I thought death was the end… But it was only the beginning.
After my fated mate, Alpha Heir to my abusive pack, killed me for shaming him, I thought I was finally free.
Free to wind up in Hell with another grumpy male who teased me and trained me with methods that legally qualified as torture. It was an improvement.
But my fated mate imprisoned my best friend, I had to find a way back. And since the grumpy, overprotective male training me wouldn’t just let me go get ripped to shreds, I had to poison him. With a kiss that’s still seared into my memory.
One deal with a demon later, I’m back in the world of living, determined to rescue my friend from our pack. I’m not the weak runt they used to bully anymore–and I plan to make them pay for what they did to her
But bending the rules of life and death isn’t without consequences. And losing my life is the least of the dangers I’ll face.
Vasilisa Drake is based in New England and is constantly bouncing from city to city while she tries to find her home amidst overpriced rental apartments. Forsaken Mate is Vasilisa Drake's debut, though she's written contemporary romance under another name for several years. Fantasy romance is her first love, closely followed by pet dragons and men who are obsessed with their women. She can be found staying up way too late reading, organizing her bookshelf for the millionth time, and winning the imaginary arguments in her head at least 30% of the time.
Yup, she truly well pissd me off. What moron makes deals w/someone they don't know & expect soemthing good out of it? Apparently Avery, that's who. Moron.
SCREAMING, CRYING, throwing up!!!!!! This book was a whirlwind and so beautifully written. I loved being able to see Avery grow stronger mentally and physically in both forms throughout. I was in awe of all the plot twists that kept me guessing the whole book!!! mind tricking demons, dragons, wolves, and romance?!? sign me up! The bickering between Cole and Avery was adorable, i love a morally greg MMC. GET THIS BOOK!!!!
The writing got more juvenile in Forgotten Queen, and Avery is an idiot, Cole’s silence was just as frustrating. On top of that, the whole book felt like filler — the entire book could’ve been condensed into 1/4 of what it actually was.
The secret-keeping is dragged out way too long, and by the time the truth comes out it just feels pointless.
I suppose it’s not terrible since I’m still intrigued enough to pick up the next book, but… meh. I didn’t love it, I wouldn’t recommend it, but I’m too invested to quit now.
This book was a wild ride—twists, creatures, romance, and Avery’s growth were all on point. Though, gotta say… making deals with a demon? Not her brightest move.
After the way the first book ended I had very high expectations for this one. It did not disappoint. More drama, more violence, more kissing and more details about the realms.
I'm all for shifter romance, and I enjoyed this book, however the first one I felt was better. This has more world building and it didn't keep me hooked until the end. Definitely carrying on with the last book, as the overall story is great.
So boring I was hoping we fuck the demon 😈 and live happily ever after.... but no we stuck with Cole won't share Secret I can't trust the whole of this book I was like hurry up and fuck and become queen .... obviously the xander is her best friends mate I won't read the next one
After the first book, I definitely needed to move onto the second because there’s barely anything that happened in the first one. I don’t mind that but I did end up paying for this book because nowhere else had it. Don’t love that. I’m giving this book of four and the first book of four but by far the second book is better. I just don’t think the first book deserves a three and this one doesn’t deserve a five. Good story, good plot good cute little fantasy romance. I really like the friendship in this book and when I tell you, it’s a slow burn romance it is very slow!!!!!! yeah it’s nothing crazy amazing, but I enjoyed it!!!
Avery’s story continues in the second book of the Shifted Fates series where deals with shady demons, battles with undead dragons, and echoes of a past life haunt her through her adventures in the Underworld.
Forgotten Queen was fast paced and packed with action, and I didn’t have any trouble tearing through the book in a day and a half. With a shorter story comes a shorter review though, and I don’t have a whole lot to say without giving things away.
Overall I really enjoyed the continuation of the story, but I was a little irritated by the lack of information given about Avery’s previous life. I’m hoping more is revealed in the final book of the series, but I’m going to take a break from it for now to focus on other books on my TBR.
Ok so Avery really pisses me off in this book. She does and says a bunch of stupid things. And by the end of the book the consequences of her actions have finally caught up to her. Her personality has changed a lot from the bullied weakling on the first book and now she’s “tough” and demanding. Really i think it’s the audiobook narrator who I don’t like that is really ruining it for me.
A lot of self sacrificing in this book, but at least you get some answers. There is a little more action that is better paced in this book compared to the first one.
Better than the first book, kept me interested enough to want to keep reading, but now I’m struggling to decide if I want to keep going. The writing style just isn’t it for me, but could be great for a young reader.
MISS MA’AM. I won’t include spoilers but your ending SHREDDED ME (probs with wolf claws) I hope you’re HAPPY about my confusion and sadness 😭 immediately starting the last book
WENT INTO THIS BLIND, AND I FREAKING LOVED IT! Obviously, I missed out the final note in the blurb claiming this as a shifter-hades and persephone romance. Doesn't that just sound remarkably exciting or the worse combination ever?! Well, you be the judge.
