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Ballads of Cadarnle #1
Bonds Eternal
A wood elf and a dark elf, Dorlyn and Vylkur, have taken refuge in the sanctuary city of Lehnos because their love was shunned by both of their peoples. There, as they made a life together, a fiery redheaded half-breed mercenary, Liandrya, became more than a typical, casual fling. Though the mated men knew the half-elf was not immortal as they were, she still managed to work her way into their hearts and turned the couple into a trio. The bonds between the three lovers are tested when a mask of unimaginable power and evil comes into Liandrya's possession. Unwilling to turn the artifact over to her employer, an evil dark elf sorceress, the three lovers embark on a journey to destroy the mask, but risk the same fate to their unconventional bonding with each leg of their quest.
197 pages, ebook
Published February 6, 2018
27 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Ryder
27 books49 followersOne of the rare and elusive creatures known as a girl geek, AJ Ryder is an avid gamer, a voracious reader, and a lover of all things magical and fantastical. After years of thinking up sexy stories and hot, sensual characters of varying ilk in her head, she has decided to use her geeky, super powers for good and breathe life into them at last for the reading enjoyment of all.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 29, 2018
Love the mmf..highly erotic must have more
February 11, 2018
Bonded Eternal by A.J. Ryder is a MMF fantasy romance novel and book one in the Ballads of Cadarnle. In this book we are introduced to Dorlyn, a wood elf. Dorlyn is out checking his traps to see what they have caught when he notices that one has been destroyed. The trap isn’t torn or frayed but has the appearance of being cut. Dorlyn searches for the possible culprit and finds a dark elf that he remembers all too well. Dark elves and wood elves are natural enemies, but there is a spark of attraction between the two of them. Vylkur, the dark elf, tells Dorlyn that he has fled the dark elves because unlike them he does not lust for bloodshed and destruction. Vylkur is fleeing to a village of where those like himself, outcasts and runaways, can have a place to call home. Dorlyn agrees to help him find the way to this village. However, their attraction pulls them together and together they stay. Fast forward 300 years and another enters the scene. Liandrya is a half-elf who has joined the two men. Together they have become a happily mated trio, but one day the past comes back to haunt them through her actions. Liandrya took on a task to acquire an object for a client, but instead of turning this item over she keeps It and goes on the run. Danger and darkness now haunt and dog her every step, but it will soon encompass them all.
Bonded Eternal is the first book by A.J. Ryder that I have read. This is a fantasy novel full of elves, orcs, giant spiders, magic and other dark creatures. The first portion of the story focuses on Dorlyn and his dark elf lover, Vylkur. I like that the author gives us Vylkur’s backstory in concern to his former mistress and the things that he endured while he was with her. He was her apprentice from a young age, but once he came of age, he became much more. The author doesn’t go deep into his past, only giving us his story without having him really relive any part of it. Since Dorlyn has spent all of his life with the wood elves, we don’t really get a lot of his past beyond a glossing reflection. The story flows well overall, but I feel that a certain point that it becomes rushed and that we don’t get as much as we could have.
There are a few editorial errors throughout the story. The issues aren’t anything major, just some minor spelling errors that catch the eye. One other issue that I have with the story is the fight scenes. I don’t like that despite the odds, in the scenes we are given, the characters basically manage to come away unscathed. The elves are described as being fast and agile, but even so it’s hard to believe that none of them would get hurt. Also, in a scene with the spider, for the creature to show hesitation is hard to believe. It has one character incapacitated, but then hesitates on deciding who to attack. It doesn’t make sense especially when another character enters the location and it attacks immediately. I would have liked the story to have been more balanced and less focused on giving the heroes the overwhelming edge. I feel it would have made the story more dramatic and engaging.
Overall, I am rating this book 4 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed the storyline and the uniqueness of it. There are a couple of twists that are unexpected, but nothing majorly earth shattering. The story does have sex scenes, so if you’re adverse to that then I don’t recommend this book to you. But if you love a good steamy scene then go ahead and pick this book up and indulge.
