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The Ildri Chronicles #1

Ildri & The Echoes of Trees

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A mysterious theft, a hidden heir, and an unbreakable bond.

A full-moon night always leads to mischief, yet one night changes everything—the fateful night the Raven Queen invades the elvish kingdom of Treelock, leaving none alive. Only Ildri, the secret heir born of an elvish king and a human mother, survives.

Saved by her mother's ingenuity, Ildri is hidden among her mother's kin in her home village. Her mother's parting gift: a shroud of secrecy, concealing her true identity, even from herself.

In the quaint village of Kel-green, Ildri struggles to find her place, even with her best friend, Matthew Merrick, and her supposed twin, Kirana, at her side. But a monstrous raven emerging from the forest's depth causes Ildri's world to spiral into chaos, opening questions that can only be answered by forsaking the home and family she thought she knew.

393 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 5, 2024

15 people are currently reading
198 people want to read

About the author

Krystal Bailey

4 books27 followers
Krystal Bailey is a Chilean-American writer from Dallas, Texas.

Krystal works as a technical writer by day and a creative writer by night. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in English literature and editing.

Her debut novel, A Clearer Sky, is a continuation of Frances Hodgson Burnett's beloved novel The Secret Garden.

Her YA fantasy trilogy is currently underway. Book 1, Ildri & The Echoes of Trees, was released March 2024.
Book 2, Ildri & The Roar of Fire, was released June 2025.
Book 3 is forthcoming in 2026.

For book updates, sign up for her newsletter at her website: https://www.krystalbaileybooks.com/co...

Or follow Krystal on social media @authorkrystalbailey on Instagram or Krystal Bailey, Author on Facebook

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5 stars
39 (52%)
4 stars
27 (36%)
3 stars
7 (9%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
108 reviews
February 24, 2024
I had the opportunity to read this as an ARC.

There were a few sections towards the beginning, where it felt there was either not much happening or just big jumps in time; but soon I was hooked! I also appreciated that although it was told from several points of view (Mara, Ildri, Matthew, Kirana, and more), it was easy to keep them all straight. This story included so much more than I think is suggested in the blurb about it. There were twists and events that I didn't anticipate but thoroughly enjoyed! I don't want to say much more to give anything away. As it's part of a series, I can't wait to see how this story continues!
Profile Image for Leanna Narteh.
5 reviews
May 23, 2024
Ildri And The Echoes of Trees is an engaging story about a half-human-elf that is separated as a very young girl from her home and family to protect her from the terrible Imogen. She is taken in by her human aunt and uncle. Once she's older she suddenly has to leave again to find safety when her cover is blown. This time she finds refuge with a new group of elves and an incredible adventure unfolds including magic, dragons, friends, traitors, and foes. It's an amazing ride of intense moments and funny comic relief with a budding romance expertly woven throughout. I enjoyed every minute of this book and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy, and exploring new worlds. I finished reading and was so disappointed it was over already! This is one of those books that leaves you hungry for more!
Profile Image for Kieraanne.
805 reviews20 followers
September 24, 2024
A fabulous introduction to a fantastical new world! The first novel in a new series by indie author Krystal Bailey takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions and adventure. From a quiet town on the edge of a cursed forest, to a kingdom of stone in the depths of the earth, and a floating village riding the oceans waves, Ildri and the Echoes of Trees is a nonstop journey of intrigue and magic. Ildri and Matthew's slow burn romance is just building in this first book, but promises to be worth the wait when it finally comes to pass. I love the world building and novel approach to magic, elves, and the elements that Bailey has constructed in this new series and I can't wait to see where she takes us next. Would definitely recommend to fans of Brandon Sanderson and Robert Jordan.
137 reviews1 follower
March 31, 2025
What a fun read! I'm not new to fantasy and this author bright some fresh, new ideas into the fantasy world. I loved it and can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Ashley Rands.
87 reviews
September 25, 2024
Loved it! It's been awhile since I've read fantasy and this was the best book to get back into the genre. Fascinating world that Bailey has created each with their individual culture and belief systems. She has done a fantastic job weaving this story told through numerous points of view. Loved the portrayal of the elves and the sweet romance. Definitely let me with lots of questions and excited for the next book to get some of those question resolved.
Profile Image for Shani’s Shelves.
833 reviews77 followers
September 22, 2024
I highly recommend this book if you love fantasy. It has great world building, an interesting magic system, epic adventures, deep betrayals, and the beginnings of a sweet romance. I loved getting all the different POVs; they all felt fleshed out and necessary to help move the story along.
The characters go through quite a bit of development and growth, especially Ildri. She starts off quiet and meek, but she really begins to grow into her power and heritage by the end of the book. The ending was crazy and I need to find out what happens next! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and I can’t wait to see where this series takes me.
🌳
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 0 🌶️
🌳
Read if you like:
▫️high fantasy
▫️elves, dragons, and magic
▫️childhood friends
▫️he’s her protector
▫️multiple POV
🌳
Thank you to Krystal Bailey for the gifted copy. I received it for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
🌳
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Profile Image for Natasha Gatti.
210 reviews5 followers
March 29, 2024
I absolutely enjoyed this book! I’m actually kinda upset that the sequel isn’t out so I can devour that too! This story hooked me from beginning to end and I love the characters. This book was also refreshing to me as it focuses more on character growth and development with any potential romance taking a back seat to the plot. I want to know more about Treelock as Ildri and Matthew escape from Stoneheart. I want to see what will happen next with Ildri and Matthew. I would also like to know where Gavin went and what’s in store for Kirana. The author writes well and is so descriptive that I feel like I’m in the story. I’ll definitely follow the series and wait patiently for its sequel.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lisa.
276 reviews
May 27, 2025
Once I entered the world that author Krystal Bailey created- I could not stop! What a captivating story filled with all the fantasy elements we all know and love, but written in a whole new light. The characters were beautifully written and I thoroughly enjoyed that the chapters were from the perspective of each character. It kept things interesting as you saw the story through all of their eyes. I cannot wait to read the next installment of this series and find out what happens to Ildri!
Profile Image for ana 🧺 !.
1 review
September 2, 2024
THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!!!

I am one to love LOTR ( specifically because of the elves ) so I was in LOVE with this book!!! I was so happy that it was a clean romance as well! Everything was so well put together! I was shocked!! Especially at the end it had me itching for more!!

If you like a magical forest, dragons, and elves this is definitely the book for you!! Definitely one of my favs!

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Gregory.
456 reviews
March 6, 2024
I'm already waiting for the next one! Couldn't put it down a few times, it kept surprising me. Great world building and I loved that it had a little of everything.
2 reviews
May 23, 2024
This is a beautifully written story that transported me to mysterious woods, lonely sea shores, glittering caves, dark passages, vast oceans, through glowing portals, and in all the seen and unseen powers that come from discovering one’s magical heritage and abilities. The heroine in this book is refreshing. She is quiet, humble, and kind, but when her power is needed, she learns to deliver large and loud.
The love story that weaves itself throughout the book is a delightful slow burn. Having the perspective of both characters made me root for them even harder! I can’t wait for the next book in this series!!
25 reviews2 followers
June 10, 2024
I was hooked from the moment I read the synopsis. The premise is interesting: The half-human heir to an elven kingdom realizes she is more than she ever thought herself.
Ildri is a unique protagonist. She is not badass like many female stars in modern literature. She reminds me of Peregrine, the protagonist of Kit Trzebunia’s The Gatherer, in that both girls are quiet, skilled at moving inconspicuously, and very gentle. Ildri’s flaws are hidden, but they peak out in various places: She is shy around and wary of strangers and crowds; she wishes to avoid the spotlight. She is also naïve, at least a little, but that makes sense since she was so sheltered during her youth.

I can’t say anything in the plot shocked me. It has nuance, but I can identify no plot twists. While the antagonist does some rather cruel things, the story is not dark in itself, for which I am really grateful. Speaking of the antagonist, she seems at least a little nuanced, and I am intrigued by her backstory. It would seem that she was not always evil, at least not on the surface. I do not trust myself to assess her cleverness, but I believe she has depth.

The prose is beautiful and, for the most part, easy to follow. Each character has their own distinct, appealing voice, and they are all well-developed. I have only noticed one grammatical error, and I love how superb Krystal Bailey’s spelling and grammar are the rest of the time. The pacing is also not too slow or too rushed; it is just right. The story is told from a variety of perspectives, which keeps the story fresh and interesting.
The reason my rating is four stars is that the ending is very unsatisfactory. I have seen no indication that the book is supposed to be part of a series, but I certainly hope there is more to come, because the story is just not finished.

