The Queen's Scribe

Sea and Stone Chronicles #3

by Amy Maroney

A broken promise. A bitter conflict. And a woman’s elusive chance to love or die.

1458. Young Frenchwoman Estelle de Montavon sails to Cyprus imagining a bright future as tutor to a princess. Instead, she is betrayed by those she loves most—and forced into a dangerous new world of scheming courtiers, vicious power struggles, and the terrifying threat of war.

Determined to flee, Estelle enlists the help of an attractive and mysterious falconer. But on the eve of her escape, fortune’s wheel turns again. She gains entry to Queen Charlotta’s inner circle as a trusted scribe and interpreter, fighting her way to dizzying heights of influence.

Enemies old and new rise from the shadows as Estelle navigates a royal game of cat and mouse between the queen and her powerful half-brother, who wants the throne for himself.

When war comes to the island, Estelle faces a brutal reckoning for her loyalty to the queen. Will the impossible choice looming ahead be her doom—or her salvation?

With this richly-told story of courage, loyalty, and the sustaining power of love, Amy Maroney brings a mesmerizing and forgotten world to vivid life. The Queen’s Scribe is a stand-alone novel in the Sea and Stone Chronicles collection.

422 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2023

About the author

Amy Maroney lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family. She studied English literature at Boston University and public policy at Portland State University, and spent many years as a writer and editor of nonfiction. When she’s not diving down research rabbit holes, she enjoys hiking, traveling, dancing, and reading. She is the author of the Miramonde Series and the Sea and Stone Chronicles.

Reviews

[Beatrice Rivers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Estelle de Montavon’s journey to Cyprus was built on promises and hopes for the future. She was sent to act as a tutor to Princess Charlotta, to teach her the language she requires to talk to her new husband. But what Estelle finds when she reaches Cyprus is not at all what she expected. Rumours spread like disease, and conspirators are hiding where you would least expect them.

As Estelle finds her place within the court, a tutor no longer necessary, she faces people of power who would turn the Queen against her, or try to trap her. Trapped between loyalty to the Queen, and the power of the Queen’s half-brother, Estelle struggles to keep her head above water, trying to ensure she makes it known what side she supports in an attempt to keep her head on her shoulders. But the closer she gets to the Queen, and the more influence she gains, the more danger she finds herself in – for who wouldn’t try to target the Queen’s most trusted confidant and scribe?

Surrounded by plots, schemes, and a building war, Estelle must keep fighting for her freedom, even though returning to France seems an impossible dream.

Estelle is a woman to be admired. She faces near-constant threats, and must attempt to please everyone to avoid unnecessary suspicion in a court full of untrusting, and untrustworthy, people, but still manages to hold herself together. She has immense amounts of bravery and has no problem with standing up for herself, however, she is but a woman in a royal court, and doesn’t have the power she needs to ensure her own safety. Other people have plans for her, plans she is not privy to, and she must remain constantly on guard for unexpected changes and potential threats. I absolutely adored reading about Estelle and following her on her journey through the Queen’s court. She is an incredibly strong character, but not impossibly so. She has moments of weakness, of thinking herself stuck with no hope of escape, but she has friends who would do anything to keep her alive, just as she would for them.

Gabriel Bayoumi is a character I was not quite expecting in this novel. I knew that Amy Maroney’s books involved the Knights Hospitaller, and falconers played a big part in her stories, but before this book, I had never read one of her books before. Gabriel is an under-falconer, working in Cyprus when Estelle arrives. They might get off to a rocky start, but their immediate attraction to one another is undeniable. I did not think there would be two characters to follow in this book, but it was a welcome surprise, and I found myself greatly enjoying Gabriel’s chapters, almost as much as Estelle’s. He may be outside of the court, and not find himself in as much danger as Estelle is surrounded by, but his life is not without its dangers, and after meeting Estelle, he is in infinitely more trouble, as he can’t help but do his best to keep her alive and safe. Gabriel had a rough start to life, and although finding falconry saved him in the short term, finding Estelle gave him a reason to fight rather than simply take the easy road when it came to picking sides and pledging loyalties.

This book is packed to the rim with historical facts, and while reading you can almost feel yourself walking alongside Estelle, getting used to life in Cyprus and learning how to stay alive. This book succeeds massively in drawing you into the pages and making you not want to put the book down. After reading a chapter or two, you find you can’t stop until you have read the whole book, it draws you in and holds you captive until you have devoured every word. I have never read a historical book based in Cyprus before, and know absolutely nothing about life there during this time period, but that didn’t hold me back from absolutely loving this book. There is little need for historical knowledge, as the author has written the book for all to understand – everything is explained wonderfully, and at no point are you ripped away from the story needing to look anything up. For a place and period in history that I am sure not many people know much about, this book has been written absolutely marvellously.

This is the first of Amy Maroney’s books I have read, but I am certain it will not be the last. She has an ability to ensnare your attention, and make you read well into the night. At one point, I fell asleep on the sofa while reading this book, I was so desperate not to put it down. If you are a fan of historical fiction, and love the drama and intrigue of a divided and scheming court, this is certainly the book for you. It is an absolute masterpiece, and I will certainly be reading it again and again!

[Wendy Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Queen's Scribe" by Amy Maroney is a captivating addition to the Sea and Stone Chronicles, whisking readers away to medieval Cyprus during the reign of Queen Charlotte of Cyprus (28 June 1444 – 16 July 1487). Set against the backdrop of a thrilling and savage power struggle, Maroney weaves a true adventure tale, narrated through the eyes of Estelle, a young, intelligent, and spirited female character, and Gabrielle, a complex and magnetic man who ignites her heart. With enchanting scenes of falconry and a mesmerizing journey of self-discovery and claiming control over your destiny, this novel will enchant fans of historical romance.
Maroney's storytelling skills and unwavering attention to detail are evident throughout the narrative, effortlessly captivating the reader's imagination right from the opening page. At the centre of the tale stands Estelle, the queen's scribe, a compelling figure caught in the intricate web of courtly politics. Maroney's profound comprehension of historical context, particularly the young Queen Charlotte's arduous battle against her illegitimate half-brother for her throne, breathes life into the setting and its historical people, transporting readers to this fascinating time. An engaging and wonderful read!

[Brook Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read the entire Sea and Stone Chronicles thus far.

Here is what I'm most impressed with regarding this series. First, very FEW writers have taken the time and interest in the Mediterranean islands during the mid-late 15th century. Most of Europe's well-known "action" in this period was happening in Rome and the rest of Italy with Renaissance art, or the civil conflict in England during this time.

Maroney has cracked open a whole new drama of stories with this beguiling series, and The Queen's Scribe was the most striking tale yet. The action, romance, and adventure in this particular book was incredible. Not only was it completely plausible, but it was paced beautifully and told with the utmost care through exquisite prose and word choice.

Two female characters are standouts. Let's begin with the fiction. Estelle de Montavon is daughter to Maroney's original hero in her first book of the series, the falconer, Cedric de Montavon. Estelle is totally believable. Here's a girl taken out of her element who must use her gifts and common sense to discover her own courage--or else. Estelle is cheer-worthy and her weakness for trusting others is strung out bits at a time, so a reader isn't at all turned off by gullibility, but instead, wondering along with Estelle whether someone SHOULD be trusted. Especially when Maroney's mantra in the story is TRUST NO-ONE!

Queen Charlotta. Wow. Here's a lady nobody has heard about that deserves more than half a page on Wiki. Even younger than her Scribe, she's already widowed, and DOESN'T trust anyone--which becomes a thorn in her reality as the story plays out. If only she WOULD trust Estelle. And the more you read, the more puzzling her character becomes. Like what was her REAL relationship with the leader of the Knights Hospitaller? What happens to her in the end? And what level of bitterness is she dealing with inside over her brother and worthless second husband? Maroney did a magnificent job of keeping a real mystery about Charlotta that this reader savored.

Then there are the other characters who are so equally well-drawn. Gabriel--yet another falconer who holds a secret identity that I refuse to spoil here! Etienne, Estelle's knightly brother, the despicable King Louis, and Jacco the vile. (I prefer referring to him as "Jerko"!) Antonia, the not-so-loyal maid, and so many others, both historical and fictional, but all depicted in vivid technicolor detail.

My hat is off to Amy Maroney. Truly this book was by far her best yet, and an agent somewhere in New York should be crying not to have had a thumb in this pie. If you've not yet started the Sea and Stone Chronicles, do so. They're fantastic, fun reads that will educate as well as entertain.

[Cathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel has been on my TBR list ever since I first heard about it. I found the setting and story appealing, and I couldn't wait to read it. And isn't the cover sumptuous?!

Young Estelle travels from the island of Rhodes, a stronghold of the Order of St. John, to the isle of Cyprus, where she is to teach the Princess Charlotta French.

But on her arrival, Estelle finds a court in turmoil. The princess is in mourning, the determined but handicapped queen is keen to keep the island under Greek influence, and the king is torn between guidance from his advisers and ridiculous demands from his illegitimate, handsome son, Jacco.

No one knows what to do with Estelle. Alone and without friends, she attends court, but without the role she'd been looking forward to playing. Weeks go by, and she feels lost and alone. But soon, a new betrothed is found for the princess, from the noble House of Savoy, so surely now she'd need to learn French?

Yet not all is as it seems. Beneath the scorching Mediterranean sun, Estelle discovers the court is riven by Greek and Latin factions, each side keen to keep control of the island. She is on the verge of planning a journey home, but news from her father is concerning.

When tragedy strikes again at court, Estelle seizes her chance. As a scribe and interpreter to Charlotta, the new Queen in her own right, she rises at court, but this is not without risk. Enemies lurk in dark corners, and she soon doesn't know who she can trust. Then she finds her very life in danger – and not just her own.

The Queen's Scribe is a vividly visual adventure set at the tumultuous court at Nicosia, where deathly intrigues match those of the Italian and French states. There is a constant sense of danger, sometimes stronger, at other times more subtle, that runs through the whole novel. It makes for nail-biting reading. Cue several very late nights for me!

Estelle's journey from naive newcomer to astute courtier is fraught with uncertainty, fear, and the occasional moment of happiness. Ms Maroney cleverly uses the Machiavellian plots to throw obstacles in Estelle's path. But she also gives her heroine a sense of independence, even of importance, especially during her time as Queen Charlotta's interpreter and scribe. Then, Charlotta's woes become hers, as she struggles to find people to trust. Even those she loves she's uncertain about, as they keep secrets from her. To keep her safe, or to stab her in the back?

I loved Estelle. Her early naivety is refreshing, her actions definitely those of a girl in her teens, discovering the world. But when fate intervenes, she isn't prone to panicking, but learns to use her head wisely, learns to plot, lie, and look out for herself. It's a steep, swift learning curve, but an intriguing one.

Then there's Gabriel, a young falconer working with a friend of her father. But Estelle discovers that there's much more to him – and his refusal to reveal all threatens their budding romance. Will they, or won't they? Read the novel!

The setting of Cyprus was, as I expected, beautifully brought to life. The long, sultry heat of summer, the ever-changing sea, it's all there in its vibrancy. The author also mentions the then flourishing trade of ordinary Europeans captured on the Mediterranean island and coastal areas, and sent to Egypt to be sold as slaves.

And the sumptuous late medieval / early Renaissance court of Queen Charlotta has everything a court of that era needs: stylish costumes, ostentatious jewellery, rulers prone to the good life, interactions with various surrounding nations vying for supremacy in the Mediterranean – and most notably, a bunch of dastardly, scheming courtiers! The ambitious members of the council are shown realistically, reminding me of the Tudor court of Elizabeth I a century later. Each out for their own advantage, and easy to break an oath if required.

Unique and captivating, The Queen's Scribe is an exquisite historical adventure that has you turning the pages well into the night. It's a story that stays with you, and I, for one, would love to read more of Estelle's adventures...

A highly recommended read!

Note: I received a free ebook copy on a blog tour. However, I enjoyed the novel so much that I bought it. All views expressed are my own.

[Carolyn Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by Amy Maroney that I have read, and I found it an excellent read. I have visited Cyprus many times but knew nothing of its history, so it was refreshing to fill this particular gap in my historical knowledge, an unusual combination of location and period that seems to be Ms Maroney’s speciality.

I enjoyed her skilful blend of historical figures and fictional characters, all of whom were drawn in an entirely convincing way. The two principal female characters, the historical Queen Charlotta and fictional Estelle, were both excellent, strong characters. Of course I don’t know how “true to life” Charlotta’s character was, but I really enjoyed the way she was shown as growing from a stroppy teenager, dismissing the help Estelle had been hired to give her, into a determined queen, still not trusting Estelle but eventually coming to recognise her value. Estelle herself was a lively young woman - “feisty”, perhaps? I did wonder if she was a bit too feisty for the times, but she made an appealing and convincing heroine, as she too grew from uncertainty about her role at the royal court into determination to help Charlotta try to overcome the forces ranged against her, as well as find her own way home to France.

