Bow Before the Elf Queen

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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 Elf Queen - Goodreads Long Live the Elf Queen - Goodreads

The push and pull between the characters and the pent up tension between them was equally frustrating but interesting. Layala Fightbringer,” the fire-haired Leif shouted, and many laughed. He put his arm casually around her shoulders. “You think she’s a Raven, boys?” The fact that Thanes mom and sister were so utterly incompetent and venomous harpies even though they had a first-row seat to the prior kings' vile ways. I at least expected them to be cunning. You don't keep that position without knowing how to handle yourself but what do I know?I love you, Laya, and I will wait for an eternity, no matter if I see you again in this life or the next." The romance- It's not just Thane and Layala's chemistry. The introduction of the love triangle certainly makes things interesting.

Bow Before the Elf Queen by J.M. Kearl | Goodreads Bow Before the Elf Queen by J.M. Kearl | Goodreads

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. A defiant human woman. A dark fae Prince. Two enemies bound to a marriage that could destroy their world. 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”. This is the second book of the series and while I wasn’t sure Kearl could top Bow Before - this one was even better! 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.”Now that day has come, forcing her to come face-to-face with what she's hidden from: a dangerous, dark-haired, warrior king determined to marry her.

Bow Before the Elf Queen Quotes by J.M. Kearl - Goodreads Bow Before the Elf Queen Quotes by J.M. Kearl - Goodreads

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. 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. No… just no. I was CRINGING at so much of this. Layala went from hero to a selfish girl who would sacrifice her only family and her ‘people’ for Thane.

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. Let me tell you how amazing the narrators are !!! So much expression in their voices, especially the narrator for Layala !! I haven’t listened to a ton of audiobooks but this is the best one I’ve listened to by far. I will tear this world apart for you, I will fight until I have nothing left to give and destroy anyone who hurts you, and I will guard your heart most of all.”