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Obsidian Queen #5
Queen of Aparia
Life is looking pretty good for Madeline Bennet. She can finally see the magic to unlock the thresholds to Aparia, and her love life is more stable than it’s ever been.
Sure, she and her favorite Griffon don’t get a lot of quality time together. Also true, several shadow dragons are determined to destroy the human world. On top of that, there’s a tiny glitch in the link that even Teagan didn’t expect when he worked his Vulture magic on her and Rafe.
But all that becomes inconsequential when someone steps forward with the power to not only challenge Madeline’s birthright, but threaten the safety of people on both sides of the thresholds.
The time has come for Madeline to choose a path. Will the Obsidian Queen claim her crown, opening the thresholds once and for all? Or will she quietly send the shadow creatures back to Aparia and live the Royal Guild-approved life she’s always dreamed of?
Madeline is up against her greatest challenge, and only one thing is certain: she’ll meet it head-on, in high heels and a skirt, with her knights and hairless cat by her side.
Sure, she and her favorite Griffon don’t get a lot of quality time together. Also true, several shadow dragons are determined to destroy the human world. On top of that, there’s a tiny glitch in the link that even Teagan didn’t expect when he worked his Vulture magic on her and Rafe.
But all that becomes inconsequential when someone steps forward with the power to not only challenge Madeline’s birthright, but threaten the safety of people on both sides of the thresholds.
The time has come for Madeline to choose a path. Will the Obsidian Queen claim her crown, opening the thresholds once and for all? Or will she quietly send the shadow creatures back to Aparia and live the Royal Guild-approved life she’s always dreamed of?
Madeline is up against her greatest challenge, and only one thing is certain: she’ll meet it head-on, in high heels and a skirt, with her knights and hairless cat by her side.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2023
135 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Shari L. Tapscott
69 books920 followersShari L. Tapscott writes young adult fantasy and humorous contemporary fiction. When she's not writing or reading, she enjoys gardening, making soap, and pretending she can sing.
She loves white chocolate mochas, furry animals, spending time with her family, and characters who refuse to behave.
Tapscott lives in western Colorado with her husband, son, daughter, and two very spoiled Saint Bernards.
Join Shari's newsletter, and be one of the first to learn about new projects, upcoming releases, sales, and specials.
She loves white chocolate mochas, furry animals, spending time with her family, and characters who refuse to behave.
Tapscott lives in western Colorado with her husband, son, daughter, and two very spoiled Saint Bernards.
Join Shari's newsletter, and be one of the first to learn about new projects, upcoming releases, sales, and specials.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
February 20, 2026
This book was an ultimate cherry on top to finish off this series. And (surprisingly I have no unanswered questions left.)
Either way I'm left happy, if not slight upset that it's over.
All in all 5/5 book, and definite 5/5 series that I wish I could read over for the first time again. <3 <3 <3
Either way I'm left happy, if not slight upset that it's over.
All in all 5/5 book, and definite 5/5 series that I wish I could read over for the first time again. <3 <3 <3
April 2, 2023
I just binged this whole series, including the novella. I am a big fan if this authors series: Forest of Firelight and Crown and Crest. While I did like those series more, this was still an enjoyable read. I ended up giving most of the book 4 stars. This just didn’t grab me as much and it took me longer to read.
I would definitely read some stand alones in this same world of some of our favorite characters: mainly Rafe. I really hope we get Louisa and Rafe’s story.
Content: Clean (kissing only). No swearing. Mild violence.
I would definitely read some stand alones in this same world of some of our favorite characters: mainly Rafe. I really hope we get Louisa and Rafe’s story.
Content: Clean (kissing only). No swearing. Mild violence.
March 18, 2023
This book just didn’t have anything special going for it. No banter, no chemistry, no intrigue, no twists. We just have a plot that is basically dedicated to wrapping everything up nicely. It’s like a really, really long epilogue.
Although everything was all wrapped up nicely by the end, I had some issues with this book that detracted from my enjoyment:
- The romance was finished before this book began, which made this last book less than exciting. I was positive that we would get some chemistry with Rafe’s romance to make up for that, but that didn’t pan out at all.
- I didn’t understand the premise of this book, which was that Madeline needed to become the Queen. Why? In the middle of the book I was seriously asking why she needs to take over the Royal Guild, the Entitled, and the Aparian monarchy. The reasoning just wasn’t there. When all was said and done, it was easy and everything fell into place, so it ended up just being the sensible thing to do. But before it became just common sense, I was baffled as to WHY.
- Everything was kinda easy at the end.
