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Married to Magic [Dramatized Adaption] #1
A Deal with the Elf King [Dramatized Adaptation]: Married to Magic 1
MP3 CD Format The elves come for two war and wives. In both cases, they come for death. Three-thousand years ago, humans were hunted by powerful races with wild magic until the treaty was formed. Now, for centuries, the elves have taken a young woman from Luella's village to be their Human Queen. To be chosen is seen as a mark of death by the townsfolk. A mark nineteen-year-old Luella is grateful to have escaped as a girl. Instead, she's dedicated her life to studying herbology and becoming the town's only healer. That is, until the Elf King unexpectedly arrives... for her. Everything Luella had thought she'd known about her life, and herself, was a lie. Taken to a land filled with wild magic, Luella is forced to be the new queen to a cold yet blisteringly handsome Elf King. Once there, she learns about a dying world that only she can save. The magical land of Midscape pulls on one corner of her heart, her home and people tug on another... but what will truly break her is a passion she never wanted. Performed by Kelly Baskin, Rayner Gabriel, Elena Anderson, Robb Moreira, Gabriel Michael, Ryan Haugen, Debi Tinsley, Yasmin Tuazon, James Konicek, Matthew Bassett, Scott McCormick, Nanette Savard, Karen Novack, Samantha Cooper, Alysia Beltran, Holly Adams, Elias Khalil, Ken Jackson, David Zitney, Eric Messner, David Cui Cui, Drew Kopas, Lise Bruneau, Richard Rohan, Patrick Boylan, and Alejandro Ruiz.
1 pages, Audio CD
Published May 30, 2023
About the author
Elise Kova
53 books18.6k followersJoin Elise's mailing list to never miss a giveaway, release, sale, and more: https://elisekova.com/subscribe/
ELISE KOVA is a USA Today bestselling author. She enjoys telling stories of fantasy worlds filled with magic and deep emotions. She lives in Florida and, when not writing, can be found playing video games, drawing, chatting with readers on social media, or daydreaming about her next story.
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ELISE KOVA is a USA Today bestselling author. She enjoys telling stories of fantasy worlds filled with magic and deep emotions. She lives in Florida and, when not writing, can be found playing video games, drawing, chatting with readers on social media, or daydreaming about her next story.
Say Hello!
INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | FACEBOOK | TWITTER
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
January 25, 2024
3.5
Perfectly enjoyable and leisurely read, very lite fantasy. Kind of slow and uneventful, but pleasant. To be honest, I feel like the dramatized adaptation elevated the text a lot. It deserves praise just for the voice of Eldas alone (I mean… Wow. Holy Moly). I like the concept, so I intend to listen to the whole series.
Perfectly enjoyable and leisurely read, very lite fantasy. Kind of slow and uneventful, but pleasant. To be honest, I feel like the dramatized adaptation elevated the text a lot. It deserves praise just for the voice of Eldas alone (I mean… Wow. Holy Moly). I like the concept, so I intend to listen to the whole series.
July 28, 2025
Surprisingly good!
I’m really shocked I don’t see more people talking about this one.
Highly recommend the Graphic Audio version of this one.
A healer girl gets chosen to be the human queen of the elf realm. Broody and cold King. Sassy human. We all know what is going to happen but I enjoyed the ride. Was it the most unique story? Not really. The story was predictable and she had a faithful wild animal that became a pet and also a hard-edged guard that became a friend. The tropes were troping. But there was some impressive world building and folklore backstory that took me off guard as well. I felt like some aspects could’ve been fleshed out a bit more but overall an easy quick read and I finished it in one day.
The banter had me smiling while I listened so 4 ⭐️ for me.
I’m really shocked I don’t see more people talking about this one.
Highly recommend the Graphic Audio version of this one.
A healer girl gets chosen to be the human queen of the elf realm. Broody and cold King. Sassy human. We all know what is going to happen but I enjoyed the ride. Was it the most unique story? Not really. The story was predictable and she had a faithful wild animal that became a pet and also a hard-edged guard that became a friend. The tropes were troping. But there was some impressive world building and folklore backstory that took me off guard as well. I felt like some aspects could’ve been fleshed out a bit more but overall an easy quick read and I finished it in one day.
The banter had me smiling while I listened so 4 ⭐️ for me.
