Layala fought against falling in love with him. Thane battled to win his mate's heart. Now they'll discover if their love can withstand those who tore them apart. This book had be gripped from the prologue! This was an amazing c high fantasy story with a stubborn, mouthy, curse-fueled female protagonist and a mate who would burn the world for her. Like seriously, if there was one thing that was clear, he would destroy anyone for her. The world building was beautifully done. The pacing and plot had a flow that made sense. The whole adventure and love story was just an addictive read. The side characters were entertaining while not overtaking the main storyline. So many amazing tropes: After a reread, I agree with all of my previous reasons for loving this book. But mostly… Thane. And HOW did I remember such a different ending?!? Also this might not be YA after all. 😏 I can’t wait for Long Live the Elf Queen tomorrow. Love is a powerful force. It cannot be bought. It cannot be taken or stolen. Although sometimes it must be fought for, it must be given freely.~”

Bow Before the Elf Queen (The Elf Queen Readers who enjoyed Bow Before the Elf Queen (The Elf Queen

Layala is the first elf born with magic in hundreds of years. The evil king wants to use her as a tool to defeat his enemies. So he decides to magically bind her as his son's mate (At 7 days old!) and take her from her loving parents. I don't want to give much away but Layala's life is never the same and she ends up living in the human world to evade this king. She trains her entire life to kill the evil tyrant king and her mate who rumor has it is more bloodthirsty than his father. The Pacing: the pacing started out as great in the beginning but there instances where the story kind of lost me in the second half. I’ve felt like I’ve known you for as long as I can remember. And maybe it was because of our mate bond but sometimes I feel — more. I would find you in every life, in every realm. I will be drawn to you for eternity. So yes, call me your mate. I will always call you mine.” Thane was nice. Really, really nice. He just said nice things and did nice things and never pushed and wasn't at all the brutal young king that the rumors made him out to be.

Layala had grown up and was raised by Evalyn in the humans lands far away from the high king of elves. She was secretly hidden for 24 years but preparing for the day she would be discovered by the kings spies. Once she is found, Layala is to do everything in her power to not only get away but kill the king and those responsible for her parents murder. After you tried to kill me, you think I should give you weapons? Should I hand over my balls on a platter as well?” “As if you have any.” Layala and Thane learn what it truly means to fight for love as their enemies surround them and it becomes a struggle for revenge, the kingdom, and finding the truth about why Layala seems to harbor the power of whether Palenor falls into darkness or if her Lightbringer name holds true. DNF 45%, it was dragging and I didn't like how Laya was still dreaming/having nightmares about the dark mage and not telling Thane, felt like a cheap way to further the plot. So I skipped ahead to the cliff hanger and man am I glad I didn't waste my time finishing. The dark mage turns out to be a lost god and so are Thane and Laya. The dark mage lets Laya know that she is his mate and wife, hence the matching lily tattoo/birthmarks, and the goddess of night.

The Elf Queen Series by J.M. Kearl - Goodreads

Well this one made the first book look absolutely fantastic and now I am rethinking my whole experience reading that book. I haven’t even touched on the glorious world building this book had. I can’t believe this is indie published because the quality of writing and level of detail was magnificent! if he wishes to threaten my mate in any way, he will find me as a shadow at the foot of his bed. It will be the last thing he ever sees.” Laya?” That was the second time he’d called her that. With a dangerous smile and a caress of her cheek, his voice dropped low, “Would you prefer, Temptress? Goddess? My muse...” The struggle Thane had in this book between wanting to kill his father but also wanting to believe he was somehow redeemable was quite raw and believable. I really liked seeing him face this inner turmoil. Even when we don’t have the best of parents and they have done unspeakable things, it’s hard to wish ill upon them or in this case death.

Book Genre: Adult, Fae, Fairies, Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Fiction, High Fantasy, Magic, Retellings, Romance, Young Adult The push and pull between the characters and the pent up tension between them was equally frustrating but interesting. Trying really hard to make the ‘knife to the throat’ trope but was so forced and cringeworthy. Just no. I can’t. Ah, there goes my virginity. The Kings elite guards at it again just dropping panties left and right out in these dusty mountains. They tried to throw in twists that were awful and not necessary. Oooo but this random lake they have to pass “bUt tHe waTErs aRe fuLl of DeaDlY CreaTurES”.

Bow Before the Elf Queen by J M Kearl | Waterstones

This is the second book of the series and while I wasn’t sure Kearl could top Bow Before - this one was even better!The romance was blah. That goes with the uninspired characters. I had no reason to care about their relationship and I felt no actual connection to it. I absolutely loved this story and couldn’t put it down. The banter was great between the MC’s. I think Thane is my new book boyfriend. He’s such a gentleman, err, gentleElf?! My fate is bonded to two princes– one born of blood, the other of power— but my trust lies in neither. And that’s why I said I wish. Because I may have wanted to kill you once,” she looked up at the stars and let out a short laugh, “but I don’t anymore.” I've had enough arguing with you. As your mate, you are mine. You can deny it until you have no breath, you can fight me and hit me and call me every filthy name you can think of, you could even try to kill me again, but I'm not going anywhere. You are mine and I am yours, and I will destroy anyone who gets in my way.”