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The Elf Queen #2

Long Live the Elf Queen

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The enthralling and romantic sequel to J.M. Kearl's enchanting Bow Before the Elf Queen .
Layala fought against falling in love with him. Thane battled to win his mate's heart. Now they'll discover if their love can withstand those who tore them apart.

Held for weeks without food or water, Layala's resolve begins to fracture as an evil darkness looms over her. She’s the key to destroying the Void or reviving its creator— the long-dead Black Mage she has a mysterious connection to.

Layala and Thane learn what it truly means to fight for love as their enemies surround them and it becomes a struggle for revenge, the kingdom, and finding the truth about why Layala seems to harbor the power of whether Palenor falls into darkness or if her Lightbringer name holds true.

Since I know you'll ask, yes, there's more steam than book 1. Contains violence and mature themes.

560 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 26, 2022

2770 people are currently reading
9756 people want to read

About the author

J.M. Kearl

16 books1,410 followers

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5 stars
5,073 (40%)
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3 stars
2,326 (18%)
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103 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,070 reviews
Profile Image for SK .
572 reviews11.9k followers
April 13, 2023
2.5 stars ✨

"Don't worry, love, together we will get back home, and all those who sought to punish us will now and profess, long live the queen."

Well this one made the first book look absolutely fantastic and now I am rethinking my whole experience reading that book.

But anyway, I am truly disappointed with this one. From the first page itself the whole vibe of the book felt off (yes I'm gonna take the vibe of the book as a valid reason to dislike it).

What I liked-
✅ The romance- It's not just Thane and Layala's chemistry. The introduction of the love triangle certainly makes things interesting.
✅ The ending- I liked it a lot. The cliffhanger makes me excited. But I cannot ignore the fact that I did not enjoy the majority of the book.
✅ The characters- Excluding Layala, everyone was good enough.

What I did not like-
❌The pacing- It was incredibly slow.
❌ The plot- It was dragging.
❌ The FMC- She became unbearable, selfish. I like my girls to be selfless, especially when they are in a powerful position but Layala was not and that irked me big time.

Overall, it turned out to be a dull read, wish it was better.
93 reviews3 followers
October 14, 2023
DNF 45%, it was dragging and I didn't like how Laya was still dreaming/having nightmares about the dark mage and not telling Thane, felt like a cheap way to further the plot. So I skipped ahead to the cliff hanger and man am I glad I didn't waste my time finishing. The dark mage turns out to be a lost god and so are Thane and Laya. The dark mage lets Laya know that she is his mate and wife, hence the matching lily tattoo/birthmarks, and the goddess of night.
HELLO, love triangle, which is what I was getting the sense of when the author was having Laya have nightmares with the Dark Mage chasing her and caressing her cheek. That's when I started to not like the book because I picked up the romantic undertone. Even if her and Thane do end up together I feel like the author ruined a completely good romance by introducing the dark mage/Hel as a romantic prospect. All is not completely lost though since Thane/God of War stole Laya/Goddess of Night from the Dark mage/Hel in the previous life so maybe Thane and Laya's love will prevail in this one as well. I doubt I'll be reading the next book but may skim. I really hope the author doesn't have Laya falling in love with the Dark mage or even feeling any good emotion towards him at all OR wavering in her deep love of Thane, that would be the real tragedy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,036 reviews87 followers
December 18, 2023
3.5 Stars
I'm a bit conflicted with this one...


It's great that we got more Black Mage in the novel and the inclusion of sirens was also a nice touch. However, I wasn't happy about the many lives sacrificed for our MCs and the pacing could have been better.
Profile Image for Danielle Pulliam .
495 reviews94 followers
February 13, 2024
This series is my new obsession. If you love ACOTAR and From Blood and Ash, then you need to read this series. It has enemies-to-lovers, touch-her-and-you-die, arranged marriage, High Fae King and Queen, and so many twists in the story. I've not been able to put these down since I started them. They're on KU and Everand.
Profile Image for bella reads fantasy.
173 reviews56 followers
November 5, 2022
DNF at 64%

No… just no. I was CRINGING at so much of this. Layala went from hero to a selfish girl who would sacrifice her only family and her ‘people’ for Thane.

They tried to throw in twists that were awful and not necessary. Oooo but this random lake they have to pass “bUt tHe waTErs aRe fuLl of DeaDlY CreaTurES”.

Trying really hard to make the ‘knife to the throat’ trope but was so forced and cringeworthy. Just no. I can’t.

I wanted to like this because I LOVED the first book but I can’t.
Profile Image for booksnsnax.
141 reviews5 followers
October 23, 2022
If book one was an epic romance, book two is an epic adventure(still romantic of course). We deep dive into the history and events leading up to the current state of Palenor. I couldn't put this book down and devoured it.

J.M Kearls writing is sublime. Even though the plot had a fast pace to it, it didn't feel like you missed any details. I had anxiety for the characters and found myself wanting to yell and throw my kindle across the room!

The cliffhanger at the end was a chefs kiss(as someone who loves a good cliffhanger), it had a plot twist I did not expect. Now I will be anxiously awaiting book 3!!!
Profile Image for rissys.bookshelf.
172 reviews1 follower
October 26, 2022
✨ Long Live the Elf Queen ✨


~Banter
~Action and Adventure
~ Shocking Ending

✨My thoughts ✨
What an amazing read. I loved seeing the new parts of the world we didn't see in book one. I love the new intro to new characters. The banter was just so good. Also is one bathtub a trope because if not I am making it one. I love seeing Layala really find more about herself. The journey she takes in this book is so beautiful. Oh Thane... I love him so much. Seeing him work through his own struggles was heartbreaking and beautiful. And I am still in utter shock with the ending of this book. I honestly don't know how to process any of it. I can't wait for book 3.

Long Live the Elf Queen is book 2 in The Elf Queen series. I can't recommend this series enough. If you are need of fantasy romance with adventure and action this series is for you. It definitely needs to be added to everyones tbr.

✨ I was given this book an ARC for my honest review. Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity. ✨
Profile Image for Feminista.
872 reviews1 follower
October 29, 2022
So useless. How many chances did they have to kill Tenebris and the half brother but they failed to take it. At what cost? The lives of innocent men and women who are caught in the war. Just absolutely useless.
Profile Image for Hailey Stalter.
467 reviews18 followers
December 10, 2022
A bit disappointed in this installment. Feels like all the characters changed from the way they were structured in the preceding novel.
Profile Image for Emily.
153 reviews9 followers
October 25, 2022
”I’ve felt like I’ve known you for as long as I can remember. And maybe it was because of our mate bond but sometimes I feel — more. I would find you in every life, in every realm. I will be drawn to you for eternity. So yes, call me your mate. I will always call you mine.”

I am mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically unwell. I knew this book would take me on an emotional rollercoaster. But instead, I was completely blown away. Long Live the Elf Queen by J.M. Kearl does NOT have second-book syndrome. And in my opinion, it may even be better than the first (which I rated just as high).

The world-building continued to enthrall and amaze me. We get to see new parts of Adalon and new friends and foes are introduced along Layala and Thane’s journey. Speaking of the two of them…I absolutely love them. It was interesting to see the connection between the two of them grow, despite no loner having a mate bond. Layala also doesn’t hold herself back and we see SO MUCH growth from her in this sequel.

I cannot wait for what happens next in their journey…especially after that massive cliffhanger left me wanting more.

Thank you to the author, J.M. Kearl, for this ARC. My opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Leonie .
503 reviews234 followers
March 24, 2024
"You are a goddess of desire, drawing me in, infusing yourself into my every thought- I´ve never wanted anything more than you."

This is a two POV book, told by the POV´s of Layala and Thane.

I really liked Layala, she is still brave and a bad b*tch, but sometimes she came across as a bit brutal to me, to a point where I started feeling empathy towards her "victims" and that bugged me a little bit in this book. Surely it was mostly kind of justified, but the way it was written made me feel for them. Am still absolutely in love with Thane. The way he is so loyal and honest and understanding is just true book boyfriend material. I loved his protective side and all the "touch her and I´ll kill you" vibes.

There wasn´t nearly enough Tif for me in this book. I truly love this little gnome and think that she is so funny. I was excited to see more of Piper and hope to see even more of her in book 3. I´m hoping she gets her own happily ever after too.

Plotwise this has some passages where it felt a little bit slow for me but overall I really enjoyed the story. It´s definitely a bit more spicy than the first one and I liked the added sceneries to the world building. I was excited to learn more about the dragons and loved the addition of other magical creatures. Like already mentioned, the pacing overall is fine but sometimes felt a tad slow. I liked Layala´s and Thane´s chemistry but I wished they would have communicated a bit more openly, especially Layala.

