The characters had zero personality/chemistry with each other (especially the two mc’s) the writing was decent but the story was just meh. Layala and Thane had a complicated relationship - she has been brought up to believe that he would steal her freedom, whereas he has spent his time doing what he can to protect her from afar. I also didn’t really care for Tifapine, her character seems unnecessary, and added in and left out at opportune times, and I would skim past her parts which were sometimes pages long of just unneeded talk that added nothing to the plot, trying to be comedic relief. I love seeing how much both Thane and Layala have grown both together and separately from the first book. 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.

Bow Before the Elf Queen - Fantastic Fiction Bow Before the Elf Queen - Fantastic Fiction

I had anxiety for the characters and found myself wanting to yell and throw my kindle across the room! This is very action packed with high stake situations and aspects move fast but the book is very easy to read and understand in these scenes! Layala was not necessarily a traditional pick me but she was definitely “one of the boys” and not like the other girls. Dare to dive into this whimsical and deeply romantic story inspired by Hades and Persephone, The Lord of the Rings, and a sprinkle of Norse mythology.This is the second book of the series and while I wasn’t sure Kearl could top Bow Before - this one was even better!

The Elf Queen Book 3 by J.M. Kearl - Risingshadow

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 cannot wait for what happens next in their journey…especially after that massive cliffhanger left me wanting more.Push her against a wall and growl at her Thane - Jesus do I have to do all the work in this imaginary relationship? They displayed a mature relationship and I really liked that at times they were able to trust and talk to each other about aspects that they were concerned about. Pull some of those fae back from the wall because you can't be having peasants making you look like a fool like that.

Bow Before the Elf Queen Quotes by J.M. Kearl - Goodreads Bow Before the Elf Queen Quotes by J.M. Kearl - Goodreads

I wanted him to be the famed warrior king who ruthlessly cut down his enemies and kept his people in line. My first sense of foreboding came when Thane was actually accommodating and downright pleasant to Layala.

My tastes have obviously been polluted since every nice little remark and understanding moment from him made me roll my eyes so hard that I could see the Void. So I don't really consider it as if they were "enemies", Layala didn't trust Thane or the Elves for a good reason due to her past. If someone informed me this was a final project for 8th grade English, the quality would at least make sense, but alas, that does not appear to be the case. For weeks, we retraced our steps back to Mistfell and the lingering shadow of the Veil at the boundary between realms.