"Laegon sensed Bregen's ferocious hunger. After allowing the Guardian to control his movements, he rushed towards his opponent with shocking speed."
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The Vaelinel Trilogy Book One: Silevethiel by Andi O'Connor Purple Sun Press
book review by Caroline Blaha-Black
Princess Irewen's carefree life in the kingdom of Dürgeld comes to an abrupt end when her father, the king, is viciously murdered. Her cousin Elthad asks her to flee to a nearby elven kingdom of Silverden. However, he betrays her and orders his men to kill her on the way there. Injured, Irewen is near death when the elf prince Laegon finds her and takes her to Silverden. As Irewen heals and comes to terms with her fate, she falls in love with Laegon. He reveals to her that she has the blood of the four elven races, and she is described in an ancient prophecy as the one who will save the world of Vaelinel and unite the four elven races again. With Laegon and his Guardian, lion Bregen, and with her lioness Guardian Silevethiel, Irewen must fight the evil forces of the Drulaack which her cousin Elthad controls. When Silevethiel goes missing suddenly, Irewen must summon all her courage to rescue her Guardian from the Drulaack.
This book is a part of a fantasy series, of which this is the first installment. Part fantasy, part paranormal romance, O'Connor's novel is well-written, and the words flow well on the page. Even though the main character Irewen might at times come across as too emotional and some scenes are slower paced, this book is well-worth reading. Lovers of Tolkien's Middle Earth and fantasy would like this book, as well as anyone who likes a good elven romance. At the end of the book, a glossary of words and phrases is presented in Vaelinel elvish to lend the book an authentic feel.