- I hated that Jonathan and Madeline could read each other’s thoughts whenever they were touching. That would drive me CRAZY. And it DID drive Jonathan crazy all his life before he met Madeline; that’s why he avoided relationships. I wasn’t convinced that that hurdle was entirely overcome just because they loved each other. What about when she randomly thinks about Rafe or thinks any number of random thoughts that she has no control over? That’s just not cool to have no privacy in your own mind, esp when many thoughts aren’t even conscious or under your control when they pop in your head. I thought Jonathan and Madeline started dating because she had that special ability to keep him from reading her thoughts. Why was that ability forgotten/not ever used??
- There were a few times this book and last book when Jonathan and Madeline are touching and she thinks something and he says, “What is it?” Um, he can read her mind, remember? That ability wasn’t always consistent in how it worked. Sometimes he only “heard” what she wanted him to hear, other times he seems to “hear” more than what she intended, and a couple times he couldn’t hear her and would ask her what she was thinking.
- When Madeline and Maisy reconciled, I was glad of course, but Madeline acted like she had been just as deceitful as Maisy and I didn’t agree with that at all. The reader finds out that Madeline felt that hiding her magic from her best friend (which magic was a huge liability to her own safety and was a secret to all but her trained knights) was a “betrayal” equal to her best friend sleeping with her boyfriend. Say what?! Are you kidding me?! No, those are not equal. No, no, no.
I don’t know. This finale was just okay. Marriage, coronation, reconciliation, goodbyes expressed, and future plans mapped out. Viola! The end.
Content-
Language- no swearing
Sex- only some kissing. Their marriage night had the curtain pulled very quickly. They save sexual intimacy for marriage, which was awesome. But before the wedding at the end, they acted like they couldn’t find a half hour to kiss in private, which I thought was kinda silly.
Cover- I love it! Fantastic art!
I read this on KU
How I rated the series:
- Guild of Secrets- 5 stars!!
- Princess of Shadows- 5++ stars!! (my fave)
- Knights of Obsidian- 4.5 stars
- Traitor of the Entitled (novella about Eric and Chloe)- 1 star (DNF @60%)
- Creatures of Midnight- 4.5 stars
- Queen of Aparia- 2 stars
Although everything was all wrapped up nicely by the end, I had some issues with this book that detracted from my enjoyment:
- The romance was finished before this book began, which made this last book less than exciting. I was positive that we would get some chemistry with Rafe’s romance to make up for that, but that didn’t pan out at all.
- I didn’t understand the premise of this book, which was that Madeline needed to become the Queen. Why? In the middle of the book I was seriously asking why she needs to take over the Royal Guild, the Entitled, and the Aparian monarchy. The reasoning just wasn’t there. When all was said and done, it was easy and everything fell into place, so it ended up just being the sensible thing to do. But before it became just common sense, I was baffled as to WHY.
- Everything was kinda easy at the end.
- I hated that Jonathan and Madeline could read each other’s thoughts whenever they were touching. That would drive me CRAZY. And it DID drive Jonathan crazy all his life before he met Madeline; that’s why he avoided relationships. I wasn’t convinced that that hurdle was entirely overcome just because they loved each other. What about when she randomly thinks about Rafe or thinks any number of random thoughts that she has no control over? That’s just not cool to have no privacy in your own mind, esp when many thoughts aren’t even conscious or under your control when they pop in your head. I thought Jonathan and Madeline started dating because she had that special ability to keep him from reading her thoughts. Why was that ability forgotten/not ever used??
- There were a few times this book and last book when Jonathan and Madeline are touching and she thinks something and he says, “What is it?” Um, he can read her mind, remember? That ability wasn’t always consistent in how it worked. Sometimes he only “heard” what she wanted him to hear, other times he seems to “hear” more than what she intended, and a couple times he couldn’t hear her and would ask her what she was thinking.
- When Madeline and Maisy reconciled, I was glad of course, but Madeline acted like she had been just as deceitful as Maisy and I didn’t agree with that at all. The reader finds out that Madeline felt that hiding her magic from her best friend (which magic was a huge liability to her own safety and was a secret to all but her trained knights) was a “betrayal” equal to her best friend sleeping with her boyfriend. Say what?! Are you kidding me?! No, those are not equal. No, no, no.
I don’t know. This finale was just okay. Marriage, coronation, reconciliation, goodbyes expressed, and future plans mapped out. Viola! The end.
Content-
Language- no swearing
Sex- only some kissing. Their marriage night had the curtain pulled very quickly. They save sexual intimacy for marriage, which was awesome. But before the wedding at the end, they acted like they couldn’t find a half hour to kiss in private, which I thought was kinda silly.
Cover- I love it! Fantastic art!
I read this on KU
How I rated the series:
- Guild of Secrets- 5 stars!!
