Queen of the Sylphs - Sylphs, Bk 3 Author:L. J. McDonald It was a dream come true. Solie had her own battler, a creature of almost infinite magic who could vaporize legions in the blink of an eye and would willingly suffer a thousand bloody deaths to protect her. She was his love. More simply, she was his queen. — Many others feel the same. The new-built settlement is a haven for all. Erected by sylphs... more » of earth and fire, air and water, the Valley is Solie's dominion. But, lovers without peer or killers without mercy, the very nature of their battler protectors means peril. It is not in any sylph's nature to disobey, and while some are hers to command, others are the slaves of Solie's enemies -- the jealous, the cruel. Those who guard her must not fail. Their peasant-born ruler is not yet safe as -- Queen of the Sylphs.« less
Loved it! I advise reading the books in order for the best enjoyment. I can't think of what to say except ... the story and characters are amazing. And the series is a keeper for me.
Book 3 overlaps just slightly with The Shattered Sylph. We see all the major and secondary characters in this one. This story is told in multiple points of view; major characters are killed/severely injured (both physical and emotional). While there is a lot of death in this one; it also spurs personal growth with those who survived. They learn what their greatest weaknesses are and also their greatest strengths. The sense of family also plays in the the storyline; family is the family you make, not necessarily the one you are born in. Right now there are only 3 published novels in this series. Book 3 does have a satisfying end, thankfully no cliff hanger in this one. (Which is good as book 4 looks like it's written, but has no publishing date, so who knows when or even if it will be out.)