The Ever King (The Ever Seas Book 1)

Maggie

Pirates and Romance - so good!

"4.5⭐️ 1🌶️ This book is just as good the second time around! The writing is good and the plot is paced well. There’s a lot of thrill and suspense which keeps me interested. I love the updated book with the bonus content as well! TROPES Captor x captive Childhood friends to enemies to lovers He calms her panic attacks Magical bonds Pirate fae THE WORLD This book is a great intro into the world and magic system. It’s a very slow easing into the magic, and while some of it is a bit confusing as to all of the varieties of powers (and connecting them to their titles in the Ever), it isn’t overwhelming. I know that we see more refining of this in the following books, so I look forward to re-learning the nuances of it soon. As for the setting - it is unique and interesting. The imagery is sufficient but could be a bit more in depth. THE CHARACTERS I enjoy the characters and their backstories! The MCs have very developed characteristics, and backstories that drive their actions and their goals. Erik is definitely a deeper character than Livia, but she still has parts of her backstory that make her a little less generic. I want to see more from the side characters! I know we see this in the following books, but I would have loved to see their personalities get a bit more unique and distinguishable. THE ROMANCE I like the banter and the tension, but I would call this a medium burn. It did feel like the burn happened quite quick (which made sense for the plot and progression into book 2), but I wanted more banter and quips leading up to that! Overall though, I’m happy with the romance and do really like the way that Erik and Livia complement eachother. Their similarities and differences balance out nicely. QUOTES: “To the queens who love the beautiful black heart of the villain. Face it, they're hotter than the hero.” "What ways are you thinking of slitting my throat, Songbird?" "Ti'd be foolish of me to give up my plans," she hissed. "I swear to you, it will be a show worth the wait." "Such venom." With one knuckle, I stroked her cheek. "Careful with your threats of my untimely death, love, or you might end up stealing my heart." “strength did not mean there was no fear. I could stand tall, I could defy my enemies, and I could still be afraid.” "Do not sell yourself short and think you are not the most formidable of foes. I've no doubt you have the power to destroy me. "I will tell you some-thing, Bloodsinger." Her voice was soft and breathless. "When I claim that moment of bravery, it will not be sudden. It will be slow. It will be well-thought-out. I will wait until I have you in my grasp. You may not even realize it has happened. In that moment, I will strike and watch you bleed." I couldn't help the grin that followed her beautifully violent speech. Innocent and gentle, yet when prodded enough, out came the vicious beauty within. And she was mine. In what capacity, I hadn't decided. To ruin, to manipulate, to claim. Each had its merit and appeal. "I do love when you try to seduce me." "You think him weak, but it is not a weakness to stumble. It is not a weakness to show you have a heart or... or to need others to hold you up at times." “Love can be the most violent, the most powerful of weapons, Bloodsinger.” "I was raised to see scars as a sign of strength—or, if you are me, a sign of clumsiness. Scars paint our stories; they give proof to the battles we've survived, the trials we've overcome. To me, what I see when I look at you, Erik Bloodsinger, is a king who has faced more than the kings before him." ["

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October 25, 2025 Verified Purchase

Tahmida Alam

Nice dark romantasy - level 3 spice 🌶🌶🌶

"This book was well written. There is a plot and a diverse theme behind it. It had the pirates of the Caribbean vibes with fae magic. The world is very immersive. I finished this book in 3 days. 8/10 for the writing, 10/10 plot, 8/10 for character development. This is a solid 3 for spicy content. 🌶🌶🌶 If you liked the Plated Prisoner series, the veiled kingdom series and quicksilver you will definitely like this read. I would advise this is not as spicy as the plated prisoner series but matches the pace of Holly Renees book. ["

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July 13, 2025 Verified Purchase

