My other issue was that of the pacing. It was too slow for me. Had it been a bigger book, I would've lost interest but anyway, I really hope the next one is better in that aspect. Not only that, but it wasn't really enemies imo, the dialogue was VERY cliche and contrived. This book felt way too YA and way too similar to every other YA book out there. There was literally nothing new.

Bow Before the Elf Queen by J.M. Kearl, Paperback | Barnes Bow Before the Elf Queen by J.M. Kearl, Paperback | Barnes

The romance- It's not just Thane and Layala's chemistry. The introduction of the love triangle certainly makes things interesting.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. 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. but Thane has a secret that makes it impossible for Layala to slay him. She has an even darker truth that makes loving her forbidden, no matter how much Thane wants to touch. 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. 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”.

the Elf Queen - Goodreads Long Live the Elf Queen - Goodreads

Layala and her words 😂 I just love her and her feisty , take no bullshit ways. But she is thoughtful and kind hearted once she lets her walls down. Speaking of romance, I didn't mind it all that much. I'd dare even go so far as to say it was the thing I liked the most about this book, even though I didn't really like Layla nor Thane. And, not gonna lie, I also definitely expected more action. The world itself is intriguing and makes me want to explore every corner, every forest, every Kingdom, and all the magic, be it good or dark, within it.A defiant human woman. A dark fae Prince. Two enemies bound to a marriage that could destroy their world.