Strung

by Roske (Illustrator)

☆☆☆☆☆ — Historical Fiction Company
☆☆☆☆☆ — Readers' Favorite
☆☆☆☆☆ — Literary Titan

Once thread, heartstrings make Fate's best instruments.
In an attempt to repel an unwanted suitor, Lady Lysbeth Haywood shares her unfashionable enthusiasm for the "Faye"—a supposedly-mythical race few believe exist. Instead, her suitor is driven to capture one as a gift.

When the Faye, Evyn, is delivered to Lindenholt Manor, Lysbeth's dread at the prospect of a forced engagement yields to the thrilling actualization of childhood Fayetales—and the chance to satisfy her long-suffered curiosity. Unfortunately, Avonleigh society is less receptive to the strange arrival.

Maligned, mistreated, and forced into servitude, Evyn's traumatized silence spurs Lysbeth to aid in his recovery. Trust and affection emerge slowly, and as extraordinary Faye mysteries are peeled away, their revelations—and Lysbeth's own role in them—reach farther than she ever thought possible.

— — —
Based on a decades-long paracosm, Strung weaves complex patterns from themes of control, adherence, and fate. The result delivers social commentary through a musical lens, reimagined folklore, and two richly-detailed fantasy cultures. A must-read for fans of dreamy, literary fiction!
— — —

Awards:
2022 SPR Book Awards — 2nd Place [Overall]
2022 Global Ebook Awards — Silver [Otherworld Fantasy]

422 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 22, 2022

About the author

⟅R̫o̮s̫k͚e̫ is Strung's diegetic author and illustrator. Its real-world counterpart began building the world of Strung at age 12 to disassociate from budding bisexuality and physical disabilities—eventually trading adversity's escapism for inspiration.

Reviews

[Sarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is without a doubt, the most incredible book, world and story I have read in far too long. I personally love novels that are filled with details of worlds and languages that do not exist in our universe, and Strung does not disappoint. Somehow, the pace is remarkably slow yet I am turning pages, ready to learn and explore more. I very quickly fell in love with multiple characters and developed a serious dislike for others. Only a few chapters in, I found myself dreaming about the language and the Faye, and fantasizing about the unique ways these characters communicate their emotions thoughts. I wish I could live in this world for a few weeks!

If you enjoy novels that transport you to not only another time but another world, Strung should be your next read. If you love unique languages and fascinating, deep characters then Strung is definitely your next read. This is not your average forbidden love plot, though has the hints and aspects of the traditional storytelling to keep you comfort throughout your journey.

Enjoy!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to be a beta reader for this novel, and I'm privileged finally to have the chance to review its published form.

Strung is a unique novel. The setting of Iodesh will seem familiar to readers at the start, being a Jane-Austenian society filled with frills and formalities. Things are shaken up very quickly by the arrival of the Faye, Evyn -- and that's where the bottom drops out from following simple convention. There is very little hand-holding from the author but everything needed is there on the page, and every choice in wording is deliberate.

The overall themes of Strung are deep: healing from trauma, fate and sacrifice, personal agency vs. outside control. Even so, there are bright sparkles of humor throughout, and some well-rendered action. Underpinning it all is a slow-burning romance that defies norms of both its society's and ours' in gratifying fashion.

[Moon G0ddess · Rating 5 out of 5]

So great, a great experience that is so rare to encounter these days.
When I first read Strung, I remember being fascinated by the style of writing, by how the author managed to make it seem like a classical book from the great era of literature. Jane Austin's fans will absolutely adore this book. A great fantasy that will transport you to a world so realistic you'll almost believe it all happened.
A slow burn romance, beautiful scenery and a con-Lang to blow your mind.
Everything in this book screams genius. It's a classic that has been written in modern times, it's realistic but still fiction, it's a fantasy but with the magic of science, and it describes a society that was never even there but you'll easily find yourself diving into it.
The style of the author is so beautiful and amazing and so descriptive and detailed. You'll find it hard to not imagine every scene in the book as if you were actually there with them, something that will make you react to every thing that happens in the story as if you were experiencing it yourself.
In my opinion, a good book is one that manages to make you react to things that happen to and with the characters, one that sparks emotions inside you for at least one of the characters, whether it's positive or negative feelings. This book managed to make me react to every single character, and I swear I'm not exaggerating. There are characters that you'll absolutely love, and characters that will make you want to murder them with your own hands. Characters that will make you sympathize with them and others that will make you angry by the mere mention of their names.
As I progressed through the book I felt all kinds of things that a book can make you feel: goosebumps, butterflies, excitement, anger, adoration. This book was able to capture my attention from the very start and I never could put it down from my hands. A must read for all fantasy lovers, slow-burn romance readers and, of course, Austin's fans.
Never in my life have I imagined that I'll find something as good as Austin's books, but now I believe in the impossible. All because of Strung.

https://youtu.be/1rBu1wYpsbs

[Jennifer deBie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of Strung in exchange for an honest review. See the full review at https://rosieamber.wordpress.com/

It took me several days after finishing Strung to figure out how to write about this book cogently. It might speak to the traditional structure of the literary spaces I typically move in, but I can honestly say that I, as a reader, author, poet, and academic, have never seen anything quite like this novel. The nearest comparison I could make, fittingly for the lyrical writing and musical motifs that riddle this novel, comes from the modern music industry instead of prose.

Much like the great concept albums of the 20th and 21st centuries blend music, storytelling, and distinctive visuals, Strung is what I have decided to call a “concept novel”. Yes, there is a relatively straightforward story in these pages, a slow-burn, magical romance between a woman caged by society and a fae sacrificed by his people, but there are also illustrations, footnotes, complicated linguistics á la Tolkien’s elvish, and an insistent recourse to musical elements, allegories, and allusions that are impossible to ignore. ⟅R̫o̮s̫k͚e̫ obviously had a vision when crafting this novel and they pursued that vision relentlessly.

If this all sounds a little too complex, if you are the kind of reader who prefers novels that do not require a full glossary and your own, occasional linguistic notes to fully appreciate the character relations, then this might not be the story for you. Strung is a novel in love with its own creation, and the resulting piece is certainly stunning, in ways that will likely reward repeat readings, but there are times when the author seems more interested in the conceptual elements rather than the storytelling itself. I found this most prevalent in the conclusion to the novel, which rang hollow in ways that I was not expecting.

That caveat in mind, Strung is an incredible debut from a creative visionary. I do not know if this is ⟅R̫o̮s̫k͚e̫’s singular, magnum opus, or if they will treat readers to future works of similar magnitude, but this is definitely an experience of a read, and one worth pursuing for those willing to put in the time.

[Yoanna Stefanova · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to be sent an advanced copy of this book to beta read.

The plot of this novel is very original, intriguing and satisfyingly executed with vivid descriptions and unique characters that you cannot help but fall in love with. In this book, we see the plot progression on multiple levels and all the subplots are so intriguing, you feel like you are inside the work itself! What was great about this story is that the conflict and tension were getting tenser and tenser as the story progressed which kept us eager and excited to continue reading.
Another important part of the plot is the choice of setting and this can be a deal-breaker or a deal maker in a story. In this case, it was definitely a deal maker. All the descriptions of the various places along were nicely written and easy for the readers to imagine even if the setting is not familiar at all to them.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and I definitely found it a pleasant and exciting reading experience. The story was skillfully crafted, the characters were authentic and interesting, the setting was good and the dialogues were natural and fun. It is one of those stories that has a little something for everyone and will leave your heart smiling.

[D.K. Marley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I approached 'Strung'  warily, being somewhat suspicious of hybrids of fantasy, science fiction and good old fashioned romantic prosing. I very soon found myself. however, basking in a warm bath of truly elegant writing and where, as a writer of reviews, I no longer felt myself obliged to seek out and hunt down such things as plot lines or set about laboured critiques of  character development.  I was, instead, more content to allow the complexities of the story and its multiple personalities and themes to gently bear me along, content at times, to let the language wash over me. The occasional illustrations of certain characters of the book embedded within the text are faintly reminiscent of the spirit of Mervyn Peake's representations of his own often nightmarish creations in 'Gormenghast' and, indeed, the ancestral home and the setting of this odd book seems to be packed to the rafters with a veritable army of servants, each with their own rather peculiar and often obscure functions straight out of Mervyn Peake's fantastical imaginations.

In a strange parallel fantasy Universe that at first glance more than passingly resembles the English 'Home Counties' of Regency England and where the language spoken is 'Vonish' an elegant and highly desirable Aristocrat and heiress, Lady Lysbeth Haywood of Edenshire, is being rigorously pursued by the Earl of Dorsit, a man clearly of inferior breeding, in her ancestral home of Lindenholt.  As a potential wedding gift, the Earl brings her the gift of a prized captive, a fabulous mythic creature, a 'Faye', a creature of myth and legend  whose like has been sought for centuries. And so this always bizarre tale begins. There are passages of quite breathtaking elegance and acute deadpan observations  worthy of the sly humour of  Jane Austen herself. Here is the beautiful Lady Lysbeth , and a reflection on the subject of women and womanhood:

''From the day of her birth, the focus of a Lady's life is to marry well and bear heirs for her husband. To increase her odds, she learns to speak, dress and gesture favourably, is taught arts pleasing to a wide array of suitors, is educated just enough to keep her husband's house, and is kept a virgin through keen eyes, looming threats of social ruin, and the ever-present, noxious cloud of shame generated by the supposed inferiority of her gender.''  As a representative of the weaker sex, she can,however,  fall back on a few tricks of her own. ''It is not often a man encourages a woman's curiosity, let alone a girl's, and she returns the kindness by ignoring his patronising.''

Even descriptions of the grand and stately architecture of the ancestral family Mansion receive the same elegant treatment: ''Lindenholt's richly adorned parlor gazes upon its occupants with regal detachment.''

''Strung'' is a great deal more than the sum of its parts. It is, of course, a quite lengthy 'fairy story'. It is also a well, meticulously developed, sustained and maintained work of fantasy and of romance. It is a tale of Lysbeth's own fascination with this gentle, shy and eerie creature from an 'unworldly' place, of her desire to nurture him and his set of extraordinary gifts and talents and to protect him against a prejudiced and very hostile society. In taking up arms on 'the Faye's behalf, she is setting herself against Society as a whole and, in the process and as the plot unfurls, she is to learn far more about herself than she had ever known or thought possible. ''Strung'' is a compelling account of a forbidden love and an at times almost overwhelming sense of impending doom as events unfold and the cast of richly portrayed characters reveal even more of themselves with well paced cameos, descriptions and dialogues. ''Strung'', though about two alien fantasy cultures set on a direct collision course, is also a romance where the principal characters blossom and evolve and, in doing so, reveal separate fine qualities such as loyalty, 'humanity', compassion and wit. Weaknesses and foibles are similarly revealed. There are whole areas of this book, skilfully divided into musically themed sections, that are sublime and the narrative simply flows! Here is how the writer handles the delicate art of dealing [or failing to] with grief and social embarrassment within the confines of a highly refined and genteel Salon. To set the scene:  'the Faye', is delivered back to Lindenholt after a six month period of investigation and 're-education' at the brutal hands of the Warden Ian Wescott [the 'Baron'] at the instigation of Lysbeth's equally brutal and boorish brother, Isaac, the current Marquess, after a supposed slight to the Earl of Dorsit. Lysbeth is horrified by his greatly changed appearance and demeanour upon his return:,

''The Ladies'  masks falter again. His behaviour is extremely unfamiliar. In Avonleigh, one endeavours to conceal inconvenient emotions, but here are Evyn's on full display - and so easily interpreted, the women are forced to recognise them: anxiety, anguish, abasement. Unsure how to navigate the situation, they join in his silence for what feels like an interminable length of time........''

A determined reviewer worth his or her salt would be able to pluck from the text any number of beautifully described quotes such as this. The equally determined reader is cautioned to read with due care and attention; for some passages may seem easy and straightforward, but their actual complexity commands respect. After the Faye speaks for the first time [it transpires that he is fluent in fourteen languages] an initial medical report describes his voice and manner of articulation thus:

''Within his vocalisations rise and fall up to three separate, simultaneous pitches, three distinct voices. Articulations stay forward in his mouth as dressings over smooth, unbroken tones from his throat. It was just as described: each utterance a note, and by the inclusion of another pitch or two, more often a chord." A closer and second reading of this passage reveals that the Faye's voice must have been extraordinary - and beautiful.

The book, as it progresses grows more lyrical, and more complex. On reaching the conclusion, the reader may wish to set it aside for a while before commencing upon itonce more, secure in the knowledge that within its pages there is a wealth of new and wonderful things still to discover and ponder and that were missed the first time around. Having come to terms with the static and somewhat claustrophobic confines and backdrop of the settings and a slightly slow speed of development, the reader is strongly recommended to carry on to the end of this extraordinary work. This reviewer approached the book with a certain innate prejudice and finished it with satisfaction and a nod of thanks to the author for such an entertaining and provoking read. 

*****

“Strung” by Roske receives five stars from The Historical Fiction Company and the “Highly Recommended” award

[Roske Roske]

BookLife:

Centered on the gowns-and-gentry and solstice promenades world of Lady Lysbeth Haywood, as well as the politics of engagement and the jolting revelation that creatures of the Fae exist after all, Roske’s bold, vividly realized genre-crossing romantic fantasy reveals its ambition in both form and spirited detail. Strung takes as its structural conceit the movements of a symphony. First comes a tune-up and a grabber of an overture establishing the themes and stakes, including the announcement of the capture of a creature out of “Fayetale”s on behalf of the Earl of Dorsit, who hopes the precious catch fulfills his ambition of, as one old salt puts it, “bedding a Haywood.” Then come the movements, as the world of Iodesh and the lives of the Haywoods and the Fae are both revealed and upended, complete with reprises, interludes, and a coda as Roske’s epic—and the slow-burn romance at its heart—swells to its conclusion.

Intoxicated with music, fairy language, and Regency-era romantic convention, Roske’s debut is a novel for readers with those interests to get lost in. Here the epistolary courtship drama of Austen-inspired romances meets the full-bodied magic and worldbuilding of Susanna Clarke; Roske proves adept at weaving the uncanny into society, and exhibits a keen sense of the allurements of fae. Introduced wearing “an elegant filigree of resplendent silver—which leaves little to the imagination” and soon revealed as a master of the pianoforte, the Fae at first known as Evyn introduces Lysbeth to new (and ancient) ways of thinking and feeling—as Lysbeth instructs in the finer points of dancing and Avon society.

Their attraction is irresistible, and Roske’s inventiveness—magic, revels, politics, adversaries with viciously clever designs, occasional beasts and bursts of action—keeps the novel engaging despite its length. Readers fascinated by the possibilities of love between wildly different cultures will relish Lysbeth and her Fae companion discovering each other and each other’s worlds.

Takeaway: A sumptuous romance of ladies, fae, society, and two inventively realized worlds.
Great for fans of: Susanna Clarke, Nissa Leder.

Readers' Favorite

Strung by Roske is a musical foray that brings to life a world that weaves magic from music, beauty, and the enchanting presence of the Faye. Most people in Iodesh believe the Faye are legends but a few believe in their existence. Lady Lysbeth Haywood receives a Faye that was captured and gifted by a suitor seeking a marriage she doesn't want. Lysbeth has mixed reactions at the discovery of the Faye. She's eager to learn more about their society, has increased anxiety about the forced marriage, and the growing conflict within her society. As she learns more about the Faye's mysteries, revelations open up possibilities beyond anything she ever imagined, and a deep connection forms with an unlikely source.

The story is rooted in the allure of the Fayetales and the fascination Avon society has with them, which begins with the discovery of a being wrapped in silver. This opening creates a catalyst for Lady Lysbeth and society's introduction into this beautiful and magical world. The Faye brought into Lysbeth's society brings mystery, wonder, discovery, and romance into her life. She's introduced to a society that contrasts her own with beauty and magic, where men and women are equal, and enchantment beyond everything she's ever seen. Avon society is the opposite with a double standard where lords can do as they want (as long as its discreet) and ladies are expected to devote their lives giving heirs to their husbands. The Faye are treated as objects and are expected to behave like docile pets.

Music has a significant impact on the tone of the story, seen through the various terms that Roske incorporates and the rhythmic writing style. The writing style has a musical quality which is seen in the formatting and the inclusion of lyrics such as the opening featuring beautiful depictions of giant trees cut into vessels and blue bleeding into their roots. These lyrics provide a stunning background to introducing the world and add a uniqueness to the story that feels that you're stepping into the music itself. Various illustrations are dotted throughout with black and white images adding elegance to the prose and providing visuals. Strung conjures up its enchantment through eloquent prose, a musical tone, a vivid setting, and romance.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strung is a beautiful literary work by Roske. This book includes enthralling accounts of its characters in a fantasy folklore setting that is full of romance and magic. How Lady Lysbeth’s world changes with the arrival of Faye and how she maneuvers through different events in the gender discriminative Avon society is quite striking. Roske presents the storyline in stark contrasts. The book begins as some kind of musical composition in the making and flows flawlessly with vivid imagery and illustrations, taking readers on a fantastic visual journey. A patient reader would find everything they need to know within the pages of Strung. The words are selected masterfully, the characters evolve deeply as the novel progresses, and the scenes feel authentic and lively. There is never a dull moment in this novel if you get into the rhythm and tune of this book.

Roske manages to keep the dialogues crisp and flowing and does justice to the era the novel revolves around. I am delighted with Roske’s approach to showing the relationship dynamics of each character. Strung is filled with rich dialogue between characters, with some narration inserted to add additional information or set the scene. In addition, the author includes words and language of a different era that give the characters a more dynamic personality. It is easy to get lost in the plot and the setting with such well-written passages.

This captivating book is a slow-burn romance while managing to not be a typical romance novel. Roske has created an enchanting story that is unique. Lysbeth’s life in a male-dominated society, her fascination with Faye, the cultural clashes, and how society plays a role in shaping one’s identity are meticulously portrayed.

Strung is a spellbinding fantasy and romance novel. Beautiful writing, a well-developed cast of characters, and a mystical romance that defies the social norms of that era will appeal to readers across multiple genres.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can confidently say that this book is an instant classic. Lysbeth and Erruwyn’s love story is already up there amongst the greats. Rooting for them the whole time, I experienced the full range of emotions reading this. Joy, heartbreak, determination for these two and all the other characters that live in this world.

The world that Lysbeth grew up in is oppressive and harsh toward women and, though she desperately doesn’t want to, finds herself resigned to it and the idea that she’ll one day have to marry someone she doesn’t want to and has no say. Erruwyn comes from a world that couldn’t be further from Lysbeth’s. The ways of humans are very different from that of the Faye and he finds himself committing seemingly unforgiveable blunders. From the first moment, Erruwyn brings Lysbeth hope and sparks a new sense of wonder in her monotonous life. Torn apart by those who have the power to do so (human men), Lysbeth carries on and wonders if she’ll ever see him again while Erruwyn discovers the harsh realities of the world he’s just entered.

At first, Erruwyn seems to be a little too soft and I found myself hoping he’d stand up and kick ass. But then, as time went on, I saw the wisdom in his actions and his desire to protect those he’d come to love and care for. I grew irritated at the oppression and powerlessness that Lysbeth faced even for the smallest things and felt pride whenever she found a small way to break free.

Characters came and went but I grew to love the central characters. There were characters I loved that I didn’t think I would and there were characters I hated more than I ever thought was possible.

I love the images scattered throughout. So detailed and vivid, I got a little excited every time I flipped the page and saw a new one. They were a great addition to the book.

The writing itself was simply magical. The whole book read like an epic poem, and I found myself drawn into the language and words as much as the story. The glossary at the end was a great idea and a big help in trying to keep certain words and phrases straight.

[Miselonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is outstanding. Phenomenal. The plot is something fresh, a new start to a new beginning. The characters here in the book is complex, and that's what made me love them even more.

The political and royal intrigue in this book is also prominent. It's magic is full to the brim, and it's enchanting in its own way. The book hooked me, actually because like I said this is something fresh out of the water. And yes, there are Faye in here, but I don't think it's your typical Fae since their attributes here in the book is vastly different from the Fae we know. They're unique.

And the romance? Ugh. Magical at its finest. I've overused the word magical but I'm still going to use it because THIS BOOK IS MAGICAL. And the writing???????? Imma eat that. The writing is not what I'm used to. Your comprehension level must be advanced, like mine must, because the writing is complex but it weaves perfectly into a perfect prose, or in this case, a song. It took me a while to get into the writing but guess what I. LOVE. THE. WRITING. I LOVE IT SO SO SO MUCH I WANT IT TO BE MY WRITING STYLE. THAT'S HOW MUCH I LOVE THE WRITING STYLE. I've learned and refreshed new vocabularies BECAUSE OF THIS BOOK.

THE LANGUAGE THAT I SEEMED LIKE AN ALIEN LANGUAGE? DUDE THEY'RE A SONG. THIS BOOK IS SOPHISTICATED, CLASSY, MAJESTIC, REFINED, ELEGANT. YES I HAVE TO SEARCH THESAURUS JUST TO FIND THE RIGHT WORDS FOR HOW MUCH I LOVE AND ADORE THIS BOOK. YES. I'M GOING TO BUY THE BOOK NOW. PLEASE CONTINUE TO WRITE DEAR AUTHOR.

MASSIVE MASSIVE MASSIVE THANK YOU TO BOOK SIRENS AND ROSKE. I LOVE Y'ALL WITH ALL MY HEART FOR GRANTING ME ACCESS TO THIS BEAUTIFUL ARC.

[Vivienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elegant writing with layers of melodic references that bring a MOOD to an even more captivating story. I wished I was better versed to read music as I think that would have added to my experience as a reader. The underlying story is a slow-burn forbidden romance in a detailed imaginary world. The illustrations were such a nice & personal touch!

This story made me so mad at times, but that’s just evidence of a great storyteller – to make you feel their words. Although there were times where you can sense that Roske gets lost to conceptual writing versus the plot, you can tell how passionate this author is to their craft. Overall, a graceful and well-written work that not only touches on some dynamic themes, but successfully combines fantasy, romance, and world-building.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Soumya Renwal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books which wasn't that high on my expectations and yet, I spent one night staying up late and finishing it. There are so many elements in the book that worked out so well.
Everything in the book occurs at it's own pace. All the characters in this book left me wanting for more and more. The setting in this book highly influences the writing pattern and made me, a reader more intrigued. The writing is gorgeous, even when it is brutal at times; it still has beauty to it. It also has elements of traditional story telling all the plots and subplots. I wish I could live in a world where Faye existed. The book weaves magic through words.
I think it is safe to say that, Strung struck a chord with me.

[Trevor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was one of the beta readers for this book and am absolutely tickled to have a physical copy in my hands now.

As someone with very little experience with romance and historical fantasy, I went into this not knowing what to expect and was very pleasantly surprised. Everything I love from speculative fiction is here. The author has taken the question of what a world not so different from our own that owes the shared mythology of humans to a secretive people would look like. And they do it so vividly! The prose is a joy to savor and not just a means of conveying the plot. The con-lang is coherent and the author manages to trick you into learning it naturally along with the characters as they come to understand and incorporate it into their dialogue.

The cast is so varied and developed that I found my drawn into all the different personalities present throughout the story and became heavily invested in even the relatively minor characters. And the story covers such a huge range of emotions from incredibly tender and sweet moments to some quite spicy romantic scenes to the truly odious actions of the antagonists along with some very satisfying action scenes. And despite the fantastical assumptions of the story, it all felt so believable.

All in all, a great world to lose yourself in for a few days, no matter your background.

[Stephanie Runyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strung, by Roske, is a fantasy novel featuring a young woman’s hopeful dream of some day meeting a Faye. Lysbeth had many men vying for her hand in marriage. Earl Dorsit persisted until she decided if he could bring her a Faye, then she would consider marriage. To her shock, he delivered Evyn, a Faye. Her brother, Lord Issac, was not impressed. Evyn could not verbally speak, but he showed attention to Lysbeth, Dorsit became angry and attempted to interfere. Evyn knocked his arm away. Lord Issac decided Evyn needed to be molded into society and sent him to the barbaric Warden Wescott. War breaks out and Lysbeth pins for Evyn. Six months later, the once beautiful Evyn returns as a timid, gaunt creature that refuses to look in her eyes. Through the talents of writing and drawing, Lysbeth learns of the cruelty that Evyn endured. She earns his trust, and what he speaks of results in changing Lysbeth’s view of her role in life.

I fell in love with the beautiful portrayal of Evyn and the way he told of where Faye lived. Strung is written as though it is a song played by an orchestra. Roske gave vivid imagery of every character’s personality. Jaques, a hilarious drunken duke whose defiance of social decorum tends to be somewhat beguiling. Strong-willed Corah, Lysbeth’s younger sister, seems to be oblivious to her obvious rudeness. Lysbeth and Evyn's attraction to one another was overwhelming, and I kept wanting to tell Lysbeth to quit hiding her feelings. Everyone felt the tension, and their attempts to compel her to act seemed to fall on deaf ears. At the end of the book, there is a glossary of the different terms used by Evyn, which was helpful to fully understand what he said. The end of the story left me pining for more, as the cliffhanger end has me hoping to obtain the sequel. If you like a slow burn romance, exceptional fantasy characters, and suspenseful novels, then Strung is the book for you.

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strung By Roske is a unique and inspiring vision of the Fae and their interactions with humanity.

Set in a fictional, Jane Austen-esque world, Strung is both familiar and unknown. Lady Lysbeth is an elegant, tall, striking figure and an eligible bachelorette whom the Earl of Dorsit has courted for some time. When he writes suggesting that he has captured a Faye (Fae) as her bride price, she is forlorn with the idea that she might have to accept his proposal. More than that, she is infinitely curious about the Faye he has caught and confirming that they are real.

Long has she had an obsession with the Faye due to a deceased relative who wrote an account of the time he spent with the species. So when the gift arrives in the form of a Faye by the name of Evyn, Lysbeth is thrilled, reverential, and kind. But unfortunately, things take a turn since the Faye is seen as a savage, and her brother sends him away to be taught manners by a wicked torturer.

What develops upon Evyn's return to the Haywood Estate is a slow, tedious romance. Roske's writing is superb and eloquent. A steady flow of time passes across the pages with ease, but this skill at wordplay does nothing to alleviate the plodding plot.

From the start, there appears to be little at stake for Lysbeth. However, what we presume might be her escape from an arranged marriage to the Earl of Dorsit resolves itself when he is lost at sea pursuing the land of the Faye. When Evyn is removed from the estate to be taught how to behave, he is returned a shell of himself, having endured multitudes of heinous torture.

Strung reads like a slice-of-life story, with plenty of the menial day-to-day filling most of the pages. It's hard to stay engrossed when the subject matter is trivial and alludes to little purpose in why this tale is being told. What are the stakes for Lysbeth? What are the stakes for Evyn?

As remarkable as it is to include a wide array of a Faye language, it clogs the movement. Thankful readers will spend a good deal of time paging to the glossary at the back to find ways to enunciate the lyrical wordplay that flows from the mouths of the Faye.

Strung is an exceptional book comprised of well-thought dialogue, a skillful wordsmith, and a vividly imagined world. The language and lore themselves reveal how much work Roske put into the story. Unfortunately, the lack of well-defined stakes and a weaving, winding tale of love, prejudice, and overcoming trauma make Strung cumbersome and protracted.

[ANOUSHKA SINGH · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of a kind. This fantasy world is like a slow paced roller coaster, it’ll keep you hooked till the end. Erruwyn is such a magical creature, with metal all over him that he is nothing less than a Greek God in beauty. The book achieves perfection with its illustrations and the well formed imagination displayed in words. Lysbeth is an equally bold character, pushing through the well defined norms one step at a time. I loved the character of Lysbeth particularly because of her challenging tones and the way she skillfully plays with the definitions of decorum and discipline. Her playful character mingled with Erruwyn’s is the best combination. I loved the bonds displayed in the book displayed via language and appropriate titles for everyone. Especially Avrella’s character, the true matriarch. The feminist characters worked out the best for me. You’ll find yourself turning pages without even noticing. The author’s writing is very meticulous and visual. It’s like a movie in pages. If you’re looking for an Austen era book with a hint of fantasy then this is the one for you!

[Bridget Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Lysbeth Haywood is mesmerized by Faye - a race shrouded in myth and mystery. When a Faye named Evyn is delivered to Lindenholt Manor as a gift to her from an unwanted suitor Lysbeth is faced with dread as she may be forced to be engaged. As Evyn slowly begins to trust in Lysbeth the truths in the legends are revealed. Although Lysbeth's curiosity has been satisfied, Avonleigh society does not share her enthusiasm.
What makes Strung such a unique read is it is written as a musical sonata. With a glossary in the back to help you understand terms and beautiful illustrations help you visualize everything - especially Faye.
This book is fascinating and beautiful on the inside and out. Roske has created such rich characters in this world that I was left wanting to know more about Faye. Even though I had some formal music training in my younger years. I appreciated the provided glossary to help with terms I had forgotten or was unfamiliar with.
People who are fans of the Harry Potter series or Lord of the Rings will enjoy this new world created for the young at heart to cherish and enjoy.

[Claudia DCD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow burn fantasy with a whole world I still daydream about!

I loved the slow unraveling, characters of different cultures learning about each other through their confusion and cultural missteps. A romance that grew gently, a perspective on the monstrosity and violence of men that burned ever in the background of a romantic utopia held only in story and the small comradery of a group of characters I grew to love.

It had dialect introspection, the spiritual pull of music and art, cultural analysis through two fantasy cultures colliding, sisterhood, compassionate understanding of personalities, advanced tech seen as pure magic, and a romance that felt Arthurian. The labor of love is seen in every sentence, all necessary in this tome that is definitely worth the money. A bit of Avatar, a bit of Pride and Prejudice, a touch of The Last Unicorn and a dash of Gene Wolfe's Book of the New Sun. Highly recommended!

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is really a lot good to say about this story. I loved the concept, I loved the story line, I loved the characters (at least the good one), I love the illustrations. The existence of a fabulous race, erroneously labeled as the Fey, is revealed when Evyn (Erruwyn) is brought as a captive to Lindenholt estate. He is quite a charming man, handsome, kind, and exotic. What women wouldn't be attracted to such a man? However, Erruwyn is subjected to cruel treatment by the racist, elitist men of Lindenholt. A great story, but I really had trouble with the strange words written in a difficult script, and the various "sound effects." They really made the story a little difficult for me. However, I think that if this story could be made into a movie or a mini series, the beauty and effects would be jaw dropping. If future books came along, I probably would read them since I really did like the story overall. I received my copy of the book from Voracious Readers Only.

[J. Flowers-Olnowich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strung is an incredible and unique book, one that I highly recommend. A romance that elegantly blends fantasy with works such as Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice, I truly feel as if Strung has something for every kind of reader. It's fantasy with emotion and depth, which is something I personally love to see; the characters are well-developed and memorable, the worldbuilding is exquisite, and the writing itself is beautiful. Strung touches on some powerful themes regarding gender roles, cultural relativity, and how society can enable and empower cruelty throughout the book, making the reading as though-provoking as it is engaging. Overall, I highly recommend this book for those who love fantasy, classical literature, or romance, and especially for those who love all three.

[Katie M · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the first part of this story quickly and was excited to see where it went. However, I found most of the remainder of the book to be slow reading with all of the faye language added in. While the plot had some great potential, I really had difficulty becoming invested in the story. Another difficult aspect was the format of the book. It was a PDF, so I couldn't change the font size and it was difficult to read on anything besides the computer. Also, because I couldn't easily skip around, I didn't realize until after I finished reading that there was a glossary included. I did like the illustrations that were included and the characters themselves.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I typically like reading fast-paced, thriller fantasy and science fiction, so this was a bit of a departure from that.

The world the author created is very immersive, we really get to know and care for the characters, and the romance between the main characters is lovely. I couldn't put it down!

[Marcia Vida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful, uplifting and page-turner with a charming story keeping my attention until the last page. I fell in love with the book that I tend to read again and I can’t forget it. Thanks to the author and Voracious Readers for giving me a great reading.

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that STRUNG by Roske has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.

[BYG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read!!
This book is so different from any other fantasy in the best way. I loved all the characters and Faye stories. I wish the story never ended.