I have a recommended read for you this morning.
After the murder of her child, Brynn of the Istovari wants nothing more than to escape the shackles of her birthright. As a sorceress and the last of a once-great bloodline, many still seek to use her for their own schemes. Brynn will do anything for the chance at freedom, even if it means marrying an upstart warrior from the far north.
Cenric needs a wife—but not just any wife—a sorceress. Having recently reclaimed his inheritance after a youth spent across the sea, a sorceress will bring security and legitimacy in his estranged homeland.
A marriage gives both Brynn and Cenric what they want—for now.
In the far northern reaches lies a land ruled by pride and strict codes of honor. As Brynn and Cenric struggle to navigate the aftermath of their hasty union, they soon realize that rival factions within the kingdom are on the verge of war once again.
Alone, they will be destroyed by the coming storm. Together, they might stand a chance.
A bold new Fantasy Romance from author Elisabeth Wheatley.
A lot of the current romantasy focuses on the sexy side of the relationship and the highlights of the world, the magic fireworks, the high drama, the wars. Sometimes these books commit too heavily and end up feeling slick, with a setting that could be almost interchangeable from one series to the next because it matters so little.
And then there is romantic fantasy that focuses not just on the characters but on how they fit into the world. It has texture. Here love doesn’t strike like a bolt of lightning the moment the characters meet. Rather it grows one kind, considerate moment at a time. The more you read, the more alive and human the characters feel. Before you know it, you like them so much that you get genuinely upset when bad things happen. Fortunately for all of us, books in this niche usually end happily and often become comfort reads.
It’s an interesting pocket of the genre. I don’t know what to call it. It’s a romance at the core, wrapped in a fantasy where dinners still have to be cooked and livestock must be fed and sheared. Slice of life romantic fantasy? Grace Draven’s work fits into this category. Sometimes when you read her books, you feel like you are there, in the world.
Whatever this subgenre is, TEARS OF THE WOLF is a beautiful example of it.
Brynn has been dealt a terrible hand in life. She is trapped in a loveless arranged marriage. Her husband doesn’t hate her. Hate and rage are strong emotions, and all of his emotions were buried with his first wife and their children. He’s broken, and he has nothing to offer as a partner. Somehow they managed to make a child, but now their baby is dead, and Brynn is the only one who mourns him.
The story starts with Brynn seeking a divorce. She’d tried to be a good wife, but the tragedy of losing her son was too much. The wound is too raw, even months later. She has to escape this marriage to survive, or her grief will overwhelm her. Unfortunately for Brynn, she is both a sorceress and of royal blood. That makes her very dangerous to the current monarch. She cannot remain unattached. She must be married and to someone who will not be a threat to succession.
Cenric is a lord on the crossroads of two nations. He carries both the blood of the kingdom’s nobles and that of the raiders who endlessly harass it, and he is very good at fighting both. Cenric rules a small territory to the north that’s frequently raided, and he has been petitioning the king for a sorceress for years. A skilled sorceress isn’t just a dangerous opponent. She is an accomplished healer and a savvy politician, and he needs help in the worst way.
The king puts Brynn and Cenric together and kills all the birds with a single stone. Brynn is attached and removed from the political chessboard. Cenric will never be king. Even with Brynn as his wife, he simply doesn’t have the pedigree. The territory Cenric rules is far enough to give her a break from political pressures and hopefully give her a chance to heal.
Meanwhile, Cenric, who desperately needs assistance, gets a wife who is probably the most powerful sorceress in the kingdom. She is skilled in managing the lands and households. She is the niece of the king. She is beautiful. And something terrible clearly happened to her. Brynn needs to be protected, and Cenric is a protector. He is genuinely kind when he doesn’t have to be.
They marry, travel back to Cenric’s lands, and try to navigate their new lives, surrounded by Cenric’s retainers and an adorable, slightly telepathic pack of dogs. Of course, Brynn is too valuable, and evil people will try to use her to their advantage. But at the core, this is a story of two people who come to deeply love each other. This is not a closed door romance. The book ends well.
I should probably mention the setting. It’s very loosely based on Saxon England with Viking raiders, and it is very well done. It’s kind of unusual to see this particular time period used as the basis of romantic fantasy, and it works beautifully. It’s an excellent book if you want to take a break from the current world.
