King Elijah

The Zemiran Chronicles #2

by D.L. Blade

An epic fantasy romance, where hate and love collide on a journey to save magic.

Two years after Elijah's coronation, magic is back, and the kingdom thrives. The King has brought prosperity to Zemira, and all magical creatures live together in harmony once again. But that is about to change.

Janelle, a young Elven assassin, sets out on a quest to free herself from the Newick coven's leader. She must succeed before the haughty sorcerer finds her brother and sentences him to a fate worse than death.

After an unpleasant first encounter, Elijah and Janelle cannot stand each other, not even a bit—yet they have an enemy in common. They ought to become allies, journey to Myloria and save magic.

Amidst a treacherous voyage through Whitestone Mountain, they find that their hatred for each other is not meant to last. An unexpected connection builds up between them, and their destinies are bound no matter how hard they fight it. 

Lives are at stake as the magic begins to fade. The fate of Zemira rests on their shoulders.



AUTHOR NOTES

This book is intended for 18+ due to violence, explicit sex and language.

TRIGGER WARNINGS

Mentions of rape and threat of rape against the adult female MC. Side character's pregnancy risk due to falling. The death of a horse. Brief scene of torture by waterboarding.

Genres: Fantasy, Enemies To Lovers, Magic

349 pages, Paperback

Published June 23, 2022

About the author

Author also writes under Diana B. Lynn

Hey readers! I'm D.L. Blade.

I've always had a passion for creative writing, starting my career as an author with somewhat milder books and now exclusively writing dark romance. I love looking for ways to take my readers on a journey into a world of unconventional love, morally gray men, and villains who get the girl.

When I’m not writing, I enjoy reading, spending time with my family, attending rock concerts, and exploring new restaurants in Denver.

I dream of continuing to create exciting novels for my readers and taking them on a journey through the magical realms that spill from the pages of my books.

***All three of my young adult novels are written under Diana B. Lynn. Please note that if you see the titles The Dark Awakening, The Dark Underworld & The Dark Deliverance out there, these are NOT adult, dark romances, like I write today. They are young adult romances.

Follow me!

https://linktr.ee/dlblade

Reviews

[Kaeli Innes · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO INCREDIBLE AND ADVENTUROUS!!! This story was so fast paced and was never lacking. The development with the main character Elijah was awesome to continue after The Sea of Zemira. The main love interest was so well written and you got to learn so much about her. The romance was beautiful and the ✨spice✨ was delightful. My favorite part? The 6ft7in elven warrior Aiden who we met in the previous book but got to thoroughly enjoy in this one 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW: MY COMPLETE HONEST OPINION

⚠️ Trigger warnings: mention of rape/threat of rape, side character’s pregnancy risk due falling, death of a horse (🥺) and brief scene of torture of water boarding

🔥Spice (18+ violence, language, explicit sex)
🤩 plot twists
🥷Action
💜 romance
🐉 Supernatural creatures…oh my!

I absolutely love how D.L. Blade captured me yet again in the second installment of the Zemiran chronicles! How she captured my attention on the details throughout by building Elijah and Janelle’s story!

I loved how she also finally shows King Elijah for who he truly is. The mystery of this man was killing me and now I’m in love! Also, she included more on some of my other favorite characters like Aiden (elven bae) and one of my favorite couples Nola & Lincoln

The ending though, big cliff hanger that has me hanging off the edge of my sit! I CANNOT wait for book 3! So, that I can dive into the mystery of Zemira! Definitely a must read!!!!

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

✳️✳️ONE EXCEPTIONAL PIECE OF DELIGHT✳️✳️
Bleeping blinkers boo! Blade never ceases to amaze me, serving up one sensationally bewitching, enticingly titillating, sinfully addictive delectably delightful, skillfully compelling, rock-our-world landslide, laying out this action packed, heart pounding, pulse racing, adrenaline pumping, block buster, propelling this gem to staggering heights. Sparks ignite mindful of the challenging struggles and formidable triumphs cognizant of the perilous twists and stunning turns unfolding, attentive to the crumbling barriers and bombarded perimeters solidify as limitations are enhanced and tested, secrets are shared and revelations are disclosed, putting our characters through their paces fusing this jewel together seamlessly. Perception and ingenuity in every thread you unravel with each page your drawn into this tangled web so securely and precise, exhibiting the mischievous quirks and defying bents, kicking this bad boy into the eye of a storm, bursting it into a tailspin with mind-blowing impacts, exploding this baby to life brilliantly. The characters are complex, genuine and realistic with traits and qualities that balances fluidly, with amazing depth and diversity and enough spice to add an extra kick to the mix. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels as though you're part of the story instead of on the sidelines, feeling everything the characters feel. Amazing job Blade, thanks for sharing this awesome little gem with us.

[Heather (Heathjeanreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review:

Enemies to lovers ✔️
Mythological creatures ✔️
Action ✔️
Plot twists ✔️

This is the 2nd installment of the series and it just keeps getting better! The new characters we are introduced to & the continued characters stories are done wonderfully. There were points of the book that left me saying "what the hell" (in a good way) and I couldn't wait to find out the outcome of each situation. (Sorry no spoilers 🤪)
The ending left me begging for the 3rd book ASAP!
I will DEFINITELY be devouring the next one!

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

No, I’m not quite sure how D L Blade keeps doing this to me, just as I got over the sea of Zemira, I am thrown back in to another addictive, action, filled, romantic, spicy, tense, drama, filled chaotic world of Zemira and oh how I love it every single page, every moment and I desperately need the next. The romance was is spot on, perfection, the steam, phew (hot) I don’t know what more I could want (other than the next book now but I’m just greedy) Love it !.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elizabeth Galindo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this second book in the Zemiran Chronicles!

King Elijah is a fast paced adventure through Zemira as Elijah races to save his best friend and his kingdom from those who would try and take them. You get to see a whole new side of Elijah during this story and I for one fell in LOVE with him!

There are some twists and turns that you won't see coming, and some delicious spice to keep your heart rate moving!

All in all I absolutely LOVED reading Kind Elijah! Well done D.L. Blade! You've got a fan for life in me!

[Breana · Rating 5 out of 5]

**If you have not read the Sea of Zemira, read that before King Elijah.

Oh. My. Gosh. First let me start off by saying King Elijah is my new book boyfriend. Hands down. He is the touch her and die type of man and would do anything to save his love interest.

I need more. Now. The plot twists, the spice, but most of all the ending! D.L. Blade has left us in such a cliffhanger with King Elijah and I don’t know if I’ll be able to function until I know what happens next.

[Courtney Caccavallo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic sequel to Sea of Zemira! D.L. Blade has really taken this story to another level. Powerful characters, the best kind of enemies to lovers theme, and an epic fight for the world that leaves you on the edge of your seat. This second installment is worth the read!

[Pat Labrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. If you read Sea Of Zemira you know that King Elijah seems to be an ahole but maybe he can redeem himself. Janelle is a bad ass and I loved her. I loved being in this world and can't wait for the next book

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review:
All opinions are my own.

If you haven't read The Sea of Zemira yet, start there.

This book is a darker, spicier sequel to The Sea of Zemira with a different focus and if you liked that you will LOVE this.
Be aware of TW.

If you want the same vibes and thr same mystery and excitement but more spice, this is your book.

And there are more books to come!

Happy reading!

[Crystal M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!! Elijah and Janelle are "chefs kiss".
Enemies to lovers,touch her and ☠ vibes and I loved every minute! Great fantasy romance with elves fae pirates dragons royalty. That cliiffy though. I cannot wait for book 3!!

[megs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great sequel!

I enjoyed Elijah and Janelle’s story even more than the book 1 of the Sea Of Zemira series! With twists I didn’t see coming, steamy, tension filled banter, and a unique storyline, I was hooked! Can NOT wait for book 3!!

[Kristen Rochester · Rating 5 out of 5]

D.L. Blade has truly hit her stride with this book! Imaginative and witty, the chemistry between Elijah and Janelle hooks you from the start. An adventurous read from beginning to end!

