Elvenborn

Halfblood Chronicles #3

by Mercedes Lackey, Andre Norton

In this long-awaited new novel in The Halfblood Chronicles, fantasy greats Norton and Lackey tell the enthralling story of the reclusive elvenlord Kyrtian, who emerges as a hero in a world torn by politics and war. When his cousin, Aelmarkin, tries to prove that Kyrtian is unfit to run his estate, the plan backfires, and soon Kyrtian, who doesn't share the venal, greedy nature of his cousin, finds himself with more power than he ever wanted.

Like his father before him, Kyrtian has always treated the humans on his estate like servants, instead of enslaving them as other elvenlords do. His father's legacy also leads Kyrtian to learn ancient military skills long since lost to elvenkind through the carelessness of the elvenlords. Kyrtian's rediscovered knowledge piques the interest of the current elvenlords, and soon Kyrtian finds himself appointed the new commander of the army, to the relief of his ruling peers.

For the sons of the most powerful elvenlords, the Young Lords, have rebelled against their fathers and are waging war. But by taking advantage of both the privileges of his new command and the help of some unexpected new friends, Kyrtian finally gains the resources to embark on his own, personal quest--resuming his father's search for the Great Portal, the magical doorway through which the original elvenlords entered this world.

As war rages between some sons and fathers, Kyrtian searches desperately for his own lost father, hoping to uncover not only the mystery of his disappearance, but also the secret behind the origin of elvenkind.

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy, High Fantasy, Magic, Elves

471 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 24, 2002

About the author

Mercedes entered this world on June 24, 1950, in Chicago, had a normal childhood and graduated from Purdue University in 1972. During the late 70's she worked as an artist's model and then went into the computer programming field, ending up with American Airlines in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In addition to her fantasy writing, she has written lyrics for and recorded nearly fifty songs for Firebird Arts & Music, a small recording company specializing in science fiction folk music.

"I'm a storyteller; that's what I see as 'my job'. My stories come out of my characters; how those characters would react to the given situation. Maybe that's why I get letters from readers as young as thirteen and as old as sixty-odd. One of the reasons I write song lyrics is because I see songs as a kind of 'story pill' -- they reduce a story to the barest essentials or encapsulate a particular crucial moment in time. I frequently will write a lyric when I am attempting to get to the heart of a crucial scene; I find that when I have done so, the scene has become absolutely clear in my mind, and I can write exactly what I wanted to say. Another reason is because of the kind of novels I am writing: that is, fantasy, set in an other-world semi-medieval atmosphere. Music is very important to medieval peoples; bards are the chief newsbringers. When I write the 'folk music' of these peoples, I am enriching my whole world, whether I actually use the song in the text or not.

"I began writing out of boredom; I continue out of addiction. I can't 'not' write, and as a result I have no social life! I began writing fantasy because I love it, but I try to construct my fantasy worlds with all the care of a 'high-tech' science fiction writer. I apply the principle of TANSTAAFL ['There ain't no such thing as free lunch', credited to Robert Heinlein) to magic, for instance; in my worlds, magic is paid for, and the cost to the magician is frequently a high one. I try to keep my world as solid and real as possible; people deal with stubborn pumps, bugs in the porridge, and love-lives that refuse to become untangled, right along with invading armies and evil magicians. And I try to make all of my characters, even the 'evil magicians,' something more than flat stereotypes. Even evil magicians get up in the night and look for cookies, sometimes.

"I suppose that in everything I write I try to expound the creed I gave my character Diana Tregarde in Burning Water:

"There's no such thing as 'one, true way'; the only answers worth having are the ones you find for yourself; leave the world better than you found it. Love, freedom, and the chance to do some good -- they're the things worth living and dying for, and if you aren't willing to die for the things worth living for, you might as well turn in your membership in the human race."

Also writes as Misty Lackey

Author's website

Reviews

[Jim C · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third and final book of this series. We are introduced to a new elf lord that isn't a jerk to his human slaves or involves himself with the political maneuverings of his race. He is soon dragged into it against his wishes. Meanwhile our heroes from the first book are still preparing for the eventual war.

