My only complaint about The Ever King is being upset I didn’t read it sooner! I devoured this book in two days and immediately started the second book. Erik is now a permanent staple on the morally grey book boyfriend list! I love how he and Livia grow together. Now please excuse me while I go read The Ever Queen (check out my review of that book for my detailed thoughts on this series).

𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 (𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱): I originally read this book over a year ago, but now that it is being traditionally published I am reviewing the bonus content. Before that, I just have to say that The Ever King is still one of my favorite books ever!

**𝗣𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄**

𝗕𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: While the story of what happened to Gavyn and Celine’s parents is heartbreaking, I love that I now have more context and understanding of their story. We get to learn how Sewell lost his speech, as well as see some of the development of the bond between Erik and Gavyn. We get a scene that shows some of Erik’s early scheming. There are also brief appearances by Tait and Narza, and mentions of our favorite earth fae!

“𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦, 𝘓𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘚𝘦𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭, 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘰 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨.”

“𝘎𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘥’𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘴 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦. 𝘏𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘯, 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥. 𝘛𝘰 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘴. 𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴.”

Thank you to Ace for providing me with a copy of this book. This review is voluntary, and all opinions expressed are my own.

“We were the children of a war we didn’t cause and were raised to despise each other, yet we couldn’t seem to manage that one simple task.”

I have heard such great things about The Ever King, and the community did not disappoint. This story is so dark, so twisted but doesn’t make you feel heavy. The balance between darkness and ruin, and rejuvenation and hope is an ever teetering balance throughout this book, with humor scattered throughout. There is a great deal of trauma and torture as an overall theme, so do mentally prepare yourself/consider timing of when to read this if either of those are sensitive areas for you. Overall, absolutely loved this series and highly recommend if you like dark fantasy!

PS- the bonus chapters are absolutely worth it, 10/10 recommend reading!

Thank you to LJ Andrew’s & Berkeley Publishing Group for sharing an advanced reader copy of this book prior to its re-release. This is my honest opinion.

LJ Andrews writes the most amazing characters along with a world and magic system that pulls you in and you don't want to leave. I already loved this book but loved the new bonus content even more!

Listen…no one will ever top Kase Eriksson for me. Ever. But DAYUM, was I in love with Erik Bloodsinger. Like I said: Daddy Kase will always hold the top spot but Erik is most definitely up there. 🥵

This gave me major POTC vibes and had me wanting to rewatch the movie and reawaken the obsession I had with them. I love a good kidnapping/forced proximity/forbidden love and this book delivered on all three.

Getting to see Erik and Livia’s relationship bloom was so beautiful. The pacing, the dialogue, the flirting and the tension was simply top tier. I found myself not wanting the story to end but also not being able to get enough of it at the same time so yes, I devoured this book.

I can’t wait to read the next book especially after that ending!!

I really enjoyed this. I thought the pirate setting was refreshing and made this stand out to me.

I really enjoyed Erik and the crew!

I honestly just had a good time with this one.

There was some really good banter, and good pirates of Caribbean vibes!

The Ever King by @authorljandrews
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice : 🌶🌶

Tropes :
🌊 Dark fantasy romance
👑 Enemies to lovers
🌊 Forced proximity
👑 Captor x captive
🌊 Fae, Vikings, pirates, sirens, sea witches
👑 Touch her and ☠️
🌊 Fated mates

Review :
This was my second time reading this because I wanted to reread after finishing The Broken Kingdoms - this is a second generation series to that one - but I also wanted a refresher before reading The Mist Thief. I loved this book even more the second time around. This time I had the added background layer of knowing all of the Kings and Queens from the Earth realm (the focus of The Broken Kingdoms) and could see pieces of them in their children. I also had all of the backstory of what leads up to the revenge plot part of this story. The magic systems within this entire world - both the Earth Realm and The Ever - are some of my favorites I have ever read. As per usual, LJ has an astonishing way of writing such a robust cast of characters that makes me absolutely enthralled in every aspect of their stories. The plot twists in this were great, and I love the pacing of Livia and Erik’s relationship growth. We get to dig a little deeper into some of Erik’s past that we briefly saw in The Broken Kingdoms and I absolutely loved that. This world is definitely within my top 3 favorite all times series and it has now become my personal goal to convince everyone to read it.

