The Aspect of Essence

The Aelfyn Archives, Book 1

By: Samantha Amstutz

Narrated by: Amanda Dolan, Soren Gray

For over a millennium, the elves have concealed their powers. Until now.

Since arriving on the mortal shores, the elves have systematically colonized the primitive human race. As subjugated peasants, the mortals toil to supply the elven realm with riches.

The elves' magic has degraded their race to a point where they have been rendered infertile. A hundred years ago, they resorted to interbreeding with humans in an effort to preserve their species.

In the elven realm, Jassyn has spent his life both researching the fertility crisis and being forced to produce offspring. His existence balances on a narrow precipice between solving mysteries of the elves' infertility or succumbing to his handlers' maltreatment. A new assignment, tutoring a half-breed princess in a human realm, promises a temporary relief. But he soon discovers the real reason for his presence.

Serenna, Jassyn's new pupil, has earned the right to leave the mortal realm to join the elven courts. Or so she thought. Her anticipated life as a noble takes an unexpected turn when a monstrous race emerges, threatening the existence of all. Instead of joining the elven noble houses, Serenna is conscripted to a military academy for half-breeds.

She learns that not only do half-breeds like her and Jassyn have magic, but that the elves have suppressed all knowledge of their powers. In a race for survival, she must learn how to wield Essence to fight for her life.

With the imminent threat of war, Serenna struggles to master her magic before being thrown on the front lines. Meanwhile, Jassyn strives to protect her, but his forced servitude takes a darker turn, leading him down a destructive path.

For listeners who love high fantasy, immersive world-building and magic systems, character growth that spans the series, slow-burn romance, unique bonds, plot twists, drama, and banter—start your adventure with The Aspect of Essence, the first installment in the Aelfyn Archives. Intended for mature listeners.

©2023 Samantha Amstutz (P)2024 Podium Audio

The story is enthralling

I really enjoyed the narration of this book! I read the physical copy but wanted to listen before the release of the second book and it just really drove my love for the series home. Sometimes I miss things while reading that I pick up listening.

The world building and the feels

I am at a loss for words this brought back my love for ACOTAR I loved the  dynamic and the antra between the characters I need a second book now

A lot of potential for book 2

STORY: The pacing is EVERYWHERE. Very slow start but it does finally get good but it leaves everything open with really no satisfying conclusion. I thought I was being baited when it said it was the end. But i’m hoping that it leaves a lot of room for book 2 to really drive home what book one started.

NARRATION: Male narrator voice is..a lot. It feels VERY contrasted to the female narrator and the vibes of the book were conveyed differently a lot because of it. The narration goes from sassy, strong-willed FMC to a MMC voice that’s very theatrical, bouncy, and very over emphasized. So it’s a little jarring going from one to the other.

ehhh

I'm still kinda confused about what happened. and I'm sorry but to end the book like that is stupid. it's literally not an end it felt like there was so much missing. you could at least semi wrap up the plot before just cutting the book off.

amazing story

great story! never gone from hating a mc so much to liking one this quickly! fascinated with the world and I'm excited to read more! only disappointment is that I should've waited until the series was done.

In LOVE

Gosh I love this book. I already want to listen to it again. The world and character building is magnificent.

Love this

I cannot wait till the second book is out. I need to know what happens next

So good!!

Ate this up. Cannot wait for the next one!!!! Narrators were great too. Fantastic debut novel

Need book #2

Slow to start but thats due to the world building. I’m excited for the next one.

I love this book

I love this book I read it awhile ago and now I'm listening. The story is awesome. I don't care much for the narrators, I've listened to other stories with the female one and didn't love her and I'm not impressed with him. I hate when there are inconsistencies with pronunciation, not only between the two of them but even how she pronounced Jassyn two different ways her first chapter