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Manipulator’s War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 1) by Elise Carlson – Review by Jo Frizzell

Manipulator's War (Ruarnon Trilogy, #1)Manipulator’s War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Okay, first and foremost, I have to say thank you for this book. In all honesty, while there are some books that have queer representation, and more are coming, it’s rare that there are characters that are like me. Watching this non-binary human take on their challenges was so inspiring and kept me completely hooked. The world this author built was so well illustrated that I wanted to see it, even in the midst of the turmoil. Ruarnon’s relationships with the people around them were so well written and their growth kept me cheering them on, and wishing I could know them too. I look forward to reading more of their story!

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Manipulator’s War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 1) by Elise Carlson – Review by Jennifer Reimer

Manipulator's War (Ruarnon Trilogy, #1)Manipulator’s War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was incredible, it really kept me on the edge of my seat and totlly wondering what was going to happen next. The conflict with Ruarnon and trying to figure out how to deal with everything from parents getting abducted, and trying to rule, this book kept me guessing at every turn. I love the way that Ruarnon and Tarlah were able to work together to figure things out and to solve the way they needed to work with everyone to try and make things work out. I highly recommend this book.

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Manipulator’s War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 1) by Elise Carlson – Review by Ashleyann Sanabria

Manipulator's War (Ruarnon Trilogy, #1)Manipulator’s War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Very fast pace book! I will admit, sometimes it took some concentration to follow. I loved the non-binary representation. Right from the prologue, it is clear that someone or something is working against the MC and that there is more to the issue than meets the eye. The book did not slow down from there. Ruarnon was pushed to lead earlier than they were expecting and it was great to see how their character not only overcomes adversity, but navigates with less than trust worthy people in their midst. Initially, Lihn’s storyline felt totally unrelated, but they blend together nicely. If you are looking for a fantasy book with non-binary rep, and non stop action from the start, give this one a try! I will definitely be looking out for the next!

Reviewed by @asanabr1

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Manipulator’s War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 1) by Elise Carlson – Review by Darla Yocom

Manipulator's War (Ruarnon Trilogy, #1)Manipulator’s War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you enjoy books that include mystery, adventure, courage building, magical plots, this book is for you.

Ruarnon is the first non-binary character that I’ve ever come across and I love to see them building their character throughout the story. I think this book was a wonderful representation of a non-binary person.

I thoroughly enjoyed the interactions between Linh, Tony & friends. It felt like they were very young and immature but grew a bit stronger on their adventure together.

The book had a lot of interesting twists and turns that initially confused me, but I found over time that I became more comfortable with the overall format of the story.

The story was fantastically written and kept my attention from page one. I cannot wait to continue reading this series.

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Manipulator’s War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 1) by Elise Carlson – Review by Kerry Carr

Manipulator's War (Ruarnon Trilogy, #1)Manipulator’s War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this young adult fantasy adventure. The author did an amazing job of building the scenes and making the story gripping and fast paced. The characters are really well written and work well together.
This is a story full of mystery and betrayal. There is a constant figure for survival and trying to avoid the people who want to harm you. You don’t know who to trust.
The part I enjoyed was when the young girl Linh and Ruarnon even though they are from completely different places they now have to work together if they are to succeed and for Linh to return home.
It was a really enjoyable.story and I can’t wait to see how it will progress

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Manipulator’s War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 1) by Elise Carlson – Review by Ashley Hasting

Manipulator's War (Ruarnon Trilogy, #1)Manipulator’s War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you are a YA fantasy reader, then please try this book. It did take me a minute to get into it due to trying to get the timeline right. Ruarnon is a nonbinary and I love how it was portrayed in the book. Their kingdom gives them a hard time, but they work on it through every step. Right now, they have to work on a kingdom to be theirs while trying to save their lives as well. Through all the paths, it was a great book.

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Manipulator’s War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 1) by Elise Carlson – Review by Jenni Bishop

Manipulator's War (Ruarnon Trilogy, #1)Manipulator’s War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

Manipulator’s War is Elise’s debut book. It is a YA fantasy tale. The story didn’t flow seamlessly which made it hard to keep on track but it is a good start to the Ruarnon Trilogy. Elise is an Aussie and it is great to see another author from Australia. They have lived with being a part of a brutal war for many years and now when everyone has gone missing Ruarnon has to step up. Linh finds herself in the thick of things when she would rather be anywhere but. Will she be able to help Ruarnon and find peace or will they all loose in the end?

With murder and mayhem, myths and local lore, and things that go bump in the night it has everything YA’s will love.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Manipulator’s War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 1) by Elise Carlson – Review by Kerry Baker

Manipulator's War (Ruarnon Trilogy, #1)Manipulator’s War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great YA fantasy story that is an exciting book to read. It is full of action and I found it to be quite fast paced. The story had been developed well and really kept momentum throughout. This is a new author to me and I liked the writing style employed. I thought the author did a great job of creating a non-binary character. It is the first book I have read with this as a focus point and I thought the author really portrayed them well. This is a strong start to a new series and I am looking forward to Book 2.