Among the other characters, Charlotta’s rogue of a brother, Jacco, and her second husband, the useless Louis, were both suitably loathsome, whilst the fictional falconer, Gabriel, was intriguing. All good foils to the women.

The story itself - a medieval romantic adventure - was very well told, moving along with pace and excitement, but with well-written descriptive passages and authentic historical detail that brought the world of the medieval Cypriot court to vivid life.

This is the third in the series of Sea and Stone Chronicles. Although the books are linked by some of the characters, it is not necessary (nor, I think, intended) to read them as a sequence. Anyway, The Queen’s Scribe worked very well as a standalone. Having said that, I enjoyed the book so much that I shall certainly be reading more of Amy Maroney’s work. Recommended.

[Vivienne Brereton · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting return to a beloved series.
The Queen’s Scribe is the third in the ‘Chronicles of Sea and Stone’ and lives up to the first two in every way. As with the others, it can be a stand alone book but it is also comforting to be reunited with many favourite characters from the past.
Here the action switches between fifteenth century Rhodes and Cyprus and once again Ms Maroney’s vivid depictions are masterful. The scenery might be visually stunning but inevitably, shadows lurk just beneath the surface, threatening to engulf the major characters at any moment.
Once again, a memorable heroine captures our attention from her first appearance. Estelle de Montavon is an engaging young Frenchwoman with an extraordinary talent for languages and mastery of the quill, unusual in a female. What sounds like a dream assignment as French tutor to a princess in Cyprus quickly turns into a nightmare. Estelle finds herself sinking in the quicksand of court life, not knowing whom she can trust and who will betray her. Caught between a hostile young princess and her scheming bastard half-brother, it quickly becomes obvious that Estelle is in great danger. Step up a mysterious falconer called Gabriel. But can she trust him and will he be able to save her from the dark forces swirling around her?
Ms Maroney again skilfully highlights the very real dilemma of a young girl’s future being carelessly tossed around as if she has no voice and no rights. Which in the fifteenth century and far beyond was unfortunately true. It was normal to have a marriage arranged imposed on you but what is so striking here is that Estelle has the courage to stand up to some very powerful men. The odds are stacked against her and there seems to be no way out.
As ever, Ms Maroney’s way with words is stunning. I picked out just two examples out of an entire plethora of brilliant expressions: “The word scampered around her brain like a mouse trying to escape a trap.” “There are so many churches the sound of all their bells tolling is like thunder.”
The Queen’s Scribe is very fast-paced, beautifully written and a joy to read. Very highly recommended.

[Cryssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in 15th century Cyprus, the Queen’s Scribe has it all - history, adventure, political intrigue, and best of all, romance!

Estelle is a falconer’s daughter who believes she has been sent to Cyprus to be tutor to the king’s daughter and heir, Princess Charlotta, but actually carries her family’s hope that she’ll make a wealthy match as ward of the king. The Cypriot court is a contradictory mixture of Greek and French influence but wholly a nest of vipers with courtiers vying for any scrap of influence they can seize. Unprepared and previously sheltered, Estelle has to manoeuvre between warring factions when the king dies and the king’s illegitimate son attempts to seize the throne from his daughter, the new Queen.

The king’s falconer, Gabriel, has tried to put the stain of his birth and his difficult past behind him. He and Estelle are drawn to each other, but the power struggles in the Cypriot court, making who to trust unclear, threatens their growing relationship.

I loved it all! The unique setting is vivid and comes to life as only Amy Maroney can do. I enjoyed learning about Cyprus during the Renaissance and how the island was under threat of attack, both from without and from within. The nest of vipers that Estelle finds herself in were expertly drawn. Estelle, a woman with no family at court and with no influence, has to survive the political bog using her own wits and initiative. Gabe is an equally strong character and the scenes where they are together soar, satisfying the romantic in me. I was kept guessing until the satisfying end.

Beautifully written, wonderfully told. Highly recommended!

[Elizabeth John · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant tale of intrigue, ambition, and survival in a glittering medieval court. Estelle is a valiant hero of the ages, resourceful, intrepid, and a brave survivor. Her story is fascinating, and Ms. Maroney’s wealth of authentic historical detail combined with rich and beautiful writing is captivating. The Queen’s Scribe is a compelling medieval romance adventure, woven into an extraordinary time in Mediterranean history. Ms. Maroney’s beautifully drawn characters and exceptional world-building illuminate a forgotten era with vivid detail.

From the widowed teenage Queen Charlotta to her charismatic, lethal half-brother who leads a rebellion to claim the throne for himself, Estelle has to constantly choose between two masters—and both can decide her destiny in a sword flash. Aided—or thwarted—by an enigmatic falconer, Estelle fights to return home safely, while the looming threat of war tests her newfound loyalty to the queen and the country she rules. With twists and turns, betrayals and friendships, passion and rejection, The Queen’s Scribe ingeniously illustrates the dangers and rewards of ambition, love and living your truth. I couldn’t leave Estelle’s side, I was so captivated by her journey. Highly Recommend.

[Judi Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Queen’s Scribe, the 3rd book in the Sea and Stone Chronicles, is the story of Estelle de Montavon, the 15th-century French daughter of the master falconer to Lord de Milly of Rhodes, head of the Knights Hospitaller. She travels to Cyprus as a French tutor to Princess Charlotta, heir to the throne, whose husband has just been murdered. When the Greek-speaking princess shuns her, she is thrust into the multi-national Greek, French, and Cypriot court, where violence, intrigue, betrayal, and poisoning occur daily. Her only friend is a Cypriot under-falconer named Gabriel. When Charlottta ascends to the throne and marries weak and ineffectual Louis of Savoy, Estelle is needed as a scribe and translator between Charlotta and Louis. When Charlotta’s half-brother Jacco starts a rebellion to seize the throne, war, fighting, imprisonment, and exile ensue. Estelle tests the bounds of friendship, loyalty, and danger to those she loves.
The book is fast-moving, full of action, and has well-developed characters. As with all Ms. Maroney’s books, the historical detail is meticulously researched and most of the characters are actual historical figures. The book is another tale of a strong medieval woman that Amy Maroney tells so well. It should not be missed.

[Lefki · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 'just' three star for me... The Queen's Scribe-Amy Maroney.

Historically correct writing about a very difficult period in Cyprus 1460-to more or less 63...there is not that much information about the Lusignan reign at this specific time.

I'm glad I read the author's note first although part of the bibliography was by Laurence Durrell..Bitter Lemons..which is another time period altogether.

Unfortunately the book wasn't very well constructed...it could have been... there were plenty of moments that could have gripped me...actually the whole book left me cold.

After all the hype on Outlander I read it and DNF at 50%...The Queen's Scribe in structure reminded me of that book...a couple of hundred pages more and I would have dropped it...romantic.blurb...now I love you now I don't...and they lived happily.....!!.

When I get to a point in a book where I find myself saying "how stupid" I realise I'm not reading the right book for me.

I finished it as I was interested in the historical information..but I won't be reading the other two books in the sequel even though they are all stand- alone.

My reading genre is HF...but this book didn't leave a mark..historically or storywise
#review

[Lynn Dixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Queen’s Scribe by Amy Maroney is a historical fiction work in which Estelle de Montavon, a 17-year old Frenchwoman,is sent from Rhodes to Cyprus to work in the courts of the king. She was employed to teach French to his Greek princess-daughter before she married a Frenchman.

Estelle’s plight is the central focus and it takes time for the princess to accept her expertise. After the king dies and the princess becomes Queen Charlotta at the age of 16, Estelle begins to teach her French and also becomes her official scribe during this 15th century era. She translates correspondence from Greek to French and from French to Greek for the Queen using quills and inkpots.

But a battle ensues when Charlotta’s brother, Jacco, the illegitimate son of the King, fights her for the throne. There are many deaths, changing of loyalties and fear prevails as the wars heighten. Estelle’s life is in peril but she finds a friend and ally at the bottom of the well in a young falconer called Gabriel. This novel reads quite like a Shakespearean play and it is clear that Author Maroney has done in depth research as she takes the reader on a deep adventurous dive!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm hoping to get a longer review up soon, but for now I just want to applaud Amy Maroney for her amazing skill with this book. Wow! There is just so much in this book, and she unpacked it amazingly. On the one hand, there is the tangled history of the region, all new to me, and she tells it with an expert skill that demonstrates excellent research. This is the part of her writing I have always commented on in my reviews - she introduces me to elements of history I've never learned before. Secondly, she weaves fiction into the history to fill out the gaps, making everything plausible, enjoyable, and delightful. And finally, as a fan of Maroney's books since the first one, I applaud her journey as a writer. Make no mistake, her first books were high quality and professional, and I don't mean to take anything away from them, but this book has a seasoning that developed authors display as their craft deepens and grows. I highly recommend and look forward to many more books by Amy.

**I received this book as an advanced reader copy.

[Pat Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of Amy, books and continue to look forward to her next release. With characters strong enough to keep interest until the end of the book along with her amazing talent of making you feel that you are participating in the story as to just reading a story makes her a brilliant writer. Her books will always be in high demand because of her great storylines and vivid descriptions of the people and places in her books. I look forward to her books because I know they will be entertaining reading from the first page until the last. She also picks subjects that are not run of the mill and introduces the reader to new places in Historical History. If you are a Historical History reader and want to experience the feeling of being there, you need to read Amy Maroney. You will miss out on a fabulous journey if you fail to read her books. The Queen’s Scribe continues to take you on an unforgettable journey that started with her first book.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. The thoughts about the book in my review are entirely my own.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of the Miramonde series and now have read all of Sea and Stone Chronicles and Amy Maroney does not disappoint! Her books are highly recommend. There is excellent character development and scenic descriptions. You sometimes actually feel you are walking along side the characters. All of her books are excellent but I especially enjoyed The Queen's Scribe. I was hooked from the first page. The Queen's Scribe dealt with a character and place that I had never read about before. I could not put the book down. Anyone who enjoys historical fiction should definitely read her books.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. The thoughts about the book in my review are entirely my own.

[Sue Shipley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was intiigued by the write ups and publicity about this book. Many parts I liked, the history, detailed clothing, castles and landscapes. The Court intrigue made me glad I didn't live in that period. I was interested in the falconry, the the diet, training and health issues.

Estelle is sent to Cyprus to be a tutor to the Princess. Estelle is fluent in many languages and attempts to teach the Princess proper French for her marriage to a French prince. Along the was she meets a handsome Falcomer, Gabriel. Then it's she loves him, she loves him not.

I felt that the story gets bogged down in many parts. Should she go, should she stay, who can she trust?

It's evident that Maroney did her research to make the story as accurate as possible.

[Candy Mayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Amy Maroney’s latest book and it doesn’t disappoint. If you love historical fiction with adventure, art, and a little romance, you will love her books. I love that Estelle is a strong female character in a time where women weren’t really allowed to control their destiny. The settings in Cyprus and Rhodes were unfamiliar to me, but Amy makes them come alive. Her books are very well researched and if you want to know more about that, subscribe to her newsletter at amymaroney.com. The emails are full of historical details and beautiful illustrations. I received a free copy of the Queen’s Scribe.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of us have an idea about what was happening in 1455 in France (King Charles VII), in England (beginning of the War of the Roses), but what about Cyprus? Well, a lot of action was going on there as well fighting for a throne, as in so many places!
I loved it! Not only was it very informative but also fascinating! To whom the Cypriots answered to? What countries were actually involved? And what a family!!! Through the life of a young woman who was to become the Queen's Scribe, the author masterfully retold a compelling history of Cyprus in 1455 onwards. Highly recommended!

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Queen's Scribe is one of those books that will not let you put it down. I loved the sense of adventure and romance. The historical backdrop is fascinating and Amy writes in such a way that you learn all sorts of interesting things without losing the tension of the story. Great read!

I received a complementary book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that THE QUEEN'S SCRIBE (Sea and Stone Chronicles #3) by Amy Maroney has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.

[Lana Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great ending to this trilogy. I enjoy book series as I become very invested in the family and love seeing how things turn out.

[Jennifer Cario · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slower than the first two, and a bit more frustrating in places, but still a solid read.

[Saundra Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning historical saga!

Stunning historical saga! If you love history, adventure, strong women or romance, you must read Amy Maroney. She gives you the ultimate reading experience that lingers even years later. As with all her other works, Queen of Scribes is one to savor, cherish and re-read often.

[Patricia Furstenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Queen's Scribe has the ability to transport readers into a vibrant exploration of history, characters, and locations. Amy Maroney's intricate world is meticulously woven as the story unfolds.
We're in Cyprus, an island of opulence and political intrigue. The story revolves around Estelle, a young Frenchwoman who travels to Cyprus to educate Princess Charlotta, who is already a widow at the age of fifteen.
Amy Maroney creates an exceptional female protagonist in Estelle amidst a rich tapestry of characters and intrigue. Estelle's perseverance, intellect, and bravery shine through, allowing her to navigate her new environment with confidence.
The Queen's Scribe is a literary journey that transcends time, giving readers a front-row seat to a vivid historical era and characters that come to life.