- Princess of Shadows- 5++ stars!! (my fave)
- Knights of Obsidian- 4.5 stars
- Traitor of the Entitled (novella about Eric and Chloe)- 1 star (DNF @60%)
- Creatures of Midnight- 4.5 stars
- Queen of Aparia- 2 stars
July 11, 2024
Reader’s Notes:
– this is book 5 of 5 (6 including the novella)
– this is told from Madeline’s point of view, except for the prologue
– there are some steamy kisses (some included her hands in his shirt area – under his shirt if it was on)
– there are some suggestive remarks
– there is some fantasy violence
– there is a fade to black scene between a married couple (prior to it, the guy is shirtless, the girl is in her underwear, & it is mentioned that they go to bed right as the chapter ends)
Review:
This was such a great ending to Madeline’s struggle with who she was born to be! I loved finally getting to see Aparia with her and the similarities/differences between the two. I loved the introduction of new characters and what it did to Madeline’s decision-making process. The characters also added a new dynamic to the group & made things interesting there! I’m even more excited to find out what Rafe’s story will be like when we get it and who we will still see at that point!
Summary:
Madeline has reached the point where she has to make a decision. Will she claim her birthright to become the Obsidian Queen of Aparia or will she choose to pretend to be a normal Aparian on earth? Unfortunately the decision is made harder when new things are added into play that could change everything…
– this is book 5 of 5 (6 including the novella)
– this is told from Madeline’s point of view, except for the prologue
– there are some steamy kisses (some included her hands in his shirt area – under his shirt if it was on)
– there are some suggestive remarks
– there is some fantasy violence
– there is a fade to black scene between a married couple (prior to it, the guy is shirtless, the girl is in her underwear, & it is mentioned that they go to bed right as the chapter ends)
Review:
This was such a great ending to Madeline’s struggle with who she was born to be! I loved finally getting to see Aparia with her and the similarities/differences between the two. I loved the introduction of new characters and what it did to Madeline’s decision-making process. The characters also added a new dynamic to the group & made things interesting there! I’m even more excited to find out what Rafe’s story will be like when we get it and who we will still see at that point!
Summary:
Madeline has reached the point where she has to make a decision. Will she claim her birthright to become the Obsidian Queen of Aparia or will she choose to pretend to be a normal Aparian on earth? Unfortunately the decision is made harder when new things are added into play that could change everything…
March 23, 2023
A satisfying conclusion to a fantastic series!
This series has had me tied up in knots for far too long, lol. I first read books 1-4 about a year ago when they were published under a pen name, and have been anxiously awaiting this fifth book ever since- it did not disappoint. I just adore this world and these characters!! The author has done a fantastic job of building up the suspense, mystery, politics, romance, angst, intrigue, etc and I loved it. The romance was so toe-curling but still clean, and I loved Jonathan and Madeline. Speaking of Madeline, she is still the same spunky, powerful, kind and classy girl, and I just love reading her thoughts (she literally had my laughing out loud at times). Definitely a great series I can see myself rereading in the future!!
This series has had me tied up in knots for far too long, lol. I first read books 1-4 about a year ago when they were published under a pen name, and have been anxiously awaiting this fifth book ever since- it did not disappoint. I just adore this world and these characters!! The author has done a fantastic job of building up the suspense, mystery, politics, romance, angst, intrigue, etc and I loved it. The romance was so toe-curling but still clean, and I loved Jonathan and Madeline. Speaking of Madeline, she is still the same spunky, powerful, kind and classy girl, and I just love reading her thoughts (she literally had my laughing out loud at times). Definitely a great series I can see myself rereading in the future!!
March 14, 2023
(4.5 stars) - A satisfying ending with the promise of new beginnings!
I wasn't sure how Madeline's story could be finished with just one additional volume, but I really like the way Shari handled it where we get the resolution of Madeline's personal life arcs as well as the immediate conflicts facing her, with the door left open for future books about the other characters we have come to know & love! So we get the satisfaction of a very happy ending plus the many possibilities for more stories from this wonderful book world - I loved it! 😊
I wasn't sure how Madeline's story could be finished with just one additional volume, but I really like the way Shari handled it where we get the resolution of Madeline's personal life arcs as well as the immediate conflicts facing her, with the door left open for future books about the other characters we have come to know & love! So we get the satisfaction of a very happy ending plus the many possibilities for more stories from this wonderful book world - I loved it! 😊
Read
July 21, 2023What an absolute delight to read a heroine who gets to be unabashedly feminine AND powerful. I haven't inhaled a series so fast in ages.
February 4, 2025
This series was so good
March 14, 2023
Good ending to a good series! This book wrapped things up well and I felt like even if someone didn’t get their happy ever after, the author set them up to hopefully have one. I would love to see a book with Rafe and Louisa!! Am I alone in this??
