Review of Alderelm

[Leslie coccia]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Alderelm" by Ellis McCauley.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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“Alderelm” by Ellis McCauley is a fantasy novel that stirs the imagination with every page. LittleLeaf, a fairie called a Treean and the last of her kind, lives alongside her tree named Miriam. Miriam, one of the Ancient Ones, lives with LittleLeaf in the ancient forest of Alderelm. Within Alderelm, the trees and Treeans, elves and animals make their homes. One day, LittleLeaf’s life starts to evolve on a different course, from one of peace to one of uncertainty as she smells smoke from a nearby fire. As “lastborn” she must be protected. What will happen to Alderelm?

“Alderelm” is eloquently written. I give it a rating of four out of five stars. The language is an archaic style, and evokes a feeling of timelessness. The descriptions of each aspect of Alderelm and the characters that reside there have a dreamlike quality that will appeal to many readers. This is one part of the novel that is so likeable and warrants such a high rating. The characters LittleLeaf, Miriam, Knowlton, Sage, and Bristleton are all given distinct personalities. Later, when the characters named Tulkaee, Sessile, and Scotch become part of the plot, the dynamic between the beings of different realms is captivating. Furthermore, the editing is excellent, and there is only one minor error in the book.

There is one reason why I give “Alderelm” one less star than five, and it has to do with the complexity of the plot. At times, locations and even types of beings in the world of Alderelm are introduced fast, one after the other. Breaking up some of these parts with dialogue or passages about parts of the novel that have already been established would help readers get a better grasp of the plot. There is an appendix at the back of “Alderelm” that is very helpful.

“Alderelm” will appeal to readers who love fantasy novels and the natural world, along with the myths that stem from it. It is also perfect for readers who respect and admire aspects of Native American culture. It stimulates not only the imagination but also the spirit.

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Alderelm
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[NetMassimo]

This seems like a fantasy novel set in a rich fictional world with different realms. Its plot's complexity can be challenging for readers, and this is the only serious flaw in this otherwise captivating novel. Thank you for your great review!