May 18, 2025
Awesome narration and a good story!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚💜💙
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: 😒🥺😀🙂🥰
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Full Cast with Dramatized Narration
The heroine: Luella - she is a healer and has loved her best friend Luke since they were children. Though the love has changed now that she has grown up. In fact, she has been wanting to kiss him for a while now. When he comes into her shop on the morning where a human queen is to be chosen for the Elf King, she is happy to see him, even more so when he professes his love for her and wants to take her away. She knows she can’t go, with everything up in the air right now, and more people getting ill and dying from the weakness. Luke is a keeper who works in the temple, making sure that no humans accidentally go into the fade where the world of wild magic and the elves is separated from the human world. He is worried about war coming if a queen isn’t found. Though Luella refuses to go with him, Luke does give her their first kiss. Luella is happy but finds it odd that it isn’t quite what she had hoped for. She is even more surprised when Luke tells her parents that she has agreed to marry him. Especially since she did no such thing. She never planned on getting married, since she is married to her profession, and far to busy for a husband and children.
The Hero: Eldas, The Elf King - The king of kings, ruler of all mortals. His world is complex and there are tensions between the Fae and the Elves. There are also some factions that believe every human queen is weaker than the one before and want to do away with a human queen and instead get rid of the fade and conquer the human world. The king has a lot on his shoulders.
The Story: Luella finds out she is the one in her village with magic and will become the human queen. It seems that Luke had wanted to keep her for himself, so he gave her a necklace when she was young that hid her magic. She is immediately taken through the fade to Midscape, the world of the elves. She feels alone in that she is different from all the elves and is also different from all humans. The human queen is necessary since she has the nature magic that bridges the gap between the natural world and Midscape. The world was dying before she came, and her magic brings it back to life. Though she knows that her only duty is to be there and not many of the elves want her to do more than just exist, they want her to be quiet.
I liked the concept of this book, and the full cast narration was terrific. I read some reviews that thought the dramatizations were overdone, but I personally thought the voice actors did a great job and I really liked the voices of the two main character quite a lot. Though I did get a bit bored during some of the scenes as they were too drawn out with too much attention to details, that I just wanted to get on with the story. Though it wasn’t bad, I just would have liked some scenes to move on a bit faster.
This audiobook was told in multiple points of view and was narrated in dramatized adaptation form including sound effects. Performed by Kelly Baskin, Rayner Gabriel, Elena Anderson, Robb Moreira, Gabriel Michael, Ryan Haugen, Debi Tinsley, Yasmin Tuazon, James Konicek, Matthew Bassett, Scott McCormick, Nanette Savard, Karen Novack, Samantha Cooper, Alysia Beltran, Holly Adams, Elias Khalil, Ken Jackson, David Zitney, Eric Messner, David Cui Cui, Drew Kopas, Lise Bruneau, Richard Rohan, Patrick Boylan, and Alejandro Ruiz.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚💜💙
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: 😒🥺😀🙂🥰
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Full Cast with Dramatized Narration
The heroine: Luella - she is a healer and has loved her best friend Luke since they were children. Though the love has changed now that she has grown up. In fact, she has been wanting to kiss him for a while now. When he comes into her shop on the morning where a human queen is to be chosen for the Elf King, she is happy to see him, even more so when he professes his love for her and wants to take her away. She knows she can’t go, with everything up in the air right now, and more people getting ill and dying from the weakness. Luke is a keeper who works in the temple, making sure that no humans accidentally go into the fade where the world of wild magic and the elves is separated from the human world. He is worried about war coming if a queen isn’t found. Though Luella refuses to go with him, Luke does give her their first kiss. Luella is happy but finds it odd that it isn’t quite what she had hoped for. She is even more surprised when Luke tells her parents that she has agreed to marry him. Especially since she did no such thing. She never planned on getting married, since she is married to her profession, and far to busy for a husband and children.
The Hero: Eldas, The Elf King - The king of kings, ruler of all mortals. His world is complex and there are tensions between the Fae and the Elves. There are also some factions that believe every human queen is weaker than the one before and want to do away with a human queen and instead get rid of the fade and conquer the human world. The king has a lot on his shoulders.
The Story: Luella finds out she is the one in her village with magic and will become the human queen. It seems that Luke had wanted to keep her for himself, so he gave her a necklace when she was young that hid her magic. She is immediately taken through the fade to Midscape, the world of the elves. She feels alone in that she is different from all the elves and is also different from all humans. The human queen is necessary since she has the nature magic that bridges the gap between the natural world and Midscape. The world was dying before she came, and her magic brings it back to life. Though she knows that her only duty is to be there and not many of the elves want her to do more than just exist, they want her to be quiet.