I liked this book but my enjoyment was a little skewed which I will explain in a moment. Once again we see how the elves are not the usual portrayal you see in fantasy. They are the bad guys in this universe. While political machinations are not usually my favorite topic I thought the authors kept me interested throughout the book. I enjoyed the contrast between our newest elf character and all the other elves. Now I will explain why my enjoyment was skewed and it probably isn't fair to this book. Goodreads has this listed as the final book which it is. I was expecting a resolution to the plot. Instead we are adding more plot lines and while reading I thought there is no way this is going to be all tied up. It turns out I was correct as I started looking at reviews. The author passed away and never had a chance to complete the story. So I went into this book expecting the big grand finale when it was never intended to be that. This did affect my enjoyment of this book.

The first book was amazing and I loved it so much. Unfortunately the time in this universe will never see a conclusion and it left me feeling incomplete. If there was a next book in this series I would probably give this a four star rating. But due to unforeseen circumstances this is the end of this story. I have to lower my rating as this book is not the end and leaves the readers unsatisfied in that regard.

[lyybravo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let not this cheesy cover fool you! Published only a few years before the legendary Andre Norton died, this is the final episode of a trilogy started long ago. For those tired of immortal, wise, nice elves, this is refreshing - the elves are the bad guys. Altogether a nice, relaxing read. I'd recommend the whole Elvenbane series for any fantasy/scifi lover.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the fantasy genre there are two types of elves.

The first type are short, tend to wear lederhosen, love to sing songs as they hang around workshops or gardens, are very loyal and diligent, and often have an amusing accent and amusingly odd shaped noses.

The second type are tall, thin, pale, and gorgeous, well dressed, good archers, very good at magic, and very well assured of their high ranking social status.

The Halfblood chronicles take the second type of elves to a whole new level. In this series elves rule a Middle Earth type setting. Elves are the masters, humans are the slaves, and intelligent, magic welding, talking dragons live in secret, worried about exposing themselves to the magic that the elven kind weld.

For the most part the elves treat humans as animals, but they also like to make harems of the prettiest humans. They try and regulate human breeding, because a human with human magic combined with an elf with elven magic results not in a doubling, but a squaring of magic - but occasionally a half-breed escapes their purges. The plot revolves around a half elven / half human who was born and managed to elude death. She was raised in secret by the dragons, and wrecks havoc on the elves when she comes of age.

A fun read for when your in the mood for some trashy fantasy.

[Tomer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a bit frustrating to finish a trilogy of books, only to find out that the plan was to have more {at least a fourth book Elvenbred} books. Unfortunately one of the two writers passed away in 2005 and it does not seem to be on the printers' horizon. The book continued developing the existing characters, introducing new characters and basically continuing to weave the various machinations and schemes of the various parties, without reaching any large scale assaults {perhaps in preparations for all the buildup}. The ending is quite a tease of things yet to come through, which apparently were planned as various threads still remain open {beware if you are just now thinking of starting the series}.

[Dawn Livingston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again the book opens with a new character that I was meh about at first but grew to really like, an elven man named Kyrtian. Once again, the characters were great, the story was intriguing, suspenseful.

The story has plenty of twists and turns and wasn't quite the page turner as the previous two but only slightly less. The political maneuvering of the elven way of life was not my cup of tea and yet it did add "flavor," it did add more tension, more suspense, a lot more. So I guess for a change I liked politics.

As I got toward the end I was reading as fast as I could, wondering what would happen, how things would be wrapped up. It was a reasonable ending but I felt disappointed somehow and it certainly felt unfinished, that there was more to come. I heard that a fourth book was planned but author Andre Norton passed away. This book certainly felt as if there was meant to be more to follow. Oh how I wish there was. Never read a series that was this good but was cut short. If only there had been another book.

I highly recommend this book, and even more the series in general. This is probably my favorite sci fi series beating even Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar series. Maybe. Probably? Anyway, it's fantastic. Read this book, read it again in a few years, buy it so you can do that. If you love fantasy you will love this book.

Oh, this is not a stand alone book. The books follow from one to the next and you lose too much if you read them out of order or as stand alones.

[Tani · Rating 2 out of 5]

Phew. I read this for my r/fantasy book bingo square Second Chances. The goal was to read a book that you weren't really sure you wanted to read, giving it a 'second chance.' In my case, I'd read the first two books in this series, and I felt pretty neutral about them. I didn't think they were bad, but there was something about them that completely failed to click. This third book in the series continues in that trend.

The writing and plotting of this book was good, but I think that my complete lack of interest in the characters drained all of my care from the reading experience. None of the characters ever felt quite real to me, and that's a huge problem considering my reading style is very character-based. I did have brief moments of interest, where I thought that this could be a three star read, but mostly I just slogged my way through.

Either way, glad that's done!

