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.

Bow Before the Elf Queen by J.M. Kearl, Paperback | Barnes Bow Before the Elf Queen by J.M. Kearl, Paperback | Barnes

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! 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 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?! 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. 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: 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.” 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).

Bow Before the Elf Queen by J M Kearl | Waterstones

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. Thane! I love love super love characters like this. He’s the mysterious misunderstood, secretly sweet and loyal male lead who immediately captures my heart. 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.

Thane, our MMC is a romantic and a guy who will charm one easily. The fact that he falls first, and he falls hard was so nice to read. However, I do feel that the FMC, Layala overpowered him throughout the book. Layala is fierce, badass and knows how to stand her ground. I liked her in the first half of the book, the second half she started to infuriate me. It became clear that her personality is too stubborn and selfish for me. I get that she had her reasons to be the way that she was but she came across as too rigid in her thoughts and it became repetitive soon. Had she been a little less selfish, some of the things that happened at the end could've been avoided. 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.

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

Bow Before the Elf Queen is an Elven Fantasy Romance peppered with many beloved tropes and draws it's inspiration from Hades and Persephone and the Lord of the Rings. Layala and Thane had a complicated relationship - she has been brought up to believe that he would steal her freedom, whereas he has spent his time doing what he can to protect her from afar. They had such great banter, and seeing Layala slowly let down her walls and learn about Thane's true character. Thane is patient and shows her again and again that he is not out to hurt her, we love a secret cinnamon roll. Layala's powers are completely badass, and I'm excited to see her use them more. They started as enemies, we can see the change in pace with each interaction. While Layala is determined to hate Thane for eternity, she comes to realise that what she heard about him while in hiding might not be the whole truth. I really liked them together, while the slowburn was a bit longer than I wanted, we rewarded in the end. I'm looking forward to see them together in book 2 and see how their relationship progresses. Honestly I was attracted to this gorgeous cover and the fact it was about elves. There are SO many fantasy romance series about Fae (don’t get me wrong, I love the diversity within the Fae realm.) But before I even knew about Fae, I fell in love with the elves of Rivendell. Between the feisty FMC, Layala, and the different types of elves, this was a fun & beautiful example of elven lore.PDF / EPUB File Name: Bow_Before_the_Elf_Queen_-_JM_Kearl.pdf, Bow_Before_the_Elf_Queen_-_JM_Kearl.epub 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. 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. 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.