If you are looking for a story with pirates, swords, magic, witches and a hot love story of all times, this story is for you. The story gripes your heart and your attention until the very last page. Enjoyed seeing characters from the Broken Kingdom. Also finding answers to some questions from the earlier book series. LOVED this book!!!!!!

4/17/25 - Bonus scene to be included in the re-release of The Ever King on 8/5/25 🩷

The Fleshripper

One of my wishes came through - the story of Sewell with his wife,Yulla and the younger two littles, Gavyn and Celine. It was a wonderful tale of love, courage, heartache, betrayal and survival. This tale ends and the story of The Ever Kings begins.

Thank you LJ Andrews and NetGalley for the ARC and I’m leaving my review voluntarily.

<strong>The Ever King</strong>

Wow! I was blown away with this story! It captivated me from the start. The characters instantly drew me in and it was easy to get lost in their story and this stunning new world of pirates, magic, darkness, and so much more!

I really enjoyed the world as a whole as well. The different types of fae and Magicks were intriguing and unique! I can’t wait to see more.

Songbird and the serpent… I don’t even know where to start. The nicknames were fitting and their story is really one for the stars as they say. I loved, loved their relationship and how it grew and evolved not only together but also how they grew stronger because of each other.

The ending leaves off in a cliffhanger so be prepared! I’m looking forward to diving into the next book and seeing what happens!

Need more reasons to read check out these tropes:

- enemies to lovers
- unique magic
- possessive morally grey MMC
- fierce FMC
- royalty
- ‘I’d burn the world for you’
- action packed
- pirates
- virgin FMC
- a whole lot of morally grey
- great cast of characters!

The bonus content oh man so good!! I absolutely loved this glimpse into younger Erik in addition to Gavyn’s past as well! Trust me if you love the series then you’re not going to want to miss this bonus material!!

I am so enamored with this world that LJ Andrews has created! Who knew that fae pirates with Viking vibes would be a thing but it works so well! The magic system is unique and the world building was super immersive. I am obsessed with Erik Bloodsinger, he is everything I love in a morally grey MMC. The banter between him and Livia was perfectly executed. The slow burn tension had me hooked from the start. I loved the fast paced story line that keeps you engaged. My mind was blown by the plot twist at the end. LJ Andrews truly outdid herself with this captivating, action filled and delicious romantasy!

I was already a fan of LJ Andrews writing, and I have adored The Broken Kingdoms series, but this book is on another level of excellence. I was gripped from the start, invested in the characters and their relationships. The world-building is excellent, with no random dumps of overwhelming information. The plot twists kept me guessing and theorising all the way through and I cannot WAIT for March to see how the story unfolds because that cliffhanger has me dangling over the edge begging for more!

Firstly, the characters, their development and growth in this book is just beautiful, it feels so natural and so well-written. Please read the content warnings because these kids are traumatised, there is darkness, there is anger, there is vengeance, but there is also the gooiest, softest caramel centre that I could drown in. Erik Bloodsinger is everything I never knew I wanted, he's a vicious and deadly king of an enemy kingdom, but he's also a scared, hurt, unloved little boy who has had his every weakness paraded in front of his people as a tool for vengeance. His growth through this book, through not only his relationship with Livia, but the revelations of his own past and hidden trauma is just beautiful, and so sad.

I could wax on all day about their beautiful relationship, but really you should just read it for yourself.
If you love morally grey, burn the world for her, hates everyone but her, fatedish mates, anxiety rep, nursing trope, and soooo much more you will love this book.

While I have read the previous series set in the same world, The Ever is a whole new kingdom, so I was not familiar with the lands, cultures, hierarchy etc, and yet the world building was so well done, I never felt overwhelmed with information or that anything that was mentioned was unnecessarily wordy. If anything, you were given just enough information to make assumptions and predictions and then watch them slowly unfold throughout the story which I adore.

