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THE ELF CHILD
Clan Elves of the Bitterroot (Book II)
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The moment elf warrior Astan Hawk agrees to protect the young elf queen trouble dogs his heels. Jelani's human upbringing clashes with clan tradition, spurring dangerous intrigues within the Circle of Elders. Soon even the motives of his father Daven come into question. With nowhere else to turn, Astan asks Jelani's human friends for help. Hiding in shadows, an outcast elf plots revenge by seeking the help of powerful elf mages who live deep within the forest. Can Astan fulfill his promise to keep both Jelani and his child safe when the whole world seems to have turned against them?
THE ELF CHILD [©2011] Book II of the Clan Elves of the Bitterroot series by Lyndi Alexander | Urban Fantasy (PG) 262 pages / 84,000 words | Available in ebook and print from the DFP Books label of Dragonfly Publishing
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PAPERBACK [EAN 978-1-936381-10-4 | ISBN 1-936381-10-9] 6x9 trim (262 pages) | Average Price: $12.99
HARDBACK [EAN 978-1-936381-09-8 | ISBN 1-936381-09-5] 6x9 casebound (262 pages) | Average Price: $21.99
EBOOK [EAN 978-1-936381-12-8 | ISBN 1-936381-12-5] EPUB and Kindle (84,000 words) | Average Price: $3.99
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READ AN EXCERPT
CHAPTER 1:
ASTAN Hawk stood on the mountain ridge overlooking the city of Missoula and took a deep breath of the chill October air, crisp and clear at this altitude, free from human pollution and smog. The maples below had faded from their brassy gold and orange to a duller brown as the days passed. Soon the vision of Missoula would almost blend into the earth.
His feet firmly on the soil, Astan stood connected with his past and his clan.
Strength came to the clan through these lands, not through the cold concrete and stone of the city. The fact that the clan returned here after the exile of Bartolomey showed the value of the sacrifice made by his father Daven Talvi and the other sleepers, their devotion to duty well rewarded. The elves had come home.
Not only had the elf clan left the city for the Bitterroot, but it once again had a queen. Jelani Marsh had followed her mother Linnea to rule the clan, as tradition dictated.
Even Astan had to admit this queen challenged tradition.
Raised in the human world, ignorant of her past and her heritage, Jelani had not been prepared to deal with the schism of the elf factions and their reunification. Likewise, hidden from the evil Bartolomey in the human city of Missoula, Astan and the other youngers had not been privy to the intrigue that had left the former queen trapped inside a Douglas fir.
So it was just as well that he and Jelani had gravitated together out of need, understanding, and a mutual attraction that had grown into a deep love.
The former barista had changed in her months with the clan, finding her peace within. And why shouldn't she? She had come to the land her mother had called home. How could one of elven blood have survived in the city among so much that was unnatural and not be torn?
In Astan's years with his grandmother Djana and the Circle on the outskirts of Missoula, if he hadn't been able to escape into the mountains whenever he wanted he might have been a little crazy, too. Despite what logic and plans might determine, one's heart always knew the truth of things.
He took another deep breath as he studied the hillside below him. Everything seemed secure. The faint sun warmed his face. He closed his eyes and enjoyed the moment. In the days to come, the temperature would drop steadily and the real snow would fall. Not the light flakes that swirled around him now, but a cold cover, deep and protective. Then every trace of warmth would be cherished.
He sighed and moved off along the ridge, his eyes scanning for danger. Jelani returned to his mind. Not that she was ever far from it.
As the summer came to an end many of the youngers had envied his position as the chosen partner of the young queen. Even Astan's father Daven Talvi had once hoped to win her hand. Why had they all been so anxious to inherit a headache? He couldn't guess.
She did not mean to cause trouble. Of this he was certain. Thrust into the unfamiliar position of queen, she struggled to meet the competing needs of the clan. His first impressions had been correct ones. Her intelligence made her a good student. But like the rest of them, Jelani had much to learn.
