What do you think?
Rate this book
The Frey Saga #1
Frey
Nothing is as it seems.
Frey's life is a lie. She doesn't remember being bound from magic. She didn't intend to discover this dangerous secret, to get entangled in Council business. But she did.
And now she's on the run.
With the aid of a stranger, she discovers a world beyond the elves who bound her. But it's a world of shadows and dark magic, a world she's been warned not to trust. The farther she strays, the more she finds a forgotten past. As she fights to reclaim her true identity, Council trackers hunt her down.
If they find her, she will burn.
The stranger offers her a way out, but it's a path of no return. How do you know who to believe when you don't even know who you are?
Frey's life is a lie. She doesn't remember being bound from magic. She didn't intend to discover this dangerous secret, to get entangled in Council business. But she did.
And now she's on the run.
With the aid of a stranger, she discovers a world beyond the elves who bound her. But it's a world of shadows and dark magic, a world she's been warned not to trust. The farther she strays, the more she finds a forgotten past. As she fights to reclaim her true identity, Council trackers hunt her down.
If they find her, she will burn.
The stranger offers her a way out, but it's a path of no return. How do you know who to believe when you don't even know who you are?
272 pages, Hardcover
First published July 25, 2011
About the author
Melissa Wright
79 books1,363 followersMelissa is the author of more than a dozen YA and fantasy novels including The Frey Saga and Between Ink and Shadows. When not writing she can generally be found talking with an author friend about a book, painting something from a book, or tucked between headphones listening to a book. It’s kind of a theme. She loves reasonable heroines in unreasonable situations, noble--if brooding--heroes, slow burn and sweet kisses, a lot of havoc, and a little magic. Stay updated on works in progress at Instagram. Contact her through the web at www.melissa-wright.com
For info on contests and new releases, sign up for the newsletter here: https://bit.ly/2VDuwn1
For info on contests and new releases, sign up for the newsletter here: https://bit.ly/2VDuwn1
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 689 reviews
July 13, 2015
READ THIS WHOLE BOOK TODAY IN ONE SITTING AND IT WAS FABULOUS!
really good book for a quick fantasy fix!
really good book for a quick fantasy fix!
January 6, 2021
To sum it up: The plot is feeble, and the characters are not well fleshed out to carry the weight of the story. Furthermore, I think this book has a weak heroine with a terrible inability to talk and relate to the other characters in the book that borders on autism-like behavior. This, for me, ruins it all since every interaction is beyond weird. (To clarify, this book is not about a female lead with autism which might have been quite interesting to read, it is simply a badly written lead that makes no sense.)
It is infuriating that the other characters act as if her behavior is normal and something that one encounters all the time, talking to her in almost monologues, guessing her answers and deciding for her. This bothered me to no end, even though the way the book is written is technically OK and the descriptions of the surroundings are done well enough. Also, the characters introduced at the beginning had a little more detail in their introductory descriptions compared to the ones after half of the book had gone by.
The heroine is lead through the plot because these very cool chars need something to tie them together and she is it, why? no idea. And neither has she! Why? Because it seems she is too much of a brooding distressed mute to be bothered to ask! Even if she has memory loss, isn't she curious or something? She is not deserving of their sacrifice or loyalty and she doesn't even like them or befriend them in the least. There is no growing bond between the party, at all! It's like they owe her and she has no idea why but then she doesn't even question it, taking their help totally for granted. She simply lets herself be trained and moved about and ordered around and at a time even deafened so that she won't know what is going on about her.
The book is painstakingly slow until way past half of it. The characters of the party could have been great but they are barely sketched, even though we know some of their stories. Still, this doesn't make them endearing, they come out as off and in their own thing.
There is of course a love triangle barely hinted at and one that the heroine doesn't seem to have much interest in, but I'm guessing it is there because this is YA fantasy after all and a love triangle is a pre-requisite (?). It provides some male eye candy and maybe make you think that there might be a reason why these awesome guys are placing their butts on the line for this mute and not really charismatic girl. (FYI, this is not explained and the book ends in a cliffhanger, making you want to toss it out the window!)
The best part of the book is her mother's diary. Please note that her mother, who is already dead at the beginning of the book, is the most interesting and fleshed out character of the entire trial. One could even say she is more alive than anyone else in the entire book. Do I have to say more?
If I still haven't convinced you, let me tell you, the beginning was so uninteresting I had to force myself to go on reading page by page, the only moment I felt I wanted to know what was next was when I saw the book was about to end and I realized that nothing was going to be resolved with it. The first thing I thought? Damn the Sagas and their books that feel like a freaking first chapter!!!
Beforehand: Sorry for the bashing. I really needed to put it out somewhere. The plot could have been great but I feel like it was stomped over so crudely, it just hurts.
***Beware. From this point onward this review is a spoil-all, with a pretty detailed summary that covers all the basic points of the story:
Frey the book is about a girl, Frey, who lives a very naive and meaningless life in a village of elves. She has no magic apart from lighting a candle or two and is taken care of by her drunkard aunt who occasionally beats her and badmouths her daily. Her magical teacher basically just lets her read books of the elves' history and does nothing much, while the whole village seems nonexistent. Frey has almost no contact with it or the villagers apart from a pretty girl that bullies her.
When one day she starts showing signs of incipient magic (growing a little weed in her teacher's table and then some in an abandoned field), the northern elf Chevelle comes into town and announces to her that he is her watcher and new magical teacher. Because her old one (Junnie) has been mysteriously whisked away in a 'service calling' for the Grand Council of the elves (without saying goodbye to her only, and very troubled, student. From there, it all comes down to her using magic without realizing it, in ways that are unethical to say the least. Like making the bully girl choke by growing a thistle in her throat, stealing books from the library in order to spy on Chevelle's ancestry, killing a poor bird for chirping and annoying her, and so on. The beginning drags on and on from her perspective and with barely a dialogue or two.
After she is accused of using dark magic and taken to be judged she chokes one of the judges (without consciously realizing it is her) and runs away with a few possessions she steals from her aunt. Following her watcher, as he goes in search of Junnie, she finds a spell among her things that burns a map into her hands and then sets on her journey towards the north, where she thinks she will find answers.
She goes about things in her head in a way that a kid would, resolving nothing as she travels and travels, not bothering to practice her magic or doing nothing worthy of telling. That is until she finds a hot horse breeder and then Chevelle pops up again, both males ordering her about and her still without talking. This is not surprising for them and they carry their one-sided dialogues with her as if her thoughts were being written on her forehead or something.
She is mute, undecided and starts no action of her own volition until way past the middle of the book. She sucks at using magic and has a ton of piled questions she should be asking anyone who crosses her path, specially Steed (horse breeding guy) or Chevelle but instead sulks and follows their orders and asks nothing. Oh! She has the hots for both Chevelle and Steed, the horse guy. Why? Because all YA novels have to have a love triangle. She is attracted by Chevelle and thinks Steed is oh so hot, but only when she looks at him, when she isn't looking at him, she forgets about it! (her own words)
She is taken by Chevelle to the North (supposedly the map was going to take her there) because he says she wouldn't stop until getting there and this even surprises her since she had no idea she even wanted to go there but decides better not to enlighten him just in case he changes his mind.
During the travel, their party grows by acquiring several more characters. All particularly powerful and mysterious, since we get almost no details of any of them and barely a few words and dialogues between them to make them seem to be doing things in the background. We get a part fire fairy elf named Ruby that goes about feeding the 'heroine' a little magic dust here and there that relaxes and dopes her every time she is seen showing a little bit of emotion... A guy that is missing part of his tongue and can produce lighting... A guy that moves fast and pops here... And there and a couple of twins that have two huge wolves.
Then, since they were too many to properly have them talk to the heroine, the preferred recourse by the author here is to have them go on watch and thus disappear from the main room were Frey is trying to utter two words to some other char in a most-likely meaningless exchange that gives you more and more questions and less and less answers!
Then, she has bouts of very powerful and unique magic and tells no one. Even torturing a guy in a very cruel way and chopping his head off with her sword and acting as if nothing happened. This is the only moment they act as if in reverence of her too.
As the story nears the end she is mind-assaulted by the Grand Council and loses her powers again being completely bound once more, consoling herself by reading a stolen book from Chevelle that tells the tale of an uber-powerful dark elf that turns out to be her mother and of how she got pregnant and had her and then, to free herself and her baby from her father she murdered a whole bunch of people and thus had the Grand Council steal Frey and seal her away with bound powers. She has an emotional breakdown and is sedated again (by now she has been sedated so many times it is worrying me she will get addicted to the substance!) because they all fear it will be too much for her to process.
She slowly regains a little bit of power and as they are traveling but then she is once more assaulted this time in an even more forceful manner. Her aunt Fannie appears mysteriously during the battle and her old teacher Junnie as well, together with the Grand Council. There is a full blow out and she passes out after someone uses another spell on her.
