Title: A Deal with the Elf King
Author: Elise Kova
Publisher: Silver Wing Press
Synopsis:
The elves come for two things: war and wives. In both cases, they come for death.
Three-thousand years ago, humans were hunted by powerful races with wild magic until the treaty was formed. Now, for centuries, the elves have taken a young woman from Luella’s village to be their Human Queen.
To be chosen is seen as a mark of death by the townsfolk. A mark nineteen-year-old Luella is grateful to have escaped as a girl. Instead, she’s dedicated her life to studying herbology and becoming the town’s only healer.
That is, until the Elf King unexpectedly arrives... for her.
Everything Luella had thought she’d known about her life, and herself, was a lie. Taken to a land filled with wild magic, Luella is forced to be the new queen to a cold yet blisteringly handsome Elf King. Once there, she learns about a dying world that only she can save.
The magical land of Midscape pulls on one corner of her heart, her home and people tug on another... but what will truly break her is a passion she never wanted.
Review:
What a fun read. I needed a break after finishing a complex sci-fi novel so I picked up A Deal with the Elf King and breezed through it in two days. Simple, steamy, romantic: three things I love, especially when well written.
Plot: I believe this is a distant re-telling of Beauty and the Beast and I enjoyed every page. Was it predictable? Yes, but I still loved going on the romantic adventure with Luella. The Elf King is the typical striking, snobby male that fans of Maas and Black will love to hate, then hate to love. The enemies to lovers troupe never gets old for me. If this overdone troupe isn’t your thing, then I suggest you pass on A Deal with the Elf King.
Characters: Luella, the Elf King, and Hook are the three characters who impressed me the most. Luella is likeable and stronger than most female protagonist in this genre. She definitely reminded me of Belle from Beauty and the Beast. The Elf King fits the mold beautifully for his role as the cold-hearted love interest, and Hook is the animal companion all Disney fans love. The side characters were enjoyable, but not nearly as engaging as the three mentioned above.
Writing: Elise Kova’s writing is easy to follow. Her steamy scenes are delicious and her banter is sassy. I enjoyed this book as a standalone. The ending leaves the reader very satisfied.
Final Thoughts: A Deal with the Elf King was an easy and fun read. As previously noted, it’s a great pause if you need a break between a dense fantasy series or if you prefer lighter reads. This story has been told a hundred times, but Kova gives it a fresh spin.
Triggers/Warnings: sexual content, language
Plot: 4/5
Pacing: 5/5
Escapism Factor: 4/5
Emotional Connection: 4/5
Character Development: 4/5
Star Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Completed Read: November 2021