If you love dark fantasy romance I beg you to please read this - and coming from someone who wishes they had I highly suggest reading The Broken Kingdoms first.

The new bonus content is EVERYTHING. I won't give any spoilers about the details, but if you loved this book in its indie format and wanted to learn more about Sewell's past and the events that lead to the Sewell we know and love in this book then you are in for a TREAT. I cried the entire time. LJ is a master at writing an entire cast of characters that you can't help but fall in love with.

Reading *The Broken Kingdoms* left me feeling utterly satisfied. This book had everything I crave in a great romance—adventure, danger, sizzling chemistry, and characters that leap off the page.

Liv and Erik’s journey was captivating from the very start. As children, Liv showed kindness to a boy feared for his magic, softening the harsh reality of his captivity. As adults, their paths collided again, but now Erik was fueled by vengeance, while Liv was determined to claim her freedom. The tension between them was electric, and their slow-burn romance—full of witty banter and undeniable pull—was breathtaking.

LJ’s world-building is absolutely immersive. Every detail makes you feel like you’re walking through her world, experiencing the magic of the Ever firsthand. The idea that each person has unique magic was fascinating, adding layers to the story. And it wasn’t just Liv and Erik who made the book shine—there’s an incredible cast of side characters who each bring depth, humor, and unforgettable moments.

Liv’s character resonated with me deeply. She’s a princess, but not a perfect, untouchable one—she battles nightmares and anxiety, making her feel incredibly real. Her fierce determination and sharp wit kept me rooting for her, especially as she fought for her freedom and the people she loved. Erik, on the other hand, was a broody, tortured soul grappling with the ghosts of his past. He longed to be a better ruler than his father, desperate to bring change to the Ever. His vulnerabilities peeked through only with Liv, and his devotion to her was heart-wrenchingly beautiful. He was a force of nature—cold and ruthless to the world, yet unbearably tender with her.

Their relationship unfolded in such a stunning way. The push and pull, the tension, the way they tried to fight their feelings but simply couldn’t—it all built up to a love that was more than physical. They saw each other’s flaws, accepted them, and found strength in each other. Erik’s fierce protectiveness over Liv, his willingness to fight for her with everything he had, made their love story unforgettable.

I am already desperate for the next book. If LJ keeps up this incredible storytelling, I know I’ll be just as hooked on the next installment.

An enjoyable start to the series! Two worlds, fighting in between them and heirs to kingdoms. Very morally grey MMC who is a pirate.. The tension was good. Enemies to lovers. I could do with more banter but that’s what I love.

Go ahead and add this book to your TBR, right now. This was and still is my absolute favorite from LJ. The additions only make the book that much more captivating and I’m so freaking happy these babies are getting the love they deserve! My original review still holds 1000% true. As soon as I finished Ever King (and put a bandaid over my heart from the ending 🙃) I jumped into her Broken Kingdom series - immediate instabuy author.

This book ticked all my boxes - fantasy, enemies to lovers, angst, spice, all the good stuff. The Viking/Pirates of the Caribbean aspects work incredibly well and left me wanting so much more. I absolutely loved both MCs, they were well rounded and had so much depth, and their chemistry and banter was *chefs kiss*. Their emotions felt genuine and scenes had me tearing up at parts, laughing out loud, and holding my heart at others

The plot kept me intrigued the entire time - I binged this book in basically one sitting, only stopping to sleep. I always underestimate how much I enjoy books with ships and pirates until I read one, and then I can’t get enough. The ‘who is it’ was actually unexpected which I was thankful for, so many times it’s so obvious but not in this case. This is the first in a duology so it does end of a cliffhanger and I absolutely cannot freaking wait for book 2!

I'm so sorry, but I couldn't finish this book. I had a hard time connecting with the main characters and story. If I'm being honest this book bored me and I'm so sad about it because I really wanted to like this book. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read this.

