A review by eloquentmuse
Long Live the Elf Queen by J.M. Kearl

adventurous challenging mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Long Live the Elf Queen by JM Kearl, the second book in the Elf Queen series, picks up as Layala, our fierce FMC, fights to unravel a dark conspiracy entwining her life since infancy when she was magically bonded to the brooding MC, Thane. Their connection deepens, but as they fall further for each other, their families are drawn into the legacy of turmoil caused by Thane’s father and his hunger for power. The haunting voice of the dormant Dark Mage begins to invade Layala’s dreams—what is he plotting, and can she hope to stand against someone so powerful even in his coma-like state?

I’m giving this a 3.5-star rating. Some parts dragged and nearly lost my interest, but the plot was strong enough to keep me hooked until the end.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Confinement, Death, Violence, Murder, and War

(Spoilers ahead!) The story takes us deeper into the secrets of their world, as both Layala and Thane uncover more about their shared past and the true history behind the conflict. Thane’s father had struck a dangerous bargain with the Dark Mage, hoping to gain mage-like powers himself. Layala is foretold to be the one who could wake this dark entity, a fate she’s desperate to avoid. As they struggle with this destiny, they learn that one or both of them may carry the blood of the gods—a revelation that brings both hope and dread. The book crescendos with a surprising twist and, of course, a cliffhanger (another one!).