Amazon Queen

Amazon #2

by Lori Devoti

Being an Amazon ruler just became a royal pain. Amazon queen Zery Kostovska has never questioned tribe traditions. After all, these rules have kept the tribe strong for millennia and enabled them to live undetected, even in modern-day America. Zery is tough, fair, commanding—the perfect Amazon leader.At least, she was. A new high priestess with a penchant for secrecy and technology is threatening Zery’s rule. Plus, with the discovery of the Amazon sons, males with the same skills as their female counterparts, even Zery can’t deny that the tribe must change. But how? Some want to cooperate with the sons. Others believe brutal new leadership is needed—and are willing to kill to make it happen.Once, Zery’s word was law. Now, she has no idea who to trust, especially with one powerful Amazon son making her question all her instincts. For Zery, tribe comes first, but the battle drawing near is unlike any she’s faced before . . . and losing might cost her both the tribe and her life.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Paranormal, Fiction, Magic, Romance, Contemporary

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 1, 2010

About the author

Lori Devoti grew up in southern Missouri and attended college at the University of Missouri-Columbia where she earned a Bachelor of Journalism. She, however, made it clear to anyone who asked, she was not a writer; she worked for the dark sideadvertising. Now twenty years later, shes proud to declare herself a writer and visit her dark side occasionally by writing dark, sensual paranormal romance, urban fantasy and young adult novels.

Lori lives in Wisconsin with her husband, daughter, son, Siberian husky and shepherd/puggle cross.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm going to say this right off the bat--I did not like this book. I didn't like it so much that halfway through I put the book aside, looked at my friend and commented that this was one of the most ridiculous, poorly written books I'd read that year. I finished it, but I also returned it the next day.

Bottom line: If you want something good, look elsewhere.

Books like Amazon Queen are rare as a concept--a character that is well-established as a powerful figure in her community who has to make a choice: to stick to her people's old ways or to lead them to a new, presumably more progressive future. Sign me up! This book sounded fantastic because of the type of story, I was so excited to see what happened in it--too bad it fell so flat it con-caved.

Zery has it all--power, knowledge, intelligence, and a coveted position among her people; she's a "Queen" of her people and respected because she earned it. In the very first couple of chapters, she identifies the (soon-to-be) "villain" of the book. And just as soon as she discovers them? She resolves to do nothing. The reason she gives is that she wants to present a united front to her fellow Amazons, but what it really does is show you how inept this Amazon "Queen" is going to be.

As a character, Zery lacks initiative, understanding, and at several points, the cognitive skills to understand she's being given the run around. She's never given enough information to make an informed decision, so she doesn't make any. She encounters scenarios and situations that defy all of her beliefs and social rules, and she does nothing. There is minimal internal conflict, but she never does anything about it--so much for a powerful Queen, fixed to her beliefs. She's a reactive character in every aspect. Things happen to her, not because of her, and worst of all, she never sees them coming, even when they happen in the first two pages of the book. She lets herself be led to every conclusion, sometimes literally, and ultimately only accomplishes her goal because the villain is so predictable and one-dimensional that taking her out is a service to the audience as well as the plot.

For a so-called Amazon, she really doesn't act like one, and, for that matter, neither does anyone else. Zery's fellows abandon her with such ease, one really has to question how this society manages to function if no one ever thinks for themselves. It's "The Council this" and "The Priestess that". Zery can't even make the decision to remove the villain--she has to go to the mysterious Council which conveniently is unavailable throughout the entire book.

The love interest--ha! He's a brat with a grudge and she has no taste and that's not even mentioning how their attraction doesn't make sense. It's illogical, it's unnecessary, and it lacks anything compelling or interesting in it. It manages to crop up at the most inconvenient times (making out in a parking lot while you're getting shot at and your half-brother is being kidnapped? Really?). In the same vein, Zery never really questions why she wants him, she just does. Her internal conflicts about it are banal, vapid and wholly unsatisfying to a reader who was tempted with the idea of a character questioning their entire belief system. Zery isn't questioning anything, she's just letting everyone else dictate her actions--a tactic I feel is not very Queenly at all.

It feels to me like the author did little, if any, research on what Amazons were or what they meant. Normally I wouldn't have much of an issue with that; hell, it's an Urban Fantasy novel, everyone's allowed to twist things to make an interesting story, but there's a difference between molding a concept to fit the story and creating your own little thing and calling it the Amazons. Greek society never functioned the way the author proposes and since the Amazons are a flipped version of Greek society, it stands to rights that Amazon society would never have been like this either (as Amazons are mythological there is some leeway, but still--Amazons as a concept are fantastic, why did the author feel the need to completely ignore the fundamentals?). They certainly weren't animal-based. If the author wanted to root this all-female civilization in history, she could have made something up or at least tried for some accuracy.

All in all, you as a reader are promised a story about a very important (politically/socially) character and their having to deal with new and frightening concepts that shake their world views and make them question themselves and their way of life. What you get is a character that doesn't deserve her position, lacks the ability to comprehend and deal with the situation, never actually protests to anything going on around her that she doesn't agree with, has awful friends (She has one, Mel (from Amazon Ink), who left her. Mel proceeds to treat Zery like utter crap every time they interact because Mel's decided that since they can't agree on choice issues Zery doesn't deserve the time of day), a mediocre villain, and a love interest that only stirs feelings of anger and a desire to asphyxiate him.

It's not a great book, it's not even good, and I, for one, don't want anyone else to make the same mistake I did in purchasing it without knowing what you're in for.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing ever stays the same and that is something Amazon queen Zery is slowly coming to understand. For the past ten years, Zery has staunchly enforced the strict Amazon way of life in her small tribe but it seems that within a matter of days her very way is life is coming apart at the seams. Until recently, Zery considered her tribe's only enemy to be a group of sons - men who had been born to Amazons, but who had been abandoned at birth in order to preserve the all-female Amazon way of life. But it seems now a new enemy is stepping forward, one who would threaten to destroy every Amazon tradition and belief. With her leadership under question and help coming from the unlikeliest of groups: the Amazon sons, Zery must try to discover the source of betrayal. Before it destroys the entire tribe.

Although intriguing in premise,  Amazon Queen failed to deliver on a variety of fronts. I for one was extremely intrigued to learn more about such a fierce group of women who distance themselves from society in order to protect and maintain their ancient abilities. Unfortunately, Lori Devoti never manages to make me fond of any of her characters. Time after time, I found myself exasperated with Zery's lack of foresight - I mean, the woman supposedly had been chosen as queen for her leadership and brains, but all I saw was indecision and someone who was unable to connect the dots until every piece of the puzzle was laid out plainly for her to see. No foresight, no ingenuity. Maybe warrior Zery needed to spend a little less time at the gym and a little more time reading or studying. And that leads me to another issue: supposedly, the Amazons eschewed all types of technology in order to keep their distance from mainstream society, but I would think as an ancient civilization, they would have had to adapt and change their ways over the years in order to not obviously stand out anytime they were around normal humans. I mean, Zery had never even used a computer? Seems a little far fetched. And that's just the tip of teh iceberg when it comes to my issues with this book. Very disappointing. And although  Amazon Queen could have been a real page-turner, I was put off by the clumsy writing and my utter lack of emotional attachment to any of the characters. Definitely not one I'm going to be recommending.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ahhhh... Amazon queen, countering an Amazon council and priestess who have turned from Atemis to Athena... and need an infant - born of Amazonian parents... to sacrifice.

our amazon queen struggles to see the truth... is pushed by the Amazon male who has been spying on her for 5 years - who opens her eyes... she joins with him, feels safe with him, destroys the traitors, protects her infant, half brother, and she will join the council to make the changes needed to bring the Amazons into the 21st century.

[Bookaholics · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazon Queen (Amazons, Book 2) by Lori Devoti
Paranormal Romance-Urban Fantasy-Apr. 27, 2010
4 1/2 stars

Amazon Queen is the 2nd in Lori Devoti's Urban Fantasy series about Amazon women. It is an absorbing and fast-paced read. If you have ever been interested in the fabled Amazon women, the author does them justice. She layers her story with a complex plot filled with paranormal beings that have super human powers and mythical Greek gods.

The Amazons are an ancient race of woman who worship the goddess Artemitis. She gives them special powers and extra ordinary strength. All Amazons live a nomadic life and generally stay away from humans except when they need resources or are looking to procreate the next generation of females. To keep themselves strong and prevent men from causing them problems they have killed or maimed any sons they have birthed. However, in the past 200 years they have changed their ways and instead abandoned any male Amazon sons. But what they do not realize is that the sons of Amazons have grouped together and have been watching them. And they have the unheard ability to shape shift which makes them dangerous. As a group, they are organized, but do they want acceptance from the Amazons or do they want vengeance?

In the first book Amazon Ink, the author's Amazon series, Mel the artisan was the main character. She was also a powerful priestess with magical abilities. In this story, Amazon Queen, Zery a warrior and an Amazon Queen is the starring character. Zery was the best friend of Mel. As a leader she strictly abides by the laws and rules of the Amazons and their High Council. All she wants is for the Amazons to be strong and prosper but her new high priestess; Thea has been difficult to get along with. Zery cannot seem to trust her and finds her mind strangely foggy and less decisive when Thea is around. When Zery's latest assignment to save an infant girl from the evil clutches of a group of Amazon sons fails she shoulders the blame and responsibility. Determined to save the infant she hunts down the child but in the middle of the rescue finds herself injured in an explosion and left for dead by Thea. When Zery returns to her tribe she finds herself kicked out. Zery questions the loyalty of her high priestess and what she has been told about the sons of Amazons. Who really are her enemies and who can she trust? And why does Jack a secretive Amazon son seem to be taunting her about her beliefs and following her?

This was an immersing story. I have always been fascinated with the Amazons and I feel Lori Devoti has created a realistic portrayal of what they might be like if they lived today. I loved how they all wear tattoos and how each signifies some sort of personal power. The mythology the author has built around her characters is deep and interesting. In the beginning of the story Zery is very head strong and narrow-sighted. (At first it was a difficult switch to read about her since the main character in the first story had a more maternal, flexible nature.) But it was great to see Zery change and become more accepting and adaptable. I loved her courage as she fought against all she had thought sacred because she knew what she was being told was inherently wrong. The only quibble I had about this book is that I figured out the villains pretty early on in the story and it was frustrating for me to read Zery not figuring it out sooner and paying the price. You just knew 'that' was going to happen and I cringed at the aftermath. I do have to comment how utterly ruthless and evil the villains were, the author did a fantastic job of creating truly wicked characters. This is a strong story but the ending leaves Zery on another journey. There is a pay off at the end of the story but Zery has a lot more to do so I can only assume the author will continue her journey in an upcoming book next year.

Filled with drama, high adventure and dazzling mythology I highly recommend this series. Anyone who loves a strong heroine with a heavy dose of magic and mayhem will enjoy it, too!

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zery is nearly a century old. She is a good queen who values the Amazon tribe. Her character was established in the first book of series, Amazon Ink. This book finds Zery on a mission to steal back a son, a male child of an Amazon.

This answers my first question as to why Amazons are all women. They aren't. Male children have previously been maimed or killed. The second question, of course, is where do they find a mate? Again, they don't. They simply use a strong male human for perpetuating the race.

The earlier book established the Amazon way of life, values, and nomadic lifestyle. It also established that the Amazons stopped the barbaric practice of killing or maiming their male young. They would simply grow up stupid and strong. Unfortunately for the women, they grew up gifted and organized. Still, they were half human and half Amazon. Except there are a few Super Sons - sons of Sons and Amazon women. But this is really the story of the first book, although the second book spends a good deal of time catching the reader up to speed by explaining the events from Book 1.

This time around, Zery is the protagonist, as opposed to Mel, the priestess in the first book who left the tribe to join the human society. This leaves the tribe without a priestess until Thea arrives. Thea possesses a challenging personality. This is contrary to the Amazon followers. When the council speaks, the queen does as she is told. When the queen speaks, the tribe jump. But Thea seems to not understand the societal mores. She sets Zery up take a fall and takes over the tribe.

Thea's antagonistic character is somewhat predictable from her introduction. She is manipulative and individual (herself) minded, rather than the tribe. Zery seems to be a little on the slow-witted side when it comes to Thea which surprised me. She's very old and has had experience with humans.

Regardless of the predictability of Thea's character, the story picks up and provides a few unexpected twists and turns along with a possible future love interest.

The author does an excellent job of explaining the Amazon tribe, intermingled with a solid storyline. She includes not only myth but adds the interesting twist of the story being present day rather than past tense. The Amazon women are descendants of the god Ares and the nympth, Otrera, while they worship the Artemis. They possess the magnifying power from their god, making them strong and powerful. They are obedient to their leader and value the Amazon tribe over the individual. That trait is the conflict for Zery as she is forced to explore the Amazon values.

I liked the book overall. There were a few times during the story that I found myself searching back in the pages to find who was who and the relationship she had to Zery. The Amazons travel in packs so there were quite a few characters to follow. I found this aspect irritating yet necessary to fully tell the story.

It is crucial to read the preface of this book, as it summarizes Amazon Ink which sets up Amazon Queen. Which clearly sets up the next book.

Urban Lit is a new genre for me. I'm still discovering its uniqueness, although it is the genre often found in a teen's backpack, which brings me to a very important and defining factor for this book; I would not protest to having my teenage daughter read it. The Amazons are warriors and nomads. Although sex is implied as it is necessary to procreate, it is absent. There is some sensuality but the author has created the Amazons as a warrior tribe who occasionally dabble to perpetuate the race. Language is mild except for one "f" bomb.

[Julie Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have not read the first book in this series, Amazon Ink. But the initial reviews I read stated that it worked well as a stand-alone book, which I found to be true. Any references to prior events are integrated and explained enough (especially in the preface) so that the reader doesn't say to him/herself "Huh? What's that all about?"

Having said THAT, it took me a while to really get into this book. I wanted to like it from the start, but there were a few places in the first half of the book where ... I don't know ... it was like .. I'm reading, something happens - then the next thing I know, I'm saying, "What? That just stuttered. Where did that come from?" It felt as though the editor should have thrown in some better transitions.

BUT the second half got much better. I really liked Zery, who starts off seeing everything in black and white, and then is startled out of her worldview by the events taking place around her.

The Amazon sons - that was an interesting twist. The Amazons really have no use for males other than for procreation. They worship Artemis, the goddess of fertility, so having children is part of their tradition. In the far past, they used to kill their male offspring. That practice changed, and they instead would maim them by breaking an arm or leg, then leaving them where humans could find them. THAT practice changed around the turn of the nineteenth century, and they just started leaving the sons near human hospitals and other safe spots. These males have now grown up and have the same powers as the Amazons, AND they're also able to shape shift into various animals. This makes them a threat to the Amazons, as there are still some sons alive who were part of the "let's just maim them and leave them for someone to find" generation.

The familial relationships among Amazons are almost non-existent, especially for Zery, whose mother serves on the High Council and pretty much left Zery's upbringing as a future queen to a scattered mix of other Amazons.

There are safe camps scattered among human civilization and cities, and the Amazons tend to be nomadic and drift from one to the other, normally alone or in small groups. Zery is the queen of one of these camps.

This story starts out with a baby having been stolen from a high-ranking Amazon, and Zery, who has also had a new priestess named Thea join her camp, has been instructed to steal her back from the sons. I CAN tell you that the Amazons DO get the baby back.

What follows after a while has you wondering, like any good suspense novel, who the bad guys and Amazons really are. The Council is split - but who is right? Does Zery still deserve to be queen or is she destined for another path?

Because of the faltering first half, I can't really give this book a 4. The second half, however, is a solid 4. I would suggest that you read it knowing that it gets much better and comes together very well.

[Cinnamon · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZON QUEEN by Lori Devoti is a story full of intrigue and suspense. Bringing the legendary Amazons to modern times, Ms. Devoti has created a world where we get just a kiss of the paranormal. The story is fueled by action and drama, the perfect characteristics to get a reader hooked.

The second in the Amazon series, AMAZON QUEEN follows Zery, queen of the Amazons. A race of Artemitis worshiping women, the Amazons are incredibly gifted with height, strength, and certain magical abilities. Of course, many of these abilities becomes hard to hide in modern times so the nomadic nature of the people becomes a bit of a blessing for them. Or is it?

When a discovery is made in the first book, Amazon Ink, Zery will have to question the beliefs and practices the tribe has made for centuries. Could it be possible that there is another group of individuals out there with powers similar to their own? Could their actually be competition for the Amazons? With the question of friend or foe foremost in her mind, Zery has to find a way to protect her tribe while leading them forward in these new tribes. If that weren't a feat all on its own, it doesn't help that she has a backstabber in her midst. How is one supposed to save her people when those very people are made to shun her?

I find Ms. Devoti's writing style to be very conducive to getting lost within the story. There are good stories and then there are good stories that are written in the exact manner my mind thinks. That's what happened here. The words on the page flow by seamlessly with none of those stops or breaks that you sometimes find in writing. There weren't really any sections where I had to stop, look back, check for consistency or otherwise get my bearings.

If the writing style wasn't enough, the character development and progression of the story line would finish me off. I love the mythology present in the book and the darker take on it. While Amazon Ink was a great introduction, AMAZON QUEEN felt a bit darker and more compelling. I wasn't a fan of Zery at first, but as the story progressed I began to fall in love with her. My heart broke when hers did and many times I found myself perched on the edge of the couch, scared to see what might happen next.

If you're a fan of fantasy and paranormals, I highly recommend AMAZON QUEEN. This book is well robust with its use of suspense and the paranormal.

[Eliabeth Hawthorne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazon sons, gifted with similar magic to the Amazons, have kidnapped an Amazon baby. In the midst of trying to get her back, Amazon queen Zera Kostovska has to compete with a bold, defiant, younger, more tech-savy high priestess named Thea in modern day America. Zera, who has never used the internet, is uncomfortable with Thea’s less traditional plans and blatant unwillingness to follow orders.

Not having read the first book, Amazon Ink, I did not understand the role of fairy godfathers, especially in the context. Other than that, Lori Devoti does an excellent job giving enough background information to follow the plot without having to read the first book. My knowledge of mythology and Greek goddesses in particular helped my understanding of the book, but in some ways hindered my enjoyment. I am not a fan of dramatic irony; I much prefer to be caught off guard than figure things out before the characters, though I’ll admit I didn’t catch the last twist.


While the fantasy aspects are somewhat downplayed compared to other fantasy novels, Amazon Queen was the first novel I’ve read that truly put fantasy in the modern world. Characters used the internet, smart phones, and vehicles. It was a perfect balance. The story moved quickly and at least once made me chuckle, something I always appreciate. The characters were real and relatable. When faced with a moral dilemma, do we continue to follow those in power regardless of their demands? In many ways it reminded me of Monstrous Regiment by Terry Pratchett. Strong female characters question traditional roles in order to do what they think is right.

4 out of 5 stars.

~Eliabeth Hawthorne

Other books I would recommend in this genre:
Monstrous Regiment by Terry Pratchett
Magic Kingdom for Sale – Sold by Terry Brooks

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is actually the second book in this series. "Amazon Ink" is the first book. I had not read that first book, but this book was written well with just enough background in the preface. In this book, Zery is a very traditional Amazon warrior Queen. However, the threat she thought she would have to face is not the one she will have to fight. Things nag at her especially with her new priestess, but are quickly thrown away. If you can't trust the tribe you pour your life into, then who can you trust? However, she finds that her blind devotion is just that, blind. As things start to unravel, she learns that a new greater threat has nothing to do with centuries bound tradition changing. In fact, those traditions changing could be the key to winning.

In some ways this paranormal also reads as a mystery with action, twists and turns. It's a fast paced read and one I enjoyed. Even though the mystery was solved before the players solved it, it still was very entertaining. You could even imagine that there might be Amazons living amongst us today. I'd even try twirling a staff after reading this one if I wasn't sure I wouldn't either knock my self silly or give myself one heck of a migraine. So, I give this book 4 warrior cries. I think I will even try to locate that first book to read.

[Anita · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like this book as much as the first one, but I did manage to finish it. It's the start of the Amazon Queen Zery's story (Mel's former best friend from book 1 in the series.) Parts of it were original and interesting, but too often I wanted to yell at Zery to open her eyes and notice the evil bitch standing right next to her. She seemed very politically inept for a 200 year old queen.

Premise: the Amazons are in a tizzy about the newly discovered Amazon sons, who have shapeshifter powers the women don't have. The Amazons are very worried about the sons attacking them, and at the beginning seem to have an example of just that: an Amazon child has been abducted by the sons in revenge. Zery is part of the team sent to rescue the babe, but then all sorts of things start happening that just don't add up. Before she knows it, she's been kicked out of her role as queen and she doesn't even bother to double check the authority of the person kicking her out. Eventually she sorts it all out, but not before people die. Along the way, she developes a tolerance bordering on fondness for one particular son.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zery is the leader of the Amazons. A very powerful group of women with extraordinary gifts. Zery has held dear to everything she new about what she believed was the truth. She learns that things aren’t as they should be like that there are shape shifters. When the Amazon sons decide to attack Zery and her tribe, Zery learns the hard way about just what guns can do. With this new enemy whom can match Zery and her women skill or skill, she is going to have to watch her back every step of the way. It appears though that the Amazon sons have a reason for attacking. They are after a baby.

Jack Parker is an Amazon son an a shape shifter. He can transform into a wolverine. He and Zery team up together but can she trust him?

Fans of paranormal will be slain by Amazon Queen. It is book two but can be read as a stand alone novel. I was fully engrossed in this book. Amazon women rule. This book was filled with mystery, magic, intrigue and wonderful story line. Jack and Zery worked well together. I like that he seemed to be a bit of a loner and so was Zery. This book kept a fast pace. I can’t wait to read the next book. Make sure you spear your copy of the Amazon Queen today.

[Brandi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really not impressed with this novel for several reasons. While the idea of the book was intriguing to me, the author just wasn't able to really bring it life. I'm having trouble finding the right words to explain why I didn't like this for some reason.

It's a story about Amazons but it didnt really come across that way to me. It was like being an Amazon was secondary, or minor, instead of the main focus. I have re-written this several times trying to find the words, but I keep starting over because it's kind of dificult to fully explain it. I just thought that the character development was extremely lacking, and the pace was slow and dragging, there wasn't enough time spent on the culture represented, or the relationships presented. They just didn't make sense and I kept waiting for the author to explain things fully, which never happened.

The only reason why I didn't give this a one star was because I take that seriously, and I do think that this could have potential if the author just......something...took more time? I'm not sure. This is not a book I would recommend though.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amazon Queen was okay, but didn't grab me in the same way that Amazon Ink did. In Amazon Ink, Mel was fighting for more than herself and her own sense of identity. She was fighting for those things, but ultimately, she had a daughter and mother and grandmother to protect. Zery's struggle just never felt that important to me. She was more worried about her warriors following the new priestess, and for a woman in her nineties, this seemed like a ... younger(?) thing to worry about. I realize that as a reader, I have an outside perspective because I'm looking for a villain, but COME ON. Obviously that priestess was bad news and maybe you should have confronted her. Warriors should not be afraid of confrontation and Thea was obviously evil. The reveal of the "true" villain at the end was unexpected though, so I give Devoti points there.

There was no love triangle in Amazon Queen, which was nice, but I never really liked the awkward attempt at heat between Zery and the Son whose name I no longer remember. They're fighting most of the time and when they're not fighting, they both seem like very grouchy people.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this book on my first day here in NYC for BEA. I was lying on the bed waiting for the bathroom to get free, soon enough I was completely engrossed. Ms. Devoti knows how to draw a reader into a story and just latch them onto the book like a leach, like my imagery there? ;) I was literally engrossed to the point of not being able to hear or see anyone around me while reading this story. The book is a sequel but you don't need to have read the first book to understand what is happening in this book.

Zery is strong and she grows a bit with the story. I love the range of characters personalities in this book as well. The plot is sturdy and moves at an excellent pace, and besides that, it is a contemporary story of Amazons, it definitely is unique. Worth the read without a doubt.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

After realizing too late that this book was the second in a series, I moderated my excitement of reading it and braced myself to be somewhat disappointed (at least until I could read the first book afterwards), however; the book exceeded my expectations and I am now all the more excited to read more of the series. The preface provided just enough background on the story to give me some semblance of knowledge of the characters' pasts and the events leading up to those that transpire in this story. Beyond that, the story was exciting to read. I mean, calling it a page-turner sounds cliche, but I really did find it near impossible to put this book down; I simply HAD to find out what happened next! The characters were interesting and well written, and the plot riveting. I can't wait to read more on these characters!

[Darcy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so excited for this book as I really liked the first one and thought the myth based on the Amazon culture was very different from what I have seen. But the first 100 pages in this dragged, it seemed like we were covering things that we already knew. I also thought the last 100 pages dragged too. There was a lot of stuff going on but it got confusing. There were so many people you didn't know if you could trust or thought they had betrayed the tribe that when it finally came down to knowing who it was exactly I didn't care all that much. One aspect of the book that I really liked was the "sons" and getting to know more about them and how they view the Amazons and what they really want.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zery, an Amazon Queen, has never been more unsure of anything in her life. For generations Zery and her people have lived quietly and without threats from outsiders. Now, the Amazon sons are showing signs of female traits which has her wondering if the males have any other talents they have been hiding. Zery admits that certain changes do need to be made within the tribe but she isn't quite sure how to go about it. Her power is slowly slipping away. Will she be able to save her people? Or will someone else take charge of the tribe and risk everything her people have tried so hard to protect?

I liked this book. There were certain parts that I thought were kind of out there, but overall it's a fun book.

[Ithlilian · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not nearly as good as the first in the amazon series. It may be because I don't really care about kidnapped babies, or it may be that every single character in this comes off as unlikable. There are amazons that want to stick to their ways and live in the past, and those that want progress. There are backstabbing evil amazons that want to undermine you at every turn. It's all very soap opera. Well, soap opera mixed with frantic action movie maybe. Either way, I wasn't impressed, and amazons are actually something unique that could make for great novels. The first book by Devoti was pretty good, but for some reason the change of characters in Amazon Queen also meant a change of awesomeness (it went from awesome, to pretty bad).

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a follow on from Amazon Ink, but as previous reviewers mention, this can be read as a stand alone. I didn't bond with Zhery in the first book, it was hard to bond with her in this one, towards the end of the book I realised that I did like her and respect her opinions. The brothers are back and trying to protect a child of an amazon and a brother, Zhery is Queen and follows the High Council in what they have asked her to do, not realising that she is being led along a dark path. Zhery follows the High Council to the word and struggles with what she is finding, her heart is telling her that this is wrong, but her mind is telling her the council must be right. Loved it, great writers can make you (eventually) love the charchters you started out hating.

[Mary BookHounds · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Amazon Ink when it first came out and was fascinated by the strong character of Mel. This book is told from the point of view of Zery and the characters follow through in this one as well. If you haven't read the first book in the series, I think you can pick this one up and easily get into the story and characters. This is fast paced and there is some potential romance but it is not fully followed through. There are some nice subplots that really keep the story moving and I hope that the story will develop even more in the next book in the series. This is a wonderful urban fantasy that is nicely done.

[Shomeret · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book Amazon Inkwas high concept. This one was very action oriented. There was a bit of character development, but nowhere near the level of complexity in Amazon Ink. I normally like fast paced books, but if I can't get interested in the central character, then none of the events have as much impact.

Another problem was mythological. A goddess is brought into this novel that I know very well. The Amazon who chooses to worship her has goals that this particular goddess would never support. It is not believable to me that a worshiper of this goddess wouldn't know that.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

The heroine of this book isn't the heroine of the first book. She's the best friend of the first heroine, an Amazon queen who felt betrayed when her friend abandoned the Amazons. But things are getting really weird. There's a new shaman at the camp where the Amazons live, and this shaman isn't doing the regular stuff. And she's been ordered to recover a stolen baby--but the baby is a boy, not the girl she was told it would be. This story is a lot more twisty than the first one, and I had more trouble connecting with this heroine, I think because she was such a rule follower--and I didn't like the rules she was following. But it was a good read and a good adventure anyway. I liked it.

[William Bentrim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazon Queen by Lori Devoti

A new take on the Amazon warrior, this book is set in current times. The conflict between the status quo and change defines the book.

Zery, an Amazon Queen, discovers that the Amazon sons have powers and skills similar to her own, she is shocked. Moreover she is shocked to discover that many of the “truths” she had taken for granted were not necessarily true. Shape shifting, sword fights, gun battles, there is action a plenty for all readers. This isn’t a great book but it is an entertaining read.

I recommend the book.

[Dorothy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Amazon Ink is the first book in the series and you do not did not read it to be able to follow the story line in Amazon Queen. But you may enjoy it more if you do. The author does a good job of describing the Amazon tribe and the life style. The characters are good but predictable. The story line has a few good twist and turns. But I really could not get into it. Urban Fantasy is a new genre for me, and I am not sure if it appeals to me. So overall I would say the book was OK and I think it would appeal to someone who enjoys urban fantasy.

[Sara Södergren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again... the setting is really interesting, but the heroine falls a little short. Some twists I had expected all along, but on a whole... meh. Well, I am gonna have to read the next one, as this is still just a small teaser along the way.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

intersting book about amazon's who live in michigan/illnois..overall okay.

[☀Rachael☀ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved book 1 I did not even like this one! Probably because I don't particularly like Zeary! Unless it comes out on audiobook I'm not reading anymore!

[Brandielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved the first book but was not impressed with this one. The main character was not someone I could like and all the 'twists' were easy to guess way too early on. Sad.