Other than the Harry Potter books, it's been a couple of decades since I've read much fantasy. I binged in high school and college, then gave it up as the market became glutted with poorly written rip-offs of The Lord of the Rings. I decided to dip my toe back into the waters with book, which languished on my digital self, and was pleasantly surprised. Kennedy builds a different world and interesting characters. Because of the heavy romance element, the plot felt predictable and hit all the romance beats. I generally don't read romances, so folks who like that sort of thing add another half or full star--there is lots of steamy magic-enhanced elven/human sex. My biggest quibble had to do with setting. The book is set in England and there seems to be no world outside--no mention of New World exploration or doings on the continent. I guess the elven lords pulled a mist over the island and cut it off from all outside influences. This is the first of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone. All in all, a satisfying return to fantasy for me.