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The Elf Queen #3
Fate Calls the Elf Queen
The captivating third book in J.M. Kearl’s bestselling Elf Queen saga is filled with breathtaking romance and heated tension. Layala Lightbringer’s worst fears came true when she woke the wicked Black Mage, Hel. He claims she is a goddess reborn… and his wife. For her, the Elf King Thane is the love she desires, the one she fought for, and the one she wishes to marry. She wants nothing to do with her past. Until their lives are threatened and her relationship with Thane depends on remembering who she was in her previous existence as Valeen. But she can’t do it on her own. To get her memories back she must rely on the one she hates most, Hel, and working with him rather than against him poses its own risks. He is a dangerous temptation, and Layala finds herself pulled between two entirely different lives with two very different loves. Content this story contains violence, death, a villainous love interest, steamy content, and profanity.
574 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2023
1209 people are currently reading
5987 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 809 reviews
October 29, 2023
Well based on most of the other reviews I’m the odd one out. I mean most seem like ARC reviews and unfortunately those always seem favorable but whatever. Apologies for the long review - but I have FEELINGS I need to get out after reading this book lol.
I do have to give kudos to the author though because I have never been excited to read a 3rd installment of series only to finish it and not like ANY of the main characters - that was a first for me.
I think my biggest issue with this book is it felt like the author decided to change everything about what was set up in the first two books. Honestly she could have completely got rid of the second book and it might have been a better series? That’s how completely opposite this book was. Not only is the story line completely different now - but the way the author completely changes Thane’s character is frustrating. Obviously it’s to make the switch to Hel as a romantic interest - similar to Tamlin/Rhysand, but it wasn’t executed well enough so I just didn’t end up liking either of them.
Im gonna give a broad overview so you know what a clusterF this book was …. SPOILERS!
Thane, Layala, and Hel are actually gods and goddess that have been punished to live mortal lives over and over again and anytime they start to remember and meet each other in the next life the gods try to kill them. Thane was the god of war, Layala goddess of night, and Hel god of magic. Layala and Hel were mated and married but she left him for Thane - who is also Hel’s cousin. Hel remembers it all, Thane starts to remember once Hel shows up, but Layala doesn’t want to remember bc she worries she will want to be Hel. Thane immediately stops being romantic with Layala bc he assumes she will want to be with Hel again when she remembers. 75% of the book is just the 3 of them fighting and bunch of emotional manipulation. Both Thane and Layala are slowly remembering things - like that Thane was engaged to Varlett before - yea the same Varlett that is currently screwing Hel. After 2 assassination attempts Thane decides to send Layala away with Hel so she will be safe and remember who she was before since they think they Thane is holding her back from remembering. He basically tells her he doesn’t want her around and ends the relationship so she will leave. Hel leaves with Layala but makes Varlett stay with Thane, of course! There is some weird subplot about a demon ring that I think I skimmed over because towards the end I was just not really into the story anymore. Anyway once Hel and Layala leave they go to the dragon realm and go on some quest for her old journals so she will remember and of course they grow close the more she remembers and she is starting to fall for him even though he keeps flip flopping he loves he he hates her he will always love her, he makes other women flirt with him to make her jealous and try and bring out her powers blah blah. Obviously she remembers finally - only to remember the reason she left him was she caught him cheating on her with Varlett and telling her he only was with Layala to have a powerful child (which you learn is an old fear and something that would really hurt her). Anyway of course that never really happened and you learn Varlett used magic to trick Layala to think it was real. So then Layala sleeps with Hel (this is the only spice in the book) and they are back together and go back to Thane to kill Varlett but her life is linked to Layala and they can’t kill her. They also have to fight the demon again but Layala kills him. Layala tells Thane that she remembers everything and she is going to be with Hel because he is always it for her and then they wish each other well and hope he finds a good wife someday. Like WTF - I finished it and I was just so confused and not happy?? The change from Thane to Hel was just too quick for me I guess - idk maybe because I read the first two books only a month ago so everything was very fresh to me. If I have waited months and months and barely remembered the first books maybe I would have liked it more but I doubt it.
I do have to give kudos to the author though because I have never been excited to read a 3rd installment of series only to finish it and not like ANY of the main characters - that was a first for me.
I think my biggest issue with this book is it felt like the author decided to change everything about what was set up in the first two books. Honestly she could have completely got rid of the second book and it might have been a better series? That’s how completely opposite this book was. Not only is the story line completely different now - but the way the author completely changes Thane’s character is frustrating. Obviously it’s to make the switch to Hel as a romantic interest - similar to Tamlin/Rhysand, but it wasn’t executed well enough so I just didn’t end up liking either of them.
Im gonna give a broad overview so you know what a clusterF this book was …. SPOILERS!
