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The River Queen
“Prophecies have long been spoken of a mermaid queen who will lead the kingdom of Rivenden into its greatest age…”
When unexpectedly faced with running the kingdom alone, Queen Adara of the Rivenden mermaids quickly finds herself facing a foe she never expected to see again. As if that wasn't difficult enough, she finds herself falling for the one merman she shouldn't. All she wanted was to make King Adonis proud, but she now finds herself second guessing every step.
Commander Orion, known as the best of the best of Rivenden’s defenses. He has been tasked to protect Adara by his king and childhood friend, Adonis. After the unthinkable occurs, Orion finds it harder to not fall for the one mermaid his heart has desired since he laid eyes on her. After Adara informs him of an outside evil that is encroaching on their kingdom, he places himself at her side.
The journey that Adara and Orion embark on will not only test them as individuals, but also their strength, friendship, and trust in one another. But what happens when Fate deems it necessary to throw more at them than either of them could have planned for?
When unexpectedly faced with running the kingdom alone, Queen Adara of the Rivenden mermaids quickly finds herself facing a foe she never expected to see again. As if that wasn't difficult enough, she finds herself falling for the one merman she shouldn't. All she wanted was to make King Adonis proud, but she now finds herself second guessing every step.
Commander Orion, known as the best of the best of Rivenden’s defenses. He has been tasked to protect Adara by his king and childhood friend, Adonis. After the unthinkable occurs, Orion finds it harder to not fall for the one mermaid his heart has desired since he laid eyes on her. After Adara informs him of an outside evil that is encroaching on their kingdom, he places himself at her side.
The journey that Adara and Orion embark on will not only test them as individuals, but also their strength, friendship, and trust in one another. But what happens when Fate deems it necessary to throw more at them than either of them could have planned for?
314 pages, Paperback
First published December 14, 2023
23 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
T.M. Mayfield
8 books47 followersT. M. Mayfield is a small town author who loves all things fantasy. She is currently working to make her dream of being a fantasy author come true. When she isn’t writing or editing, you can find her snuggling her cat, homeschooling her children or picking fights with her cinnamon roll husband. She’s also waiting for the day that Sonic: America’s Drive-In realizes she can give them plenty of advertising and decides they want to sponsor her editing comfort drink.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 31, 2024
OMGGGGG
This book… I’m so happy it’s an easy cliffhanger to deal with because I’d be craving the next book right now… though tbh I am. 😂 That ending was perfect for this book! Anyway, I’m so happy I picked up this book when I did 😍. It’s so good, I wanted to drag it out but also read it super quickly. I love Adonis, Adara and Orion 😍. I seriously can’t wait for the next part!! I’ve also recovered from the emotional rollercoaster that I was put through, does it still hurt? Yes but I understand 🥹. Overall a good story and I love how it unfolded.
Few days later and I’m still obsessed and emotional over the storyline. 🥺
This book… I’m so happy it’s an easy cliffhanger to deal with because I’d be craving the next book right now… though tbh I am. 😂 That ending was perfect for this book! Anyway, I’m so happy I picked up this book when I did 😍. It’s so good, I wanted to drag it out but also read it super quickly. I love Adonis, Adara and Orion 😍. I seriously can’t wait for the next part!! I’ve also recovered from the emotional rollercoaster that I was put through, does it still hurt? Yes but I understand 🥹. Overall a good story and I love how it unfolded.
Few days later and I’m still obsessed and emotional over the storyline. 🥺
April 3, 2024
I had the absolute pleasure of reading this in December before the previous release date and absolutely loved it. The same can be said about this time around reading it. It was fixed up quite a bit with the world building and just a lot of tiny details that I noticed were different, it was amazing!
I absolutely fell in love with Adara and Orion all over again, just as I knew I would. This book follows Adara as she is navigating becoming Queen of Rivenden, after a tragedy befalls her husband, King Adonis. It felt like I was right there with her through all of the trials and tribulations she goes through. I absolutely love that we got the villains POV, as twisted as she is, it really helped the story to see how her mind works. T.M. Mayfield is such an amazing writer and the way she described every detail was perfect, it was so easy to transport into this world. I’m so honored to have been able to have another chance at reading it!
I absolutely recommend if you are looking for a fast paced read with fantasy, mermaids, adventure, thrills, a tad bit of sadness and a whole lot of banter between our two main characters ❤️
I absolutely fell in love with Adara and Orion all over again, just as I knew I would. This book follows Adara as she is navigating becoming Queen of Rivenden, after a tragedy befalls her husband, King Adonis. It felt like I was right there with her through all of the trials and tribulations she goes through. I absolutely love that we got the villains POV, as twisted as she is, it really helped the story to see how her mind works. T.M. Mayfield is such an amazing writer and the way she described every detail was perfect, it was so easy to transport into this world. I’m so honored to have been able to have another chance at reading it!
I absolutely recommend if you are looking for a fast paced read with fantasy, mermaids, adventure, thrills, a tad bit of sadness and a whole lot of banter between our two main characters ❤️
March 11, 2024
If ya like: mermaids, and friends to lovers, fated mates, evil magic then this is the book for ya. This is the first book in the series I will be excited to see where it goes from here!
November 21, 2024
This book made me damn near furious!
Tropes and Main points to know
Fated mates
Prophecy
Pacing problems
Slow burn
Love triangle
closed door spice that is merely implied rather than described
More of a YA than and grown up fantasy read
Mermaids that spend more time without their fins
Brilliant and unique story
Fantastic author
Insufficient character development
Vivid and incredible world building but it needed a greater quantity of to really bring the world to life
So I have sat on this review so to not dampen the sales, and I don't want this to come across as mean but i need to have my say because I am so damn angry because Mayfield is on hell of an author and they just have a really really rubbish team supporting the book!
I hope this review will show my love for the story, and that's why I'm so sad and angry and dissapointed - because it could have, and should have been so much more! It felt rushed in all aspects, I don't think it ever saw an editor, the beta readers didn't pick up on the simplist of mistakes like tense changes or simple spelling and Punctuation, or even basic grammar. Which has TRULY let this author and the book down (I couldn't even get through 20% of the next one there's that many mistakes in it!)
But that being said;
What a genuinely wonderful author Mayfield is, the story is my first ever mermaid read and I was surprised that barely any time was spent in the water as a mermaid. I was also confused as to the transformation process, no mention of what happened to their clothes when they got their fins, or what is, or is not covered up by scales. which made things confusing.
To be honest, I didn't see the need for this to be a mermaid story. You could take the mermaids out and change them to fae, and it would be the same exact story. However it was nice to read something different for a change.
I enjoyed the plot and subplot, and the characters had great depth, but they could have been developed so much further.
I found the writing style easy to follow but I did feel like there were gaps in the story and some under-explained areas- for example: a "conception prevention potion" is mentioned a lot, but not why it's used, or not used, or its purpose. And there are multiple time jumps along the way that just rush the book and leave the reader lost and wondering why? Clearly its not important for us to know about those now missing years, so it just doesn't flow right (and I've seen im one of many reviewers to think this).
- I mean in the space of just two pages we jump forward a few months and not even smoothly- one moment a character wants to talk to someone to apologise but then we're 2 months down the line thinking what the double hockey sticks just happened? Did they talk? How did it go? And then a minute or two later and were a mere 2 more pages in, and we we jump yet again but worse this time as it's now a whole year later.
There were also many, many editing mistakes, like I said above every single one is obvious and easy to detect and SHOULD have been picked up by her team, I feel so damn let down for the author because it simply didn't need to happen- and this book is in print too! Just heart breaking. This book was part of my book club, all of the ladies bar 1 dnf it because of the errors, but I'm glad I continued through because the story really was great! [ I did note down a good majority of the errors i found and emailed them to the author for free so hopefully this will fix the problem for future KU readers, physical readers though are stuck, sorry].
the Spice was well written but not personally my type- I prefer if it wasn't closed door. Mayfair's world building is incredible and vivid, but its that good that again, as the reader, i just wish there was more as some points during the story we are left with a few questions on how they got from A to B or where that room is or where theyre going now. The detailed descriptions really weave the reader right into the story itself which is the main reason for needing more world building and explinations. Oh, and the drama created throughout is wonderful and will have you on the edge of your seat.
Technically it doesn't end on a cliff hanger so the anxious readers needn't worry, there is a sort of cliff hanger but I can't say more without giving away the plot.
I was desperate to read the next book, I was selected as an arc reader but I got to page 90 and found 70 errors already, I couldn't battle through this one as the errors were so in your face it made it difficult to read, follow and understand so it simply wasn't enjoyable. However, to say I am gutted is an understatement.
I'll leave you with this thought- Mayfield should be picked up by a publisher, because her story is truly unique and brilliant, and with a good team around to help guide and edit, this book will be a 5star best seller- of this I have no doubts!
Tropes and Main points to know
Fated mates
Prophecy
Pacing problems
Slow burn
Love triangle
closed door spice that is merely implied rather than described
More of a YA than and grown up fantasy read
Mermaids that spend more time without their fins
Brilliant and unique story
Fantastic author
Insufficient character development
Vivid and incredible world building but it needed a greater quantity of to really bring the world to life
So I have sat on this review so to not dampen the sales, and I don't want this to come across as mean but i need to have my say because I am so damn angry because Mayfield is on hell of an author and they just have a really really rubbish team supporting the book!
I hope this review will show my love for the story, and that's why I'm so sad and angry and dissapointed - because it could have, and should have been so much more! It felt rushed in all aspects, I don't think it ever saw an editor, the beta readers didn't pick up on the simplist of mistakes like tense changes or simple spelling and Punctuation, or even basic grammar. Which has TRULY let this author and the book down (I couldn't even get through 20% of the next one there's that many mistakes in it!)
But that being said;
What a genuinely wonderful author Mayfield is, the story is my first ever mermaid read and I was surprised that barely any time was spent in the water as a mermaid. I was also confused as to the transformation process, no mention of what happened to their clothes when they got their fins, or what is, or is not covered up by scales. which made things confusing.
To be honest, I didn't see the need for this to be a mermaid story. You could take the mermaids out and change them to fae, and it would be the same exact story. However it was nice to read something different for a change.