Astan had walked Jelani to the Circle's gathering, leaving the bed they shared earlier than he would have liked. But they knew Djana expected compliance. He had left Jelani standing in ankle-deep fallen leaves at the entrance to the Circle's chamber. Djana had come to the door and drawn Jelani inside, dismissing Astan with the same tart look she had used since Jelani chose him over his father Daven.
Although Djana, his father's mother, his own grandmother, had raised him from infancy after his father had gone into sleep and his mother Veraena had disappeared without explanation, she had grown cold since they returned to the forest. Her disdain hurt, but Astan struggled not to show it. Jelani was his family now.
Despite his status as guardian and mate of the queen, Astan found both his grandmother and his father had relegated him to a subordinate status when it came to Jelani. He could comprehend the need for the Circle to instruct the new queen on her royal duties. They understood the needs of the clan. But he was tired of Daven usurping his role.
Certainly, Astan could show his beloved the clan's history, teach her the language, and bring her to the heart of her people. He had been patient for several months, knowing some transition period was necessary.
It was time for him to rectify the situation...
[Copyright ©2024 Lyndi Alexander | No unauthorized reproduction or distribution]
READ REVIEWS
"THE ELF CHILD is a fabulous follow up to the first book in the series, THE ELF QUEEN. I loved seeing Jelani come into her own as queen, although I loved that she struggled with self-doubts, which made her sympathetic and real. The world building in the first book was excellent, with an imaginative cast of characters. We were introduced to even more of this magical world and characters in this sequel, which I enjoyed very much. I love this author's writing and am looking forward the next book in this great series." ~ reviewed by T.P. Warren at Goodreads [FIVE STARS]
"In THE ELF CHILD, Jelani, pregnant, tries to lead the Clan Elves of the Bitterroot. But everything seems stacked against her. Grigor plots revenge, power elf mages are brought into play, and her human upbringing collides with Clan tradition. Even though she has a protector, he's outnumbered and has to enlist the aid of Jelani's human friends. That opens more complications for our young heroine. Lyndi Alexander raises the heat and stakes for both humans and the magical creatures in present day Montana." ~ reviewed by Todd Main at Amazon Reviews [FIVE STARS]
"THE ELF CHILD, second in a series about the Clan Elves of the Bitterroot series by Lyndi Alexander is another great, fun read. Daven's vow to protect the Elf Queen Jelani (who also happens to be his new wife) becomes quite complicated by the pending arrival of their new baby. Human and Elf traditions and beliefs clash as they traverse this new life together. Couldn't put it down!" ~ reviewed by P. Micosky [FIVE STARS]
"THE ELF CHILD is highly recommended for fantasy readers who like a contemporary setting and plenty of action." ~ reviewed by John R. Clark for TCM Reviews [FIVE STARS]
"Every page of THE ELF CHILD is packed with mystical, imaginative, phenomenal plots and characters that will spark every reader's imagination. As Ms. Alexander heads into the next book of her series, THE ELF MAGE, fans can only wonder who will be left standing when the Clan Elves of the Bitterroot come to an end." ~ reviewed by Feathered Quill [FIVE STARS]
"Lyndi Alexander's second novel in her series, Clan Elves of the Bitterroot: THE ELF CHILD, is a winner. Suspense abounds, with danger lurking around every tree in the forest. I truly couldn't stop reading!" ~ reviewed by Dr. Jane Nixon White [FIVE Stars]
"I really enjoyed reading THE ELF CHILD. Having grown up in the area, it's been a pleasure to read Alexander's interpretation of the area. The characters are well-rounded and entertaining, from the Elf Queen and her mate/true love, to their close and neurotic friends. This book carried more suspense and it will be hard to wait for the next book to come out!" ~ reviewed by Jeffrey A. Caler [FIVE STARS]
SERIES
THE ELF QUEEN (I) • THE ELF CHILD (II) • THE ELF MAGE (III) • THE ELF GUARDIAN (IV) • Watch Series Video