The Hidden Crystals

Two adolescent elves from vastly different social standings struggle with their feelings for each other while trying to stop a traitor from throwing the land into chaos in this queer fantasy YA debut from R. Dawnraven.

Found as a young elf near the border, Fae has lived most of his life among humans. But the need to know what became of his missing brother, and to learn the truth surrounding the deaths of their parents pushes him to sneak back into his native homeland. Unlike other elves, he can’t use magic, and elves are not welcoming to those who cannot use it. Undeterred, Fae sneaks back into Sylandris. He hardly gets three steps through the magical wards protecting the realm before he encounters another elf named Alysion, with the elite Sylandrian warriors in close pursuit.

Fleeing the guard, they uncover a prophecy that could lead to the destruction of Sylandris-and Fae’s lost brother. All they have to do is scour the land in search of a series of magical crystals. But the guard is out for Fae’s head, and a crystal-snatching thief is on the loose. Then there is the suman Dragon Watcher, Gale, who joins them on their quest. And to top it off, Fae is starting to develop feelings for Alysion, who has worries and secrets of his own, despite knowing the other elf will leave him as soon as he learns the truth about his lack of magic.

Will they be able to collect the crystals and find Fae’s brother, or will darkness rise to plunge the land into a time of chaos?

Fans of authors like Aiden Thomas and Adrienne Tooley will love this light-weight, queer fantasy. A great read for LGBTQ+ teens looking for stories that feature characters like themselves.