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Of Fate and Kings #1
Verbunden mit dem König der Dunkelelfen (Von Schicksal und Königen 1)
Everyone fears the Dark Elf King. Varys is known as a fierce and lethal warrior; none can stand against his armies.
When I’m captured by the Dark Elves and taken before their king, my first thought is of escape. The moment our eyes meet, King Varys claims I am his Fated One—his Khio’ri.
Humans and Elves have been enemies for centuries, but his people believe that a soulbond woven by fate cannot be undone.
I doubt he’s ever going to let me go. But what does it mean to be Bound to the Dark Elf King?
** Each book in the Of Fate and Kings series can be read as a standalone romance, but it is recommended to read them in order to enhance the reading experience. **
** Steamy content. Not a dark romance **
When I’m captured by the Dark Elves and taken before their king, my first thought is of escape. The moment our eyes meet, King Varys claims I am his Fated One—his Khio’ri.
Humans and Elves have been enemies for centuries, but his people believe that a soulbond woven by fate cannot be undone.
I doubt he’s ever going to let me go. But what does it mean to be Bound to the Dark Elf King?
** Each book in the Of Fate and Kings series can be read as a standalone romance, but it is recommended to read them in order to enhance the reading experience. **
** Steamy content. Not a dark romance **
439 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2022
1367 people are currently reading
5000 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Grayson
65 books767 followersUSA Today bestselling author, Jessica Grayson writes scifi and fantasy romance with strong heroines and the otherworldly heroes that cannot help but fall in love with them.
She lives with her husband, cat and dog in the San Antonio, TX area. In addition to reading and writing scifi romance, she loves swimming, chai and dark chocolate.
For more information, follow her on www.jessicagraysonauthor.com
She lives with her husband, cat and dog in the San Antonio, TX area. In addition to reading and writing scifi romance, she loves swimming, chai and dark chocolate.
For more information, follow her on www.jessicagraysonauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 389 reviews
February 2, 2024
if you take a shot everytime the author mentions dark elf you will be dead by page three
Edit: I think the author edited it & now dark elf is less mentioned than before 🥹🥺
Edit: I think the author edited it & now dark elf is less mentioned than before 🥹🥺
March 10, 2022
3.85⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Style: Paranormal/Fantasy Romance
Story: 3.85/5
Enjoyment: 3.85/5
Dark Level: 0/5
Sexual Level: OK
Triggers: No
Violence: Yes
Male: Sweet
Series: Yes
Pages: loc. 4387
Audio: No
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
STORY:
WHAT I LIKED:
I liked the storytelling of Varys and Inara in this Fantasy/Paranormal universe. The moment the book started, it pulled me in and caught my interest as the story builds up to Varys and Inara getting married. Varys is the Dark Elf King and he is seeking peace with the humans and is trying different ways to get it. Inara is a human, who has a unique ability. The moment Varys saw Inara, he knew who she was to him and became very protective. There were different elements at play of different beings, magic and worldly creatures that brought the story to life.
WHAT WAS SO SO:
I really like the connection between Varys and Inara, but wanted a little bit more from their chemistry. It was sweet and still beautiful, but wish it had a bit more intensity at times.as much as I like the story, the Dark Elf King is known to be merciless, I could be wrong, but he was too sweet/nice at times and I think that threw me off a bit.
SEXUAL CHEMISTRY
It was ok. The pace could have been more.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
I love Inara’s family. The dominated in the beginning of the book and the spike your interest to see if they will have their own stories. Once the story moves to Varys side, it was interesting and brought out interesting characters.
OVERALL:
Was I entertained? Yes with a few buts.
Did I like the story? Yes
Would I read the other books in the series? Yes.
TRIGGERS:
****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.
Style: Paranormal/Fantasy Romance
Story: 3.85/5
Enjoyment: 3.85/5
Dark Level: 0/5
Sexual Level: OK
Triggers: No
Violence: Yes
Male: Sweet
Series: Yes
Pages: loc. 4387
Audio: No
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
STORY:
WHAT I LIKED:
I liked the storytelling of Varys and Inara in this Fantasy/Paranormal universe. The moment the book started, it pulled me in and caught my interest as the story builds up to Varys and Inara getting married. Varys is the Dark Elf King and he is seeking peace with the humans and is trying different ways to get it. Inara is a human, who has a unique ability. The moment Varys saw Inara, he knew who she was to him and became very protective. There were different elements at play of different beings, magic and worldly creatures that brought the story to life.
WHAT WAS SO SO:
I really like the connection between Varys and Inara, but wanted a little bit more from their chemistry. It was sweet and still beautiful, but wish it had a bit more intensity at times.as much as I like the story, the Dark Elf King is known to be merciless, I could be wrong, but he was too sweet/nice at times and I think that threw me off a bit.
SEXUAL CHEMISTRY
It was ok. The pace could have been more.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
I love Inara’s family. The dominated in the beginning of the book and the spike your interest to see if they will have their own stories. Once the story moves to Varys side, it was interesting and brought out interesting characters.
OVERALL:
Was I entertained? Yes with a few buts.
Did I like the story? Yes
Would I read the other books in the series? Yes.
TRIGGERS:
****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.
April 26, 2022
Engrossing, uncomplicated story but with no depth to the plot. In addition, the author might want to edit the parts pertaining to the next two serials because now I know the general direction of the stories about the Fae and Dragon Kings which means I’m not so eager to read those.
March 1, 2023
“Blood of my blood. Bone of my bone. I give you my life and my heart, that our souls may be one”.
Últimamente, bueno, a decir verdad, desde hace algún tiempo no me encuentro en mis mejores momentos y busco lecturas ligeras que me ayuden a evadirme. Algunas veces, me encuentro con bastantes sorpresas (para bien) y esta ha sido una de ellas.
Antes de comenzar esta reseña me gustaría decir que sé que está mal comparar libros y siento que no es sano ni para el lector ni para el autor, pero esta novela se me ha parecido en parte con la sinopsis de “Un trato con el rey de los elfos” y me ha gustado, es más me ha sorprendido y para bien. Tampoco es una novela de cinco estrellas, pero engancha y te entretiene. ¿Qué más puedo pedir?
“You will not have peace until you know for sure. In order to move foward, you must know your path. You cannot determine what that will be without asking the one you wish to share your life with”.
Por un lado, el escenario como el argumento es un poco pobre y siento que a veces tiene pequeños agujeros de guion, pero como he dicho antes me lo he pasado tan bien leyéndolo que no le ha dado tanta importancia, además, porque he leído novelas que tienen más fama y están peor escritas (tenía que decirlo y se dijo). Por otro lado, los personajes, les faltan profundidad, pero me han parecido lo suficientemente carismáticos así que tienen mi aprobado.
Solo tengo una pequeña pega y es que el siguiente libro va sobre un dragón (forma hibrida) y el cuarto sobre un orco, y yo no sé si estoy preparada para desbloquear ese nivel de lectura aún.
“My soul grieves with yours. ”
Últimamente, bueno, a decir verdad, desde hace algún tiempo no me encuentro en mis mejores momentos y busco lecturas ligeras que me ayuden a evadirme. Algunas veces, me encuentro con bastantes sorpresas (para bien) y esta ha sido una de ellas.
Antes de comenzar esta reseña me gustaría decir que sé que está mal comparar libros y siento que no es sano ni para el lector ni para el autor, pero esta novela se me ha parecido en parte con la sinopsis de “Un trato con el rey de los elfos” y me ha gustado, es más me ha sorprendido y para bien. Tampoco es una novela de cinco estrellas, pero engancha y te entretiene. ¿Qué más puedo pedir?
“You will not have peace until you know for sure. In order to move foward, you must know your path. You cannot determine what that will be without asking the one you wish to share your life with”.
Por un lado, el escenario como el argumento es un poco pobre y siento que a veces tiene pequeños agujeros de guion, pero como he dicho antes me lo he pasado tan bien leyéndolo que no le ha dado tanta importancia, además, porque he leído novelas que tienen más fama y están peor escritas (tenía que decirlo y se dijo). Por otro lado, los personajes, les faltan profundidad, pero me han parecido lo suficientemente carismáticos así que tienen mi aprobado.
Solo tengo una pequeña pega y es que el siguiente libro va sobre un dragón (forma hibrida) y el cuarto sobre un orco, y yo no sé si estoy preparada para desbloquear ese nivel de lectura aún.
“My soul grieves with yours. ”
May 8, 2024
Oh that was good. Can't wait to read the rest of the series
March 30, 2022
Redundant
I wish I could rate this higher, as I love a good elf romance, and this one has the good bones of a great story; but the redundancies and continuity errors ended up pulling the star rating down. Which I hate to do to an Indie author. An author that needs her editor to be more than grammar police, despite the editor making error there too. The author needs people around her to push her to the next level of her craft. If this book had gone through some developmental edits it could be a five star read. As the author wrote a solid story but she seemed to rush through event to get to the next, so nothing in this book felt than anything was dire. The author never let tension or angst build, resolutions were to quick. Then there was the ‘I love you’ declaration; then several chapters later no one knows how the other feels. HUH??? Plus she gives the plots of her upcoming books away? I could go on, but most authors don’t want to listen to critiques of their babies; but know if you’re picking this book up you’ll be hit over the head with redundant feelings and even dialogue. Despite the redundancies, the author wrote an imaginative world and I am hoping book two is more polished. Yes I will be reading this author again, and hoping she grows into her craft.
I wish I could rate this higher, as I love a good elf romance, and this one has the good bones of a great story; but the redundancies and continuity errors ended up pulling the star rating down. Which I hate to do to an Indie author. An author that needs her editor to be more than grammar police, despite the editor making error there too. The author needs people around her to push her to the next level of her craft. If this book had gone through some developmental edits it could be a five star read. As the author wrote a solid story but she seemed to rush through event to get to the next, so nothing in this book felt than anything was dire. The author never let tension or angst build, resolutions were to quick. Then there was the ‘I love you’ declaration; then several chapters later no one knows how the other feels. HUH??? Plus she gives the plots of her upcoming books away? I could go on, but most authors don’t want to listen to critiques of their babies; but know if you’re picking this book up you’ll be hit over the head with redundant feelings and even dialogue. Despite the redundancies, the author wrote an imaginative world and I am hoping book two is more polished. Yes I will be reading this author again, and hoping she grows into her craft.
July 21, 2025
Fun story, but oh boy… the inner monologue drove me insane.
Why did we have to read the exact same thought on repeat like a broken record?
Example of his brain on loop:
“She’s so fragile, I feel the need to protect her.”
Two pages later:
“I don’t know why, but I need to protect her… she’s mortal, she’s fragile.”
Next chapter:
“She’s mortal. Fragile. Must protect.”
…AND SO ON. 🙃
By page 100 I was ready to tattoo YES, SHE’S FRAGILE, WE GET IT on my forehead.
That said, the plot itself was fun and light, and honestly?
I’ll still pick up the next book in the series.
Why did we have to read the exact same thought on repeat like a broken record?
Example of his brain on loop:
“She’s so fragile, I feel the need to protect her.”
Two pages later:
“I don’t know why, but I need to protect her… she’s mortal, she’s fragile.”
Next chapter:
“She’s mortal. Fragile. Must protect.”
…AND SO ON. 🙃
By page 100 I was ready to tattoo YES, SHE’S FRAGILE, WE GET IT on my forehead.
That said, the plot itself was fun and light, and honestly?
I’ll still pick up the next book in the series.
January 23, 2023
Too much repetition. Sometimes the author repeated whole pages from a different POV. Also, this was the first book in the series and I was already over the fact that every powerful king wanted a human bride. And they asked for advice? When he barely managed to not lose his bride. Died laughing.
January 2, 2024
Exactly what I was looking for. Inara is such a great human Queen. Lots of feelings on both sides. A tad too much miscommunication and hesitation, but I still really enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to the following books.
But for the love of the goddess they should stop calling themselves "human wife" and "dark elf king" at one point - it simply was too much.
But for the love of the goddess they should stop calling themselves "human wife" and "dark elf king" at one point - it simply was too much.
dnf-or-skimmed
July 14, 2022Made it about 38% and couldn't go on anymore.
