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Pandora English #4

The Cobra Queen

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In the months since Pandora English left the small town of Gretchenville to live with her mysterious great aunt in a supernatural Manhattan suburb, her whole world has been turned upside down.

Pandora has discovered she is the chosen one, the Seventh Daughter of a Seventh Daughter, and during the impending Revolution of the Dead, she alone will have the power to save all life as we know it. The Agitation is unfolding, building towards the Revolution, and Pandora can no longer deny the truth in these incredible prophecies. But what will she do when the moment comes? How can she stand against the army of the dead?

Pandora’s relationship to her spirit guide, Lieutenant Luke, is intensifying. She’s had to grapple with ghosts, vampires and necromancers. Now, with the Blue Moon approaching and a new exhibition opening at The Met, which celebrates an ancient female pharaoh done wrong in antiquity, powerful forces threaten to upend the balance of life and death. Pandora is given the chance to find out what happened to her parents all those years ago, but first she must put her own supernatural gifts to the test.

Kindle Edition

First published March 3, 2020

18 people are currently reading
507 people want to read

About the author

Tara Moss

30 books1,021 followers
Tara Moss is an internationally bestselling author, documentary host and human rights advocate. She is the author of 15 books, published in 19 countries and 13 languages. Her latest, The Italian Secret, follows on from the internationally bestselling historical thrillers The War Widow, and The Ghosts of Paris, both set in the postwar 1940s and featuring '‘staunchly feminist, champagne-swilling, fast-driving Nazi hunter’ investigator' PI Billie Walker.

Moss is an outspoken advocate for the rights of women and children, and people with disabilities, and has also published two best-selling non-fiction books, The Fictional Woman and Speaking Out - A 21st Century Guide for Women and Girls.

She has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2007 and as of 2013 is UNICEF Australia’s National Ambassador for Child Survival, and has visited Australian hospitals, maternity wards and schools as well as Syrian refugee camps in Lebanon in her UNICEF role. In 2015 she received an Edna Ryan Award for her significant contribution to feminist debate, speaking out for women and children and inspiring others to challenge the status quo.

Her in-depth novel research has seen her tour the FBI Academy at Quantico, spend time in squad cars, morgues, prisons, the Hare Psychopathy Lab, the Supreme Court and criminology conferences, take polygraph tests, shoot weapons, conduct surveillance, pass the Firearms Training Simulator (FATSII) with the LAPD, pull 4.2 G’s doing loops over the Sydney Opera House flying with the RAAF, and acquire her CAMS race driver licence. She has hosted the true crime documentary series Tough Nuts – Australia’s Hardest Criminals on the Crime & Investigation Network, ‘Tara Moss Investigates’ on the National Geographic Channel and the author interview show Tara in Conversation on 13th Street Universal. In 2014 she was recognised for Outstanding Advocacy for her blog Manus Island: An insider’s report, which helped to break information to the public about the events surrounding the alleged murder of Reza Barati inside the Australian-run Manus Island Immigration Detention Centre.

She has earned her private investigator credentials (Cert III) from the Australian Security Academy.

Moss is a dual Australian/Canadian citizen. Visit her at TaraRaeMoss.com

Recent Awards and Accolades:

2012 Australia’s 20 Most Influential Female Voices

2013 Australia’s Most inspiring Women ‘who push boundaries, create change and motivate’

2014 Outstanding Advocacy Award for Manus Island: An insider’s report

2014 Cosmo’s The Women Who Made 2014 Better for The Fictional Woman

2014 Influential Women of 2014, alongside Malala, Laura Bates, Angelina Jolie and more

2014 The Hoopla‘s The Female Eunuch Award for The Fictional Woman

2015 Best Designed Non-Fiction Book Award, for The Fictional Woman designed by Tara Moss and Matt Stanton

2015 Part of the University of Sydney’s Leadership for Good

2015 Edna Ryan Award - ‘Grand Stirrer Award’ for making a feminist difference by speaking out for women and children, for a significant contribution to feminist debate and inciting others to challenge the status quo

2016 Champion of the West award for community service

2017 The Order of Lambrick Park

2018 International Top 50 Diversity Figures in Public Life ‘recognises the achievements of individuals who have used their position in public life, for example as a campaigner, politician or journalist to make an impact in diversity.’ Listed alongside Malala Yousufzai, Angelina Jolie, Bernie Sanders, Emma Watson, His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet and more.

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Community Reviews

5 stars
79 (26%)
4 stars
104 (35%)
3 stars
79 (26%)
2 stars
22 (7%)
1 star
9 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Mandy White (mandylovestoread).
2,778 reviews849 followers
March 10, 2020
7 long years I have been waiting for this book! 7 years since we last caught up with Pandora English, and you know what... it was so freaking worth it! Thank you Tara Moss for bringing this world back again, I have missed it terribly. I did not want the adventure to end but I still devoured The Cobra Queen in less than 24 hours... I couldn’t help myself.

