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The Fae Dynasty #2
Lethal Kings
You've been warned many times, you cannot trust the kings . . .
The old queen is dead, a new queen is in play, and the realm has descended into darkness. For the first time in history, a queen has rejected the game. Eliza will start her reign with no alliances while Althea must fight to save her tenuous bond with the king who cannot love. Her relationship threatens to break, but Althea’s attention becomes divided after receiving a few harrowing clues connecting her past and the game at hand.
Before she can find answers, a mysterious fae appears promising the power of the seventh king to whoever can solve a series of riddles, leaving the fae realm in shambles as they race to come out on top. Althea has one year left. New alliances are forged. Old stories come to life. She must make her move, or the fate of the queens will consume her.
The old queen is dead, a new queen is in play, and the realm has descended into darkness. For the first time in history, a queen has rejected the game. Eliza will start her reign with no alliances while Althea must fight to save her tenuous bond with the king who cannot love. Her relationship threatens to break, but Althea’s attention becomes divided after receiving a few harrowing clues connecting her past and the game at hand.
Before she can find answers, a mysterious fae appears promising the power of the seventh king to whoever can solve a series of riddles, leaving the fae realm in shambles as they race to come out on top. Althea has one year left. New alliances are forged. Old stories come to life. She must make her move, or the fate of the queens will consume her.
415 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2024
16 people are currently reading
533 people want to read
About the author
Victoria McCombs
17 books725 followersBest-selling author of Oathbound and Mortal Queens from Enclave Publishing.
Victoria McCombs is the author of The Storyteller’s Series, The Royal Rose Chronicles, and the fae dynasty duology, with hopefully many more to come. She survives on hazelnut coffee, 20-minute naps, and a healthy fear of her deadlines, all while raising four wildlings with her husband in Omaha, Nebraska.
Victoria McCombs is the author of The Storyteller’s Series, The Royal Rose Chronicles, and the fae dynasty duology, with hopefully many more to come. She survives on hazelnut coffee, 20-minute naps, and a healthy fear of her deadlines, all while raising four wildlings with her husband in Omaha, Nebraska.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
November 18, 2024
4.5⭐️
If you think the stakes were high in Mortal Queens, somehow, Victoria McCombs sets the bar even higher in Lethal Kings. This book picks up right where Mortal Queens ended, and I was hooked, I couldn’t stop reading. Without giving away any spoilers, this book is fast-paced and full of suspense! It will have you questioning who can be trusted and who could be lying and hit you with lots of twists and surprises. I loved many of the characters, the subplot romance, and the found family incorporation. A few of my predictions were correct, but I was still very pleasantly surprised by how it all ended.
If you are looking for a great, clean fantasy series without any spice or language, I highly recommend this book… but read Mortal Queens first!
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: No spice (kisses), No language; some violence, deception, trickery, and plotting (stealing/lying to survive), gambling, characters drink alcohol,
If you think the stakes were high in Mortal Queens, somehow, Victoria McCombs sets the bar even higher in Lethal Kings. This book picks up right where Mortal Queens ended, and I was hooked, I couldn’t stop reading. Without giving away any spoilers, this book is fast-paced and full of suspense! It will have you questioning who can be trusted and who could be lying and hit you with lots of twists and surprises. I loved many of the characters, the subplot romance, and the found family incorporation. A few of my predictions were correct, but I was still very pleasantly surprised by how it all ended.
If you are looking for a great, clean fantasy series without any spice or language, I highly recommend this book… but read Mortal Queens first!
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: No spice (kisses), No language; some violence, deception, trickery, and plotting (stealing/lying to survive), gambling, characters drink alcohol,
November 25, 2025
I’m still not okay but wow!
Actual ✨ Rating: 4.5 Stars
Fast paced, suspenseful, twisty and enthralling
This duology is incredibly addictive, I couldn’t put either book down as soon as I started reading the ARCS. (Which is why I’m so glad I didn’t have to wait another year to get the sequel!!)
Lethal Kings picks right up where Mortal Queens ended and if you couldn’t imagine just how high the stakes could climb, think again!
Even though a lot of my predictions came to fruition, I still ended up surprised by how everything came together when it did.
I adore the Found Family trope and was super happy to see it come alive more in this sequel. And while my lips are sealed about another family matter…let’s just say when that aspect was thrown in, I was completely hooked. You’ll just have to read this book to see what I mean!
