The Dark Elf's Mate (Dark Elves of Protheka, #4)

by Celeste King

[Ailyn Henbane]

We revisit some of the rougher aspects of Dark Elvish culture in Protheka. Karish is a Soldier and a particularly vicious one who protects the nation's border. He's not a mild mannered, archduke or particularly volatile musician. Karish is all hard edges and thick walls. His goals are gaining power so his life is comfortable, so he's not looked down on though he's at the highest rank within his caste he can be.

Marionette, Mari, is the exact opposite. She wants to survive, she wants the children she's adopted as hers to survive and she's out to do it however she has to. For Mari, that means becoming a 'comfort' woman. Being a sex worker for a bunch of Dark Elf soldiers would take a steel spine and spirit imo, especially in King's world. But she's going to do it. Karish deciding to have her for himself sets them on this path of discovery. Karish discovering what love and family means, while Mari discovers a way to live not just survive for her children.

My biggest issue with this book is Mari's name. I know it's a French diminutive, or pet name - little Mary, but all I can think of whenever I read it is a puppet.