Hally, an exiled elf, thought the worst was behind her…but the fae have other plans. After a century hiding among humans, her life was upended by an elven mage seeking to exploit her magic. As Hally settles into her new normal—post-mage fiasco—fae barge into her Seattle tattoo shop, accusing her of violating a fae-elf treaty. The elves have never heard of the fae. For Hally, being sent home means death. The fae offer asylum if she rescues their kidnapped children, taken by the same conniving mage who wanted Hally. She must uncover the mage’s ties to the fae before they act upon their accusation and declare war.
I was so excited to read the second book in this series, and I was not let down. The story continues after book one with only three weeks in between. The story opens up more, and I got a much wider picture of everything. Also, with all the new things that I got introduced to in this book, I can't guess what is going to happen next, so I am just super excited for the release of book three.
And even though I did mention the language in the book in my review of book one, I just feel like I need to mention it again because it makes the story so much more complex than it would have been if they just spoke English.
I did, as with the other books, just really like the story. I don’t really know what it is; it’s just that it keeps being interesting, and I felt like the time went by too fast when reading this book, and then it was the last chapter. Now I can't wait for the next book.
Without spoiling anything, I just want to at least say that I really liked the ending, even though I was a bit dismayed that there wasn't more on Hally's side. I mean, I get that it's super hard for him and all, but still.
I am currently going through my ratings because I feel like I give way too many high ratings, but this book for sure deserves 5 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This world just got more than a little bit bigger! In the first book in the series we met Hally an elf that has been hanging around the human world for a few (decades) and believed the only thing she had to worry about was nosy humans with a mind to experiment on the unknown. After the last book where Hally had to deal with the elves that exiled her getting involved in her life again she now has to figure out where fae needing her assistance fits into her life.
A great sequel that picks up after the first book and builds on a part of the mystery that we didn't know was left. Cleverly linking the parts we know with the parts we didn't adding depth and intrigue to the plot that we thought was resolved. A perfect set up for the next book in the series and it will be very interesting to see what happens next.
Jaded Loyalties, the second installment in Kristine Endsley’s urban fantasy series, builds beautifully on the foundation laid by A Twisted Fate. With an even deeper dive into the lore and an expanded world-building effort, this book takes everything I enjoyed in the first book—pacing, magic, and innovative language—and elevates it to new heights.
Hally, our tenacious and resourceful protagonist, once again finds herself at the center of high-stakes drama as she navigates a tense conflict involving fae and elves. Her dynamic with Nolan, already compelling in the first book, grows richer and more emotionally engaging in this book. Their evolving relationship adds depth to the narrative and keeps the stakes personal even amidst the larger, more intricate plot.
The world-building is where Jaded Loyalties truly shines. The addition of fae lore and the exploration of the tensions between elves and fae bring fresh layers to this already intriguing universe. Endsley balances this with excellent pacing and a plot that grows more intricate without ever becoming overwhelming. The twists and turns are well-executed, keeping the story engaging and unpredictable.
What stood out most to me in this book was how emotionally invested I became in the characters. As the series progresses, it’s clear that the emotional depth and character development are growing alongside the world-building and plot intricacy, which bodes well for future installments.
Jaded Loyalties is a strong sequel that steps up in every way, from its world-building and plot to its emotional resonance and character dynamics. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable continuation of Hally’s journey, and I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series.
Thank you to Kristine Endsley for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
This is one fast paced, fight until you die or come out on the other side, twisting, turning, magic and battle filled story.
Hally doesn’t know what to think when the three strange men barge into her tattoo shop, render her partner unconscious, and demand that she and the elves have broken a treaty thousands of years in the past. Now she is thrown head long between her past and her present, and the only thing she really knows is that she must find the missing children before time runs out…that is…unless they are already too late.
As always, I LOVED NOL! He is top notch book boyfriend material! He is one part badass warrior, one part sweet bonded partner, and one part book nerd and I find that just so so endearing.
I also really love the Seattle and surrounding area setting! It is just so much fun reading about places and locations that are so close to home and it really brought the story to life for me.
So yep…if you love Fae and Elves, magic, lots of battles, missing children, love, loyalty, and a fantasticly written Found Family then you simply must read The Exile’s Paradox.
I’m in love with this world. Ms. Endsley does an amazing job in bringing the world and characters to life. We keep learning more about the worlds, how they are connected, and the magical beings in it, and their past and current political upheaval. This is a fast paced, action packed book, full of friends and family that I couldn't put down. Highly recommend reading this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Great sequel! The world of Fae and Elves collide in this twist and turn tale. Halley and Nol are an amazing MC duo and I am obsessed with their unique relationship. The supporting characters are the perfect complement to our MCs. This is one of the best fantasy series I’ve read in a while!
Wonderful world building, weaving a story full of twists, broken and flawed characters that draws the reader in. So much story, so many plots and sub plots, and beautifully described.
I love the depth of the plot and the characters. The wonderful world building continues throughout this series. The journey of the characters, the challenges they face, the character flaws, plot twists, evil, good, broken, magic, power, all make this a powerful read.