Title: The Forester
Series: The Forester Trilogy #1
Author: Blaine D. Arden
Genre: Fantasy / Suspense-Mystery / Fae
ISBN: 9781937058418
Length: Novella (50 pages)
Publisher: Storm Moon Press (December 22nd, 2011)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5~4 Hearts
Reviewer: Thommie
Blurb: Kelnaht, a cloud elf, is a truth seeker caught between love and faith. Worse, a murder committed ten days before Solstice reveals an illicit affair between two tree elves he desires more than he can admit: Kelnaht’s former lover Ianys, who once betrayed him, and the shunned forester named Taruif, who is not allowed to talk to anyone but The Guide, their spiritual pathfinder. When Taruif turns out to be the only witness for the crime, Kelnaht has to keep Ianys from sacrificing himself and losing his daughter, while at the same time realizing he’d gladly sacrifice himself to end Taruif’s loneliness.
Product Link: http://www.stormmoonpress.com/books/The-Forester.aspx
Review: Okay, so after reading Oren’s Right – book #2 in Tales of the Forest series – I had this feeling I’m going to like this world. No, scratch that, I already liked this world, now I simply love it.
So I went back and picked up book #1, because yeah I do that sometimes, start a series backwards that is. I felt like I just had to read the first book and wait for the last one to come, you know, there was this pull from this world I couldn’t resist, and the writing, well the writing is just so easy and smooth, flows like water and all you have to do is let it carry you along. And I let it, and I’m so glad I did.
Kelnaht is a Truth Seeker (aka a cop/investigator for the elves’ community) and he’s tasked with finding the elf responsible of a hideous act; murder. During his investigation, he discovers that his ex (who dumped him) is having an illicit relationship with the Forester (who he secretly desires but can’t have). Choices, choices… If he turns his ex to the Elders’ council, his ex will be shunned just like the Forester. His feeling for both men are stronger though and his call as a Truth Seeker is battling with his desires. Not to mention that there’s a killer there loose. So Kelnaht does what every man would do. Deals with one problem at a time, focusing on the killer at the moment. Problem is, the Forester is a witness that can help the investigation, and Kel is being granted permission to speak with him.
Okay so, the mystery-suspense parts were good, not too much, but not full of plot-holes, either. For such a short read, it was really good. The lows and highs were nicely balanced and made for a fun murder case to read. The romance was even better. We had a law officer (kind of), we had the ex who still haunts his wet-dreams, we have the new object of desire who just makes everything mouth-watering, and damned it all to Hell, this author needs to let go more, because this plot was so raw material for an all-out carnal erotica *sigh*. As it is, the intimate parts tend more toward romance and sensuality, leading you to thoughts that burn, but not blatantly saying it on the text. Sneaky.
As I felt with Oren’s Right, this book too ended on a satisfying note for such a short length. I mean it’s a 50 pages read and it has a very nice structure to it, makes a whole circle and the end leaves you wishing for no more. Well, no more from this story, because frankly it would be a shame to abandon this fascinating world. Fairies are plenty out there, but original, unique characters such as we encounter on this series? Let’s just say it is invigorating seeing authors take risks and make their fae unique.
So, overall I loved this story and totally recommend it for fans of the genre. As for me, I have The Forester II: Lost and Found waiting for me the moment I end this review. Enjoy!