Anyway, this is going onto the comfort read shelf for me. Your mileage will always vary, so make sure to read an excerpt before you jump in. Unfortunately Elisabeth doesn’t have an excerpt on her site, so I suggest using Kindle’s Read Sample feature on Amazon.
This post is for Elisabeth’s book, so please do not recommend titles from other authors in the comments. We have dedicated book posts for that.
first? – also read the book already and it is great 🙂
also to add – that this is the start of a new series but the author has other books with the same magic and people, not sure of they are supposed to be historically before or after this one – but she is a great story teller.
It takes place 430 years prior 👍
The Daindreth series? Thanks!
Tears of the Wolf takes place centuries prior to the Daindreth books. Brynn, I believe, is one of Amira’s ancestors.
wow a book recommendation from you always proves good.. thank you Ilona 💐♥️
Thank you! Will definitely give this a read. 😁
P.S can’t wait for Maggie!!😁
Perfect timing! I needed something new to read to tide me over until Friday :D. My p@tience is running a bit thin at the moment.
Book Goblin is approved…for book goblins? (If you know, you know.) BTW, Elisabeth has recommended House Andrews’ books in her YouTube reviews.
Book Goblin LOVES Elizabeth! Book Goblin listens to Elizabeth read her own books.
Book Goblin LOVES House Andrews, and is probably going to be ridiculously excited they recommended one of her books! I am really happy for her! I haven’t read her stuff yet, but it’s been on my tbr list for a while. Looks like I’m gonna need to move it up the list!
i read the book and I loved it. Bought a series by the Author because of this book.
I recommend trying it – the characters are believable, the storyline is good – what more to ask for?
OMG y’all are gonna make me cry. 😭 Thank you so much. 🥹
In a world of so many mediocre writers, a good storyteller is just a treasure. No crying allowed!
Thanks for recommending HA books in your posts! I’m looking forward to reading your book!
I found your books because HA posted about your fantasy genre skits. Tears of the Wolf has been my favorite book of yours so far.
Ps: my man heard me listening to your deep dive about Conan and asked “…do I fit that trope?” 😆
I just finished my second read through of Tears of the Wolf. It is your best work so far, in my opinion.
I just love Book Goblin. So much! Especially when she explains things like Bookhalla or her plans for a Book/Viking funeral. Found because it was posted here, ofc. I knew I’d have to try your books, but wasn’t sure where to start- guess ik now. I’m looking forward to reading Tears of the Wolf for the first time!
The Book Goblin stickers on Elizabeth’s merch shop are adorable! I have them on my laptop, tablet, and kindle paperwhite, along with stickers from her (the grumpy pookah is another favorite), House Andrews, and other authors I like.
Book Goblin!! for Bookhalla!!! the Romantic Genres are also brilliant 😍.
Tears of the Wolf was so satisfying. Ilona’s review is spot on – I loved the slow, genuine build of the love story and the carefully crafted world where simple things are not treated as mundane just because they are not flashy. Looking forward to the sequel 🙌🏽.
I’ve been meaning to get around to buying one of these for a long time. This was my cue to actually do it. After seeing that Tears of the Wolf was set in Daindreth’s world, I bought Daindreth’s Assassin as well. Reading that one first, right now. It’s a welcome respite from All The [Stuff]. Thank you for this.
I had no idea you were such a talented writer– I’m usually just following you for the awesome Book Goblin content! I’m excited to read more!!!
Book Goblin! This is great. Love you on Instagram. Congratulations!
Thank you for your recommendation, I bought the book immediately.
I’m already looking forward to ‘The Inheritance’.
Greetings from Germany.
Thank you for your kind words and recommendation. Elisabeth is shedding some tears 😛
I love book recs from you because they are always excellent reads! I just ordered it and can’t wait to read it on my vacation! 🩷
Finally, a book with my name in it!
Ghehehe I get that feeling, rarely happens to me too – but at the same time, doesn’t it weird you out when it happens? Just me maybe? I have the same when running into a character sharing my kid’s (not very common) name though, so probably just me… 😅
Yesterday I ran across a citation from a study whose author has my first name – same nickname spelled the same anyway; there are several common variations of the original name – and my surname, which is not common, also spelled the same; there are a handful of variations on that as well.
The citation was in the appendix of a nonfiction book I’m reading, so obviously the field is one I’m very much interested in, and the title of the study is exactly my area of interest in that field. So that was definitely eerie.