I enjoyed the plot and subplot, and the characters had great depth, but they could have been developed so much further.
I found the writing style easy to follow but I did feel like there were gaps in the story and some under-explained areas- for example: a "conception prevention potion" is mentioned a lot, but not why it's used, or not used, or its purpose. And there are multiple time jumps along the way that just rush the book and leave the reader lost and wondering why? Clearly its not important for us to know about those now missing years, so it just doesn't flow right (and I've seen im one of many reviewers to think this).
- I mean in the space of just two pages we jump forward a few months and not even smoothly- one moment a character wants to talk to someone to apologise but then we're 2 months down the line thinking what the double hockey sticks just happened? Did they talk? How did it go? And then a minute or two later and were a mere 2 more pages in, and we we jump yet again but worse this time as it's now a whole year later.
There were also many, many editing mistakes, like I said above every single one is obvious and easy to detect and SHOULD have been picked up by her team, I feel so damn let down for the author because it simply didn't need to happen- and this book is in print too! Just heart breaking. This book was part of my book club, all of the ladies bar 1 dnf it because of the errors, but I'm glad I continued through because the story really was great! [ I did note down a good majority of the errors i found and emailed them to the author for free so hopefully this will fix the problem for future KU readers, physical readers though are stuck, sorry].
the Spice was well written but not personally my type- I prefer if it wasn't closed door. Mayfair's world building is incredible and vivid, but its that good that again, as the reader, i just wish there was more as some points during the story we are left with a few questions on how they got from A to B or where that room is or where theyre going now. The detailed descriptions really weave the reader right into the story itself which is the main reason for needing more world building and explinations. Oh, and the drama created throughout is wonderful and will have you on the edge of your seat.
Technically it doesn't end on a cliff hanger so the anxious readers needn't worry, there is a sort of cliff hanger but I can't say more without giving away the plot.
I was desperate to read the next book, I was selected as an arc reader but I got to page 90 and found 70 errors already, I couldn't battle through this one as the errors were so in your face it made it difficult to read, follow and understand so it simply wasn't enjoyable. However, to say I am gutted is an understatement.
I'll leave you with this thought- Mayfield should be picked up by a publisher, because her story is truly unique and brilliant, and with a good team around to help guide and edit, this book will be a 5star best seller- of this I have no doubts!
April 5, 2024
"Adara will either be my life or my doom."
This is an action-packed romantasy with all the goodies - fated mates, a magical kingdom on the brink of war, and the kind of love that starts as friendship. The chemistry feels relaxed and genuine, and the magical world is entrancing. I don't want to say too much because a LOT happens in this book and I don't want to do spoilers, but T.M. Mayfield is an author to watch!
This is an action-packed romantasy with all the goodies - fated mates, a magical kingdom on the brink of war, and the kind of love that starts as friendship. The chemistry feels relaxed and genuine, and the magical world is entrancing. I don't want to say too much because a LOT happens in this book and I don't want to do spoilers, but T.M. Mayfield is an author to watch!
July 21, 2024
What an amazing story!
The River Queen has all the vibrancy you would expect from a mermaid story with a slow burn romance that will leave you gasping once everything comes to fruition. Outstanding characters some you can’t help to love and some you can’t help but hate. Fantastic creatures, prophecies and a dark villain! You even get mentions of Triton along the way.
Adara, Adonis and Orion are easy to love from the start.
The romance is well written and not overly spicy.
Honestly it was so adorably sweet I went back and re-read a few parts.
The River Queen has all the vibrancy you would expect from a mermaid story with a slow burn romance that will leave you gasping once everything comes to fruition. Outstanding characters some you can’t help to love and some you can’t help but hate. Fantastic creatures, prophecies and a dark villain! You even get mentions of Triton along the way.
Adara, Adonis and Orion are easy to love from the start.
The romance is well written and not overly spicy.
Honestly it was so adorably sweet I went back and re-read a few parts.
April 6, 2024
Well written adventure with soft political intrigue including the magic of fated mates and a prophecy to thwart darkness from destroying the realms.
There are many things to like about this story and if you like a bit of romance with your mermaid adventures, don't mind that a majority of the time the mer are not wearing their fin half, and you prefer the spicy scenes to be implied and merely mentioned instead of experienced then this tender feels fantasy could be your next favorite read.
With many series starters there is usually a cliffhanger, but luckily for you future readers the story is a complete one, and the cliffhanger is more of a set up for the next story. It has a good stopping point for the threads to be picked up in book two.
Stop reading my review here and if you like all those things read the book and give the wonderful author those KU pages read. That is all.
And for you curious gluttons who need to know why it's not marked as 5 stars...
Unfortunately, this book didn't hit the way I was hoping it would. The pacing was much too slow for my personal preference and I found myself flipping pages, skimming much of the book and still feeling like it took me forever to finish. This doesn't mean the book wouldn't hit right for another reader. It just means I personally didn't vibe with it. There was a disconnect for me that I kept hoping would click, but Adara annoyed me too many times and Nerissa and the evil darkness was too cartoonish feeling for me. Like she was evil because buwahaha I'm spoiled and going to be evil to be evil feels.
The story felt too YA despite the adult fated mates interest. And that's okay, I just had more expectations that it was an adult fantasy. There was much too much of the day to day slice of life feels that I just found myself struggling to get through the plot of even the character charm, which this author does an excellent job of getting inside the character's head. Such great writing that I hate myself for not liking this book more.
5 star read for the right reader.
3 stars from this reader because it has good things but I came close to DNF multiple times. I will not be continuing this series. I won't be adding my review to other sites as a courtesy to a fellow indie. This book was given to me as an ARC and note that I don't review books at all that are below 3 stars which means I liked something enough to spend my time writing a review at all.. Also, should the lovely author read through this whole review, know you are awesome, but I'm just not the right reader for your beautiful books. Keep up the good bookish fight and I am still rooting for you.
There are many things to like about this story and if you like a bit of romance with your mermaid adventures, don't mind that a majority of the time the mer are not wearing their fin half, and you prefer the spicy scenes to be implied and merely mentioned instead of experienced then this tender feels fantasy could be your next favorite read.
With many series starters there is usually a cliffhanger, but luckily for you future readers the story is a complete one, and the cliffhanger is more of a set up for the next story. It has a good stopping point for the threads to be picked up in book two.
Stop reading my review here and if you like all those things read the book and give the wonderful author those KU pages read. That is all.
And for you curious gluttons who need to know why it's not marked as 5 stars...
Unfortunately, this book didn't hit the way I was hoping it would. The pacing was much too slow for my personal preference and I found myself flipping pages, skimming much of the book and still feeling like it took me forever to finish. This doesn't mean the book wouldn't hit right for another reader. It just means I personally didn't vibe with it. There was a disconnect for me that I kept hoping would click, but Adara annoyed me too many times and Nerissa and the evil darkness was too cartoonish feeling for me. Like she was evil because buwahaha I'm spoiled and going to be evil to be evil feels.
The story felt too YA despite the adult fated mates interest. And that's okay, I just had more expectations that it was an adult fantasy. There was much too much of the day to day slice of life feels that I just found myself struggling to get through the plot of even the character charm, which this author does an excellent job of getting inside the character's head. Such great writing that I hate myself for not liking this book more.
5 star read for the right reader.
3 stars from this reader because it has good things but I came close to DNF multiple times. I will not be continuing this series. I won't be adding my review to other sites as a courtesy to a fellow indie. This book was given to me as an ARC and note that I don't review books at all that are below 3 stars which means I liked something enough to spend my time writing a review at all.. Also, should the lovely author read through this whole review, know you are awesome, but I'm just not the right reader for your beautiful books. Keep up the good bookish fight and I am still rooting for you.
March 17, 2024
I loved this book it was very well written and fast paced. The characters are so lovable. I miss them now that book one is done and wait patiently for book 2. The world building was beautiful and clear I was able to imagine how beautiful things were in the river.
It has romance, fated mates and a good adventure.
Adara and Orion come a long way to discover who they are to each other.
Adara’s grief was so relatable there was so many true emotions there ,that part of the book was so well done.
Orion being the commander that he is was so strong and held together regardless of the sadness he felt inside him.
Adonis was a strong character that I fell in love with and was devastated to see what happens to him but I guess there needed to be this part happening so there would be more for the story to unfold .
Nerissa was not my favorite character but she was a force that can’t be ignored. So cunning with all her shadows.
My Favorite character was the ancient seer ❤️ so cool and mysterious.
I see so much more coming because we still don’t know who is the real villain of this story there are so many ways this story can go and I can’t wait for it 🫠
I have so many highlights in this book but I don’t want any spoilers here .
My favorite quote is
“I Love you ****** and I think I always have. I sat by and watched my best friend love and cherish you , and it was the hardest damn thing I have ever done in my life.”
It has romance, fated mates and a good adventure.
Adara and Orion come a long way to discover who they are to each other.
Adara’s grief was so relatable there was so many true emotions there ,that part of the book was so well done.
Orion being the commander that he is was so strong and held together regardless of the sadness he felt inside him.
Adonis was a strong character that I fell in love with and was devastated to see what happens to him but I guess there needed to be this part happening so there would be more for the story to unfold .
Nerissa was not my favorite character but she was a force that can’t be ignored. So cunning with all her shadows.
My Favorite character was the ancient seer ❤️ so cool and mysterious.
I see so much more coming because we still don’t know who is the real villain of this story there are so many ways this story can go and I can’t wait for it 🫠
I have so many highlights in this book but I don’t want any spoilers here .
My favorite quote is
“I Love you ****** and I think I always have. I sat by and watched my best friend love and cherish you , and it was the hardest damn thing I have ever done in my life.”
December 14, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This read was cute and left me on a cliffhanger 😒😅🫣.
It’s about a mermaid princess, Adara sent off to a kingdom, Rivenden, by her uncle to marry the king, in order to save her kingdom, Caetria. Her uncle sends her for his own benefit not caring what she wants. But she goes, with the intention of saving her self and telling the king everything her uncle is making her do with the intention of the king helping her out.
Adara finds her new home in Rivenden, she finds love, heartbreak, betrayal, battles, and a new love.
It was a short read, but just the beginning of a new series.
This read was cute and left me on a cliffhanger 😒😅🫣.