Victoria McCombs is definitely going down as one of the authors to tear my heart out, it’s taken me days to write this review because I am still recovering from what she did. This duology is worth the read so don’t let me scare you away from adventuring through the Fae Realm with Thea, who is one of my new favorite heroines now!
Actual ✨ Rating: 4.5 Stars
Fast paced, suspenseful, twisty and enthralling
This duology is incredibly addictive, I couldn’t put either book down as soon as I started reading the ARCS. (Which is why I’m so glad I didn’t have to wait another year to get the sequel!!)
Lethal Kings picks right up where Mortal Queens ended and if you couldn’t imagine just how high the stakes could climb, think again!
Even though a lot of my predictions came to fruition, I still ended up surprised by how everything came together when it did.
I adore the Found Family trope and was super happy to see it come alive more in this sequel. And while my lips are sealed about another family matter…let’s just say when that aspect was thrown in, I was completely hooked. You’ll just have to read this book to see what I mean!
Victoria McCombs is definitely going down as one of the authors to tear my heart out, it’s taken me days to write this review because I am still recovering from what she did. This duology is worth the read so don’t let me scare you away from adventuring through the Fae Realm with Thea, who is one of my new favorite heroines now!
February 21, 2025
AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
Craziness! 😭 Half the book I was saying “noooo” and closing the book to take a moment to freak out. So much happened in the book I’m still processing it all.
The story was really good! It picked up right where the first book ended and instantly pulled me right back into the world and story. Which is tragic, unfair and cruel!! Why did you write this, Victoria McCombs!?!? 😭😭
The characters…what can i say? I love them all! 😂 Well, not all of them, but most of the main ones. I did get a lil annoyed at Althea at times, but I think the things she did really fit her character and made her seem more realistic and believable.
Bash! Ahhh! He definitely grew on me this book. I feel like i got to see his character more and I really liked that. He has this innocent, pure, genuine way about him. He’s like perfect!! 😭😂
He also really does cares about Althea, and he’s so vulnerable with her and only her. And it’s reallyyy cuteee! 😂 But he does have some problems, and that’s okiee. We love him anywaysss! 😂
I love Odette and Talen! But i especially love Talen. He’s just so loyal, and sweet, and amazing!! Ahhh!! 🥰 Love that dude.
Eliza was ok. I didn’t feel like I got to know her super well and she seemed a little boring. She also got used to the Fae realm pretty quickly and that just seemed a lil unrealistic.
I really liked the romance in thisss! I will say I would have preferred to have more interaction and depth between Bash and Althea, but it’s ok. I still love their relationship and how it fit and tied into the world. Even tho at some points it pained meee! 😭 I will say that I wished Althea would have fought a little harder for her relationship with Bash at times. She really cares about everyone and wants to save the moral queens, but she gave up a little too quickly sometimes when they had a fight. Idk, It just seemed a little out of character.
The emotions I went through reading this. 😭 The twists, the turns- it was crazzyyy.
I probably would have finished this earlier if not for me kinda not wanting to read it cuz I was afraid how it was gonna go. 😅
It was just a lil emotionally painful. I got to chapter 3 and had to put the book down and go to bed cuz yeah- it hurt! The characters go through a lot emotionally and it’s so depressooo! 😭 Why you do that authorrrr!?! Because you’re like every author and like torturing your characters. You big meanie!! 😭
OH ALSOOO!!! The endinggg!! Ahhhhh!! IT WAS CRAZZYYY!!! I was stressin the wholeee timeee!! I still don’t know how I feel bout the end. I guess i’m happy….. 😭
Anywaysss, i loved the book!! Overall it was great and I love this duology sooo much!! And i own both now and that makes me soo happyyyy!!! I highly recommend reading this!!
Toodles!
~EllieJellyBean ✌️
Craziness! 😭 Half the book I was saying “noooo” and closing the book to take a moment to freak out. So much happened in the book I’m still processing it all.
The story was really good! It picked up right where the first book ended and instantly pulled me right back into the world and story. Which is tragic, unfair and cruel!! Why did you write this, Victoria McCombs!?!? 😭😭
The characters…what can i say? I love them all! 😂 Well, not all of them, but most of the main ones. I did get a lil annoyed at Althea at times, but I think the things she did really fit her character and made her seem more realistic and believable.
Bash! Ahhh! He definitely grew on me this book. I feel like i got to see his character more and I really liked that. He has this innocent, pure, genuine way about him. He’s like perfect!! 😭😂
He also really does cares about Althea, and he’s so vulnerable with her and only her. And it’s reallyyy cuteee! 😂 But he does have some problems, and that’s okiee. We love him anywaysss! 😂
I love Odette and Talen! But i especially love Talen. He’s just so loyal, and sweet, and amazing!! Ahhh!! 🥰 Love that dude.
Eliza was ok. I didn’t feel like I got to know her super well and she seemed a little boring. She also got used to the Fae realm pretty quickly and that just seemed a lil unrealistic.
I really liked the romance in thisss! I will say I would have preferred to have more interaction and depth between Bash and Althea, but it’s ok. I still love their relationship and how it fit and tied into the world. Even tho at some points it pained meee! 😭 I will say that I wished Althea would have fought a little harder for her relationship with Bash at times. She really cares about everyone and wants to save the moral queens, but she gave up a little too quickly sometimes when they had a fight. Idk, It just seemed a little out of character.
The emotions I went through reading this. 😭 The twists, the turns- it was crazzyyy.
I probably would have finished this earlier if not for me kinda not wanting to read it cuz I was afraid how it was gonna go. 😅
It was just a lil emotionally painful. I got to chapter 3 and had to put the book down and go to bed cuz yeah- it hurt! The characters go through a lot emotionally and it’s so depressooo! 😭 Why you do that authorrrr!?! Because you’re like every author and like torturing your characters. You big meanie!! 😭
OH ALSOOO!!! The endinggg!! Ahhhhh!! IT WAS CRAZZYYY!!! I was stressin the wholeee timeee!! I still don’t know how I feel bout the end. I guess i’m happy….. 😭
Anywaysss, i loved the book!! Overall it was great and I love this duology sooo much!! And i own both now and that makes me soo happyyyy!!! I highly recommend reading this!!
Toodles!
~EllieJellyBean ✌️
January 27, 2025
This was very YA. Not derogatory, not a compliment, just a fact. I didn’t like the romance particularly and I wish that had gotten more wrap up instead of some of the other far more addressed subplots that didn’t really affect me lolz . But! Pacing was good and I loved the side cast. I’m old for this stuff at this point but definitely would recommend to the teens
March 7, 2025
4.5⭐️
Reread update:
I loved it just as much on reread as on my first read.💜
Original Review:
Wonderful conclusion to the duology. I listened to the audiobook and finished in a day since I was so enchanted. I probably would have rounded up to 5 stars if the romance was a bit more developed. (Not meaning more “spicy,” just fleshed out more.🙃) There were twists and turns that could have been explored more deeply.
Also, I figured out a major aspect of this installment early in book one. It didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the story at all, though. It was nice to have (beware of incorrect spellings ahead—remember, I listened to the audiobook) Althea, Talyn, Odette, and Bastian along as I baked and cleaned today.😍
No content warnings except for conniving characters; non-descriptive violence; and a tear-inducing, tragic event.
Reread update:
I loved it just as much on reread as on my first read.💜
Original Review:
Wonderful conclusion to the duology. I listened to the audiobook and finished in a day since I was so enchanted. I probably would have rounded up to 5 stars if the romance was a bit more developed. (Not meaning more “spicy,” just fleshed out more.🙃) There were twists and turns that could have been explored more deeply.
Also, I figured out a major aspect of this installment early in book one. It didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the story at all, though. It was nice to have (beware of incorrect spellings ahead—remember, I listened to the audiobook) Althea, Talyn, Odette, and Bastian along as I baked and cleaned today.😍
No content warnings except for conniving characters; non-descriptive violence; and a tear-inducing, tragic event.
May 26, 2025
My Quick Takes:
- 4/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Language 🤐 none
- Spice ❤️🔥 none/kisses only
- Content 🤔 death, murder
Victoria McCombs delivers with a solid duology perfect for the YA audience. I’ve found that in some duologies it’s hard to love the second book as much as the first but that is not the case with this duo. I enjoyed the second book even more and would’ve absolutely loved it as its target audience/age range.
If I gave quarter ratings this would be a 4.25. I really liked that the second book focused more on the games and trickery in the fae realm. McCombs truly wove a web of distrust in the realm as I never fully trusted any of the fae. The twists and turns in this one were unexpected and I loved them, was giddy with excited at a few of them events that occurred.
Book 2 sealed the deal and I will continue recommending these books for the YA audience 👏🏼
- 4/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Language 🤐 none
- Spice ❤️🔥 none/kisses only
- Content 🤔 death, murder
Victoria McCombs delivers with a solid duology perfect for the YA audience. I’ve found that in some duologies it’s hard to love the second book as much as the first but that is not the case with this duo. I enjoyed the second book even more and would’ve absolutely loved it as its target audience/age range.
If I gave quarter ratings this would be a 4.25. I really liked that the second book focused more on the games and trickery in the fae realm. McCombs truly wove a web of distrust in the realm as I never fully trusted any of the fae. The twists and turns in this one were unexpected and I loved them, was giddy with excited at a few of them events that occurred.
Book 2 sealed the deal and I will continue recommending these books for the YA audience 👏🏼
August 26, 2024
I’ve been a fan of Victoria Mccombs since The Storyteller series, because fairytales are my favorite genre and those books were the exact kind of fairytales that I enjoy. Though she doesn’t write fairytales anymore, those books are what won my loyalty as a reader and I’ve read every other book she’s written since. I’m not typically a fantasy reader, but since I read everything she writes, I did purchase Mortal Queens last year. I really like her brand of fantasy because it is so different than the other ones I’ve tried (in a good way!) as most fantasy I don’t find engaging and too boggled with details, too long and confusing, or love interests where the author is trying to hard to make them dark in a trying too hard kind of way (because purposely evil characters equals hot in most fantasy apparently. I can’t remember which fantasy novel this was but I recall one where the mc killed the love interest’s innocent father brutally and she forgives him in like 2 seconds and they proceed to hook up. Ok lol). I very much found Mortal Queens as a fantasy book perfect for readers who don’t typically enjoy fantasy. The concept was just too good and the stakes are actually high, which I find rare in most fantasy. It had all the elements of fantasy but also had single hints of dystopia, and even a slight horror feel.
Mortal women being taken to the fae world each year to live in the lapse of luxury as their queens, only to fall to the fate of the queens and die in different weird ways at the end of two years is such a good concept. I just had to pick up book two because I needed to see if Thea found a way to survive her fate. This time, a Gamemaster shows up, leaving a series of clues, and in the end, the winner will receive the power of the missing seventh king of the realm. Power like that would be enough to save Thea from her fate of death as a Mortal Queen, and maybe even save other women from falling to the same fate. Finally, we get all of the answers in the conclusion to this duology, and even more twists are thrown in. I really enjoyed this book as I do with all of Victoria’s books, and read it all in one afternoon. My only critique would be that I can think of two instances where Thea was a bit slow to figure out a big twist, when it becomes glaringly obvious to the reader a few paragraphs prior to her realizing it. Or maybe, a better way to put it would be that that the hints dropped right before the big reveal are too obvious so that the twists are too easy to guess before the heroine does? Only by a few paragraphs though so it’s not like we know the info much more before she finally puts it together! But, by the time she realizes and states it aloud, it doesn’t feel like a shocking twist because the reader has already figured it out like, 5 paragraphs before she did. It just takes her too long to figure it out and makes Thea seem a bit slow. Not a huge deal; I still enjoyed this book a lot!
As always, really good world building and interesting characterization with a satisfying ending. I’ll read anything Victoria writes!
Mortal women being taken to the fae world each year to live in the lapse of luxury as their queens, only to fall to the fate of the queens and die in different weird ways at the end of two years is such a good concept. I just had to pick up book two because I needed to see if Thea found a way to survive her fate. This time, a Gamemaster shows up, leaving a series of clues, and in the end, the winner will receive the power of the missing seventh king of the realm. Power like that would be enough to save Thea from her fate of death as a Mortal Queen, and maybe even save other women from falling to the same fate. Finally, we get all of the answers in the conclusion to this duology, and even more twists are thrown in. I really enjoyed this book as I do with all of Victoria’s books, and read it all in one afternoon. My only critique would be that I can think of two instances where Thea was a bit slow to figure out a big twist, when it becomes glaringly obvious to the reader a few paragraphs prior to her realizing it. Or maybe, a better way to put it would be that that the hints dropped right before the big reveal are too obvious so that the twists are too easy to guess before the heroine does? Only by a few paragraphs though so it’s not like we know the info much more before she finally puts it together! But, by the time she realizes and states it aloud, it doesn’t feel like a shocking twist because the reader has already figured it out like, 5 paragraphs before she did. It just takes her too long to figure it out and makes Thea seem a bit slow. Not a huge deal; I still enjoyed this book a lot!
As always, really good world building and interesting characterization with a satisfying ending. I’ll read anything Victoria writes!
November 11, 2024
Genre: YA Fantasy
Format: eARC
Cautions: mild and infrequent violence, lots of lies and trickery, mentions of death, abduction; a few kisses but they’re not descriptive; no foul language
Favorite quote: “You tried. That’s not failing. Failing would be if you didn’t try at all.”
Review:
I couldn’t put this book down, the only negative is that I stayed up way too late reading last night.
Mortal Queens was one of my favorite reads this year, so I was ecstatic when I found out Lethal Kings would be coming out this November!
Let me tell you, I didn’t understand how much I would love this book. The twists from the first book keep twisting and McCombs seamlessly ties together complex threads in an incredibly satisfying way.
In both books, Thea makes for an incredible heroine who’s brave but scared, strong and compassionate, a survivor and selfless, cunning and curious. Every time I thought she had it all figured out—and that I did too—another twist showed it wasn’t so. Isn’t that how life goes sometimes?
All the characters in these books are so well done, and they’ve become beloved book friends over the course of this duology, which is one of my new favorites.
💫 As a note, I received an ARC from the author, but I wrote this adoring review because I wanted to, not because it was required. All opinions stated here are my own
Format: eARC
Cautions: mild and infrequent violence, lots of lies and trickery, mentions of death, abduction; a few kisses but they’re not descriptive; no foul language
Favorite quote: “You tried. That’s not failing. Failing would be if you didn’t try at all.”
Review:
I couldn’t put this book down, the only negative is that I stayed up way too late reading last night.
Mortal Queens was one of my favorite reads this year, so I was ecstatic when I found out Lethal Kings would be coming out this November!
Let me tell you, I didn’t understand how much I would love this book. The twists from the first book keep twisting and McCombs seamlessly ties together complex threads in an incredibly satisfying way.
In both books, Thea makes for an incredible heroine who’s brave but scared, strong and compassionate, a survivor and selfless, cunning and curious. Every time I thought she had it all figured out—and that I did too—another twist showed it wasn’t so. Isn’t that how life goes sometimes?
All the characters in these books are so well done, and they’ve become beloved book friends over the course of this duology, which is one of my new favorites.
💫 As a note, I received an ARC from the author, but I wrote this adoring review because I wanted to, not because it was required. All opinions stated here are my own
Read
November 12, 2025Captivating.
(More to come later. Maybe.)
(More to come later. Maybe.)
August 26, 2024
As with Mortal Queens, I could not stop reading Lethal Kings.
The stakes. 😮💨
The world. 🤩
The plot twists.😅
Poor Thea, she had a lot going against her. My heart shattered twice near the end, but Victoria managed to stitch it back together in the last few pages.
Also: THE MASK SCENE AT THE END🤌🏼🫨😍 It’s one I could read over and over.
Thea is one of my favorite characters ever; noble, driven, and wonderfully complex.
The stakes. 😮💨
The world. 🤩
The plot twists.😅
Poor Thea, she had a lot going against her. My heart shattered twice near the end, but Victoria managed to stitch it back together in the last few pages.
Also: THE MASK SCENE AT THE END🤌🏼🫨😍 It’s one I could read over and over.
Thea is one of my favorite characters ever; noble, driven, and wonderfully complex.
November 12, 2024
Victoria McCombs has done it again! I could not put this book down and was absolutely hooked the entire time. Lethal Kings is brimming with pulse pounding action, exhilarating twists and reveals, and beloved characters. The world-building, the plot, the pacing, the characters- all on point! Everything comes together and all mysteries from Mortal Queens are answered in this final installment in the duology.
I give this book and its predecessor five amazing stars and a firm spot in my top reads of the year. Side note- these books really inspire me to play chess. ♟️
I highly recommend Mortal Queens and Lethal Kings if you’re a clean fantasy fan. I also think readers who enjoy suspense and plot twists will enjoy these books. So much to love!
I am immensely grateful to Victoria McCombs for sending me an e-ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I give this book and its predecessor five amazing stars and a firm spot in my top reads of the year. Side note- these books really inspire me to play chess. ♟️
I highly recommend Mortal Queens and Lethal Kings if you’re a clean fantasy fan. I also think readers who enjoy suspense and plot twists will enjoy these books. So much to love!
