To Chain an Elf King

Sands of Maeoris #2

by Atley Wykes

“You may have stolen my heart, but I’ll take your head.” In the scorching heart of the desert, Theron was taken captive by the woman he’d professed to love. He’d been a fool; unable to see her deception until it was too late, blinded by her beauty and ferocity. Now he’s trapped in an enemy encampment—chained, battered, and tormented—as his captors try to force him to reveal Adraedor’s weaknesses. But one thought gives him strength. What he’ll do to Kael when he breaks out... Kael is left reeling after her ordeal, torn between loyalty to her people and the overwhelming draw to her sworn enemy. Confused by her conflicted feelings and the intensity of their connection, she can’t stay away. Especially when he holds the key to her newly discovered magic, and all it entails. Until he escapes. Caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, they ignite a smoldering desire that cannot be denied. The lines blur between captor and captive as their bodies yearn for each other’s touch, even as their minds remain entangled in a battle of wills. Will Theron and Kael succumb to the flames of their desires, or will the consequences of their forbidden love consume them?

Genres: Fantasy, Enemies To Lovers, Magic, Fae, Ebooks, Fantasy Romance

295 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2024

Reviews

[Em (semi-hiatus) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Obnoxiously insufferable heroine, impressively dumb hero, and the cruel irony? The only one who felt chained was me.

[Isa Centeno · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I started the series with this because I forgot to look for the title in goodreads 🤣 This book blows my mind though.

So many spoilers for me in the first chapter and I just thought "I need more". So interesting with the morally gray MMC and the badass FMC, so you can't stop reading until the end.

The true definition of enemies to lovers to frenemies to lovers.

So, the story is about Kael and Theron fighting against all odds to be together.

In the first book, Kael is a spy in the palace with an uncertain future until she is almost killed by the Empress. Theron-the Marshal-saves her and runs away with her only for her to be found for the Rebellion-Kael's people.

Now, in the second book, Theron becomes a prisoner of the Rebellion. The anger for having been betrayed and the thirst for revenge are the only short ones that keep her alive.

Kael, on the other hand, is confused. She didn't want to put Theron in a cage, but she can't betray the cause and her family for the man who killed her father. But she can't let him die either, so she keeps fighting her own people.

When the Marshall is captured, she's devastated and she understands that she really cares for him, but she has to turn the page and move on with her life. She thinks she'll never see him again, so she tries to learn about her power until she's kidnapped by Theron.

They're toxic to each other, but the chemistry is strong and soon their come back to the same. Of course, they have a "she betrays him. He kidnaps her."

What happens when the obsession turns into something else? Yes, they're in love!

I can't wait for the next book. The story is so addictive and I really enjoyed every chapter.

[Oksana OM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Де розкриття магії? Якісь нормальні пояснення світобудови? Мені прям сумно, що все таке скомкане з такою цікаво задумкою. Все, що я зрозуміло, що вони хочуть бути нашим, але трагічність і драматичність вибору підкачала.

[Jordan Syring · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5🌟

[Rebel]

Kael and Theron were great characters. Keal is a strong character and a fighter but she must accept and deal with her feelings and Theron is strong and willing to tell her his feelings first. Definite chemistry with scorching scenes. Magic, wonderfully described places, political intrigue and the love between the MCs. Fast paced. I'm looking forward to more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cristina Machado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Atley Wykes and her Maeoris fantasy universe have me totally hooked since the prequel and the first book. "To chain an elf king" is no different, because I simply fall in love again with Kael and Theron, and I couldn't stop turning the page for a minute, always wanting to know what was going to happen next. The intensity of passion between these two is poignant. They complete and heal each other, however much they fight a true war of wills. And Theron, Oh My, he falls first and it is very refreshing to see a hero who is protective and possessive, but admits his feelings so naturally. Both he and Kael carry stories of suffering and loss, but he is the first to admit that they can be happy together, while she struggles to recognize her feelings almost all the time. The couple chemistry is undeniable. with a lot of scorching scenes to temperate the relation. But, of course, I read fantasy romance mainly because the worldbuilding, and Atley couldn't win me over just by writing a good spicy love story. What definitely hooks me to this series is the level of development of the fantasy fabric. The universe of Maeoris, reminiscent of Dune, by Frank Herbert, is a carefully arranged combination of magic, political intrigue, mesmerizing places and a whole cast of fantastical beings that makes the whole plot much more colorful and attractive. In this second book, the author expanded her fantasy world even further, bringing more information about the fauna and flora of the desert and the ancient magic of the elves, something that I believe will return even more strongly in the third book, with the consolidation of Kael's elvish powers. And for those who want to know more about the world of Maeoris and thus enhance the reading experience, the author brings maps, a wiki and even genealogical charts on her website, things that reveal great care in the construction of this and other stories that will follow. Anyway, I can only conclude by recommending this and the first book in the series to all fantasy romance lovers who want to immerse themselves in an epic and passionate universe, which promises many good stories now an in future, the ones that leave us wanting more.
I received and arc by the author for an honest review.

[TheBookDragonReads || Chloë · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before we begin: CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS. This book is like getting wrapped in a velvet blanket and then drop kicked into a battlefield of emotional damage, psychological warfare, and very non cringe spice.

Book two picked up and said, “So you survived book one? That’s cute.”

This installment is essentially a 400 page cat and mouse, enemies to lovers, are we still enemies, no wait we might be soulmates, just kidding I still don’t trust you spiral into mutual obsession and healing. It’s like watching two traumatised, emotionally constipated people try to build a relationship using only sharp wit, sarcasm, and unresolved mummy and daddy issues — and I mean that in the best way.

The spice? Still top tier. Not a single “his manhood throbbed” in sight. This isn’t your Wattpad era smut. This is adult, elegantly unhinged, "I shouldn't want this but here we are" spice. Hydration remains mandatory. Send help and electrolytes.

What really sold me this time was the emotional growth. I watched two broken people try, and then fail, and then try again to build something real from the ashes of their past. That mutual healing arc? That “I’ll protect your peace even if I burn for it” energy? Inject it straight into my bloodstream.

We also got to see more of the world, which I loved. The map in my head is finally no longer just “castle, trauma, horny politics.” I have expanded. I have context. I have… character name recall. (Yes, it finally happened! I can confidently say who’s who and I only flipped to the glossary twice this time.)

The side characters? Iconic. Perfect. Would start a rebellion for at least three of them. They add emotional depth, political tension, and in some cases, petty drama that I lived for. Every time one of them popped up, I knew I was either about to rage, laugh, or spiral.

Final thoughts: sexy, dark, a little savage, and surprisingly tender. Like a knife dipped in honey. One of the most unique dark fantasy romances I’ve read — and I say that as someone who usually expects book two of a trilogy to be the mid installment. Not here. Here, it got feral.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be writing my book three review with twitchy hands and a PDF of character family trees taped to my wall like I’m solving a murder.

[Angela Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this series!

To Chain an Elf King by Atley Wykes is such a good story!
This book picks right up where book one left off with Theron captured and in chains. Theron is both angry and hurt by Kael’s actions because he went into the rebel camp to save her!
Although Theron feels betrayed, Kael to a certain extent, took him as her prisoner to protect him and to another degree took him because of the trauma she went through at the hands of his brother, all her anger and hate resurfaced.
Theron is able to eventually escape.
Kael learns to harness some of her power.
Then Kael is captured and chained by Theron.
Each of them have to work through the betrayal, hurt and anger they feel towards each other from being deceived, chained and forced into submission.
The fight for the lands and power is still going strong.
I love the characters, the world that Atley has build is great and I love the storyline! I can’t wait to jump into the next book!

[Lydia Gainous · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intense Sequel

I really enjoyed this storyline and the world that the author created. There are a lot of “rebel” type books and I enjoyed this take on it. I mentioned this in the first review I did for the first book, but I REALLY wish the author had fleshed out the trauma from the ending for Kael. I feel like she got over it very quickly and Theron forgave her so quickly for betraying him….twice….I just feel like it could’ve been so much more. The writing was good but it was lacking depth which left me wanting more.

Overall, I did read this book quickly and immediately downloaded book three to see how it was all going to end which is unique to me. But I was really interested in seeing Theron and Kael become victorious together.

Another thing that would’ve been cool, was multiple POVs. It seemed like Roza and Zerek were catching feelings so it would’ve been cool to see that play out from their perspective.

[Cassity Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book better than the first one. Maybe because I was still trying to get to know the characters and now, I already had a pretty good idea about everyone (although, it had been a long while since I read the first and it was hard to remember).

In the first book, you had Kael infiltrating the enemy with intentions of killing them. While being a slave to Theron, they do end up falling for each other. When Kael kills Theron's brother (very well deserved) she is compromised, and he helps her escape only to become captured by her and her rebel group. There's a back and forth pull for her of, I want to be with him but I can't because you're the enemy. For him, there's no question, he is adamant that they should be together. He just isn't thinking through the logistics of it. She can't forsake her people or her family and switch sides. The only real option is for him to step up to rule a new kingdom that has better treatment for her rebel group including ending slavery.

These books continue to grow on me. It is self-published through Amazon and the author did her own cover artwork. Overall, I think it's an interesting series. There is obviously one more to read and it will probably make or break it.

[Ashly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading To Chain an Elf King by Atley Wykes and I can't wait to see what happens next! This book is a thrilling, fantasy, steamy romance that kept me hooked from the first page to the last. The author has created a captivating world of magic, intrigue and passion, where a "rebel" and an elf king must overcome their differences and enemies to save their people and their love. The characters are well-developed, the plot is fast-paced, and the writing is engaging. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy, steamy romance and adventure. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series, can't wait!

If you haven't already, WHAT ARE YOU WAIT FOR???? Go read To Bind a Dark Heart and then come back and read this book!! YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!.

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

i can’t go into much detail at all reviewing this as anything i would say would be a spoiler, this is like a form of masochism I realise I seem to like torturing myself reading about characters who have such a connection, are clearly on wrong sides, are enemies but should be together and watching them fight, feud, want vengeance butbfighting desire, love and their growing relationship it’s just agony, in a great way, I don’t think I’m probably making much sense here, but I love it , all here for it and still hoping Kael and Theron are going to get a HEA , yet again I need the next book now and September is too far away.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[RL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this more than the first book. In fact, I was so engrossed in it that when I got to the last page I was confused, because I didn’t realise I was near the end. It didn’t feel like the climax because there wasn’t a lot of build-up. The pacing was just a bit off, and nothing really happened. It was more about the characters and less about actual plot. It felt like going from one conversation to another all the way through, with a few sex scenes and a couple of small battles that ended quickly. I was expecting more grovelling, more consequences, more drama, but it was all pretty straightforward and easy for the characters. The stakes were definitely low.

But like I said, I devoured it, so… 4 stars for vibes, but more like 3.5.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

To Chain an Elf King is Book #2 in the Sands of Maeoris series by Atley Wykes.
I loved this book/series- devoured it in one sitting, and then went looking for more.... Wonderfully woven fantasy with refreshingly original premise, lore, and characters. Another one of my favourite series.... ever!
Can't recommend this series highly enough- I have read it several times now and never tire of this world and characters.
If you love romantasy with plenty of action and adventure, then you will definitely want to check out this book/series/author asap!

Happy Reading...


Thank you, Atley Wykes!

[Marites · Rating 4 out of 5]

Infinitely better
The world building and the society and politics development of Maeoris is phenomenal. Atley Wykes is great at writing this fantasy world building. The character development for the leads Kael (FL) and Theron (ML) is better. I look forward to the continuing growth of their relationship. A new reader needs to read To Bind a Dark Heart before you read this book as it is a series not a standalone.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Natassja Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect continuation of the first book, once again a cliffhanger. This has been one of the best series I have read in some time. Very well written with flawed and deep characters. The progression of Kael and Theron’s relationship was interesting and overwhelming. They complete each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Taylor Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this fantasy book. It was well written, lots of imagination and thought was put into it. The world that was described was incredible, I felt as if I was transported there. As I was reading this book I felt as if I was there, or watching a movie about it instead of reading it. That’s how amazingly detailed this was. I absolutely loved reading this book. Well done!

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gut wrenching, edge of the seat novel that makes you laugh, cry, and sigh, one that you can't put down until you've finished the last word, and then want to read all over again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[rosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

el de la portada no es theron pq me niego

[TrashConnoisseur · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 stars but gonna rate it five since I gave book one a mean rating because of a revolting trigger scene I didn't expect nor felt that the book needed

[Brittanie Gaulden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again loved it but it was aloy of back an forth an see screens just want more of the story. I think the last book is going to be that action that I really want!!

[Arle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, still a good book

The first book is better than this

[Soe · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,75⭐️

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than the first book, tho still a bit annoying. Not feeling this author.

[Gaby · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars! I enjoyed this one just as much as the first one! Can’t wait to read the last book!

[NathyReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, the first book was lacking, but this one picked up. It didn't feel as rushed and the narrative evolved nicely. I'm quite enjoying this story. I will read the third and last book immediately!

[Hollie Smurthwaite · Rating 3 out of 5]

a lot of chemistry

There’s some plot, but this story was mostly about Kael and Theron and their intense connection to each other. Some political intrigue too.

[Kanika DeNunzio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book. So much so I tried to pace myself, but failed. I couldn't put this book down!

Keal as usual is stubborn as heck, but she must find herself in order to accept her feelings and who she truly is. She is still so strong and a fighter!

Theron is just as determined to keep keal as the first book, but even more so in this one. He will stop at nothing to keep her safe, and to himself. He's still as strong but he's now seeing things through a different light

If you're looking for an enemies to lovers, morally grey possessive MMC, and an equally strong and possessive FMC this is definitely what you are looking for!

[Al Anoud · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good, I don’t think it needed a third book after this ending but sure. I liked the first book better, but this one was nice too.

[Jade Doe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Post reading notes:

Really liked this one!

Turns out when your badass fmc isn't being treated like and viewed as a sex object everything is golden.

Ofc she's a lost royal elven princess and more powerful than anyone else because ofc she is.

She's just decided that he and his men are on the rebels side now. Not sure how they're all gonna pull that off.

Writing was better than the first book.

Enjoyed Theron as much as the last one too.

Not sure what to think about Xadrian, seems he's just a plot helper for her magic learning and to throw ol mate into jealous rages.

Lots of plot armour abound.

Have a feeling we're leading toward a fairytale 'and then everyone forgave each other and they all lived happily ever after' ending but eh.

A lot easier to handle without all the millions of side characters. Simpler, cleaner, more interesting.

Random animal attacks were random to keep the pace up I suppose but it kinda worked.