It’s about a mermaid princess, Adara sent off to a kingdom, Rivenden, by her uncle to marry the king, in order to save her kingdom, Caetria. Her uncle sends her for his own benefit not caring what she wants. But she goes, with the intention of saving her self and telling the king everything her uncle is making her do with the intention of the king helping her out.
Adara finds her new home in Rivenden, she finds love, heartbreak, betrayal, battles, and a new love.
It was a short read, but just the beginning of a new series.
March 14, 2024
Orion and Adara are my new favorite book couple! This book was so good. So much excitement and action, but with a very well thought out romance as well. I was hooked from the beginning and felt like I was right there with them, battling for the crown!
March 21, 2024
Ok so I put 4, because there is no halvsies but I say a 3.5 outta 5. I didn't want to go down to three cause I felt it deserved a better score.
Anyways, rhe book blurb on sites kinda ruined it for me. It gave a little too much detail, so the whole time all I could think was, oh no, when is this going to happen. So, I had a hard time trying to connect. Anyways, long story short, this is a story about a mermaid who is leaving her now horrible land and seeking refuge in another. We have sexy mer kings, sexy best friend to king and an Evil Sister. We also have creepy voices and a cool Seer.
I like the story, and I can't wait to see what's next. I gave it a 3.5 because the various reading sites blurbs gave too much away. Then, I couldn't read and enjoy. The other thing that took away points was the fated mates. Like besides the fact that I was told in mentioned website blurbs, I felt it was so obvious even if I had of not read the blurbs, I would have known already and been like come on y'all, I get it. I prefer more of a surprise or less of the prefeelings, and that's just me.
What I liked: The main characters friendship was on point. All three of them being besties made me happy. The seer was so cool and my fave. The mythology and visual of The Queen with starfish is so neat. Am I going to continue the series? Yes. I love fairy tale retellings, so I can't wait to see what happens next.
Anyways, rhe book blurb on sites kinda ruined it for me. It gave a little too much detail, so the whole time all I could think was, oh no, when is this going to happen. So, I had a hard time trying to connect. Anyways, long story short, this is a story about a mermaid who is leaving her now horrible land and seeking refuge in another. We have sexy mer kings, sexy best friend to king and an Evil Sister. We also have creepy voices and a cool Seer.
I like the story, and I can't wait to see what's next. I gave it a 3.5 because the various reading sites blurbs gave too much away. Then, I couldn't read and enjoy. The other thing that took away points was the fated mates. Like besides the fact that I was told in mentioned website blurbs, I felt it was so obvious even if I had of not read the blurbs, I would have known already and been like come on y'all, I get it. I prefer more of a surprise or less of the prefeelings, and that's just me.
What I liked: The main characters friendship was on point. All three of them being besties made me happy. The seer was so cool and my fave. The mythology and visual of The Queen with starfish is so neat. Am I going to continue the series? Yes. I love fairy tale retellings, so I can't wait to see what happens next.
March 4, 2024
When Queen Adara of the Rivenden mermaids unexpectedly finds herself ruling alone, she faces challenges both political and personal. Despite mourning her deceased husband, she begins to fall for his best friend, Commander Orion, who has vowed to protect her. Together, they confront external threats to the kingdom while navigating their growing feelings. As they embark on a journey guided by unsettling visions, they must balance loyalty to the kingdom with their burgeoning romance. This story is set in the Stonemaw Kingdom.
I loved how conflicted I felt about this love story. Adonis was such a great Merman! But Orion has my heart. I was rooting for him the entire time. The witty banter. The pet names had me swooning. The spice scenes got my heart beating fast but then quickly faded to black! The family dynamic between Adonis, Orion, and Adara was amazing. Although some scenes were painful (I won't spoil ! #poororion)
Let's talk diabolical. The River Queen's Evil Characters are downright nasty and straight up scary. You get pov of Nerissa to see just how deranged she can get.
This read was a definite trust, the process that had me screaming at my Kindle, saying no, don't do this and don't do that. But overall all I really enjoyed the book, and I can't wait for the next one to come out!!!
I loved how conflicted I felt about this love story. Adonis was such a great Merman! But Orion has my heart. I was rooting for him the entire time. The witty banter. The pet names had me swooning. The spice scenes got my heart beating fast but then quickly faded to black! The family dynamic between Adonis, Orion, and Adara was amazing. Although some scenes were painful (I won't spoil ! #poororion)
Let's talk diabolical. The River Queen's Evil Characters are downright nasty and straight up scary. You get pov of Nerissa to see just how deranged she can get.
This read was a definite trust, the process that had me screaming at my Kindle, saying no, don't do this and don't do that. But overall all I really enjoyed the book, and I can't wait for the next one to come out!!!
April 7, 2024
The River Queen is the first book in the Stonemaw Chronicles. It is a fated mates romantasy featuring Adara, King Adonis and Commander Orion.
When Adara arrives in Rivenden, she catches Orion's eye and he feels an instant connection before even learning her name. He later finds out when she presents herself before King Adonis who also fell for her instantly and knew she was destined to be his queen. The two fell in love, and wed. But The Ancient Seer revealed to Adonis that their time together would not last. He committed himself to love her and treasure every moment that they shared. While he did not reveal his fate to her, he ensured she was prepared to take over as Queen of Rivenden. He also asked his best friend, Orion, to protect her once he was gone.