Thane, Layala, and Hel are actually gods and goddess that have been punished to live mortal lives over and over again and anytime they start to remember and meet each other in the next life the gods try to kill them. Thane was the god of war, Layala goddess of night, and Hel god of magic. Layala and Hel were mated and married but she left him for Thane - who is also Hel’s cousin. Hel remembers it all, Thane starts to remember once Hel shows up, but Layala doesn’t want to remember bc she worries she will want to be Hel. Thane immediately stops being romantic with Layala bc he assumes she will want to be with Hel again when she remembers. 75% of the book is just the 3 of them fighting and bunch of emotional manipulation. Both Thane and Layala are slowly remembering things - like that Thane was engaged to Varlett before - yea the same Varlett that is currently screwing Hel. After 2 assassination attempts Thane decides to send Layala away with Hel so she will be safe and remember who she was before since they think they Thane is holding her back from remembering. He basically tells her he doesn’t want her around and ends the relationship so she will leave. Hel leaves with Layala but makes Varlett stay with Thane, of course! There is some weird subplot about a demon ring that I think I skimmed over because towards the end I was just not really into the story anymore. Anyway once Hel and Layala leave they go to the dragon realm and go on some quest for her old journals so she will remember and of course they grow close the more she remembers and she is starting to fall for him even though he keeps flip flopping he loves he he hates her he will always love her, he makes other women flirt with him to make her jealous and try and bring out her powers blah blah. Obviously she remembers finally - only to remember the reason she left him was she caught him cheating on her with Varlett and telling her he only was with Layala to have a powerful child (which you learn is an old fear and something that would really hurt her). Anyway of course that never really happened and you learn Varlett used magic to trick Layala to think it was real. So then Layala sleeps with Hel (this is the only spice in the book) and they are back together and go back to Thane to kill Varlett but her life is linked to Layala and they can’t kill her. They also have to fight the demon again but Layala kills him. Layala tells Thane that she remembers everything and she is going to be with Hel because he is always it for her and then they wish each other well and hope he finds a good wife someday. Like WTF - I finished it and I was just so confused and not happy?? The change from Thane to Hel was just too quick for me I guess - idk maybe because I read the first two books only a month ago so everything was very fresh to me. If I have waited months and months and barely remembered the first books maybe I would have liked it more but I doubt it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2023
Well, this was not the book I wanted to read.
Spoilers ahead! 🚨
Did the author really just shoved aside two whole books worth of romance and character development to throw down our throats a new love interest that had no chemistry with the main character?
I honestly couldn’t believe what I was reading! The first two books were so good! The characters, the worldbuilding, the plots were so driven, and everything was thrown away for this book.
I get that gaining back their memories from their past life would change them, but them just assuming the “old them” identities was unbelievable!
I’m so disappointed that Thane and Layala’s story didn’t have a fit ending. Will for sure not continue with this series.
Spoilers ahead! 🚨
Did the author really just shoved aside two whole books worth of romance and character development to throw down our throats a new love interest that had no chemistry with the main character?
I honestly couldn’t believe what I was reading! The first two books were so good! The characters, the worldbuilding, the plots were so driven, and everything was thrown away for this book.
I get that gaining back their memories from their past life would change them, but them just assuming the “old them” identities was unbelievable!
I’m so disappointed that Thane and Layala’s story didn’t have a fit ending. Will for sure not continue with this series.
October 31, 2023
This book is horrible and I LOVED the first two books. I have never been so angry at a book. I am so sad and angry they ruined such a beautiful series.
If you’ve read the first two just make up and ending in your head don’t read this book.
There are so many books in the world and we only have a finite amount of time on this earth, do not waste your time on this book.
If you’ve read the first two just make up and ending in your head don’t read this book.
There are so many books in the world and we only have a finite amount of time on this earth, do not waste your time on this book.
December 18, 2023
This is where the Hades & Persephone inspiration takes center stage.
In this latest installment, we dive deeper into the complex and intertwined histories between Layala, Thane, and the notorious Black Mage, Hel. Secrets will be revealed and alliances will be tested. And if that's not enough, there's also a love triangle. So grab a cup of tea, get cozy, and prepare to be transported to a world of magic, intrigue, and romance.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Anneka R. Walker, Dreamscape Select, and House Valor Books Inc. for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
In this latest installment, we dive deeper into the complex and intertwined histories between Layala, Thane, and the notorious Black Mage, Hel. Secrets will be revealed and alliances will be tested. And if that's not enough, there's also a love triangle. So grab a cup of tea, get cozy, and prepare to be transported to a world of magic, intrigue, and romance.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Anneka R. Walker, Dreamscape Select, and House Valor Books Inc. for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
October 24, 2023
5⭐️’s
WOW! This book is my favorite so far in the series.
The twists, the betrayals, the discovering of lost memories, AMAZING. ALL OF IT. I am NOT a fan of love triangles but this was so unique + I am alllllll for it!
never in a million years would I think I would say it… but….. team hel >>>
“I live in an eternal midnight and you are my moon”
🥹
also every author needs to give previous book recaps at the beginning because 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
WOW! This book is my favorite so far in the series.
The twists, the betrayals, the discovering of lost memories, AMAZING. ALL OF IT. I am NOT a fan of love triangles but this was so unique + I am alllllll for it!
never in a million years would I think I would say it… but….. team hel >>>
“I live in an eternal midnight and you are my moon”
🥹
also every author needs to give previous book recaps at the beginning because 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
November 1, 2023
I finished the book a few days ago but I didn't have calm words to express my thoughts about it.
