THE COAL ELF CHRONICLES
NOT JUST A CHRISTMAS STORY!
A YA Dark Fantasy Trilogy
Santa is real, but this isn't your childhood Christmas tale!
Ember Skye is a fed-up teenaged Coal Elf with a big ashy chip on her shoulder. Torn away from her carefree life Aboveground, she was forced into a world of dirt and darkness in the Mines. Now, the coal is starting to take its toll. Plus, being the only girl-elf coal miner at the North Pole is not fun at all!
Then there's Sturd -a power-hungry, twisted elf with a serious grudge against Ember. Hellbent on overthrowing the hierarchy, he leaves the smoking gun in Ember's lap: the Naughty List.
When a mysterious illness threatens to decimate elves both Above- and Underground, Ember is thrust into a journey that will see her confront the demons of her past and lead her straight to the head of the North Pole himself.
The Coal Elf was a Top 10 Finalist in the Young Adult Category in the Preditor’s & Editor’s 2012 Reader’s Poll
THE COAL ELF won Honorable Mention at the
2013 New York Book Fair
What critics are saying About the coal elf…
““Dark, delicious, and shockingly original.”
- Dora Machado, Author of The Curse Giver & The Stonewiser Series”
““I must admit, many know I’m a devoted fan of horror, thriller and suspense, and although this is a great YA fantasy, it has all these elements I crave for in a story and more. Congrats to Maria and Ember, for taking us on a wonderful journey full of twists and surprises seen through the eyes and mind of Ember, an elf you’re really going to feel for. I did!”
~Charles Day, Bram Stoker Award®-nominated author of THE LEGEND OF THE PUMPKIN THIEF, and THE HUNT FOR THE GHOULISH BARTENDER”
““Do yourself a favor and read The Coal Elf - I highly recommend it.”
-Daniel Springer, Author of The Wilco Project
”
The Journey Continues…
Upon completing her first Big Night assignment of delivering coal to all the kids on the Naughty List, Coal Elf Ember Skye thought all was well at the North Pole. She no longer has to slave away mining coal, and her arch-nemesis - the demonic and evil elf, Sturd - has seemingly been stripped of his power and relegated to obscurity.
But you just can't keep a bad elf down. Sturd's accidental discovery of an ancient text sends him on a mission that may very well change life at the Pole as they all know it. His unexpected rise in power potentially could lead to unbridled chaos that would threaten the very existence of the Big Night, the North Pole, and even the Claus himself.
Return to the North Pole where Ember and all the Coal Elves will soon realize never to underestimate the corrupting temptation of unrivaled power. Unfortunately for them, it may be too late...
““A brilliant mythos with fantastic characters. The Rise of Sturd is brimming with imagery that’s soft and savage. Along with its prequel, The Coal Elf, it is destined to be a holiday classic. A wonderful blend of Krampus and The Night Before Christmas!”
~ Dennis J. Rooney, Book Critic”
What critics are saying about the rise of sturd…
““[DeVivo] created a world you don’t want to leave. I had moments where I was reminiscing of childhood memories, because something about the Mythology stood out.”
~ Ariel, Book Blogger”
““The Rise of Sturd isn’t your typical warm-fuzzy, feel-good holiday story, but it is a most entertaining, if dark, read. I eagerly anticipate the next volume.”
~ Michael Watson, GoodReads Review”
The Journey Concludes…
Ember Skye has finally had enough. Tired of the constant sparring with the Council and her former nemesis, Sturd, Ember demands an audience with the Boss Himself - Santa Claus! But first she will have to contend with a furious Mrs. Claus, who is none too pleased with Ember's decision to undertake the first ever All-Coal Night, where coal was left in the stockings of both the Naughty and Nice kids all over the world.
Meanwhile, Sturd has gathered up all the remaining elf twins (one of whom will soon be named the next Claus) under the guise of protection. But Ember and her gang have good reason to doubt the evil elf's intentions.
This final installment in The Coal Elf Chronicles will bring everything to a head. Whatever the outcome, the North Pole will never be the same.
““This installment closes the trilogy out and is filled with political intrigue as the beautifully developed characters from the previous installments jockey for political power. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better young adult series anywhere.”
~Dennis Rooney, Book Critic”
What critics are saying about above the ash…
““A most satisfying conclusion to a fine, entertaining work of dark fantasy that has certainly had many plot twists over the course of three books...The author’s skill as a storyteller has grown with each volume, but I recommend the entire trilogy. “
~Michael Watson, GoodReads Review”
““Maria De Vivo creates another indulgent read as she closes out her Coal Elf Chronicles with unexpected twists and turns. As like the others, it’s hard to put this book down!”
~Sharon, Amazon Reviewer”