I liked the concept of this book, and the full cast narration was terrific. I read some reviews that thought the dramatizations were overdone, but I personally thought the voice actors did a great job and I really liked the voices of the two main character quite a lot. Though I did get a bit bored during some of the scenes as they were too drawn out with too much attention to details, that I just wanted to get on with the story. Though it wasn’t bad, I just would have liked some scenes to move on a bit faster.
This audiobook was told in multiple points of view and was narrated in dramatized adaptation form including sound effects. Performed by Kelly Baskin, Rayner Gabriel, Elena Anderson, Robb Moreira, Gabriel Michael, Ryan Haugen, Debi Tinsley, Yasmin Tuazon, James Konicek, Matthew Bassett, Scott McCormick, Nanette Savard, Karen Novack, Samantha Cooper, Alysia Beltran, Holly Adams, Elias Khalil, Ken Jackson, David Zitney, Eric Messner, David Cui Cui, Drew Kopas, Lise Bruneau, Richard Rohan, Patrick Boylan, and Alejandro Ruiz.
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April 4, 2024
The voice actors in this were cheesy and sometimes icky. The story was good at the start and then felt rushed at the end. I get it girl, you have a “duty” you don’t have to tell me every 5 minutes.
September 5, 2024
It’s a real shame I couldn’t give this one 5 stars. This story had all the elements of a 5 star read for me;
Enemies to lovers,
Slow burn,
Excellently wrought characters including side characters,
Women becoming friends even with rivals…
…but. there were a touch too many incidents of Luella being dense, and horrendous overuse of the terms “never knew”, “never noticed” etc. Seriously, every time a character said she felt/saw/heard etc something she’d “never noticed” or “never knew” she needed/had/wanted or whatever, I’d pause, and rewrite that phrase or sentence in my brain without that phrase. I managed it nearly every time!!
Ok rant over.
This was otherwise lovely in every aspect and the graphic audio was a pleasure as usual. I’ll be looking out for more of these. They’re truly “a movie in your mind”
Enemies to lovers,
Slow burn,
Excellently wrought characters including side characters,
Women becoming friends even with rivals…
…but. there were a touch too many incidents of Luella being dense, and horrendous overuse of the terms “never knew”, “never noticed” etc. Seriously, every time a character said she felt/saw/heard etc something she’d “never noticed” or “never knew” she needed/had/wanted or whatever, I’d pause, and rewrite that phrase or sentence in my brain without that phrase. I managed it nearly every time!!
Ok rant over.
This was otherwise lovely in every aspect and the graphic audio was a pleasure as usual. I’ll be looking out for more of these. They’re truly “a movie in your mind”
Read
August 12, 2025DNF at 40%
I so wanted to like this book, but I really struggled to get into it. I typically love GraphicAudio books, but this one just wasn't good. The female narrator sounded like Siri and it just made it feel like cheap AI. I was trying to get past the bad narration, but the plot wasn't helping. The fact that she kept insisting she needed to go back because her town didn't have a healer, when her new job as the elf queen was to literally keep the human and magic worlds in balance....like what are your priorities. I didn't want to continue to waste my time, so I'm dnfing. Maybe I'll try again at some point, but I wouldn't count on it.
I so wanted to like this book, but I really struggled to get into it. I typically love GraphicAudio books, but this one just wasn't good. The female narrator sounded like Siri and it just made it feel like cheap AI. I was trying to get past the bad narration, but the plot wasn't helping. The fact that she kept insisting she needed to go back because her town didn't have a healer, when her new job as the elf queen was to literally keep the human and magic worlds in balance....like what are your priorities. I didn't want to continue to waste my time, so I'm dnfing. Maybe I'll try again at some point, but I wouldn't count on it.
October 17, 2023
The writing style in this book was just not my favourite and overall sounded very juvenile (yes I know it’s YA but that doesn’t excuse anything). The “magic system” made me cringe mainly because it was severely underdeveloped so nothing made sense. But honestly my biggest problem was the main character she was lacking development and a personality.
Read
June 17, 2023that was, i think, a good book for this audio dramatisation experiment/journey i wanted to embark on. im looking forward to the next.
January 24, 2026
2.5 stars
I was ready to give this book a solid 3 stars, but the third-act breakup annoyed the hell out of me, so here we are.
Let’s start with the audiobook. This was my first time listening to a dramatised version, and it was actually fun. Unfortunately, I didn’t like anyone’s voices 😅. The sound effects, though, were really good.
The plot is the main reason why I almost gave it 3 stars. The author created a genuinely interesting world and a compelling magic system. For a standalone, that’s impressive, you can’t really ask for much more.
So why only 2.5 stars? Luella. She really annoyed me. King Eldas did too at the beginning, but that’s kind of expected in an enemies-to-lovers story. What really drove me crazy was how Luella kept repeating that she had to go back because it was her duty. How many times did I need to hear this? It felt like torture.
And then, at the end, instead of actually explaining her feelings and reasons, she just went silent. Her internal monologue like, “He didn’t say he loved me”… girl, please. Just say something.
Anyway, I’m not sure if I’ll continue the series or not. It was okay, basically.
I was ready to give this book a solid 3 stars, but the third-act breakup annoyed the hell out of me, so here we are.
Let’s start with the audiobook. This was my first time listening to a dramatised version, and it was actually fun. Unfortunately, I didn’t like anyone’s voices 😅. The sound effects, though, were really good.
The plot is the main reason why I almost gave it 3 stars. The author created a genuinely interesting world and a compelling magic system. For a standalone, that’s impressive, you can’t really ask for much more.
So why only 2.5 stars? Luella. She really annoyed me. King Eldas did too at the beginning, but that’s kind of expected in an enemies-to-lovers story. What really drove me crazy was how Luella kept repeating that she had to go back because it was her duty. How many times did I need to hear this? It felt like torture.
And then, at the end, instead of actually explaining her feelings and reasons, she just went silent. Her internal monologue like, “He didn’t say he loved me”… girl, please. Just say something.
Anyway, I’m not sure if I’ll continue the series or not. It was okay, basically.
May 19, 2026
کلیشه، کلیشه، کلیشه 😒
خیلی میتونست بهتر باشه خیلی
خیلی میتونست بهتر باشه خیلی
March 18, 2026
Maybe it's because I listened to the dramatized adaptation.. but it's a naw for me dawg.
March 26, 2025
4.5⭐️
Loved it!! So addictive!
It doesn't have the most amazing plot or worldbuilding out there but there is a very fun, addictive and engrossing quality to the story. The dramatized adaptation definitely elevated the rating for me, I couldn't stop listening! The voices and dynamic were great and the heroine really pulled you in and made you root for her. I liked it more than book 3 (yes, I accidently read them out of order). Love the elves lore and the way Luella embraced the magic, her new home and worked to fix the rip between her world and the magical one. She was smart, spunky and relatable and takes no sh** from the Elf king. Loved the journal aspects too, the slow burn and the growth.
Luella is so badass and the elf king is just one big grump that shows he cares more through his actions than with words.
I would totally listen to it again!
Loved it!! So addictive!
It doesn't have the most amazing plot or worldbuilding out there but there is a very fun, addictive and engrossing quality to the story. The dramatized adaptation definitely elevated the rating for me, I couldn't stop listening! The voices and dynamic were great and the heroine really pulled you in and made you root for her. I liked it more than book 3 (yes, I accidently read them out of order). Love the elves lore and the way Luella embraced the magic, her new home and worked to fix the rip between her world and the magical one. She was smart, spunky and relatable and takes no sh** from the Elf king. Loved the journal aspects too, the slow burn and the growth.
Luella is so badass and the elf king is just one big grump that shows he cares more through his actions than with words.
I would totally listen to it again!
September 24, 2023
Do i think this may have been a three star read without the dramatized audio? Yes BUT i had the dramatized audio so😛. This was giving ACOTAR plus The Cruel Prince and it ate. Eldas was just so daddy. And I thought I’d be upset because it was YA but the little simple spice was just so tasteful. Giggling in my pillow level. Anyway read it but do yourself a favor and do it with the audio.
August 26, 2025
It was alright. I feel like the stakes weren't expressed as well as they could have been so things didn't seem as dire to me as they probably were supposed to be. I also didn't necessarily feel chemistry between the main characters so things just kind of fell flat to me at the end. It was still a cute story and I enjoyed learning about the past human queens.
June 16, 2023
The multicast narration is amazing!
The story is entertaining with good world building. Lots of action, mysteries to solve, and romance.
The story is entertaining with good world building. Lots of action, mysteries to solve, and romance.
January 20, 2026
This was.. just okay. I don’t think this series is for me, I couldn’t stand the romance - it was pretty meh and so was the story
August 26, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
The best praise I can give this is that it is very entertaining. The graphic audio narration really elevated this and made it enjoyable at least. I had tried to read this physically before but the issues I found in the audio were worse in the physical. There are a lot of really cheesy lines, the MMC sort of just… changes his mind suddenly about the FMC, but it doesn’t feel earned, the world building doesn’t make much sense and I didn’t really feel like I understood why there were so many issues with the magic system. Nothing truly felt earned.
The romance was cute in a few sections and the MMC’s narrator really helped me like him more because he really sold those super cheesy lines during the spicy scenes. The side characters were interesting and I liked all of their scenes, they felt the most authentic. The FMC had a lot of conviction and I felt her character remained consistent throughout the entire book, but I also was really frustrated with her choices and how things were settled in the end. One sentence could have sorted out a lot of drama.
Listen for a good time but not a great time?
The best praise I can give this is that it is very entertaining. The graphic audio narration really elevated this and made it enjoyable at least. I had tried to read this physically before but the issues I found in the audio were worse in the physical. There are a lot of really cheesy lines, the MMC sort of just… changes his mind suddenly about the FMC, but it doesn’t feel earned, the world building doesn’t make much sense and I didn’t really feel like I understood why there were so many issues with the magic system. Nothing truly felt earned.
The romance was cute in a few sections and the MMC’s narrator really helped me like him more because he really sold those super cheesy lines during the spicy scenes. The side characters were interesting and I liked all of their scenes, they felt the most authentic. The FMC had a lot of conviction and I felt her character remained consistent throughout the entire book, but I also was really frustrated with her choices and how things were settled in the end. One sentence could have sorted out a lot of drama.
Listen for a good time but not a great time?
March 27, 2026
This was my first time listening to a graphic audio and I really enjoyed it. The suspense and the sounds they create give an extra immersion into the book.
The cast for this book I loved and I particularly loved the elf king (Rayner Gabriel) his laughs and his voice for the character was just perfect and Luella voiced by Kelly Baskin was also really good too. In fact pretty much all of the cast for this book was great.
I really loved the story that gave a beauty and the beast vibe and the slow burn enemies to lovers. However unfortunately some areas were a little slow and i kind of felt like some scenes were cut short like one scene where they were getting intermate and then it just cuts to next day and them leaving. Making you go ok then so not really any spice. For this reason I could not give it a 5 star.
This books has however made me realise that i need to read more graphic audio as this brought the book to life more and I feel like give audiobooks a whole new feel.
The cast for this book I loved and I particularly loved the elf king (Rayner Gabriel) his laughs and his voice for the character was just perfect and Luella voiced by Kelly Baskin was also really good too. In fact pretty much all of the cast for this book was great.
I really loved the story that gave a beauty and the beast vibe and the slow burn enemies to lovers. However unfortunately some areas were a little slow and i kind of felt like some scenes were cut short like one scene where they were getting intermate and then it just cuts to next day and them leaving. Making you go ok then so not really any spice. For this reason I could not give it a 5 star.
This books has however made me realise that i need to read more graphic audio as this brought the book to life more and I feel like give audiobooks a whole new feel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2024
Luella is the only herbalist healer in her small village . At only 19, Luella has already been to university + is on of the best herbalist healers around . Unaware that she is only the best because she wields magic from the mother earth, she is the Human Queen . This information only comes to light when the Elf King shows up + demands that his queen be brought to him at once . Luella is discovered + she realizes her whole life has been a lie with her magic was hidden away against her will . Knowing she will do anything to save her people, Luella does not hesitate to go with Eldas + sit upon the throne .
Eldas is the infamous Elf King . Tired of waiting for the humans to produce the next Human Queen, Eldas takes it upon himself to seek her out . That’s when he learns that she has been hidden from not only him + the world, but from herself . With little time to spare Eldas finds Luella, fades away so they can be married + then they can start the process of healing their dying world . Eldas finds himself having to teach Luella everything because she wasn’t brought up knowing she was the Human Queen . Quickly though he starts to learn that she is more than perfect + she just might be the key to ending all the pain and suffering permanently .
