In the Jaded Grove by Alena Dean

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In the Jaded Grove (Kindred Realms, #1)In the Jaded Grove by Anela Deen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In the Jaded Grove by Anela Dean was a surprise and an adventure I can't wait to re-read and experience again.

Anela Dean is new to me as a reader and 'In the Jaded Grove' is the first book of hers that I've read. I had no expectations when I came to this story and wow am I glad!

First let me talk about this book cover. All of you that have read my reviews know that I don't wax on and on about book covers, for me it's all about the story, and yet, this book cover is soo beautiful. It's beautiful in it's simplicity and I loved the colors. I literally just went back and stared at this book cover over and over again. Like I want to frame this and hang it on my bedroom wall.

Now, let's talk about this story and exciting it was!

Simith is my new favorite Pixie in all genres hands down! I loved him! I loved his character, I loved his dialogue, I need fan art of Simith in my life like yesterday! Just read this excerpt from Chapter One: "No monster lives but for the evil others have done before him." Simith, Pixie Knight

Simith has to be ruthless in this war and he wants peace. The war between the Triad and the Trolls is spilling into the human realm. Simith and the Troll King agree to meet in the Jaded Grove but for him to get there he has to kill the Troll King's messengers or be found out by his superiors.

Simith is a good person trapped in the hellscape of war and he desires peace.

This story is drenched in emotion from the Troll Kings nameless messengers to Simith, to Jessa. There is not a moment in this story where I wasn't feeling something. In the Jaded Grove filled me up and wrung me dry. It broke my heart and pieced it back together and I've never enjoyed it that emotional destruction and healing so much!

In the Jaded Grove is not a story for light reading, it's a story that draws you in and there is SO MUCH going on that you have to READ this book.
This review doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of everything in this book. I'd have to write a full on essay just to cover all the elements weaving a powerful tapestry of grief and healing and the bonds that can form out of them.

I have very little constructive criticism when it comes to 'In the Jaded Grove'. The characters are well thought out and multi-layered. The world building is rich and detailed, you will feel like you are actually there. The mystery surrounding the war and Simith and Jessa's past is intriguing and addictive (I have so many theories!)The only thing I would wish for is a better villain. We all know how much I love a good villain and I was just not quite there with it in this book. Everything else was perfection!

Alena Dean is definitely a new favorite of mine!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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