So the gang is all here again... Pandora, Luke, the civil war soldier, great aunt Celia, Vlad.. It was so good to have them all back in my life. Pandora and Luke ❤️❤️ So sweet.

This time we learn quite a lot more about our favourite characters. Pandora is learning more about herself as the Seventh, and about the pressure on her. The Revolution of the Dead is coming and she needs to stop it and save mankind... no biggie right! I was reminded a lot of my high school ancient history studies reading this book. Pandora learns more about her parents whilst working on an Egyptian photo shoot for Pandora Magazine in New York.

This is a fabulous addition to the series and I urge you all to start at the beginning and read this wonderful series. You will not be sorry. I hope that it is not another 7 years before we get book 5. All the stars and more
Profile Image for Veronica ⭐️.
1,330 reviews289 followers
April 9, 2020
*https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
I don’t do paranormal or vampires but seeing as this was sent to me as a review request I thought I would give it a go.

First of all it’s the fourth book in the Pandora English series so I wasn’t sure if I would find myself totally confused. I’m happy to say it was realy easy to follow the story even though I hadn’t read the first three books.

Pandora works for fashion magazine, Pandora in her human life. She state the name similarity is purely coincidental. However Pandora English is also The Seventh, chosen to save all humankind against the rise of the undead. Pandora’s two worlds are distinctly separate in this book and her thoughts and fears are still mostly human. She hasn’t fully accepted her role as The Seventh although she has accepted the other world and its inhabitants. We follow Pandora as she navigates both worlds, somewhat awkwardly at times.

I enjoyed the character of Pandora. She was a bit scared about this whole saving the world scenario and even a little reticent. These are traits I like in a ‘chosen one as it makes the story more realistic and we get to see more character growth.

I loved all the history, myths and legends of Ancient Egypt.

I did enjoy the story and Pandora was very likeable. I couldn’t quite do the ghosts and the sanguine/vampires and yes, the book gave me nightmares. Thank you Tara Moss.
Readers who devour paranormal will love this series.
*I received a copy from the publisher
Profile Image for Sue Gerhardt Griffiths.
1,225 reviews79 followers
September 11, 2023
4.5 stars

Marvellous!

Was worth the 7 year wait, but oh, Pandora I missed you so and your dear little escapades.

Though in this tale it’s anything but little, Tara Moss has created a spellbinding (big) world exploring Egyptian myths and legends. So damn good! Not a fan of mythology but hey, when the protagonist is Pandora English I’m happy to be educated on anything.

And who can forget about intriguing great-aunt Celia, charming Lieutenant Luke, daunting Vlad and the scary sanguines, they’re here to cause more fun and mischief. Why else would we be here!

Each book gets a little more fascinating and delightful with every page that's turned. I adore the protagonist Pandora English, a lovely, likeable character who brings the pages to life, as does the ghostly Lt Luke and, great -aunt Celia is her usual eccentric self.

Pick up this book and take a journey with Pandora into Spektor and The Met and have yourself a supernatural(ly) good time.



I read half the book then passed it on to my daughter and I listened to the last half, so glad I did as the narrator, Luci Christian was just wonderful.

Listened to the audio version via the BorrowBox app
Published by Bolinda audio
Duration: 8 hrs, 26 min. 1.25x Speed
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,005 reviews44 followers
March 22, 2020
I waited years for this book and what a darned cliffhanger! Cue another few frustrating years, but god I love Tara Moss ♡
Profile Image for Jo | Booklover Book Reviews.
304 reviews14 followers
March 3, 2020
3.75 Stars. The Cobra Queen is a supernatural new adult romance… and yes, this is not a genre I commonly read. But, since I was a huge fan of Tara Moss’ adult action thriller Makedde Vanderwall Crime Series and cannot wait for the next title in her brilliant new historical crime series featuring smart and sassy PI Billie Walker (Dead Man Switch, aka The War Widow) I decided to dip my toe into her Pandora English Series.