Then she wakes up and has all her memories of before-being-bound, from when she was young and still had her mother, and her after-being-bound memories. Chevelle kisses her and she doesn't kiss him back, telling him she is not her old self. She is weakly carried to the door and given a sword to raise when faced with lots of people looking up at her and as she does so, she is clamored in a huge roar.
WTF??!!!
Do I really have to say anything more? I do not recommend it to anyone.
It is infuriating that the other characters act as if her behavior is normal and something that one encounters all the time, talking to her in almost monologues, guessing her answers and deciding for her. This bothered me to no end, even though the way the book is written is technically OK and the descriptions of the surroundings are done well enough. Also, the characters introduced at the beginning had a little more detail in their introductory descriptions compared to the ones after half of the book had gone by.
The heroine is lead through the plot because these very cool chars need something to tie them together and she is it, why? no idea. And neither has she! Why? Because it seems she is too much of a brooding distressed mute to be bothered to ask! Even if she has memory loss, isn't she curious or something? She is not deserving of their sacrifice or loyalty and she doesn't even like them or befriend them in the least. There is no growing bond between the party, at all! It's like they owe her and she has no idea why but then she doesn't even question it, taking their help totally for granted. She simply lets herself be trained and moved about and ordered around and at a time even deafened so that she won't know what is going on about her.
The book is painstakingly slow until way past half of it. The characters of the party could have been great but they are barely sketched, even though we know some of their stories. Still, this doesn't make them endearing, they come out as off and in their own thing.
There is of course a love triangle barely hinted at and one that the heroine doesn't seem to have much interest in, but I'm guessing it is there because this is YA fantasy after all and a love triangle is a pre-requisite (?). It provides some male eye candy and maybe make you think that there might be a reason why these awesome guys are placing their butts on the line for this mute and not really charismatic girl. (FYI, this is not explained and the book ends in a cliffhanger, making you want to toss it out the window!)
The best part of the book is her mother's diary. Please note that her mother, who is already dead at the beginning of the book, is the most interesting and fleshed out character of the entire trial. One could even say she is more alive than anyone else in the entire book. Do I have to say more?
If I still haven't convinced you, let me tell you, the beginning was so uninteresting I had to force myself to go on reading page by page, the only moment I felt I wanted to know what was next was when I saw the book was about to end and I realized that nothing was going to be resolved with it. The first thing I thought? Damn the Sagas and their books that feel like a freaking first chapter!!!
Beforehand: Sorry for the bashing. I really needed to put it out somewhere. The plot could have been great but I feel like it was stomped over so crudely, it just hurts.
***Beware. From this point onward this review is a spoil-all, with a pretty detailed summary that covers all the basic points of the story:
Frey the book is about a girl, Frey, who lives a very naive and meaningless life in a village of elves. She has no magic apart from lighting a candle or two and is taken care of by her drunkard aunt who occasionally beats her and badmouths her daily. Her magical teacher basically just lets her read books of the elves' history and does nothing much, while the whole village seems nonexistent. Frey has almost no contact with it or the villagers apart from a pretty girl that bullies her.
When one day she starts showing signs of incipient magic (growing a little weed in her teacher's table and then some in an abandoned field), the northern elf Chevelle comes into town and announces to her that he is her watcher and new magical teacher. Because her old one (Junnie) has been mysteriously whisked away in a 'service calling' for the Grand Council of the elves (without saying goodbye to her only, and very troubled, student. From there, it all comes down to her using magic without realizing it, in ways that are unethical to say the least. Like making the bully girl choke by growing a thistle in her throat, stealing books from the library in order to spy on Chevelle's ancestry, killing a poor bird for chirping and annoying her, and so on. The beginning drags on and on from her perspective and with barely a dialogue or two.
After she is accused of using dark magic and taken to be judged she chokes one of the judges (without consciously realizing it is her) and runs away with a few possessions she steals from her aunt. Following her watcher, as he goes in search of Junnie, she finds a spell among her things that burns a map into her hands and then sets on her journey towards the north, where she thinks she will find answers.
She goes about things in her head in a way that a kid would, resolving nothing as she travels and travels, not bothering to practice her magic or doing nothing worthy of telling. That is until she finds a hot horse breeder and then Chevelle pops up again, both males ordering her about and her still without talking. This is not surprising for them and they carry their one-sided dialogues with her as if her thoughts were being written on her forehead or something.
She is mute, undecided and starts no action of her own volition until way past the middle of the book. She sucks at using magic and has a ton of piled questions she should be asking anyone who crosses her path, specially Steed (horse breeding guy) or Chevelle but instead sulks and follows their orders and asks nothing. Oh! She has the hots for both Chevelle and Steed, the horse guy. Why? Because all YA novels have to have a love triangle. She is attracted by Chevelle and thinks Steed is oh so hot, but only when she looks at him, when she isn't looking at him, she forgets about it! (her own words)
She is taken by Chevelle to the North (supposedly the map was going to take her there) because he says she wouldn't stop until getting there and this even surprises her since she had no idea she even wanted to go there but decides better not to enlighten him just in case he changes his mind.
During the travel, their party grows by acquiring several more characters. All particularly powerful and mysterious, since we get almost no details of any of them and barely a few words and dialogues between them to make them seem to be doing things in the background. We get a part fire fairy elf named Ruby that goes about feeding the 'heroine' a little magic dust here and there that relaxes and dopes her every time she is seen showing a little bit of emotion... A guy that is missing part of his tongue and can produce lighting... A guy that moves fast and pops here... And there and a couple of twins that have two huge wolves.
Then, since they were too many to properly have them talk to the heroine, the preferred recourse by the author here is to have them go on watch and thus disappear from the main room were Frey is trying to utter two words to some other char in a most-likely meaningless exchange that gives you more and more questions and less and less answers!
Then, she has bouts of very powerful and unique magic and tells no one. Even torturing a guy in a very cruel way and chopping his head off with her sword and acting as if nothing happened. This is the only moment they act as if in reverence of her too.
As the story nears the end she is mind-assaulted by the Grand Council and loses her powers again being completely bound once more, consoling herself by reading a stolen book from Chevelle that tells the tale of an uber-powerful dark elf that turns out to be her mother and of how she got pregnant and had her and then, to free herself and her baby from her father she murdered a whole bunch of people and thus had the Grand Council steal Frey and seal her away with bound powers. She has an emotional breakdown and is sedated again (by now she has been sedated so many times it is worrying me she will get addicted to the substance!) because they all fear it will be too much for her to process.
She slowly regains a little bit of power and as they are traveling but then she is once more assaulted this time in an even more forceful manner. Her aunt Fannie appears mysteriously during the battle and her old teacher Junnie as well, together with the Grand Council. There is a full blow out and she passes out after someone uses another spell on her.
Then she wakes up and has all her memories of before-being-bound, from when she was young and still had her mother, and her after-being-bound memories. Chevelle kisses her and she doesn't kiss him back, telling him she is not her old self. She is weakly carried to the door and given a sword to raise when faced with lots of people looking up at her and as she does so, she is clamored in a huge roar.
WTF??!!!
Do I really have to say anything more? I do not recommend it to anyone.
April 26, 2012
I bought this book for two reasons: the summary on the Goodreads page, which seemed interesting, and the very reasonable price on Amazon. I didn't pick it up immediately, but being on vacation and having finished another quick read, I turned to FREY.
My main issues with the book lie with the main character and the plot. First off, I found it very hard to sympathize with Frey (or Freya), mostly because she shows a lot of tendencies toward being, well, a killing machine with zero compassion. She kills a bird and makes a frog explode with no remorse. She also seems pretty whiny and dense--she is convinced that Chevelle, her "watcher" who is bringing her on a journey, hates her, even though there is basically no evidence to support this and it seems fairly obvious that he even has feelings for her. Despite the fact that she conveniently has no idea about her own past and has no idea where they're going or what they're even doing, she doesn't even ask any questions.
That leads me to my second point: the plot. Because Frey is "bound"--meaning her magic and her memories are more or less stifled--she can't remember a thing about her past. This means that the reader has no idea either, since nobody enlightens her and she apparently refuses to ask anybody. When she makes mysterious things happen, she doesn't even tell people--she just ignores them because she assumes that other people will react negatively. And when mysterious things happen to her, she doesn't ask questions either. She embarks on an entire journey--first with Chevelle, and later joined by an entire posse of people--and not once does she even ask what's going on or what her role is in this. All that Frey knows--and all that the reader knows, since the book is told in first person--is that they were going on a journey to somewhere to accomplish something. And you know how when books usually end on a cliffhanger it can be suspenseful but at least lets you know where the story is going next? Yep, not here. I was so frustrated that I doubt I'll pay the three dollars to read the next book on Kindle.
The book had its moments--I liked Frey's relationship with Steed, and Ruby was cool--and it was a quick, easy read. For me, the negatives (the personality of the main character, the pace of the plot, and the numerous grammar/punctuation errors) outweighed the positives, so I probably won't continue the series. For the price, though, it might be worth it for some.
My main issues with the book lie with the main character and the plot. First off, I found it very hard to sympathize with Frey (or Freya), mostly because she shows a lot of tendencies toward being, well, a killing machine with zero compassion. She kills a bird and makes a frog explode with no remorse. She also seems pretty whiny and dense--she is convinced that Chevelle, her "watcher" who is bringing her on a journey, hates her, even though there is basically no evidence to support this and it seems fairly obvious that he even has feelings for her. Despite the fact that she conveniently has no idea about her own past and has no idea where they're going or what they're even doing, she doesn't even ask any questions.
That leads me to my second point: the plot. Because Frey is "bound"--meaning her magic and her memories are more or less stifled--she can't remember a thing about her past. This means that the reader has no idea either, since nobody enlightens her and she apparently refuses to ask anybody. When she makes mysterious things happen, she doesn't even tell people--she just ignores them because she assumes that other people will react negatively. And when mysterious things happen to her, she doesn't ask questions either. She embarks on an entire journey--first with Chevelle, and later joined by an entire posse of people--and not once does she even ask what's going on or what her role is in this. All that Frey knows--and all that the reader knows, since the book is told in first person--is that they were going on a journey to somewhere to accomplish something. And you know how when books usually end on a cliffhanger it can be suspenseful but at least lets you know where the story is going next? Yep, not here. I was so frustrated that I doubt I'll pay the three dollars to read the next book on Kindle.
The book had its moments--I liked Frey's relationship with Steed, and Ruby was cool--and it was a quick, easy read. For me, the negatives (the personality of the main character, the pace of the plot, and the numerous grammar/punctuation errors) outweighed the positives, so I probably won't continue the series. For the price, though, it might be worth it for some.
July 1, 2013
I didn't know that books could be this bad until I read book one of the Frey. I really wanted to like this book because:
1. It was free.
2. I had seen so many positive reviews of it on Goodreads as well as Amazon.
For me, this book was basically unreadable. I kept going in hopes that it would get better, but it was so boring that I couldn't push far past the 1/3 mark. How should I explain? The best way that I can put it is that this is a book where nothing happens.
At the start of the book, the main character does not seem to have a life, any interests, or even a personality. Because she can't use magic properly, she's considered an outcast in her village. She spends her time studying with her tutor, who is the only person in town who is truly kind to her. Despite the tutor being introduced as an important character, and despite how much time the main character spends thinking of her, tutor-lady barely gets any page-time. No time is spent elaborating on their relationship and it is neither mentioned nor questioned why Tutor is so nice to her when everyone else hates her. Nor is it explained why she has a private tutor in the first place. Most of the characters, including the main one, are like this. They're supposed to be important, but they get almost no time in the story, functionally zero charicterization, and they don't seem to do anything important or interesting either. The person with the most characterization was probably the bully who appeared for only 2-3 pages to pick on Elfreda when she was in the woods.
The main character spends the majority of the early chapters wandering around aimlessly, with no clear objectives. At time it felt like the author was adding events and musings in just to fill pages. It was all or nothing with these scenes. They were either totally pointless and irrelevant or they ONLY existed to advance the plot in the sense that the character had no reason to do them other than to get to the next scene. Elfreda seems to have no real goals or emotional investment in anything around her.
Some of the typical scenes you will see in this book include:
- Elfreda using spells to sort through paper work
- Elfreda going to see her tutor, and her tutor isn't there so she has to come back later
- Elfreda eating berries
- Elfreda sleeping inside of a bush
- Elfreda sitting in the woods and literally trying to make grass grow
These tasks are all completed with the same dispassion with which one wipes a booger onto the underside of a shoe.
Eventually, Elfreda meets Male Love Interest #1. Because she has no life or anything else important to do, her main motivation/purpose as a character becomes researching this guy and his family tree. No real reason-- just saw him in the street, thought* he was cute, and decided to spend all her free time researching him. She risks life and limb to sneak into the library to read books about his boring family. You also learn that even though she's doing all this research on him, she doesn't know much about her own family, or even what her tutor is doing. She and Love Interest #1 start talking, and he becomes her tutor after her original Tutor is put on a bus. He easily teaches her fire magic despite the story establishing that she's supposed to be seriously terrible at spells.
*The main character gives no real indication of human thought or strong personal opinion.
When she gets angry, she tends to "accidentally" use magic in a way that hurts people. She kills a bird and almost kills a person who is bullying her. The way these scenes are handled is ridiculous. Elfreda doesn't even seem to care about or understand what she is doing unless she's worried she'll get in trouble. She killed an innocent animal and almost killed a person and never seems to give a shit. She always uses strong dark magic at the most opportune times, but it's never made clear that she can understand what she's doing...But the idea of her not understanding makes no sense since everything is being told from her first person.
Eventually the council gets sick of her bullshit and she gets put on trial ex machina. There's almost nothing going on in the story, and then in the next scene she's randomly in a courtroom. There was almost no buildup or transition to speak of.
She then flees town and starts more aimless wandering. She also sees Love Interest #1 and starts following him around even though at this point in the story she's supposed to be trying to avoid getting caught. He catches her following him easily but she doesn't join up with him because she's pretending she's capable of feeling anger and runs away.
She meets Love Interest #2 and he seems to have some vaguely interesting traits. Love Interest #1 strikes me as someone who was written to fill the Edward Cullen role, while LI#2 is more the Jacob-- a little more dangerous and with a little more "personality" (scare quotes because I hesitate to use this term in reference to any of the characters in this book).
This is where I gave up reading. This book is so boring that I don't understand why the writer felt the need to put it down on paper. Maybe she was being held at gunpoint.
1. It was free.
2. I had seen so many positive reviews of it on Goodreads as well as Amazon.
For me, this book was basically unreadable. I kept going in hopes that it would get better, but it was so boring that I couldn't push far past the 1/3 mark. How should I explain? The best way that I can put it is that this is a book where nothing happens.
At the start of the book, the main character does not seem to have a life, any interests, or even a personality. Because she can't use magic properly, she's considered an outcast in her village. She spends her time studying with her tutor, who is the only person in town who is truly kind to her. Despite the tutor being introduced as an important character, and despite how much time the main character spends thinking of her, tutor-lady barely gets any page-time. No time is spent elaborating on their relationship and it is neither mentioned nor questioned why Tutor is so nice to her when everyone else hates her. Nor is it explained why she has a private tutor in the first place. Most of the characters, including the main one, are like this. They're supposed to be important, but they get almost no time in the story, functionally zero charicterization, and they don't seem to do anything important or interesting either. The person with the most characterization was probably the bully who appeared for only 2-3 pages to pick on Elfreda when she was in the woods.
The main character spends the majority of the early chapters wandering around aimlessly, with no clear objectives. At time it felt like the author was adding events and musings in just to fill pages. It was all or nothing with these scenes. They were either totally pointless and irrelevant or they ONLY existed to advance the plot in the sense that the character had no reason to do them other than to get to the next scene. Elfreda seems to have no real goals or emotional investment in anything around her.
Some of the typical scenes you will see in this book include:
- Elfreda using spells to sort through paper work
- Elfreda going to see her tutor, and her tutor isn't there so she has to come back later
- Elfreda eating berries
- Elfreda sleeping inside of a bush
- Elfreda sitting in the woods and literally trying to make grass grow
These tasks are all completed with the same dispassion with which one wipes a booger onto the underside of a shoe.
Eventually, Elfreda meets Male Love Interest #1. Because she has no life or anything else important to do, her main motivation/purpose as a character becomes researching this guy and his family tree. No real reason-- just saw him in the street, thought* he was cute, and decided to spend all her free time researching him. She risks life and limb to sneak into the library to read books about his boring family. You also learn that even though she's doing all this research on him, she doesn't know much about her own family, or even what her tutor is doing. She and Love Interest #1 start talking, and he becomes her tutor after her original Tutor is put on a bus. He easily teaches her fire magic despite the story establishing that she's supposed to be seriously terrible at spells.
*The main character gives no real indication of human thought or strong personal opinion.
When she gets angry, she tends to "accidentally" use magic in a way that hurts people. She kills a bird and almost kills a person who is bullying her. The way these scenes are handled is ridiculous. Elfreda doesn't even seem to care about or understand what she is doing unless she's worried she'll get in trouble. She killed an innocent animal and almost killed a person and never seems to give a shit. She always uses strong dark magic at the most opportune times, but it's never made clear that she can understand what she's doing...But the idea of her not understanding makes no sense since everything is being told from her first person.
Eventually the council gets sick of her bullshit and she gets put on trial ex machina. There's almost nothing going on in the story, and then in the next scene she's randomly in a courtroom. There was almost no buildup or transition to speak of.
She then flees town and starts more aimless wandering. She also sees Love Interest #1 and starts following him around even though at this point in the story she's supposed to be trying to avoid getting caught. He catches her following him easily but she doesn't join up with him because she's pretending she's capable of feeling anger and runs away.
