Elfling by Corinna Turner

Elfling is a highly imaginative fantasy novel about a young girl’s quest to find and save her father. Serapia, accompanied by her dragonet pet, goes from a smart, toughened street urchin to a beloved daughter.

Revelations about her parents’ split and the nature of her father’s past sin took me by surprise, propelling the story in a direction I hadn’t anticipated. Serapia’s subsequent (relentless) quest to obtain healing for her father at the hands of an unwilling he-elf examines the nature of evil, sin and its consequences, suffering, forgiveness, and immortality from a Christian perspective.

Although Serapia’s persistent efforts to compel the he-elf include many flashbacks as she regains her memory, I found that segment of the story a bit long, making it somewhat repetitive. Even so, fans of fantasy will enjoy the detailed world and rich story Corinna Turner has created.

---

Relevant Fiction Reviews: Fantasy Fiction Favorites Share on X Cinder Allia by Karen Ullo

For someone like myself, who reads very little fantasy, a creative twist on a classic fairy tale is a good point of entry. There are only a few similarities between Cinder Allia and Cinderella, but it was enough to help ground me in the story.

With espionage, intrigue, and wavering loyalties, Cinder Allia is more complex than you might expect. A wheelchair-bound prince who lives in the shadows, a potion-dealing outsider, and a priest/spy are some of the characters that make the story so interesting.

The writing is lovely, filled with imagery.

I had trouble connecting with the characters’ almost immediate declarations of love, but, with the reminder that this was a fairy tale, I was able to accept it for what it was.

---

Mandy Lamb and the Full Moon by Corinna Turner

Mandy Lamb and the Full Moon is a testament to Author Corinna Turner’s creativity! If you had told me I’d enjoy a book about a 1/2 sheep girl, a werewolf, and a vampire this much, I’d be surprised. But, Mandy Lamb is a likable girl, uh, lamb, and there is surprising depth to this children’s book.

At its heart it’s a book about fitting in despite your uniqueness and accepting others for who they are, with all of their gifts and challenges. It also delivers a firm message about distinguishing dispositions (which we cannot help) and actions (which we can) – an important message in a world so consumed with not judging that it cannot separate the two, therefore condemning some for things they cannot help and giving a free pass to others who fail to take responsibility for their actions.

Overall, a fun story about friendship with a pulse-pounding climax and an element that resonates in every story – self-sacrifice.

---

Moonchild Rising by Mina Ambrose

Moonchild Rising is a different kind of vampire story. No shimmery vampires that cause a girl to swoon and lose her head. This novel asks the penetrating question: Can a vampire’s soul be saved? And if so, what are the consequences?

With beautiful imagery, Mina Ambrose pairs a redeemed vampire and a skilled huntress battling both the undead and the desires of their hearts – in a thoughtful, sacrificial way, and that’s what makes the difference here.

There’s a bit of insta-love, which isn’t my favorite thing, but actually has a basis in the story, making it more palatable to me.

There’s also some beautiful imagery used, the kind you want to pause for a second or two and re-read.

I look forward to reading more in the series!

---

Mercy’s Prince by Katy Huth Jones

Mercy’s Prince is the type of fantasy of I enjoy – one that is human-focused, relatable, and includes names I can pronounce! The world of Valerian, the second son in line for the throne, and Mercy, a pacifist healer, was real enough to me that the introduction of a reptilian enemy horde and noble dragons seemed entirely natural.

The minor characters, even villains, are unique and interesting, not just extra bodies to prop up the story, and the slow-building relationship between Valerian and Mercy is tender and sweet.

There’s nothing about this fantasy that Christians need be wary of as the world is grounded in a medieval-style Christian culture and all supernatural gifts are clearly given for the benefit of all by the one, true God.

Fans of this genre, especially, will enjoy this story, which includes some intense but not overly graphic battle scenes. While I don’t ordinarily read many books as long, nothing about the story dragged. Instead, it lent an epic quality to the story.

---

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY! STAY A WHILE AND LOOK AROUND. LEAVE A COMMENT. SHARE WITH A FRIEND. IF YOU LIKE WHAT YOU SEE, PLEASE SIGN UP FOR MY AUTHOR NEWSLETTER TO KEEP UP-TO-DATE ON NEW RELEASES, EXTRAS, AND HOT DEALS!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.