Review: Bring on the sequel, please!
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 03 20, 2013
Author M.K. Theodoratus describes her Far-Isle fantasy creation as a `snarly half elf-half human population' she likes so much she can hardly stay away from it.  Having just completed `Troublesome Neighbors' (in record time, I must say), I sincerely hope she does stick with it, releasing a sequel sooner rather than later, so that we can all find out what happens with Renna, her kingdom and those surrounding (if you think this sounds a bit `Game of Thrones' it does...I couldn't help but draw some resemblances, more in the fighting to protect ones' lands coupled with a dose of magic than anything else...as Theodoratus' Far Isle Half-Elvens are certainly unique in their own right).In Troublesome Neighbors, we follow `Lady' Renna of Ren Creek, minute in stature with a crippling gait that diminishes her confidence, presence and power, qualities she needs to protect her people from the neighboring Lord Gorsfeld, who wants to claim control, it seems, over whoever and whatever he can (Joffrey style!).Like Lord Joffrey, Gorsfeld asks for Renna's hand in marriage, as a union between them will merge their land holdings and increase Gosfeld's power and control throughout the kingdom.  However, Renna declines, though it remains to be seen whether she may have to reconsider his offer in order to save her people come the sequel.This novella or short story ended all too soon, without what seemed a rounded ending, so the sequel is much anticipated.  Theodoratus did a good job of setting the scene, building the characters, and introducing some obstacles, but it seems we must wait until the sequel arrives to learn what becomes of the Far-Isle Half-Elvens.  For those who just can't wait, Theodoratus has set up a `Half-Elven Website' (yes, they have their own Facebook page!) and further information on the author and her publications can also be found on her own website.