Ruined King

Night Elves Trilogy #2

by C.N. Crawford

I've restored my soul, but now I'm trapped in the Citadel, separated from Ali. Worse, she believes I've betrayed her. And she's desperate to kill me. Even as I work to save her, a great reckoning between the tribes of Elves threatens to ruin my plans. And if I don't solve this, Ali and I will both end up in Hel.

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

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 31, 2020

About the author

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C.N. Crawford are Wall Street Journal bestselling authors of romantasy books, including books with fae, demons, and magical academies.

We write fantasy romance, urban fantasy, and portal romance. Our books often include trials, banter, and enemies to lovers stories.

CN Crawford’s books are perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, K.F. Breene, and Laura Thalassa.

Note: We are actually two people--a former biologist (Nick) and a former school psychologist (Christine).

Reviews

[SHOMPA · Rating 1 out of 5]

0.5

I will not be reading anything by this author in the future, that's for sure.

[The Girl with the Sagittarius Tattoo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don't you hate it when authors forget what happened in the prior book?

Just one example: In this book Ali is given hot coffee. She said she'd never had it before. She takes a sip and thinks it's bitter and disgusting, but she keeps drinking it because she likes feeling energized. In the first book, Galin gave her a thermos of coffee after they left his hideout and she thought it was amazing. REFRESH YOURSELF ON YOUR OWN BOOKS, AUTHORS.

[Grace A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the creative way a contest got woven into this sequel. It was a nice way to reinvigorate the story.
Galin and Ali back on opposing sides again, this time Ali drew the short straw, working as a prisoner in the mines.
It was interesting to see how they found their way back to each other against many odds.
My interest is still piqued, and I want to see how it will all wrap up in book 3.
So far, so good. 3.5 stars

[Noe · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I have three main issues about this sequel:

1. The relationship between Ali & Galin did not progress.

We didn’t really get to see more about them or take a deep dive into what makes them tick. They remained somewhat two-dimensional characters.

2. Ali embodies the phrase, “cut off your nose to spite your face”

I found Ali to be incredibly annoying for a majority of this book. She does things that don’t make any sense and then regrets them seconds later. I just shook my head and thought, “if only you thought things through”

3. Some things are still not explained

What role does fate play? How is Galin the only one that has visions? Everything about Ali and the North Star?

Pros
- it was exciting in that something was always happening
- Galin is funny, determined, and conniving. He is the most developed character & I definitely kept reading for him

[Just Josie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am all for this!

Norse mythology, magic, elves, a contest, Blood and battle!
It was so well put together and I so ready for January so I can get the ending.

Ali is hellbent on killing Galin for betraying her.
Galin is hellbent on protecting his mate, even if she hates him.

The plot was so action packed and thrilling. The characters fought for what they believed in and the character development was spot on. Then add (I don’t know how many twists) to the story and you got yourself something so amazing that you simply need to read it.


Read: 27/09/2020
1st rating: 5 stars
Genre/tropes: Fantasy/romance/magic/elves/Norse mythology/action
Cover: 4 stars
POV’s: Dual -1st person (Ali & Galin)
Will I recommend: YES!

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second in this series is even better than the first one. Ali is being punished in the mines by what she thinks Galin arranged, and Galin really wants to make it back to her. When a Winnowing is called for the Elves to determine which tribe of elves rules over them all, it may drive them even farther apart. The first thing I must mention is the end…oh, my. I did not see that one coming. It was fabulous. The Winnowing was an interesting contest, and I loved how the two worked together, and the outcome. Again, that was fabulous. Anyway, this is a great second book in the series, and if you loved the first one, you’ll love this one. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[⊹ Gabriela | Asternyx ⊹ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm growing increasingly irritated with these characters.
I won't finish this series.

[Zen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

I'm feeling pretty apathetic about this series. I have really enjoyed Crawford's other series, so I'm hoping this is an aberration. I will finish the last in the series to see if it gets better, but not loving it so far.

[ReadingDiva Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Ahh, it was so good. I need book #3 right now! Such a great continuation. It had the perfect balance of action, romance and struggles.

[Jessica Gorgen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

A lot happens in this book, ups and downs. Mostly downs? Elves be crazy. The Vanir are odd ones especially. But I’m looking forward to seeing what happens.

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Again, just okay. There's a lot of repetitive descriptions of characters or things that are taking place and that is annoying. Also, listening to this while working on my planner I feel like I missed a bit. But I didn't truly care bc I just finished the book instead of rolling back. So I think that days something of the characters and story as well.