I read 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘒𝘪𝘯𝘨 and 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘘𝘶𝘦𝘦𝘯 and I am obsessed! These were the first books I have read by LJ Andrews and I may have been stalking 👀 her Instagram like it’s my job for book 4! 🤣🤣 Livia and Erik’s story in books 1 and 2 in The Ever Seas Series is such an amazing enemies to lovers story! There is tons of action, the world building and magic is incredible, there are so many different types of mythical creatures, and amazing chemistry between the MCs! Two different lands who hate each other and have taught in wars against each other find themselves at a turning point of starting over or starting another war. The MMC, Erik aka the King of the Ever, is the definition of a morally gray ocean wielding MMC! He’s charming, ruthless, and damaged but this all but encourages his desires for revenge against the Earth King by kidnapping his daughter, Livia. Only issue is, Erik and Livia have a past from the war 10 years ago. They were both inexplicably drawn together as kids and she would sneak to the dungeons to read to Erik. What I loved about this book, besides all the amazing world building and magic, was the depth to these characters. Erik has so many reasons to be closed off and cutthroat but he has a kinder side that he starts to show to Livia and then those loyal to him. Erik goes out of his way several times to help Livia with her anxiety and to learn to believe in herself.

Absolutely adored The Ever King! Such an interesting concept with beautiful world building, characters with depth and fierceness, and lots of great plot twists. Can't wait to see what happens next!

Swoon worthy romantasy. War, magic, kidnapping the princess, and of course all the adventures of the Ever Sea. You need this in your life!

# The Ever King
# 3/12/2025 ~ 4/19/2025
# 5.0 / 5.0

Wow…I tell you what WOW.
This will always sit at a top 5 read for me!

I’m definitely living in my pirate era so please point me to the nearest port where I may find my own Ever King. This ultimate enemies to lovers had my attention the whole time. I’m also realizing I’m a sucker for a slow angsty burn which is what we are given between our MCs Livia and Erik. And oh is Erik Bloodsinger our perfect morally grey but just a pinch of anti-hero. The world building was spectacular to me, along with all and I mean ALL of the characters. The depth of it all ignites my brain into movie mode and I’m fully captivated between the intimate moments of the characters building relationships to the battle scenes that give you that full pirate feel. This book was intriguingly a perfect mixed of a pirate romance with an ode to fulfill my love for magic and fantasy. I also appreciated the different take on fae in this story. Not the typical type I’m used to and I was pleasantly surprised by it. The cliff hanger had my jaw on the floor. So many shocks and I was awed.

The Ever King is one of my favourite reads, I love LJ's writing and this book brings everything together that I always enjoy when reading one of her books. Erik is the morally grey unapologetic pirate fae king who can be loyal but at the same time vicious, Livia is the daughter of his enemies a earth fae who grew up fierce and yet has compassion and surrounded by a loving family and friends.

I was instantly pulled into the story between Erik and Livia, their connection in childhood when a songbird befriended a serpent to their reunion as adults and how slowly the relationship changes between them. I loved the banter but at the same time I was living for the tender moments between them. To see into Erik’s past and his traumatic upbringing was heartbreaking and gave a clear understanding why he is now as ruthless as can be and I loved how he slowly changed from the broken man and become soft and loyal to Livia and how she gave him some lightness in a rather brutal world.

The writing pulls you in instantly the world building is exceptional and easy to understand,
I love the unique magic of the fae and sirens and how it is portrayed. The pacing is just right and the romance is beautiful and everything I’ve come to love from this author. I can’t wait to read The Ever Queen and see what’s to come after the ending we are given with The Ever King.

While The Ever King has connections to The Broken Kingdom series and to get the full experience of this world I would recommend reading it first, it is not necessary before starting this.

Bonus Content:
I loved the bonus content at the end and especially as it was about Sewell, I was such a fan of his from the moment he was introduced and to get a glimpse into his story and that of his children, broke my heart but it also was about courage and love.

Thank you to LJ and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this new tras publication with the bonus content. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

“Hate me all you want, but don’t regret me. Promise me that.”

Ughhhhh. Liv and Erik. They are everything. I want to be Liv when I grow up. I love her strength, and I think we can thank her parents for that.

Between her backstory and Erik’s, there’s no doubting they were meant to find each other. He’s the pinnacle Doberman MMC to match her feisty energy.

Also, Sewell is hilarious. I know he doesn’t mean to be, but I love him so much. HIS STORY AT THE END! Wow. Did LJ really have to make me cry? I mean, I guess so. Was it worth it? Absolutely.

I absolutely loved The Ever King! The dark take on magic, breathtaking world-building, and unique mix of pirates and earth fae made this story stand out in the best way. It’s such a fresh and exciting twist on fantasy that kept me completely captivated.