Krystal Bailey, you had me in the palm of your hand all through the book, and it was an enjoyable ride. I love Ildri, and I’m begging you to please PLEASE write a sequel because I would love to see the story more fully resolved, Ildri established with her kingdom, and the romance tied up in a sweet and satisfying way. Again, please write a sequel! I will keep my fingers crossed and my eyes peeled, and I will always remember Ildri.
Thank you for this journey!
204 reviews3 followers
May 17, 2024
Enjoyed listening on Hoopla thru my local library account.

Leaves you hanging in the end; I hope the wait isn't too long for the next book.
Profile Image for inmybookclubera.
4 reviews315 followers
April 3, 2024
Wow! What a unique story!
This was unlike all fantasies I’ve read before! I loved that it was different. (And not your typical Fae story. Those definitely have their moments, but it’s so nice to read something new!) it took a second to understand the world, but I was quickly immersed into it!

This story focused on a girl named Ildri and her experiences as she grows up in human lands and tries to figure out who she really is and what she’s being called to do from the forest. I won’t spoil anything, but there’s romance, suspense, and heartbreaking moments, but overall, I was just hooked! And Matthew just had me tearing up the whole time at his devotion and love🥲

Krystal Bailey is just a great author. I read A Clearer Sky (historical fiction and totally different vibe) but I immediately fell in love with her writing style and knew I had to read whatever she wrote next!

I was gifted a complimentary copy of this book, but all thoughts listed are entirely my own!
Profile Image for Bonnie.
50 reviews2 followers
September 25, 2024
After listening to the audiobook version of this book I immediately wanted to get a hard copy and read it also. This book deserves the time to sit down and read it! That being said, I’m so glad that I listened first because the audio narrator made this story come alive! She was fantastic, her accent and voice made me feel like this fantasy world was real. She brought this great story to life.
The story itself was beautifully done, I loved seeing all the parts coming together. I wanted to know what would happen next with every chapter. Now I can’t wait for the next book!
I read this authors last book (A Clearer Sky) that was historical fiction so I knew that Bailey was great at character development and story telling and I now I’m impressed with her ability to create this new world as well.
I loved the book and would definitely recommend it!
Profile Image for Jade Hicks.
2 reviews
September 26, 2024
5 pages in, and I was hooked!
This book was suggested to me by a friend, and I am so grateful! I’ve been in a reading slump, and Ildri was the cure. Within minutes of reading, I was SUPER invested, and I knew I would finish the book quickly. I could not put it down. Krystal is able to create a whole new world with characters you love, relationships you’re rooting for, and questions you must get answered. If you’re looking for a book with a new take on magic and elves and if you love fantasy with a great storyline that just happens to have a beautiful romantic element, you won’t be disappointed.