When Adonis' life is struck down, Orion steps up to honour his promise to his friend. And with his death comes the beginning of a prophecy that "...speaks of a mermaid queen who will lead the kingdom of Rivenden into its greatest age, but not before undergoing incredible grief and trials."
There was an impressive amount of world-building in this book, and the stage has definitely been set for a sequel. The characters are fun and the story is quick moving and engaging. I enjoyed the build, and reading the story from multiple points of view.
When Adara arrives in Rivenden, she catches Orion's eye and he feels an instant connection before even learning her name. He later finds out when she presents herself before King Adonis who also fell for her instantly and knew she was destined to be his queen. The two fell in love, and wed. But The Ancient Seer revealed to Adonis that their time together would not last. He committed himself to love her and treasure every moment that they shared. While he did not reveal his fate to her, he ensured she was prepared to take over as Queen of Rivenden. He also asked his best friend, Orion, to protect her once he was gone.
When Adonis' life is struck down, Orion steps up to honour his promise to his friend. And with his death comes the beginning of a prophecy that "...speaks of a mermaid queen who will lead the kingdom of Rivenden into its greatest age, but not before undergoing incredible grief and trials."
There was an impressive amount of world-building in this book, and the stage has definitely been set for a sequel. The characters are fun and the story is quick moving and engaging. I enjoyed the build, and reading the story from multiple points of view.
November 29, 2023
“It’s me and you. Always and forever, as long as you’ll have me.”
Mermaids, Faes, Seer, love, loss, betrayal. What more could you ask for? I can think of a couple.
The River Queen follows an orphaned princess mermaid sent to marry a king of another kingdom. Things progress, and the story gets good. Family strife at the center of it. This is where things sway to less stars for me. Years happen in the blink of an eye.
The ebook sits at under 200 pages, so I feel the world building and character development could have been expanded on more during this time. I still felt a connection to some of the characters, but I felt it could have slowed down and been so. Much. More. The world could have been explained better than a sentence here or there explaining things. I really hope the magic of the river kingdom can be seen in other books.
This being the first book in a new series, I hope that happens as the story progresses. I can't wait to see what happens with Adara after the events of the epilogue. This is a fantasy series that has the potential to be amazing.
I received an ARC copy of this title.
Mermaids, Faes, Seer, love, loss, betrayal. What more could you ask for? I can think of a couple.
The River Queen follows an orphaned princess mermaid sent to marry a king of another kingdom. Things progress, and the story gets good. Family strife at the center of it. This is where things sway to less stars for me. Years happen in the blink of an eye.
The ebook sits at under 200 pages, so I feel the world building and character development could have been expanded on more during this time. I still felt a connection to some of the characters, but I felt it could have slowed down and been so. Much. More. The world could have been explained better than a sentence here or there explaining things. I really hope the magic of the river kingdom can be seen in other books.
This being the first book in a new series, I hope that happens as the story progresses. I can't wait to see what happens with Adara after the events of the epilogue. This is a fantasy series that has the potential to be amazing.
I received an ARC copy of this title.
November 25, 2023
The author gives us so many of our favorite fantasy elements, it's a treat for fantasy readers!
Synopsis: Adara is sent to form an alliance with King Adonis. She arrives hoping for a new home and is received by a smitten king, his handsome commander, and his angry sister.
Review: I loved the multiple POVs and the pacing of this book. I read it in a few hours. The set up is quick and you get both a love story and a villain right away. The story is kept interesting with battles and trips to the Seer. Adonis is a king not only for being a royal. Orion is his dark haired best friend (I mean say no more, right?). I appreciate that this wasn't focused on the political and war strategy.
Fantasy elements you can expect:
👉 Marriage of convenience turned into love
👉 Dark haired male pining after the FMC
👉 Crazed sea witch
👉 Prophecies
👉 Heartbreak
👉 Magical monsters and battles
👉 An inn
Synopsis: Adara is sent to form an alliance with King Adonis. She arrives hoping for a new home and is received by a smitten king, his handsome commander, and his angry sister.
Review: I loved the multiple POVs and the pacing of this book. I read it in a few hours. The set up is quick and you get both a love story and a villain right away. The story is kept interesting with battles and trips to the Seer. Adonis is a king not only for being a royal. Orion is his dark haired best friend (I mean say no more, right?). I appreciate that this wasn't focused on the political and war strategy.
Fantasy elements you can expect:
👉 Marriage of convenience turned into love
👉 Dark haired male pining after the FMC
👉 Crazed sea witch
👉 Prophecies
👉 Heartbreak
👉 Magical monsters and battles
👉 An inn
April 12, 2024
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
𝓢𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓮: 🌶️🌶️/5
𝓣𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼:
This was indeed an entertaining book and I genuinely really enjoyed reading this book. It was action-packed and filled with adventures and mysteries and magic! There was fated mates, friends to lovers and so much more to this story.
At first, I felt like the story was a bit slow and it took me awhile to get into it and apart from that I really really liked the story, the overall world-building, the setting of this story and as well as the characters. The writing style was great and it was very beautifully written.
