Book Review: “Shades of Green” by Rhonda Parrish

Cover of "Shades of Green" by Rhonda Parrish

Rhonda Parrish’s “Shades of Green” is a fantasy set in the land of Aphanasia where Z’thandra, the last of the Swamp Elves, lives with the Reptar family who rescued her from her dying village. The Reptars’ world is crumbling down around them, the remnants of their past technological prowess rotting and lying in ruins around the land. They have become scavengers, searching out the science left over from the battlegrounds of the last war.

Z’thandra doesn’t have it easy. Alone in an openly hostile world, she finds herself more and more at odds with the Reptars she has come to know. When she sees a human on the other edge of the lake, it’s the first step towards a resolution that will show Z’thandra’s true heart.

As Ms. Parrish is apt to do, every word feels intentionally and methodically chosen for it’s effect on the reader, be it emotional or visual. And as Z’thandra goes about her daily routine and is spit on and wrongfully accused of different actions, we want her to be able to escape the madness surrounding her. The ending of the story… The end is simply beautiful.

Definitely a novella to spend some time with, Shades of Green will not disappoint you, whether you are a seasoned fantasy buff or new to the genre as a whole. Take a step into a new world. Hopefully there will be a LOT more where this comes from