She meets Love Interest #2 and he seems to have some vaguely interesting traits. Love Interest #1 strikes me as someone who was written to fill the Edward Cullen role, while LI#2 is more the Jacob-- a little more dangerous and with a little more "personality" (scare quotes because I hesitate to use this term in reference to any of the characters in this book).
This is where I gave up reading. This book is so boring that I don't understand why the writer felt the need to put it down on paper. Maybe she was being held at gunpoint.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2020
At first, I'm just intrigued with the title, then after reading the first few chapters I become interested with the lead character - what did she do, what was not done or why she is forbidden to use magic.
After reading a few chapters again, I realized that someone comes and go in the life of the lead character but eventually never had an impact to the plot...
Anyway, the story is going nowhere I don't know how I finish the story or manage to finish this one but all I know it is free in google books, that's why I read this. It's not recommendable nor a great topic for discussion but life hidden and block will find its way to the surface. No matter what struggle life brings, maybe its from the past or present, always remember that someone may save your day.
PS. Technically it is a commercial book. Plot, technically done, characters are identifiable, sceneries, quite beautiful, I just can't figure why this book is not appreciated, maybe it lacks the heart - the one that drives us to read.
#justmypov😊✌🏻️
After reading a few chapters again, I realized that someone comes and go in the life of the lead character but eventually never had an impact to the plot...
Anyway, the story is going nowhere I don't know how I finish the story or manage to finish this one but all I know it is free in google books, that's why I read this. It's not recommendable nor a great topic for discussion but life hidden and block will find its way to the surface. No matter what struggle life brings, maybe its from the past or present, always remember that someone may save your day.
PS. Technically it is a commercial book. Plot, technically done, characters are identifiable, sceneries, quite beautiful, I just can't figure why this book is not appreciated, maybe it lacks the heart - the one that drives us to read.
#justmypov😊✌🏻️
July 10, 2022
This was a frustrating read. It had all the elements of an epic Elven saga, yet the writing was mired in confusion and misdirection. I never knew what was going on, neither did our heroine Frey (Alfreda).
All her minders, taking her on a journey, not telling her what was happening or where she was being taken, yet all seemingly in on the big secret. Smirks all around, everyone knows more than Frey or we do.
It could have been so much better, yet ended up being a somewhat readible dogs breakfast. Frustrating for me.
All her minders, taking her on a journey, not telling her what was happening or where she was being taken, yet all seemingly in on the big secret. Smirks all around, everyone knows more than Frey or we do.
It could have been so much better, yet ended up being a somewhat readible dogs breakfast. Frustrating for me.
Read
April 28, 2012I really tried with this book. I got about half way through it before I had to stop. NONE of it made any sense. The book is told in first person by Freya, and through her first person narrative we find out her magic has been bound, she's an elf, and she lives in a tree with her aunt. In the beginning of the book she's going to take a magic lesson, and her magic starts to show up, and apparently it's the dark kind.
That sucks.
Then, this mysterious "watcher" person shows up and watches her, and she knows HE HATES HER although he hasn't displayed ANYTHING to suggest that he does at all.
We also get a LOT of TELLING and not showing. "We bantered back and forth" BUT the author doesn't include a conversation between them, just lets us know they spent DAYS together, and there's NOT A BIT of dialogue.
Freya is accused of using dark magic, and she actually is. She chokes the crap out of some girl with a thistle, kills a bird, turns some dust patch of a garden into weeds, and then chokes the crap out of a council member. All in all she's kind of a meaner.
However, she mysteriously can go out on her own on this long quest and not get lost, and not need much other than berries to live on, and not need pretty much anything.
She meets a stranger in the woods and sits down and has dinner with him, he builds her a hut, with magic, and she just goes right in, no worries there.
Hello, if I met a stranger in the woods I probably wouldn't be sitting down to eat with him or sharing a bottle of wine with him. Again there's VERY LITTLE dialogue at all in this.
I got SUPER frustrated because we don't' know SHIT about what she's doing. She's just going on this journey to the mountains. No idea why. Her mother apparently killed some people and now she has to go to the mountains. It's a LOT of TELLING US what's going to happen, where she's at, what she's sleeping in, but not showing us at all.
"He built a house with three trees"
That's paraphrasing, but that's pretty much the description.
I just couldn't keep going. With so many other super good books out there I'm choosing not to rate this and put it on my DNF shelf. What I did read I'd give 1.5 stars.
That sucks.
Then, this mysterious "watcher" person shows up and watches her, and she knows HE HATES HER although he hasn't displayed ANYTHING to suggest that he does at all.
We also get a LOT of TELLING and not showing. "We bantered back and forth" BUT the author doesn't include a conversation between them, just lets us know they spent DAYS together, and there's NOT A BIT of dialogue.
Freya is accused of using dark magic, and she actually is. She chokes the crap out of some girl with a thistle, kills a bird, turns some dust patch of a garden into weeds, and then chokes the crap out of a council member. All in all she's kind of a meaner.
However, she mysteriously can go out on her own on this long quest and not get lost, and not need much other than berries to live on, and not need pretty much anything.
She meets a stranger in the woods and sits down and has dinner with him, he builds her a hut, with magic, and she just goes right in, no worries there.
Hello, if I met a stranger in the woods I probably wouldn't be sitting down to eat with him or sharing a bottle of wine with him. Again there's VERY LITTLE dialogue at all in this.
I got SUPER frustrated because we don't' know SHIT about what she's doing. She's just going on this journey to the mountains. No idea why. Her mother apparently killed some people and now she has to go to the mountains. It's a LOT of TELLING US what's going to happen, where she's at, what she's sleeping in, but not showing us at all.
"He built a house with three trees"
That's paraphrasing, but that's pretty much the description.
I just couldn't keep going. With so many other super good books out there I'm choosing not to rate this and put it on my DNF shelf. What I did read I'd give 1.5 stars.
January 22, 2016
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
I. AM. OBSESSED.
Melissa has successfuly created another world for me to give up my real life for.
This book is mostly about elves but we get to see other creatures as well. Our main character, Frey, is in possession of one of the most amazing powers I have read about. It's incredibly badass and it makes her out to be a pretty complex character. We all love one of those, right?? Because I do! I could feel her pain and struggle to grasp the secrets that keep unveiling before her. Her world is turned upside down and I can't wait to see more of her character development.
Talking about complex, I have fallen in love with yet another fictional guy. And his name is Chevelle. Just saying, or in this care typing, his name gives me goosebumps. I don't know why, but that name will forever be my undoing. I am obsessed with it, almost as obsessed as I am with the guy himself. I will never get enough of him, which is why I am so anxious to continue with this series! His humor mixed with Frey's had my stomach hurting from all the laughing.
All of the characters introduced in this story were fascinating in their own right and I need more of them too. I am equally obsessed with the world building as with the characters.
Melissa, I am so mad at you. You are a complete tease!!!!! I almost fainted from irritation everytime the plot line didn't go the way I wanted!
This book took a turn I wasn't expecting (but LOVED) and the plot twists were out of this world. I had multiple 'holy. crap.' moments. They kept coming and coming, each more impacting than the the last. I read this book in one sitting and I am debating wether to read it again because I miss the wrold so much. And a particular guy, of course.
I. AM. OBSESSED.
Melissa has successfuly created another world for me to give up my real life for.
This book is mostly about elves but we get to see other creatures as well. Our main character, Frey, is in possession of one of the most amazing powers I have read about. It's incredibly badass and it makes her out to be a pretty complex character. We all love one of those, right?? Because I do! I could feel her pain and struggle to grasp the secrets that keep unveiling before her. Her world is turned upside down and I can't wait to see more of her character development.
Talking about complex, I have fallen in love with yet another fictional guy. And his name is Chevelle. Just saying, or in this care typing, his name gives me goosebumps. I don't know why, but that name will forever be my undoing. I am obsessed with it, almost as obsessed as I am with the guy himself. I will never get enough of him, which is why I am so anxious to continue with this series! His humor mixed with Frey's had my stomach hurting from all the laughing.
All of the characters introduced in this story were fascinating in their own right and I need more of them too. I am equally obsessed with the world building as with the characters.
Melissa, I am so mad at you. You are a complete tease!!!!! I almost fainted from irritation everytime the plot line didn't go the way I wanted!
This book took a turn I wasn't expecting (but LOVED) and the plot twists were out of this world. I had multiple 'holy. crap.' moments. They kept coming and coming, each more impacting than the the last. I read this book in one sitting and I am debating wether to read it again because I miss the wrold so much. And a particular guy, of course.
Read
July 20, 2020*This was one of the #SPFBO books in my batch this year*
Unfortunately, this book was not really my thing right from the start as I found the writing wasn't to my taste and the story felt incredibly predictable. I felt as though the character of Frey who is our main one, just didn't feel at all real, she felt like a very underdeveloped teen who would have a crush on anyone.
