If the idea of elves tearing up the backroads in muscle cars and mages using their wits to save kids in danger sounds awesome, you're in for a treat. This is a unique blend of urban fantasy with a touch of NASCAR and Southern Americana, spiced up with magic and a real heart for found families. Fans of '80s and '90s urban fantasy, street racing, and tales about fighting for the vulnerable will get a kick out of this series - especially if you like your fantasy a little quirky and your heroes relatable but imperfect.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers found the pacing bogged down by heavy exposition and lengthy character conversations. If you’re looking for non-stop action or prefer fantasy with less vehicle talk and technical detail, this might feel a bit slow. The inclusion of dark storylines and some dated elements might also be a turn-off for those not prepared for edgier or old-school takes.

Elves, race cars, and urban magic - what's not to love? It’s a little weird and a lot of fun, but the talky bits and slower pace won’t be for everyone.

About:

'Born to Run' in the SERRAted Edge series by Mercedes Lackey is a unique urban fantasy novel that combines elements of Gaelic fantasy with human characters, dragons, kitsune, and more. The story revolves around elves and magic humans who race cars to make a living, set in the midwest of the USA. The book features a human mage named Tannim, who has a soft spot for kids in tough situations, and his adventures in both the real world and the fantasy realm. The writing style includes detailed descriptions of magical elements, car racing engines, and extensive dialogues between characters.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, including a likable main character and a mix of flawed but engaging individuals, particularly elves and mages.

Writing/Prose:

The prose style includes rich descriptions and character dialogues, though it may be prone to excessive exposition that hampers the pacing.

Plot/Storyline:

The story combines urban fantasy with elements of racing and heroism, focusing on characters who protect children while navigating a blend of reality and magical challenges.

Setting:

The setting features a nostalgic 1950s Americana backdrop infused with magical realism, creating a unique atmosphere for the story.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, with portions that build suspense alongside slower, dialogue-heavy sections that may detract from the overall momentum.

A dark red Mustang perched beside the ribbon of highway, alone but for the young man resting against its door. It was an unusual sight for such a place, here where the shallow water of the wetlands re...

Notes:

The SERRAted Edge series blends elves, magic, and car racing.

It started as a prequel in a short story called 'False Knight on the Road'.

The series features a fictional racing club called the South Eastern Road Racing Association.

Main character Tannim is a human mage with a strong heart for helping kids.

The stories include themes of racing, magic, and child rescue.

Some books in the series are hard to find as they have gone out of print.

The series is set in the midwestern and southern USA.

There's a nostalgic vibe with references to 80s and 90s culture.

Exposition can slow down the plot, with lengthy character dialogue.

Critics enjoy the original action sequences despite exposition issues.

The heroes include a mix of elves and humans, all involved in racing.

A significant element is the fight against evil elves and their dangerous activities.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book addresses sensitive issues such as child abuse, which may be triggering for some readers.

From The Publisher:

Three runaways become unwitting pawns in a deadly war between the good elves, whose interests lie in stock car racing, and the bad elves, who have gotten into kiddie porno rings and snuff films

February 1992

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333 pages

Ratings (4)

Loved It (2)
Liked It (1)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (10):

Read It (4)
Want To Read (5)
Not Interested (1)

What can you read after
Born to Run?

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Born to Run

Mercedes Lackey

Book 1 in the series:SERRAted Edge

Who Would Like This Book: