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The Queen's Chair #7
The Queen's Gamble
With the city still teetering on the verge of chaos in every quarter, tomorrow, inevitably, arrives.
Stasia has great plans for what she's going to try to do next, something to help with the conflict between the pixies and the humans while also advancing a new business interest. Unfortunately, there's only so much time in the day, and continually running short, she is also breaking in a new assistant. Maybe then she can feel like she's not neglecting the people in her life that she cares about the most. In the midst of all of that, an unexpected request from the queen sends everything in a whole new direction and she has no plans laid to deal with the consequences of what happens next.
With the city on the line, the queen is making a very big bet, and she's counting on Stasia and her friends to give her the chance she needs to make good. It's all or nothing, and Stasia bets on the queen once more in hopes that she can change the future of Verida. With doubts creeping in and no backup plan to fall back on, is Stasia going to regret the side she's ended up on?
An exciting new chapter in the story of Verida is about to start. Stasia's not ready for it. Are you?
Stasia has great plans for what she's going to try to do next, something to help with the conflict between the pixies and the humans while also advancing a new business interest. Unfortunately, there's only so much time in the day, and continually running short, she is also breaking in a new assistant. Maybe then she can feel like she's not neglecting the people in her life that she cares about the most. In the midst of all of that, an unexpected request from the queen sends everything in a whole new direction and she has no plans laid to deal with the consequences of what happens next.
With the city on the line, the queen is making a very big bet, and she's counting on Stasia and her friends to give her the chance she needs to make good. It's all or nothing, and Stasia bets on the queen once more in hopes that she can change the future of Verida. With doubts creeping in and no backup plan to fall back on, is Stasia going to regret the side she's ended up on?
An exciting new chapter in the story of Verida is about to start. Stasia's not ready for it. Are you?
456 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 21, 2024
Heart-pounding fantasy adventure
Stasia was once merely the merchant's spare daughter. Now, through a combination of curiosity, acumen and serendipity, she is the richest businesswoman in Verida, and close confidante to the Queen. This last conspires to send Stasia, still reeling from the death of one of her closest friends, into the most complex and perilous situation yet, and, worse, threatens some of her most treasured relationships. Can Stasia and her associates negotiate between the various magical factions, and survive what may turn out to be one of the most important events in Veridan history?
I loved everything about this book, which I read non-stop from midnight until 11 am. Well, I had a couple of bathroom breaks, but that's allowed, right?
The style is modern and relevant, the pacing immaculate. There is a good balance between characterisation, dialogue, action and continuance of the various arcs begun in earlier books. As always, the world-building is layered on with a light touch, so that I felt as if I was finally noticing something that had been there all along, familiar and yet new.
Introspection is handled realistically and sparingly, which rockets the plot along. The constant plate-spinning of Stasia's daily life resonated with me throughout, and the emotional response this book provoked is still yet to subside.
Easter eggs are sprinkled throughout, which are a joy. And the ending... is one I definitely didn't see coming. Or is it?
Highly recommended to all fantasy adventure lovers, especially those who, like myself, struggle with unpronounceable names or unfamiliar magical races, as there are none of these to be found here.
Stasia was once merely the merchant's spare daughter. Now, through a combination of curiosity, acumen and serendipity, she is the richest businesswoman in Verida, and close confidante to the Queen. This last conspires to send Stasia, still reeling from the death of one of her closest friends, into the most complex and perilous situation yet, and, worse, threatens some of her most treasured relationships. Can Stasia and her associates negotiate between the various magical factions, and survive what may turn out to be one of the most important events in Veridan history?
I loved everything about this book, which I read non-stop from midnight until 11 am. Well, I had a couple of bathroom breaks, but that's allowed, right?
The style is modern and relevant, the pacing immaculate. There is a good balance between characterisation, dialogue, action and continuance of the various arcs begun in earlier books. As always, the world-building is layered on with a light touch, so that I felt as if I was finally noticing something that had been there all along, familiar and yet new.
Introspection is handled realistically and sparingly, which rockets the plot along. The constant plate-spinning of Stasia's daily life resonated with me throughout, and the emotional response this book provoked is still yet to subside.
Easter eggs are sprinkled throughout, which are a joy. And the ending... is one I definitely didn't see coming. Or is it?
Highly recommended to all fantasy adventure lovers, especially those who, like myself, struggle with unpronounceable names or unfamiliar magical races, as there are none of these to be found here.
July 16, 2025
In which everything is gambled and perhaps won.
Stasia’s empire expands, she hires a clerk to help her, goes on an adventure to do the unthinkable with Queen Melody … make peace with mortal enemies with whom they can’t reliably communicate. Easy, no?
Garner’s writing of her FMC’s adventures, while seeming over the top and running perilously close to chosen-one trope, are actually grappled with a great deal of trepidation, almost-angst, acceptance and preparation. The heroine recognizes what she’s given up in order to be there for her queen and. While occasionally regretful and angry, is generally accepting of her role, which funny enough, will always see her come out ahead fiscally.
The ending of this book holds both a pleasant surprise and a sick twist. Brava, Ms Garner, well done. ::ovation::
Stasia’s empire expands, she hires a clerk to help her, goes on an adventure to do the unthinkable with Queen Melody … make peace with mortal enemies with whom they can’t reliably communicate. Easy, no?
Garner’s writing of her FMC’s adventures, while seeming over the top and running perilously close to chosen-one trope, are actually grappled with a great deal of trepidation, almost-angst, acceptance and preparation. The heroine recognizes what she’s given up in order to be there for her queen and. While occasionally regretful and angry, is generally accepting of her role, which funny enough, will always see her come out ahead fiscally.
The ending of this book holds both a pleasant surprise and a sick twist. Brava, Ms Garner, well done. ::ovation::
June 29, 2025
wild and wonderful
Completely unexpected, this has become one of my favorite new series and I stay up much too late binge reading each novel with great delight. Anastasia Fielding-Horne doesn’t disappoint as the heroine and Queen’s Guard, nor does her hero Beau and King’s Guard Babe. Along with his trusty pals.
This is currently my favorite book in the series, partially for some of the biggest surprises the always unexpected twists and turns - this time with the primitive magical Stone elves, particularly the ending (major shocker there) so of course I can’t wait to get to book 8 - charismatic characters and dynamic storylines make these wild and wonderful stories and an absolutely worthwhile read
Completely unexpected, this has become one of my favorite new series and I stay up much too late binge reading each novel with great delight. Anastasia Fielding-Horne doesn’t disappoint as the heroine and Queen’s Guard, nor does her hero Beau and King’s Guard Babe. Along with his trusty pals.
This is currently my favorite book in the series, partially for some of the biggest surprises the always unexpected twists and turns - this time with the primitive magical Stone elves, particularly the ending (major shocker there) so of course I can’t wait to get to book 8 - charismatic characters and dynamic storylines make these wild and wonderful stories and an absolutely worthwhile read
December 27, 2025
Another commendable effort by Chloe Garner. She continues to keep the plot interesting while demonstrating a superb grasp of what it takes for a market economy to work.
There are two major surprises at the very end, that set up the plot for the eighth and final book in this Stasia series.
Why is this not a five star? The premise of the book doesn't make sense to me. No sane ruler would take the risks described in this book.
If you've made it this far, you know what to expect- well written fantasy that makes economic sense. Looking forward to the last book.
There are two major surprises at the very end, that set up the plot for the eighth and final book in this Stasia series.
Why is this not a five star? The premise of the book doesn't make sense to me. No sane ruler would take the risks described in this book.
If you've made it this far, you know what to expect- well written fantasy that makes economic sense. Looking forward to the last book.
August 4, 2025
Excellent
I absolutely love this entire series.EveryI absolutely love this entire series. Every character I it's got life lessons, emotions, adventure, laugh, cry, anger, something at every turn magic and wonder happiness worth the read, keep it worth to buy enjoy. character I got life lessons , emotions , adventure , cry , anger , something that every turn magic and wonder happiness worth the read , keep it worth to the buy enjoy
I absolutely love this entire series.EveryI absolutely love this entire series. Every character I it's got life lessons, emotions, adventure, laugh, cry, anger, something at every turn magic and wonder happiness worth the read, keep it worth to buy enjoy. character I got life lessons , emotions , adventure , cry , anger , something that every turn magic and wonder happiness worth the read , keep it worth to the buy enjoy
July 31, 2024
The Queen’s Gamble
I was so sad to think that this was the last book. Thank goodness there is a book 8.
I was so shocked by the end of book 7.
I am so glad I get to continue to read about the many adventures of Anastasia.
I feel like I have come through all the adventures with her.
I hate for this series to end.
I will read Skite and Ella’s story after though.
I was so sad to think that this was the last book. Thank goodness there is a book 8.
I was so shocked by the end of book 7.
I am so glad I get to continue to read about the many adventures of Anastasia.
I feel like I have come through all the adventures with her.
I hate for this series to end.
I will read Skite and Ella’s story after though.
December 13, 2024
I am finding this series more and more difficult to read and getting less enjoyment out of it as I go through it. Our heroine often has to spend several pages wandering through the canyons of her mind, without ever coming to any great conclusion. I find this less than entertaining.
I may start book 8 but, unless it is a marked improvement on book 7, I doubt very much if I shall finish it.
I may start book 8 but, unless it is a marked improvement on book 7, I doubt very much if I shall finish it.
August 12, 2024
👏🏻 amazing
It's refreshing to have an author who not only has a brilliant story to tell but writes at a consistently high standard, these books are thoroughly enjoyable and I can't wait to see what happens next
It's refreshing to have an author who not only has a brilliant story to tell but writes at a consistently high standard, these books are thoroughly enjoyable and I can't wait to see what happens next
October 16, 2025
No honeymoon night?
Omg I didn't expect steamy sex but I expected a sweet, touching wedding night. I hope Stasia didn't get left hanging like we did
Omg I didn't expect steamy sex but I expected a sweet, touching wedding night. I hope Stasia didn't get left hanging like we did
October 5, 2024
Excellent.
I'm still thinking about stuff in this book days after I read it.
I'm really enjoying Stasia's internal journey where she's processing the people and events around her and what she's okay with and up for and what she is not, versus what other people are okay with and up for and why.
We get to see Edwin again. Hi Edwin!
The ending is a new event which will bounce right into the next book (it had better bigod) which isn't written yet which is So Annoying.
I'm still thinking about stuff in this book days after I read it.
I'm really enjoying Stasia's internal journey where she's processing the people and events around her and what she's okay with and up for and what she is not, versus what other people are okay with and up for and why.
We get to see Edwin again. Hi Edwin!
The ending is a new event which will bounce right into the next book (it had better bigod) which isn't written yet which is So Annoying.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews