How do you defeat an enemy you cannot see? After returning from Prague, a strange attack by hellbeasts leaves Mae Jin and her allies puzzled. Their suspicion that the Dark Council is behind the incident is roused when a reception attended by Mae, Nikolai Stanisic, and Vlad Vissarion takes a dark turn. But it isn't until Mae unwittingly triggers an unknown spell in a haunted church that she realizes the full extent of their foe's plans. Overnight, the memories of almost everyone she knows are wiped out by the enemy's sorcery and the magical realm turns against her, making her the country's most wanted fugitive. With the assistance of an unexpected ally, Mae, Nikolai, Vlad, and those of her friends immune to the trickery track down those who possess knowledge of the rare magic she unleashed. With only two days left to foil the Dark Council's sinister scheme, will Mae and Nikolai be able to reverse the spell before it's too late?
A.D. Starrling is a bestselling author renowned for her pulse-pounding fusion of urban fantasy, action, adventure, and supernatural suspense. With a passion for history and a gift for intricate plotting, she crafts captivating narratives that transport readers across time and continents. Her Seventeen series, featuring immortal warriors with extraordinary abilities, has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated global following. Her authentic research and skillful character development keep readers hooked, while her love for action movies infuses her work with electrifying combat sequences and story lines.
When she’s not busy writing, A.D. can be found eating Thai food, being tortured by her back therapists, working part-time as a doctor on a Neonatal Intensive Care unit somewhere in the UK, reading manga, and watching anime. She has occasionally been accused of committing art with a charcoal stick and some drawing paper.
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What just happened?! My heart is racing, crying, hoping, and dreaming but I know all will be resolved. Until then, I’ll take solace in the many ways I love Mae Jin and her humbly effective take-charge attitude. She’s 100% amazing, yet I don’t envy the road ahead for her and her friends. Amidst all of the breathlessness, there were plenty of moments of levity, and here’s one that still has me chuckling.
“This place is seriously creeping me out,” Mae mumbled. Hellreaver quivered against her chest. She squinted. “What do you mean, you want to go back to the car? You’re a demonic weapon.” Her mouth pressed into a thin line as she listened. “It’s your own fault for staying up all night watching scary movies.”
How can you not love her familiars! I for one am in love with Brimstone and Hellreaver. They are my heroes and my adoration for them is almost as voracious as their appetites. I simultaneously want this series to come to its epic conclusion so I can experience the happily ever after and I don’t because I love these people and this world. The action, the angst, the magic, and the mystery has me enthralled. It’s an incredible adventure that’s casts its spell on me, and I don’t ever want it to let go.
Love love this series. It gets better with every book. I cannot wait for the next book to see what happens. The writing is engaging, the heroine is strong and amazing. The side characters are relatable and funny. I wish I could have a fox familiar!
Oh my giddy aunt, AD Starrling, what are you doing to me? Leaving me with that ending is just plain cruel! Great plot-line, with an awful twist at the end. Hope you are working hard on book five because I can’t wait to find out what happens next. For anyone new to these, you need to read the previous Witch Queen books first, it’s not a standalone, and I’d really recommend reading the ‘Seventeen’ and ‘Legion’ series to get the full impact of the books. They are all worth the read and give context on some of the key characters.
I don’t really care for alternate realities and I was leery when I saw where this story was going. The way in which the reality existed was very neat and I wound up finishing the book in two sittings. Popo is such a brat. I wasn’t enamored with him in the last book. His introduction was too over the top. Here he and Cortes have reached a balance. That’s not to say Popo is behaving himself, but at least he is not quite as obnoxious. We barely got Mae’s Grandmother, but she managed to be her awesome self. We also learned more about a neighbor. I still don’t love her, but at least I liked her. I hope we get more characters from the other series again. The name drops are cool, but I want to see how everyone interacts with each other. Brimstone and Hell already know the guardians from before, but meeting their humans should be fun. I look forward to the next book and hopefully it will undo some of what happened here very quickly.
I have been fortunate in receiving an early release book and I can honestly say this book is fabulous.. It has everything. The Witch Queen and her familiar Brimstone and Hel have a fantastic connection... Her suitors Vlad and Nikolai, fighting for her hand... The action is fast and furious. I finished this book the day I received it... I couldn't put it down and it didn't disappoint me.. The storyline just flows... If you like magic and witchcraft you will love this book... I have read everyone of these books and they all are exceptional. You will not be disappointed I can't wait for the next book..
Wow, this book grabbed my attention early and I couldn’t put it down! The magic battles were awesome and the humor had me laughing-out-loud. The characters are amazing and outside of Mae, Nikolai and Vlad, my new favorite is Mrs. Son-Ha. The familiar, Popo is hilarious and has quite the dirty mouth, which embarrasses Enrique a ton. This action-pack book is filled with danger, familiars, the Witch Queen, magic, the Sorcerer King, Hellfire, demons, mystery, witches, the Dark Council, romance, a haunted church, sorcerers, covens, Hellbeasts, suspense, car chases, portals, spells, a Devine barrier, a Shamon, black magic, magic battles, humor, twists, and turns and more!
My advice would be don’t read the prologue. It ruined the book for me. I don’t like to know what’s going to happen before I read the book. I mean what’s the point in reading if you know how it’s going to end?
