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Denny R. Swartzlander is the author of the Eleganta fantasy series. He has a doctorate degree in Molecular Biology, and when not writing, he works as a mad scientist at the University of Kansas. Although he is technically the author of this series, he thinks of himself as a kind of ghost writer. This is because fairies and goblins are telling the story to him as he writes it. The tale has been passed down through many generations of both species (resulting in often differing versions from the two), and he is merely attempting to record the said events in a balanced manner. The Eleganta series is a true story, in so much as the words of fairies and goblins can be believed. Why they chose him to record their story, he doesn't know, but he finds himself with fairies on his right, and goblins on his left, both eager to see their tale in print. So what choice does he have? He will write it, and he hopes many will read it, for the subjects of its plot are far too often forgotten or pushed aside as mere fantasy. The Eleganta series is their story, from their own mouths, through Dr. Swartzlander's pen, to you.
Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite
Denny R. Swartzlander’s Violetta: A Fae in the House of the Fairies is the second book in the Eleganta series. It divides the story into three parts. Lira is a garden fairy searching for a Lyka plant to add to her garden. Bog, a goblin, brings bad news from the fairy realm. Learning that Weyina isn’t her mother, Lira catches a ride with Isor, who takes her to Queen Violetta. Weyina, Bog, Lurr, Eloman, and Preen use man-made flying contraptions to cross the sea to rescue Lira. They find her with the fae queen, but she is unwilling to leave. Violetta reveals that Ethywynne is her mother. Weyina, Eloman, and Lira follow Violetta to search for Ethywynne. Meanwhile, Bog and Lurr are facing Isor’s wrath. He has them lead him to their enchanted forest. However, there is a darker force present that threatens the realm and everything in it.
Denny R. Swartzlander provides several perspectives in developing the different plots. Lira’s desire to meet her actual mother leads her to trust Violetta’s directions. She even disregards obvious warning signs, such as what happened to the two goblins. Violetta tells the fairies she knows where Ethywynne is, but neglects to tell them she is suspicious. The goblins explain their struggle with Isor’s anger. The unpredictable twists and revelations kept me enchanted. Every page had me engrossed because of the detailed portrayal of the obstacles the travelers faced. Every character has a distinct personality that gives them strength in some situations while hindering them in others. The end of the story leaves an opening for a sequel, which I am eager to read. Violetta: A Fae in the House of the Fairies will appeal to fantasy readers who enjoy the views of several characters sharing a journey.