So not terrible, quick to read, but also it feels like it's going to be an utterly forgettable series.

[Cici · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely did not see that coming! This book totally surprised me. I loved how much Galin and Ali’s relationship progressed in this book. I honestly have no clue how this series is going to end and that’s a good thing! This book threw a lot of curveballs at me. If you liked the first book and you normally enjoy Crawford’s books you’ll like this one even more than the first!

[Varya · Rating 3 out of 5]

-The covers are really pretty.

-This is totally plot-based..to the point that it reads more like a YA adventure fantasy with adult feelings mixed in. Because of the YA fantasy feels, it was also fast paced and there was alway something new to catch my attention. I have to say, I was never bored. It was quite entertaining. However, cuz of that exact reason, (something new was always happening), there wasn't enough time to let the feeling lingers. It got wayyyy to practical and it wasn't realistic anymore.

Eg- It was revealed that Galin and Marroc were the same person and he obviously hid it from Ali and lied to her. Now, Ali had all the faith in him and believed he had a good reason to lie. I would've understood that line of thinking if it was a few days or maybe even a few hours after that secret was revealed in a destructive manner...but not just after seconds of it being revealed. I mean,.... didn't she have any emotions?! 😬

And that was just one example. Things like these keep happening throughout the three books.

[Jessika · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is filled to the brim with action, suspense, and a variety of magical lore. I love this series, but..Ali kinda frustrated me in this book. She just doesn't seem to fight as hard as Galin does to get to him, to protect him, to try to see if there is anything between them. (Besides the obvious mate bond and 🔥) I wished they had more scenes together as well, but there was a lot of chaos unfolding in this book so I can understand why they were separated part of the time.
Galin became the hero I didn't know I needed in this book. He would litterally do anything to save Ali. He doesn't have the same sense of duty to his people as she does, but his loyalty to her is steadfast.
I was so happy that Ali was able to give something back to the Night Elves, even though they hadn't treated her well. It was nice to see them have a reprieve from their suffering. Looking forward to the next addition, and seeing how Ali and Galin move forward.

[Claire Ingram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great installment

The next in the series keeps getting better.
Ali, condemned to the mines, plots revenge on galin and when the announcement of a winnowing comes she sees it as her perfect chance to kill galin once and for all
The winnowing is an ancient trial where 300 of each elf type enters and decides a round to be fought
Omg can I just say ....Galin🥰😍 he’s the sweetest and the cutest and I’m fully totally in love
Once again a touch of steam but only a little, mostly I was just pinned body’s and lustful glances that kept me fanning myself like a Victorian lady in high society.
I can’t wait for the final installment, such an underrated series

[Chrissy Loves Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an absolute whirlwind of action from start to finish! Seriously, there’s no room to get bored. I love how it’s a quick read, yet the author manages to pack in so many twists and turns that kept me on my toes the whole time. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story would shift in an unexpected

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like a 2.5

[Erin Trump · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why did it take me so long to get back to this series?

It was amazing, the Norse mythology, the magic, fate, and the winnowing.
It was full of adventures & misadventures around every turn.

[Kim Stanga · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as fun as the first one, but I'll finish the trilogy.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sooooo, this didn't go the way I thought it would, at all :D

We pick up a little while after the end of the first book. Ali is in the mines (aka prison), slaving away, while Galin is severely restricted due to the Helm of Awe he is wearing.
Hate, murder and pretty much total mayhem reign supreme when the elven factions go up against each other in a Winnowing. The winner rules all, or rather, as soon as the High Elves win, they will call for the utter destruction of the Night Elves. Something both Ali and Galin want to prevent, if only they could trust each other.

I'm not going to spoil it.. but let me tell you that you will not see that one coming, seriously!

The book itself was well written with no (noticeable) errors, it kept me entertained and eager to read more.

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and I must admit, I don't like 1 very simple fact... that I have to wait so long to know how this continues and omg, I have so many questions!!! A very enjoyable read and a great continuation of the series :)

[Susie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED it so much. DYING to read the 3rd one but don't want the series to end.

[Andria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously, I'm addicted to anything C.N. Crawford writes. Sooo good!

[Sarah ('s Book Life) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I decided to read this book right after finishing Curse Prince. Now, I enjoyed reading both books but I liked this one slightly less than the first book.

I started off a bit confused because Aly hated Marrocwithout any explanation. It is explained a bit later on but it was still very confusing going from the end of the first book and they seem to be on the same page and are going to figure out a way to find the other and work together to free the Night Elves. Due to some events at the end of the first book Marrocis trapped working for the High Elves and can’t free himself from the magic keeping him there. And Aly doesn’t trust him anymore because of something that happened between the two books that is revealed in the book.