A woman laid a hand upon his arm. “Come. It is time for us to leave.” Fury and anguish curdled Mae’s stomach in equal measure at the possessive look she gave the man. He nodded curtly, cast a dismissive glance at Mae, and turned to enter the rift. The tears blurring Mae’s vision spilled onto her cheeks. “Don’t.”
Anyone who’s read the previous books is in no doubt as to who this refers to.
Why? Seriously why spoil the whole book by telling us who abandons her?
I love this author's work, action packed, humorous, sassy female and dark broody men, what's not to like? Mae and her side kicks Nikolai and Vlad are once again pitched against the Dark Council and all sorts of mayhem ensues. As always a brilliantly written book that left me desperate for more, I can't wait for the next book in the series. As with the author's Seventeen series, the plot flows and carries the reade4 with it. If you enjoy fantasy/paranormal fiction with great characters and interesting plots this is definitely an author you will enjoy.
Another GREAT from A. D. Starrling! This series just gets better and better. The character development is so engaging, you are drawn into the story and their struggles. Honestly, it's so hard to put down any of her books! You can start with this series or the Seventeen series, but where ever you start, you'll want to finish them all. Thanks to the author for letting us live in this world for a while!
Fantastic I just love A.D,s books, need I say more. Mae Jin is absolutely great. If you love fantasy and witches then you will love this. Full of non stop action from the get go. Every page has something on it. High paced. Fantastic, and the angst they get up to! especially Hellreaver and Brimstone, Mae’s familiars. I have received an EARC of this Novel from the Author. I am also buying it. Loved it.
How much more can my heart take?! This has been such a great series, but the trials and tribulations our girl and her people have had to go through thus far is insane! Another installment where Mae has to fight tooth and nail to make it out on the other side. This time due to an accident! The wit is still there amongst the darkness, and Mae's Perserverance to keep on fighting and never give up, make this a worthy read.
A series that just keeps getting better with every book, I really do not know how that is possible but it is true. I devoured this book and the ending had me desperate for the next book, to say I didn't see that coming and yet it was completely genius to throw that spanner in the works. I cannot extol how good this book/series is please please give it a read.Highly recommended.
More of the magic involving Mae, Vlad & Nikolai. About the time Mae thinks she’s made a choice, enter one Illusionary spell whereby no one remembers that Mae is the Witch Queen. That she’s a good guy. Nikolai is in a kind of limbo. Vlad is supportive, as are Brim & Hell. What will it take to make things make sense?!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Mae Jin and her Allies become the hunted. They are revoked and pursued all because of a spell that was cast that altered the way they were perceived. Tricky stuff and with the works headed for disaster and only her inner circle at her side she must change the timeline back to normal to correct the problem. Great action throughout and and a twist or two also!
Wonderful continuation of the Witch Queen series. The storyline is action-packed, fast-paced, well-written, entertaining, and engaging. The MCs are developed and have great powers, attraction, and chemistry. There are twists and surprises in this book, and I enjoyed it. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
Full of action, suspense and adventure! Really love this series. The romance is heating up making things interesting! I'm hooked and can't wait to see what happens next. Hell of a zinger in this one that left my jaw on the floor waiting for more.
I received a free copy of the book in return for a honest review.
This series just gets better and better - love reading about Mae and her crew. This book had some unexpected twists I didn't see coming - can't wait to see how things turn out in the next installment of the series!
I finished this book last night. I could not put it down. I kept laughing out loud. The Humor really exploded in this book, and I could see the main character rolling her eyes. You do need to read the other three books in this series to follow the story line.
Another great read!! This book was nonstop action from beginning to end with plenty of snarky humor from Mae’s familiars, Brim and Hell. I loved Cortes familiar, PoPo, who also had me laughing constantly with his comments. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Wow what an emotional rollercoaster with several unexpected twists and turns! I laughed at some points and felt dread for our main crew in others. The dark council snuck in and pulled the rug out from under Mae’s feet. Ready for the next book to see how all these events work out.
An amazing story that will have you wanting more. Mae and her allies are confused as to why there’s been an attack. Will they be able to find out why in time. Witches, magic and more to keep you intrigued. Ready for the next book.
This has a high octane, emotional, action packed addition to the Witch Queen series! Mae has a lot riding on her shoulders as the Dark council step up their dark deadly plans! Highly recommended!
Anya, Vlad and Nicholas have their work cut out for when trying to rid a church of spirits. Things go from bad to worse. The whole world goes crazy, and friends become enemies. Hopefully relationships can be saved in the next book.
There was a lot happening in this book. So many unexpected things and the emotional rollercoaster was quite the ride. I was not expecting how it started or how it ended and I'm anxious to see what happens in the next book.
OMG! I don't think my heart can take this! Full on adrenaline fueled train wreck from start to finish. How long til the next one? She whined. Don't miss it!
I’m feeling a bit traumatised to be honest. I mean, how could AD Starrling do that to her heroine ? I want to give this book 10 stars for the the rollercoaster read. The battles, the subterfuge, the illusions, the romance, the rather surprising allies, but really, I’m emotionally exhausted and so upset that I now have to wait until the next book to see if AD has fixed what she broke in this book. This is the best book so far in the series and its ramping up nicely towards the End of the World