The Ever King Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
The Ever King by L.J. Andrews is the first book in *The Ever Seas* series. In a realm long divided by a magical barrier called the Chasm, the Sea Fae have been trapped beneath the waves, unable to cross. Erik, the scarred King of the Ever, has nursed fury for years—he believes his throne was stolen and his people wronged. Meanwhile, Livia, a princess of the land-fae, inadvertently unlocks a way through the Chasm, putting both her people and the seas in peril. In the chaos, Erik seizes Livia, taking her into his domain. Forced into proximity, the two must navigate politics, magic, secrets, and shifting loyalties. As tensions rise, the boundary between captor and captive blurs, and the fate of both kingdoms hangs in the balance.
Why I Love This Book
I love how the darkness and hope coexist in this novel. The worldbuilding is vivid: I can feel salt spray, hear the creak of ship timbers, imagine the magic pulsing under the waves. I became invested in Erik and Livia—flawed, stubborn, yearning—and watching them circle each other kept me hooked. The pacing is uneven at times, yes, but the emotional beats landed for me. When the romance is slow to spark, that makes each moment of connection feel earned. I also appreciate that both POVs are present, giving insight into both Erik’s inner torment and Livia’s fierce resilience. Even side characters got enough depth to feel real. The novel challenged me—sometimes I felt frustrated with characters, but that frustration meant I cared.
Who Will Like This Book
If you like dark fantasy romance, morally grey heroes, magic-infused seas, and enemies-to-lovers tension, you’ll enjoy this. If you’ve ever loved witches, fae, pirates, or kingdoms rising and falling, this is in your lane. If you prefer romances where the love blossoms slowly, where stakes are high and characters suffer, this is for you.
⚠️ Trigger warning: This book contains kidnapping, power imbalance, emotional manipulation, and violence. Proceed with caution if those themes are sensitive for you.
Tagged As
dark fantasy, fantasy romance, magic, fae, pirate romance, enemies to lovers, captive romance, slow burn, dual pov, morally grey hero, political intrigue, kingdom vs kingdom, supernatural creatures, indie romance, series
Steam Level
There is sensuality and tension between Erik and Livia, with some explicit moments, but the steam is mixed with plot, conflict, and emotional stakes. The romance doesn’t fully overpower the story.
