A review by marjories
Tordan by Immortal Angel

4.0

This story melds elements from several different genres. A planet that seems to fit many fantasy tropes with various beings including magical elves is invaded by a vicious alien species in order to steal crystals that fuel both the magic and the technology. A cyborg, created and mind controlled by the enemy strives to break their hold and free his planet along with an elf who has been broken by the alien's torture and lost her magic.

There is a forbidden love/fated mates type romance that slowly builds between these two, including a couple short but steamy scenes. However, most of the story focuses more on their escape from the aliens and the inter-societal politics and secrets uncovered along the way. The alien enemy is rather flat - we know they are ruthless, but not more about them. The planetary societies seem to be more primitive technologically speaking.

This is the first book in a series and ends in a happy for now with one immediate crisis averted, but lots more story to come. I was pleasantly surprised by the action and adventure in this story. While far from military sci-fi, I think this would appeal to readers looking for epic adventure more than a relationship driven drama. It is a very fast read with chapters that end in spots that make you want to read just one more to see what happens.