Elise Kova has done it again with such great world building, character development + slow burn love ! At first I was a little unsure of the pace and where the story was going, but then within the blink of an eye you’re sucked into the drama + demanding answers . The side chapters were so wonderfully written + made me giggle constantly - Willow + Hook are perfect best friends . I do wish we would have gotten a not so rushed ending once all the dust had settled or even an epilogue of what their future looks like . I’m hoping we will see the two of them again throughout the rest of the series !
This is the first book in the Marriage to Magic Series + it can be read as a stand alone .
Eldas is the infamous Elf King . Tired of waiting for the humans to produce the next Human Queen, Eldas takes it upon himself to seek her out . That’s when he learns that she has been hidden from not only him + the world, but from herself . With little time to spare Eldas finds Luella, fades away so they can be married + then they can start the process of healing their dying world . Eldas finds himself having to teach Luella everything because she wasn’t brought up knowing she was the Human Queen . Quickly though he starts to learn that she is more than perfect + she just might be the key to ending all the pain and suffering permanently .
Elise Kova has done it again with such great world building, character development + slow burn love ! At first I was a little unsure of the pace and where the story was going, but then within the blink of an eye you’re sucked into the drama + demanding answers . The side chapters were so wonderfully written + made me giggle constantly - Willow + Hook are perfect best friends . I do wish we would have gotten a not so rushed ending once all the dust had settled or even an epilogue of what their future looks like . I’m hoping we will see the two of them again throughout the rest of the series !
This is the first book in the Marriage to Magic Series + it can be read as a stand alone .
September 21, 2025
I was so looking forward to this book... and it just fell flat for me.
I think what ruined it for me was the beginning. But the beginning was just cheesy, to put it bluntly.
And after those gigantic plot holes were done with, I just couldn't suspend my disbelief for the other, probably more forgivable, plot stumbles.
And to top it off, Luella and Eldas just didn't have the chemistry and burn that I wanted. They were fine. Sweet. But nothing that blew my mind. Really their romance was pushed on by the knowledge that they were endgame. What I liked most about them was how deeply they respected each other's magic. But beyond that? Nothing was sizzling over that campfire.
I really hope this was a fluke. By all rights I should love this series. Adore it! If I read the next one, I hope to enjoy it a lot more.
I think what ruined it for me was the beginning. But the beginning was just cheesy, to put it bluntly.
And after those gigantic plot holes were done with, I just couldn't suspend my disbelief for the other, probably more forgivable, plot stumbles.
And to top it off, Luella and Eldas just didn't have the chemistry and burn that I wanted. They were fine. Sweet. But nothing that blew my mind. Really their romance was pushed on by the knowledge that they were endgame. What I liked most about them was how deeply they respected each other's magic. But beyond that? Nothing was sizzling over that campfire.
I really hope this was a fluke. By all rights I should love this series. Adore it! If I read the next one, I hope to enjoy it a lot more.
November 6, 2025
3.5
Shades of Hades & Persephone, along with Beauty and the Beast, I quite enjoyed this Graphic Audio.
The very beginning was a little rough with the narration, but once the story got going I was able to lose myself more into it.
I thought the world-building was interesting. There are often stories were the land of Fae is separate from the human world through some barrier or another, but I found it interesting how, in this story, Fae was situated between the human world on one side, and the realm of death on the other. And I liked how Eldas' magic was more of the death magic type stuff - though that could've been explored more - and Luella, as the "human queen", was the nature/spring vibe.
And I enjoyed the story of Eldas and Luella overall, despite the usual romance annoyances and miscommunication tropes. (I'm listening to the second in the series, and it seems like Kova really likes to use the "guy doesn't listen to girl who is OBVIOUSLY CORRECT" thing a lot... ) *eyeroll*
The only reason I'm not giving it a sold 4-stars is because, while it was interesting blending of the source stories, it didn't really seem to offer much of anything new.
I'm glad I listened to the Graphic Audio production, though, which helped really bring it to life.
Shades of Hades & Persephone, along with Beauty and the Beast, I quite enjoyed this Graphic Audio.
The very beginning was a little rough with the narration, but once the story got going I was able to lose myself more into it.