OTOH back in the day, when I was still on FB, it turned out there were at least half a dozen others on FB with that same nickname/surname combination in the same spelling. So it looks like our names are not necessarily as unique as our selves are. But still weird to see it in such close context.
I found Elizabeth Wheatley’s work through her hilarious Instagram account. I enjoyed her assassin fantasy series. I also enjoyed this latest book and its new setting – and am looking forward to more.
Yay! More books to devour!
I plan to buy it today
oooo i have no time right now but im sold. bookmarking!
I always love books recommended by House Andrews. I’ve already read two of Elizabeth Wheatley’s books (Daindreth’s Assasin) and will buy this one immediately. I adore her TikTok videos. Book Goblin is the best. Bookhalla for ever!
Your recommendation and the sample at Amazon sold it! Can’t wait to read it.
I really need comfort reads this year. Bonus: my library has it. Thanks so much for the recommendation.
Are we also talking about how imperative it is to follow her amazing Instagram?
+1
(See “Leg Stuff”.., 😅)
😂🫣
so much leg stuff and sheep lately. I learned so much about rooing! she’s a well of unnecessary information you never knew you needed!!
What’s her Instagram handle? I couldn’t find her.
https://www.instagram.com/elisabethwheatley?igsh=MXNtMG92amZqamo1aQ==
Her Romance Genres and Book Goblin videos are quite entertaining
I second this essay in every way. It was a *satisfying* book in both realism and growth. The worldbuilding was superb and the characters were complex and nuanced. Recommended!
HA always knows what we need…..something to keep us quiet until Friday!! Thanks for the recommendation! I appreciate you!
I found Elisabeth with the Book Goblin videos and have bought all her books. I like her style and shes brilliant at self publicity (seeing as I bought all her books because of Book Goblin)
Thank you Ilona and Gordon! I so appreciate the book recommendations and just the friendly home for book nerds that your site is for the BDH. You treat us so well!
I have read it!! I think people here will really like it. Cenric is a nice guy and good leader. I would only say, the telepathic dogs are great, but [spoiler/trigger] there is one out of a pack that doesn’t make it. It makes sense to the narrative but if you have tenderness around grief, older animal, etc maybe skip that part.
I think-as the story stands now, she out powers him. Which is kinda cool. There’s a fun scene where Brynn confronts some aggressive neighbors. Anyway, I loved it! I’m going to read again. The author did research at a real wolf sanctuary for this book!
Hooray! New book! BTW, I LOVE Book Goblin.
Yes, great book!
I am so frustrated with my current genres because like you said slick and interchangeable. I want a well built world and characters with depth and good plot. my reading numbers have dropped significantly because of the boom but I’ll definitely give this a go!!!!
I read daindreths assassin (a complete series by Elizabeth, unrelated but in the same world as TOTW) +6
months ago and I still think about it. I recommend this, if you’re brand new and don’t like to wait for more. TOTW is the first in a new series of 7 I believe, and the next book isn’t due for ages. lol it’s been hard waiting 😂
Corrie, she said her characters changed things which affected the third book and she had to backtrack to make the story mesh. *laughs* I wish I had her actual statement, it made me totally note blame her. What can you do when characters get unruly?
Me, too. I start a book and think, “I’ve already read this…” And I can’t even remember the characters names! I want people I can take home with me and imagine what they would say or do. Thank goodness for House Andrews!
I love her Book Goblin reels and just purchased this book last night to read!
Thank you for the recommendation! I’ve seen posts where she recommends HA books but didn’t realize she was an author herself. I’m looking forward to reading this one!
Great recommendation! Already read this book and I really enjoyed it. 🙂
Thank you, Ilona, for supporting fellow authors! Remember a few weeks ago in early July when you said you had downloaded using ‘ buying direct from author ‘technology’’. Had just finished it (library loan) the night before and am so glad you enjoyed it as well! Agree on the comfort read status. Received my paperback copy last week and it is shelved next to my Ilona Andrews books.
Sending peace, health and safety to you all!
Tears of the Wolf is fantastic!! As is her other series, Daindreth’s Assassain. (set in the same world as TotW but 430 years later)
I love her work. You should check out her Daindreth’s Assassin series set in the same universe but in her future fill Tears of the Wolf.
I learned about your work because of Elisabeth. It is beautiful to see authors supporting each other.
Thank you! Its been on my TBR, Im definitely moving it up since you likened it to Grace Dravens books
I follow her on Facebook! I am ordering this book. Thank you for the recommendation.