I wasn't interested. Information was CONSTANTLY repeated. The writing and plot came off extremely juvenile, yet there were subjects that didn't seem especially juvenile in it so I'm confused who this was for.
Anyway, just didn't work out.
I wasn't interested. Information was CONSTANTLY repeated. The writing and plot came off extremely juvenile, yet there were subjects that didn't seem especially juvenile in it so I'm confused who this was for.
Anyway, just didn't work out.
December 26, 2024
3.5 ⭐
I was so ready to give this a 4⭐ but the constant miscommunication took away the fun. Why can't they just talk to each other instead of jumping to wildly inaccurate assumptions? Also, I never liked lying in my books, so the omission in this case only increased my frustration.
It wasn't all that bad, really; it's just that there were quite a few scenes that got under my skin and could've been easily avoided if those two had just figured out how to actually voice their inner monologues. 🥴
I was so ready to give this a 4⭐ but the constant miscommunication took away the fun. Why can't they just talk to each other instead of jumping to wildly inaccurate assumptions? Also, I never liked lying in my books, so the omission in this case only increased my frustration.
It wasn't all that bad, really; it's just that there were quite a few scenes that got under my skin and could've been easily avoided if those two had just figured out how to actually voice their inner monologues. 🥴
April 9, 2022
I wanted to love this, especially since the synopsis is right up my alley, but the writing was a bit... umm not great. Lots of repetition (and I mean whole ass paragraphs), and just I felt at times that the story was very surface level. Also, we got so much information about the next couple that I truly felt like I already read the book.. LOL
March 16, 2024
2024 Reads #157/250
April 16, 2022
This is the first of a new series (Of Fate and Kings) set in a fantasy world where there are humas, Elves, Faeries, Mages, Werewolves, Wraiths, dragons, and many other fantastical creatures. In this realm, the humas are at war with the Elves and use the Mages to control the magic of the Elves. Inara is the Princess of Florin (sister of the King), one of the human kingdoms and Varys is the King of Ithylian (Dark Elves). They have been at war for years. Varys captures Inara’s brother and both kingdoms are about to go to war. Inara sneaks in to Vary’s Army camp try to save her brother and gets captured. Varys takes one look at her and recognizes her as his Fated Mate. He offers a political alliance of marriage.
The world building was fabulous. It was complex, detailed yet easy to follow and track. There was immense internal consistency. Rules of the kingdoms didn’t suddenly change; people didn’t start acting differently suddenly – something I really appreciate. The story was paced beautifully and there was a slow build up of Varys and Inara’s relationship. Other people were introduced as needed. There weren’t any artificial barriers created, but rather the complexities of relationships that caused problems. There were some minor issues I had (why Inara revealed herself to Varys, why Varys’s sister changed her stance on her brother’s marriage etc., but these were very minor questions). The author writes well, and her style was a bit formal, but it suited the book and setting beautifully. I really enjoyed reading this book a lot, much more than I expected. I highly recommend this.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The world building was fabulous. It was complex, detailed yet easy to follow and track. There was immense internal consistency. Rules of the kingdoms didn’t suddenly change; people didn’t start acting differently suddenly – something I really appreciate. The story was paced beautifully and there was a slow build up of Varys and Inara’s relationship. Other people were introduced as needed. There weren’t any artificial barriers created, but rather the complexities of relationships that caused problems. There were some minor issues I had (why Inara revealed herself to Varys, why Varys’s sister changed her stance on her brother’s marriage etc., but these were very minor questions). The author writes well, and her style was a bit formal, but it suited the book and setting beautifully. I really enjoyed reading this book a lot, much more than I expected. I highly recommend this.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 17, 2025
You know what, sometimes we shouldn’t try new things. Sometimes we shouldn’t trust a good cover and premise because people lie. Sometimes, books are published without ever being seen by an editor, and the only way it will meet one is in hell.
I don’t know how to explain this, but in some fanfics the author gives a recap in every new chapter and this is exactly what happened in this book. Every new chapter began with a recap of the last one.
In all honesty, this book could have had an interesting premise but the lack of editing and the bad writing sent it straight to jail. The amount of repetitive dialogue, repeated monologues/thoughts and continuity errors were insane. It read like the author had an assignment with a word count and they were trying to fill it.
