An Apprentice to Elves by Elizabeth Bear and Sarah Monette

This story presents elves in a different light than the fair haired, pointy eared elves of Lord of the Rings.  Elves do live underground in this book and Tin, an elven smith has a human apprentice, Alfgyfa.   Alfgyfa is silver-blond and of the Northmen.   Specifically she grew up in a wolfheall which is a wolf centered hall of those who have wolf brothers.    The story focuses on interracial tension and the invasion of Rhean troops.   Rheans show all the characteristics of Romans.

The relationship between Tin and Alfgyfa is mildly tumultuous.   The long lived elves have a very conservative outlook.   Alfgyfa on the other hand is impulsive and inventive.   The inevitable clashes occur.  

If you have read my previous reviews, you are aware I have a deep and abiding fondness for anthropomorphism so I loved the wolf/man bond.   The invasion of the Rheans and the results provide the meat of the plot.

The characterizations were very well done.  I liked the recognition that intolerance and fear of difference can be overcome.  Would be a better world of we could transport some tolerance and overcome some prejudice in the real world.

I enjoyed the book and recommend it.

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.