I thought the world-building was interesting. There are often stories were the land of Fae is separate from the human world through some barrier or another, but I found it interesting how, in this story, Fae was situated between the human world on one side, and the realm of death on the other. And I liked how Eldas' magic was more of the death magic type stuff - though that could've been explored more - and Luella, as the "human queen", was the nature/spring vibe.
And I enjoyed the story of Eldas and Luella overall, despite the usual romance annoyances and miscommunication tropes. (I'm listening to the second in the series, and it seems like Kova really likes to use the "guy doesn't listen to girl who is OBVIOUSLY CORRECT" thing a lot... ) *eyeroll*
The only reason I'm not giving it a sold 4-stars is because, while it was interesting blending of the source stories, it didn't really seem to offer much of anything new.
I'm glad I listened to the Graphic Audio production, though, which helped really bring it to life.
July 7, 2024
The world and plot of this book had such great potential, but it just fell flat. The story felt ridiculously rushed and even the romance felt very forced.
The vibe was very much “beauty and the beast” remake, which I’m all about. Some of the minor characters were fun to listen to.
But other than that, I really didn’t enjoy this book much. I feel like it should have been a duology rather than a standalone. The climax was very rushed and the resolution didn’t make much sense.
Finally, in regards to the audio version of this book, the narrator had a hard time distinguishing between dialogue and narration tones, so it was very difficult as a listener to understand if what she was saying was dialogue or the characters thoughts.
The vibe was very much “beauty and the beast” remake, which I’m all about. Some of the minor characters were fun to listen to.
But other than that, I really didn’t enjoy this book much. I feel like it should have been a duology rather than a standalone. The climax was very rushed and the resolution didn’t make much sense.
Finally, in regards to the audio version of this book, the narrator had a hard time distinguishing between dialogue and narration tones, so it was very difficult as a listener to understand if what she was saying was dialogue or the characters thoughts.
September 28, 2024
You know it’s bad when by the end of the book you can’t stand the MFC. Luella is a whiny brat and I’m so sick of her second guessing everything. Maybe it’s because I’m WAY past 19, but I think it’s more than that. I really don’t like her, which is truly sad because the book started out ok. The spice is almost non-existent, but then I think this is a YA book (which actually makes sense.). I almost DNF it but I only had an hour left of the graphic audio so I was like what the heck! I need to finish it. It’s been awhile since I was that happy for a book to be over.
I only gave it an extra star for Willow and Hook, who saved the book for me.
I only gave it an extra star for Willow and Hook, who saved the book for me.
February 10, 2025
3.5⭐️
I haven’t read many romantasy standalones, so I feel like this was a pretty good one. I wanted a bit more from all aspects of the story, but that might just be standard for standalones like this since I’m used to reading series and duologies where you get more depth to everything. That being said, I did enjoy listening to this one. I did the GraphicAudio version since that’s what was available on Libby, and it was a fun mix up to my regular listens.
This could be a good one if you’re looking for a light, easy and quick romantasy with a guaranteed happily ever after between your other reads.
✨Romantasy
✨Arranged Marriage
✨Healer
✨Hidden Powers
✨Slow Burn
✨Standalone
I haven’t read many romantasy standalones, so I feel like this was a pretty good one. I wanted a bit more from all aspects of the story, but that might just be standard for standalones like this since I’m used to reading series and duologies where you get more depth to everything. That being said, I did enjoy listening to this one. I did the GraphicAudio version since that’s what was available on Libby, and it was a fun mix up to my regular listens.
This could be a good one if you’re looking for a light, easy and quick romantasy with a guaranteed happily ever after between your other reads.
✨Romantasy
✨Arranged Marriage
✨Healer
✨Hidden Powers
✨Slow Burn
✨Standalone
June 20, 2025
Unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations. I was hoping for more whimsy and magic, but it just didn't deliver. It had been a while since I'd read a book with elves, and I kept forgetting they weren't human. I did enjoy the fade lore and the relationship with the wolf, though. The romantic relationship grew on me, and the book was okay, but Luella really frustrated me, and I found it hard to believe for a lot of the novel. All in all, it was an average read that I'm already forgetting about.
That being said, the GraphicAudio version of the audiobook really did add to my enjoyment of this novel, and I'm not sure I would have finished it if I'd tried to read it in print.
That being said, the GraphicAudio version of the audiobook really did add to my enjoyment of this novel, and I'm not sure I would have finished it if I'd tried to read it in print.
