ETCH

by J.A.L. Solski

In the crumbling continent, Zoriya, elves possess geological magic. Lords and Ladies rule the land, home to segregated classes of elves, and lust after power and control of all. Sylvite, stolzite, silver and stone each hold dominion here. When elven relations begin mixing both blood and magic things get… Interesting.

Ilva has always been more comfortable in her own company. She believes that no one understands her, nor does she belong anywhere. Finding truth in these feelings, she isolates her unmanifested self for decades, hiding a secret not even she knows she keeps. A secret that could change the world.

Vali has been physically blinded by magic. She is a powerhouse of purpose, endeavouring quest after quest, seeking to discover the answers this world holds for her and break free of her limitations. However, freedom from anything seems more than challenging when you are bound by duty.

Follow Ilva and Vali on their romance filled journey through the lush forests, underground villages, crumbling cities, and wraith-controlled wastelands of this world. Will they rise against the unjust power struggles of this never-ending war, or will greed and pride be their greatest downfall?

Genres: Fantasy, LGBT

323 pages, Paperback

Published June 2, 2022

About the author

J. A. L. Solski has found sanctuary in books since childhood. Solski writes fantasy primarily but has dabbled in other genres such as sci-fi, poetry, memoir, and contemporary.

The author and their family reside in Ontario, Canada. Still frequently loaning from the library, seeking out adventure, reading gluttonously, and quite often discovering, as they have at this moment, that their tea has gone cold again.

The author uses TheStoryGraph to track their reading. They only rate and review advanced copies and indie books on Goodreads (the author switched platforms in 2024 after 14 years of exclusively using Goodreads).

Reviews

[J.A.L. Solski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't find any titles like this, that's why I wrote one.

Enjoy this adventure,

- JALS

[Nikki Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a cute adventure!
The scenery was absolutely stunning, I loved the forest setting.

Very descriptive and in depth.
The magic mechanics are awesome, the lore was very interesting and the relationship between Vali and Ilva was very sweet.

A good adventure read!

[Mallory McCartney · Rating 5 out of 5]

ETCH is everything I look for in an new adult epic fantasy book. I immediately connected with Ilva as she sets out on her own path, and Solski spellbinds us with an orginal lush world from their imagination like no other I've read.

No spoilers, but the spice was spot on and the adventure Ilva and Vali endure was epic as hell. Five Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from the coffee/book subscription box, Caffeine and Legends, a while back. I spent a good hunk of this book trying to figure out what the plot was or where the storyline was going, but decided to go along for the ride. It's a slow build up, I guess in a way to get to know and understand the characters a bit more. The last few chapters were very good though- the action had finally begun and I was like ohhhh!! I was glad we weren't left on a cliff hanger, hopefully the second book will just continue on with that same pace and energy.

[Kammi · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. Didnt catch my interest. Too much internal dialogue that dragged any plot movement. Interactions between characters also felt unatural. Read like Wattpad fanfiction.

[Mx. BEX · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read like a dream I want to fall back into. The magic was enticing and the world was one I felt like exploring. This story filled me but I look forward to more :)

[Julian Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really great book! I loved the world-building, and the character development. I'm not the biggest fantasy reader, but it's a friend's book, so I gave it a try. And I was not disappointed. So much representation which is amazing, and a lot of keen insight into the human condition. Highly recommend.

[Ash [Ginggercakes] · Rating 2 out of 5]

”Every choice you make affects something.

This book was healing. With all the representation of mental illness and seeing characters struggle with things that are so common and yet still considered so taboo to discuss. This book shows how you can overcome any challenge; whether physical or mental. The story itself has a lot of potential and I will definitely be picking up the second book asap. I look forward to seeing what else our characters are capable of and how this tale comes to a close.

”We can all use a reminder, at times, that things are not always as they appear.”

The pacing seemed a little slow, but there was a lot of background information for our MCs, as well as beautiful world building as our characters move forward in their journey and for that I very much appreciate a slower pacing instead of just having huge info dumps to get the information out of the way quickly. This writing style is something I had to get used to but it allowed for all POVs to be shared and narration to be stated clearly and without complication, without relying heavily on a single narrator who may be unreliable in certain situations or without jumping from singular POVs and having to backtrack on multiple scenes or miss out on others.

"Your choices can shape the world, the lay of the land, the air we breathe. Everything in this world has the power to be affected. Everything in this world has the power to be affected.”

The characters felt very real: they had strong emotional connections to their homes and their emotions as well as to each other. It gives off a feeling of “found family” - which I love as a trope - but this book also shows a wide array of anxieties and trauma that our characters deal with alone and with help from each other - I thought that this was beautifully done. Our MCs have such excellent chemistry and are able to read each other well enough to be able to help each other through emotional situations.

”We can all use a reminder, at times, that things are not always as they appear.”

An issue I faced while reading was that some words were used that would completely throw me off from the story. Since the setting, to me, gave off old-world-vibes with lords and ladies, swords, mythical beasts and people using horses as their main source of transportation; I expected the terms used to match up with that - more or less. I got less. I didn’t expect Shakespearian verse but when words like “jerk” and “stuff” were used, it felt a little childish and too present-day to fit in with the rest of the narration. At around 70% of the way through the book, and after what I felt to be a clear path through our story, there was some confusion with information. I don’t want to leave any spoilers so I will just say that it had me going back to make sure I didn’t miss any information on certain characters or how each power showed itself as. I hoped to get this cleared up, but the way the story was set up meant I wasn’t given any real clarification on that information - because of this, I am confused about the magic systems as a whole. In the beginning I assumed the information we received was it and for some reason it seems like there is more but it isn’t clearly described - it just kind of happens.

[DevinelyBookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review of Etch by JAL Solski

This debut novel is brought to you by JAL Solski. If you like new adult fantasy, LGBTQ rep, sapphic rep, disability rep, and dragons and elves, then this book is for you.

The story follows Ilva, a headstrong elf who feels surpressed by her surroundings. She escapes and falls in love with Vali, an elf blinded by mysterious magic. They venture together to fulfil one of Vali's quests. But they realise all is not what it seems. War is upon them, and the secrets that have been kept from Ilva and Vali might be the key to everything.

Okay. I really enjoyed reading this. It has everything a fantasy book could want. Dragons, elves, mystical beings, adventure, and war, with the added bonus of representation. The story is well paced and the chapters are short and sweet making it an easy read.

What I liked about this book compared to other fantasy books of similar ilk is that it is not bogged down with detail. The descriptions are wonderful and vivid. But they are not overwhelming and boring. And for that, I love it.

The world building is large but well thoughtout. I felt there was some confusion between the different clans and who belonged to which clan. But I'm also sure that might just be a me issue. I couldn't access the map readily and I also suck eggs at geography.

My only critique was that sometimes I felt the characters were a little too naïve and trusting for my tastes.

What I liked the most was the characters mental journeys as they progressed through the story. The relationships were healthy and caring, but not perfect. I liked watching the character's grow and learn from their experiences.

Overall, I give this book four stars. I will definitely be reading the next book to find out what happens next.

[Samantha Roof · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ilva is expected to have a arranged marriage in a fast approaching future. It is also her duty to freely give up her body to produce heirs. Shattering under pressure from preparations for her future, Iilva runs from the nation of Falil. This crippling fear leads her to run deep into the heart of the forest. Decades later a adventurer stumbles upon her secret haven. Fear quickly dissolves when she realizes the traveler is blinded & just seeking directions. Once the traveler has left she feels the impact of being cut off from the world. She grabs her things & heads after the traveler who calls herself Vali. Vali is on a quest returning to the place magic blinded her many years ago & search for clues. What she never expected was a companion to join her. The duo face mystical creatures, deadly magic & treachery as they seek answers together.Romance blooms as they uncover secrets and face their fates.

•I enjoyed the realistic emotions, behaviors & responses from the characters. The cast is written so well. You get a slow burn romance that begins with butterflies, heated cheeks and stumbling on your words. You feel all the characters nerves, insecurities and second thoughts. It is precious.

•The characters learn from their mistakes & face real consequence as well. You see them grow and change before your eyes & I love it.

* We have Fae both in their hundreds. No Fae in their hundreds dating a 18 year old. A true adult romance. Yes!!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

•I loved the poetic writing style. You can really tell the author put their heart & soul into this book. Lots of attention to detail, well written & so many unexpected twist & turns.


I highly recommend this sapphic fantasy book. Etch is perfect for someone who is seeking found family, slow burn romance, & adult romance ( true romance not raunchy) at a medium pace. Also great for readers who get overwhelmed by world building. World building is easily absorbed.


The Cliff Hanger made my jaw drop to the floor!!!

[Teig G · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was reading this, my main note I scribbled down was that it reminded me of the first time I picked up a book and delved into a fantastical world. It was magical, and I felt the same, burning through the pages of Etch. The world-building is fascinating and I wanted every tidbit of the history and characters and experience it offered. The chapters are nice and short, keeping a great pace that had me yearning for that next page in a heartbeat.

I also couldn't get enough of Ilva and Vali, but I also appreciated how communicative the girl's were with each other, how they understood each other. JAL does an amazing job in their story-telling of making the characters relatable, too. I instantly knew who Ilva was and connected with her instantly. Also, the way the scenery is described or how much Ilva loves food. Their writing itself is magical.

On top of this, the last chapter left me wanting that next book. I need answers. I want more Ilva and Vali. I just plain need more.

[Sylver Michaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cowwwwww!! This book!!! I was so fortunate enough to read an early version of this book, and it is SO. DANG. GOOD. The magic, the journey, the characters, the romance. Everything about this book spoke to the fantasy lover in me. This was my first Female x Female story, and I can officially say that I am obsessed. I'm also impatiently waiting for the rest of this series, which I know is going to have a special place on my "Favorite Books" shelf at home. Please do yourself a favor, and GO READ THIS AMAZING TALE!

[B E X · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5 🌶 / 5

A fantastical journey of two lady elves with tragic pasts. There are magical artifacts. There are quests. There are sirens and there are DRAGONS! Oh! And there is MAGIC too!
A fast paced read within a gorgeous realm, as a reader you are all too happy to escape into.
Fun side characters that I know you’ll love and the description of the food will make you drool 😀
I hear that book #2 is not far off from publication!!

I am ready to see what happens with Vali and Ilva next ♥️

[De Vonna Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This writing style is not my favorite. However, after reading the acknowledgments, I see that it is the authors first ever book, so kudos to them for following a dream! This helped me overcome my feelings on the writing style. The storyline is very interesting and has so much potential. I like the characters and where they seem to be heading. I see the second book is still in progress. I'd like to see where this goes and hope that Solski finds growth in their writing so they can further their storytelling.

[F.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Everyone makes the wrong choices, and often more than one. That’s life. Make a plan, and the gods and goddesses laugh.”

I loved this story of an elf finding herself through a magic and whimsical journey. The character development was fantastic, including side characters. The world-building was luxuriant and I loved the dragons. I can’t wait for book 2!

Favorite Characters: Vali & Bryn

[Christine Rees · Rating 5 out of 5]

ETCH is a beautiful fantasy filled with rock magic, epic dragons, inevitable wars, and forbidden love. I was hooked from the start!

Vali is everything I aspire to be: confident, loving, and tough. And Ilva finds the strength to take on the weight of the world. Both characters are badass in their own ways.

Favourite quote: “In order for you to become what you want to be, you must accept where you are at.”

The ending of ETCH left me needing to know what will happen next. I'm ready for EDGE!

[Pamela Aikman · Rating 4 out of 5]

New author to me. First book in a series. Got a little confused as the two main characters names use the same four letters....Ilva and Vali. Had to re-read a few chapters. Favorite passage: "Vali understood well now that all of her actions would impact something, and she had to pick her battles carefully. She knew that someone would always get hurt, no matter which side of the fight you picked. That was becoming clearer. Choosing, often means to deny one course, which may have its own set of consequences. Sometimes she would lack the knowledge Sometimes she would lack the skill. Life will not make way for those things. It will not give you another chance." Am looking forward to book two.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was the first book in a long time I couldn't finish. Poor grammar, and the way it jumped around from the different character's viewpoints throughout the book but never really any character development was boring. Also, it went more into detail about little things like eating dinner and setting up camp instead of why all the elves were divided, have different powers over different elements, and what is going on with this war. I felt like I was reading something I could have written in middle school. Sorry, Solski.

[Rose Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!! I couldn’t put the book down!