I received an Exclusive copy of this book.
Bonded Eternal is the first book by A.J. Ryder that I have read. This is a fantasy novel full of elves, orcs, giant spiders, magic and other dark creatures. The first portion of the story focuses on Dorlyn and his dark elf lover, Vylkur. I like that the author gives us Vylkur’s backstory in concern to his former mistress and the things that he endured while he was with her. He was her apprentice from a young age, but once he came of age, he became much more. The author doesn’t go deep into his past, only giving us his story without having him really relive any part of it. Since Dorlyn has spent all of his life with the wood elves, we don’t really get a lot of his past beyond a glossing reflection. The story flows well overall, but I feel that a certain point that it becomes rushed and that we don’t get as much as we could have.
There are a few editorial errors throughout the story. The issues aren’t anything major, just some minor spelling errors that catch the eye. One other issue that I have with the story is the fight scenes. I don’t like that despite the odds, in the scenes we are given, the characters basically manage to come away unscathed. The elves are described as being fast and agile, but even so it’s hard to believe that none of them would get hurt. Also, in a scene with the spider, for the creature to show hesitation is hard to believe. It has one character incapacitated, but then hesitates on deciding who to attack. It doesn’t make sense especially when another character enters the location and it attacks immediately. I would have liked the story to have been more balanced and less focused on giving the heroes the overwhelming edge. I feel it would have made the story more dramatic and engaging.
Overall, I am rating this book 4 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed the storyline and the uniqueness of it. There are a couple of twists that are unexpected, but nothing majorly earth shattering. The story does have sex scenes, so if you’re adverse to that then I don’t recommend this book to you. But if you love a good steamy scene then go ahead and pick this book up and indulge.
I received an Exclusive copy of this book.
June 10, 2018
Wood elves and Dark elves have a long history of hating one another, one being of good temperament and one being of evil. There are some exceptions, but the hatred and prejudice taught from birth is engrained into each child through the generations. Dorlyn is a wood elf. Kind and loving in nature, Dorlyn was a lover of both sexes having enjoyed the company of each sex on more than one occasion. Vylkur is a dark elf trying to escape the underground and his mentor/lover, the evil Warlock Morkessa. This was not easy as his mother has given him to Morkessa when he was just a child and he was her property to do as she saw fit. Twice their paths have crossed and each time, instead of one killing the other, a life was spared until fate stepped in and brought them together as lovers and eventually true life mates. For 50 years they kept their relationship a secret until they were found out and banished. 300 years later they have met Liandrya Silvermoon who was a half-elven ranger. Eventually, Dorlyn and Vylkur realize they loved Liandrya as much as they loved each other and become a family of three. The only problem is Liandrya has gotten involved with Morkessa. These exceptional characters will take you through a tale of love and passion, good and evil, right and wrong all the while keeping you spellbound. I whole heartedly recommend this one!
February 24, 2018
Dorlyn and Vylkur are two male elves that are not supposed to be together. They chose love over obligation and left their communities. They are joined in their love by Liandrya, a female half-elf, who also finds little acceptance. Together, they have found happiness but it is endangered when she finds a dangerous artifact. They go on quite a journey to keep everyone safe from the effects of the artifact getting in the wrong hands.
I very much enjoyed this menage. You get to see how close the men are and how much they truly love Liandrya. There is a really genuine emotional connection among them all. The story has a good mix of adventure and action and romance and keeps the pace fast. You really want to read it all at once to see where their adventures will lead them. There are plenty of surprises along the way.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
I very much enjoyed this menage. You get to see how close the men are and how much they truly love Liandrya. There is a really genuine emotional connection among them all. The story has a good mix of adventure and action and romance and keeps the pace fast. You really want to read it all at once to see where their adventures will lead them. There are plenty of surprises along the way.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
February 7, 2018
I’m normally not a fan of ménage romances, because of the jealousy and unnecessary drama that always seems to result from it. However, that was NOT the case here. I was VERY pleasantly surprised by the healthy relationship between the three central characters, and I could really feel their deep connection as well as the love they shared. Humor, adventure, and angst round out this story very nicely, and I would highly recommend it to anyone!
