Book Review: The Broken Elf King

Title: The Broken Elf King [Kings of Avalier 2]

Author: Leia Stone

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Rating: 4 Stars

Description/Synopsis:

I never should have taken that loan but my aunt needed the meds and they were too expensive for me to afford by myself. Now I’ve been sold to slavery and the Nightfall Queen’s guards have found out I’m not entirely human.

I guess I’m lucky they didn’t kill me.

The next thing I know I’m transferred to the Elf King’s castle to find out that he has bought me. It will take me five years to pay off the debt but I get to be his personal assistant. Personal assistant to the king. That can’t be so bad, right?

Wrong. Oh how wrong I was.

His council has tasked me with finding him a wife before they will fund his war against the Nightfall Queen. That part should be easy, he’s rich, disgustingly handsome, and smart to boot. The problem? He’s rejecting every high born female I send his way.

The more time we spend together, the more we realize I’m not just some half elf. There is a deep power that runs through my veins, one that makes me a target. His solution?

Enter into a fake marriage with him so that he can get the council off his back and I can get some protection.

That’s a great idea, so long as I don’t fall in love with him.

Should be simple enough…

WARNING – SPOILERS MAY ENSUE BEYOND THIS POINT – REVIEW BELOW

I absolutely adored this book! The romance between the main characters was a delightful surprise, full of simmering tension and unexpected twists. There was this incredible undercurrent of lust and unrequited longing, beautifully interwoven with a strong foundation of friendship. And the bickering? Oh, the delicious, spicy bickering! It was exactly the kind of playful antagonism that adds that extra spark to any relationship, making it feel real and relatable. I loved how their dynamic evolved throughout the story.

What truly impressed me was the strength of both characters. It was so refreshing to read about two leads who were intelligent, kind-hearted, brave, and fiercely determined. They were both flawed, of course, but their strengths shone through, and they complemented each other perfectly. They were a fantastic pair, and I found myself completely invested in their journey.

However, I do have a few minor criticisms. The storyline, while enjoyable, felt a little too convenient at times. The main female lead’s path to becoming queen – kidnapped as a slave, sold to a king, becoming his personal assistant and poison taster, and then, voilà, his queen through a fake marriage – felt a bit cliché and rushed. It leaned heavily on established tropes, and the transitions between these significant events felt a little too smooth, almost lacking the struggle and hardship one might expect. I craved more obstacles, more moments where she had to truly fight for her survival and her happiness. The difficulties she faced felt somewhat superficial, lacking the depth and complexity that would have truly tested her resilience.

Despite these minor shortcomings, I wholeheartedly recommend this book. The captivating romance, the well-developed characters, and the overall heartwarming tone more than made up for the slightly flimsy plot. It was a fun, engaging read that left me with a smile on my face. It’s a perfect escape for anyone looking for a lighthearted yet emotionally resonant story with a satisfying happily-ever-after. I just wish the author had spent a little more time fleshing out the challenges faced by the heroine, allowing for a more impactful and memorable narrative.