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Manipulator’s War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 1) by Elise Carlson – Review by Lorrene Huisman

Manipulator's War (Ruarnon Trilogy, #1)Manipulator’s War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was beyond epic! I was captivated by the story, and the characters that it had possessed. I loved the action, and the whole good vs evil concept as well. There was defiantly some strong character growth as well. I loved the characters and really felt a connection to them, and I will be for sure reading the next installments in the series! I am very much looking forward to it!
The whole story itself was captivating. Throw in the strong-willed characters that the book contained, and you truly have a masterpiece! I was astounded in moments as I read, for there was moments where I was not sure what to expect or a clear resolution how to get out of a situation. Linh was a character impossible not to love. She was a great lead to the story, and I loved her heart of never wanting to give up. To have a good leader, you need an enemy as well. This book had that and so much more! The book was a thrilling rollercoaster, and a adventure I am glad to say I took part on! Loved this book!
If you’re seeking an adventure that defies the normal genre of an adventure, then look no further! This book had its own level of awesomeness, and it was a must read! Truly do highly recommend reading!

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Manipulator’s War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 1) by Elise Carlson – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Manipulator's War (Ruarnon Trilogy, #1)Manipulator’s War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this young adult fantasy story. This is a newer author for me which I enjoyed her writing skills as well as her attention to details that made the story realistic. I found this story to be creative and well written. The characters pulled me in from the beginning. They are connectable and have great growth throughout. A story that is full of action, betrayal, survival of life, abductions and you don’t want to miss the assassins. This is a fast paced, engaging story that was hard to put down. The plot had great growth which made the story easy to read as well as entertaining. This is a story that filled my afternoon with adventure and action. I really enjoyed this story and I highly recommend it.

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Review by @bjwagner

Manipulator’s War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 1) by Elise Carlson – Review by Shelly Kittell

Manipulator's War (Ruarnon Trilogy, #1)Manipulator’s War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a book young adult fantasy fans may enjoy. A little time travel, a bit of rival kingdoms and a conflict that will bring hard decisions. Linh and Ruarnon must work together to solve this dilemma. I found this story interesting. The story had lots of details. The characters were very well written and their personalities were pretty well-defined. The plot was intense but choppy at times, a bit hard to follow. Over all, fantasy lovers will enjoy this book.

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Manipulator’s War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 1) by Elise Carlson

•°•☆ •°•☆•°•☆ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ☆•°•☆•°•☆•°
Manipulator’s War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 1) by Elise Carlson
Genre – Fantasy, YA
Page Count – 394
Cover Designer – Glint of Mischief

All roads lead to war.

Bookish, nonbinary Ruarnon thought their biggest challenge was proving themself a worthy heir to Tarlah’s perfect King. But when assassins strike, and their parents are abducted, Ruarnon must take on the burden of the throne in the face of unreliable allies and a brutal, expansionist neighbour. To end a war that has overshadowed their kingdom’s entire history, Ruarnon will need more than a sharp mind and superior tactics, they’ll need a bargaining chip.

Trapped in Ruarnon’s world, feisty Linh is desperate to return to Australia and is not above using the locals’ belief she’s a figure straight out of their myths to do it. But to take her best shot at getting home, she’ll have to sail to Ruarnon’s court with reinforcements while avoiding a growing plague of monsters.

If Linh succeeds, she’ll possess knowledge crucial to the continent’s defence, knowledge that could help Ruarnon secure lasting peace. Ruarnon knows the second element crucial to peace is working with the enemy, so to pursue their heart’s desire, they devise a plan which risks betrayal, all Tarlah and their own murder.

~ AMAZON ~

Click here to view the Book Trailer for Manipulator’s War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 1) by Elise Carlson

Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of Manipulator’s War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 1) by Elise Carlson

Elise Carlson (they/them) is an Aussie YA Fantasy author writing fantastical adventures in between real-world exploration and educating energetic, enthusiastic minds as excited about life as they are -children. Elise has lived in, taught in and explored their native Australia, England and New Zealand. Inspired by studies of the ancient Mediterranean world and their real-life adventures throughout Europe, America, Canada and South-East Asia, Elise enjoys writing adventures and coming of age stories for like minds -the young and young at heart.

Author Interview with Elise Carlson

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•°•☆ •°•☆•°•☆ PREORDER ☆•°•☆•°•☆•° Manipulator’s War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 1) by Elise Carlson

•°•☆ •°•☆•°•☆ PREORDER ☆•°•☆•°•☆•°
Manipulator’s War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 1) by Elise Carlson
Preorder Now – https://amzn.to/3NQtYDU
Genre – Fantasy, YA
Page Count – 394
Cover Designer – Glint of Mischief

All roads lead to war.

Bookish, nonbinary Ruarnon thought their biggest challenge was proving themself a worthy heir to Tarlah’s perfect King. But when assassins strike, and their parents are abducted, Ruarnon must take on the burden of the throne in the face of unreliable allies and a brutal, expansionist neighbour. To end a war that has overshadowed their kingdom’s entire history, Ruarnon will need more than a sharp mind and superior tactics, they’ll need a bargaining chip.

Trapped in Ruarnon’s world, feisty Linh is desperate to return to Australia and is not above using the locals’ belief she’s a figure straight out of their myths to do it. But to take her best shot at getting home, she’ll have to sail to Ruarnon’s court with reinforcements while avoiding a growing plague of monsters.

If Linh succeeds, she’ll possess knowledge crucial to the continent’s defence, knowledge that could help Ruarnon secure lasting peace. Ruarnon knows the second element crucial to peace is working with the enemy, so to pursue their heart’s desire, they devise a plan which risks betrayal, all Tarlah and their own murder.

~ TWITTER ~ INSTAGRAM ~ FACEBOOK ~ PINTEREST ~ GOODREADS ~ BOOKBUB ~ ALL AUTHOR ~

~ WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ YOUTUBE ~ INSTAGRAMFACEBOOK GROUP ~ TIKTOK ~