Book Review: The Elf Tangent by Lindsay Buroker

The Elf Tangent
Author: Lindsay Buroker
Publication: Lindsay Buroker (March 15, 2022)

Description As a princess in the impoverished kingdom of Delantria, it’s Aldari’s job to look pretty, speak little, and marry a prince.

Studying mathematics and writing papers on economic theory in an effort to fix her people’s financial woes? Her father has forbidden it. With war on the horizon, they must focus on the immediate threat.

Reluctantly, Aldari agrees to marry a prince in a neighboring kingdom to secure an alliance her people desperately need. All is going to plan until the handsome elven mercenary captain hired to guard her marriage caravan turns into her kidnapper. His people are in trouble, and he believes she has the knowledge to help.

But with an invasion force approaching Delantria, Aldari’s own people need her. She must do everything in her power to escape the elves and make it to her wedding in time.

Never mind that her kidnapper is witty, clever, and offers her a challenge that intrigues her mind even as his easy smile intrigues her heart…

Aldari can’t let herself develop feelings for him. To fall in love and walk away from her wedding would mean the end of her kingdom and everyone she cares about.

My Thoughts: Princess Aldari lives in the impoverished kingdom of Delantria which is under threat from the larger, and much more powerful, empire next door. While she would rather study and write papers on economics to help her kingdom, she agrees when her father arranges her wedding to a prince in a nearby country who has promised an alliance with Delantria.

Captain Hawk and his band of elven mercenaries are hired to get Aldari and her bodyguard Theli to the neighboring kingdom for her wedding. But Hawk has another plan; he intends to kidnap Aldari and bring her home with him in the hopes that she can solve puzzles that will let them get to a weapon to save his kingdom. 

The elven lands have come under attack because of a curse. It turns elves into the Twisted who want to kill elves. It has turned a peace-loving, magical people into warriors fighting a losing battle for their own survival. 

Aldari is sympathetic to the elves' plight, but her own kingdom depends on her coming marriage. Even as she becomes more intrigued with both the puzzle and the man, she is torn between her wishes and the need to escape. 

I really liked Aldari who is smart, kind, and caring. Hawk's desire to do anything to help his embattled people makes him a sympathetic character too. I enjoyed the banter both between Hawk and Aldari and between Aldari and her bodyguard.

Fans of fantasy with competent and feisty heroines and dreamy heroes will enjoy this action-packed adventure. 

Favorite Quote:

"Go ahead," she called. "I've got Theli. And a book the size of a coffee table."

Theli shot her an exasperated look. "Get your dagger out, Your Highness. Just in case."

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.