Sadly, I only got to 20% of this one before I knew it wouldn't be a story I would enjoy or a finalist, and therefore I won't rate it. I do think people newer to the genre of Fantasy may enjoy this far more than I did, but this felt too full of things I've seen before, but not done that well. I would certainly have needed much more development on the characters and the world to really connect with this and sadly Frey didn't fill me with a desire to read on.
This book focuses on Frey who for some reason can't do magic. She has always longed to and since her family died she's lived in a small village and tried to learn the ways and remember what happened to her.
Overall, it wasn't a book for me and I can't really recommend it unless you've not read much Fantasy and want a fast-paced simple introduction. DNF.
Unfortunately, this book was not really my thing right from the start as I found the writing wasn't to my taste and the story felt incredibly predictable. I felt as though the character of Frey who is our main one, just didn't feel at all real, she felt like a very underdeveloped teen who would have a crush on anyone.
Sadly, I only got to 20% of this one before I knew it wouldn't be a story I would enjoy or a finalist, and therefore I won't rate it. I do think people newer to the genre of Fantasy may enjoy this far more than I did, but this felt too full of things I've seen before, but not done that well. I would certainly have needed much more development on the characters and the world to really connect with this and sadly Frey didn't fill me with a desire to read on.
This book focuses on Frey who for some reason can't do magic. She has always longed to and since her family died she's lived in a small village and tried to learn the ways and remember what happened to her.
Overall, it wasn't a book for me and I can't really recommend it unless you've not read much Fantasy and want a fast-paced simple introduction. DNF.
April 13, 2017
DNFed at 50%
I hardly ever DNF a book. I hate to. I always want to figure out what's gonna happen no matter how bad a book is written, because there's still a story to learn and finish. But this book is just a whole different matter. It's asking to be DNFed. There's no character or world development. The writing sounds awful. It's jumping, it's rushed, IT MAKES NO SENSE. I'm reading the book and 12 FREAKIN THINGS HAPPEN IN ONE SENTENCE. It sounds like a talented, fifth graders work.
Let me sum the first 50%:
Freya (MC): I woke up....ran to my room....can't do magic....ran away from people....woke up....ran....he has beautiful eyes....ran....hide some papers....fire....woke up....ran....ran away from home this time.....follow the map that randomly appeared on my palms....went to sleep....woke up....he's staring at me....woke up....he's staring....woke.......dreaming of him.........up.....I'm special in a bad, overly powerful kind of way...my mom did bad things....he protected me....I'm sorry....I look hot....staying with the beautiful goddess that I cant help but feel jealous because this handsome chunk of meat might be her boyfriend...slept...
The end.
I hardly ever DNF a book. I hate to. I always want to figure out what's gonna happen no matter how bad a book is written, because there's still a story to learn and finish. But this book is just a whole different matter. It's asking to be DNFed. There's no character or world development. The writing sounds awful. It's jumping, it's rushed, IT MAKES NO SENSE. I'm reading the book and 12 FREAKIN THINGS HAPPEN IN ONE SENTENCE. It sounds like a talented, fifth graders work.
Let me sum the first 50%:
Freya (MC): I woke up....ran to my room....can't do magic....ran away from people....woke up....ran....he has beautiful eyes....ran....hide some papers....fire....woke up....ran....ran away from home this time.....follow the map that randomly appeared on my palms....went to sleep....woke up....he's staring at me....woke up....he's staring....woke.......dreaming of him.........up.....I'm special in a bad, overly powerful kind of way...my mom did bad things....he protected me....I'm sorry....I look hot....staying with the beautiful goddess that I cant help but feel jealous because this handsome chunk of meat might be her boyfriend...slept...
The end.
November 19, 2019
I just finished reading this book and the only thing I got from it is that Frey is magic bound. There is literally no character development, no plot. Nada. You might be tempted to read this book because you might think it's not possible for that to be the only take-away from the book but I kid you not.
I got it for free on Amazon and that's it's only saving grace.
I got it for free on Amazon and that's it's only saving grace.
February 7, 2017
i ended up skimming the last half. generic, cliche, and lacklustre. don't bother with it.
August 3, 2017
This could have been SO great. It is the type of thing I would normally like a lot. As it is, it was sorely lacking something. I could see the potential, I really could, which made the let down so much worse. Most of the characters were only 'alright-ish' nothing I would write home about. (Not that I do that kind of thing, haha!) Some I liked and ended up feeling sorry that they were in this book. It was their ruin, they deserve so much more. Some I found myself asking why they were even there. The plot was dragged out majorly, which annoys me if it isn't done well. I doubt I will be reading the next as it would probably be like torture. The characters I liked would be the only reason if I actually did. The Author was dangling this plot on the edge of bullshit, it was almost like dangling sweets in front of a kid and snatching it back just as their fingers touched it. Seriously. Something cool would happen and I would think this is it, that greatness I can almost taste is about to come into play, then it would drag on some more and I would be like 'okay, my mistake.' The whole book went on like this. She pulled her book's own greatness out from under it so hard it was left toppling over the cliff of just readable. The plus, I got it free on kindle! Read it, if you have time and no other book....
December 12, 2014
Nothing makes any sense until the last 5%… I'm not exaggerating. There's like five bombshells of revelations and then, bam. book over.
I kept waiting for it to get good, was so ready, but there was no character development. None. No world building, just lots of variations of fog.
Bullshit.
Why did it get 2 stars?
There were only two editing errors. The language was mostly understandable. I do want to know what happens next... I just don't know if I could handle more nothing for 500 pages; all for 30 pages of anything interesting. Yeesh.
I kept waiting for it to get good, was so ready, but there was no character development. None. No world building, just lots of variations of fog.
Bullshit.
Why did it get 2 stars?
There were only two editing errors. The language was mostly understandable. I do want to know what happens next... I just don't know if I could handle more nothing for 500 pages; all for 30 pages of anything interesting. Yeesh.
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
October 7, 2016The writing was too amateurish for me to get far, so I can't speak for the story side of things. Just couldn't get immersed.
July 27, 2015
I would have given this book four stars, or perhaps even five if it wasn't for the slack-jawed, drooling idiocy that seemed to befall the lead character every time the lead male was around. The story was interesting, but the first chapter almost turned me off completely, and her absolute compliance drove me mad. I understand that she had her magic bound, but she still should have retained some common sense, like occasionally wondering where the hell her watcher was dragging her off to, or why he was her watcher, or any semblance of control over her own destiny and destination. Thankfully the plot and Steed redeem the story somewhat, but I am still debating on whether or not to throw my hands up in disgust and deem it a two star never to read again mess.
June 18, 2012
I tried several times (unsuccessfully) to win this book when it was offered as a Goodreads giveaway. So when I discovered it for free on Barnes and Noble I downloaded it immediately.
Unfortunately, it was difficult to get 'into' this book, so it took forever to get through it since I would put it down and read other books and come back for a little more torture before finding something else to read ... lather, rinse, repeat.
I did finish it, finally ... two months later.
I was so put off by the main character, Frey, that I could barely get through the book. I found her to be terribly childish and annoying, fragile-minded and overall useless really. I also became tired of the traveling scenes - there were A LOT of them!
The book is told in first person. And because Frey has no memory of her past it means she also had no clue what was going on in the present ...
Frey was such a dolt about figuring anything out and sadly, the other characters weren't very helpful in filling her (or us) in ... which meant that for a lot of the book I wasn't sure what was going on either. :(
I gathered that Frey was magical, or at least had a magical ability. She somehow made something happen that accidentally caused one of the villagers to choke. People got upset about that, so she runs away from the village before the council can sentence her for her crime.
and then it got confusing....
While on the lam, Frey discovers someone following her, so she follows them instead ?? then they meet up and decide to travel together ?? but is this a good guy or a bad guy? and is she feeling love for this guy? does he really hate her? oh, and yeah, there's also another character that Frey kinda likes/loves as well and honestly, her wishy-washyness about not knowing her own feelings just makes everything she says/thinks awkward and aggravating to read.
Even the other characters in the book are aware Frey doesn't know what's going on and there are several snarky comments made by them in regard to her ignorance to the situations.
So, as I've mentioned, most the book Frey doesn't know what the heck it going on. But then, when Frey finally DOES start finding out who she is, what happened in her past and starts to realize the truth, one of the other characters (Ruby) keeps knocking her out with fairy dust so Frey won't have to deal with the reality of the horrible truth. WTH?!? seriously? very frustrating!
however and thank God, the last 50 pages or so actually became quite interesting -sort of- when compared to the rest of the book. Frey ends with a bit of a twist and a cliffhanger that left me wondering what's gonna happen.
And speaking of that.... here's the kicker. I was SO excited when I found Frey at B&N and since I just *knew* it was going to be 'such a super-awesome-book' that when I saw they had the 2nd book in this series too, I bought it (for $2.99) and downloaded it immediately as well.
