Findel's Embrace (STUBBED)
Self-Published
Community Rating
Description
A High Fantasy from the author of The Mine Lord.
What life can the dying live?
Jareen is an Insensitive; the Wellsprings have no effect on her. She will die.
The ancient Vien found the Wellsprings as they fled desolation. From deep below flows the power which grants them perpetual life and turns their barren land into fruitful gardens.
Trying to find some meaning in her short years, Jareen cares for the dying among the humans in Nosh-across-the-sea, but sudden mortality returns to the Vien for the first time in millennia. Even from afar, the troubles of her former home rip Jareen from the life she created—carrying her back to “elfland.”
She is not the only one whose life is upended, for in the heartwoods of Findeluvié, a harper is called to war.
RELEASE SCHEDULE: Mon/Wed/Fri at 1203 EST.
This is a three volume story and is already written.
NOTE: This is a standalone story set in the same world asThe Mine Lordand The Dwarves of Ice-Cloak series. It is not necessary to have read the other books to enjoy this.
Information
- Status
- Ongoing
- Year
- 2025
- Author
- Trae McMaken
Royal Road Stats
- Rating
- 4.9/ 5.0
- Followers
- 500
- Views
- 17,193
Chapters(6 total)
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
Community Reviews(10)
- AbiezerRoyal Road★★★★★ 5.0Trae is a wordsmith and is crafting a believable, grounded high-fantasy that is set to draw people in completely.
Characters are well suited to their environment. Nothing feels forced.
The world building is immaculate and full of life. It creates it’s own spiral which pulls you in.
Looking forward to where this is going! - EgdodRoyal Road★★★★★ 5.0As with his Dwarves of Ice-Cloak series, McMaken once again brings life to a well-worn trope, infusing ideas widespread throughout fantasy with a unique spirit and flavorful style. In the same world as Ice-Cloak, it's guaranteed to tie back in but still stands as an excellent standalone novel with an engaging plot, intriguing insights into the world, and complex characters. While perhaps an iota too complex compared to the typical RR work, the novel may be well-suited to readers looking for a more professional and thoughtful piece.
Update for the end of Volume One: The book explored the idea of mortality in a nuanced way, reminiscent of subtexts of McMaken's works in the sister series Dwarves of Ice-Cloak, but taken to center stage. In addition, depictions of cultural exchange are handled well here, notably in one-on-one(-on-one) character dynamics that get built up throughout the novel. These careful and intricate relationships provide an engaging foreground to newly revealed facets of a world that, while approachable to new readers, holds connections and curiosities for returning appreciators of McMaken's stories. As usual, it's my favorite 'classic' fantasy. - GhostcatRoyal Road★★★★★ 5.0If you like Tolkien, read this. Findel's Embrace has impeccable style and depth. The author leans more Faulkner than Hemingway, with a powerful style that makes strong use of every word. The worldbuilding is reminiscent of Tolkien, as seen through elvish perspectives. The characterization has a subtle steel to it, never outrageous or very explosive, but each individual is clearly that; an individual. I've only begun to breach the story at chapter 11, and have yet to see clearly what drives it beyond the characters doing as fate and choices deem, but I am sure there's much more to come. The story is loaded with subtle interests that keep you wondering where it's going without getting frustrated. Enjoy the ride.
- SanctifiedSeraphRoyal Road★★★★★ 5.0Im not crafty enough to explain why it’s so good. Other than it feel like the writer is smart, it feels like a grounded fantasy word. It doesn’t feel stale, while yes one may consider it a generic fantasy with some plots that might be obvious to a person, you don’t feel like it’s some cheap plot point when you are correct. Characters have, well character to them. Small interaction and reactions make me curious of what happens next. And best part is there is no rpg aspects to it, no blue boxes! (Sorry if someone really likes that kind of thing. I’ve struggled to find its appeal.)
- TwoChaptersAndADreamRoyal Road★★★★★ 5.0Off to a great start! Although there's only a few chapters at the time of this review, the authors ability to make the characters feel alien in culture but also very human and relatable at the same time really shines. The setting is intriguing. The stark contrast between their situations adds depth to the story, and it is nice being able to get some different scenery and background that way. The writing is near faultless and full of character, and with the authors track record I'm not worried about the story stalling anytime soon. I look forward to reading more!
- Vladimir von KazikRoyal Road★★★★★ 5.0If you enjoyed The Mine Lord, you will enjoy this. Trae's stories are carefully planned and thoughtfully crafted, and as such, pacing and character development are spot on. He's here to tell a story, not drag it out indefinitely. There is no fluff or filler.
This is a story about many things - tradition, duty, belonging, love, war, and yes, elves. The unique perspectives of Trae's stories make them stand out from your typical high fantasy drivel. If you really want to get into the mind of an elf (or dwarf, seriously, read The Mine Lord), you can do no better.
I've read many stories on RR. Many I've enjoyed, many I haven't, but none of them have had the polish and pointedness of Trae's efforts. His big break is coming, and it will be well deserved. - WingedHeart84Royal Road★★★★★ 5.0I found this author through Mine Lord but have found this gem to be so much more enjoyable. A story of elves dealing with Human issues that you can't wait for the next chapter. The feeling of other in the writing and yet so real. Total recommend this lovely story!
- adewale99Royal Road★★★★★ 5.0The author wrote 5 dwarf novels before this elf book, and the highest praise I can give them is I think about dwarves in general by comparing them to these books now. These novels are a worthy new chapter in this setting and they’ve lived up to my expectations. The characters are pleasantly alien: strange enough to believably be nonhumans in another world but not lolrandumb. This is a hard distinction to make and many fantasy works fails at it — it’s done wonderfully here.
- dogninja8Royal Road★★★★★ 5.0While the story starts off a bit slow, the depth of the world building definitely makes up for it. The characters are well realized, pushing against what's expected of them by their society.
The horror aspect is a very slow burn, so don't expect to see it until volume 2. - mal.visageRoyal Road★★★★★ 5.0It's actually a pretty rare treat on this platform to enjoy fiction that's ever been given a second pass for editing. Trae McMaken goes well beyond that and is working hard at portraying his vision of a classical Tolkienesque fantasy world from various cultural points of view. His vision is always deeply concerned with the tension between the magical (fantastical?) and the *real* - in the sense that writing a fantasy world that feels real must take the cutthroat political and economic forces that we experience in our world into account. His protagonists struggle against Powers and Principalities (oppressive systems) deeply interwoven with their own societies, whereas Tolkien's antagonizing Power was centered in the Other, snaking its way in.
Always a pleasure, Trae. Thanks for your labors.