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Tears of the Wolf by Elisabeth Wheatley

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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.

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Comments

  4. 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.

  5. 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 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!

    • Book Goblin has been (not so) secret member of BDH for loooooong time now…

      for directions to next (also not so) secret BDH meeting in Bookhalla, please reply with name of favorite book series, writer, and scene – NO UNFINISHED SERIES!!! – Book Goblin get MAD (and sad) if not finished

      Book Goblin say goodbye now, must read more books.

  6. 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?

    • In a world of so many mediocre writers, a good storyteller is just a treasure. No crying allowed!

    • 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!!!

  8. Thank you for your recommendation, I bought the book immediately.
    I’m already looking forward to ‘The Inheritance’.
    Greetings from Germany.

  10. 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! 🩷

    • 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.

  12. 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.

  16. 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!

  18. I really need comfort reads this year. Bonus: my library has it. Thanks so much for the recommendation.

  20. 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!

  21. HA always knows what we need…..something to keep us quiet until Friday!! Thanks for the recommendation! I appreciate you!

  22. 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)

  23. 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!

  24. 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!

  27. 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!

  29. 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!

  31. 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!

  32. 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)

  33. 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.

  34. I learned about your work because of Elisabeth. It is beautiful to see authors supporting each other.

  35. Thank you! Its been on my TBR, Im definitely moving it up since you likened it to Grace Dravens books

  39. 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.

    • 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.

  41. 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.

  42. 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.

  43. 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!

  46. A wonderful review of a very deserving author. Why are the best reviews always given by the best authors?

  48. 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.

  49. 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 🥹

  51. 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!

  52. I just read this book two weeks ago! Great book and no problem using Book Funnel to read it.

  53. 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.

  55. 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.

  56. Elisabeth Wheatley! I love her book goblin posts. I have Daindreth’s Assassin on my TBR pile.

  57. 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.

  60. 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! 🥰💕💕

  61. 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!

  63. 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?

  68. 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.”

  70. 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!

  72. 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!

  74. 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.

  75. 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!

  78. 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!

  79. 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

  80. 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.

  81. I recently finished this book and really enjoyed it! I’m really excited to read the next one when it comes out!

  82. 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!

  84. 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

  87. 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.

  88. Thank you for the recommendation. I bought Tears of the Wolf this morning and can hardly put it down.

  89. The author is also active on social media and has a character called the book goblin who is the bdh incarnate

  90. 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!

  91. 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!!

  92. 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. . .

  93. This sounds wonderful! I went ahead and purchased it on Kindle. Thanks for the review and synopsis.

  94. Oh my goodness, thanks for this! I just read the preview on Amazon and purchased it immediately after. I was hooked right away.

  95. 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.)

  96. 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!

  98. 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!

  101. When I read your review/blog/suggestion about this book, I immediately bought it. Just finished reading it. You are 100% right. Now I have to wait for the next one. Sigh

  102. Ah I somehow have her youtube shorts in my feed, so it was on my list to read eventually, but maybe i should make that a sooner eventually.

  103. I love our BDH! This book is now #1 in Kindle category because we trust HA to be authentic and they haven’t steered us wrong in recommendations. I’ve discovered new authors through them that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed! Thank you HA for building this community through your blog💕

  104. 12 week wait thru Indy library. Errg.
    I read thru there first, then buy the authors I really like, because well, space. I just can’t digital buy them, mebbe I’m old.🤣🤣🤣

  105. Thank you, thank you, Illona for suggesting this book. I loved it! Once I started it, I finished it in one evening. Then I raced to Elizabeth’s web site to find out that the 2nd book in the series was published. Sigh, I guess I will have to wait…

  108. Hope you have better luck than I trying to get the sample print large enough (couldn’t do it, don’t have or want kindle, bad for eyes), but wanted to read the sample.

    My second issue for these types of stories (which I love), BUT! When writers use archaic or special spelling for names and such, I wish they would create a pronunciation glossary for the words or names. I really don’t like a portion of my brain always wondering HOW the word should sound. As a matter of fact I no longer have the patience for it and don’t understand why they do it and don’t provide a way. Maybe if it ever comes to audio or something.

  109. I need something new to read so badly. I’m at home with a newborn but I can’t read this book. I started tearing up just reading the synopsis.

  110. I am extremely picky about my books. Setting is a major decider. Nowadays (because I have been a reader for so many decades), I almost exclusively read urban fantasy or sci fi (and less so of the latter). I love the world building of such, in general, technologically advanced (magical or electrical) settings. I am also picky about my authors. I have found a few genuinely great story-tellers, those who not only can create fully fleshed out character, but weave in beautiful world building and page-turning plots. (Unfortunately, these authors, the House Andrews being at the top of the list, have spoiled me against mere average books.)

    All this to say, I was really unsure about Tears of the Wolf. In my first forays into fantasy, I had read a lot of books set in the “old world” (those books pre 2000s were not women-friendly). And those books have made me seriously shy away from the genre completely. Then, I came across Ms. Wheatley’s youtube skits. I loved the creativity, warmth, and personality she put into them so much that I decided to give her a shot. And Tears of the Wolf was picked at random.

    Omg. I fell in love. Ms. Wheatley masterfully balances old world lifestyles with modern day sensibilities. The world comes alive through the characters’ eyes, each scene building more nuance from the last. The plot, the world building, and the characters all develop organically. And she gives enough details to remember the parts that are important later on without announcing that this is an Important Detail, a very soft foreshadowing that still sticks with you as you progress through the book. All in all, a great read. Tears of the Wolf has made it to my “recommend shelf”. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

  111. Sweet! I need a comfort read so badly right now. We call them “Little Bears” after the Canadian children’s cartoon where nothing too bad happens, but it’s great fun to watch anyway.

  113. This was an excellent read. Thanks so much for suggesting it. Not a typical bodice ripper but a nicely crafted, believable story. Can’t wait for next chapter.

  114. I read this over the weekend and really enjoyed it. As soon as the doggos showed up I was in 😉 Thanks for the recommendation!

  115. I love this book! Enjoyed it very much! Humm… may be time for a reread.

    I happen to follow both HA and Elizabeth Wheatley. And they have each recommended the other’s work at some point in time 😛 It kind of awesome when the authors I read know of each other and recommend each other. (Same for Grace Draven.)

  116. I actually just read this and really enjoyed it last week after seeing comments about it in a Reddit post – of course I should have expected House Andrews to also love it! Great to learn from the comments that there are other books in this world already – was so sad to realize this was the first in a new series

  119. Appreciate the recommendation! Tried and loved “Tears of the Wolf” and the bonus is that Wheatley has a long backlist I can now work my way through also. <3