This author is truly my favorite. ❤️👏🏻
This author is truly my favorite. ❤️👏🏻
June 14, 2023
I've never skim read a book so fast in my life. I just wanted it to be over. It was so eh for me. This series started out pretty good and then I just slowly with each book gave up on it. Not a cup of tea I'll be drinking
August 10, 2025
I am addicted to this series. It is SO. MUCH. FUN!
April 1, 2024
April 2024 Review:
I'm still not overly fond of who Madeline ended up with, but I knew it was coming this time.
Quotes:
Fun fact: becoming a reigning monarch doesn't happen overnight. If you're serious about world domination, you must prioritize your time, set a realistic plan, and create attainable goals.
"I believe I should become familiar with the land."
Horace stops chewing and lifts his eyes, his blond and gray mustache twitching.
"Since it's the realm my family came from," I reassure him innocently, delicately tasting the melon.
He relaxes. "Of course."
"And ruled."
He chokes a little, and I hold back a smile.
"I just want you to know that I'm loyal to you." Jonathan snorts, barely managing to hold back a laugh.
Finn declaring his loyalty is one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard. "I'll be making changes," I tell him. "I have yet to decide whether you will be one of them."
But he won't. I know he won't. I can't do that to Maisy. And besides...I own him. And even better, Finn knows I own him.
^^^Spoken like a true politician.
July 2023 Review:
This was still a good end to the series, but I am not fond of who Madeline ended up with. It just seems like they share so many personality traits. I can't see them as anything more than good friends.
Also, there were quite a few loose ends that I wanted tied up better. Everything else just fell into place super quickly with no issues whatsoever.
I'm still not overly fond of who Madeline ended up with, but I knew it was coming this time.
Quotes:
Fun fact: becoming a reigning monarch doesn't happen overnight. If you're serious about world domination, you must prioritize your time, set a realistic plan, and create attainable goals.
"I believe I should become familiar with the land."
Horace stops chewing and lifts his eyes, his blond and gray mustache twitching.
"Since it's the realm my family came from," I reassure him innocently, delicately tasting the melon.
He relaxes. "Of course."
"And ruled."
He chokes a little, and I hold back a smile.
"I just want you to know that I'm loyal to you." Jonathan snorts, barely managing to hold back a laugh.
Finn declaring his loyalty is one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard. "I'll be making changes," I tell him. "I have yet to decide whether you will be one of them."
But he won't. I know he won't. I can't do that to Maisy. And besides...I own him. And even better, Finn knows I own him.
^^^Spoken like a true politician.
July 2023 Review:
This was still a good end to the series, but I am not fond of who Madeline ended up with. It just seems like they share so many personality traits. I can't see them as anything more than good friends.
Also, there were quite a few loose ends that I wanted tied up better. Everything else just fell into place super quickly with no issues whatsoever.
March 17, 2023
Absolutely stunning series finale
This book was everything. EVERYTHING I HOPED FOR AND MORE. There were several twists that utterly delighted me, and I just....I loved it. It was the perfect conclusion for these characters I've come to love so much. I desperately hope we get a spinoff series down the road!
I don't really feel like I can say much more. Because, y'know, spoilers. Just know it was amazing. This series is officially a UF favorite for me. Would reread, HAPPILY.
This book was everything. EVERYTHING I HOPED FOR AND MORE. There were several twists that utterly delighted me, and I just....I loved it. It was the perfect conclusion for these characters I've come to love so much. I desperately hope we get a spinoff series down the road!
I don't really feel like I can say much more. Because, y'know, spoilers. Just know it was amazing. This series is officially a UF favorite for me. Would reread, HAPPILY.
March 15, 2023
This series finale was abysmal. If like me, you didn't like the way this one ended, please try her other series. They are much better. She's a great author. Not sure what happened with this series. It's an outlier for sure. The downfall of this series began in book 4 and just kept diving deeper and deeper.
The first three books were pretty amazing. The author put the pedal to the metal and got us hooked on finding out what happens next. Then it's like she kept following rabbit trails. Which is all fine and good if you don't forget your end goal, which was set up in the first two pages of the first book. There's a girl, who is meant to be a queen who has a boy intended to be her particular knight. Sounds like a pretty cool set up to me.
So, she writes this weird yarn ball of love interests. Almost like a love quadrilateral, except our heroine only ever has feelings for the various love interests one to two at a time. But once the mixed up jumble of love interests pattern was set, it was fun to see if you could follow the yarn to the main hero. And for whatever reason, it seemed like she had settled on one (Jonathan), only to then let that die a natural death and move onto the next string that led to Rafe. Then she revives the thread to Jonathan, while solidly feeding the thread that links to Rafe. It was a legit love triangle. But she never let the thread to Rafe really die. It was still there in the form of a link with him in the last book. The guy destined to be her Obsidian Knight doesn't get to be her destined Obsidian Knight, and in a small way remains linked to her. So, so, so frustrating. A tragedy or perhaps even a 'love story' painted to look like a romance is still a tragedy. Definitely not a true happily ever after.