Like the cover states, this is an MMF ménage, so there IS some M/M action. If you don’t have a problem with that, then buy and read without fear! I, for one, could NOT put it down!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Like the cover states, this is an MMF ménage, so there IS some M/M action. If you don’t have a problem with that, then buy and read without fear! I, for one, could NOT put it down!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 11, 2018
First let me state, I received an Advance Reader Copy, (ARC), but this in no way influences my review. I always leave an honest review. Also, this author is new to me.
At first I wasn't too sure about reading this through because of the way it started. I'm not a homo-phob, but I usually don't read MM or FF. {Just not my thing}. Anyway i pushed through, and I'm glad I did. This is a well written, and gr8 story. I recommend this read. 5 Thumbs up
Also, side not; I lost this book and just found it. Thank goodness I'm a fast reader. :)
At first I wasn't too sure about reading this through because of the way it started. I'm not a homo-phob, but I usually don't read MM or FF. {Just not my thing}. Anyway i pushed through, and I'm glad I did. This is a well written, and gr8 story. I recommend this read. 5 Thumbs up
Also, side not; I lost this book and just found it. Thank goodness I'm a fast reader. :)
March 10, 2018
Bond Eternal was such a steamy, sweet read. We follow three characters in an MMF relationship who are totally dedicated one another. Despite being outcasts, our heroes never shy away from doing the right thing, especially when facing an evil enemy. Ryder crafted characters that share a genuine closeness, and their bond is woven into the dialogue and action. Her writing style captures the whimsy that is classic folkloric fantasy. Lucky us, this book is just the start of the series. Looking forward to reading more tales from this realm.
February 8, 2018
they are from different tribes, therefore their love is not allowed. they leave and find a place to live when she appears, all three become as one. then a item comes into her hands and things change. they go on a mission. their lives could be changed forever. see where this will take you
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 10, 2018
I was hesitant when I first read the blurb because i am not really a big fan of Fairies and Fantasy, but I went ahead and took a chance and read the book, which I’m glad I did because this book actually turned out to be a pretty good. Humor, adventure, and angst round out this steamy story very nicely.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
March 13, 2018
Loved it!
The fantasy, adventure, and love in this story was astonishing. The book was well written and it kept me in trance the whole time.
The fantasy, adventure, and love in this story was astonishing. The book was well written and it kept me in trance the whole time.
July 9, 2019
Short Version. A basic by-the-numbers fantasy with elves and wizards, and a previously established three-some on a quest with no side-quests. Nothing stand-out.
Longer Stuff:
After being delightfully surprised at the Kinky Geeks, a funny and skillful - though short - group of erotica stories, I thought I would try one of Ms. Ryder's longer works.
Everything else below is what is wrong - so, if you want to see some good work by Ms. Ryder - try the Kinky Geek series and collection.
Still with me? Well, if you want to know - on to what I didn't like.
First off, from the opening blurb I thought the story would be a MM couple adding a F for a triumvirate, but we land in the story with the group well established. Like I said, I came at this story from her erotica, so I expected a love story. It is not. It is a fantasy quest. Yes a couple-few threesomes occur - but they are all polite trying to make sure no one is left out. If one character kisses another - they will immediately turn and kiss the third. No hesitation. No exploration. No ... magic.
Second, the editing (line editing, in this case) needs a lot of work for duplicate words - thing like 'additionally they did this in addition'. (And the italics in the second half!)
Third, the story is too straight line for a novel length. The plot line needs a side-quest. While a sometimes an emotional element is introduced - the situation is then explained completely - any nuisances answered - and we return to the regularly scheduled plotline still in progress.