I really liked the chemistry between the characters. It just felt so real, nothing forced. Their emotions, feelings can be felt as you read through them. Their scenes together was just so beautiful and well descriptive.
There’s still so much more to discover and I can’t wait to see what book two holds! I’d really recommend this book to readers.
𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽 ?
🐚 𝓜𝓮𝓻𝓶𝓪𝓲𝓭𝓼
🐚𝓕𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓼 𝓽𝓸 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓻𝓼
🐚𝓕𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓶𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓼
🐚𝓔𝓿𝓲𝓵 𝓶𝓪𝓰𝓲𝓬
𝓢𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓮: 🌶️🌶️/5
𝓣𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼:
This was indeed an entertaining book and I genuinely really enjoyed reading this book. It was action-packed and filled with adventures and mysteries and magic! There was fated mates, friends to lovers and so much more to this story.
At first, I felt like the story was a bit slow and it took me awhile to get into it and apart from that I really really liked the story, the overall world-building, the setting of this story and as well as the characters. The writing style was great and it was very beautifully written.
I really liked the chemistry between the characters. It just felt so real, nothing forced. Their emotions, feelings can be felt as you read through them. Their scenes together was just so beautiful and well descriptive.
There’s still so much more to discover and I can’t wait to see what book two holds! I’d really recommend this book to readers.
𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽 ?
🐚 𝓜𝓮𝓻𝓶𝓪𝓲𝓭𝓼
🐚𝓕𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓼 𝓽𝓸 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓻𝓼
🐚𝓕𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓶𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓼
🐚𝓔𝓿𝓲𝓵 𝓶𝓪𝓰𝓲𝓬
June 21, 2024
I LOVED the dynamic and interactions between Orion and Adara, and Adonis and Adara. And just all three of them together. My heart is broken for Adonis😭😭 I love him so much for the short time we knew him! Orion is the sweetest. He cares so deeply and was willing to let his best friend and HIS mate be together if that meant they were happy. (Reminded me of a certain high lord of the night court who did the same.) I still can’t decide who I ship together more though 😩💜
Growing up I loved mermaids and rewatched H2O Just Add Water SO many times and even started writing a book of my own that never got past the first couple chapters, but still😅
While the story was engaging, I felt the abrupt time jumps made the pacing too fast at times. The whole book covered years but only offering brief glimpses into those years, which left me feeling disoriented.
Growing up I loved mermaids and rewatched H2O Just Add Water SO many times and even started writing a book of my own that never got past the first couple chapters, but still😅
While the story was engaging, I felt the abrupt time jumps made the pacing too fast at times. The whole book covered years but only offering brief glimpses into those years, which left me feeling disoriented.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2023
This is a quick read fantasy book with love, romance, betrayal and prophecies.
The betrayal starts off quickly in the first 15% and blooms throughout the book. Adara is sent to a nearby kingdom to secure an alliance and finds love in the King of Rivenden. We don’t get their courtship details as much since this is a short book and are quickly moved to their wedding but it doesn’t hinder the story. We follow Adara’s story of love, personal growth and eventually her growth as a ruler.
There is a small amount of non explicit spice, but this is not a book centered on spice.
This book does end with a cliffhanger of Adara and Orion.
Overall, this was a great palate cleanser book that I enjoyed!
The betrayal starts off quickly in the first 15% and blooms throughout the book. Adara is sent to a nearby kingdom to secure an alliance and finds love in the King of Rivenden. We don’t get their courtship details as much since this is a short book and are quickly moved to their wedding but it doesn’t hinder the story. We follow Adara’s story of love, personal growth and eventually her growth as a ruler.
There is a small amount of non explicit spice, but this is not a book centered on spice.
This book does end with a cliffhanger of Adara and Orion.
Overall, this was a great palate cleanser book that I enjoyed!
December 9, 2023
I enjoy any book that features mermaids and this was no exception.
The plot is full of twists and turns and every time I thought things were beginning to settle something new would happen which would intrigue me all over again.
I liked the characters especially Orion.
I also love any book that has a background of seers and prophecies.
The nod to the Little Mermaid got me intrigued and I’m looking forward to seeing if this continues in the rest of the series.
My only comment is that the book is quite fast paced and while this made it an easy read, there were some aspects of the plot I’d have loved to see explored further.
A really enjoyable read, a great cliffhanger and I will be picking up the next book.
The plot is full of twists and turns and every time I thought things were beginning to settle something new would happen which would intrigue me all over again.
I liked the characters especially Orion.
I also love any book that has a background of seers and prophecies.
The nod to the Little Mermaid got me intrigued and I’m looking forward to seeing if this continues in the rest of the series.
My only comment is that the book is quite fast paced and while this made it an easy read, there were some aspects of the plot I’d have loved to see explored further.
A really enjoyable read, a great cliffhanger and I will be picking up the next book.
April 3, 2024
Stop it I could not get enough I almost called off work to be Abel to finish and process this book. First of all I have never been a arc for anybody but I hope I could do this more often. I was so hesitant to read it cause “husbands best friend” threw me off but trust me theirs no cheating. It’s definitely like a lot have said trust the process I definitely was judging hard and thought I would not finish it but the more I read the more I fell in love this ended up being the best books I’ve read in a while it brought me out of a bad slump I couldn’t get enough his nickname for her made me want to melt away I need love like that I cannot wait to get my hands on the physical version.