Am so glad I did – what a fabulously fun read! I flew through it in a single day. Joining this series at Book 4 proved no problem at all; Moss quickly providing all the back story I needed to acclimate to the curiously quirky supernatural influences in Pandora’s Manhattan lifestyle. This title certainly features gothic and even dark horror themes, but the scare factor is tempered by the charmingly level-headed and practical way that Pandora and her allies approach impending doom, and of course the romantic elements in play. Continue reading >> https://bookloverbookreviews.com/2020...
Profile Image for Louisa.
593 reviews71 followers
March 6, 2020
Wow, was definitely worth the 8 year wait for this book. As well written and captivating as the other 3 books in the series. Pandora English is coming to terms with the fact she is the Seventh and all that it entails. With more than one threat on the horizon will she be able to come to terms with and use her powers to stop the evil invading New York
410 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2021
These books have a decent story and an inventive world at their core, but I just feel as though it's wasted potential. After some fun build-up of ancient Egyptian history, the Cobra Queen is blink-and-you'll-miss-her, and there's never any moment where the stakes actually feel high, even though they should.
Profile Image for Sharon Taylor.
229 reviews2 followers
September 5, 2020
This series is pure entertainment with imagination, made easily readable with the setting in a current city and time. Pandora is finally realising her power and abilities and the overarching story arc of the series is accelerating. Can’t wait for the next instalment.
Profile Image for penta.
413 reviews91 followers
November 24, 2025
Mogłabym napisać wiele, ale jestem jedną z dziesięciu osób, które śledzą tę serię, więc po co strzępić ryja. Krótko: mogło być fajne supernaturalne czytadło, a od drugiego domu jakość spadała, żeby w tym się dosłownie rozpłaszczyć na ziemi.
Profile Image for Caroline Masci.
Author 7 books53 followers
September 3, 2020
Book 4 of the Pandora English series picks right up from where the third book the skeleton key left off. Pandora is consumed with identifying if lieutenant Luke is actually her spirit guide. At the same time her slow burning feelings for him have been turned up to max and we finally see the much desired action we have been waiting for. What i really love about this book, even thought Pandora is a 19 year old girl with hormones through the roof, this book is more focused on Pandora's growth as a human, how she figures out what it means to be the seventh daughter of the seventh daughter and what her new found powers mean. For me this adds wayy more insight into this story, in saying all that - the action between Pandora and Lieutenant Luke has been something i have been cheering for.

The cobra queen is heavily embedded in ancient Egyptian history, and i for one really found this the real hook line of the book. I love ancient Egyptian history and i really loved how well documented, researched and portrayed the ancient pharos were. Tara Moss is exemplary research that was meticulous to a fault, to the point where as i was reading this book i was learning so much.

The Cobra Queen focused on Hatshepsut (the queen who made herself king), Pandoras parents were archeologists and there was a lot tying back between what happened to her parents and the grave they were digging through (lot 20) - which also happened to be the resting place of one of the most influential pharos.

This is a fabulous book to read! It is very easy to get engrossed in the world of Pandora english and all things unseen.

My only criticism - it finished on an absolute cliff hanger and i don't know when the next book is coming out. Just a casual warning.

⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Profile Image for Mandy Partridge.
Author 8 books137 followers
October 14, 2022
Racy, naive and glamorous, Tara Moss' Pandora English is a likeable heroine, trying to get noticed in her magazine job, and save New York from the Revolution of the Dead. I enjoyed Moss' previous heroine, Makedde Vanderwall, and Pandora has all her energy, with supernatural powers thrown in. Though it's part of a series, Cobra Queen stands alone as a story, with Pandora choosing between dead and alive suitors, learning about her great aunt's creepy neighbourhood of Spektre, and trying to maintain her friendship with Morticia, her only Manhattan friend so far who is a mere mortal. Does it count if you lose your virginity to a ghost? Are sanguines vampires? All hell breaks loose in a fashionable way, what a fun read.
I met Tara Moss many years ago at the Scarlet Stiletto Awards, and have always admired her strong feminist attitude and sense of style and mystery.
Profile Image for Ceyrone.
362 reviews29 followers
April 11, 2023
I have waited a long time for this book, finally got around to reading it. I have a fan of the Pandora English novels. They’re a fun read, nothing ground breaking or literary masterpieces, they’re trashy but I love it. I do have some issues with the way the main character comes across at times. However, This time we learn quite a lot more about our favourite characters. Pandora is learning more about herself as the Seventh, and about the pressure on her. The Revolution of the Dead is coming and she needs to stop it and save mankind. Pandora learns more about her parents whilst working on an Egyptian photo shoot for Pandora Magazine in New York. This book ends on a cliffhanger, here’s hoping that we get the next book in the series soon.
47 reviews
April 18, 2024
This was the 4th of this set I had read. I had enjoyed the others enough to keep going in the series.
This one I found slow and slightly monotonous.
Perhaps I’ve moved on from Pandora English, maybe she hasn’t evolved enough to keep the story interesting.
Maybe there were not enough sartorial references and crazy supernatural goings on to keep me going.

This was probably more love story than supernatural adventure that the others had been.
If that’s your jam then this one’s for you..
I don’t care enough about the ghost boyfriend, I wanted to be whisked away into the land of high fashion meets vampire supermodels and spider queens and anything else coming for the New York fashun world.