I am glad that it wasn’t easy or a straight line for them to get back together again. Aly doesn’t trust him and wants to kill him again, which makes for some funny situations when they are finally reunited.

I liked that this book went further into the conflict between the Night and High Elves and why they hate each other so much. As well as going into why the Night Elves want to be free from underground. I also liked that the Vanir were also in this book again and that they also participated in the battles/trials in the competition that began between the Night and High Elves.

I liked that there were some parts from the first book that I feared wouldn’t be addressed in this book that were. Like the deal that was made in Hel between Marroc and the shades. Also that turned out very differently than I thought it would.

Actually this book ended differently than I thought it would to be honest.

I’m definitely looking forward to the the next book in this series.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book of a series. It definitely plays off of the previous storyline from the first book. That being said this book would still be enjoyable if you hadn't read the first book because the characters do refer back to things that happened in the first book. The book would be best enjoyed (in my view) if you have read the first book.

Pros:
There are plenty of twists in the story line that come out of left field. The ending is quite surprising. There is a lot of action, so if you enjoy a action packed story this is a winner. Again it has a strong female character, she is a "alpha" character in my mind--she is first to throw a punch, kick, and doesn't need a man to help her with any battle physical, mental, or verbal. If you enjoy a broody love longing story and male character then this will fulfill your desire. There is some longing and brooding but if you've read the first book it is a little less than it but the characters are too busy with all the action.

This was a quick read, easy to follow who is talking, thinking, dreaming. There are more characters and fantasy beings introduced than in the first book. Even so, it is easy to follow and not so many that you forget where and why they appeared.

Cons:

The action portion of the storyline is not as smooth as I would have appreciated. There are plenty of pauses to allow for development of later twists, but it doesn't feel right even for a fantasy world. The language is about the same as first book, not up to my personal standards being there are a lots of: "you and me" a few conjugation issues and just not up to what I would consider "adult" standard. That being said it is perfect for fast reading or young adult readers.

This book was recommended to me as a "supernatural romance erotic". Well it is a romance book with a lovely twist at the end but if it were a drink it would be 1% romance when you're wanting to order heavy cream romance. There is no erotic material, small amount of hinting to desire. Sadly when there is any sexual contact it is mentioned briefly and then moved past, small on details. So it was a big let down for me based on the referral and my expectations. I should have expected this after reading the first of the series when I first realized this but I thought it may be a build up to a climax into the second book. This is not the case this book follows the second book with a lot of lightly described longing, brooding, desiring, and then finally a Culmination of that desire for it to be skimmed over as well.

Overall impression:

This book includes a vast variety of fantasy characters. It is not type specific which is nice to have exposure to different creatures in a format that isn't confusing or requires a lot of background knowledge. It is a fast read, you will zip through the chapters so if you derive joy from seeing those numbers climb this will hit the spot. It would be best enjoyed if the first is read but wouldn't be absolutely necessary. I would recommend this book to someone who enjoys a strong female with a dash of romance and lots of twists within all the action. My first appraisal of this series by way of the first book was that this is best suited for a young adult audience and I still stand by that. Not to say adults would not enjoy it immensely, it just read through on that note. This is not a "neglect your family book" you will be able to put it down do your business and be happy to greet your characters once you've finished up with whatever life tossed your way. This book is ok to start at night because even though you'll enjoy it you won't have to stay up all night to figure it out. I would say it's great for a longer flight, car ride, or distraction if you have multiple days of waiting somewhere like dr offices, because it will definitely distract you but allow you to still focus on what is happening around you or being said once you put it down.

I give this 4/5 because the twists were something I definitely did not expect but it was recommended to me as a "steamy hot romance" and it definitely was not even though I thought the temperature might rise with each book in the series--that was not the case. The action felt slightly awkward with some of the breaks the author put in place so that adds to the deduction along with it was also recommended to me as a adult read and yet it came through as young adult at tops. Still enjoyed it will continue to finish the series in between other books that scratch the itch I like most as supernatural erotic but I still want to see how and where these characters end up.

Please understand none of my review was written to entice conflict, cause offense or with any underlying malice. Everyone is entitled to their own feelings about books and sometimes those feelings can be strong and I do not intent to infringe upon yours if you disagree. I am simply giving my objective view of a book based upon how it was recommended to me on a list of "supernatural romance erotic". It appeared on multiple lists and appeared to be frequently read so I wanted to allow others to read what they might expect if they are researching to see if that book fits the bill of the list. Reading is a wonderful gift to the mind and no book is truly a bad book if the reader is open minded and able to appreciate the knowledge and experience that book brings to the table whether it be distraction, knowledge, understanding, or warnings of danger/disturbed thoughts/thinking.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved book one and I have to say I loved book two as well! I love the storyline, love the characters, love the world this author has built, love the magic and the drama and I love the mythology of it all! Returning to continue Ali and Galin‘s story and the challenges they face and OMG I was on the edge of my seat more then once! Cannot recommend it enough!

[Aragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tension in this was great. 5/5

[J.D. Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruined King is book 2 in the Night Elves Trilogy, and after that stunner of a cliffhanger ending in book 1, I had no idea what to expect in book 2. As it turns out, the authors took a few notes from Hunger Games, and spun it into their own making. It kind of worked for me? Maybe? I'm not sure yet. Perhaps I need more time to mull it over. But I digress...

In Ruined King, our heroine, a Night Elf assassin named Ali, has gone back to the caverns to tell the Shadow Lords what has happened to her in Book 1. She is imprisoned in the mines for her crimes, where the only way to for her to survive the endless backbreaking labor and malnourishment is to focus on vengeance. Every day, Ali's doubt in Prince Galin grows, and she vows to set things right by doubling down on her destiny to kill Galin and free the Night Elves.

Meanwhile, life in the caves goes from bad to worse. The Night Elves' main food source is suffering from blight and cave plague is killing the Night Elves by the hundreds every day. The Shadow Lords are desperate. Their last ditch chance at survival comes from none other than their worst enemy, King Gorm of the High Elves, who proposes a "Winnowing." The Shadow lords know the Winnowing is a death sentence, but they're out of other options and agree to the terms.

A "Winnowing" in this world is a fight-to-the-death competition the elves have used for generations to settle wars & disputes that would otherwise last for thousands of years. The rules are simple. Each race gets to issue a challenge. Two races - the Night Elves vs the High Elves - means two challenges. The race with the most elves standing at the end of the second challenge wins. For the Night Elves, winning meals the scales of power are reversed in their favor. They get to leave the diseased caves and rule over the High Elves. But if they lose, they're punishment is anhelation; the end of their race once and for all. King Gorm, armed with Prince Galin, believes the Winnowing will be an easy win for the High Elves.

Enter the Vanir.

The Vanir Elves of Vanaheim enter themselves into the Winnowing for their own dubious reasons, thus adding a third unexpected challenge that could potentially level the playing field for the Night Elves - or blow it all to shit for everyone since no one seems to know their reasons for entering the competition.

Either way, our troubled hero, Galin, will stop at nothing to make sure Ali survives the Winnowing, even if it means they are the last two elves left standing - and even if she kills him.

The good: True to Crawford's writing style, this book grabs you by the collar and doesn't let go until the very last page. There is so much action, the plot moves at breakneck speed. You won't want to put it down and will probably loose a lot of sleep in the process. All good things, in my opinion. There was never a moment in this book where I had any clue what was going to happen next and I always appreciate that with Crawford's books. Even the world building continues to be fresh and unexpected with the blending of post-apocalyptic and fantasy.

Also, that twist at the end was one hell of a mind boggle. I still have absolutely no idea where Book 3 is going, but I can't wait to find out!

The bad: First, I will say that I read an ARC so chances are good that the author has already smoothed out some of these issues with their editor, so please take the following with a grain of salt.

My main gripe was that there were several points throughout the book when the writing felt a little too rushed and not fleshed out enough or descriptive enough. Some sections jumped ahead as if to get to the action sooner when I would have preferred a break from the constant adrenaline. Again, it could have just been the fact that I was reading an ARC that wasn't fully edited yet.

Overall, Ruined King is another Crawford winner and I will be patiently waiting by for book 3 to see how this ends for Ali and Galin.

[Desdemona Dreadless · Rating 3 out of 5]

Format: Audiobook
Rating: 2,5

OK, like I kinda liked this book. But I'm honestly having trouble giving it 3 stars and it barely manages to qualify.
The problem is, our two main heroes (who are supposedly both very skilled and baddass BTW) kinda just keep acting like idiots. And they don't really succeed in doing much, if anything they just sorta fail upwards.... Which would be hilarious in a more comedy/parody style book, but it isn't really a funny book so it doesn't quite work.
I think part of my problem was that that I was expecting more competency from these two fools.

The book starts with Ali working in the mines, furious at Galin who has supposedly sent a letter to the Shadowlords telling them of her "betrayal"
Ali is seven shades of pissed off, and thinks he did this to try to get her killed.
And I'm sitting here going.
"Bitch, he's had ample opportunity to kill you, if he wanted to he'd have just done it, obviously someone else sent that letter"

Galen on the other hand receives a visit from Ali in the night, she is acting super fucking weird. Everything is shady as fuck, but of course he believes it's her.
"Dude! You idiot!! Obviously it's someone in disguise!"
Could be incest sister, Could be anyone... definitely isn't Ali you dumb tool.

Miscommunication ensues, also hijinks. They both try to do stuff, their plans get constantly thwarted, yet there is some accidental stumbling into success. I just don't know what to think, I mean it was entertaining enough that I've started book 3. I guess perhaps because it's the sort of thing you can have in the background and not pay too much attention.
The jokes are cringe, and I kept being frustrated yet I didn't dislike it. I kinda wanna see what happens to these imbeciles.
I'll also mention that it feels a bit hodgepodge and the world building seems kinda weak, it's interesting enough but it just never actually feels fully realised. At least once we jump instantly into a scene and it feels like parts of the book were just missing.

This book is decent for some light entertainment in the post apocalyptic fantasy, but don't expect too much and you'll be entertained.

[Rose Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced read, enjoyable from start to finish!

I was excited when I remembered the significance of today’s date- finally, release day!

I thought this was a fun read. Believe me when I tell you that the whole book feels like you’re in a car going 80mph- you won’t ever feel like it’s dragging.
To some people that may be a bad thing, and admittedly I thought it would have benefit from another 100 or so pages, but I would rather read a good short book than a so-so long book. There were rarely transitions, and it felt kind of rushed at times.

Ali and Galin were interesting characters- I didn’t necessarily feel that super intense bond between them, but I assume it’ll ramp up in the next book. (Although I did read her Sea Fae series and noticed the mates in it also suffered from lack of chemistry).

The thing that stuck out to me was that I didn’t care all that much about their romance. Like, in a good way. The author made a cool enough world and storyline where I was invested in the fate of the elves instead of the fate of a couple’s sexual tension. It’s really rare to find a story about mates where the will-they-won’t-they isn’t 90% of the story.

Because the book was so short, some of the side characters suffered. I didn’t necessarily care too much about some of the deaths and such because I had a hard time remembering who is who.

I am LOVING the direction that Ali is going. Very cool.

I’ll let you know- there is another cliffhanger ending, and I am not a fan of those.

One thing that I loved at first but started to annoy me: the pop culture references. I cackled when she mentioned Rick Roll in the first book, but the next 8 or so jokes about cheesy songs being masterpieces, I was like “okay haha yes we get it now oh that joke again” I kind of expect a scene in book 3 where Ali meets some kind of fox shifter elf and sings “What Does the Fox Say”

Dearest author, please make the next book just a weeeeeeeees bit longer so I can savor it a bit more!

[Damian Southam · Rating 4 out of 5]

An over-reach on usage of language requiring either a dictionary, a thesaurus, or both be at hand, got me off to a rocky start. Whilst Cursed Prince immediately began jumping of the page with building anxiety that awaits climax, as the lightbulbs begin going on in our head, I can't say the same for Ruined King. The build for me required patience. I experienced more a smoldering coal than a stoked bonfire.

But make no mistake that perceives the coal as having now power over whether you read on or not: and whether the coal can become a roaring bonfire. Instead think of it as more the scenario where the smoldering coal still has the same volume of wood to elicit the bonfire, it's just that it's building slowly as the wood pile is stoked beside the fire pit, as before it is ever added for its burn potential. Reading on won't be in doubt, a need to find where the next chapter goes begins at around the halfway of the book.

Ali, Galin, Gorm, Revna, the list goes on for the characters keeping the World, Story and Series alive, a great blending dynamic that keeps you riveted no matter what you think of my opening analogy for what I hope is seen as constructive feedback; not a complaint or suggestion that you shouldn't read this addition to the series proper. And once you read to the last of the milestones there's a sweet surprise, one that shall remain unnamed herein but will tantalise your experience of the Ruined Kinge.

A definite 4 stars, tantalising and climaxing, but not quite as where my opening impressions of the Cursed Prince was. I look forward enormously to find what the Shadow Empress will hold, and what it'll bring to the story. A definitive commandment that the second half of the book was able to raise my 3-star rating up to a 4! Have Patience in Reaching A Definitive Turning Point for the Book!!!