April 6, 2024
I found The River Queen an enjoyable read, the storyline is good but I do agree with another reviewer that mentioned the blurb. I found the blurb gave too much away so I was just waiting for things to happen.
It's action packed and I liked the dynamic between Adara and Orion. Cuttlefish is so cute..At times Adara saying she couldn't do something (won't say what because it will spoil it) got tiring but on the other hand I understood.
The story does end on a cliff hanger ready for book 2
I think others will love this novel.
It's action packed and I liked the dynamic between Adara and Orion. Cuttlefish is so cute..At times Adara saying she couldn't do something (won't say what because it will spoil it) got tiring but on the other hand I understood.
The story does end on a cliff hanger ready for book 2
I think others will love this novel.
April 4, 2025
My first book by my author friend and ooooooo.
I loved the characters, well there were a few I didn’t like and she knows how lol, it was a cool world building and all the magical structures.
There’s Mers and faes and humans that I know of. Maybe even more 👀 I really liked Adaras she gives off innocent vibes but she’s actually so cool and has a bit of a sad backstory.
I’m excited to read more with how this book ended! I want to see if they will be able to win in the end and defeat the bad guys!
I loved the characters, well there were a few I didn’t like and she knows how lol, it was a cool world building and all the magical structures.
There’s Mers and faes and humans that I know of. Maybe even more 👀 I really liked Adaras she gives off innocent vibes but she’s actually so cool and has a bit of a sad backstory.
I’m excited to read more with how this book ended! I want to see if they will be able to win in the end and defeat the bad guys!
December 28, 2023
The River Queen: Book One Stonemaw Chronicles
This was a really good read! I can't wait to read more!
I loved that this was about mermaids and mer. It definitely was something that broke up what I am usually reading!
*I received this as an ARC, and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review*
This was a really good read! I can't wait to read more!
I loved that this was about mermaids and mer. It definitely was something that broke up what I am usually reading!
*I received this as an ARC, and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review*
Read
June 24, 2025DNF-33%
Most of the reviews have expressed similar concerns regarding pacing, character development, and world building. What I have not seen is no one discussing why a white author is writing a POC character? It feels like Adara’s race is surface level and adds nothing to her character as a whole. Honestly, it feels like the author just wants to add diversity to her story for representation sake without actually doing the research.
Most of the reviews have expressed similar concerns regarding pacing, character development, and world building. What I have not seen is no one discussing why a white author is writing a POC character? It feels like Adara’s race is surface level and adds nothing to her character as a whole. Honestly, it feels like the author just wants to add diversity to her story for representation sake without actually doing the research.
December 19, 2023
0/5 spice. Just when you think it might get good it fades to black. I spend the start of the story hoping for some MMF action.
It was an OK read. About 185 pages. Took 2 evenings. The series continues
It was an OK read. About 185 pages. Took 2 evenings. The series continues
January 6, 2024
If I could round up and give a half star, this would have landed on 3.5; however, I rounded down for a few reasons. Overall, the concept of the story had me intrigued, as I had not yet read a fantasy centered around mermaids. I think if the overall story had been drawn out more, more attention to Adara's backstory (which could come in book 2), more execution of the plot and development between Adara and Adonis, and a better understanding of the world and the magic. The timeline felt rushed, jumping 4 years without much explanation of the events and circumstances that lead up to the point where the plot took off. The details felt rushed. I think if the world building and character development had more focus, this would have helped.
I did enjoy the descriptions and detail that went into building the imagery in my mind, as well as the multiple POVs. This story has great potential, and the cliffhanger at the end definitely makes the reader wonder what is coming! I hope the continuation of the story gives the aforementioned more focus (world building, character development), more backstory for all characters, and exceptional delivery of the plot!
Thank you to the author for the ARC of this book! I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I did enjoy the descriptions and detail that went into building the imagery in my mind, as well as the multiple POVs. This story has great potential, and the cliffhanger at the end definitely makes the reader wonder what is coming! I hope the continuation of the story gives the aforementioned more focus (world building, character development), more backstory for all characters, and exceptional delivery of the plot!
Thank you to the author for the ARC of this book! I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 23, 2024
Why write a book about mermaids if they actually live in an underwater bubble that’s exactly like living on land, down to having wine and leather and stairs…. ?
Aside from the aspect above which annoyed me continually, this book felt really flat. I just couldn’t get into it. DNFed at 40%
Aside from the aspect above which annoyed me continually, this book felt really flat. I just couldn’t get into it. DNFed at 40%
December 16, 2024
This one was not my favorite. It was hard for me to read it all the way through. But did finish it knowing that most books are the best at the last 20 percent. But this one was not for me. I feel like more of a climax but never got there for me.
July 12, 2025
A solid book, though a little slower paced than I prefer for romantasies. I can see the potential for book 2 to have some faster pacing possibly, and I'm intrigued to see how the romance part unfolds.
December 29, 2023
OMG, I completely fell in love with this book and the characters immediately. This story sucks you in form the very start and doesn't let go.
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