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Protecting the Sovereign has never been more deadly

Time is running out. The Sovereign needs to be protected before the Green Zone can claim her for themselves. At the cost of everyone else.

As the seeds of rebellion brew, impatience threads its way through the Dead Zone. Vulnerables are questioning the fairness of the life they’ve been born into. Soon, Echo and River find themselves in danger on both sides of the giant net that’s supposed to keep them safe.

Where do you run when you have no place to call home? Who do you trust when nobody is who you thought they were? And is it really possible to save everyone?

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 10, 2023

136 people are currently reading
239 people want to read

About the author

Tamar Sloan

141 books431 followers
Tamar really struggled writing this bio, in part because it’s in third person, but mostly because she hasn’t decided whether she’s primarily a psychologist who loves writing, or a writer with a lifelong fascination with psychology.

She must have been someone pretty awesome in a previous life (past life regression indicated a Care Bear), because she gets to do both. Beginning her career as a youth worker, then a secondary school teacher, before becoming a school psychologist, Tamar helps children and teens to live and thrive despite life’s hurdles like loss, relationship difficulties, mental health issues, and trauma.

As lover of reading, inspired by books that sparked beautiful movies in her head, Tamar loves to write young adult romance. To be honest, it was probably inevitable that her knowledge and love of literature would translate into writing emotion driven stories of finding life and love beyond our comfort zones. You can find out more about Tamar’s books at www.tamarsloan.com

A lifetime consumer of knowledge, Tamar holds degrees in Applied Science, Education and Psychology. When not reading, writing or working with teens, Tamar can be found with her husband and two children enjoying country life on their small slice of the Australian bush.
The driving force for all of Tamar’s writing is sharing and connecting. In truth, connecting with others is why she writes. She loves to hear from readers and fellow writers. Find her on all the usual social media channels or her website.

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5 stars
176 (41%)
4 stars
148 (34%)
3 stars
84 (19%)
2 stars
10 (2%)
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5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Devika.
700 reviews20 followers
April 25, 2023
Queen Hunt is the third part in The Sovereign Code series. I really loved the first two parts and couldn’t wait to continue reading in this series. This series is really unique and the authors have a lot of twist they have put into the story which I really like. What will this book bring to its readers?

Find out in my review on my blog Boekensteeg
Profile Image for Shannon Bolton.
539 reviews4 followers
August 9, 2023
I spent almost the entire book being endlessly annoyed with the situation between Clover and River. Gag! I almost threw my Kindle across the room.
Profile Image for Jessica.
1,154 reviews29 followers
April 23, 2023
The hunt for the Sovereign continues!

This was a rather intense read. As soon as something slightly positive arises there's a set-back, or something even worse occurs. I've been needing breaks in my reading to cope. It's safe to say that I wouldn't last long in this dystopian world!

Without revealing too much I was horrified when the "queen bee" was announced. She's a horribel person, with no empathy what so ever. She really got on my nerves! Thankfully THAT problem got solved, but there are many more obstacles to take on for Echo and River!

* I received an ARC from the authors and I'm giving my honest review. *
Profile Image for Corrine.
5 reviews2 followers
July 20, 2023
Book 3 in the Sovereign Series


Queen Hunt gives us:


* Several new plot twists (I totally didn’t see it!)

* Characters you may have disliked before but now really hate

* Relationship issues

* More division in the Dead Zone

* Who the actual sovereign is


The farther we get into the series the more invested I am! I’m loving the pacing of each book and find that they’re fairly quick read’s however it doesn’t take away from the storyline. I can’t wait to see how everything actually comes together in the end and I really hope there are going to be spin offs.


*A Thank you goes to Heidi Catherine and Tamar Sloan for providing this ARC in return for an honest review!*
118 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2023
Very confused as to why the Sovereign wasn't. How did she pass the test initially with the queen's venom???
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Katheyer.
1,557 reviews25 followers
March 10, 2023
Echo and River finally start to understand the true machinations behind the social divide between Green Born and Dead Born, but understanding and knowledge come hand in hand with responsibility; to be able to change the status-quo Echo and River have to put their personal feelings on hold, and find a way to overcome the present system. We meet new characters, and say goodbye to others, fever through the plot’s multiple twists, and come at the last chapter ‘almost’ fully satisfied, and I said ‘almost’ because it’s almost impossible to have enough of this story, the good news is that we are just after midpoint, with two more books in the horizon, can’t hardly wait for the bees 😉 because, after this series you would never be able to look at the bees in the same way again 😊

