Bow Before the Elf Queen

Product Information

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. 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. 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.” My other issue was that of the pacing. It was too slow for me. Had it been a bigger book, I would've lost interest but anyway, I really hope the next one is better in that aspect. Author’s note: This is book 1 in a series and ends on a cliff. This is an adult slow burn romance with plenty of banter, tension, and a touch of steam. Contains violence and mature themes .

Bow Before the Elf Queen: The Elf Queen, Book 1 (Audio

The banter between the leads was well done. It was fun, smart and flirty 👀 But I kinda disagree that it's enemies to lovers. It sure feels that way at first but once you get to know Thane, you realise that there were no feelings of enmity in his heart in the first place. The romance was adorable. 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. 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. 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.There where some things I felt could of made this story even better… but even still I thoroughly enjoyed reading!

Bow Before the Elf Queen - Goodreads

The romance- It's not just Thane and Layala's chemistry. The introduction of the love triangle certainly makes things interesting. Ah, there goes my virginity. The Kings elite guards at it again just dropping panties left and right out in these dusty mountains. 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. 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: 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.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. A good chunk of the stuff the author says on her TikTok didn't quite match up with what was in this book

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

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?” I do think this is one of the most underrated books I have ever read but if this is the quality of JMK’s writing, she just became of my favourite authors… I am instantly putting her other books on my TBR and am so thankful I do not have to wait long for the sequel (which releases in a few days) because a long wait would have been absolutely torture! The fact that Layala believed every little rumor that the human villagers and her aunt shoved down her throat was one.

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. 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. This book seems like a nod to classic fantasy but is also a specially-made scrumptious treat for modern fantasy romance readers. These are my perfect formula in a book! I loved the way JMK played with my emotions from start to Finish. From not liking Thane at the start to growing to really care for him by the end as Layala develops her feelings. The turn from enemies to lovers felt natural and gradual… it wasn’t that “one day I hate you and the next I love you”. They displayed a mature relationship and I really liked that at times they were able to trust and talk to each other about aspects that they were concerned about. Very often in books (especially YA) “conflict” is created due to miscommunication and I felt that very little of the conflict in this was due to the characters not listening (which is a big plus) - this might be cause they were a little older that this would be more intro into Adult but kept the content PG13.