THIS REVIEW IS BASED ON THE ENTIRE TRILOGY. *May contain teensy spoilers*
This author's new for me, and I found the story to be vastly entertaining - with the right amount of ups and downs. The heroine being a past reincarnation and having lost her memories would be the reason why you'll pick up the next book after every cliffhanger.
COLE/HADES - I won't review much about him because he's like an NPC who's entire purpose was to love and devote himself to our heroine. Frankly, that's all he does. He's possessive, protective, talented, hot and good in bed. You're welcome. I just explained him in a nutshell, and don't worry, he wasn't too bland a character. His purpose was to keep the story going by withholding plenty of information from Avery (and us) so that we'll be glued to our seats - as annoying/frustrating as that sounds.
My only comment is, as the King of Hell, why wasn't Cole all-powerful? Technically, their whole lives were wrecked because of THAT ONE PERSON who thirsted for power. The fact that he's the King of Hell but yet was later thrown into Tartarus to atone for Avery's mistake, well, I thought he had more power to get himself out of that predicament.
AVERY was the main character whom we will experience the journey of pain, betrayal, growth, love and plenty of understanding with. I was thrown into a loop when her story started off as a weak shifter rejected by her mate, and then she was killed and went to hell. Now a shade, she ended up in Cole's castle, where she learns plenty of new things about herself - her wolf, her power and her unholy attraction to the asshole who owns the place. Naturally, there was the BIG QUESTION MARK OF WHO Cole was too. There were just plenty of question marks that drove the plot.
While Avery trains with Cole, she also learns that she has witchy powers, and eventually unravels the secrets of her past - one that Cole was very reluctant to divulge to the point where he hid it from her. I'm certain not many readers would be pleased with his actions/reasonings at times, even I felt that he could have better protected her had he told her the truth, and not just shoulder the burden on his own. Aren't Kings and Queens supposed to rule as one?
OVERALL know that SHIFTED FATES was enjoyable, passionate, fun and definitely had me till the end. Was it cliche? At least for me, it wasn't. I found it entirely refreshing how we got to enjoy everything in one book - shifters, hades and persephone, a little hocus-pocus and maybe Greek mythology. You'll never know what you're going to get.
ONE THING'S FOR SURE, BORING WOULD BE THE LAST ADJECTIVE ANYONE CAN USE TO DESCRIBE THIS SERIES. If you feel otherwise, then I'm sorry our tastes are so diverse.
NO!!! For Fuck's Sake!!! He is NOT right! She needs to see her friend. Any normal being (let's not say human) would understand that. I hate the control! Cole is a fucking asshole! It would be so easy to let Avery and Daphne be in the same room, they would both feel better and would rest. But noooooo! He needs to be an imbecile asshole! I hate him so much!
OMG!!! Get some dignity girl! Don't just lie down and take everything he wants to give! He is a fucking liar! I don't care if he wants to protect her, he is a liar and she doesn't stand up for herself. Even Bella in Twilight stood up for herself, WHAT THE FUCK!!!!! I don't care about the Alpha shit, you still have a mind of your own and you don't have to be his slave!
This book was NOT bad, BUT! It made me so mad, that I wanted to stop reading. Usually I like a man who would go to any length to protect the woman he loves. But I hate secrets, I hate lying and I hate control. So no, this book was not my cup of tea. And people might say that Avery was stupid for making a deal with a deamon and everything was her fault. But that's just not right!!! If that asshole Cole would have told her the truth, if he didn't just know one word, NO, whenever she asked something of him, she would have trusted him. But he left her no choice. He accused her of not talking to him, but how could she have talked to him? He just didn't get it. No. It wasn't her fault. She had no other choice, if she wanted to save her friend. Cole is to blame for everything and as far as I care, he can rot in hell. Avery would be better off with anyone else.
In this book we see Avery grow into herself. Mentally, emotionally and physically. However, she does make some very questionably stupid decisions, showing that she still is very naive and unaware of the world.
This is potentially not helped by the fact that everyone around her is continuing to hide the truth and keep their secrets. This frustrates me in that I can’t yet see a reason as to why everything must be kept from Avery. There seems to be a lot of unanswered questions and I am intrigued enough to want to find the answers when the next book is released in a few months.
Forgotten Queen by @vasilisadrake is an absolute whirlwind from start to finish! 🖤🔥 If you thought Forsaken Mate was intense, buckle up, because Avery’s journey only gets crazier in this second book.
The story picks up right where we left off—Avery, back from the dead and ready to rescue her best friend from the pack that tortured her. But of course, nothing is ever that simple when you’ve got demons, dragons, and a morally grey love interest in the mix! 😏 The tension between Avery and Cole is still 🔥, and their bickering and banter had me laughing, swooning, and rooting for them the entire time. Their chemistry? Next level. 👀
Avery’s growth in this book is amazing to watch. She’s not the weak girl she used to be, and seeing her confidence and power grow had me cheering for her all the way. 🙌 And can we talk about those plot twists?! I was constantly on edge, trying to guess what was coming next, and let me just say, that cliffhanger? Screaming, crying, throwing up!! 😱 I need the next book ASAP.
