Four Stars: The Coal Elf by Maria DeVivo

If you’re a Dungeons & Dragons nerd like I am… uh… not, be warned: These aren’t the elves you’re looking for. Maria DeVivo’s The Coal Elf is the most whimsical dystopian novel I’ve ever read. The characters were unique and well-crafted, though I didn’t find myself connecting with them like I thought I should have. It wasn’t until the second half of the book that I realized DeVivo had drawn me into Ember’s detachment and indifference. I mirrored the characters’ emotions so completely that it caught me off-guard. The ending wasn’t as big and flashy as I’d hoped, but what it lacked in bang, it made up for in depth and realism, and it tied everything up nicely. The Coal Elf is certainly worth a look for any Fantasy or Sci-Fi fan.

I was provided a copy of the book by BTS eMag for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review – all opinions are mine, and do not represent the opinions of BTS, BTS eMag, CBS, NBC, or ADHD.