Tl;dr - This book is a complete diversion from book 1 and 2, it may as well be a whole new story line. Everything that has happened in Layala's, Thane's and the BM's life is because of piss poor communication 😀 and all characters are horribly written, all their developments are disregarded and they become completely new characters.
This book took the worst trope, lack of communication/ poor communication, and decided to have that as the main reason for everything.
So the BM is actually Layala's husband but they separated because she saw him with varlett only SHOCKER 🫢, Hel didn't sleep with varlett and it was a trick to fool Layala. This misunderstanding due to Layala's unwillingness to talk to Hel at the time caused the trickle down effect for everything that led us here.
Essentially, everything happened because Layala did NOT talk to Hel thousands of years ago but don't fret! Everything about that is cleared up after ONE (1) conversation and they're back to being lovers. All it took was ONE conversation for everything to be ok, none of this would have happened if these 2 people talked.
I HATE Layala and Hel with everything in me! The only thing I hate more is the book itself. This is such a waste of an amazing story just because the author wanted to force a new love interest. The chemistry was icky and cringey, it was so forced I was dying inside while reading it.
Did the author not pass this by anyone for thoughts because... How did they think this is what's best for the story line? Disregarding everything about the books upto this point?
All in all, at the end of this book all I wished was that the other gods had actually found the god killing weapons and killed all of them. I actually hope they still end up dead although this is the end of the series for me. I cannot believe i wasted my time reading the series oy for it to quite literally go to hell because the author wanted to force a new love interest into the book.
I never thought I could hate a character more than I hate Isolde but Layala and Hel proved me wrong!
Tl;dr - This book is a complete diversion from book 1 and 2, it may as well be a whole new story line. Everything that has happened in Layala's, Thane's and the BM's life is because of piss poor communication 😀 and all characters are horribly written, all their developments are disregarded and they become completely new characters.
This book took the worst trope, lack of communication/ poor communication, and decided to have that as the main reason for everything.
So the BM is actually Layala's husband but they separated because she saw him with varlett only SHOCKER 🫢, Hel didn't sleep with varlett and it was a trick to fool Layala. This misunderstanding due to Layala's unwillingness to talk to Hel at the time caused the trickle down effect for everything that led us here.
Essentially, everything happened because Layala did NOT talk to Hel thousands of years ago but don't fret! Everything about that is cleared up after ONE (1) conversation and they're back to being lovers. All it took was ONE conversation for everything to be ok, none of this would have happened if these 2 people talked.
I HATE Layala and Hel with everything in me! The only thing I hate more is the book itself. This is such a waste of an amazing story just because the author wanted to force a new love interest. The chemistry was icky and cringey, it was so forced I was dying inside while reading it.
Did the author not pass this by anyone for thoughts because... How did they think this is what's best for the story line? Disregarding everything about the books upto this point?
All in all, at the end of this book all I wished was that the other gods had actually found the god killing weapons and killed all of them. I actually hope they still end up dead although this is the end of the series for me. I cannot believe i wasted my time reading the series oy for it to quite literally go to hell because the author wanted to force a new love interest into the book.
I never thought I could hate a character more than I hate Isolde but Layala and Hel proved me wrong!
March 8, 2024
Here is what I don’t understand…..
Why would Thane and Layala go through so much together, choosing each other after they didn’t have to, only to not choose each other in the end?
Now this isn’t the only Romantasy out there who switches the love interest throughout the series. (Cough cough Chaol) But what the author failed to do is create the FMC independent to the MMC from the start. The first two books center on the fact that they choose each other against all odds. There isn’t enough of Layala independent to Thane in the first two books to make this story line believable for me.
I do not agree with the way the author decided to take this story. No.. not cool to the readers who fell in love with the original story line. It felt like such a cop out because other books have become more successful having a morally grey MMC that this seemed like more of a Booktok clout chaser. This book left such a bad taste in mouth I will not be reading the next book.
Why would Thane and Layala go through so much together, choosing each other after they didn’t have to, only to not choose each other in the end?
Now this isn’t the only Romantasy out there who switches the love interest throughout the series. (Cough cough Chaol) But what the author failed to do is create the FMC independent to the MMC from the start. The first two books center on the fact that they choose each other against all odds. There isn’t enough of Layala independent to Thane in the first two books to make this story line believable for me.
I do not agree with the way the author decided to take this story. No.. not cool to the readers who fell in love with the original story line. It felt like such a cop out because other books have become more successful having a morally grey MMC that this seemed like more of a Booktok clout chaser. This book left such a bad taste in mouth I will not be reading the next book.
November 2, 2023
5 million ⭐️ THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD. I’m in awe. Fantasy romance at its best. The world building, character development and romance were all 10/10. Spoilers ahead!!!
Okay, so I LOVED Thane in books 1-2. Like loved him. But at the end of book 2 I was like hmmm this Black Mage guy sounds kinda cool😏 Anyways, I completely fell in love with Hel. He is amazing and I was honestly rooting for him the whole book. The romance was SO SO GOOD. This book kind of had acomaf vibes, which is one of my favorite books of all time so I loved it.
Let’s talk Layala, or should I say my queen VALEEN. Valeen’s character development was so epic in this book. When she finally gained her memories back and had all that female rage and went off on Hel I was LIVING for it. She is one of the best written fmc’s I’ve ever read about in a fantasy series.
