Review of The Ever King: The Ever Seas, Book 1 by B. L. Brunnemer
When I first stumbled upon The Ever King, the rich blend of fantasy elements and the promise of a dark romance captured my imagination instantly. I’ve always had a soft spot for tales where vengeance and love intertwine, and Brunnemer’s latest offering delivers both in spades. This book drew me in not just with its striking premise—where a scarred king seeks revenge against the man who wronged him—but also with the emotional depth and complexity of its characters.
The story unfolds in the captivating world of the Ever Kingdom, a realm where pirates, sirens, fae, and Vikings dance through a lush, ominous landscape. Erik, the flawed king, is immediately compelling. His struggles are palpable, steeped in grief and rage from the traumatic loss of his father. As he embarks on a quest for vengeance, he captures the daughter of his enemy, unwittingly raising the stakes not only for her but for himself as well. The tension between innocence and malice is beautifully portrayed through Erik and the spirited princess he kidnaps, who, despite her circumstance, remains a beacon of hope in their tangled fate.
What struck me most about The Ever King was Brunnemer’s ability to weave intricate emotions within a tapestry of high-stakes fantasy. The pacing is engaging, with moments of heart-pounding action juxtaposed against quieter, reflective passages where we see the cracks in Erik’s armor. I found the alternation between these extremes fascinating; it propelled the narrative while also deepening my connection to the characters.
One particular line resonated with me: “For every crown taken, a heart is sacrificed.” It encapsulates not just Erik’s journey, but the often harsh realities of power, love, and sacrifice entwined within the fabric of this story. Such phrases linger in your mind long after the pages are closed, reminding you of the complexities of human emotion that Brunnemer navigates so skillfully.
The writing style feels immersive and lyrical. Brunnemer crafts vivid imagery, allowing readers to lose themselves in the world of the Ever Kingdom. With descriptive prose that paints lush scenes and captures the essence of its tumultuous waters and enchanting landscapes, I felt as if I could almost hear the crashing waves and taste the adventure surfacing from the pages.
I would recommend The Ever King to anyone who revels in beautifully crafted fantasies laced with romance and moral ambiguity. If you’re a fan of series like Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass or even the grit of Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments, you’ll likely find yourself swept away in this enthralling tale. Prepare for a cliffhanger that will leave you craving more—this book is the first in the series, and I for one am eagerly anticipating the next installment.
In reflecting on my reading experience, I felt a mix of excitement and sorrow as the narrative unfolded, and I can say this story has firmly claimed a space in my heart. B. L. Brunnemer has crafted a beautifully dark journey of love, loss, and retribution that leaves readers eagerly awaiting what comes next. Will Erik find redemption, or will his quest for revenge consume him entirely? Only time—and the next book—will tell.
You can find The Ever King: The Ever Seas, Book 1 here >>