All in all I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a fantasy, romance, with elements of spice and darkness because it is just an excellent book. I would recommend reading The Broken Kingdoms to get the full impact of LJ's writing, the way she weaves little hints throughout the stories and ties them all together so beautifully is definitely worth experiencing. This can be read as a standalone, without spoiling much of the Broken Kingdoms, but there are little nuggets of information that just enhance the story of The Ever.

Dual POV, first book in a duology, enemies to lovers, k!dn@pping, pirate and Viking vibes, found family, mental health rep, touch her and 💀, he makes her jewelry from the bones of her enemies, morally grey MMC, mine, poison blood, unique world and magic system, land is cursed, fae/sirens/mermaids/witches, second generation from previous book series (can read first! I did!), forbidden love, banter, they save each other, cliffhanger!

"So who are you, Little Bird?" "Yours, for a while, I suppose."

Livia knows she should be as excited as the rest of her people who are celebrating the 10 year anniversary of when their people locked away their enemies, but she has a feeling something is going to go terribly wrong. And it does. While she and her friends are celebrating near the barrier that keeps them separated, she accidentally unlocks it.
Erik's kingdom is cursed and he needs the magic of an item that was left with the earth fae. When he senses the magic keeping him locked in his realm is lifted, he immediately sails with his crew to retrieve it. The king he needs is not available… but his daughter who once showed him kindness while he was their captive is. He takes her as a way to get to her father. But their shared moments in the past meant something to them both, and they start growing closer and find that maybe Livia can help them.

I loved this book! The pace of LJ Andrew's books is always a win for me with the mix of perilous situations and wins on our main character's side. Livia and Erik's journey toward trusting each other and falling for each other is wonderful and they are feral for each other! Definitely ends on a cliffhanger and even this second time reading made me want to immediately dive into book 2!

LJ Andrews does it again!! This book was so good! Such a slow burn. I really love reading books about pirates and this one didn’t disappoint. Two words - Erik Bloodsinger 😏 There were so many twist and turns that kept me really engaged and the romance throughout was perfect. LJ has a way of describing worlds that just speaks to me.

Really glad I read the broken kingdoms series before this book and liked how many details were tied in from that series.

✨The Ever King✨

You know how typically you start a book and about the first 100 or so pages you have to push through before things start to get really good? Well, The Ever King is NOT that way. From page one you’ll be hooked and enraptured in a broken world with beautifully broken people.

I love how LJ brings such vivid truth regarding the light and darkness that lives within all of us. And that it’s important not to dispel or condemn it but to embrace, love, and heal through it. And sometimes that healing and hope can even come through other people or events.

We follow 2 POVS: Livia, an earth fae princess captured by her people’s enemy, and Erik, the said enemy and pirate King who is bent on revenge for his people after being trapped for 10 years. The relationship that kindles and ignites is one for the dreamers. It is so raw, real, and beautiful in its flaws.

This is an adventure I would recommend to anyone. I’m beyond eager to begin book 2 and see what happens after that cliffhanger. I have a feeling this will easily slide into my top 10 series.

The Ever King includes a morally grey MMC, a sassy FMC, witty banter, found family, plot twists, political intrigue, intricate world and magic building, character growth, mental health rep such as panic disorder, “who did this to you”, touch her and die, unique bonds, pirates/Vikings, fae, moderate language, and spice 3/5.

Don’t put this book off any longer. You need these characters in your life!

“I am in your hands, I am at your command, for you have made me love you, and you will be my destruction because of it.”

This one is about Livia, a princess of the earth fae, who lives a sheltered life with her family and friends. Until one day, when Erik Bloodsinger, the King of the Ever Seas, comes to steal Livia away from everything she’s ever known as revenge for the death of his father. Livia should be terrified of this cold, violent king, but she’s inexplicably drawn to him. As certain truths come to light, Erik and Livia begin to realize they have a bond. One that formed before either of them realized.

Oh my heart can't take this cliffhanger! I need the next book right now!

Wow, this book had a lot of the tropes and elements that I go feral for: enemies to lovers, found family, pirates and vikings (but they're all fae)! I love the magic system, particularly the magic of the Ever sea people, their divisions into specific houses and distinctive talents were really cool. I also loved the banter in this. Despite Livia being scared shitless for a decent amount of the book, she could not help but mouth off and I respect that about her. She's a great heroine! And her powers are... a spoiler. But they are great. This book is right in the top of my favourite reads this year!

This book officially started my obsession with dark fantasy/pirate romances! The Ever King had me staying up reading until the early hours, I could not put it down. If I could give this book more than 5 🌟stars I would. Ya girl will accept ABSOLUTELY NO CRITICISM ON THIS BOOK or my man Erik BLOODSINGER. Our Ever King is everything!

The characters, the world building, the magic, the tension and SPICE are all on point. If you like fantasy, romance, pirates, fae, dark magic.. PLEASE READ this book.

What you’ll find in The Ever King;
- Enemies to Lovers
- Fantasy Fae / Other World
- Captured Heroine
- Dark Magic
- Pirates
- Anxiety Rep
- True Love

Right, this is definitely a Roman Empire of mine. When I say I am obsessed with this book, that’s an annoying understatement. This book has left a mark on my SOUL I love it so much.

Let’s start with the characters. Livia is a brilliant FMC. She’s unafraid to hold her own, clever, has a brilliant power and watching her embrace her darkness filled me with glee. I also liked how her mental health was dealt with and the way her anxiety was characterised and handled.

The there’s Erik. OMG when that man calls you ‘love’ you swoon. He’s swashbuckling, dangerous, smart and a new book boyfriend I’ve firmly added to my collection. Oh, and he’s the definition of morally grey (maybe even black).

All the characters were brilliantly written and well developed. Each has their own separate and distinct personality and all added something to the story.

The book hooked me from the very first page. I raced through it like a woman possessed. I needed to cram every word into my brain and absorb every element.

The worldbuilding was brilliant. I could picture every facet of the earth and sea fae realms.

And the plot? Well, let’s just say I never saw the twist coming. Plus, you know it’s going to be brilliant when it kicks off with some light (lol) kidnapping.

The only quibble I have? I wanted to read more. I could have got lost in that world for hundreds more pages. So no, I don’t have any quibbles with this book.

Overall? This book is AMAZING. Read it, you won’t regret it. And I bet you’ll end up wanting to be a pirate. 🏴‍☠️

The very first para says a lot about the book and here it made me very interested in unraveling the story further. The anticipation of war was thrilling as it all started with 'a war ending and the king being imprisoned in his own realm’ and ‘it will all start again’. The plot is solid with lots of action and a slow-burn romance in the way.

Livia and Erik are so different from each other yet they are bonded in mysterious ways. Their kid-self’s were so cute and innocent which gave hope for the future. The story is about Earth Fae and Sea Fae and how one revenge turns everything upside down for Livia. It all happened so fast and then the journey began.

The cliffhanger is really killing and now I want the next book, I completely DEVOURED the book. Livia won my heart for her kindness and Erik made space because of his darkness which hides so much of his good real shelf. The relationship growth is ALLURING. The story growth is SOUL SUCKING.

As a reader, I got so many aspects in this book like Fae, pirates, different worlds, different traditions, war, romance between enemies, secrets, magic, and everything that makes it all entertaining and leaves a need to know the next step, the next plot line. I am HOOKED.

Oh my my.. The bonus chapters this trad book has is such an insightful piece of the puzzle. Again it’s perfect and now I know more about The Sea Seeker. It was tragic yet captivating. Must must read.

I previously read TEK when it was still an indie book, well before the release of the sequel The Ever Queen and I’m blessed to be part of LJ’s street team.

🏴‍☠️"There is no world where she does not own me."
I absolutely loved this dang book. Great world building with a freaking epic love between Erik and Livia.
Neither of them knew it was coming, and by all accounts, they started out as enemies. The enemies to lovers was done perfectly. The character development for both of them was *chefs kiss* This story has pirates, fae, sirens, tidecallers and so much more. You get to learn about multiple forms of magic and capabilities that were intriguing. The ending left me absolutely dying for more.
I have so many beautiful quotes from Erik to Livia saved. I'm absolutely obsessed with them and the way that wholy love each other and all of their quirks and darknesses. Lots of secrets and betrayals are found out, especially towards the end and it's done so well that you're left wanting more.