Honestly I have nothing bad to say about this book. I didn’t fully love the demon prince storyline but it didn’t bother me too much. I had the most amazing time reading this book and I wish everyone could experience all of the emotions I did while reading it.
Okay, so I LOVED Thane in books 1-2. Like loved him. But at the end of book 2 I was like hmmm this Black Mage guy sounds kinda cool😏 Anyways, I completely fell in love with Hel. He is amazing and I was honestly rooting for him the whole book. The romance was SO SO GOOD. This book kind of had acomaf vibes, which is one of my favorite books of all time so I loved it.
Let’s talk Layala, or should I say my queen VALEEN. Valeen’s character development was so epic in this book. When she finally gained her memories back and had all that female rage and went off on Hel I was LIVING for it. She is one of the best written fmc’s I’ve ever read about in a fantasy series.
Honestly I have nothing bad to say about this book. I didn’t fully love the demon prince storyline but it didn’t bother me too much. I had the most amazing time reading this book and I wish everyone could experience all of the emotions I did while reading it.
June 30, 2025
This book had more twists and turns that I could possibly predict in a lifetime. There are parts of this book that I wasn't totally on board with until the very end. The moral conundrum that the main characters have gotten themselves into is usually one that I dnf, but I felt like this was going a different direction, and it did. NOW I HAVE TO HAVE BOOK 4. Apparently J. M. Kearl is writing it right now.
This series is available on KU and on Everand for those who have those services.
This series is available on KU and on Everand for those who have those services.
October 24, 2023
"Don’t look at me like that. Like I’d die for you a thousand more times? Because I would."
Fate Calls the Elf Queen by #bookreviews2023
Release Date: October 26, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
When I finished book 2 I knew 😈. Just knew book 3 was going to be so magnificent and it gave me everything. Seriously if you haven't read this series do it. Then message me so I can talk your ear off about them all.
This book is my favorite book I've read this year. You know when you are a lovesick puppy and you just sit and swing your legs back and forth with the biggest grin ever?
That was me 80%of the book. Mixed with some crying and air stolen from my lungs moments.
Without posting spoilers it takes one of my favorite romance tropes to the moon. Enemies to Lovers Ultimate Slow burn. Past and present little chunks of happiness and pain. I was so satisfied with everything and everywhere this book went.
A dress and a neck snap had me swooning. Scones. Baking had me swooning. So much so I had to create some for my post. Thank you JM Kearl!
Fate Calls the Elf Queen by #bookreviews2023
Release Date: October 26, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
When I finished book 2 I knew 😈. Just knew book 3 was going to be so magnificent and it gave me everything. Seriously if you haven't read this series do it. Then message me so I can talk your ear off about them all.
This book is my favorite book I've read this year. You know when you are a lovesick puppy and you just sit and swing your legs back and forth with the biggest grin ever?
That was me 80%of the book. Mixed with some crying and air stolen from my lungs moments.
Without posting spoilers it takes one of my favorite romance tropes to the moon. Enemies to Lovers Ultimate Slow burn. Past and present little chunks of happiness and pain. I was so satisfied with everything and everywhere this book went.
A dress and a neck snap had me swooning. Scones. Baking had me swooning. So much so I had to create some for my post. Thank you JM Kearl!
February 4, 2024
“𝑰 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒎𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈.”
This arc review is late (sorry J.M!) because I am conflicted and really struggled with my opinions on the story and ending.
I absolutely love Thane and the journey and growth Layala and Thane had to go through both together and as individuals in books one and two to be together. I love that they CHOSE each other despite the broken bond. I love that they fought for one another. What I didn’t love was all of that being inconsequential by the end of book 3. As a fated-mates girly, I think this is the first time ever that I haven’t wanted the fated mates to be together.
I think Hel is a great and complex character, and I loved his POVs, but I don’t feel like his chemistry with Layala/Valeen felt authentic. It was almost as if JM felt like she needed to add a morally grey MC to the story (thanks BookTok), and derailed a beautiful and epic love story to do so.
To me, it came across as this entire plot was meant to be jarring, which I didn’t enjoy. I love these characters and this series, and I will read any new books that release because I am invested and curious, but I’m not happy or fulfilled with the ending, and I’m really bummed about it.
This arc review is late (sorry J.M!) because I am conflicted and really struggled with my opinions on the story and ending.
I absolutely love Thane and the journey and growth Layala and Thane had to go through both together and as individuals in books one and two to be together. I love that they CHOSE each other despite the broken bond. I love that they fought for one another. What I didn’t love was all of that being inconsequential by the end of book 3. As a fated-mates girly, I think this is the first time ever that I haven’t wanted the fated mates to be together.
I think Hel is a great and complex character, and I loved his POVs, but I don’t feel like his chemistry with Layala/Valeen felt authentic. It was almost as if JM felt like she needed to add a morally grey MC to the story (thanks BookTok), and derailed a beautiful and epic love story to do so.
