Men control access to a parallel dimension, bringing forth sylphs to assist with their daily lives. The most powerful and most feared of the sylphs are the battle sylphs and the King intends for his son to claim one. Solie was intended to be the required sacrifice but the ritual goes astray and she names THE BATTLE SYLPH, binding him to her. Now, Solie is being pursued and it’s up to her battle sylph, Heyou, to protect her.

THE BATTLE SYLPH is the first in what looks to be an enjoyable fantasy series.  World building is critical to the success of THE BATTLE SYLPH as L.J. McDonald introduces readers to a vast and imaginative world in which men dominate all others around them. The mythology behind the sylphs provides an interesting contrast to the world of men as we see the inequities of the genders. L.J. McDonald also tackles the issue of slavery with the sylph bond, showing the difference between a mutual relationship and one in which a master is clearly defined. The boundaries of this new world are introduced slowly and carefully throughout the tale, enhancing the suspense as the events unfold.

The characters in THE BATTLE SYLPH are multidimensional. Solie is a fantastic heroine, learning to overcome her insecurities and become a true leader. She’s a bit immature as she is only seventeen, but her willingness to listen and learn make her likable. Heyou’s protective nature towards Solie is understandable considering his young age as well. However, it is the secondary characters who provide richness to the storyline. Devon and Galway are without a doubt my favorites and I hope to see more of them in future books.

THE BATTLE SYLPH is not your typical paranormal romance or fantasy novel. Rather, it is an interesting blend of the two. Romance is an aspect of L.J. McDonald’s world but the fantasy element is more the focus. I look forward to reading the second book in the series, THE SHATTERED SYLPH.

Publisher: Dorchester (March 2010)

Other books in series:   The Sylph Series

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