4.5/5 ⭐️, 2.5/5 🌶️, 0/5 💧

🏴‍☠️ Enemies to Lovers
🏴‍☠️ Dual POV
🏴‍☠️ Morally Grey
🏴‍☠️ Pirates & Fae
🏴‍☠️ Political Intrigue

This was my first pirates/fae romantasy. World building was easy and manageable. There’s a lot of magic that exists that hasn’t been explored, which allows for endless possibilities while reading. Some of politics within realms was a lot to keep track of, but it wasn’t too overwhelming - just gives you the sense of rereading it to keep everyone straight.

Good pacing and flow, writing made it easy to feel immersed in the story. A lot happened in the very end of the book, making you feel like binging into the next one.

Good fun romantasy - understand why there is a hype around this one! I would recommend it. In fact, I think the fact that I very easily get seasick is one of the reasons why I’m not super obsessed lolol I’m just wary of boats and water and storms and my bias is impacting this particular read in a subconscious level lol.

— 5 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“A tale of a serpent who befriended a songbird. A tale where they lived happily ever after, for in the girl's version, the snake never devoured the bird.”

📖 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 480 pages
👤 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: L.J. Andrews
🏢 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: Ace, Berkley
📅 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 5 August 2025

What you can expect:
— New-Adult Fantasy Romance
— First-Person X Dual-POV
— Erik And Livia Duet
— Pirates, Sirens and Fae
— Mental Health Rep (Anxiety and PTSD)
— Enemies-to-Lovers
— Villain Gets The Girl
— Morally Grey Tortured Hero
— Kidnapped Virgin Heroine
— Cursed Land
— Reluctant Allies
— Found Family
— Soul Bond
— "Who Did This To You"

𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: descriptive scenes of torture, torture of women and children, family abandonment, sexually explicit content, gore, violence, mutilation, bullying, panic attacks, PTSD, dark themes, murder, anxiety, kidnapping, traumatic brain injury from torture and non-consensual touch.

The Ever King is a New-Adult Fantasy Romance and is the first instalment in The Ever Seas series by author L.J. Andrews. For years Erik Bloodsinger, the scarred king of the Ever Kingdom, has thought of nothing but vengeance against the man who killed his father and trapped him beneath the waves making him a prisoner in his own realm. Until his enemy’s daughter unintentionally breaks the chains on the Ever, and Erik makes her the unwitting pawn in his vicious game of revenge. She’s innocent. He’s vicious. But he will take back what he lost, no matter the price. Unless she steals his heart first.

”I might've been his destruction, but he was my ruin. I would break into a thousand pieces if it meant Erik was the one to piece them back together with his touch.”

Earlier this year I picked up a Fantasy book featuring Pirates and I was truly thrilled and excited. As a huge lover of the Pirates of the Caribbean series in my earlier years I have found myself as somebody in their mid-20s with an itch I have been unable scratch... and unfortunately that book didn't do it for me. When I tell you that The Ever King has scratched every single itch, hope and want that I had anticipated is not a mere over exaggeration. The vibes in this book are immaculate. A tortured and morally grey Hero, a sheltered yet fierce Heroine, a mysterious curse that plagues the land and a forbidden romance filled with angst, tension and longing? SIGN ME UP. The only reason I didn't devour this story within one sitting was due to the hinderance that is adult life. I'm not even kidding when I say that this book had me grinning and squealing at every-given opportunity. The pacing and development moved quickly in this one but honestly... I'm not mad about it. It felt very fitting for the world we are thrust into and the high-stakes that are quickly enforced. The writing style had me enraptured from that prologue and kept me engaged right through to the end. The twists and turns kept me guessing and theorising, and honestly there was a twist at the end that truly never expected. Right idea, wrong character. It almost feels cruel to leave the story on a cliff-hanger such as this one however it's definitely effective as I plan to grab and inhale the contents of The Ever Queen upon its release in January 2024.

”Hate me, curse me, I cared little, so long as I was the first thought of her day and the last of her night.”

The Ever King is filled with two main characters that are now being added to my list of favourites. Livia Ferus had my heart from the very beginning due to the kindness and compassion that she displayed as a child to a boy that was declared as an enemy. As a young-adult we are introduced to a head-strong and protective Livia who is surrounded by a strong and loving support system. The author has introduced a strong cast of side-characters from the very beginning which is a fast and easy way to grip me into the world being presented. Despite coming across as carefree Livia is plagued by nightmares and anxiety. I really appreciated the manner in which the author has explored these parts of Livia as it made her character that much more life-like and easy to resonate with. I, as a reader, find it far easier to connect with a story when I am more emotionally-drawn to its main characters. Something else I really appreciated about Livia was despite being a virgin Heroine, this was in no-way used to make her character appear younger or timid. She remains assertive and vocal with her wants and desires throughout the entirely of this book, and carries a sense of confidence with her approach. Inexperience doesn’t make Livia flounder or blubber with nerves as she instead embraces her sexual wants and strives to have her expectations met. Livia may not display much physical strength to begin with but what she does possess is a strong mind and an unbreaking spirit. She tackles her conflicts head on and refuses to be seen as meek or weak-willed, which is exactly what is needed for her to survive and thrive in The Ever Kingdom. Faced with uncertainty and conflict she never anticipated, it was a joy to watch Livia address these face-on and grow as a character as a result.

Erik Bloodsinger is yet another man that has been added to my book boyfriend's list that morally... probably shouldn't be there. Do I care? Absolutely not. Erik is ruthless and unforgiving by nature, and promises a very painful and torturous death to all who cross him. We are met with a King living in the shadows of those that came before him as he struggles to set himself apart. With his kingdom in ruin due to a mysterious plague that destroys his lands and his people losing faith by the day, Erik is out of time and options. I love every single part of Erik's dark, broken heart and soul. Despite his ruthlessness we begin to see a vulnerability and the insecurities that only Livia can bring to the forefront. I appreciate how reassuring and direct he is when it comes to his intentions for Livia, and it was an added sense of security for her during such formidable times. That throne room scene? Swoon. Livia is a lucky lucky women. The relationship progression between the pair was delicious as they battled their way through the tension and the hate (that's basically foreplay, right?) to forge the unbreakable connection that we leave them with. Erik and Livia recognise and accept one-another's darkness, and I can't even begin to explain how perfectly coupled they are.

Filled with tropes I love and and characters you can't help but connect to and love, The Ever King has found its place as one of my favourite Fantasy books of all time. I cannot wait for the release of the second instalment to The Ever Seas series which will be the end of Erik and Livia's story but not the end to the series. If you're had this book on your TBR then I urge you to finally pick it up.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲.

“They stole his crown, so he stole their daughter.”

When the Songbird’s fate is set… she just does not know it yet.

Bloodsinger will have his vengeance… but will it be what he desires?

A slow burn read that is sure to get your heart rate going.

LJ Andrews supplies us once again with a new world… a world after The Broken Kingdoms. Where the fates still know what is to be. Where the characters need to just follow the web.

A new world where the reader is captivated by the battles, the passion, and the cliffhangers that keep up guessing and wanting more.

The Ever King is one of my all time favorite fantasy reads. I adore Erik and Livia's relationship. They are a perfect balance for each other.

This book is sensational! A spin-off duology from The Broken Kingdom Saga that can be read independently. It is a world of pirates, sirens and fae - set in fantasy kingdom period. A delicious enemies to lovers romance filled with spice one bed trope.

In the beginning, a young enemy king is locked away awaiting his sentence with only the nightly company of a princess trying to form a friendship thru stories, a necklace, and a promise. The prologue was captivating and innocence were so endearing.

Ten years have passed before the main characters meet again but this time a kidnap occurs.
Taken from her kingdom, the princess is forced on a journey in the land of the sea fae.

The journey was incredible to read. The pace was even to fast pace and every scene was a thrill to read. Stories on fae are typically land seasonal fae. It was refreshing to read about sea fae and their world thru Andrews imagination. The bantering was refreshing and the camaraderie between friends, family, and allies is a fan favorite of mine. The amount of emotions I felt in certain scene conveyed my favorite tropes - morally grey villain, enemies to lover, found family, pirates, touch her you die, and true love.

There were so many characters that I really really like. I think it is a unique skill of an author to be able to make not just the main characters interesting but the side characters as well. So many times in this book, I kept thinking " I WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS CHARACTER".. like a good 6-7 of them! They need their own book seriously. Even though this book stands on its own very well as the spin-off series of Broken Kingdom, the cameo of a page or two of characters in that series made me intrigued enough to go research that saga too!

Overall I think this is a MUST read book. I cannot believe this is the first time I have heard of LJ Andrews. A great author I am so happy to find. This book does end a cliffhanger but not one that sent me into a depression. The action was just right. I cannot wait till 2024 to find out the finale!

It is one of my top reads of 2023 along side books such as Divine Rivals, Fourth Wing, and the Witch Collector saga ongoing. I have not read a book by L.J. Andrews. This book was my first entry way into her imaginative world and I am thrilled to have found such a gem of a story and author. Thank you to LJ Andrews for an eARC of this amazing book!

SERIOUSLY GO READ THIS BOOK!!


I freaking LOVE the bonus chapter with Sewell 😭 I need mooore

Summary

Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5

Spicy rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5

Fluff rating: 💖1.5/5

💀 Multiple trauma triggers in this book - sensitive readers check before reading

The songbird and The serpent

This was a very well written enemies to lovers, Pirate x Viking, villain gets the girl inspired romantasy and by the ends I was ravenous for it I binged the second half of this book and did not want it to end. Beware the cliff hanger is brutal and I’m devastated I have to wait until next year to find out what happens next.

Erik and Livia are starcrossed lovers drawn to each other from opposite side of the war as children only to be torn apart and taught to hate each other. They’re growth individually and together played out well but a little on the fast side for me. Personally with an enemies to lovers romance I prefer the slower more gradual approach to them finding each other more tolerable to endearing to conflicted feelings to desperate obsession and really that’s my only critique of this book. And honestly by the end you don’t care all that much.

That’s being said, there was so much to like the characters have a lot of depth and believability to them. Celine is my home girl and I love Sewell with my whole heart and he needs protecting at all costs. If anything happens to him in the next book I will riot!There is also really sweet family dynamic at the start with Livia’s family.

There’s lots of actions, found family, Masquerade, mystery, betrayal, plot twists, basically everything you want in a romantasy. The author has a lovely descriptive writing style and sets a scene really well. It felt quite immersive reading this. There’s a well thought out and intricate magic system which I enjoyed and interesting depiction of living with anxiety. the banter between our MCs was top notch!

I would definitely recommend this book!

i stayed up until midnight to finish it and i regret nothing at all. erik and livia's story will have you wanting to read more! the more you learn about their past, the more things start to make sense. the ending also will leave you wanting to grab the next book asap!

p.s. i'm trying to not to add spoilers, cause all i want to do is shout about this book from the rooftops! okay, that's all!

We are soooo back, baby. Finally, a book with tension and yearning. I love fantasy romance, but a lot of trendy books feel stale and formulaic. The Ever King by L.J. Andrews has refreshing world-building and I loved the pirate-inspired plot. The FMC is likable, intelligent, capable of good banter without being "not like the other girls." As a reader in their 30's, I really enjoyed Livia despite her being in her early twenties (I'm assuming). The romance had me kicking my feet and giggling. I highlighted so much. I also felt that the supporting cast was well-written, and I became invested in their stories too. This is a great series for people who are looking for a series like Throne of Glass.