[stephanie cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

King Elijah: The Zemiran Chronicals


King Elijah is a fast-paced enemies to loves story. The story continues on from The Sea Of Zemira, we are able to catch up on old characters while meeting new characters as the story continues.
Janella is a young Elven assassin who is determined to finish her orders by killing King Elijah so she can save her and her brother's fate.

This is an incredible story with adventure, twists, suspense, and characters you fall in love with. I love how the romance in this second book becomes something you are rooting for and the spice is just the sprinkles on the top. DL Blade did an amazing job with this book, and I cannot wait to dive into more. I love her writing style, character development, and the all-around plot of the stories she has to offer us.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

* I received an Advanced Copy of King Elijah in exchange for an honest review *

Make sure you read The Sea of Zemira (The Zemiran Chronicles #1) before reading King Elijah as it has information in the first book that you will need for King Elijah.


I want to start by saying this is a wonderful book and I am excited for the next book (hurry up D.L. Blade, that cliffhanger is getting us!)

If you're someone who ADORES Enemies-to-Lovers, magical creatures, a semi pirate story, plot twists, and a fiery female character The Zemiran Chronicles is definitely going to be a series you will love.

It was wonderful reading and getting to see Elijah's and Janelle's story while still getting some of the original characters like Lincoln and Nola and other pirates from the first book while also having a separate love story and interest in King Elijah.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and the adventure I went on with these characters. D.L. Blade is a wonderful author and really takes her readers on a journey with how descriptive and everything is from the character descriptions to the world she created.

I just have to say this was a phenomenal read and I cannot wait for the next book in this wonderful series.

[Bookmazing · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot twists in this book are on point! I was glued to every page and looked forward every day to any chance I would get to read until I finished. (Mom life.) I love watching this series unfold and the fantasy world with so many intersections: elves, time travel, sirens, sorcerers - I’m hooked! Can’t wait for book 3 ❤️❤️❤️

[Nicole Chávez-Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book. THIS BOOK!! It was so good! Loved learning more about Elijah and Janelle is such a bad ass. This series has had me hooked from day one. I love when a story continues on with a new story line but also with characters of the past. Plus who doesn’t love an enemies to lovers! As always DL Blade brings the girl power! Literally, can not wait for book three!!

[Taelor · Rating 5 out of 5]

D.L. Blade did it again! I was obsessed with The Sea of Zemira and this book did not disappoint. The spice was perfection and the character development was phenomenal! This book draws you in from the first page. DL Blade writes books that you read and can’t put down! If I could give this book 10 stars I would!

[Dateonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved The sea of Zemira so when I found out there was a book 2 I was like yess. Loved Elijah and Janelle. There story it had me hooked.

[Liz Souza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book!!! The world that D.L Blade has created is amazing. It had a little bit of everything action, adventure and oh the SPICE!! Once I picked it up I couldn’t put it down.

[Marissa Atchison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like the first book, I couldn't put this down. It kept me hooked from the get go!

[Sophie Koufes · Rating 5 out of 5]

King Elijah (The Zemiran Chronicles) is the second book in the series, and you need to read it in order.

Oh, my stars and garters, such a fast-paced, spellbinding novel. I absolutely love Elijah and Janelle. The supporting characters are just what this story needs, exceptional characters.

✔️'s all the proper boxes
▪️Enemies-to-lovers
▪️Mythical creatures
▪️Entertaining
▪️Unexpected plot twists
▪️Compelling characters
▪️Spicey perfection

I can't believe im saying this, but I think this book is a slice better than book one as that one is exceptional, too. An electrifying cliffhanger ending, which I normally love the suspense of waiting, but I can't wait for book three as I need it now as these characters are in my mind all day long.

A fabulous fantasyworld that unfolds in front of your eyes. I love everything about it, including the time travel, magic, and cool bean Janelle.

[Bea McGhie · Rating 5 out of 5]

King Elijah starts 2 years after The Sea Of Zamira's end and wow, what a continuation it is!!!
I loved the idea of having Elijah as a main character, I had to warm to him in book 1. He certainly did redeem himself..
Janelle , an Elven assassin , on a mission to free herself.
Elijah and Janelle team up for a quest to keep the peace, but they both hate each other .
Perfect Enemies-to-lovers story, both characters are brilliantly written and developed.
Another great storyline, one that keeps you reading that one more page/chapter...
Again, the evil that threatens the kingdom is superbly thought out and works brilliantly as a continuation of the series..
What will book 3 bring?
I wonder...

[Sarah Laginess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the plot and the ending left me wanting more but I just didn’t like the characters of Elijah and Janelle. I was more interested in the Aiden/Teagan storyline. I was annoyed that Janelle continued to mistrust and hate Elijah even after he had more than proved that what she had been told about him was a lie. And then literally two pages after she was thinking about how much she hated him (even if she was lying to herself) she was saying “I’m yours” and demanding he take her. Janelle’s character was boring and predictable in my opinion.

[Maxine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will be honest for most of this book it was circling around 3.5/3.75 for me. I was enjoying the plot and Elijah as a main character but some of the other characters were just really hard to enjoy. But it was nice to read about Elijah and see how he has changed from book 1 especially since he is now the king. He is obviously trying to do what is best for the kingdom especially for a kingdom who is scarred by the actions of his father and the weight of the crown is heavy on his head. At times he seems lost as a person, but he is committed to doing the right thing for his kingdom even if at times it makes him the bad guy.

The main being the FMC Janelle. I can agree she is a strong FMC who doesn't take sh!t from anyone who is also an assassin that was sent to assassin@te Elijah and that opening scene where they first encounter one another, and she tries to unalive him was so good to read. But as the book progressed, I just sometimes found a bit annoying to read. The thing is no matter how many times she was confronted with the fact that Elijah is not his father and while he might not be a good guy he isn't as bad as his father (definitely a grey character) and she would even contemplate the issue being like huh maybe he isn't that bad and I have it wrong but then the next turn of the page she was putting the sins of the father on the son. Like she was using the fact that he was holding her captive in his dungeon and yes, he t0rtured her to get answers as to why she was sent but it was like for 5 seconds and minor. But she acts like she isn't the one who unprovided broke into his castle, unalived 3-4 of his men and tried to kill him and then holds it against him that he defended himself and is holding her in his dungeon. She uses that to go oh he is exactly like his father. There is even a time when as she is on the journey to rescue and stop her brother who is trying to help her because another evil villain wants to basically turn her into a baby making machine against her will but one night as she is thinking of the situation she thinks of how she loves her brother but hasn't seen him in 6 years I think and how people can change and maybe he isn't the noble brother she once knew and he must have changed for the worse because of his association to Elijah. Again, this is while on the road to rescue her brother who might d!e trying to save her from a fate worse than He!!.

Now there are reasons written in to explain why she is the way she is but at times it was just frustrating to read. But this is an enemy to lovers and that was definitely portrayed in this book. I will also say her brother was also annoying to read as he was getting frustrated that Elijah was holding his sister as a prisoner in his jail after what she had done. He basically wanted her to have a free pass and escape back to their kingdom.

But it was the ending with the twists and final battle scene that gave this a final push to being a 4 and this book does leave on a cliff hanger that makes me excited to read the next book.

what is this book about:
It has been a few years since King Elijah has taken the throne after the de@th of his father with the help of his brother. He is working hard to integrate those who were forced from the kingdom and make it a safe place for everyone fae, elf, human and magical beings. But it is a kingdom who has been scarred and is also filled with mistrust and hate due to the past especially towards their new king. Elijah feels the weight of the crown and the mistrust of his kingdom as he does his best to help it heal but there are those who would still take his crown because the sins of his father. One night one such person breaks into the castle to do just that. However, SHE is captured, and it is from her capture a plot is discovered that eventually leads him on a journey. A journey that actually takes him back to the place of his birth where the evil of his father started to right more than a few wrongs. All while fighting this draw he feels towards the woman who tried to unalive him.

[BAM xo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this as an ARC from Booksprout.

This book was a sequel to the fantastic Sea of Zemira, which I absolutely adored.
Instead of embarking on swashbuckling journeys with our beloved pirate crew this book, we follow up with one of our prior bad boys. King Elijah. The villain turned hero. His journey finding his fated mate, his battle to keep her safe, save his friends, his people, was just delicious.

We do encounter our pirates throughout the book, so have no fear m' heartys. ☠️

I found this book a lot more focused in terms of its plot, despite its multiple POV, it still all progressed towards the same end, it was just a nice change here to just have one conclusive plot and one timeline to stick with.

I LOVEEEEEEE the new characters, they made a pleasant addition to the story, the book would have lost something if it had been limited to just King Elijahs life himself, although he's pretty special. I am so happy that we kept our magic and portal jumping elements. Along with the Magic folk themselves. Slightly disappointed at the lack of sirens this time, I think maybe I like the prospect of man eating mermaids too much 😂 However, the shadow creature, hybrids and newiks make up for that big time.

Despite the promise of the book being even spicier this time round, I was most saddened to discover that it didn't get spicy until the 50% mark-ish, but boy, did it ever hit the hottest hecter chilli pepper rating. 🌶️ sorce-(er)yyy 🤭

I loved the plot line, the adventure, the enemies to lovers story, the forbidden romance, the wit, and the ending, just wow.

In the first book, we get a taste of a happy ending incoming (love those), but this book.. final chapter is epic, the whole thing is epic, then BAM! a swift kick to the face as a huge cliff hanger and huge plot twist is dropped in our laps! So while we are happy to end the journey, we know there's more to come.
The final words in the chapter gave me tingles of excitement for what's next.

So now I wonder what's in store for book 3, the finale, Empress of Fire. I know it's going to be the most exciting, fiery book yet! 🔥

For fans of magical battles, magical creatures, adventure, fantasy, witches, shadow monsters, touch her and die and spicy romance.

Totally deserves my 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Another sizzling recommendation for all my fantasy smut sisters. 🌶️🔥

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Plot is fast paced and at times so predictable. I like the idea of it but the execution is rather poor. The writing feels very immature. The multiple povs are lazy. It made me think that when the author didn’t know how to continue the story with one character, they moved to the other.

The plot also seems all over the place. We have gone from a pirate adventure to dragon shifters. And the next book is following a character that I couldn’t care less about. And yes, she might have had some interesting remarks in the first book but I thought her storyline was over and done with.

The descriptions of the women compared to those of the men are disappointing.

This book feels like it was written by a man and had to check multiple times.

The way the women are treated is patronising and appalling. Supposedly, this series is about dismantling toxic patriarchy but I did not get that at all.

[Jamie G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had great attention to detail.

I loved the push and pull between the two main characters, as well as some of the side characters and returning characters.

Again, D.L. Blade astounded me with her plot twists.

Some of the quotes were totally swoon-worthy, and several of the scenes tugged at my heartstrings. And can you say STEAMY? Although, it kind of builds up before getting to that point.

The conflict in the book, both romantically and in terms of danger, was super intriguing.

So far, this is my favorite D.L. Blade novel. I stayed up way too late binge reading it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Bentley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have to admit I’ve fallen a bit in love..ok a lot in love with King Elijah! He’s definitely morally grey but has a heart of gold hidden underneath and would literally burn the world for the one he loves!!

This book is about he and Janelle’s journey but also continues the story of Zemira and the fae’s fight to exist and live in peace. Although it seems Elijah has done just that things always change and when an assassin enters his home, a supposedly impenetrable home, fate steps in.
The plot twists were great and the spice as always, delicious.
The cliffhanger and twist at the end of this book I absolutely loved and I’m so grateful I have book three to read because waiting to see what will happen is just not an option.
If you want dragons, magic, fae, pirates, action and so much more give this addictive series a go ❤️

[꧁ Brutally Honest ꧂ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to check the author because this is a prime example of “Men Writing as Women”. It was a little ridiculous. I hated how they treated Janelle. Like her anger was a silly little woman thing. Now I remember why I didn’t like the first book.

The way women’s bodies are described constantly is outrageous. Especially when compared with the way men’s bodies were described.

It all just falls to men writing as women. And this author is a woman - I had to keep checking. Overall did not like the immature writing.