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

3-1/2 stars. I wish this series continued but I have given up hope for that.

[Tanya Rogo · Rating 1 out of 5]

You know those series books that just get worse with each one that comes out? This is one of those. While Elvenbane had interesting world building and characters, this book just plods along. God, it is SO boring. It introduces a lot of new characters (all with wildly long names - e.g. V'Kel Aelmarkin er-Lord Tornal) and basically ignores all of the characters that you've already met. The result is that none of the characters feel particularly well drawn out and it becomes really hard to connect or care about them. There are also a bunch of inconsistencies between the books, including timelines. For example, in the first book Lord Dyran clearly came from Evelon personally (he thinks about whether his late father regrets not following him through the portal and wonders if he is still alive given how dangerous Evelon is). In this book, it talks about Kyrtian great-great-grandfather coming thru the portal and that everyone who came thru the portal is long since dead. Finally, I got so frustrated with Shana as a character. Instead of the smart, rebellious, loyal, brave woman that we met in Elvenbane, she basically spends her time insisting to people that she isn't the amazing mage/warrior that the Elvenbane rumours make her out to be. Finally, if you like conclusions then this is not the fantasy series for you. It was supposed to have a 4th book, but it was never written. I won't say it ends with a cliffhanger - that would make it seem like the book was actually interesting. But it doesn't wrap up anything either. Go read something more enjoyable. You deserve it.

[Lissibith · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with the second book in this series, this one distinguishes itself from the first by introducing a new character who I found far more interesting than those we were given in the first volume. In this case it's Kurtian, an elf with the unlikely hobby of drilling his humans in military maneuvers. And as with the second book, this one is at its best when indulging in the unique perspective brought by this new character.

In a great many other respects, this book is competent but not great. The plot makes sense but isn't terribly surprising nor terribly tense. The characters aren't totally flat, but do sometimes seem to slot into trope-ish slots and venture very little out of them. Add to that how the end makes it feel more like this is the first part of a two-parter rather than an independent book in its own right, and this became an unsatisfying but not technically disappointing read.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

After learning in the first two books about the "evil" elves, it's nice to finally meet a few more of the decent sort. The themes of equality and cooperation are much stronger in this book. I found this one much more interesting than the second book because it comes from a completely different point of view than Shana's.

I hope the fourth book comes out!

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say, I'm glad I read these books late. Had I have to wait for this conclusion for this long, I'd have screamed. This last book is awesome. I love how it all came together. This is a fitting ending to a wonderful story. I liked Kyrtian and found him to be very admirable. I highly recommend this book to fantasy lovers.

[Ellen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know if this one is actually worse than the other two, or if it's just that I was so much older when I read it...

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved these books & still so disappointed we won't get to read the final book.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series needs a 4th book....I really enjoyed this book and it just ends when it seems like we are in for a great battle. Is this series going to get another book?

[Lissa Notreallywolf · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed Kyrtian as I listened to this book, because he was a reluctant hero, balanced between athlete and scholar. One of the best parts of the bok was his researches in the library, where he has to sort all the books and manuscripts unshelved by the occupying Younger Elven Lords. In order to locate his father's research into the Elven entry Portal, he determines that it is the handwritten mansucripts, the journals that are pertainent, and then he is able to cull them by the historical period. As someone who has worked in libraries effected by eccentric systems of organization and the ocassional earthquake, this was highly amusing. It was also an echo of Shana's work in the original Citadel where she discovered important things in marginalia. Never too early to introduce scholarly tactics to younger readers. Or emphasize the important power of history, which is a major thrust in this book.
The temptress, Trianne (? I heard these books, rather than reading them so the characters names are merely spoken rather than spelled) I found to be an interesting concoction of ruthlessness. She's poorly matched by Kyrtian's second cousin, except in their mutual contempt. And like all the bullies in these books, they seem to meet just ends. As does an elderly asshat from the Second Citadel. Those who will not change, or seek power are to be shed, unless like Maya they remain chained, collared. I don't know what this says about justice in Lackey's worldview, but apparently she doesn't find much interest in the story of the author of Amazing Grace in terms of abolitionist conversions. I find this series to be more like other works of Lackey than of Norton, it is overwritten in the sense it tells the story, but doesn't really invite one into the story.

[Leah · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a hortible end to the series... was it even intentional or were the authors thinking there might be a 4th book because it did not feel like all the loose ties were tied up at all, in fact more loose ends were made...

