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 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

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

I loved how the book set you up for and adventure. And you thought it was going to be cute very demure. Then the author takes you to basically a war college to train.

I had to return the book due to the inability to listen to the female narrator.

I gave the story 5 stars because it seemed like a good first 4 chapters. I've never returned a book before but I had to return this one due to the female narrator. in the sample of the book it was a males voice,I knew there was also a female narrator but she didn't read in the preview of the book. I decided to purchase it. I had headphones on when it was her turn to narrate and I had to take them off. it sounded like she was spitting in my ear as she spoke. I tried to get past it because I really wanted to listen to the book. I thought maybe it was just her initial performance, until she chimed in again with the spitting. I just couldn't get past it it literally made me almost gag listening to her. I'm sure she's an awesome lady and I dislike leaving a review like this, but I thought you should be aware. I'll just purchase the physical book.

TikTok showed me this ABSOULTE GEM

Hands down, one of the best books I've listened to. The tension between the MMC and FMC is amazing and I loved Jassen's POV. Chef's kiss

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.

Book

Story was good , plot was good , good can’t wait for the next one to come out

nie dla mnie - dnf

Troche za wolne tempo a poza tym romans jest nie w moim klimacie. Nie lubię miłosnych trójkątów. Będzie zwrot.

Great story

This was my first book by this author and I was pleasantly surprised. Drama, action, adventure and wonderful characters. Looking forward to more books by this author.