This is a good read. Eagerly awaiting the next one.
Thank you!
I have been following her on Facebook because she is funny and am half way through her Daindreth series, which I like so far. I will add this one to my (not inconsiderable) “books to read” list.
Unfortunately I have maxed out my hold limit at the library so I have to keep a separate list now and move books in as slots opens up.
You should get an award for maxing out the library hold limit!
BTW, I start every author at the library and a few eventually move over to my “must buy as soon as it is available” list, as HA has. Because I know I will reread these stories multiple times. It is always nice to find an author who might join them. (also takes some pressure off the library books)
Thanks for all of them.
it is such a good book!!
Such a good read! Remember you can buy the ebooks directly from her site as well as other places.
I firmly believe the Book Goblin is a member of the BDH.
Of course! How could they not be?
There is a great Book Goblin post on the Kate Daniels books. Just search for Book Goblin on youtube.
The BDH has room for the Book Goblin brigade.
I’ve read this book and loved it so I totally second this endorsement.
Also Elisabeth has an amazing instagram and YouTube channel. I highly suggest watching all the romance genre tea parties in order from the beginning. There’s a story happening in the background of it which is hilarious.
book goblin!!! I found Elizabeth Wheatley through another author and love the Instagram short stories with the book goblin character. Haven’t read any of her books yet though, so thank you for the nudge!
I read this – it was awesome! ❤️
Thank you for the recommendation. I love reading something someone else likes!
A wonderful review of a very deserving author. Why are the best reviews always given by the best authors?
I loved this book and I cannot wait for the second one!!!!!
Elizabeth is so cool! Also she does a ton of interesting research. I recommend.
Her social media is fun too. Book Goblin knows what’s what.
This is exactly what I needed after a sucker punch of a weekend. 🙌 so glad that you share these recs in additional to everything else 🥹
I love book goblin! BOOKHALLA!
+1000
I have had such good luck with Ilona reading recommendations! It is how I found some of the best books.
Going to buy this right away!
I just read this book two weeks ago! Great book and no problem using Book Funnel to read it.
Oh man, this book is so up my alley.I love when marriage of conveniences have the couple trying to work together from the start. The strength of the relationship is usually proportional to the level of growing trust between the two throughout the story, and the payoff usually feels very earned.
I feel like those little moments in slice-of-life-esque books are good at building that and often feel more intimate than the super dramatic moments in the story.
Thank you so much for the recommendation. I am as ravenous as the rest of the horde for new books to read.
I’ve read this one. It is great!
Thank you for the recommendation. I love Grace Draven (also bought on your recommendation) and the description of this sub genre fits stories I enjoy. And comfort reads are also appreciated.
Elisabeth Wheatley! I love her book goblin posts. I have Daindreth’s Assassin on my TBR pile.
I *loved* Tears of the Wolf! It was my first book by her, and it was amazing. I loved both Cenric and Brynn. I loved everything about it.
I’m currently working through Bastard’s Honor, even though I haven’t finished the Daindreth series yet. That one I’m listening to on Spotify because I don’t have the funds to buy five books atm.
Read this book and looking forward to more. Nice review.
I think we should call it Cozy Romantasy.
This sounds wonderful…thanks Ilona! I always end up loving the books you recommend, so I will definitely check this out. And I also love Grace Draven’s books….she’s another author I started reading based solely on your recommendation! 🥰💕💕
Thanks for the recommendation! I’ve been doing a lot of re-reading lately because I haven’t found any books that have held my interest, but it sounds like this one might!
Oooooo, lovely!Thanks for the recommendation.
I have been interested in Ms. Wheatley’s work but have been unsure where to start. I take it this one is a good starting point? Or is there a better?
It’s “free” with kobo plus where I am!! Excited to read it!
thank you for the recommendation.
It’s a lovely book. Anxiously waiting for book two!
Looks great. I look forward to reading it.
I wish to propose a FORMAL ALLIANCE between Ilona Andrew’s Book Devouring Hoard and Elisabeth Wheatley’s Book Goblin.
I believe our faction and this noble literary Goblin have much to learn from each other and may exchange many lessons in general racoonery and the mythical arts of bibliophilia.
All those in favour say “Aye.”
Aye! Also, barsa, barsa, barsa!
aye!!!
