Reviewed by: dkpalaska -- Score: 6

I always enjoy the characterizations of the royal family in Daw's stories. Their interactions and personalities feel real to me: complex, developing over time, with occasional to chronic conflicts. Her work is mostly populated by OC's, which are richly drawn and believable individuals. She does a wonderful job of blending in details - about archery or woodcraft, for example - that add depth to the story but do not overwhelm it (as well as often providing quite an education for me!). Bits of foreshadowing and canonical information are woven smoothly into a rich and complex tapestry of original storytelling, with twists and turns of both drama and humor to draw me in and keep me reading. Truly, Daw has created an amazing and entertaining universe for Thranduil, his family and his people.

Reviewed by: Marta -- Score: 3

Usually elflings irritate me but not daw's. Young Legolas resonates emotionally and Mirkwood is convincingly connected to what Tolkien tells us in "The Hobbit". It's a world I find myself accepting, and her stories always sweep me up in what's happening.