October 31, 2025
I would have liked to have more world-building involved in this story, but at the same time that does not seem to be the point. I was also a little frustrated with how the main-character comes to the solution of the problem, as her thinking isn't included in the narrative. She just 'tells' the reader that she is making progress and (eventually) that she's figured it out. The reasoning and research are left out of the story. And that is not the only thing that happens behind the scenes (as it were).
That being said: I did have a good time. I enjoyed the connection between Luella and Eldas (though I wonder whether that also has to do with the format/voices).
That being said: I did have a good time. I enjoyed the connection between Luella and Eldas (though I wonder whether that also has to do with the format/voices).
April 27, 2026
2.5 stars.
I didn't know what to rate this. The idea was actually really great. I loved the power transfer and the world-building, but the fmc just annoyed me too much. Her inner monologue was rather irksome, and honestly made her seem less bright. Oh, I did my duty, now I can just leave, and go back to my other duty. Oh, there must be an easy solution, I'm sure no one has tried before. Oh, I need to feel helpful and do something, because saving a kingdom isn't enough. I'm not sure why it peeved me so much, but at least the dramatized adaption gave it some life, making it an enjoyable experience.
I didn't know what to rate this. The idea was actually really great. I loved the power transfer and the world-building, but the fmc just annoyed me too much. Her inner monologue was rather irksome, and honestly made her seem less bright. Oh, I did my duty, now I can just leave, and go back to my other duty. Oh, there must be an easy solution, I'm sure no one has tried before. Oh, I need to feel helpful and do something, because saving a kingdom isn't enough. I'm not sure why it peeved me so much, but at least the dramatized adaption gave it some life, making it an enjoyable experience.
January 12, 2021
Wow. Wow. Wow. I couldn’t put this book down and was surprised at how I just devoured every word! I loved this world! The story was enchanting, and drew me in. I had to know how everything worked out and how things were solved! The King of the Elves is definitely my new book boyfriend and Luella was so fantastic. My words aren’t doing justice, but this book if you love romantic fantasy then you should totally read it!
Reread edit- I reread this via graphic audio and I don’t think they are for me. I definitely preferred reading it with my eyes.
Reread edit- I reread this via graphic audio and I don’t think they are for me. I definitely preferred reading it with my eyes.
March 7, 2024
It has been a long time since I read a book where I hated most of the characters as much as I do with this book. The elf king is truly a horrible, mean asshole.
The human queen thinks she is strong and stands up for herself but doesn’t. She is treated like shit by most everyone and she doesn’t really call it out or stick up for herself.
I truly HATE the elf king. He is HORRIBLE. He says mean, petulant, passive aggressive remarks and yet the human still swoons for him. Nope! Just NOPE! So many red flags…especially that the FMC is 18-19. The elf king is basically grooming her.
The human queen thinks she is strong and stands up for herself but doesn’t. She is treated like shit by most everyone and she doesn’t really call it out or stick up for herself.
I truly HATE the elf king. He is HORRIBLE. He says mean, petulant, passive aggressive remarks and yet the human still swoons for him. Nope! Just NOPE! So many red flags…especially that the FMC is 18-19. The elf king is basically grooming her.
June 5, 2025
1,3⭐️
Es que no.
Con lo que podría haber explotado la Magia de este mundo y se quedado todo ñe.
No ha sido para nada un libro para mi, hay partes que bueno podían ser más entretenidas (leer en audiolibro dramatizado ha mejorado el asunto) pero es que no he sentido conexión con ningún personaje, no me creo el romance (que me parece inexistente) es todo como muy Pum ya está.
Significa esto que el libro es malo? No, simplemente que no para mi (vengo de lecturas muy buenas y esto ha sido un plof)
Quiero seguir leyendo a la autora la verdad, las ideas son muy buenas.
Es que no.
Con lo que podría haber explotado la Magia de este mundo y se quedado todo ñe.
No ha sido para nada un libro para mi, hay partes que bueno podían ser más entretenidas (leer en audiolibro dramatizado ha mejorado el asunto) pero es que no he sentido conexión con ningún personaje, no me creo el romance (que me parece inexistente) es todo como muy Pum ya está.
Significa esto que el libro es malo? No, simplemente que no para mi (vengo de lecturas muy buenas y esto ha sido un plof)
Quiero seguir leyendo a la autora la verdad, las ideas son muy buenas.
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