The Elf Tangent by Lindsay Buroker: review

4/5 stars on Goodreads

The Elf Tangent by Lindsay Buroker

The Elf Tangent is a stand-alone fantasy novel set in a world not connected with any of Buroker’s many earlier worlds. It’s a low-tech, (almost) non-magic world where human kingdoms occupy one part of the continent and elves another, which is about as much as the reader learns about it.

Aldari is a princess who is sent to the neighbouring kingdom to marry a prince there to gain her kingdom an ally against another kingdom. She’s not entirely happy to leave her family behind, but she knows her duty and isn’t about to rebel. She already is a rebel of sorts to her father’s views, as she is a scholar of some renown under a secret pen name. Only the name isn’t as secret as she thought. The elves have a need for her special skills and so they kidnap her en route to her wedding.

Leading the elves is Captain Hawk, who is determined to save his people from what is essentially a zombie infestation, elves turning into mindless killers. To do that, he needs an access to a laboratory that caused the plague, but it’s protected by puzzles that only Aldari can solve.

The plot is kind of simple, but the road to the happy ending is perilous. During many attacks and hardships, through mutual rescues and facing foes together, Aldari and Hawk grow to care for each other. So, instead of fleeing at every chance—which would’ve been dangerous anyway—Aldari decides to help him voluntarily.

This was pitched as a fantasy romance, but it’s very, very light on romance. Not even at the end are feelings brought up, and there’s nary a kiss. Romance is more a garnish, and a way to explain why Aldari would help her kidnappers. Aldari and Hawk are both a bit bland—the side characters are much more interesting—and they only come to life during action scenes.

Good thing, then, that the book is heavy on action. There’s constantly something going on, swordfights and pirates, zombie elves or plots against Aldari and Hawk. The pace is fast, and the events kept me reading until small hours. It’s a good book, but if you’re looking for great emotions, this isn’t for you. Friends of good, solid high fantasy will like it though.