There were about a dozen things this author could have done to rescue this series and still have it end the way it did...but she chose none of them. She wrote it this way. It's basically a rejected fated mates trope...that doesn't resolve the rejected fated mate. They're still rejected and the heroine goes for someone else - for no good reason. And to further that point we discover that the planned separation wasn't really required after all. I don't think this is the trope she was going for, but it's the one she wrote.
By a few chapters in to this book, I was pretty confused by the consistent interruptions with Jonathan and the revival of the link with Rafe. Book five is too late to revive that relationship so I fully supported a Rogue One ending. I would have even accepted Teagan or Eric. But to continue with Jonathan while there was a link with Rafe was already established as unacceptable. This needed to end with either a reverse harem (which this author doesn't write) or a tragic and very heroic death (also not something this author is known for writing). So, instead she tries to paint over the tragedy with a 'happy ending'.
It's totally ok that she's still linked with her very own Obsidian Knight,
and please ignore that they're a matched set with magic that calls to each other. Don't recall that he's been a pretty fantastic hero that has saved her twice all by himself or that he has a sweet nickname that he calls her. Completely forget that they had weird mental/visual conversations similar to Rey and Kylo Ren in The Last Jedi.
To be honest, I almost didn't buy this last book because I already knew where it was going. I read about half way, gave up, read the last chapter, and then walked away livid. Not sure if I should mark this as DNF or if 60% is close enough to count as having read it. Then to add gasoline to the flames...other readers are giving it great reviews. Did I miss something? Perhaps it's not a rejected fated mates trope with a clear rejected fated mate? NO. I'm pretty confident it's that.
Also, I want to repeat, that if this is your first series by this author and you agree wholeheartedly with my assessment, please go try her other series. They are far and away much better. She is actually one of my favorite authors. This series was a miss for me, but I've by no means given up on this author.
The first three books were pretty amazing. The author put the pedal to the metal and got us hooked on finding out what happens next. Then it's like she kept following rabbit trails. Which is all fine and good if you don't forget your end goal, which was set up in the first two pages of the first book. There's a girl, who is meant to be a queen who has a boy intended to be her particular knight. Sounds like a pretty cool set up to me.
So, she writes this weird yarn ball of love interests. Almost like a love quadrilateral, except our heroine only ever has feelings for the various love interests one to two at a time. But once the mixed up jumble of love interests pattern was set, it was fun to see if you could follow the yarn to the main hero. And for whatever reason, it seemed like she had settled on one (Jonathan), only to then let that die a natural death and move onto the next string that led to Rafe. Then she revives the thread to Jonathan, while solidly feeding the thread that links to Rafe. It was a legit love triangle. But she never let the thread to Rafe really die. It was still there in the form of a link with him in the last book. The guy destined to be her Obsidian Knight doesn't get to be her destined Obsidian Knight, and in a small way remains linked to her. So, so, so frustrating. A tragedy or perhaps even a 'love story' painted to look like a romance is still a tragedy. Definitely not a true happily ever after.
There were about a dozen things this author could have done to rescue this series and still have it end the way it did...but she chose none of them. She wrote it this way. It's basically a rejected fated mates trope...that doesn't resolve the rejected fated mate. They're still rejected and the heroine goes for someone else - for no good reason. And to further that point we discover that the planned separation wasn't really required after all. I don't think this is the trope she was going for, but it's the one she wrote.
By a few chapters in to this book, I was pretty confused by the consistent interruptions with Jonathan and the revival of the link with Rafe. Book five is too late to revive that relationship so I fully supported a Rogue One ending. I would have even accepted Teagan or Eric. But to continue with Jonathan while there was a link with Rafe was already established as unacceptable. This needed to end with either a reverse harem (which this author doesn't write) or a tragic and very heroic death (also not something this author is known for writing). So, instead she tries to paint over the tragedy with a 'happy ending'.
It's totally ok that she's still linked with her very own Obsidian Knight,
and please ignore that they're a matched set with magic that calls to each other. Don't recall that he's been a pretty fantastic hero that has saved her twice all by himself or that he has a sweet nickname that he calls her. Completely forget that they had weird mental/visual conversations similar to Rey and Kylo Ren in The Last Jedi.
To be honest, I almost didn't buy this last book because I already knew where it was going. I read about half way, gave up, read the last chapter, and then walked away livid. Not sure if I should mark this as DNF or if 60% is close enough to count as having read it. Then to add gasoline to the flames...other readers are giving it great reviews. Did I miss something? Perhaps it's not a rejected fated mates trope with a clear rejected fated mate? NO. I'm pretty confident it's that.
Also, I want to repeat, that if this is your first series by this author and you agree wholeheartedly with my assessment, please go try her other series. They are far and away much better. She is actually one of my favorite authors. This series was a miss for me, but I've by no means given up on this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2023
Great conclusion to the series!
I really enjoyed this book. It gives all the closure I was hoping to get! We finally get to see the state of Aparia and get even more details about the thresholds between Aparia and the human realm. There are some fun surprises revealed, which is always fun. I feel like this book is a bit less angsty than the previous ones, which I was glad for, since Madeline's love life has settled since the end of the last book--and stays that way, thank heavens. And she also gains more confidence and clarity in her magic and how she wants to accomplish her goals. I loved Jonathon in this book (I mean, he's always great, but I'm especially glad with how much he's in this one and in such a positive and supportive way). Some other characters that were more prominent in the previous book sort of faded to the background in this book (I.e. Nicole and Parker), but I think it was necessary. I do hope maybe we can get more books with a different heroine down the road!
I recommend this book if you are interested in closed-door romantic urban fantasy with sprinkles of humor.
I really enjoyed this book. It gives all the closure I was hoping to get! We finally get to see the state of Aparia and get even more details about the thresholds between Aparia and the human realm. There are some fun surprises revealed, which is always fun. I feel like this book is a bit less angsty than the previous ones, which I was glad for, since Madeline's love life has settled since the end of the last book--and stays that way, thank heavens. And she also gains more confidence and clarity in her magic and how she wants to accomplish her goals. I loved Jonathon in this book (I mean, he's always great, but I'm especially glad with how much he's in this one and in such a positive and supportive way). Some other characters that were more prominent in the previous book sort of faded to the background in this book (I.e. Nicole and Parker), but I think it was necessary. I do hope maybe we can get more books with a different heroine down the road!
I recommend this book if you are interested in closed-door romantic urban fantasy with sprinkles of humor.
May 6, 2025
I enjoyed this book most out of the five books in this series, and no, not because it was the last.
I was so happy that Madeline finally settled on a guy that I swear I actually clapped. Not dragging out the whole bug thing between Jonathan and Rafe anymore really helped me enjoy this book.
I also appreciate that this one finally dove deeper into the politics (kinda) and the plot that I've been hoping for throughout the series. We got to see more of what was actually going on in Aparia and learn of the gates.
I also really liked the bit at the beginning of the last couple of books, giving insight into why the Obsidian is so feared.
It was a good conclusion to the series, and tied everything up in a nice little bow.
I have to say, I haven't liked Madeline throughout this series. She felt really superficial to me, and she relied way too much on other people to save her. The fact that she had a whole conversation with Louisa about taking over the throne, and basically accepted it because she'd be able to plan parties and pick out dresses and tableware and… whatever else basically proved to me that my feelings were not unwarranted.
I was so happy that Madeline finally settled on a guy that I swear I actually clapped. Not dragging out the whole bug thing between Jonathan and Rafe anymore really helped me enjoy this book.
I also appreciate that this one finally dove deeper into the politics (kinda) and the plot that I've been hoping for throughout the series. We got to see more of what was actually going on in Aparia and learn of the gates.
I also really liked the bit at the beginning of the last couple of books, giving insight into why the Obsidian is so feared.
It was a good conclusion to the series, and tied everything up in a nice little bow.
I have to say, I haven't liked Madeline throughout this series. She felt really superficial to me, and she relied way too much on other people to save her. The fact that she had a whole conversation with Louisa about taking over the throne, and basically accepted it because she'd be able to plan parties and pick out dresses and tableware and… whatever else basically proved to me that my feelings were not unwarranted.
June 21, 2023
I LOVE this series!!!! (But there were a couple issues. Scroll down for those). The story was fantastic. The found family was so heart warming. The sense of humor had me laughing out loud. There was adventure, bad guys to take down, new realms to explore, and a unique magic system. And as someone who values waiting until marriage to have sex, I could not believe it when the author had the main characters have the same values. Dreams do come true
Ok but wait- there were a couple issues (that don’t effect the star rating bc I loved this series).
Occasionally in the last couple of books a paragraph would start and I’d literally flip back a page to see if I missed something. It was like chunks had been cut during editing and the surrounding paragraphs weren’t updated.
Also Jonathan shakes the hand of a certain prince and looks at his hand with a strange expression…what did he see??? This seemed like a major teaser into the -is this guy good or bad? What are his true intentions? But it was never brought back up.
Ok but wait- there were a couple issues (that don’t effect the star rating bc I loved this series).
Occasionally in the last couple of books a paragraph would start and I’d literally flip back a page to see if I missed something. It was like chunks had been cut during editing and the surrounding paragraphs weren’t updated.
Also Jonathan shakes the hand of a certain prince and looks at his hand with a strange expression…what did he see??? This seemed like a major teaser into the -is this guy good or bad? What are his true intentions? But it was never brought back up.
January 9, 2024
It's....not my favorite
Initially, when I started reading this series, I was obsessed with it.
But as the story grew, so did Madeline's feelings for everyone. I didn't like how she would go from guy to guy throughout the story. The only reason I kept up with it is because I always hoped it be her and Gray together again in the end (not to say the others dont deserve her). It's just aside from the story, Madeline wavering from man to man and not committing or leading on each guy made me upset. I thought it was very different from Shari's other books.
I started all the books but wasn't able to finish all of them because of Maddie. The story is great, I just don't like our FL and her leading on every guy stuff. Maybe it's just me.
Initially, when I started reading this series, I was obsessed with it.
But as the story grew, so did Madeline's feelings for everyone. I didn't like how she would go from guy to guy throughout the story. The only reason I kept up with it is because I always hoped it be her and Gray together again in the end (not to say the others dont deserve her). It's just aside from the story, Madeline wavering from man to man and not committing or leading on each guy made me upset. I thought it was very different from Shari's other books.
I started all the books but wasn't able to finish all of them because of Maddie. The story is great, I just don't like our FL and her leading on every guy stuff. Maybe it's just me.
June 27, 2024
A nice conclusion to the series. I enjoyed the magic, the worlds, and the friendships. I was dreading a number of predictable outcomes and was happily surprised by what came to pass, although a bit anticlimactic in places.
I didn’t realize what a “chaste” situation these books were til the end, there was shoulder fondling and burning kisses with multiple people but it never goes beyond that. Apparently everyone is waiting for sex until marriage except the occasional “dog” or “worst kind of girl.” I was fine with the simplistic steaminess, but annoyed by the moral judgement of anything between consenting adults.
I didn’t realize what a “chaste” situation these books were til the end, there was shoulder fondling and burning kisses with multiple people but it never goes beyond that. Apparently everyone is waiting for sex until marriage except the occasional “dog” or “worst kind of girl.” I was fine with the simplistic steaminess, but annoyed by the moral judgement of anything between consenting adults.
March 15, 2023
Fun series to read
From the first book I was invested in what would happen to Madeline and her knights. Each of the books were a pretty quick read and each one just as good as the previous one. The first 4 books were filled with angst as the main character tried to find her place in the midst of uncontrollable change. In the final book the main character seemed to come into her own and I found myself cheering her on. There was some romance but nothing too steamy. I would recommend this series.
From the first book I was invested in what would happen to Madeline and her knights. Each of the books were a pretty quick read and each one just as good as the previous one. The first 4 books were filled with angst as the main character tried to find her place in the midst of uncontrollable change. In the final book the main character seemed to come into her own and I found myself cheering her on. There was some romance but nothing too steamy. I would recommend this series.
July 17, 2023
Loved it!
Another wonderful series written by the talented Shari L. Tapscott! It’s got lovable characters, plot twists, well written dialogue, it’s very romantic with out it being smutty, and a different angle when it comes to magic. I loved everything. Shari knows how to write beautiful romance that makes you swoon but never crosses the line to begin explicit. I plan to read all her books and I can’t wait to see (read) what she writes next!
Thank you, Shari for sharing your amazing stories with us!
Another wonderful series written by the talented Shari L. Tapscott! It’s got lovable characters, plot twists, well written dialogue, it’s very romantic with out it being smutty, and a different angle when it comes to magic. I loved everything. Shari knows how to write beautiful romance that makes you swoon but never crosses the line to begin explicit. I plan to read all her books and I can’t wait to see (read) what she writes next!
Thank you, Shari for sharing your amazing stories with us!
April 25, 2025
Yes yes yes yessssss!!!
Oh man this ending was EPIC!!!
I of course could not predict how all the little things would tie together and wrap up this awesome series, but they did and the execution was flawless.
And of course the VERY HARD EARNED HAPPILY EVER AFTER
Sheesh waiting for that was the best slow burn torture ever!
I adored this series, the characters, and how they grew on their journey.
Seriously an epic conclusion.
💋Makeouts and a fade to black scene
⚠️Injuries and fantasy death
Oh man this ending was EPIC!!!
I of course could not predict how all the little things would tie together and wrap up this awesome series, but they did and the execution was flawless.
And of course the VERY HARD EARNED HAPPILY EVER AFTER
Sheesh waiting for that was the best slow burn torture ever!
I adored this series, the characters, and how they grew on their journey.
Seriously an epic conclusion.
