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Darkwood Chronicles #1-3
Into the Darkwood
Prophecy demands she marry a Dark Elf prince, but Mara Geary refuses to meekly accept her fate. Danger, adventure, and romance await in the magical forest of the Darkwood, where an intrepid heroine and a warrior prince must learn to trust one another before their kingdom is devoured by an ancient enemy...
A complete epic fantasy trilogy brimming with intrigue, royalty, and fairytale enchantment from USA Today bestselling author Anthea Sharp.
Includes:
ELFHAME
HAWTHORNE
RAINE
Mara Geary faces a bleak future in the village of Little Hazel until, on the eve of her seventeenth birthday, strange glowing lights beckon her into the mysterious shadows of the Darkwood. She follows, seeking adventure. What she finds is her destiny...
Prince of the Hawthorne Court, Brannon Luthinor has spent his life becoming a powerful warrior-mage in order to save his people. Now, on the eve of war, his fate is rapidly approaching. Brought together by fate, Bran and Mara forge an uneasy alliance. But in the face of evil, they must find a way to trust their lives - and their hearts - to one another.
A complete epic fantasy trilogy brimming with intrigue, royalty, and fairytale enchantment from USA Today bestselling author Anthea Sharp.
Includes:
ELFHAME
HAWTHORNE
RAINE
Mara Geary faces a bleak future in the village of Little Hazel until, on the eve of her seventeenth birthday, strange glowing lights beckon her into the mysterious shadows of the Darkwood. She follows, seeking adventure. What she finds is her destiny...
Prince of the Hawthorne Court, Brannon Luthinor has spent his life becoming a powerful warrior-mage in order to save his people. Now, on the eve of war, his fate is rapidly approaching. Brought together by fate, Bran and Mara forge an uneasy alliance. But in the face of evil, they must find a way to trust their lives - and their hearts - to one another.
686 pages, Hardcover
Published June 21, 2022
About the author
Anthea Sharp
124 books1,329 followersGrowing up, Anthea Sharp spent her summers raiding the library shelves and reading, especially fantasy. She now makes her home in the Pacific Northwest, where she writes, plays the fiddle, hangs out in virtual worlds, and spends time with her small-but-good family. Contact her at antheasharp@hotmail.com, follow her on twitter, find her on facebook (http://www.facebook.com/AntheaSharp), and visit her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 20, 2023
Enjoyable and an interesting solution to the problems in the story.
August 14, 2020
*All of my reviews are voluntarily written*
I loved the world building in this series so much! Often times, the world building is one of the things that really gets me drawn into the story along with the characters.
There were definitely bumps and adventures along the way, but there is a happy ending, which was wonderful!
I enjoyed this boxed set by a new-to-me author. It was great to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. I'm eager to see what else is in store with the author. I look forward to future stories.
I loved the world building in this series so much! Often times, the world building is one of the things that really gets me drawn into the story along with the characters.
There were definitely bumps and adventures along the way, but there is a happy ending, which was wonderful!
I enjoyed this boxed set by a new-to-me author. It was great to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. I'm eager to see what else is in store with the author. I look forward to future stories.
July 16, 2020
I am an unabashed lover of a well done fantasy novel. Well, Elfhame, Hawthorne, and Raine, each of which I read individually, are all superbly done fantasies. To get them in a single boxset such as this is a true treat. I cannot recommend this strongly enough.
October 10, 2020
Good read
Loved these books, would recommend the read.Lots of action and tangled up is a love story that warms your heart.
Loved these books, would recommend the read.Lots of action and tangled up is a love story that warms your heart.
November 2, 2020
Dark wood
If you want to just get away for a while, and not think of what is going on in our World, read this book, and enter a wonderful, happy Fairytale!
If you want to just get away for a while, and not think of what is going on in our World, read this book, and enter a wonderful, happy Fairytale!
May 20, 2021
Great series. Each book is better than the last.
August 9, 2020
1. Elfhame
Mireleth and Brannon, Dark Elf heir to the Hawthorne throne, are betrothed, as are Mara, a simple human, and Thom. Brannon and Mara are not at all in love with their betrotheds, though Mireleth and Thom are delighted. Unknown to both couples, Fate has decided on a different future than what their families plan. Mara uses a magical glass key to open a door between her world and Elfhame. She finds a world threatened by imminent extinction by monsters of the Void, and only by marrying Bran, though he also seems a monster to her, is there any possible hope for survival. Reluctantly, she agrees. But they are fated mates, despite their differences, and discover true love in each other
2. Hawthorne
After returning to the mortal world, Mara senses Bran needs her help, so she returns to find him nearly dead. When they return to the Hawthorne castle, she is met with hostility from the queen and Mireleth, but a warm welcome from Anneth and others. She faces danger not only from the Void, but from unknown enemies in the Hawthorne Court. After a battle at the Portal between Elfhame and the mortal world, Mara and Bran are separated, he in the mortal world, she in the Dark Elf lands. She vows to find him and manages to cross the Portal and follow him.
3. Raine
Mara meets up with Bran in the mortal world and they continue the hunt for the spawn of the Void. They are gone so long the Hawthorne Court is concerned as the King takes ill. Anneth decides to go to the mortal world to find them and bring Bran, the heir, back before the King dies. Many amazing adventures await them as they face their enemies and make new family, friends, and allies. A wonderful, happy ending makes the trilogy a complete joy.
Mireleth and Brannon, Dark Elf heir to the Hawthorne throne, are betrothed, as are Mara, a simple human, and Thom. Brannon and Mara are not at all in love with their betrotheds, though Mireleth and Thom are delighted. Unknown to both couples, Fate has decided on a different future than what their families plan. Mara uses a magical glass key to open a door between her world and Elfhame. She finds a world threatened by imminent extinction by monsters of the Void, and only by marrying Bran, though he also seems a monster to her, is there any possible hope for survival. Reluctantly, she agrees. But they are fated mates, despite their differences, and discover true love in each other
2. Hawthorne
After returning to the mortal world, Mara senses Bran needs her help, so she returns to find him nearly dead. When they return to the Hawthorne castle, she is met with hostility from the queen and Mireleth, but a warm welcome from Anneth and others. She faces danger not only from the Void, but from unknown enemies in the Hawthorne Court. After a battle at the Portal between Elfhame and the mortal world, Mara and Bran are separated, he in the mortal world, she in the Dark Elf lands. She vows to find him and manages to cross the Portal and follow him.
3. Raine
Mara meets up with Bran in the mortal world and they continue the hunt for the spawn of the Void. They are gone so long the Hawthorne Court is concerned as the King takes ill. Anneth decides to go to the mortal world to find them and bring Bran, the heir, back before the King dies. Many amazing adventures await them as they face their enemies and make new family, friends, and allies. A wonderful, happy ending makes the trilogy a complete joy.
September 28, 2020
Magical realms, prophesies, mortal and elf match ups, impending evil and wars, a pinch of beauty and the beast with a touch of Cinderella slippers. Blend this all together in perfect balance and your have boxed set readers heaven! The trilogy at your fingertips to provide non stop escape to this magical setting! All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
October 7, 2020
READ IT!
I absolutely love this series! Anthea Sharp introduces you to the heroine. You get a little background and then BAM! Her descriptions of the world and it's people are beautiful. The heart in the story is always there. If you like fantasy, with a sprinkle of romance, this is for you. And I can't wait for the new trilogy!
I absolutely love this series! Anthea Sharp introduces you to the heroine. You get a little background and then BAM! Her descriptions of the world and it's people are beautiful. The heart in the story is always there. If you like fantasy, with a sprinkle of romance, this is for you. And I can't wait for the new trilogy!
October 5, 2020
Overall, this was a fun and easy to read series that breezed by in a few days. There is just enough detail in the human and elf worlds to make them believable and distinct, but the emphasis is on the characters. It's a little bit safe and predictable, especially given that it's loosely based on at least two fairy tales, so the reader can recognize the storyline quickly and know what to expect moving forward.
1) Elfhame
This seemed to be the shortest book of the three and it sets everything up very quickly. This story is inspired by Beauty and the Beast in the plot beats, but the romance seemed to come a little fast for this particular tale. But we get introduced to the main characters, Mara and Bran, along with their respective worlds and they end up married. The final battle against the Void almost happens as an afterthought because it's started and ended so quickly. But of course, it feels too easy because things aren't actually over.
2) Hawthorne
This one goes more into depth about the elves' home including the different courts and the problems that the elves are facing, as Mara tries to adapt to her new realm. But it's a weaker book because the main characters are separated for most of the book. Mara tries to be understanding about Bran needing to be gone to hunt down the remaining Void monsters but she could have been more assertive about telling him that he had essentially abandoned her, even if he didn't know she was also in danger. This story doesn't seem to be based on a particular fairy tale so maybe that accounts for some of the disjointed plot. But for a series that's based on the relationship of a couple, it's frustrating that it didn't provide more development for that relationship. This feels more like a stepping stone to set up the conflict in the third book.
3) Raine
Now things come together in the longest and most satisfying book. Mara and Bran are finally reunited and the shoe is on the other foot as he learns more about the human world. The story is also split between them and a second plot with Anneth and a human prince, Owen, which follows the Cinderella format. It was interesting to return to a fairy tale inspiration while also expanding on the world building and magic. The ending also resolves many issues while leaving the potential for future stories, maybe involving other characters.
1) Elfhame
This seemed to be the shortest book of the three and it sets everything up very quickly. This story is inspired by Beauty and the Beast in the plot beats, but the romance seemed to come a little fast for this particular tale. But we get introduced to the main characters, Mara and Bran, along with their respective worlds and they end up married. The final battle against the Void almost happens as an afterthought because it's started and ended so quickly. But of course, it feels too easy because things aren't actually over.
2) Hawthorne
This one goes more into depth about the elves' home including the different courts and the problems that the elves are facing, as Mara tries to adapt to her new realm. But it's a weaker book because the main characters are separated for most of the book. Mara tries to be understanding about Bran needing to be gone to hunt down the remaining Void monsters but she could have been more assertive about telling him that he had essentially abandoned her, even if he didn't know she was also in danger. This story doesn't seem to be based on a particular fairy tale so maybe that accounts for some of the disjointed plot. But for a series that's based on the relationship of a couple, it's frustrating that it didn't provide more development for that relationship. This feels more like a stepping stone to set up the conflict in the third book.
3) Raine
Now things come together in the longest and most satisfying book. Mara and Bran are finally reunited and the shoe is on the other foot as he learns more about the human world. The story is also split between them and a second plot with Anneth and a human prince, Owen, which follows the Cinderella format. It was interesting to return to a fairy tale inspiration while also expanding on the world building and magic. The ending also resolves many issues while leaving the potential for future stories, maybe involving other characters.
August 23, 2020
I enjoyed this new book, it was a new author for me, and surprisingly I really liked it. I'll typically follow a pattern of authors but this was something new and interesting and I enjoyed going out of my comfort zone.
The world building was amazing! The creatures, the anatomy of the dark elves. I read it all in a few days and I was amazed at that effort put into this book.
On the other way, this was quite an easy read for me, because I predicted a lot of things and I knew what to expect. That is not necessarily a bad thing, because if you want a good book that is easy to read, it's perfect for you!
I found the romance developed too easy, I usually enjoy those with a lot of teasing and and working until they get together, but I guess that is all about personal preference, and I enjoyed it nonetheless.
For that I give it four stars, because it was a good book (well, three) and to have them all in a package was awesome, but some things weren't up my alley.
A good book and a good author indeed!
The world building was amazing! The creatures, the anatomy of the dark elves. I read it all in a few days and I was amazed at that effort put into this book.
On the other way, this was quite an easy read for me, because I predicted a lot of things and I knew what to expect. That is not necessarily a bad thing, because if you want a good book that is easy to read, it's perfect for you!
I found the romance developed too easy, I usually enjoy those with a lot of teasing and and working until they get together, but I guess that is all about personal preference, and I enjoyed it nonetheless.
For that I give it four stars, because it was a good book (well, three) and to have them all in a package was awesome, but some things weren't up my alley.
A good book and a good author indeed!
January 14, 2022
This was one of those books that hooked me in immediately. I read the novella first and really liked the world so I decided to jump in with this series and I am glad I did.
I have to say, I feel like despite being hooked into it, I was confused many times about the flow of time and pacing of the story. The world was well built and so we're the characters but I felt like there was so much telling but not much showing in regard to the characters and I was lost sometimes and wanting to walk away others. But I also wanted to push through because the world was just so cool.
It was worth it. By the third book, the author had me. Her writing improved through the series and it almost seemed as if someone else wrote the third book. The pacing wasn't as confusing and I could feel the characters. I actually cried. It was good.
Really good.
Twisty endings and all the ends tied up. It was pulled off well. I recommend pushing through this one if you like elf/human love and kingdoms in peril. All the magic, and the moon's... Yes! I recommend:)
I have to say, I feel like despite being hooked into it, I was confused many times about the flow of time and pacing of the story. The world was well built and so we're the characters but I felt like there was so much telling but not much showing in regard to the characters and I was lost sometimes and wanting to walk away others. But I also wanted to push through because the world was just so cool.
It was worth it. By the third book, the author had me. Her writing improved through the series and it almost seemed as if someone else wrote the third book. The pacing wasn't as confusing and I could feel the characters. I actually cried. It was good.
Really good.
Twisty endings and all the ends tied up. It was pulled off well. I recommend pushing through this one if you like elf/human love and kingdoms in peril. All the magic, and the moon's... Yes! I recommend:)
October 7, 2021
I picked up this trilogy after discovering Anthea Sharp's Feyland books which I really enjoyed.
I enjoyed the The Darkwood Chronicles trilogy of books and will most likely read White as Frost the next trilogy set in the world of the dark elves. The characters were well written and the concepts were good.
The main issue I had with the stories and why I only gave 3 stars was to do with the timeline of the books. It felt like everything that occurred was packed into maybe 2 weeks worth of actual time which didn't gel with me and didn't feel like it did justice to the story lines.
Maybe it is because the dark elves follow a different way of measuring the passing of time and my mere mortal self couldn't equate the turns and moons to the hours, days and weeks I am used to but it felt like the characters would have needed significantly more time to be able to overcome so much and for everything that happened to occur.
I did enjoy the books though and am glad to have read them
I enjoyed the The Darkwood Chronicles trilogy of books and will most likely read White as Frost the next trilogy set in the world of the dark elves. The characters were well written and the concepts were good.
The main issue I had with the stories and why I only gave 3 stars was to do with the timeline of the books. It felt like everything that occurred was packed into maybe 2 weeks worth of actual time which didn't gel with me and didn't feel like it did justice to the story lines.
Maybe it is because the dark elves follow a different way of measuring the passing of time and my mere mortal self couldn't equate the turns and moons to the hours, days and weeks I am used to but it felt like the characters would have needed significantly more time to be able to overcome so much and for everything that happened to occur.
I did enjoy the books though and am glad to have read them
March 21, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has characters I could root for and a world that while it took a very long time to explain anything I wanted to immerse myself in it.
I absolutely adored the Cinderella (think Ella Enchanted/Ever After) vibes in the third book Raine. Hands down the third book is my favorite I fell more in love with all of the characters. I laughed at a certain prince’s antics.
It is not great writing, but it had me hooked from the first line in Elfhame and I didn’t want to leave the trilogy or the characters.
Overall, it was an absolute delight. Recommend for those who like fantasy romance, elves, portal worlds, stubborn/singleminded heroes, feisty heroines who aren’t afraid to step out of their comfort zone (for the most part).
⭐️5
💧8
I absolutely adored the Cinderella (think Ella Enchanted/Ever After) vibes in the third book Raine. Hands down the third book is my favorite I fell more in love with all of the characters. I laughed at a certain prince’s antics.
It is not great writing, but it had me hooked from the first line in Elfhame and I didn’t want to leave the trilogy or the characters.
Overall, it was an absolute delight. Recommend for those who like fantasy romance, elves, portal worlds, stubborn/singleminded heroes, feisty heroines who aren’t afraid to step out of their comfort zone (for the most part).
⭐️5
💧8
April 16, 2025
I couldn't stop reading
This was a really good fantasy trilogy, building worlds and cultures while also playing with familiar tropes and ideas. There were a few continuity issues, like time being a little fluid for the purposes of the narrative and characters being present for a conversation but apparently forgetting what was said soon after. Still, the characters and the conflicts in which they find themselves are compelling, and the style kept me reading, constantly wanting to see what came next.
This was a really good fantasy trilogy, building worlds and cultures while also playing with familiar tropes and ideas. There were a few continuity issues, like time being a little fluid for the purposes of the narrative and characters being present for a conversation but apparently forgetting what was said soon after. Still, the characters and the conflicts in which they find themselves are compelling, and the style kept me reading, constantly wanting to see what came next.
April 10, 2021
A fairytale adventure
****Into the Darkwood - A Dark Elf Fantasy Romance Trilogy by Anthea Sharp: A fairytale adventure
All starts with a prophecy, and a wish for something different, something exciting. And so when the time is right — two worlds join to fulfill that prophecy, and the destiny it unfolds. Magic and dangers. Prophecy and destiny, love and acceptance. Epic battles, and new discoveries.
Definitely entertaining and fun!
—PTators
****Into the Darkwood - A Dark Elf Fantasy Romance Trilogy by Anthea Sharp: A fairytale adventure
All starts with a prophecy, and a wish for something different, something exciting. And so when the time is right — two worlds join to fulfill that prophecy, and the destiny it unfolds. Magic and dangers. Prophecy and destiny, love and acceptance. Epic battles, and new discoveries.
Definitely entertaining and fun!
—PTators
October 10, 2021
Fall Under The Spell of Darkwood
Ms Sharp’s latest fantasy trilogy is a winner! Mara, a mortal woman, finds herself in Elfhame, the land of the dark elves. A land without sun light, but with two moons. Here she meets Prince Bran, who is destined to marry a mortal woman to help him save his land from an evil entity, known as The Void. You can’t help but get caught up in their adventures as they try to save Elfhame, and each other. A must read!
Ms Sharp’s latest fantasy trilogy is a winner! Mara, a mortal woman, finds herself in Elfhame, the land of the dark elves. A land without sun light, but with two moons. Here she meets Prince Bran, who is destined to marry a mortal woman to help him save his land from an evil entity, known as The Void. You can’t help but get caught up in their adventures as they try to save Elfhame, and each other. A must read!
November 22, 2021
I had expected to take a break between books,but I was unable to and read the whole thing in one setting. This is interesting. There's wonder, acceptance, magic, elves, humans, different worlds, so many things! I thought the last book was wordy at times, but I couldn't put it down. This book has no cuss words and no sexual acts, it has some violence, but not reality based. I think this is appropriate for all ages able to understand the story.
July 31, 2020
This book had an interesting start and premise. The worldbuilding is great. But this book was a bit safe, predictable and insta lovey. I really had no real connections to the main characters but they where interesting enough.
The books are well written and easy to follow so for that I give it 3 stars.
I recieved these books in excahange for my honest opinion.
The books are well written and easy to follow so for that I give it 3 stars.
I recieved these books in excahange for my honest opinion.
August 18, 2020
I enjoyed this series by an author that was new to me very much. The world building is simple but easy to imagine. It’s a fantasy with some romance in there and I feel that the emotions described fit the character, her age and experience very well so she felt authentic.
I look forwards to other books from this author.
I look forwards to other books from this author.
February 11, 2024
Well, I tried, but I just couldn't finish the last two books in the Into the Darkwood series. There's just no plot to keep me hooked. The author might think she's creating an exciting trilogy, but it's honestly a letdown. The characters feel flat, the writing is kinda childish, and the worldbuilding is lacking. I'm moving on to something else.
September 20, 2021
Wonderfully complicated plot. Believable interactions between worlds with Dark Elves and humans. Very well-developed characters, and such a nicely-matched coupling of the species. Beautifully written, cleanly edited, a real pleasure. I spent most of yesterday reading this.
April 21, 2022
This was amazing! Well written and words can not do it justice!! Mara and Bran’s love story grows from a need to fulfill the prophecy to true love. Anneth finds her true love with Owen and the discovery of Nirwen!! Sets the stage for the Darkwood Trilogy.
April 24, 2023
I deeply enjoyed this trilogy. It had elves but not your everyday elves and I thoroughly enjoyed the differences. I cannot wait to read the next set of books and have the story continue. Highly recommended!!
April 2, 2026
3.5 ⭐
1 🌶
This is a fun fantasy book
Which contains the whole trilogy
A world of humans and a closed off realm to the Dark elf's following the prophesy of the Dark Elf Prince and a Human who have to save both their worlds.
1 🌶
This is a fun fantasy book
Which contains the whole trilogy
A world of humans and a closed off realm to the Dark elf's following the prophesy of the Dark Elf Prince and a Human who have to save both their worlds.
August 11, 2023
NICE READ
I LIKE THE AUTORS DIRECTNESS AND ABSENCE OF DRAWN OUT INTRIGUE. GOING TO GIVE WHITE AS FROST A TRY NEXT.
I LIKE THE AUTORS DIRECTNESS AND ABSENCE OF DRAWN OUT INTRIGUE. GOING TO GIVE WHITE AS FROST A TRY NEXT.
August 6, 2024
Easy read. Very PG; perfect for young teens wanting to be introduced to romantasy.
April 4, 2023
4.5 stars. I enjoyed this story of a Dark Elf and a human sharing a romantic fate via prophecy. The plot was fairly simple (predictable) and the final battle without much doubt or peril, but I didn’t want to read 20 pages about a battle anyway, lol. The Dark Elf world was well-described—tantalizing smells, otherworldly sights, the double moons, etc. The romance was nicely satisfying, and made me smile. What a sweet ending. It almost felt so complete, I’m not sure I want to read the other 2 books in the bundled trilogy and mar the satisfaction of this book’s conclusion.
January 23, 2023
This was a very well written book, with lots of setting detail and character development. My only complaint, is that the relationship building between the characters were fast paced, not a bad change to what I am used to , but unfamiliar. it gave the sense you were missing something, like a chapter of relationship building, instead of it seeming like the growth between characters was just behinfd the scenes.
December 28, 2023
I absolutely loved this book and wish there was a fourth to carry on the story with Mara and Bran to see what happens in their life.
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING LOVE IT SO MUCH ❤️❤️❤️
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING LOVE IT SO MUCH ❤️❤️❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews