I know I missed out on a ton of subtext and backstory by not having read The Embraced. It made it really hard for me to get into this book. Something I deeply regret.
I did enjoy Sorcha’s story, despite that (though I was confused at times, for obvious reasons). She’s a stubborn and driven character, one who seems to have a talent for getting herself into trouble. Her dedication to her sisters was clear, even without knowing everything they have gone through together.
On the whole, I enjoyed the concept and plot of How To Love Your Elf. This was a fascinating world, as I mentioned above. I’m assuming there are opportunities to learn more about her sisters in the first three novels, which is awesome, since I found them fairly interesting.
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Reading updates
- Started reading
- 22 February, 2020: Finished reading
- 22 February, 2020: Reviewed