Review: _Stealing the Elf-King’s Roses_ by Diane Duane

Elves are immortal. They are beautiful perfection too, making humans envy them. Humans resent and hate them for this emotion. Someone murders an elf and that sets off the mystery in this book. Stealing the Elf-King’s Roses by Diane Duane is an entertaining Fantasy that keeps readers intrigued with mystery and action. Setting, characters and plot combine to provide an engrossing book.

To begin, the setting gives the book a strong sense of place to get readers into the story quickly. The setting is a set of seven alternate universes where science and magic exist side by side. Different beings travel between the universes through gates run by fairy gold. There different versions of cultures in each universe. Earth and Lose Angeles is where the main characters live. Magic works in this world and justice manifests as a real force. Alfheim is the home universe of the elves, which is protected jealously by the elves, remaining mysterious to humans. Ms. Duane presents a vivid setting that draws readers into the book.

Next, the characters are interesting and likable for readers to want to follow. Lee Enfield is a forensic lanthanomancer dedicated to Lady Justice. She uses her power of Sight to see the truth and visions of crimes to give information to the DA’s office. Lee is conflicted by a recent break up, making her unsure of her ability as she is drawn into a dangerous situation. Her partner is Gelert, a madra or large white intelligent talking dog. He is extremely smart and loyal to his friend. These two main characters are made likable by the author through dialogue and plot.

Finally, the plot has plenty of action to keep readers going with the book. An elf is murdered on night. Lee and Gelert are called in by the DA to get visions of the crime. She sees a second killer present who is an elf too. This is curious because elves do not kill their people. While continuing the investigation, Lee receives a phone call from a stranger telling her to search for the elf king’s roses. This mystery draws Lee and Gelert into events that could destroy all of the universes.

Stealing the Elf-King’s Roses by Diane Duane keeps readers intrigued with mystery and action. The book remains entertaining by being engrossing through setting, characters and plot. Ms. Duane is a great writer that creates interesting books with appealing, thought provoking stories.Readers picking up any of her books will not be disappointed.