Sloan & Catherine’s wonderful dystopian world, foreign yet familiar, beautiful, and terrifying captivates the reader at first read. Their fluid and nuanced writing conveys a powerful message, whose actuality plainly apparent. The extraordinary thoroughly built-world is populated by well developed and multifaceted characters, credible and relatable at all times. YA fast-paced story, which provides action non-stop, an intelligent plot, and very satisfactory developments, a real page-turner, a great adventure that leaves a lasting impression without disregarding the level of pure entertainment every good story should provide. Beware though of some ‘side-effects’ as sleep-hours lost (should you start the book in the evening) and a brand-new appreciation for honey 😉

Sloan & Catherine dystopia effortlessly surpasses YA classical works as “The Hunger Games” and “Divergent”, offering not just very carefully crafted worlds, the right balance between dystopia and social critique, with a constant questioning of the values and drawbacks of the systems they create, allowing the reader to understand its strengths and flaws and find unsettling similarities to our own society and values. “The Sovereign Code” series offers a brand-new dystopian world, and already at midpoint in the series it is the perfect and sole contender to an ex-quo place as the best dystopian verse of this decade together with their widely recognized “The Thaw Verse”.
Profile Image for Reads_Must .
959 reviews13 followers
March 3, 2023
Queen Hunt
The Sovereign Code #3
Scif-Fi & Fantasy, Dystopian
Heidi Catherine & Tamar Sloan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I love this series and I'm always excited when a new book is announced.

I really enjoy the dual povs, it helps the plot develop more and keeps things flowing smoothly.

River and Echo make a great couple and it was sad to see them have to sacrifice their love for the greater good. I liked most of the other characters, especially Makk - he may be young but he wants to do whatever he can to help and has a great sense of loyalty. I found Clover very annoying though but that is how she's meant be, which shows how good the writing style is.

The pacing was great and I actually finished reading this book in about 3 hours.

I always like the details of the advanced technology and the huge differences between the lives of the Green Born and the Dead Born.

I did manage to guess plot twist but it was still interesting and I enjoyed the build up and the reveal.

Overall this is another great addition to this series and I can't wait for the next one.

*Thank you to @heidicatherine and @tamarsloan for providing this ARC. This is my own opinion and an honest review, which I am leaving voluntarily*

 
Profile Image for alishasbooknook.
195 reviews2 followers
October 21, 2024
The third book of The Sovereign Code was a captivating read that immerses you in a world of intrigue and power dynamics. From the very first page, the author’s ability to weave complex characters into a rich narrative is incredible.

Once again, I loved Echo and River and in this book I started to dislike Chase, the way he acted during certain parts were rude and unsympathetic, he quickly became a character that I roll my eyes at whenever he talks. All the characters are well developed which makes it easy to become really invested on some of their journeys, struggles and triumphs.

There were a couple of shocking twists and turns I wasn’t expecting, especially near the end, one of the things I didn’t think would happen at all, and the last thing that happened I thought I predicted but I was completely wrong lmao 😂

The pacing of this was slower than the first two books, which was a little disappointing but I did still really enjoy the book, it just felt slower in some places but there are moments where the tension is palpable and full of anticipation which is definitely a plus.

Overall, Queen Hunt is an incredible addition to the series, although the slower pacing, it’s still a very enjoyable read.
960 reviews
April 20, 2023
I read several of Tamar series, and every one of them is unique.
Here, Tamar and Heidi imagined an amazing story, in an intriguing world.
Their talent is obvious in developing amazing characters and crafting ingenious intrigue.
I see their world (with green and dead zones) like a twist of something known and something alien. Not quite like the opposed faces of a coin - becouse the diference between them is huge.
The diference between green and dead zone’s people is the same - huge.
They suppose to be like oil and water. But in this whole madness, Echo and River mixt together - with their ideas, their ideals.
And seem that this unusual mix is the hope for humanity.
But even that they are stronger together, their fight is not easy.
Becouse they are an unusual mix, they are not understand and accept by none of them, so they have to fight them all.

Each book keep me half breathing. And after each onea, I’m both happy and dissapoinment - both for this not being the last book.
Can’t wait for the next 2!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Avo_in_bookland (Narelle) .
121 reviews4 followers
November 18, 2024

As the seeds of Rebellion is stirring, impatience is spreading through the Dead zone. Protecting the Sovereign is top priority but it comes at some big costs to everyone else. And for Echo and River it’s becoming Dangerous on both sides of the Net.

As this series goes on I’m becoming more and more invested. With many new Plot twists I didn’t see coming. In this fast paced book we get One step ahead to be knocked back down Two. Who really is the True Sovereign and how will they protect them from the Green Zone.