1 review
April 29, 2024
Loved this book!
I’m a big fan of multiple POVs so the fact that you had several made the book so much better, in my opinion.
The world building was great! Krystal has the ability to draw you in and hook you. She gives enough details so you know what has happened (without it ever becoming boring), what is happening (in all the different character lives), and leaves you wanting more (and not in a bad way!). I loved the relationships you see forming between Ildri and Matthew. I’m so excited for the next book!
Profile Image for Book Belle.
120 reviews1 follower
December 28, 2024
I am not usually a fan of elves, dragons and different worlds and realms. I favor historical fiction and autobiographies.
However, this story is captivating. I am amazed by the creativity of the author and being able to paint a picture of imaginary worlds, imaginary races, and making them come to life. I was quickly cheering on Ildri and Matthew. I hope I don't have to wait long for more.
110 reviews2 followers
April 17, 2024
I made a horrible mistake! I didn’t realize this book just came out and who in the shrimp knows when there will be a sequel! What a great story! I am hanging on a cliff, just itching to know what comes next!! Loved it! Can’t wait for more! Please get to work Krystal, I’m dying here!!!
1 review
September 25, 2024
Such an incredible journey to an amazing magical land! This book drew me in from the very first chapter. It kept me guessing and I fell in love with the characters instantly. The only thing I need is the next book to come sooner!!!!
13 reviews2 followers
January 11, 2025
I really connected with this book. A well-developed magic system and immersive truly elevated the story. I can’t wait for the next book!!
Profile Image for Olya.
577 reviews3 followers
July 7, 2024
Here's hoping this author doesn't do a Rothfuss. I swore I'd never again read the first book in an unfinished series after that fiasco, but hey, I was in a slump?
Interesting concept and the writing definitely improved as the book went on. Could have used some better editing at some points... And the "woe is me, I am all alone, I'm afraid to hurt anyone who gets close to me" trope was starting to grate a bit. But overall, worth a read - assuming it actually gets completed.
Profile Image for Erin J..
95 reviews1 follower
December 22, 2025
Ildri & The Echoes of Trees is a compelling fantasy debut that blends mystery, magic, and coming-of-age themes into a richly imagined world. Krystal Bailey introduces a strong and relatable heroine in Ildri, supported by vivid worldbuilding, engaging characters, and steadily building tension. This novel lays an excellent foundation for a larger saga and will leave fantasy readers eager for the next installment.
Profile Image for Scuffed Granny.
349 reviews14 followers
March 13, 2024
Krystal Bailey is a good writer. I know that from having read her previous book A Clearer Sky, which I also had the pleasure to review. She is, in all senses of the description, a great storyteller.

In this Ildri and the Echoes of the Trees, we follow a handful of characters who are key to the story. The chapters switch focus from one to the other, with their names stated at the beginning of each one for clarity. Firstly, Ildri who is the heir to the Treelock kingdom, currently under attack from a dark threat. When she is taken outside of her world and placed with relatives to keep her safe, she becomes aware of her otherness in the village of Kel-green and this becomes more pronounced as she gets older and her features become more defined.

The first half of the book establishes Ildri's life in Kel-green and her interaction with other members of her family like Kirana, her "twin sister" and her father, Gavin but also, outside of this, Matthew Merrick to whom she becomes inextricably linked by his discovery of Ildri's arrival.

The second half becomes more focused on Ildri when something happens that means that she has to leave Kel-green and the book also expands in terms of its world-building and people.

However, it is Ildri and Matthew on whom the action is centred, the other characters being important but more peripheral. As with most fantasy books which include characters who are coming-of-age, both Ildri and Matthew grow as they discover of what they are capable. Bailey is great at describing the environments in which they find themselves and the other beings they encounter, achieving this with realistic dialogue and an economical knowledge of just how much we need to know in order to envision places but not too much so that we come bogged down in purple prose.

This is a great start to a fantasy saga. It opens with drama and then concentrates on building the adventure as Ildri becomes older and more aware and more developed. This book was not overly dramatic but as the foundation for more, it provides the perfect startpoint.

I will look forward to the next book as there was much left unanswered at the end of this and as a reader, you will be left wanting more.

This review was first published on Reedsy Discovery where I was privileged to read it as an ARC.
2 reviews
May 26, 2025
One of the things I love about this book is the way it captivates you, her writing is so engaging and I love how you just get sucked into the world! It’s refreshing to read a fantasy book that’s not just smut, it’s just a good story that you get to enjoy! I’m so excited for book two as the continuation of the story will be amazing!
42 reviews
December 18, 2024
I loved this book ..what a great story, so well written..I am anxiously waiting for the next book from Ms Bailey...
Profile Image for Meg.
49 reviews2 followers
December 19, 2024
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of this story (via Book Sirens) in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts below are my own and are not in any way influenced by the author, publisher, or others involved in its creation.

What to say about this story? I adored it. While the story started off a touch slow, and there was little happening in the early goings, it did not take me long to get hooked once I started reading. The multiple point of view characters had me a little hesitant at first, but it was simple to keep them straight as every character is so distinct and there was little blending of their voices (a common concern in these sorts of situations). I particularly loved the map at the start of the story (I am a sucker for a good map of a fictional location as it helps me keep the relative position of locations straight).

Perhaps my one disappointment is that I cannot yet read the sequel and have more adventures in this beautiful world Krystal Bailey has created. I will be devouring that one when it comes out too as I need to know more.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is a fan of fantasy, but I might suggest waiting for the sequel if you, like me, might die overloaded with anticipation for more.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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