Overall a good read that kept me wanting to know more.

trigger warnings: kidnapping, death/murder, abuse
Profile Image for Luce.
775 reviews340 followers
February 8, 2024
DNF

Maybe I'll come back to this book someday but wasn't grabbing my attention like the first one did.
Profile Image for Abby.
110 reviews15 followers
March 22, 2023
HOLY COW. I AM OBSESSED WITH THIS BOOK. THE ENDING?!?! The storytelling is absolutely fantastic. The language is so good for a fantasy book and I am enthralled by the vocabulary and the description. The romance between Thane and Layala is so sweet yet sensual. I love them both equally and they are such great characters. The side characters are also amazing!! Special shout outs to Tifapine and Piper. I also really liked the expansion of the world in this book and how we got to meet the dragons and learn that fae also exist in this world. This book was definitely very long but nothing felt like filler. I was so surprised by the ending and I’m so looking forward to the next book!! The Black Mage intrigues me…
Profile Image for Becky.
229 reviews341 followers
November 11, 2022
This book was an roller-coaster of a read! It was an epic adventure from start to finish. The world-building continued to enthrall and amaze me, we saw new places and creatures. We meet new friends and foes are introduced along Layala and Thane’s journey. You definitely get a lot more plot development this round and I think justice was done to both characters being able to see them separate (which was so emotional) and together. Layala has so much growth in this book, she gets a better chance to really find herself and her place in this world, Thane continues to be all in his glory and badassness stubbornness as he lays down that no matter what that Layala is his. I loved those intimate moments between them, but I was hoping for some more spicness, I feel like this book could be labeld as upper YA. It was interesting to see the connection between the two of them grow, despite no loner having a mate bond, and it showed they don't need it to feel for each other.

I cannot wait for what happens next in their journey, the last few chapters throws out some HUGE twists, which I was beginning to suspect but then we are capped off with a massive cliffhanger I did not see coming. I can't wait for the third book!
Profile Image for Kari.
326 reviews
June 30, 2023
Considering how much I enjoyed the first book, this was such a let down. I was bored. It wasn’t just the times Thane and Layala were separated. Nothing ever hooked me. I lost feelings for the characters and the storyline. The best part was the trials towards the end. Clarification: not the end. Because I didn’t like the ending at all. A cliffhanger? I can vibe with those in general, but not this one. I’m disappointed. I don’t care to continue. Who even is everyone? What even is happening? Off the wall… not in a good way.
Profile Image for Zen.
3,032 reviews
January 5, 2024
Reread for preparation of reading the final book in the trilogy.

4 stars

This one dragged for me in the first half, but not for long. I certainly did not see the twist. I'm looking forward to the next book in October.
Profile Image for Lena.
464 reviews93 followers
February 17, 2025
I was physically unable to put this book down. Over 500 pages and I read it in one sitting. I think it’s safe to say that this series is CONSUMING me. The world expanded so much in this book, and the plot twists were TWISTING. It was a nonstop, action-filled adventure and I’m so here for it.
I definitely feel like Layala and Thane’s relationship developed into a much deeper connection in this book. Their circumstances are not ideal but they’ve found real love in the midst of it all. I loved Layala’s character development in this—she’s become so much stronger and confident and isn’t running away from her problems anymore. We love to see it!
I loved the introduction of the dragons and hope we get more of them in future books. Also Piper and Tif are officially my favorite side characters.
The last 15% of this had me gripping the edge of my seat. I can’t wait to start book 3 when I wake up
Profile Image for Lydia Hill.
373 reviews
June 28, 2023
3.5 stars

Wow, I don't even know what I think!! This was a slow progression at first. It was frustrating, boring, aggravatingly slow. And then things began to speed up, but it still wasn't piquing my interest. AND then, we entered a heist/quest that did maintain my interest, AND THEN Kearl said heck it, let's throw everything up in the air!!! But I was so into it. And now I have to wait indefinitely for whenever the third book is published. I didn't love the sequel as much as the first, but you bet your sweet tuchus I'll be continuing the series.

Read/listen to these if you enjoy:
-fated mates
-"touch her and die"
-seemingly Chosen One/last magical being
-damsel in distress but still somehow girl power
-heist plot
-slight LOTR vibes
-steep cliffhanger !!!
-everything you know is a lie - idk how else to describe this
Profile Image for ~☆Courtney☆~.
665 reviews14 followers
March 24, 2023
okay..okay... at first I wasn't too about this series..but now I NEED BOOK 3 ! I loved the plot Twist at the end..I'm here for it!
Profile Image for readwithnikkie.
86 reviews18 followers
March 31, 2023
3.5 stars

“I would find you in every life, in every realm. I’ll be drawn to you for eternity. “

I listened to the audiobook

Let me tell you how amazing the narrators are !!! So much expression in their voices, especially the narrator for Layala !! I haven’t listened to a ton of audiobooks but this is the best one I’ve listened to by far.