Not enough fun!
Profile Image for Story Gypsy .
156 reviews9 followers
May 4, 2020
“Some things are only possible after dark”.

I’ve been wanting to read this for awhile but kept getting distracted by other books. I love Tara Moss as an author, her writing flows and is so easy to read.

This is the fourth book in the series and after rereading the first three recently I’ve been eager to read this one. For some reason I thought this was the last book in the series but from the way it ended, that’s not the case!

It was easy to read, flowed and the story was interesting and engaging. I liked the Egyptian aspects, that Morticia is now involved and knows, we’ll is starting to know more about who Pandora is and I loved the romance blooming further with Luke and Pandora.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Adrielle.
1,207 reviews17 followers
July 17, 2020
Like everyone else, I've waited quite a while for this novel to come out and reread the first three in preparation. The premise and story move along nicely but there is a fair amount of telling rather than showing going on. I found myself craving more depth in the description of the setting and emotions so I could connect more. That didn't happen so much. The heroine quite often exclaims her feelings rather than them being expressed descriptively. Don't take me wrong, I enjoyed it, I just want more maturity. I'll be back for the next one.
Profile Image for Steph .
411 reviews11 followers
Read
January 25, 2021
I saw this at the library and grabbed it without reading the blurb, because I enjoyed Dead Man Switch... except this is nothing like Dead Man Switch.

The cover looks like an adult thriller but the style is more like young adult fiction, with a young kind-of-clueless protagonist, various vampires, and multiple boyfriends, one who seems unrealistically perfect and one of who’s a ghost...?!

There seems to be many fans of the the Pandora English series, but I’d rather wait for more of Billie Walker and in the meantime I’ll turn to Phryne Fisher instead.
Profile Image for Priscilla Mansour.
11 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2021
Wow that was a little rough now okay so I stared at this book now was this meant to be part of a series or was I missing something or do other books follow I’m confused so the end states the dead are raising and what was with Luke !! What u sacrifice yourself and two pages go past and then his back but ghost form or human form I still can’t work out ! Anyway short and a little nasty book won’t hurt any readers will it!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Natarsha.
281 reviews
March 16, 2020
3.5 stars

Was an entertaining book with some great history woven in to be learnt, but I just felt I still had too many questions at the end which left me a bit underwhelmed. I am very happy to see this series picked up again though
5 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2020
Excellently written, well thought out and pulled the reader into the further adventure of Pandora English. She is an amazing young woman who takes on her duties as best she can, with help from people you least expect. Definitely a page turner, really looking forward to the next installment.
Profile Image for Jan.
361 reviews
September 23, 2020
This was not the normal genre of books I read but I found it different and I found that I read this book much more quickly than I thought I would. I enjoyed it until it finished where the next book is set to start. I now I need to find out if the next book has been written......
Profile Image for Sommer.
756 reviews16 followers
March 14, 2021
7 years of waiting for pandora english to continue and while it was not disappointing this is best read as a binge in my opinion.

I'm glad for what happened and how we got more story about her mother but we're still very in the dark about what is coming and what role is to be played.
1 review
May 12, 2020
I love Pandora English, and I guess this one is setting the stage for an even bigger adventure, but it just didn’t satisfy me !! I was left wanting more .... a good read
Profile Image for Elisha.
369 reviews2 followers
October 19, 2020
My least favourite of the series so far. Felt like she spent the whole book explaining the prior books. Nothing really happens and then it looks like there is another book?
28 reviews
January 27, 2021
Oh no!! Another cliffhanger. Please don't make us wait for the next one. I need to know what is going to happen
Profile Image for Toni Jane.
189 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2021
Oh Pandora, how I’ve missed you and your adventures. What a rollercoasters ride of emotions. A brilliant story (like all Pandora English books) with amazing characters and settings. What a cliffhanger! When do we get book 5?
Profile Image for Caspian Hendrey.
237 reviews
February 20, 2022
It’s strange that something so big as the lost pharaoh wouldn’t show up in billboards or something, but books occasionally be like that. I really liked the ambiguous potential of whether or not the past was altered due to decisions made by Pandora about her parents, and that’s something I hope comes up more in a book after this as the story has definitely not ended despite an issue with further publication contracts. It took a surprisingly long time to get to the start of the convergence but the cute little bits with Lt Luke make up for it pretty well.
Profile Image for Natasha Kozlowski.
73 reviews
May 20, 2023
2/5 ⭐️

Overall disappointing with a massive cliff hanger…

I was a massive fan of the Pandora English Series, now I am left with a bit of a sour taste in my mouth…
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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