Of Earth and Flame

The Ithenmyr Chronicles, Book 1

By: Elayna R. Gallea

Narrated by: Amanda Dolan

She refuses to be bound to anyone. He's trying to find freedom.

Aileana is the king's pet. She has lived her entire life in a tower, waiting for the day she will be forced to marry his son. When that day arrives, she has a plan. Armed with her daggers and desire for freedom, she runs from the king and his deadly power.

Xander has spent his entire life on the run. He doesn't need anyone or anything, certainly not a mate. But when his path crosses with a feisty elf, nothing will ever be the same again.

He has secrets to keep. She wants to leave Ithenmyr behind and not look back. Fate has other plans for them both.

This Rapunzel retelling is a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers, high fantasy romance filled with banter, fated mates, fake marriage, and world-building. Of Earth and Flame is book one in The Ithenmyr Chronicles, which ends in a series HEA. For mature listeners.

©2022 Elayna R. Gallea (P)2024 Podium Audio

A refreshing listen

I really enjoyed the character building in this book. Rapunzel is my favorite princess so when I saw a book series with a similar beginning, I knew I had to jump into it.

meh.

good plot overall, but:
✨️predictable
✨️bad grammar
✨️not the greatest voice acting
✨️VERY cringy MC names (like seriously, quit trying so hard to be "yüneeq" with your names)

The magic system and mythical creatures were pretty great, though.

Loved this book

I loved this book! Couldn’t put it down. The narrator was great and I can’t wait to read the next book

Interesting Rapunzel Retelling!

loved the fantasy twist to the Rapunzel story. Aileana and Xander's journey was fun and intense at some points, I didn't want to stop reading. There is some violence throughout, so be aware if that bothers you. This is perfect for young adults. There is not really any spice, just a couple steamy moments.

one of the most annoying/unlikable FMC ever

seriously she was so ridiculously inconsistent and overly obstinate. I could not stand how mean she was to him for NO REASON!!! The underlying "fake marriage" was silly and made no sense once they had passed through the one town where it may have been needed. Not to mention the "banter" was more sibling childishness than sexual tension and I don't know how anyone didn't question this "marriage " especially the one who magically knew who she was basically at first meeting. Honestly can't remember the last time I disliked a FMC so much as this one I rarely DNF something but was very tempted to on this one and now that it is finished not sure I care to continue the story.