Fourth, The laughter and fun of the Kinky Geeks is missing. I nearly stopped a few times and would have if I hadn't been avoiding real-life responsibilities. I laughed once in this manuscript.
Fifth, character development needed layers. Everyone is rather simplistic in their hopes and dreams and everyone kind-of matches. Cookie cardboard cutter. While hard things happen, it all feels like a surface skim. Everything happens too easily.
Sixth, the very end of the story felt strangely chopped off. Like the author had a big story planned but hit her word count or ran out of time because of a family obligation and popped in the ending. After talking about how long the quest would be and how many temples would need to be visited, everything clearly defined in the straight-line plot, everything ends a third of the way through.
How to fix: 1) go through and look at the word issue, looking for repeat words within a sentence and paragraph . 2) change the advertising blurb so it reads like a fantasy quest instead of a MMF romance. 3) change up the romance actions a bit more - three people allow a lot of variation. While the scenery changed (bedroom versus in water), the order of action and interaction didn't have enough variation to be sexy. 4) Build to a finale better. Each scene had too many strings settled to carry the tension forward. - for example, we have wounds from fights we never saw create life-threatening situations, but because we never saw the fights, the wounds aren't real. When we have fights, the wounds are instantly healed and don't carry forward.
Ms. Ryder does good in the short form. It takes a while to learn how to weave a longer form, but I think she can do it. What she might want to do is try to write a Mystery or Thriller (maybe with Fantasy elements, maybe not) about Geeks - not the typical a game coming to life, but dealing with real life in between of playing games the group enjoys. Her rapid fire dialogue in the Kinky Geeks during the MMOG and the tabletop are spot on. Maybe take the guy who had to move to Texas in the LARP and have something happen to him.
Anyway, the author has native talents, she just needs time to expand a skill set and add more to her tool box.
(Read through Kindle Unlimited)
Longer Stuff:
After being delightfully surprised at the Kinky Geeks, a funny and skillful - though short - group of erotica stories, I thought I would try one of Ms. Ryder's longer works.
Everything else below is what is wrong - so, if you want to see some good work by Ms. Ryder - try the Kinky Geek series and collection.
Still with me? Well, if you want to know - on to what I didn't like.
First off, from the opening blurb I thought the story would be a MM couple adding a F for a triumvirate, but we land in the story with the group well established. Like I said, I came at this story from her erotica, so I expected a love story. It is not. It is a fantasy quest. Yes a couple-few threesomes occur - but they are all polite trying to make sure no one is left out. If one character kisses another - they will immediately turn and kiss the third. No hesitation. No exploration. No ... magic.
Second, the editing (line editing, in this case) needs a lot of work for duplicate words - thing like 'additionally they did this in addition'. (And the italics in the second half!)
Third, the story is too straight line for a novel length. The plot line needs a side-quest. While a sometimes an emotional element is introduced - the situation is then explained completely - any nuisances answered - and we return to the regularly scheduled plotline still in progress.
Fourth, The laughter and fun of the Kinky Geeks is missing. I nearly stopped a few times and would have if I hadn't been avoiding real-life responsibilities. I laughed once in this manuscript.
Fifth, character development needed layers. Everyone is rather simplistic in their hopes and dreams and everyone kind-of matches. Cookie cardboard cutter. While hard things happen, it all feels like a surface skim. Everything happens too easily.
Sixth, the very end of the story felt strangely chopped off. Like the author had a big story planned but hit her word count or ran out of time because of a family obligation and popped in the ending. After talking about how long the quest would be and how many temples would need to be visited, everything clearly defined in the straight-line plot, everything ends a third of the way through.
How to fix: 1) go through and look at the word issue, looking for repeat words within a sentence and paragraph . 2) change the advertising blurb so it reads like a fantasy quest instead of a MMF romance. 3) change up the romance actions a bit more - three people allow a lot of variation. While the scenery changed (bedroom versus in water), the order of action and interaction didn't have enough variation to be sexy. 4) Build to a finale better. Each scene had too many strings settled to carry the tension forward. - for example, we have wounds from fights we never saw create life-threatening situations, but because we never saw the fights, the wounds aren't real. When we have fights, the wounds are instantly healed and don't carry forward.
