Jerlayne [Paperback]

Lynn Abbey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1999

Jerlayne's mother had warned her not to marry the handsome elf, but Jerlayne refused to listen. Now a century after the wedding, Jerlayne's marriage is in shambles and none of their children have matured into elves like their parents. Jerlayne wants answers--she wants to know why her mother was so opposed to her marriage, and in finding those answers, these two elven women will confront an issue that will rock both realms down to their very foundation.

Product Details

• Paperback: 528 pages
• Publisher: DAW (April 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0886778093
• ISBN-13: 978-0886778095
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.2 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,496,147 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent crossover book for non-Fantasy enthusiasts, January 8, 2001

By 

"afallin" (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jerlayne (Paperback)

While I wouldn't call it literature, this book is a spellbinding, if deeply flawed, depiction of a well conceived and well fleshed-out world that even those not fond of the elf/fairy/gnome genre will enjoy. I found it extremely enjoyable and resonant in the way that good mythology is, but you have to stick it out through the first hundred pages or so to get to the good stuff. What sets this book apart is its refreshing injection of an unflinching and boldly drawn modern-day mortal realm into the otherwise mostly bland and sweet Faerie. It's like adding rocket boosters to the story. Look to meet a character you won't soon forget. My biggest problem with the book was the unevenness of the writing and the lack of emotional payoff (at least for me) at the end. Sometimes the dialogue is so good it crackles; other times it is confusing or ingenuine. Some of the plot elements seem forced as well. Author Lynn Abbey does such a skillful job in the book's thick middle section of building a strong plot and character conflict that I expected the resolution of those elements to be of comparable high quality. But Abbey seems unsure how to resolve them, especially the lopsided sexual/romantic competition for Jerlayne's love between heroic Goro and tender but weak Aulaudin. Abbey goes to great lengths at the end to counter Goro's strong presence and appeal (ladies, prepare to fall for him) by bolstering Aulaudin's manliness, but it is not convincing, and ultimately Jerlayne's character becomes lackluster as Abbey fits her to remain happily with Aulaudin. Throughout most of the book, Jerlayne's character is quite likeable, even if her "cluelessness," as another character puts it, sometimes makes her seem less than heroic, and she seems to stumble across the truth more than she seeks it out. Her claim of being the one who "changes the world and saves Faerie" is also dubious considering that it is another character's willingness to pay the ultimate price that seems to save it; look for some sometimes disturbing Christ imagery. It is also dissatisfying that this character's sacrifice seems to go unappreciated by the other characters. However, there is a fairly satisfying redemption of another character, and a grisly death for another. The supporting characters are often richer and more interesting than Jerlayne, and you will find that you care about some of them most, including the fierce and mournful Evoni; tormented Cuz; loyal Joff; mischievous Maun; other characters that it would blow the plot to disclose; and Goro, who is the most vividly and sympathetically drawn. If the plot falters sometimes, nevertheless the story is always interesting and complex. Abbey also includes some "cool" concepts such as riding shadows and skirting two realms to shorten traveling distance. With all its faults, this book is a page-turner and I have found myself rereading my favorite parts over and over again. And writing long reviews. Enjoy!

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You Can't Put This Book Down--It's WONDERFUL!, December 22, 1999

By 

Elizabeth Mcalister "Lizzie B" (Georgia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jerlayne (Paperback)

I read the original short story, and was startled to pick up a random book and realize that I'd already read something about it. This is one of the better books I've read in a long time. It's not a short book, but I read it in 48 hours (on christmas break), then immediately picked it back up to read through my favorite scenes again and make sure I hadn't missed anything. The characters are richly drawn, the book has plenty of action, and the world is different from anything else while still reminding you of the best of classic high fantasy. I found myself searching bookstores for a copy to give to my friend so I could have someone to discuss it with. My only problem was wishing Jerlayne would give up her husband for Goro, who is much more interesting and caring (read it-you'll understand). Buy this book. Now!

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Lynn Abbey's been robbed!, February 5, 2000

By 

"judiec" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jerlayne (Paperback)

What a shame. Lynn Abbey gifts us with as finely crafted a tale as we could ever ask. I found it to be totally engrossing--well...almost. So sad that faulty proofreading allowed for so many errors that proved more than a distraction and greatly interfered with my pleasure in this book. I found myself all too often reading back over passages just to make sure I hadn't misread. It was maddening. I anxiously await a sequel to Jerlayne, but certainly hope the publisher decides to play fair and grant the level of proofreading this author so richly deserves!