So call me a glutton for punishment, I'm actually planning on reading the 2nd book (Pieces of Eight). The way I see it, I paid for it, so I might as well read it and pray it's better than its predecessor.
It's not like it can get much worse. right?
I gave this book 2 stars. mainly because I did find it interesting enough to continue reading - even though I pretty much despised the main character the entire time.
I would have a hard time recommending this book to anyone. though I wouldn't say NOT to read it if you already have it. hopefully your experience will be better than mine :)
Unfortunately, it was difficult to get 'into' this book, so it took forever to get through it since I would put it down and read other books and come back for a little more torture before finding something else to read ... lather, rinse, repeat.
I did finish it, finally ... two months later.
I was so put off by the main character, Frey, that I could barely get through the book. I found her to be terribly childish and annoying, fragile-minded and overall useless really. I also became tired of the traveling scenes - there were A LOT of them!
The book is told in first person. And because Frey has no memory of her past it means she also had no clue what was going on in the present ...
Frey was such a dolt about figuring anything out and sadly, the other characters weren't very helpful in filling her (or us) in ... which meant that for a lot of the book I wasn't sure what was going on either. :(
I gathered that Frey was magical, or at least had a magical ability. She somehow made something happen that accidentally caused one of the villagers to choke. People got upset about that, so she runs away from the village before the council can sentence her for her crime.
and then it got confusing....
While on the lam, Frey discovers someone following her, so she follows them instead ?? then they meet up and decide to travel together ?? but is this a good guy or a bad guy? and is she feeling love for this guy? does he really hate her? oh, and yeah, there's also another character that Frey kinda likes/loves as well and honestly, her wishy-washyness about not knowing her own feelings just makes everything she says/thinks awkward and aggravating to read.
Even the other characters in the book are aware Frey doesn't know what's going on and there are several snarky comments made by them in regard to her ignorance to the situations.
So, as I've mentioned, most the book Frey doesn't know what the heck it going on. But then, when Frey finally DOES start finding out who she is, what happened in her past and starts to realize the truth, one of the other characters (Ruby) keeps knocking her out with fairy dust so Frey won't have to deal with the reality of the horrible truth. WTH?!? seriously? very frustrating!
however and thank God, the last 50 pages or so actually became quite interesting -sort of- when compared to the rest of the book. Frey ends with a bit of a twist and a cliffhanger that left me wondering what's gonna happen.
And speaking of that.... here's the kicker. I was SO excited when I found Frey at B&N and since I just *knew* it was going to be 'such a super-awesome-book' that when I saw they had the 2nd book in this series too, I bought it (for $2.99) and downloaded it immediately as well.
So call me a glutton for punishment, I'm actually planning on reading the 2nd book (Pieces of Eight). The way I see it, I paid for it, so I might as well read it and pray it's better than its predecessor.
It's not like it can get much worse. right?
I gave this book 2 stars. mainly because I did find it interesting enough to continue reading - even though I pretty much despised the main character the entire time.
I would have a hard time recommending this book to anyone. though I wouldn't say NOT to read it if you already have it. hopefully your experience will be better than mine :)
February 24, 2012
First of all, I received a copy of this book signed from the author so my thanks to Melissa Wright!
*Spoiler Alert.*
This is the best kind of story: action packed, a little bit of sexual tension, and a heroin who has yet to find herself. Literally, in this case.
Fraya, Elfreda, Frey...this is our main character! But she doesn't know who she is. And she doesn't know that she doesn't know who she is because all of her memories have been stripped from her. The story starts in a small Elvin town,(Yes, this story is about ELVES:), where Frey lives with her completely nuts Aunt Fannie. But Frey is quite unlike the others. She has no magic. She can't even make plants grow! Then she accidentally chokes a girl with her thoughts. And a man called Chevelle is eliciting strange reactions in Frey. She doesn’t know if he’s to help her or hurt her. When things begin to spiral out of control, Frey does the only thing she can and runs. But what she finds makes her question the truth of everything. It seems that the Grand Counsel of Elves have put binds on her, but the only way to take those binds off are to kill all the members. And so, with dear Chevelle in tow, that is exactly what starts coming to pass.
This is really a spectacular piece of literature. The writing is not only well done without any errors but it’s eloquent and easily flows between the characters. The characters seem life like in reactions and abilities, yet stay within the bounds of the fantasy world they were created for. They are…memorable. Fun to read, simple to hope for, best to devour but also good to take in slowly. The plot is twists and turns in manners that are unexpected. I was constantly on the edge of my seat.
What I really liked though is Freya. At the start we are presented with this woman who does not have any idea who she is, but won’t even fight back. As we progress we begin to see the shifting of another person within Frey. A wild, strong person that is longing to be brought out. And the journey is not a pleasant one. (Well, it wouldn’t be when all of your memories were blocked and the only way to get them back was by killing those who bound you in the first place, would it?)
One last thing to adress. The romance-my favorite part!!!-Chevelle is the love interest here, and maybe I haven't made this clear with other reviews but I loved the guys that are completly and utterly lost for thier girl, the ones that have imperfections and still are drop dead and willing to do whatever to protect! That perfectly discribes Chevelle. He is loyal, he is so very handsom *sigh, I love blue eyes. Dark and deep like the sea*, and he is fierce.
Overall, I was dissatisfied with nothing. I really really really enjoyed Frey.
*Spoiler Alert.*
This is the best kind of story: action packed, a little bit of sexual tension, and a heroin who has yet to find herself. Literally, in this case.
Fraya, Elfreda, Frey...this is our main character! But she doesn't know who she is. And she doesn't know that she doesn't know who she is because all of her memories have been stripped from her. The story starts in a small Elvin town,(Yes, this story is about ELVES:), where Frey lives with her completely nuts Aunt Fannie. But Frey is quite unlike the others. She has no magic. She can't even make plants grow! Then she accidentally chokes a girl with her thoughts. And a man called Chevelle is eliciting strange reactions in Frey. She doesn’t know if he’s to help her or hurt her. When things begin to spiral out of control, Frey does the only thing she can and runs. But what she finds makes her question the truth of everything. It seems that the Grand Counsel of Elves have put binds on her, but the only way to take those binds off are to kill all the members. And so, with dear Chevelle in tow, that is exactly what starts coming to pass.
This is really a spectacular piece of literature. The writing is not only well done without any errors but it’s eloquent and easily flows between the characters. The characters seem life like in reactions and abilities, yet stay within the bounds of the fantasy world they were created for. They are…memorable. Fun to read, simple to hope for, best to devour but also good to take in slowly. The plot is twists and turns in manners that are unexpected. I was constantly on the edge of my seat.
What I really liked though is Freya. At the start we are presented with this woman who does not have any idea who she is, but won’t even fight back. As we progress we begin to see the shifting of another person within Frey. A wild, strong person that is longing to be brought out. And the journey is not a pleasant one. (Well, it wouldn’t be when all of your memories were blocked and the only way to get them back was by killing those who bound you in the first place, would it?)
One last thing to adress. The romance-my favorite part!!!-Chevelle is the love interest here, and maybe I haven't made this clear with other reviews but I loved the guys that are completly and utterly lost for thier girl, the ones that have imperfections and still are drop dead and willing to do whatever to protect! That perfectly discribes Chevelle. He is loyal, he is so very handsom *sigh, I love blue eyes. Dark and deep like the sea*, and he is fierce.
Overall, I was dissatisfied with nothing. I really really really enjoyed Frey.
October 31, 2011
Let me start out by saying that Frey was an amazing story. It takes a wonderful mind to come up with the many situations, twists, and turns that this author gives the reader. From the get go, I was enthralled. Elfreda is an elf who doesn't fit into the small village she lives in. We immediately know she is living with an aunt and that her parents are dead.
I felt immediate sympathy for Frey. She has endured a great deal and is forced to live with an aunt who enjoys being cruel. I knew the author of this book is an Indie writer, but I saw very little grammatical error. The paragraphs did not indent, but my kindle is on my phone so this may not be an issue on a regular Kindle. Also, I never got confused. I knew exactly where the new paragraphs began. Otherwise, I either missed or didn't see any "stand out" grammatical issues. There may have been a misplaced word once but no misspellings that I saw. But, I am not an English teacher. What I am is a reader that really really loved this book.
I was engrossed by the characters. I am trying to decide how much to say without creating spoilers. One of the best things about this novel is that her characters are incredibly well rounded. They have wonderful backstories that are slowly wound into the tale. There is NEVER any lengthy, droning descriptions that take away from the book. The story moves at a great pace and the chemistry between Frey and a character named, Chevelle, is amazing. At first, I was wary of Chevelle because he seems to have an immediate chemistry with Frey and she with him without having met before. But then, as the story unfolds you discover why this is so. And you fall in love with them. Melissa Wright weaves a story that makes me feel involved with the characters. I love that. I really hate when Indie authors who are genuinely good writers get lost in the large pile of subpar authors. I hope that Melissa Wright's work is not overlooked.
Frey's story is astounding. And some of the things she does on her path of discovery is pure genius. She is a very strong character who has to endure a lot of pain. The reader feels this. I am rooting for Frey, and I can't wait to read the second book which I have just ordered.
If you are a fan of fantasy, I recommend this book. I look forward to following Frey on her journey!
I felt immediate sympathy for Frey. She has endured a great deal and is forced to live with an aunt who enjoys being cruel. I knew the author of this book is an Indie writer, but I saw very little grammatical error. The paragraphs did not indent, but my kindle is on my phone so this may not be an issue on a regular Kindle. Also, I never got confused. I knew exactly where the new paragraphs began. Otherwise, I either missed or didn't see any "stand out" grammatical issues. There may have been a misplaced word once but no misspellings that I saw. But, I am not an English teacher. What I am is a reader that really really loved this book.
I was engrossed by the characters. I am trying to decide how much to say without creating spoilers. One of the best things about this novel is that her characters are incredibly well rounded. They have wonderful backstories that are slowly wound into the tale. There is NEVER any lengthy, droning descriptions that take away from the book. The story moves at a great pace and the chemistry between Frey and a character named, Chevelle, is amazing. At first, I was wary of Chevelle because he seems to have an immediate chemistry with Frey and she with him without having met before. But then, as the story unfolds you discover why this is so. And you fall in love with them. Melissa Wright weaves a story that makes me feel involved with the characters. I love that. I really hate when Indie authors who are genuinely good writers get lost in the large pile of subpar authors. I hope that Melissa Wright's work is not overlooked.
Frey's story is astounding. And some of the things she does on her path of discovery is pure genius. She is a very strong character who has to endure a lot of pain. The reader feels this. I am rooting for Frey, and I can't wait to read the second book which I have just ordered.
If you are a fan of fantasy, I recommend this book. I look forward to following Frey on her journey!
March 24, 2016
This is a fine example of why I dislike first person POV. We're in a story, of what, I don't really know because the character doesn't know and cannot be bothered with asking good questions to find anything out. It's frustrating. On top of that, it's just paragraph after paragraph after paragraph of what Frey is doing, where she's going, and what she's thinking. There isn't any kind of witty banter to break up the monotony of not knowing what is happening or where the story is leading. I grew bored quickly and began skimming, then I began skipping pages and checking in on Frey to find she's still just as clueless, boring, dusted, or asleep as she was before. In the end, apparently she's important, but she doesn't even seem to know that. Why would I bother wanting to read any more of that?
Here's what kept it from a higher rating: Lack of story building, character building, plot, or anything. I did not want to finish this book, and I can't say I really did. I was skipping pages and picking a sentence from a paragraph. Nothing grabbed my interest.
Here's what kept it from a lower rating: Well, it was edited and didn't find too many of the people grating on my nerves.
Here's what kept it from a higher rating: Lack of story building, character building, plot, or anything. I did not want to finish this book, and I can't say I really did. I was skipping pages and picking a sentence from a paragraph. Nothing grabbed my interest.
Here's what kept it from a lower rating: Well, it was edited and didn't find too many of the people grating on my nerves.
February 3, 2012
It's taken me ages to get through this book. I think the idea of the story was good, not overly original, but I like fantasy stories, so that didn't bother me. The execution could've been better. I felt as though the descriptions were lacking so much in this book. For example, when Frey was traveling, we'd get an idea that there was water or a mountain, but that was it. No pine needles lining the forest floor, no smells, no tickle on her skin or biting wind... there was nothing that made me feel like I was traveling with her and a good book takes you on a journey as well. Overall, the story wasn't bad, but it took me way too long to get through it and it was very easy for me to put down.
Want to read
February 2, 20161/30/16 - Kindle free download.
February 24, 2020
Frey is an elf, but she is an outsider. She can’t do magic like the others. One day she does something bad and is then on the run with the help of Chevelle and a few others.
I liked the story but there were a few plot holes I’m not sure of yet. They might be addressed in the next book which I will have to put in my ever-growing TBR pile.
Other than that, I wasn’t a big fan of Frey always having a short temper. Only because it reminded me a bit like me. But not the point. My mind is still processing all that I have read. I’m not fully sure how I feel about Frey. At first, I wasn’t the biggest fan of Chevelle but now that I have reached the ending some things have been made clear. Not all which I hope is addressed in the next book.
I liked the story but there were a few plot holes I’m not sure of yet. They might be addressed in the next book which I will have to put in my ever-growing TBR pile.
Other than that, I wasn’t a big fan of Frey always having a short temper. Only because it reminded me a bit like me. But not the point. My mind is still processing all that I have read. I’m not fully sure how I feel about Frey. At first, I wasn’t the biggest fan of Chevelle but now that I have reached the ending some things have been made clear. Not all which I hope is addressed in the next book.
September 13, 2013
I reread this (originally read in Dec 2011) in preparation of reading the rest of the series, as book 3 is due out very, very soon. This book is even better the 2nd time around!!!
Here's my original review:
This story is told completely from Frey's point of view. It's very effective as much of the book deals with the mystery surrounding Frey. It's extremely frustrating for a curious bird as myself, but not bad frustrating, it's more like being tickled: aggravating and fun at the same time.
As the story begins, the lack of information is just annoying. Frey is just going along with her normal daily activities giving the reader no sense of setting. I found myself re-reading the description hoping for a clue, but nope, none. Later you realize that the author purposely leaves so much ambiguity. I'm not sure how I feel about this. It made me concerned about how the rest of the book would progress.
Luckily for all involved, the rest of the book proved to be A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. I read this in two days because it was so hard to put down after those first few chapters. The reader is taken on this run-for-your-life quest with Frey, all the while only getting glimpses on the whys and what-fors. Poor Frey, no one will give her a freaking straight answer, and she is so determined. I loved her character. The characters who become part of her journey are also well written and likable. The whole book is so well written and this is one of those 99cent downloads!!!
So, concerning the ending... how do you feel about cliff hangers? As the book concludes, I got some of the answers for which I had been squirming, but not all. Again, I'm not sure how I feel about this. Overall it's a good thing, but it's kind of like getting a small piece of the perfect chocolate cake. Sure, you should be satisfied, but really you want more.
Again, luckily for all involved (I'd hate to have to stalk the author and bug her until she finished it), the sequel is out and is only another 99cents: The Frey Saga Book II: Pieces of Eight. As a matter of fact, I stopped mid-blog to go buy this. Really, do yourself a favor and just buy both books at the same time. It will keep you from yelling bad words at your Kindle (hee hee).
Cover Art:
This is a new cover for this book. The other's nice, but the new one is so pretty I want to squeal (perhaps I do get a little too excited about books and book art). I wish the model had been photographed in a dress matching the description in the book, but I think that would've messed up the overall coloring of the book and the title wouldn't have popped as it so nicely does here. Alas, we can't have it all, can we?
See more of my reviews at: http://knowntoread.blogspot.com/
Here's my original review:
This story is told completely from Frey's point of view. It's very effective as much of the book deals with the mystery surrounding Frey. It's extremely frustrating for a curious bird as myself, but not bad frustrating, it's more like being tickled: aggravating and fun at the same time.
As the story begins, the lack of information is just annoying. Frey is just going along with her normal daily activities giving the reader no sense of setting. I found myself re-reading the description hoping for a clue, but nope, none. Later you realize that the author purposely leaves so much ambiguity. I'm not sure how I feel about this. It made me concerned about how the rest of the book would progress.
Luckily for all involved, the rest of the book proved to be A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. I read this in two days because it was so hard to put down after those first few chapters. The reader is taken on this run-for-your-life quest with Frey, all the while only getting glimpses on the whys and what-fors. Poor Frey, no one will give her a freaking straight answer, and she is so determined. I loved her character. The characters who become part of her journey are also well written and likable. The whole book is so well written and this is one of those 99cent downloads!!!
So, concerning the ending... how do you feel about cliff hangers? As the book concludes, I got some of the answers for which I had been squirming, but not all. Again, I'm not sure how I feel about this. Overall it's a good thing, but it's kind of like getting a small piece of the perfect chocolate cake. Sure, you should be satisfied, but really you want more.
Again, luckily for all involved (I'd hate to have to stalk the author and bug her until she finished it), the sequel is out and is only another 99cents: The Frey Saga Book II: Pieces of Eight. As a matter of fact, I stopped mid-blog to go buy this. Really, do yourself a favor and just buy both books at the same time. It will keep you from yelling bad words at your Kindle (hee hee).
Cover Art:
This is a new cover for this book. The other's nice, but the new one is so pretty I want to squeal (perhaps I do get a little too excited about books and book art). I wish the model had been photographed in a dress matching the description in the book, but I think that would've messed up the overall coloring of the book and the title wouldn't have popped as it so nicely does here. Alas, we can't have it all, can we?
See more of my reviews at: http://knowntoread.blogspot.com/
April 3, 2016
Original Blog Review: https://myescapebookscoffeetea.wordpr...
My Instagram: http://instagram.com/blog.myescape/
My Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlogMyEscape
Buy this book on The Book Depository: http://www.bookdepository.com/Frey-Me...
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars
* The author of this book sent me this paperback copy in exchange for an honest review, so don’t expect less than that, I will always give my honest opinion, like it or not *
First of all I have to say that I really really enjoyed this book !
As you probably know, I am that kind of person that doesn’t read synopsis, so as you can probably guess I had no idea what this book was about before I started reading it, and when I started reading it I found that this book was about elves, and you have no idea how happy I got because of that… you really have no idea, I almost jumped with happiness because I love elves and it was exactly the subject I was in the mood to read, so good job Melissa, good job !
I rated this book 4.5 Stars and I have an explanation for that, I swear. On Goodreads my rating was 5 Stars because Goodreads doesn’t have half stars, and the thing is, I was really divided if I should give to it 5 straight Stars or “just” 4.5 Stars because I really loved this book, I did, but at the same time I didn’t want to compare it to other books I read before, those same books I rated 5 Stars, those same books I can’t forget… so I just went with 4.5 Stars still 5 on Goodreads and let’s see if the second book will deserve 5 staright Stars ! (stars, stars, stars…)
One thing I never thought I could love in this book (not because I tought the book was bad because I never tought that) was the characters and I actually did ! I really enjoyed the main character, I really liked most part of the characters in this story… normally I have a hard time getting on with the characters, and this time it was pretty cool… I enjoyed the main character since the beginning of book so that’s totally a positive point !
The thing I liked the most in this book, besides the plot of course was THAT GORGEOUS COVER ! Come on, just look at it, it is sooo beautiful, seriously and the color ? Oh lord…
So I am really excited to read the second book, I just can’t wait, I really need it really soon because I want to know what’s going to happen next… I JUST NEED TO KNOW GUYS !
Obviously that I recommend this book to everyone, so just go check it out !
My Instagram: http://instagram.com/blog.myescape/
My Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlogMyEscape
Buy this book on The Book Depository: http://www.bookdepository.com/Frey-Me...
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars
* The author of this book sent me this paperback copy in exchange for an honest review, so don’t expect less than that, I will always give my honest opinion, like it or not *
First of all I have to say that I really really enjoyed this book !
As you probably know, I am that kind of person that doesn’t read synopsis, so as you can probably guess I had no idea what this book was about before I started reading it, and when I started reading it I found that this book was about elves, and you have no idea how happy I got because of that… you really have no idea, I almost jumped with happiness because I love elves and it was exactly the subject I was in the mood to read, so good job Melissa, good job !
I rated this book 4.5 Stars and I have an explanation for that, I swear. On Goodreads my rating was 5 Stars because Goodreads doesn’t have half stars, and the thing is, I was really divided if I should give to it 5 straight Stars or “just” 4.5 Stars because I really loved this book, I did, but at the same time I didn’t want to compare it to other books I read before, those same books I rated 5 Stars, those same books I can’t forget… so I just went with 4.5 Stars still 5 on Goodreads and let’s see if the second book will deserve 5 staright Stars ! (stars, stars, stars…)
One thing I never thought I could love in this book (not because I tought the book was bad because I never tought that) was the characters and I actually did ! I really enjoyed the main character, I really liked most part of the characters in this story… normally I have a hard time getting on with the characters, and this time it was pretty cool… I enjoyed the main character since the beginning of book so that’s totally a positive point !
The thing I liked the most in this book, besides the plot of course was THAT GORGEOUS COVER ! Come on, just look at it, it is sooo beautiful, seriously and the color ? Oh lord…
So I am really excited to read the second book, I just can’t wait, I really need it really soon because I want to know what’s going to happen next… I JUST NEED TO KNOW GUYS !
Obviously that I recommend this book to everyone, so just go check it out !
July 4, 2022
It’s pretty well written, has a decent plot and definitely has some strong moments. Unfortunately, it’s hard to care for any of the characters, including the protagonist.
May 28, 2021
I don't think I could summarize what happened in this book. It was all over the place. Freya is constantly left in the dark about what is going on which means the reader has no clue.
But she doesn't have the sense to demand answers. Then when she does she freaks and they drug her to keep her docile...?
What?
It was just so much strangeness. The plot didn't flow well.
But she doesn't have the sense to demand answers. Then when she does she freaks and they drug her to keep her docile...?
What?
It was just so much strangeness. The plot didn't flow well.
February 16, 2020
This book had a really intriguing plot that played out in first person. I liked the world-building and fantasy characters including fey, elves and imps. There was a good, unexpected twist around half-way through that made me read the last half in a rush to find out what would happen! If you want a nice, easy fantasy fix this book would be a great choice!
July 22, 2017
Not a bad story, but not something I would continue reading. She wasn't very sympathetic and I didn't enjoy her killing the way she did. I can see why her aunt hated her.
May 31, 2012
Cover Thoughts-
It's perfect. The cover is so eye catching and colorful and the the next one in the series is like it too. The cursive leaves a bit of an antique and free feeling like the story. I also love the idea of putting Frey on the cover with a nature scene like that because throughout the whole book she is in the wilderness.
First Thought-
I'm expecting some sort of wizard or magic people? The summary sounds alright.
What I liked-
I loved it. As soon as I was done I went and bought the second one and I'm still reading it right now. My favorite scene in it is where she is being tutored by Chevelle because Junnie has been called on by their elf-kind Council and a bird dies. You would have to read it all to understand why! I loved how everything is connected flawlessly. There was so many twists and pieces of information that could have been left untouched or mistaken but everything came together nicely. My favorite character is certain elf fairy Ruby. Her fiery attitude, hair, whip, and dust make her so unique compared to everyone else. Basically you have Chevelle (sexy dark elf tutoring Freya), Grey (disappearing magic whiz and totally in love with Ruby), Anvil (tongue burned and lightening master), Rhys and Rider (serious followers of the wolves), Steed (another sexy dark elf that can make Freya smile), Ruby and Freya on a long journey to a place Freya has no idea. She has lost most of her memories, her mother is dead, her aunt is a lune, and she is accused of dark magic. That is just the beginning of this book. It is the diary that really starts to unraval everything.
What I disliked-
I honestly believe Freya plays the lost little girl with no idea card way too much. She seems like a cry baby on the brink of giving up most of the time. Sometimes I just wanna facepalm her becuase she can be such an innocent idiot. That is the only reason why she isnt my favorite charcter and why I like the BA Ruby instead. :) Other than that I can find no other uninteresting parts of the book.
Overall Readability-
It's fastpaced and easy to follow. Even thought Freya isn't one of my favorite characters I very much enjoy this series! The best part is Frey is unique. Elves are the main characters and humans are myths!
My Final Thought-
Oh my gosh she is what? That is awesome. She has one heck of a road in front of her!
4 out of 5 Haunted Roses
It's perfect. The cover is so eye catching and colorful and the the next one in the series is like it too. The cursive leaves a bit of an antique and free feeling like the story. I also love the idea of putting Frey on the cover with a nature scene like that because throughout the whole book she is in the wilderness.
First Thought-
I'm expecting some sort of wizard or magic people? The summary sounds alright.
What I liked-
I loved it. As soon as I was done I went and bought the second one and I'm still reading it right now. My favorite scene in it is where she is being tutored by Chevelle because Junnie has been called on by their elf-kind Council and a bird dies. You would have to read it all to understand why! I loved how everything is connected flawlessly. There was so many twists and pieces of information that could have been left untouched or mistaken but everything came together nicely. My favorite character is certain elf fairy Ruby. Her fiery attitude, hair, whip, and dust make her so unique compared to everyone else. Basically you have Chevelle (sexy dark elf tutoring Freya), Grey (disappearing magic whiz and totally in love with Ruby), Anvil (tongue burned and lightening master), Rhys and Rider (serious followers of the wolves), Steed (another sexy dark elf that can make Freya smile), Ruby and Freya on a long journey to a place Freya has no idea. She has lost most of her memories, her mother is dead, her aunt is a lune, and she is accused of dark magic. That is just the beginning of this book. It is the diary that really starts to unraval everything.
What I disliked-
I honestly believe Freya plays the lost little girl with no idea card way too much. She seems like a cry baby on the brink of giving up most of the time. Sometimes I just wanna facepalm her becuase she can be such an innocent idiot. That is the only reason why she isnt my favorite charcter and why I like the BA Ruby instead. :) Other than that I can find no other uninteresting parts of the book.
Overall Readability-
It's fastpaced and easy to follow. Even thought Freya isn't one of my favorite characters I very much enjoy this series! The best part is Frey is unique. Elves are the main characters and humans are myths!
My Final Thought-
Oh my gosh she is what? That is awesome. She has one heck of a road in front of her!
4 out of 5 Haunted Roses
Displaying 1 - 30 of 689 reviews