To me, it came across as this entire plot was meant to be jarring, which I didn’t enjoy. I love these characters and this series, and I will read any new books that release because I am invested and curious, but I’m not happy or fulfilled with the ending, and I’m really bummed about it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2023
I received the ARC for this book, thankfully. It did not disappoint. The story itself was wonderful. Great world building. The author somehow managed to create a whole new pantheon of gods & she did it beautifully. I wish I could’ve learned a little more about them, but possibly in the next book! I loved the multiple POVs. I lost count of how many times I cried. Certainly didn’t see the ending coming at all. You need to read this series ASAP! 10/10.
October 27, 2023
I was distraught over the huge plot twist. I was invested in the relationship between Layala and Thayne in the 1st two books and loved their relationship. I couldn't finish this book because I jumped to the end when I started seeing the writing on the wall. Maybe in time I can pick this book up again when I've forgotten what happened in the 1st two books and just look at it like two different story lines......
April 16, 2024
I loved the other books in this series and very invested to see where the plot was going in the next book. I’d have to say in the end I was disappointed. It almost felt as if I was reading a whole different book with a new plot.
It felt like Thane and Layalas love story was very raw and real. Everything one wants from an enemies to lovers story. I did enjoy seeing how they experience life as a god/goddess but, seeing such a jarring shift in character within the last 20% of the book threw me. It seemed like the whole epic love story that was created within the first two books was just thrown out the window for a new love interest.
Hel was a great character and I found his dynamic with both Thane and Layala very fun and intriguing to follow but as I kept reading the chemistry felt forced after one had read through the other novels.
Genuinely unclear if I will pick up the 4th book.
It felt like Thane and Layalas love story was very raw and real. Everything one wants from an enemies to lovers story. I did enjoy seeing how they experience life as a god/goddess but, seeing such a jarring shift in character within the last 20% of the book threw me. It seemed like the whole epic love story that was created within the first two books was just thrown out the window for a new love interest.
Hel was a great character and I found his dynamic with both Thane and Layala very fun and intriguing to follow but as I kept reading the chemistry felt forced after one had read through the other novels.
Genuinely unclear if I will pick up the 4th book.
December 21, 2023
I really really wanted to like this book!
I LOVED, ADORED, LOVED the first two books
Then literal Hel happens
I really wanted to like Hel. I thought this could be an interesting plot twist.
It just didn't work
It felt like the author forgot the previous story in the first two books.
Thane and Layala were amazing and their chemistry was perfect.
I feel like it was all thrown away and didn't mean anything
I LOVED, ADORED, LOVED the first two books
Then literal Hel happens
I really wanted to like Hel. I thought this could be an interesting plot twist.
It just didn't work
It felt like the author forgot the previous story in the first two books.
Thane and Layala were amazing and their chemistry was perfect.
I feel like it was all thrown away and didn't mean anything
October 24, 2023
WOW.WOW.WOW.
After reading the bombshell at the end of Long Live the Elf Queen (book 2), I did not know how it was going to go. But wow J.M Kearl killed it and set it up perfectly.
I’ve never been so conflicted about a love triangle. Like Ever. When you read this, you will be as confused as Layala, I know I was. I could not put this down, it was hard to stop reading to go to work and run errands because I was that obsessed.
Can’t wait to see how book 4 will go, but it looks incredibly exciting. Go start reading this series if you haven’t, I promise you’ll be obsessed.
Tropes
👑Forced Proximity
👑Love Triangle
👑Tons of Flashbacks
👑Reincarnation
👑Gods and Elves
👑One Bed
After reading the bombshell at the end of Long Live the Elf Queen (book 2), I did not know how it was going to go. But wow J.M Kearl killed it and set it up perfectly.
I’ve never been so conflicted about a love triangle. Like Ever. When you read this, you will be as confused as Layala, I know I was. I could not put this down, it was hard to stop reading to go to work and run errands because I was that obsessed.
Can’t wait to see how book 4 will go, but it looks incredibly exciting. Go start reading this series if you haven’t, I promise you’ll be obsessed.
Tropes
👑Forced Proximity
👑Love Triangle
👑Tons of Flashbacks
👑Reincarnation
👑Gods and Elves
👑One Bed
October 22, 2023
First off, if you know me at all you know that I am obsessed with this series and this author.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review.
I LOVED THIS BOOK. I loved that JM Kearl included book recaps at the beginning since some people may not remember what is going on.
Fate Calls the Elf Queen is the story of Layala and her learning about her past and getting answers to questions she didn’t knew she had. As Layala learns of her past and where she came from she knows she must ultimately make a choice. A choice that will determine her fate.
I LOVE Hel but Thane is my man too so I understand how hard this choice is for Layala.
If hot males, sassy gnome sidekicks, new worlds, and one bed tropes are your thing this is DEFINITELY the book for you.
Warning: this book will gut you. I’m talking sobbing at 3 AM gut you.
Enjoy!
I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review.
I LOVED THIS BOOK. I loved that JM Kearl included book recaps at the beginning since some people may not remember what is going on.
Fate Calls the Elf Queen is the story of Layala and her learning about her past and getting answers to questions she didn’t knew she had. As Layala learns of her past and where she came from she knows she must ultimately make a choice. A choice that will determine her fate.
I LOVE Hel but Thane is my man too so I understand how hard this choice is for Layala.
If hot males, sassy gnome sidekicks, new worlds, and one bed tropes are your thing this is DEFINITELY the book for you.
Warning: this book will gut you. I’m talking sobbing at 3 AM gut you.
Enjoy!
October 22, 2023
"You have a fighting spirit, Layala, and you won't let this break you. Everyone fails, it's whether or not we get back up and fight again that matters more."
If you have read and loved the first two books in the Elf Queen series and after the cliff hanger at the end of Long Live the Elf Queen you will NEED to read this book! Get ready for twist and turns, a ‘new’ morally grey love interest, and all the magical charm of the first books. Thankfully, J.M.Kearl gave us a thick third installment with over 100 pages more than the first two books to get sucked into. If you enjoy love triangles, adventure, found family, dual timelines, gods and goddesses, and an emotional rollercoaster this third installment will have you reading way too late into the night just to finish it. Just a warning, after reading you will need the next book immediately.
Fate Calls the Elf Queen releases on October 26th, 2023.
Will be available on KU but I recommend also picking up a physical copy. My ebook was full of annotations I can’t wait to transfer over to a physical copy! Also the cover art is beautiful!
If you have read and loved the first two books in the Elf Queen series and after the cliff hanger at the end of Long Live the Elf Queen you will NEED to read this book! Get ready for twist and turns, a ‘new’ morally grey love interest, and all the magical charm of the first books. Thankfully, J.M.Kearl gave us a thick third installment with over 100 pages more than the first two books to get sucked into. If you enjoy love triangles, adventure, found family, dual timelines, gods and goddesses, and an emotional rollercoaster this third installment will have you reading way too late into the night just to finish it. Just a warning, after reading you will need the next book immediately.
Fate Calls the Elf Queen releases on October 26th, 2023.
Will be available on KU but I recommend also picking up a physical copy. My ebook was full of annotations I can’t wait to transfer over to a physical copy! Also the cover art is beautiful!
October 26, 2023
Fate Calls the Elf Queen
@authorjmkearl
NA/fantasy
This is the 3rd book in the absolutely spectacular series The Elf Queen
I fell head over heels from page one, book one and haven’t looked back.
The world building is so drenched in vivid colors, you cannot help but immerse yourself completely.
The flashbacks did a wonderful job of illustrating the MCs dynamics.
These books… y’all…words fail me.
An emotional evisceration.
I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of this book from the author. These pitiful words do not accurately express my thoughts, but they are all mine.
@authorjmkearl
NA/fantasy
This is the 3rd book in the absolutely spectacular series The Elf Queen
I fell head over heels from page one, book one and haven’t looked back.
The world building is so drenched in vivid colors, you cannot help but immerse yourself completely.
The flashbacks did a wonderful job of illustrating the MCs dynamics.
These books… y’all…words fail me.
An emotional evisceration.
I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of this book from the author. These pitiful words do not accurately express my thoughts, but they are all mine.
October 14, 2023
JM Kearl gets better and better with each book she writes and this is her best yet!
I love the turn she took into a different past with these characters. The characters we know and love exist but have grown into something new.
She never fails to provide a book filled with hilarious banter and romantic tension. I can’t wait for book 4 in the Elf Queen Series!
I love the turn she took into a different past with these characters. The characters we know and love exist but have grown into something new.
She never fails to provide a book filled with hilarious banter and romantic tension. I can’t wait for book 4 in the Elf Queen Series!
November 5, 2023
Sadly not a fan evena little
Heartbroken, sadly disappointed and just shocked by how much I dislike this book... I loved the first 2 books and was SOOOOO excited to read this one until I did, and now here we are. This may be long because I'm in my feelings about how much I didn't like this book.
The first 2 were so well written hard to put down, and you easily fell in love with Thane, Layala, and all their friends. This one was the complete opposite, I had a hard time picking it back up to finish it. It's like a different author wrote it, and it's a total change in all the characters' personalities. Layala was borderline annoying and did everything and anything to put herself in danger and anyone around her without a care in the world time and time again. Do I need to mention the love triangle that I am not a fan of. It's like every bad, inhumane, murderous choice Hel made didn't and doesn't matter to Layala after she starts crushing on Hel and how "beautiful" she thought he was. She does Thane wrong. The man who does the right thing and devotes his life to loving her, then gets thrown to the side without remorse or hesitation. He was too good for her and Hel, but his love and loyalty were his downfall. I hate that I didn't like this book, and it was so vastly different from the first 2 in the series. On several occasions, I was going to just stop reading it all together and add it to the DNF list. I was hoping for Thanes happily ever after, and I am that person who needs to see how it ends. Some people may love this book, and I hope you do because I really wanted to, but I just can't bring myself to do so and the more I sit and think about it the more I really don't like it, and that makes me sad. I dont know if I will be reading the next one because I don't know if the story line it can come back from this one. I have a feeling I know where JMK is going with Thane, and I don't think I like it.
Heartbroken, sadly disappointed and just shocked by how much I dislike this book... I loved the first 2 books and was SOOOOO excited to read this one until I did, and now here we are. This may be long because I'm in my feelings about how much I didn't like this book.
