Book Review: INZARED, Queen of the Elephant Riders By L. Leander

INZARED, Queen of the Elephant Riders
By L. Leander

Purchase Link: Amazon

• Print Length: 229 pages
• ASIN: B008FD5O1E

Book Description

Bertha Maude Anderson has no inkling of how famous she will become. She lives in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina in the year 1843. Her world changes forever when she is enticed to join The Romanoff Brothers Circus and her name is changed to Inzared, Queen of the Elephant Riders. Inzared discovers her true calling while learning to live with the nomadic Gypsies. From the hatred shown by some of the performers to the love she finds along the way, Inzared finds herself immersed in the rich folklore and customs of the misunderstood people who call the circus their home. Her one constant is Cecil, the elephant, and together they form a bond that no one can break as Inzared finds herself lured into the world of the Gypsies while clinging to her own roots and trying to break free of the chains that keep her from her destiny.

My Review

Bertha is a 17-year-old farm girl from the Appalachians. Her life consists of working on the family farm and preparing to marry a local farm boy and start a family. When a Gypsy circus visits her home town, Bertha finds herself getting whisked into the wonders of this foreign culture. Her uneventful life swiftly turns into an awesome adventure.

I really enjoy the time period of this story and the setting. L. Leander does a wonderful job creating a story set in 1843 in the desolate mountains of North Carolina. I enjoy the descriptions of the farm life as well as the colorful environment surrounding the nomadic gypsies.

After running away with the The Romanoff Brothers Circus, Bertha transforms into INZARED, Queen of the Elephant Riders. She bonds with the Cecil, the circus’ elephant, and his trainer, Paytre. Inzared has to prove herself to be worthy of traveling with the family of gypsies, since it is taboo for Gaji and Gypsy to mix.

Unexplainable things begin to happen to the circus animals, and the performers realize there is someone trying to sabotage the Gypsies. The book is overflowing with mystery, adventure, and passion. Inzared faces hardships, discovers truths, and becomes an unstoppable woman.