Booktokqutiepie

The audio catapulted this book even higher

"No idea why my original review vanished, but honestly… this book review deserved a rewrite anyway. From the moment I finished, LJ Andrews became an instant auto-buy author for me. This dark fantasy romantasy has everything: immersive world-building, top-tier banter, and a slow-burn tension that coils tighter with every chapter. It delivers the kind of world we crave with fae, sirens, pirates, vengeance, and power plays layered into a sweeping, dangerous sea-bound kingdom. And then there’s the audio. Listening in dual POV elevates the entire experience. The narrators are absolutely top-notch, bringing depth, grit, and aching vulnerability to every line. They don’t just read the story…they breathe life into it. They stole his crown. He stole their daughter. Erik Bloodsinger, the scarred King of the Ever Seas, is a sea fae forged by betrayal and fueled by revenge. After his father’s unaliving and his own imprisonment, he rises from the depths with one purpose: reclaim what was taken and destroy those responsible. Livia, the Earth Fae princess, is the daughter of his greatest enemy…innocent, sheltered, and completely unaware that she has become a pawn in a deadly game. What begins as vengeance simmers into something far more dangerous. This story keeps you guessing until the final pages and leaves you reeling with a cliffhanger that aches in the best way. The tension is exquisite. The chemistry is slow, deliberate, and utterly consuming. If you love: • Enemies to lovers • Morally gray MMCs • Forced proximity • Dual POV (with delicious narration) • “Touch her and 💀” energy • Fated mates • Top-tier banter • Slow-burn tension • Anxiety representation Then this book is absolutely for you. For me, this was a 5⭐ read—and a multi-time audio reread (because Erik’s voice actor? Chef’s kiss). The spice builds gradually, landing at a solid 3🌶️, perfectly balanced with plot and emotional intensity. I highly recommend experiencing this series on audio and be prepared to dive straight into book two, The Ever Queen, the moment you finish. Dark. Seductive. Addictive. And worth every second. ["

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February 17, 2026 Verified Purchase

Ash V

PIRATES MEETS VIKINGS

"I’m so excited to be a part of LJ’s arc team for the new published editions from Berkley Publishing! This was the first book I ever read from LJ Andrews and will forever be one of my favorite books. This book led me to The Broken Kingdoms Series and now LJ will always be an automatic read for me! What can I say other than Pirates meets Vikings! Which happens to be two of my favorite things. The characters and world building are absolutely incredible. This was such a fun read with a very interesting plot, as this series takes place after The Broken Kingdoms series. I love following the next generation following their parent’s stories. One of the best things is that you can start with The Ever King of TBK series. I personally loved starting with The Ever Seas and then going back and reading the original series. Erik and Livia ,or Serpent and Songbird, quickly became one of my favorite book couples! I love their shared past and the instant connection that has stayed with them into adulthood. Everything about their relationship was perfect and I loved every minute of their interactions. This book is full of action, adventure, romance, and so much more. It really is the perfect start to a new series of books following the next generation! ["

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February 6, 2025 Verified Purchase

Little Paper Rose

Enemies-to-lovers? As much as it can be, I suppose

"Pirate faes Enemies to lovers Dual first-person POV Kidnapped FMC who never tries to escape Cruel MMC who only makes empty threats towards FMC Multiple explicit sex scenes The book is well written and pacing is consistent, however, I wasn’t a fan. The focus was very much on the FMC and MMC and their “undeniable” bond. The plot was weak and the storyline was uneventful and anticlimactic. Erik is ruthless—but only makes empty threats towards Livia while possessively claiming her as his. And Livia, under distress from being kidnapped, still can’t help but notice how beautiful Erik is and the hard planes under his shirt. And when she’s frightened she might just hold his hand. Livia never forms any sort of plan to escape; it never crosses her mind that she might want to find a way to go back home. To defy. To fight. She never even has any vengeful thoughts. She just goes about her days being curious about the enemy land and the Ever King. There was something off-putting about the push-and-pull of their relationship. Erik wanting to kill Livia’s dear father, her wanting to have sex with Erik. They’re intimate and then she goes right back to fake-hating him, only to want him again and again. And then they end up loving each other. ["

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August 5, 2024 Verified Purchase