I love how much depth we get into the world-building, with demons, gods, wolves, and even dragons making appearances. Hectate and Daphne were such standout side characters, helping guide Avery as she navigates all the chaos, but there’s still so much I need to know about that demon who shall not be named… 👀
Forgotten Queen is full of action, drama, and steam, and it keeps you hooked from the first page. If you loved Forsaken Mate, this book will not disappoint. And with the way this one ends, I cannot wait to see how Avery’s story wraps up in the final book! 💥
⭐ Rating: 3/5 ⭐ Forgotten Queen by Vasilisa Drake is a whirlwind from start to finish. This second book picks up right where Forsaken Mate left off and throws us right back into Avery’s world of demons, wolves, gods, and chaos. I was hooked immediately and the ending left me desperate for the next book.
Avery’s growth in this installment was one of my favorite parts. She is no longer the insecure girl from book one. She’s stronger, more confident, and truly steps into her power. I wasn’t sure she would be able to follow through on her promise to save her best friend, but she surprised me in the best way.
Cole continues to be both swoon-worthy and maddening. His banter and chemistry with Avery are electric and had me laughing and swooning all over again. At the same time, he is still frustratingly secretive and overly controlling, which makes me want to shake him. Avery deserves more honesty, but their relationship is messy and complicated in a way that keeps you glued to the page.
The world-building also shines here. Between demons, werewolves, dragons, and kings there’s never a dull moment. Hectate and Daphne were standout side characters, and I am excited to see how their roles develop. The demon lurking in the background still has me suspicious, and I cannot wait to find out what he is really plotting. The twists kept me on my toes and just when Avery seemed to have control, another problem swept in to shake things up.
Forgotten Queen is dramatic, steamy, and full of nonstop action. If you liked Forsaken Mate, you’ll like this one even more. I cannot wait to see how Avery’s story ends in the final book.
Forgotten Queen had me completely hooked emotionally… and then absolutely furious by the end. Vasilisa Drake knows how to create tension, emotional damage, and characters that make you want to scream into the void.
Cole? I am MAD at this man. The sacrifice was supposed to feel noble, but instead I spent the ending wanting to grab him by the shoulders and yell, “THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DISCUSSED.” I understand the intention behind it, but emotionally I was not okay with the choice at all. Avery deserved better than being left with all that pain.
And Phadrios? Straight to jail. Every debt collection scene made my blood pressure rise. The manipulation, the control, the constant looming threat — I genuinely wanted someone to punch him at least once. He was such an effective villain because every time he appeared I instantly got angry.
That said, the book definitely kept me invested. The atmosphere was dark and emotional, the romance had strong tension, and the world felt immersive. Even while frustrated, I still needed to know what happened next, which says a lot about the writing.
Overall, this was one of those books where I enjoyed the ride but ended it emotionally offended. If you like fantasy romance with angst, sacrifice, morally questionable people, and enough emotional damage to make you stare at the wall afterward, you’ll probably eat this up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book had me all over the place. So much unravels in this book and we get to learn some 'secrets' that a certain someone hates to confirm or deny. Forgotten Queen picked up right where Forsaken Mate left all and it dove right back into the drama and craziness that follows poor Avery everywhere. The bickering and banter between Cole and Avery was still as spicy and hilarious as it was in the last book. The cliffhanger this book left off on is most definitely a nail biter and I won't be waiting to see what happens next!!
Avery's growth and self confidence grew so much in this book and we got to see her follow through on her promise about her best friend. Can't lie though, after everything she went through in Forsaken Mate I wasn't sure if she could follow through but she surprised the heck outta me. Cole is still stubborn as all can be. I wish he would be a little more forthcoming with Avery cause she deserves more answers than the bits and pieces she gets from other people. Avery is so lucky to have Hectate and Daphne in her corner to help guide her the best they can in their own ways. The demon that shall not be named still rubs me the wrong way and I really want to know what he has up his sleeve.
3.5 stars! This book was good and I was engaged throughout. One thing that annoyed me a bit was the fact that Cole kept MANY secrets from Avery, and it's just brushed under the rug. At one point Daphne actually tells Avery that it doesn't matter. Girl, WHAT? Nah, keeping secrets and shutting down is a red flag! All of the conflict in this book could have been avoided if Cole had just been forthright from the get-go. I understand that there were some things he didn't want to disclose right away, but he definitely could have provided more of an explanation than he did. That would certainly have been preferable to shutting Avery down every single time she asked a (what was usually very reasonable) question.
Avery also made some dumb decisions in this book - i.e., throwing herself into unfamiliar situations without ever stopping to contemplate the potential risks or consequences of her actions. But I do think the greater fault probably lies with Cole.
Generally, though, I really liked all of the characters - including the side characters, Hecate and Daphne! I love a likable side character.
I suspect I will be continuing on to the last book of the series, as I would like to find out how the series resolves :)