The first 2 were so well written hard to put down, and you easily fell in love with Thane, Layala, and all their friends. This one was the complete opposite, I had a hard time picking it back up to finish it. It's like a different author wrote it, and it's a total change in all the characters' personalities. Layala was borderline annoying and did everything and anything to put herself in danger and anyone around her without a care in the world time and time again. Do I need to mention the love triangle that I am not a fan of. It's like every bad, inhumane, murderous choice Hel made didn't and doesn't matter to Layala after she starts crushing on Hel and how "beautiful" she thought he was. She does Thane wrong. The man who does the right thing and devotes his life to loving her, then gets thrown to the side without remorse or hesitation. He was too good for her and Hel, but his love and loyalty were his downfall. I hate that I didn't like this book, and it was so vastly different from the first 2 in the series. On several occasions, I was going to just stop reading it all together and add it to the DNF list. I was hoping for Thanes happily ever after, and I am that person who needs to see how it ends. Some people may love this book, and I hope you do because I really wanted to, but I just can't bring myself to do so and the more I sit and think about it the more I really don't like it, and that makes me sad. I dont know if I will be reading the next one because I don't know if the story line it can come back from this one. I have a feeling I know where JMK is going with Thane, and I don't think I like it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2023
Screaming !!! Ugh I love this series soo Much. It literally has everything , elves , dragons , gods ..
book 3 picks up just where book 2 ended . And I knew instantly I was gonna fall hard for Hel and my god I did !!
Laya is confused as to who she is and what it is she needs to do but as everyone try’s to find a way to save the elves from the pale ones laya realizes she’s so much more then just the lightbringer .
The character development with everyone in this series is phenomenal and the Angst is chefs kiss .
*enemies to lovers
*forced proximity
*one bedroom
*reincarnation
*gods
*elves
*dragons
*🩸drinking
*live triangle
*strong fmc
*🌶️🌶️
book 3 picks up just where book 2 ended . And I knew instantly I was gonna fall hard for Hel and my god I did !!
Laya is confused as to who she is and what it is she needs to do but as everyone try’s to find a way to save the elves from the pale ones laya realizes she’s so much more then just the lightbringer .
The character development with everyone in this series is phenomenal and the Angst is chefs kiss .
*enemies to lovers
*forced proximity
*one bedroom
*reincarnation
*gods
*elves
*dragons
*🩸drinking
*live triangle
*strong fmc
*🌶️🌶️
October 21, 2023
Amazing! This story just keeps getting better and better! The character development in this book 3 of the elf queen series was phenomenal. It was a little bit predictable until it wasn’t at all, which is the best combo to me!
It wasn’t as focused on battles as book 2, and as much as I loved the battle scenes it was nice to have some angsty romance and bickering! Definitely still some great fight scenes! I really thought it was a perfect blend of everything that makes up great romantasy.
I can not wait for book 4!
I was gifted an ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.
It wasn’t as focused on battles as book 2, and as much as I loved the battle scenes it was nice to have some angsty romance and bickering! Definitely still some great fight scenes! I really thought it was a perfect blend of everything that makes up great romantasy.
I can not wait for book 4!
I was gifted an ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.
November 10, 2023
The Best Fresh Take since ACOTAR
I started this series wanting to read something different, and a palate refresher form my usual reads but not wanting something that felt too YA. I completely stumbled upon the Elf Queen Saga and fell in love with JM Kearl from 3 chapters in on the first book. I plowed through books 1 & 2 and have impatiently awaited the release of Fate Calls. I am heartbroken and overjoyed and I don’t have enough powerful words to describe the amazing story, world building, and emotional impact this book brought me. The first and second books were both amazing, but Fate Calls, Fate Calls is truly impressive. Most times these days you can tell where the story will lead. I couldn’t with this book and I absolutely adore JM Kearl for that because it was the fresh take on fantasy I didn’t know I needed. You find yourself rooting for the good guy, not trusting the bad. Then you realize you’re now rooting for the bad guy. I felt everything Layala felt trying to wade through the history to find her truth. I am truly looking forward to book 4. It’s been a long, long time since I found a series so impactful, well written and completely new. After seeing what JM Kearl can do, growing the stories and them getting more amazing each book, I know the wait will be worth it, even if I am the most impatient person in the world. I rarely read unfinished series for this reason, but I will be patiently waiting for this without complaint.
(For my fellow smutbutts, this book, this series, do possess it, but not to the point it’s the entire plot line. And oooooooh does it burn into a well worth it explosion!)
I started this series wanting to read something different, and a palate refresher form my usual reads but not wanting something that felt too YA. I completely stumbled upon the Elf Queen Saga and fell in love with JM Kearl from 3 chapters in on the first book. I plowed through books 1 & 2 and have impatiently awaited the release of Fate Calls. I am heartbroken and overjoyed and I don’t have enough powerful words to describe the amazing story, world building, and emotional impact this book brought me. The first and second books were both amazing, but Fate Calls, Fate Calls is truly impressive. Most times these days you can tell where the story will lead. I couldn’t with this book and I absolutely adore JM Kearl for that because it was the fresh take on fantasy I didn’t know I needed. You find yourself rooting for the good guy, not trusting the bad. Then you realize you’re now rooting for the bad guy. I felt everything Layala felt trying to wade through the history to find her truth. I am truly looking forward to book 4. It’s been a long, long time since I found a series so impactful, well written and completely new. After seeing what JM Kearl can do, growing the stories and them getting more amazing each book, I know the wait will be worth it, even if I am the most impatient person in the world. I rarely read unfinished series for this reason, but I will be patiently waiting for this without complaint.