I read the same exact paragraphs in several different chapters. In one chapter it just repeated the same conversation twice. The amount of repetition in this book I can’t even begin to describe.
And I sweat if I read the sentence “masculine perfection made manifest” one more time I’m setting something on fire.
I don’t know how to explain this, but in some fanfics the author gives a recap in every new chapter and this is exactly what happened in this book. Every new chapter began with a recap of the last one.
In all honesty, this book could have had an interesting premise but the lack of editing and the bad writing sent it straight to jail. The amount of repetitive dialogue, repeated monologues/thoughts and continuity errors were insane. It read like the author had an assignment with a word count and they were trying to fill it.
I read the same exact paragraphs in several different chapters. In one chapter it just repeated the same conversation twice. The amount of repetition in this book I can’t even begin to describe.
And I sweat if I read the sentence “masculine perfection made manifest” one more time I’m setting something on fire.
March 10, 2022
There’s nothing like an epic fantasy romance, and Grayson has a marvelous one in Bound to the Dark Elf King. It starts with a marriage of convenience that’s also a fated mates situation—but in this case only one of the mates knows they’re fated. That’s the Dark Elf King Varys, who realizes the moment he meets Princess Inara that she’s fated to him. But his race hates humans, and they’re on the verge of all-out war with Inara’s kingdom. But if Inara agrees to marry him, Varys will agree to a truce.
I loved the fact that Inara was both romantic and deeply practical. She knows she’s entered this marriage for reasons other than love, and she constantly assesses her situation to try and keep her heart safe. Varys, on the other hand is a total goner because he knows she’s his incredibly rare fated mate, and he miscalculates at times because he keeps forgetting that she doesn’t see things quite the way he does. Add to this buried magical talents, ancient prophesies, and sharing things through a bond in more ways than one, and you’ve got a thrilling read in Bound to the Dark Elf King.
This is a relatively sweet book—there are a few too many conveniently timed interruptions between Varys and Inara for my taste. There are also characters that are set up as antagonists who just…dissipate. There’s also a lot of worldbuilding here, a somewhat necessary vice in a first book in a series—Grayson has to show us the rules of this world, and Inara’s voyage of discovery among the dark elves is ours as well. Grayson also clearly sets up the groundwork for least two more books, which I’m excited to read.
So if you’re a fan of high fantasy and romance, you’ve got an absolute gem of a book in Bound to the Dark Elf King. Read it and discover the wonders that Grayson has created in this world!
I loved the fact that Inara was both romantic and deeply practical. She knows she’s entered this marriage for reasons other than love, and she constantly assesses her situation to try and keep her heart safe. Varys, on the other hand is a total goner because he knows she’s his incredibly rare fated mate, and he miscalculates at times because he keeps forgetting that she doesn’t see things quite the way he does. Add to this buried magical talents, ancient prophesies, and sharing things through a bond in more ways than one, and you’ve got a thrilling read in Bound to the Dark Elf King.
This is a relatively sweet book—there are a few too many conveniently timed interruptions between Varys and Inara for my taste. There are also characters that are set up as antagonists who just…dissipate. There’s also a lot of worldbuilding here, a somewhat necessary vice in a first book in a series—Grayson has to show us the rules of this world, and Inara’s voyage of discovery among the dark elves is ours as well. Grayson also clearly sets up the groundwork for least two more books, which I’m excited to read.
So if you’re a fan of high fantasy and romance, you’ve got an absolute gem of a book in Bound to the Dark Elf King. Read it and discover the wonders that Grayson has created in this world!
January 9, 2023
If I ever see the words 'my Dark Elf Husband' in succession again I'm genuinely going to perish on the spot.
Dramatics aside, this book really wasn't that bad. The premise was intriguing, the writing style fun and easy to follow, and the sheer bingeablity of the book itself has got to stand for something. If you're looking for a simple, fun and somewhat dramatic fae story with the usual elements of not-so-stole brides, soulmates and a chosen one prophecy against the backdrop of a possible world(s) war, then Jessica Greyson has got you covered!