And as Relationships grow and blossom, some other characters cement themselves as the bad guys. I personally don’t trust Chase still. There
Is just something that doesn’t sit right with me. But let’s talk about Makk, he really is becoming a real star character with his bossy yet protective nature. He’s quick to put everyone in line.

This Series is getting more and more intense and interesting with each book. Fast paced, quick reads that don’t distract from the plot. Thoroughly loving being along for the ride.
Profile Image for Rebecca Bean.
57 reviews3 followers
November 30, 2025
Marking this review for spoilers because I really just want to rant about the plot.

I spent half the book wanting to punch Clover. Pretty sure that was intended.

Spent the other half of the book wondering why they would accept someone else as sovereign if they never bothered to test beyond the queen bee venom. Even Echo passed that part and supposedly isn't it, so why be so convinced it's Clover without attempting to make some immunity? They never seem to address that and it drove me insane.

Also, could the authors not think of a better way to sever Clover and River than just killing off Clover? Seems like the problematic people just conveniently die. And, at least so far, they still haven't explained how Clover went from surviving queen bee stings and frolicking in the Beta Dome to suddenly dying from normal bee stings. I sure hope that's addressed in a future book, because that's a massive plot hole.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,221 reviews15 followers
July 10, 2025
On a Quest for a Cure
Echo, River, and their allies continue the urgent search for Sovereign, the one person who may hold the key to a cure in a world forever changed by genetically engineered superbees. Society is fractured: the elite thrive in the Green Zone, while others struggle to survive in harsher, more dangerous regions where life is anything but secure.
With rebellion stirring and trust in short supply, Echo and River face enemies on every side. The stakes are rising, and if the Sovereign falls into the wrong hands, it could cost countless lives—including their own.
Queen Hunt delivers high-stakes action, romance, and emotional twists in a world where nothing comes easy. It ends on a tense cliffhanger and is best read in series order. But for those who stick with it, the journey leads toward hope—making every struggle count.
Profile Image for Victoria Weir.
74 reviews
June 9, 2024
Queen Hunt ✅


Same as book 1 and 2 I just absolutely devoured it! I love that these books aren’t very long but they pack a punch!

I feel like the real MVP in these books is Makk this gorgeous little boy just keeping everyone in line! He doesn’t hesitate to boss them around and tell them what for when they need a kick in the bum but he’s also so sweet at times too and always trying to protect them.

There were so many emotions this book. In a few words “night of keeping score” just comes to mind. I was actually crying, what a way to remind you that no matter what side of the fence you are on everyone is human.

At about 87% my theories were confirmed and I just about jumped up yelling I KNEW IT! Iykyk!

I cannot wait to see what Echo and River get up to in book 4!
Profile Image for Becky Doyle.
72 reviews3 followers
August 19, 2024
While this book felt a little rushed for me, it was enjoyable. We follow on in the story with the search for the sovereign that will provide immunity to all in this dystopian world. Time is running out as Rivers father searches for them, realising they are not trapped in the hive, but rather working against him. The book had me a bit emotional as we watch our main characters hearts break in the line of duty, their love being held apart as River has to pretend to love another in the hopes of keeping the sovereign happy. But in the end it is all for nothing, the search fails again, and their only choice is to turn themselves in. While the book felt a bit of a ‘ full the gaps’ it does make me keen to read the next and see what happens.
Profile Image for Annie Kosar.
361 reviews2 followers
March 10, 2023
ADVENTURE & ROMANCE & HEART POUNDING THRILLS IN THE QUEEN HUNT!!!:-)

You will LOOOOOVVVVEEEE this one in this FABULOUS series!!!:-). Action starts right at jump and draws you in and DOES NOT LET GO!!!:-). The Queen Hunt had MANY Twists and Turns and you will NOT be able to stop reading so don’t make any plans once you start!!!:-). LOL. The romance is powerful and will have your heart in your throat in some places and soaring in others, but either way you will be drawn in deeply!!!:-). The characters are SOOO powerfully developed and the writing is brilliant!!!:-). I HIGHLY RECOMMEND and I LOVED IT!!!:-). I CANNOT WAIT for the next one in this series!!:-)
Profile Image for Sherry.
274 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2023
Great read! I didn't want to stop. Echo and River are excellent and well-rounded main characters supported by a host of equally excellent supporting characters. Makk is my absolute favorite! I love his spunk and bravery and quick thinking. Tamar and Heidi do such a great job writing characters you love to hate too; from the spoiled and whiny curvaceous blond to the evil, heartless leader. This books takes your emotions through all the toils and trauma the characters go through. It puts you smack in the middle of their world where it's impossible to escape. Read this book! Read ALL their books. You won't be disappointed!
Profile Image for Cassie .
27 reviews
June 25, 2024
After narrowing down the list of potential candidates, the hunt for the Sovereign is on. But after a conversation with Reed, Echo and River soon learned that it’s all for naught if they don’t have the Sovereign Code. A code that has been missing for the last 5 years.
Every thing is happening faster than they anticipate and Oren always seems to be several steps ahead, anticipating every move they make.
Can Echo and River finally find the Sovereign and the Code? Or will they be out manoeuvred by Oren?