Loved it, thank you
I just ordered the paperback version of this book last week from this author. It is my first purchase from her and I am looking forward to reading it. I’m so glad to see that you enjoyed it! I can’t wait!
Sounds nice; thanks for the suggestion.
I just wanted to say, I was introduced to Ilona Andrews’ books by Elisabeth Wheatley, so I feel like we’ve really gone full circle here.
Great review, I haven’t read this one yet, as I’m still working through her Daindreth’s Assassin series, but I’m really looking forward to it!
You had me at telepathic pack of dogs.
Many thanks. I have been looking at this title for awhile and wanted something with just what you stated – like Grace Draven (adore her writing – so many rereads of all she has written) and like HA (if I had paper books they would be worn almost to powder due to rereads). Will pick this recommendation up today. Happy, happy smile.
I started this last night after reading your recommendation and wow YES so good! I love this kind of story (I wish it was a genre unto itself lol. It’s kind of slice of life, competence porn, fantasy with a bit of non-cliche romance…). I have found some of my favorite non-IA reads thanks to your blog – I really do appreciate it!
I just read the sample and now I have ordered the book. I like Snapper already.
Elisabeth is a very fun person to follow on social media with a great sense of humor!
It does sound very good. I’ve been looking for something new (while w*iting for you know what to land) and I will check it out. Thanks!
Have followed this author/(BOOK GOBLIN!!) but not yet read their stuff.
Bought the ebook solely based on your book rec here. Have yet to be let down by a book you’ve noted on the blog as being good. Please, keep up the recommendations when you find good stuff; we’re big readers here
Thank you Ilona for this suggested read. I’m at Chapter 6, and so far so good. It is a romance-fantasy with lightish drama and heart tugs, without putting too much strain for the reader. Just the right level of escapism from worries of the day.
I recently finished this book and really enjoyed it! I’m really excited to read the next one when it comes out!
That was a great recommendation. Could you please share more of what’s on your comfort read shelf? Like a long lis!! Thanks so much!
You had me at marriage of (in)convenience and “slightly telepathic pack of dogs.” Bought!
I have read this book. I own this book. I’m waiting for book 2. I greatly enjoyed it. One of my favorite scenes is after Cenric explains to his telepathic dog that Brynn lost her ‘puppy’.
Her excerpts are usually on youtube and this one is brief. It can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/IxWG19YgUno
I am so excited for this book!!
Just read the excerpt on amazon and 👍🏼👍🏼 go forth with faith, dutiful horde.
Also by Elizabeth the Daindreth saga is enjoyable. The best in the series is Bastard’s Honor. I have already re read that one 3 times. I bought Tears of the wolf but haven’t had a chance to read it yet. I am looking forward to it.
Thank you for the recommendation. I bought Tears of the Wolf this morning and can hardly put it down.
The author is also active on social media and has a character called the book goblin who is the bdh incarnate
I follow Elisabeth on Youtube and her Book Goblin shorts are always hilarious and painfully relatable. I’ve been planning on picking up her series. I think this post is my sign to finally do it!
Thank you for the recommendation – read the sample on Amazon and was immediately hooked! Had to buy the book, had to finish the book, now I want more!!
AND this book deserves an audio version so it can become a comfort listen as well as a comfort read. I have an audio folder devoted to comfort listens and would love to add this title. . .
This sounds wonderful! I went ahead and purchased it on Kindle. Thanks for the review and synopsis.
Oh my goodness, thanks for this! I just read the preview on Amazon and purchased it immediately after. I was hooked right away.
I will give it a try. It isn’t a Kindle-Unlimited book (I avoid those when I can) and is available from multiple vendors – two things I care about. (I also care about reading books I enjoy, of course, but the review and recommendation are promising.)
I love the blog posts where readers give recomended books. I’d also love to see one where readers who are writers share their fiction. Could we do that? Yeah, I have my books, but I’d love to see what other HA fans are writing too. I know you’re out there!
I tried it
I like it
I purchased it
Thanks
Yes! Tears of the Wolf immediately became one of my new favorites! and it was actually thanks to Elisabeth’s youtube short about how yall handle power dynamics in yalls novels, that i discovered your books and I’m obsessed! Hidden Legacy is my favorite so far, but I also dabbled in a couple others too.
if yall ever wanted to team up with ms elisabeth for some kind of book convention in Texas, I would be there in a jiffy!
I have this on hold at the library and can’t wait for it to come in!