First book was great! Second book was good/okay and third book I had run out of patience lol

It was soooooo boring!!!

The story sucked.

The writing was decent from sentence to sentence. I kept trying to get into it but I was just so meh I kept getting distracted. I never once felt immersed into the book. It was definitely not an escape.

Instead of building of the main characters from book one or even book two it went off on a whole other tangent of new characters and the 1st/nd book characters were barely even in it. This book literally could have been a stand alone novel lol or at least standalone but in same universe or something but to make this the trilogy ending book was quite honestly shameful. I had no care in any of the new characters of this book and I kept waiting for it to change or develop and nothing was happening, it was so frustrating. Each scene that went by I was like... why? lol what's the purpose why am I reading this...?

And the climax ending really should have been the half way point of the book where they realize a few good things and then develop from there for the finale ending... not the finale being that developing plot point...

The ending doesn't wrap up anything, I'm just saving you the trouble.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This third book of the Halfblood Chronicles was a great read - though, due to it's rather incomplete ending, I couldn't give it the 5 stars it might have got. In fact, it read as though there should have been another book after this one - a book never written, maybe - possibly due to the death of Andre Norton after this one was published?

Whatever the case, it's a shame that there wasn't another book, as this one ended with an intriguing twist to it.

The characters and plot lines, though, were up to Misty, and Andre's, usual excellent standards, and I enjoyed the ways in which each character's problems found a solution - whether that was a good thing for them, or not!

All-in-all, another great book, and one I'll enjoy reading once again, some time in the next few years 😁

[Julie Akeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this series, the fact that the dragons can shape into human form was pretty cool when I first read it. Sad to say more was to have been written but Andre Norton had died and Mercedes Lackey couldn't finish it on her own but nothing was provided that she could. Lackey explained that on her website when I searched for the next book, this ended in a way that suggested more to come. It is a very good series and I can tell which one Lackey was writing even though the books are a cohesive whole. There is a bit of a blend of scifi and fantasy as the Elves had invaded from another world. Lovely work. A fun read.

[Cindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Elvenborn is the third book in the Halfblood Chronicles written by Andre Norton and Mercedes Lackey. And this book, by far, is the worst of the three.

I loved the first book – Elvenbane – and it remains one of my favorite fantasy books of all time. The second book – Elvenblood – was enjoyable, if shallow.

Elvenborn is a new level of terrible. Read my full review here: Elvenborn Review

[Mike Sobyra · Rating 4 out of 5]

left hanging

As Andre Norton is no longer with us, we probably won’t know what happened next. This is a good story in itself but obviously more were to come. If you don’t like incomplete series don’t start this one. I’m a great fan of both Andre Norton and Mercedes Lackey. This is up to their usual standard. Exciting adventures good characterisations. I’d recommend to any fantasy reader.

[Georgann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book of the series was mostly about a new character, but it was still a great story, in some ways better than the first two. Again, I was astonished at how quickly things were wrapped up in the last few pages, and very satisfactorily. I don't think you'd want to read this without having read the previous two.

[Catsalive · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the best & last book of the trilogy. The downside: The ending leaves you feeling that there is much more of the Halfblood tale to be told but this is all there is, there ain't no more. The upside: That's one less book I have to read.

[Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of the story is about an Elvenlord that treats his slaves as servants, and becomes involved with the wizards and Dragons during his search for his long lost father. Good story that involves the other characters into the story in various parts. A book that I will read more than once.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. Book 4 isn't written though. This book has a stopping point, but it almost opens it up even further for questions. Worth reading anyway, but painful if you don't like cliffhangers.

[Chelsey Leehy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the new characters and story. Cannot wait till the next book comes out.

[Tomherndon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third in the series. I liked it. I think there's a fourth, but I've got to make a trip to the library. . .

[Jennine Lona Tiedemann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting and passionate. Love this set.

[Michelle Swanson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad series this one didnt have the past 2 books main charicters reappearing till chapter 13 .
Its mostly about the Elvenlord Krytain but still a good read/ series.

[David Schupbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unfortunately this book has a huge cliffhanger that will most likely never be resolved.

[Sparkle32 · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is great. It has good plots. It has the qualities of a good book, but it doesn't fit in with the series. The series is about the war between the wizards and the elves, but the plots in this book don't relate to that battle, they use it as a setting. It is supposed to be the last book in that series, but it ends without really finishing the series, it finishes its own plots. It's good as a book, but not as the conclusion to the series.