Queen Hunt is book 3 of The Sovereign Code series. Things are really starting to ramp up now and i can’t wait to get to the bottom of everything
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for DeeDeeWReads.
1,157 reviews16 followers
April 24, 2023
Things are getting good in Book 3 of The Sovereign Code. Echo and River are falling in love and trying to find the Sovereign so they can then find the Code to make immunity for ALL.

This is an important book, we are learning some really crucial things and the characters are going through the wringer and then some.

I saw a few of these revelations coming, and you might too, but if not, buckle your seat belts, because it's getting REAL fast.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle (easy.vesey.reads).
249 reviews2 followers
October 3, 2024
The group continues the hunt for the true Sovereign and the action is at an all time high in this one! The tension is getting to everyone and I feel like there was so much drama. Echo and River have a falling out and Clover annoyed me the entire time. She was being such an entitled brat and she only cared for herself. No wonder River couldn’t love her.

We learned so much more about certain characters and their backgrounds and more secrets unfolded. More plot twists that I didn’t see coming too! It’s really shaping up to be an epic showdown in the final 2 books!
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,893 reviews116 followers
April 17, 2023
This series is both terrifying and amazing. From the get go the action starts and does not let up. Mystery, intrigue, drama, this is gripping, enthralling and once you are engrossed in this world, you will not be able to leave. Our incredible characters are working hard to find the answers but is one hell of a fight but they are not giving up. Twists and turns are thrown their way in this dystopian world and who knows what’s going to happen next.
Profile Image for Patricia.
610 reviews1 follower
April 19, 2023
River and Echo are on the hunt for the Sovereign. Unfortunately just when they think they have things go wrong. Now not only is Oren determined to stop them but the people in the Dead Zone aren't sure they can be trusted. They odds are stacked against them. Could it get worse?
Love this series, it's a page-turning story with hints of suspense, romance, and horror, a strange mix but it works.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
12 reviews
March 10, 2023
This series gripped me completely from book 1. I made the mistake of thinking it was finished and expecting to binge the whole thing just to be caught at the end of book 2 with a wait to finish the rest. I eagerly awaited book 3 and it did not disappoint. Clover drove me absolutely wild with her attitude. I am excited to see where book 4 takes us after the nice set up at the end of #3.
Profile Image for Christine Cazeneuve.
1,462 reviews40 followers
March 16, 2023
Just love it

I am so loving this series. Great characters and plotline with plenty of action and a twist that surprised me. I just love how this author quickly sucks you in and you find yourself fully engaged. Still just adore Makk! Great series and looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Kat M.
5,189 reviews18 followers
April 24, 2023
this was another winner in the Sovereign Code series, it had a great concept overall and it worked well overall with the other books in the series. The characters had everything that I was hoping for and I enjoyed reading this. I always enjoy reading Tamar Sloan and am glad I read this.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
1,144 reviews40 followers
November 3, 2023
Queen Hunt

This third book had more twists and turns than I was expecting. Where time I thought I had something figured out, there would be a slight twist I wasn't looking for. But the continuing story of Echo, River, Flora, and Chase just gets better. And with each book, I dislike Oren more and more. I'm off to start book 4!
Profile Image for Jessica Fuller.
410 reviews79 followers
January 8, 2024
Ok, saying I’m obsessed with this series is an understatement haha I am loving every single page. Echo and River are so incredible and I’m enjoying going on this journey with them. The authors really know how to write an ending. Every single ending has been so good. I can’t wait to get into the next book.
Profile Image for William Vegvari.
404 reviews5 followers
March 8, 2023
What a great series. Plenty of action , drama, romance and heartbreak.
Some characters have gone and replaced but the main characters just keep growing.
Once again a hard book to put down and with the suspense growing once again waiting for the next chapter.

Highly recommended
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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