(For my fellow smutbutts, this book, this series, do possess it, but not to the point it’s the entire plot line. And oooooooh does it burn into a well worth it explosion!)
October 21, 2023
Y’all!!!! This was one my most anticipated reads and I can’t thank J M Kearl enough for the opportunity to be an arc reader. Layala is one of my favorite FMC’s, but I also love Thane so much. This book definitely tested their relationship with dealing with the aftermath of Long Live the Elf Queen. I loved the continuation of the story and I can’t wait for the next one! If you’re a fan of Norse mythology and Lord of the Rings with some romance added in give this series a read!
October 18, 2023
I loved all the books so far in this series, but this truly is the BEST book as of yet. Met and exceeded my expectations. I loved the characters, world building, absolutely everything! With each turn of the page I was always wanting to know more, it was so hard for me to put it down but left me excited to start where I had left off. What I would give to re-read this book for the first time.
October 30, 2023
Yes! Yes! Book 3 is it's own vibe!
First of all - I devoured this series. The ending of book two had me screaming and my husband was concerned. By the end of #2, I knew where this might be going (intuition), but I really enjoyed having everything come to light in book 3 -- and piecing so much together. I thought it was book 3/3, but obviously knew towards 60% ish that there was no way everything could be resolved neatly by then.
I'm all in for a good love triangle. So this book was easily my favorite! Not as spicy as I usually go for, but I love a strong female lead and that did it for me.
Can't wait for book 4!!!!
First of all - I devoured this series. The ending of book two had me screaming and my husband was concerned. By the end of #2, I knew where this might be going (intuition), but I really enjoyed having everything come to light in book 3 -- and piecing so much together. I thought it was book 3/3, but obviously knew towards 60% ish that there was no way everything could be resolved neatly by then.
I'm all in for a good love triangle. So this book was easily my favorite! Not as spicy as I usually go for, but I love a strong female lead and that did it for me.
Can't wait for book 4!!!!
October 17, 2023
Wow wow wow. This growing story gets better and better. I liked the first half of the book, but LOVED the second half. The story really took off and I could not put the book down! We get a deeper understanding of these characters and learn all about their backstory/their previous lives as Hel, War and Valeen. It’s very interesting to see how everything unfolds and the little connections that are made with book 1 and 2. Cannot wait for book 4, I just know it’s going to be epic!
October 14, 2023
Wow wow wow! I absolutely love this series, the twists and turns of the plot draw you in and hold you tight like Layala’s vines!
The shifts between present and flashback answered so many questions and gave all the characters greater depth, ending in a cliffhanger I can’t wait for answers to!
This series is a must read for fantasy lovers! Enemies to lovers, a kick ass FMC and a spicy love triangle make the magic of this series really pop ✨
The shifts between present and flashback answered so many questions and gave all the characters greater depth, ending in a cliffhanger I can’t wait for answers to!
This series is a must read for fantasy lovers! Enemies to lovers, a kick ass FMC and a spicy love triangle make the magic of this series really pop ✨
October 21, 2023
First off.. This book took me for a ride I did not expect.. nor was I ready for it.
We pick up where we left off with Hel calling Layala his wife and Thane his cousin. To be honest, this book did not go the way I was hoping it would go. But JM has a knack for taking a trope and twisting it, and that's what she did here... along with my heart.
When an author has you on the floor bawling over one of their books/characters, you know they did something right. And it was gut wrenching for me. I hate love triangles, especially when they don't go the way I think. BUT JM really pulled out all the stops on this one.
It's the morning after I finished and I'm still thinking about this book. About the characters. About all of it.
I did not see the series going this way, and that's not necessarily a bad thing, like I said, JM did an amazing job with this story and I can't wait for book 4.
I just was not prepared for it at all. I thought for sure she would go right, and she went left! Kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
JM really hit me in the gut with this one. I will say have your tissues ready, and just know not everything is as it seems...
This series remains in my top 5 favorites.
We pick up where we left off with Hel calling Layala his wife and Thane his cousin. To be honest, this book did not go the way I was hoping it would go. But JM has a knack for taking a trope and twisting it, and that's what she did here... along with my heart.
When an author has you on the floor bawling over one of their books/characters, you know they did something right. And it was gut wrenching for me. I hate love triangles, especially when they don't go the way I think. BUT JM really pulled out all the stops on this one.
It's the morning after I finished and I'm still thinking about this book. About the characters. About all of it.
I did not see the series going this way, and that's not necessarily a bad thing, like I said, JM did an amazing job with this story and I can't wait for book 4.
I just was not prepared for it at all. I thought for sure she would go right, and she went left! Kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
JM really hit me in the gut with this one. I will say have your tissues ready, and just know not everything is as it seems...
This series remains in my top 5 favorites.
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