All in all I found the story a bit lacklustre, though the dynamic between Inara and Varys was cute and amusing, I wish Greyson had built up a little more of the world they resided in and, ultimately, made the whole prophecy and war a little more.. well, interesting. Also, the fact alone that Inara exclusively referred to Varys as 'my dark elf husband' on no less than 12 occasions just made me want to toss my kindle at a wall. Something about having the 'dark' part of his elf nature hammered every other page was just a bit much for me.
also, can someone please tell me why everyone but Inara seemed to have a y in their name? is this how we're doing fantasy now or did i miss something because I'm still not over Grayce and Edmynd
Dramatics aside, this book really wasn't that bad. The premise was intriguing, the writing style fun and easy to follow, and the sheer bingeablity of the book itself has got to stand for something. If you're looking for a simple, fun and somewhat dramatic fae story with the usual elements of not-so-stole brides, soulmates and a chosen one prophecy against the backdrop of a possible world(s) war, then Jessica Greyson has got you covered!
All in all I found the story a bit lacklustre, though the dynamic between Inara and Varys was cute and amusing, I wish Greyson had built up a little more of the world they resided in and, ultimately, made the whole prophecy and war a little more.. well, interesting. Also, the fact alone that Inara exclusively referred to Varys as 'my dark elf husband' on no less than 12 occasions just made me want to toss my kindle at a wall. Something about having the 'dark' part of his elf nature hammered every other page was just a bit much for me.
also, can someone please tell me why everyone but Inara seemed to have a y in their name? is this how we're doing fantasy now or did i miss something because I'm still not over Grayce and Edmynd
May 2, 2022
This is my most favorite book now! Hero and heroine - experience their first everything together. Very safe. Thank you, Jessica grayson. This left a smile on my face.
March 2, 2023
I will review this when I am less angry
HIS DICK HAS A KNOT and her lady bits are a CHANNEL
I am so angry I bought this book.
But also the names??
Varys and Tamlyn???
HIS DICK HAS A KNOT and her lady bits are a CHANNEL
I am so angry I bought this book.
But also the names??
Varys and Tamlyn???
Read
January 1, 2025dnf at 56% .ᐟ
i wouldn't recommend this book to even my worst of enemies.
i wouldn't recommend this book to even my worst of enemies.
July 30, 2023
This book sucked and I'm glad it was on Kindle Unlimited and I didn't waste my money on it.
TLDR; Don't buy it, don't waste your time reading it. Was this book edited???
Plot? Flimsy
Main character? Forgettable and I don't care about her
Main romantic character? He's OK
Writing style? This is wattpad level of writing. I literally could not tell between the chapters in his voice versus her voice.
What did I like?
The main character's sister seems cool. I liked the world building. The cover art is nice. The foreshadowing of the next books was clever.
What did I dislike?
The romance wasn't believable, not at all. The main characters stayed angry at each other for 2 weeks which again wasn't believable. If he's soooo in love with her like the author says, he would be busting to make up with her. Same goes for not telling her secret. If she was soooo taken by him she would have told him sooner. There was a lot of info dumping that could have been woven into the writing a lot better. The prophecy literally did not need to be mentioned until the ceremony or even later, it really ruined the surprise.
What really grinds my gears?
THE CHARACTER NAMES ALL HAVE Y IN THEM, WHY???
Varys
Edmynd
Aryl
Devyn
Rhygar
Shynar
Grayce
Aegryn
Ylari
Dralyn
Talyn
Nyrala
Kyven
TLDR; Don't buy it, don't waste your time reading it. Was this book edited???
Plot? Flimsy
Main character? Forgettable and I don't care about her
Main romantic character? He's OK
Writing style? This is wattpad level of writing. I literally could not tell between the chapters in his voice versus her voice.
What did I like?
The main character's sister seems cool. I liked the world building. The cover art is nice. The foreshadowing of the next books was clever.
What did I dislike?
The romance wasn't believable, not at all. The main characters stayed angry at each other for 2 weeks which again wasn't believable. If he's soooo in love with her like the author says, he would be busting to make up with her. Same goes for not telling her secret. If she was soooo taken by him she would have told him sooner. There was a lot of info dumping that could have been woven into the writing a lot better. The prophecy literally did not need to be mentioned until the ceremony or even later, it really ruined the surprise.
