The Elvenbane

Halfblood Chronicles, Book 1

By: Andre Norton, Mercedes Lackey

Narrated by: Aasne Vigesaa

Length: 18 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

Two masters of epic fantasy have combined in this brilliant collaboration to create a rousing tale. This is the story of Shana, a half-breed born of the forbidden union of an Elvenlord father with a human mother. Her exiled mother dead, Shana was rescued and raised by dragons, a proud, ancient race who existed unbeknownst to elven or human kind. From birth, Shana was the embodiment of the Prophecy that the all-powerful Elvenlords feared. Her destiny is the enthralling adventure of a lifetime.

©1991 Andre Norton and Mercedes Lackey (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A splendid blend of the talents of two excellent storytellers” (Anne McCaffrey)

"One of the season’s liveliest and most appealing fantasy epics.” ( Publishers Weekly)

“A brisk, glittering yarn that packs as much action, suspense, and twisting of conventions into one novel as many writers invest in whole trilogies.” ( Amazing Stories)

Narrator could use some valium

I doubt I will listen to this narrator again. She was over the top, near hysterical at time, and boring at others. Even when Shara is a young adult, her voice still sounds like a small child. The narration doesn't help the story. It is apparent there were two authors, and it is easy to tell where one stops and the other starts. Parts of the book are very adult, dealing with concubines, oppression and violence. On the other hand, the parts about Shara seem written for the middle grade reader. I never felt the two stories merged into one. Especially during Shara'a scenes. She remembers and thinks about things but they have already happened. We don't get to experience them with her. The book did not hold my interest.

Dungeons and Dragons type story

if you're into Dungens and Dragons type stuff, you'll likely enjoy this. it's mostly new to me and not what I knew Andre Norton to write. I think it's a Mercedes Lackey book with Norton's co-signing it.
it's ok, but I'd had preferred a Male voice to the gal doing it. She was rather weak in it's different characters and in the emotional delivery.

Great for easy listening

Simple story, perfect for easy listening. A little bit too romantic for my taste, but I like that the elves are the bad guys.

Entertaining but not exceptional

What did you like best about The Elvenbane? What did you like least?

It was an interesting world with some good characters. I felt that some of the key characters weren't that deep or engaging but it still made for good time.

Excellent Dragon Elven Human conflict fantasy

In my opinion this work stands alone - even though it is the first in a series that ended with the passing of Andre Norton with the third book. At the moment I am inclined to not read any of the remaining two books. This was a good work - reading the synopsis of 2 and 3, I think I will pass!

Long introduction but works well overall

The introduction was long enough that I began to wonder if the story would hold my interest. It grabbed my interest and held it. I plan to read the rest of this series over the next couple months,

One of the best collaborations of all times

These two authors blend so smoothly the story so beautiful and so engrossing. I've always loved both authors but they reach a whole new level in the series. There are a few slow spots but they are well worth getting through to get to the entire beautiful tapestry of the story.

such a fun book

this book is fun to read. I love that the writers wrote this book in several points of veiw. one second I get to be shanna, a half blood with emence power, and the next second I'm her step brother, a powerful dragon. seeing things from everyone's point of view and then the story itself is entertaining. the story captivates and keeps my attention. I definitely recommend. the women reading it does a great job performing the characters.

Enjoyable

Would you listen to The Elvenbane again? Why?

I read this book years ago and was happy to find it on audible. the Narrator makes the charaters come alive and the story was as good the second time as the it was the first.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

masterful fantasy story telling

a very well written and performed tale with depth and an enthralling story. The ending of the story comes too quickly.