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. The romance- It's not just Thane and Layala's chemistry. The introduction of the love triangle certainly makes things interesting. I got major A Deal with the Elf King vibes from this book. Also some obvious LotR rip offs with a bit of ACOTAR mixed in. Made it feel fairly unoriginal. The FMC- She became unbearable, selfish. I like my girls to be selfless, especially when they are in a powerful position but Layala was not and that irked me big time.

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The push and pull between the characters and the pent up tension between them was equally frustrating but interesting. I am mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically unwell. I knew this book would take me on an emotional rollercoaster. But instead, I was completely blown away. Long Live the Elf Queen by J.M. Kearl does NOT have second-book syndrome. And in my opinion, it may even be better than the first (which I rated just as high). Ah, there goes my virginity. The Kings elite guards at it again just dropping panties left and right out in these dusty mountains. Love was a powerful force. It could not be bought. It could not be taken or stolen. Although sometimes it must be fought for, it must be given freely.” Not only that, but it wasn't really enemies imo, the dialogue was VERY cliche and contrived. This book felt way too YA and way too similar to every other YA book out there. There was literally nothing new.Speaking of romance, I didn't mind it all that much. I'd dare even go so far as to say it was the thing I liked the most about this book, even though I didn't really like Layla nor Thane. And, not gonna lie, I also definitely expected more action. Layala is a badass. It took her entirely too long to get with the program but I loved that she was strong, brave, and willing to evolve. The fact that Layala's aunts house was trashed before Thane kidnapped her - blood on the walls, threats, blah blah blah - but Thane doesn't even seem to care or look into it further than a concerned shrug. 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:

Bow Before the Elf Queen by J M Kearl | Waterstones

The fact that Layala believed every little rumor that the human villagers and her aunt shoved down her throat was one. Well this one made the first book look absolutely fantastic and now I am rethinking my whole experience reading that book.

I cannot wait for what happens next in their journey…especially after that massive cliffhanger left me wanting more. There where some things I felt could of made this story even better… but even still I thoroughly enjoyed reading! but Thane has a secret that makes it impossible for Layala to slay him. She has an even darker truth that makes loving her forbidden, no matter how much Thane wants to touch. 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. The beginning portion of the book actually had some substance to it, where Layala gets taken away by her fiancé, and they obviously meet the mean sister. It had the stereotypical vibes that I was going for, but then, oh then, it got super weird. The MC went from being this badass "I don't take any shit from anyone" type of personality, to someone who complains about everything. I honestly couldn't take it. It took me 8 days to read this book because of that.

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Love was a powerful force. It could not be bought. It could not be taken or stolen. Although sometimes it must be fought for, it must be given freely." The world itself is intriguing and makes me want to explore every corner, every forest, every Kingdom, and all the magic, be it good or dark, within it. 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.She also became really irrational and the stupid plot about her ex and her powers became a tiring excuse of creating “””angst””” and not let the main characters be together after the first 25% of the plot. Stuff like the stone and looking for the dragon shifter sorceress never paid off or made for filler and a boring time. 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.

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I wanted to love this so much I was pretty sure I'd end up hating it, and while I didn't look loathe it in the end, I felt a bit betrayed. I love you, Laya, and I will wait for an eternity, no matter if I see you again in this life or the next." A good chunk of the stuff the author says on her TikTok didn't quite match up with what was in this bookThis book was an roller-coaster of a read! It was an epic adventure from start to finish. The world-building continued to enthrall and amaze me, we saw new places and creatures. We meet new friends and foes are introduced along Layala and Thane’s journey. You definitely get a lot more plot development this round and I think justice was done to both characters being able to see them separate (which was so emotional) and together. Layala has so much growth in this book, she gets a better chance to really find herself and her place in this world, Thane continues to be all in his glory and badassness stubbornness as he lays down that no matter what that Layala is his. I loved those intimate moments between them, but I was hoping for some more spicness, I feel like this book could be labeld as upper YA. It was interesting to see the connection between the two of them grow, despite no loner having a mate bond, and it showed they don't need it to feel for each other. This book seems like a nod to classic fantasy but is also a specially-made scrumptious treat for modern fantasy romance readers. Thane could be all sweet and endearing but oh boy if someone if they so much harm a hair on her head... RIP them. Thane goes feral where Layala's safety is considered.