What really grinds my gears?
THE CHARACTER NAMES ALL HAVE Y IN THEM, WHY???
Varys
Edmynd
Aryl
Devyn
Rhygar
Shynar
Grayce
Aegryn
Ylari
Dralyn
Talyn
Nyrala
Kyven
May 16, 2022
Soooooo I DNF this one at 90%. I know, so close! But I just felt like all of the good bits were done, and I wasn’t interested in finishing.
I started losing interest at about 70%. I love a fluffy read, but it just felt like everything was becoming TOO perfect. I love a fated mates type romance, but the one thing I don’t like is when it is described as a rare thing and then all the sudden, every friend of the protagonist gets one.
I didn’t really ever feel like there were any stakes in the story either. Any time a hardship was introduced, it was solved in a chapter or two. By the end when there was the “big problem” I guess, I just didn’t care to see how it finished. Being at 90% without any real conflict, I can only assume it will be resolved quickly and too tidy.
The LANGUAGE. This book says MY DARK ELF HUSBAND 19 times, and MY HUMAN WIFE 16 times. Dear god, can’t you just call each other honey or darling or aaaaanything else? As a test, I want to start calling my spouse “My Caucasian husband” and see if it feels romantic. I expect it will not.
This book was interesting and fun, I just lost steam by the end. Give it a shot and see what you think.
I started losing interest at about 70%. I love a fluffy read, but it just felt like everything was becoming TOO perfect. I love a fated mates type romance, but the one thing I don’t like is when it is described as a rare thing and then all the sudden, every friend of the protagonist gets one.
I didn’t really ever feel like there were any stakes in the story either. Any time a hardship was introduced, it was solved in a chapter or two. By the end when there was the “big problem” I guess, I just didn’t care to see how it finished. Being at 90% without any real conflict, I can only assume it will be resolved quickly and too tidy.
The LANGUAGE. This book says MY DARK ELF HUSBAND 19 times, and MY HUMAN WIFE 16 times. Dear god, can’t you just call each other honey or darling or aaaaanything else? As a test, I want to start calling my spouse “My Caucasian husband” and see if it feels romantic. I expect it will not.
This book was interesting and fun, I just lost steam by the end. Give it a shot and see what you think.
March 2, 2022
Inara is a princess who is well aware of the politics of war and alliance. For as long as most remember the Fae, Dark Elves, Dragons and other races have all fought against each other. When her brother is captured by the Dark Elves to achieve a treaty Inara cannot help but make sure that she is also there herself. She has had visions since she was a child and when she spots the King of the Dark Elves she recognises the male she has been seing in her dreams since childhood. As for Varys, one look at the small woman in the tent trying to rescue his prisoner and he is lost. She is his Khio'ri, his fated mate but she is not of his race. What can that mean? There is also an ancient prophecy that speaks of these things but they are just old tales surely? Suddenly he has a new idea about the treaty. Marry the human princess to ensure peace but will it? There is far more going on that at first appearances.
This was a wonderful read. So evocative. You could really see the places in your mind's eye and it had the nostalgic whimsy of a real fairytale to it. Loved it.
This was a wonderful read. So evocative. You could really see the places in your mind's eye and it had the nostalgic whimsy of a real fairytale to it. Loved it.
March 4, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Everyone fears the Dark Elf King. Varys is known as a fierce and lethal warrior; none can stand against his armies. When I’m captured by the Dark Elves and taken before their king, my first thought is of escape. The moment our eyes meet, King Varys claims I am his Fated One—his Khio’ri.
Humans and Elves have been enemies for centuries, but his people believe that a soulbond woven by fate cannot be undone. I doubt he’s ever going to let me go. But what does it mean to be Bound to the Dark Elf King?
Inara is a princess who is well aware of the politics of war and alliance. For as long as most remember the Fae, Dark Elves, Dragons and other races have all fought against each other.
this is a great story has wonderfull characters. feels badass, was an easy read. great worldbuilding :) really want to read book 2.