💋Makeouts and a fade to black scene
⚠️Injuries and fantasy death
March 15, 2023
worth the wait
I’ve been not-so-patiently waiting for the completion of this series, and now that it’s finally here, I can say it was worth the wait! Such a fun, romantic series with all the swoon you could need. Clean romance with lovable, dynamic characters, great writing, and an interesting urban setting/world build. I’ve always loved the author’s work, and highly recommend this series as well!
I’ve been not-so-patiently waiting for the completion of this series, and now that it’s finally here, I can say it was worth the wait! Such a fun, romantic series with all the swoon you could need. Clean romance with lovable, dynamic characters, great writing, and an interesting urban setting/world build. I’ve always loved the author’s work, and highly recommend this series as well!
March 16, 2023
Fantastic!!
Queen of Aparia was just as amazing as I thought it would be! An epic finale for an epic series! Madeline's come into her own and embraced her destiny. The world-building of Aparia was masterfully done, and I honestly believe the series would be a great candidate for... I don't know... say, five movies. They're that good. (And as long as Shari retains the rights and I'd involved every step of the way, so no one can screw them up.) Fantastic!!
Queen of Aparia was just as amazing as I thought it would be! An epic finale for an epic series! Madeline's come into her own and embraced her destiny. The world-building of Aparia was masterfully done, and I honestly believe the series would be a great candidate for... I don't know... say, five movies. They're that good. (And as long as Shari retains the rights and I'd involved every step of the way, so no one can screw them up.) Fantastic!!
May 6, 2025
Great Series!
This is the second time I’ve read through this series and I loved it more this time because I know and can appreciate the quirky characters. I especially enjoy Eric, the “Bunny Hugger” animal whisperer and his antics. The series is a combination of suspense, romance and light-hearted humor. I completed this 5 book series in two days. This series is a closed door book with no swearing or offensive material. I highly recommend it.
This is the second time I’ve read through this series and I loved it more this time because I know and can appreciate the quirky characters. I especially enjoy Eric, the “Bunny Hugger” animal whisperer and his antics. The series is a combination of suspense, romance and light-hearted humor. I completed this 5 book series in two days. This series is a closed door book with no swearing or offensive material. I highly recommend it.
June 11, 2025
All the good none of the ick.
This was an excellent ending to a great series. I loved everything about it. Shari L Tapscott knows how to write Alpha males who are still broody, charming and domineering without having to talk dirty every five seconds or talk about the girl lor treat her like mostly a sexual object. Still having the romance, banter, hotness and yearning that you want. In other words all of the good stuff none of the ick.
This was an excellent ending to a great series. I loved everything about it. Shari L Tapscott knows how to write Alpha males who are still broody, charming and domineering without having to talk dirty every five seconds or talk about the girl lor treat her like mostly a sexual object. Still having the romance, banter, hotness and yearning that you want. In other words all of the good stuff none of the ick.
March 14, 2023
Finally!
I read the first four in this series a long time ago under Shari’s pen name. With the re-release, I re-read the first four and anxiously waited for the final book. I was not disappointed. The final book had twists I didn’t expect and was so good. I’m looking forward to seeing some of the other characters’ stories!
I read the first four in this series a long time ago under Shari’s pen name. With the re-release, I re-read the first four and anxiously waited for the final book. I was not disappointed. The final book had twists I didn’t expect and was so good. I’m looking forward to seeing some of the other characters’ stories!
March 14, 2023
Wonderful!
I loved reading the Queen of Aparia book series! I highly recommend the set. It is a highly entertaining series with a lot of action, magic and romance. I especially like that it is a clean romance with true heroes. I would love to see spin offs for Rafe, Gray and Nicole!
I loved reading the Queen of Aparia book series! I highly recommend the set. It is a highly entertaining series with a lot of action, magic and romance. I especially like that it is a clean romance with true heroes. I would love to see spin offs for Rafe, Gray and Nicole!
March 18, 2023
I really enjoyed this series! I flew through it and finished it pretty fast but I really enjoyed it! I give it 4/5 instead of 5/5 because I wanted more details in places. It didn’t necessarily feel rushed but I wanted more descriptions and details and stuff.
Overall, thoroughly enjoyed. Will read again. I hope there are more books in this world!
Overall, thoroughly enjoyed. Will read again. I hope there are more books in this world!
April 3, 2023
Absolute perfection
I couldn’t have imagined a better ending for this spectacular series! It’s just *chef’s kiss* beautiful, satisfying, everything I needed! I have loved this series from the beginning - it’s hilarious, heart-warming, hand-wringing, and so intriguing! I just love it all!
I couldn’t have imagined a better ending for this spectacular series! It’s just *chef’s kiss* beautiful, satisfying, everything I needed! I have loved this series from the beginning - it’s hilarious, heart-warming, hand-wringing, and so intriguing! I just love it all!
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