Khomar’s innate ability to block all empathic attacks had cracked open the doors to the Elvensty Academy, despite his being half Auxule. But it was his secret gift, one he could barely control, that would send him into the Wylds of Dalmain with Aya, a Jyrye girl he barely knew.

With the Crossing of the two suns about to unleash the bitter winds of winter, Khomar is charged with leading Aya to safety while being pursued by rogue empaths. As questions surrounding Aya are answered, they will find their faith in God pushed to the limit as their lives are irrevocably changed.

Book 1 of the Swordflower Saga series.

M. B. Aznoe’s Elvensty starts with sluggish and unpolished early chapters. But the story ignites when an empath academy’s only student Believers—a tall half-Northerner and a Southern lord’s daughter—meet for the first time in a deserted chapel, and an assassin strikes. This betrayed couple must flee that same night, with a hastily arranged marriage to ensure their reputation. Adventure begins! Fastidious worldbuilding, diverse cultures, and detailed geography give the tale distinctive flair. Even better, this novel is written by a husband-and-wife author duo, which helps the layered details. Thoughtful tenderness and high action, respectful romance, loyal friendships, nerve-jangling danger, and surprises aplenty keep you on the edge of your seat and leave readers craving a sequel.

Best for: Fans of marrying-a-stranger romances, harshly realistic terrain, detailed fights, and imaginative twists on culture—including church culture in another world.

Discern: Some thematic elements, including threats to the leading lady, mild and mostly fade-to-black romance between the main couple, and several possibly unsettling deaths.