Everyone fears the Dark Elf King. Varys is known as a fierce and lethal warrior; none can stand against his armies. When I’m captured by the Dark Elves and taken before their king, my first thought is of escape. The moment our eyes meet, King Varys claims I am his Fated One—his Khio’ri.
Humans and Elves have been enemies for centuries, but his people believe that a soulbond woven by fate cannot be undone. I doubt he’s ever going to let me go. But what does it mean to be Bound to the Dark Elf King?
Inara is a princess who is well aware of the politics of war and alliance. For as long as most remember the Fae, Dark Elves, Dragons and other races have all fought against each other.
this is a great story has wonderfull characters. feels badass, was an easy read. great worldbuilding :) really want to read book 2.
March 11, 2022
Fated Mates/Marriage of Convenience
Princess Inara is taken prisoner to the dark elf king Varys. His kind is known to hate humans, and the two species being on the brink of war. But when he meets the princess, he knows she's his fated mate. Unfortunately, she does not, and a proposal of marriage to keep the two kingdoms from war is the only thing that may stop it.
I have loved this author's work and Bound to the Dark Elf King is by far one of my favorites. I loved the Inara doesn't know and doesn't quite understand the whole fated mates idea, and that she couldn't tell that Varys was hers. Being feared by all, I expected Varys to be a little more cruel that what was shown, and I'm pleasantly surprised that he wasn't. I loved Varys from the moment he was introduced, so kudos to the author for giving us a lovable dark king.
The pacing was great, not dragging the story out with useless details, and there was enough action that you never get bored with the story.
Princess Inara is taken prisoner to the dark elf king Varys. His kind is known to hate humans, and the two species being on the brink of war. But when he meets the princess, he knows she's his fated mate. Unfortunately, she does not, and a proposal of marriage to keep the two kingdoms from war is the only thing that may stop it.
I have loved this author's work and Bound to the Dark Elf King is by far one of my favorites. I loved the Inara doesn't know and doesn't quite understand the whole fated mates idea, and that she couldn't tell that Varys was hers. Being feared by all, I expected Varys to be a little more cruel that what was shown, and I'm pleasantly surprised that he wasn't. I loved Varys from the moment he was introduced, so kudos to the author for giving us a lovable dark king.
The pacing was great, not dragging the story out with useless details, and there was enough action that you never get bored with the story.
October 12, 2022
No depth in the plot but it was a good solid read. I really like Varys and some of the other characters.
September 11, 2022
Skimmed the last 30%
January 4, 2024
4 stars.
Despite this having fated mates trope which I typically hate, it was 4.7 stars until the last like 15%, then it continued to go down until the end... Seriously, why tf is there in this book?! & what the heck is up with ?! Also, it felt like a lot of the last 30-40% was primarily just a lot of steam... which I'm not a fan of, particularly in this case... it was just laughable at times. Seriously, who calls it manhood or a stave????
**I fast forwarded through all of the steamy scenes, so my review doesn't really take too much of that into account... other than their sheer volume and any words I heard**
Despite this having fated mates trope which I typically hate, it was 4.7 stars until the last like 15%, then it continued to go down until the end... Seriously, why tf is there in this book?! & what the heck is up with ?! Also, it felt like a lot of the last 30-40% was primarily just a lot of steam... which I'm not a fan of, particularly in this case... it was just laughable at times. Seriously, who calls it manhood or a stave????
**I fast forwarded through all of the steamy scenes, so my review doesn't really take too much of that into account... other than their sheer volume and any words I heard**
September 12, 2025
i did not enjoy this. the romance was flimsy, what do you mean you love each other after what felt like a few days, especially after the humans and dark elves have been enemies forever???? the fantasy was weak, i needed more world building. we learned nothing about what it meant for them to be mates except when they gained a new ability. and if i hear them say "his staff" or "her channel" one more time i will do some crazy. if you like it great but i sadly did not.
June 7, 2024
OMG! we get it. This had the potential to be a good story but unfortunately suffered from needing a good editor. It was repetitious, i didn't really needed scenes repeated almost verbatim from the other persons POV. Dark elf was said about a billion times. Did you know this story was about a Dark Elf? If you didn't you would be sure to know by the end of the first chapter. This could have been chopped down to 200 pages and still conveyed the same story.
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