And Erik Bloodsinger? Obsessed. He’s ruthless, powerful, and completely magnetic in a way that makes it impossible not to love him. There’s this perfect balance of darkness and intrigue to his character that had me hanging onto every word. The tension, the slow-burn romance, and the push and pull between him and the heroine were everything.

Speaking of the heroine, Livia was incredible. Her bravery and fierceness made me root for her the entire time. She’s the perfect match for Erik, standing her ground and refusing to back down, even in the face of danger. I loved watching her navigate this treacherous world with both strength and heart.

This book had it all from action, betrayal, longing, and a world so immersive. If you love stories with rich magic, morally gray characters, and an irresistible romance, The Ever King is an absolute must-read.

I haven't read a lot of pirate books, but this book has me rethinking that completely. I also want to keep dramamine on me at all times so Erik Bloodsinger can capture me any day lol. He is the perfect man. I love a morally gray man who will do anything for the people he loves.

As much as I just want to talk about Erik, the other characters are also amazing! Livia was such a strong fmc and I love how Andrews wrote her so strong, but also showed she had anxiety. The anxiety rep was done well. And I loved all the character connections to L.J. Andrews' previous series The Broken Kingdoms. The Ever King can be read without reading the Broken Kingdoms but the connections between the series are amazing!

I was also lucky enough to get a copy of the book from Netgalley and Berkley that had the bonus content that is being added to the books now that they're being traditionally published. The bonus content was something I didn't know how much I needed. Sewell was such a wonderful character and getting some of his back story was better than I even imagined.

The Ever King starts off with our mcs as children having shared moments of empathy and purity. Ten years later, we meet our mcs, now grown and Erik Bloodsinger is back for revenge.

There are dark themes during Livia's capture, but there are also undertones of hope and self discovery. Watching Livia learn who she is and who she wants to be while trying to survive was a ride. She shows true strength in the hardest moments. I also very much love her family. Valen and Elise are couple goals and I want them to adopt me.

And Erik. Our Serpent. Now that man shows growth. He pulls a Grinch on us and we get to see his heart grow three sizes. I love his possessiveness, not only towards Liv, but his people. How he will stop at nothing to prove he is worthy of them and his land. The Ever sounds like a phenomenal place and I wish it was real.

The Ever King is a suspenseful fantasy full of twists and turns. I honestly had no idea how this was going to end and man, it got me good. What a cliffhanger!

Bonus Content:
I won't spoil it, but Sewell. Sewell deserves the world. I loved him the moment he was introduced and this absolutely broke my heart for him and his family. All of them deserve the world.

Thank you LJ, Berkley, and Penguin Random House for the earc with bonus content. This is my honest and voluntary review.

This series was recommended to me a few years ago by a friend of mine and I absolutely demolished it while on a flight to Japan. It was one of the best books I've ever been recommended and it opened me up to the incredible world that is LJ Andrews. I could gush for hours about her and her team as well as the powerful magnetic stories she creates. Now after falling in love with her as an Indie author I am beyond excited for her to move to the Traditional publishing world. To get to see these books that I champion so hard on shelves around the world for other people to stubble upon has me beyond excited. 
The Ever King is a pirate fantasy romance novel with a really epic storyline and captivating plot. It is an enticing enemies to lovers slow burn that has been written by norns in the times of the Broken Kingdoms before. It has morally grey men, touch her and die, magic and epic stories of fates, vikings, villain gets the girl, and lovely found family. 

LJ really builds the perfect enemies to lovers trope. The burn and tension delivers you all you could want while successfully keeping the dynamic fresh and interesting.  I hadn't read anything like it prior to picking up this story and I was hooked immediately. The beauty of this masterpiece is in the intricate and breathtaking world building. I will never be able to understand how LJ manages to keep so many complicated pieces of the story flowing together at once. All I know is that she has to be a genius because an insane level of intelligence was needed to bring a story of this magnitude to life, and she does it to perfection. It was intoxicating and I loved every minute of our songbird and serpent. 
The traditionally published version is coming out in August with even more bonus content and I promise you it's going to have you as big of a fan as I am.
Thank you @penguinrandomhouse
@penguinbooksaus for the incredible ARC of one of my favourite books of all time.