Ms. Ryder does good in the short form. It takes a while to learn how to weave a longer form, but I think she can do it. What she might want to do is try to write a Mystery or Thriller (maybe with Fantasy elements, maybe not) about Geeks - not the typical a game coming to life, but dealing with real life in between of playing games the group enjoys. Her rapid fire dialogue in the Kinky Geeks during the MMOG and the tabletop are spot on. Maybe take the guy who had to move to Texas in the LARP and have something happen to him.
Anyway, the author has native talents, she just needs time to expand a skill set and add more to her tool box.
(Read through Kindle Unlimited)
April 1, 2019
Cadarnle is home to humans, wolf and dragon shifters, elves, both light and dark, and many more creatures. Most are capable of love and many mate for life. This collection follows the story of 3 couples (well, one is a triad) and the trials they go through to get their happily-ever-after. Wonderful characters who will walk right into your heart, great plots to keep your mind wondering what comes next and enough action to keep your fingers turning the pages.
This book is a story of divine intervention. Dorlyn and Vylkur are unlikely mates, a wood elf and a dark elf, but they've been together for 300 years. They take a woman to share every few decades, but never for more than a night or two, until Liandrya, a half elf. She seems to complete them in ways they can't seem to explain, but they will only have her for the span of her life as they will go on with their immortal lives. The three begin a quest together after she finds an ancient relic on an expedition for another. Will any of them survive the wrath of the dark elf mage who seeks the relic?
This book is a story of divine intervention. Dorlyn and Vylkur are unlikely mates, a wood elf and a dark elf, but they've been together for 300 years. They take a woman to share every few decades, but never for more than a night or two, until Liandrya, a half elf. She seems to complete them in ways they can't seem to explain, but they will only have her for the span of her life as they will go on with their immortal lives. The three begin a quest together after she finds an ancient relic on an expedition for another. Will any of them survive the wrath of the dark elf mage who seeks the relic?
May 10, 2020
If "Steamy" in the title didn't tell you, you have been warned
As the title of this book suggests, it is an erotic tale that features a throuple who has a lot of M/M action. If that does not interest you, do not read this book.
As to the story itself, it was a simple retelling of the basic high fantasy storyline with lots of foreshadowing. The story itself wasn't very unique or surprising, but it was sweet and very well written. There were a couple of small editing errors but nothing worth mentioning. If you are looking for a nice, sexy story that is just a little enchanting with a lot of feels, this one is for you. Anyone looking for anything else, you have been warned.
As the title of this book suggests, it is an erotic tale that features a throuple who has a lot of M/M action. If that does not interest you, do not read this book.
As to the story itself, it was a simple retelling of the basic high fantasy storyline with lots of foreshadowing. The story itself wasn't very unique or surprising, but it was sweet and very well written. There were a couple of small editing errors but nothing worth mentioning. If you are looking for a nice, sexy story that is just a little enchanting with a lot of feels, this one is for you. Anyone looking for anything else, you have been warned.
May 19, 2023
an amazing adventure
This book was so enticing. A must read adventure filled with epic battles in both the battle field and the bedroom.
I loved that the characters for me never got annoying and only grew through out the book. They were all badass and amazingly loving and caring.
This book was so enticing. A must read adventure filled with epic battles in both the battle field and the bedroom.
I loved that the characters for me never got annoying and only grew through out the book. They were all badass and amazingly loving and caring.
March 29, 2020
It was ok at best. It kinda like let take a handful of Tolkien, a handful of Sword of Truth, sprinkle with some other fantasy broken records, shake and wa-la! A predictable story about Elves. The only thing non-conventional about this was the fact that it was MMF. 🤷🏻♀️
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews