Essie would do anything for her kingdom…even marry an elf prince she just met that morning.The human kingdom of Escarland and the elven kingdom of Tarenhiel have existed in an uneasy peace after their last wars ended with both kings dead. As tensions rise once again, desperate diplomacy might be the only way to avert war. If only negotiations between elves and humans were that simple. When a …
When a diplomatic meeting goes horribly wrong, Essie, a human princess, finds herself married to the elf prince and warrior Laesornysh. Fitting in to the serene, quiet elf culture might be a little difficult for this talkative princess, but she’s determined to make it work.
With impending war and tenuous alliances, it will be up to Essie to unite her two peoples. And maybe get her hands on elven conditioner while she’s at it.
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Sweet romances can come out of anywhere, but like opportunities, they must be seized and worked on. Ellie and Farrendel are interesting and relatable characters, and I enjoyed being a fly on the wall as Ellie in her bubbly talkative way worked herself past Farrendel’s formidable emotional defences so that they could begin to build the kind of romantic marriages of which legends are made and real national alliances are based. Now if the treasonous faux-patriotic terrorists would kindly get out of the way …..
It’s been a while since a story made me wonder why I hadn’t started it sooner, but Fierce Heart definitely made me do it. Seriously, why, self? It was beautiful!! And don’t you love it when a title fits so perfectly its story? *the happiest sigh*
Needless to say, I loved Essie (with her practical, no-nonsense way of seeing her role as a princess as one destined for a marriage alliance) and Farrendel (as the powerful yet wounded-in-more-ways-than-one Elven warrior) together, their getting to know each other, as well as their worlds, customs, and cultures. Their love story is beautiful and perfectly swoony (Ch. 21 is my favorite ), the descriptions were on point, and for this being the first book in a series, I liked the pace and “introduction” feeling to it. I’m definitely invested in the story, and I loved the action that was presented, as well as getting to understand Farrendel’s background. Can’t wait for the next one!
The narrator was fantastic, bringing to life not only Essie as the main character but also the whole elven court, as well as her family (however briefly they’re featured). I loved the different voices, and I can’t remember having issues with any of her inflections or nuances.
Overall, a great marriage of convenience story that I could have listened to in one sitting thanks to its lovely narrator, with characters from different cultures that find that what others perceived as weaknesses in them, are what makes them not only stronger and/or braver but also attractive to each other 😉 ~ 5+ stars
Beautifully written that keeps you focused on reading all of the story. I could not put it down once I started. The flow between the characters relationships and actions are well made. Good world building, well developed characters, elves and other super nautrals, action and romance.
Fierce Heart by Tara Grayce is a clean Fantasy Romance with a sprinkling of Steampunk. A human princess and an elf prince make an alliance of marriage for both kingdoms. Why are the elves so willing to seek an alliance? What secrets is the elf prince keeping from his new wife?
This story is super cute and super girly, so you’ve been warned! It’s got all the feels, but also has deeper themes. Living in a different culture with people who look down on you for being a foreigner is a theme that I am personally familiar with. I read this book in 2 days! It was so good!
I received a digital copy of this book in the Fellowship of Fantasy Indie Book Club on Facebook. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Fierce heart is a well written fantasy novel. It was slow in the beginning but don’t let it fool you, it gets better as it goes along.
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In this book the human princess, Essie, suggested a marriage to an elf prince in order to broker peace between their nations. Little did her brother, The King, or her know that the Elfs would actually accept. AND she was to marry the youngest prince a hardened warrior the day after they sealed the peace treaty.
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I totally loved Laesornysh. I loved his soft blackened heart. I like the way the family was so protective of him but not how they treated Essie. Essie was such a happy go lucky princess. Her internal dialog was comical and endearing. Their relationship was entertaining to behold.
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Fierce Heart is an appropriate name for this wonderful book. 4 stars and a tip on the Nerd Girl hat. <3
*This review was done in conjunction with book blog.
This book is a blast. Take one eternally optimistic human princess (think Rapunzel from Tangled), match her with a brooding elven warrior prince, and you have the recipe for a deliciously readable romance that hits all giggle-worthy tropes. I could NOT put this one down, and I can’t wait for the sequel.
Essie is a human princess who agrees to marry an elf to form an alliance between their two kingdoms. She meets the expected distrust and dislike in the Elven kingdom. How she handles that, the culture differences, and learns to love her husband is well done. A very good story!
I loved this book! It’s a feel good book with action and romance. Two worlds trying to come together.
I really loved this book. I wish it would have been more adult and we could have more insight about Essie and Farrendel relationship but I enjoyed it anyway.
This is a beutiful story extremely well written. It told from the human princess point of view and it looks so real. Essie is making herself a lot of questions about everything she isn’t sure or it’s unknown and I totally can relate to that. This character is charming, has an upbeat, cherfull and lovable personality. And the elf Farrendel is great too. He doesn’t speak much but has a good heart, honor and is very polite, kind and handsome. Besides the best elf warrior.
This story is like a fairy tale. Essie and Farrendel are adorable in every escene. I love arrange marriage theme and the author has made a great job with them.