The story picks up after Layala and Thane have been separated. We see how brutal the King is and how he treats Layala and those in the castle.

When she was finally rescued she snaps on (I can’t remember who) a Raven, for leaving her and getting Thane for help. I felt that it was off character and made her sound like a total B. It was really hard for me to connect or like Layala for a while after. I just wasn’t feeling her character for the entire middle of the story. It was off putting because through the first book and beginning of the second I really loved her. Near the ending I was conflicted with her attitude and how she was acting again. I honestly was shocked and kinda sad that I don’t really like her at all right now. It would of been a 4 star read otherwise.

The struggle Thane had in this book between wanting to kill his father but also wanting to believe he was somehow redeemable was quite raw and believable. I really liked seeing him face this inner turmoil. Even when we don’t have the best of parents and they have done unspeakable things, it’s hard to wish ill upon them or in this case death.

After the ending cliffhanger im really excited to see what happens next !! Hopefully Layala is more likeable like in book one though 😅
Profile Image for Catherine.
6 reviews1 follower
October 29, 2022
Honestly, the first 60% of the book dragged and I had a hard time getting through it. After that, the plot finally started to pick up. It did end on an interesting cliffhanger, but I’m not sure if I’ll read the sequel when it comes out.

And there were comma errors galore, which was really annoying. I’d have to read a sentence twice to figure out the actual meaning, and it would pull me out of the book. This needs a technical editor who knows how to use commas (and other punctuation like semicolons, colons, and dashes).
Profile Image for amanda Cummings.
329 reviews8 followers
October 29, 2022
Holy f balls !!
I only thought the first book was amazing but wow ! This one totally takes the cake . Epic fated mates , battles , gods , elves , dragons .. you name it and it was in this book and very well written. Honestly I was excited for this book once I read the first one but man did it blow my expectations out of the water !! And that ending !! Ugh I can’t wait for the next one now.
Profile Image for Jordan Hanson.
7 reviews
October 31, 2022
Would give it 4.5 stars but I really enjoyed it so 5 stars it is! It does start a little slow for my taste but it really amps up. I’m excited to see what happens with Layala and Thane as I didn’t realize it would be more than 2 books. Also Tif might secretly be my favorite little sidekick.
Profile Image for Nanna Thrane.
133 reviews17 followers
April 24, 2024
I was between 3 or 4 stars, but the end of the book did make up my mind.
I didn't feel like it dragged a little, but the plot is still plotting. I am excited about the next book, because of the ending. It has great potential 😊
151 reviews4 followers
January 11, 2023
Yet another book where they have a badass female that meets a man and loses everything in her life to be a fool for him. How the heck do all of these books manage this
Profile Image for Trish D.W..
Author 7 books190 followers
March 14, 2023
One of those amazingly rare times when the sequel is better than the first book! Officially OBSESSED!!!
Profile Image for Shia.
1,161 reviews22 followers
September 13, 2023
Ahhhhhhhh I need book 3 NOW!!!! The ending was so insane and i still can’t believe how things happened!!!! So so so so so so good!
Profile Image for Yamini.
665 reviews38 followers
March 7, 2023
The second book in The Elf Queen series picks up right from the cliffhanger ending of book 1. Even after being separated and tortured, Layala and Thane are persistent to find a way to be together. The name of the Lightbringer is dawning to come with responsibilities and hard choices. Connected mysteriously to the Black Mage, Layala's decision can change the course of time and this world.

I loved the world-building and scheming aspects of this series right from the start. Though I occasionally felt that Layala's character is becoming very easy to manipulate or dictate. I can literally see people coming in and changing her plans in the blink of an eye. N find her a bit foolish that she falls into the trap and does what they anticipated as her reaction - despite the strong-headed female she is shown to be, it's quite contrasting.

The book comes with a fair amount of disclaimers that I want my audience to be on alert too: #violance #war #steamyromance #moralygrey characters.

Rating: 3/5 ⭐️
Genre: #fantasy #romance #adult

Thanks, @netgalley @authorjmkearl @valorebooks for the digital review copy.
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