Scan barcode
whatstellareads's review against another edition
3.0
After being completely captivated by the first book, I had high hopes for this sequel and was eager to see Layla and Thane's relationship develop further amidst new challenges. However, this book was a letdown. The pacing felt agonizingly slow, causing the plot to drag significantly.
Layla's character development was particularly disappointing; she seemed to transform from a strong, independent character into someone who appeared selfish and immature. Her willingness to sacrifice her only family and her people for Thane felt inconsistent with her previous heroism.
Additionally, the romance between Thane and Layla was undermined by the introduction of a new love interest, Hel, the dark mage. *SPOILERS* While I understand that all three characters are lost gods and that there is an underlying timeline affecting their interactions, the addition of this new romantic element disrupted the dynamic that originally drew me to the story.
I ended up spoiling the plot for myself to decide if I wanted to continue reading, so the twists didn’t have the impact I had hoped for. Overall, while I was excited to dive into this book, it fell short of the expectations set by its predecessor.
Layla's character development was particularly disappointing; she seemed to transform from a strong, independent character into someone who appeared selfish and immature. Her willingness to sacrifice her only family and her people for Thane felt inconsistent with her previous heroism.
Additionally, the romance between Thane and Layla was undermined by the introduction of a new love interest, Hel, the dark mage. *SPOILERS* While I understand that all three characters are lost gods and that there is an underlying timeline affecting their interactions, the addition of this new romantic element disrupted the dynamic that originally drew me to the story.
I ended up spoiling the plot for myself to decide if I wanted to continue reading, so the twists didn’t have the impact I had hoped for. Overall, while I was excited to dive into this book, it fell short of the expectations set by its predecessor.
soccer8s's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was a good book. Took me a little bit to get into, but I enjoyed it.
caroolemon's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I loved the first book and the enemies-ish to lovers shift and of course hilarious Tifapine but this book wow. It was sooooo good!!
****Spoilers for books 2 !!!!!!!!!!!! *****
I was kept on my toes with the story line and them going into the dragon lands and meeting them and fighting was super cool I loved having the dragons more involved. But that ending?????????????????????????? I was not expecting that at all I was ready to hear that they were descendants of gods but not that they were actual gods reborn with no memory but also hidden memory?? Anyways, I'm excited to see where the third book takes us.
****Spoilers for books 2 !!!!!!!!!!!! *****
I was kept on my toes with the story line and them going into the dragon lands and meeting them and fighting was super cool I loved having the dragons more involved. But that ending?????????????????????????? I was not expecting that at all I was ready to hear that they were descendants of gods but not that they were actual gods reborn with no memory but also hidden memory?? Anyways, I'm excited to see where the third book takes us.
worst_tragedy's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
ajgovin's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
maemi_ame's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
mochuu's review against another edition
4.0
The reviews made me a little skeptical about the second book but I’m happy to report that I enjoyed this book very much. I loved seeing more of the different ‘kingdoms’ of the realm. The pacing was great — I didn’t feel like it was dragging or too fast.
The cliffhanger at the ends was perfect. I loved the little moments throughout the book where you could see that something was happening and that there was a reason for it. Love when books give you answers (even with ending on a cliffhanger)
The cliffhanger at the ends was perfect. I loved the little moments throughout the book where you could see that something was happening and that there was a reason for it. Love when books give you answers (even with ending on a cliffhanger)
cadyjean's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-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? It's complicated
4.5
agambucci's review
5.0
After having devoured the first book in one sitting, I knew the sequel would have a choke hold on me and it did! I loved the world building this book brought, and the depth and history of it reminded me of so many of the fantasy stories I grew up on and loved over the years. The characters also felt even more dimensional than I remember in the first book, where they felt real and honest already. I love how there are multiple sides to characters, and how almost everyone is a little morally grey just like real life. There were so many lines between Layala and Thane that made my heart melt, and the genuine love and connection other characters shared even platonically seemed so much more than words on a page. I absolutely cannot wait to read the next book in the series, especially with the twist!
kmoon116's review
4.0
*Book 2 of Elf Queen*
*Read if you enjoy *
-Hades x Persephone retelling
-dark magic
-enemies to lovers
-fated mates
I’m obsessed with this series! And I loved book 2 just as much as the 1st! I binge read this book in under 2 days.
The story picks up with Layala’s imprisonment and her struggle to escape and save the realm from the Black Mage. The stress of knowing what happened to Thane was killing me! Watching Layala and Thane work separately to figure out a way back to each other, with the help of their friends, was so stressful but I couldn’t put the book down. And the return of the King!?! What?!
I loved that in book 2 you get more history and back story to fill in the gaps so far. It helped to learn more about Palenor and the Black Mage/curse because by the time you get to the end, you will be blown away!!! The cliffhanger at the end of this book has me counting the days until book 3 comes out!
*Read if you enjoy *
-Hades x Persephone retelling
-dark magic
-enemies to lovers
-fated mates
I’m obsessed with this series! And I loved book 2 just as much as the 1st! I binge read this book in under 2 days.
The story picks up with Layala’s imprisonment and her struggle to escape and save the realm from the Black Mage. The stress of knowing what happened to Thane was killing me! Watching Layala and Thane work separately to figure out a way back to each other, with the help of their friends, was so stressful but I couldn’t put the book down. And the return of the King!?! What?!
I loved that in book 2 you get more history and back story to fill in the gaps so far. It helped to learn more about Palenor and the Black Mage/curse because by the time you get to the end, you will be blown away!!! The cliffhanger at the end of this book has me counting the days until book 3 comes out!