I am immensely grateful to Victoria McCombs for sending me an e-ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
March 18, 2025
83 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
So... I actually ended up skimming most of this book. 😬There wasn't necessarily anything wrong with it but I found it wasn't holding my attention enough, I may go back and read it more thoroughly one day but I felt that just from skimming I got the main points. And the rift between the mmc and the fmc lasted till the end of the book 😔 so that wasn't ideal imo. I feel that I may not be giving it enough justice.😅 When I get in this mood and read a book that makes me feel like this, I almost need to stop cuz my opinions of it are tainted by my mood. And the fact that King Thorn was bad 🙄 he bugged me from the very beginning, I never liked him 😒 and I totally guessed that Althea's dad was the lost 7th king. I knew from the very second when she found out he was a fae. Totally nailed that 💅 *hair flip* Anyway, like I said, I'm probably not giving it justice. If you want to read this, totally go for it! Don't make me hold you back! And I hate it that Talen dies! He was so loyal and sweet! 😭
So... I actually ended up skimming most of this book. 😬There wasn't necessarily anything wrong with it but I found it wasn't holding my attention enough, I may go back and read it more thoroughly one day but I felt that just from skimming I got the main points. And the rift between the mmc and the fmc lasted till the end of the book 😔 so that wasn't ideal imo. I feel that I may not be giving it enough justice.😅 When I get in this mood and read a book that makes me feel like this, I almost need to stop cuz my opinions of it are tainted by my mood. And the fact that King Thorn was bad 🙄 he bugged me from the very beginning, I never liked him 😒 and I totally guessed that Althea's dad was the lost 7th king. I knew from the very second when she found out he was a fae. Totally nailed that 💅 *hair flip* Anyway, like I said, I'm probably not giving it justice. If you want to read this, totally go for it! Don't make me hold you back! And I hate it that Talen dies! He was so loyal and sweet! 😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2024
4.5 Stars ✨
Clean YA Fantasy
“Games are always riveting until they take something you weren’t willing to give.”
Audio 🎧 version 5/5 Stars ✨
What a wild ride!! Lethal Kings was everything I wanted it to be, and more! Full of high stakes moments, manipulation, intrigue, betrayal and second chances- it did not disappoint! I had a hard time taking breaks because of the twists and turns .. and don’t get me started on the emotional wreckage it did to my heart. (I am STILL NOT OVER IT IYKYK) This is how you world build and this is how you write a book about the fae without all the garbage. Bravo to Mrs. Mccombs. I’d also like to gush about these covers- absolutely gorgeous! Highly recommend!!
Clean YA Fantasy
“Games are always riveting until they take something you weren’t willing to give.”
Audio 🎧 version 5/5 Stars ✨
What a wild ride!! Lethal Kings was everything I wanted it to be, and more! Full of high stakes moments, manipulation, intrigue, betrayal and second chances- it did not disappoint! I had a hard time taking breaks because of the twists and turns .. and don’t get me started on the emotional wreckage it did to my heart. (I am STILL NOT OVER IT IYKYK) This is how you world build and this is how you write a book about the fae without all the garbage. Bravo to Mrs. Mccombs. I’d also like to gush about these covers- absolutely gorgeous! Highly recommend!!
September 16, 2024
This was such a stunning and twisty conclusion to the tale of the Mortal Queens! I thoroughly enjoyed Lethal Kings' fast pacing, and it was super entertaining to discover the plot twists. I hope that someday Victoria McCombs will return to writing books set in the fae realm, as I'd love to see more stories in this world.
THE PLOT
The overarching plotline of the duology is excellent. Super twisty and intricately crafted, I loved following along this storyline. Some parts I am proud to say I predicted
THE PLOT
The overarching plotline of the duology is excellent. Super twisty and intricately crafted, I loved following along this storyline. Some parts I am proud to say I predicted
November 2, 2024
I absolutely FLEW through Mortal Queens in February 2024, devastated by the loathsome yet skillfully executed cliffhanger off of which I dangled until I could finally read this fantastic conclusion. Well, the wait is over (and about to be for everyone), and I’m not sure anyone will be disappointed. McCombs stuck the landing on this one. I spent the whole time reading with squinty eyes, suspicious of absolutely everyone, and I really didn’t figure how the great mystery would resolve itself until all was revealed.
My sincerest thanks to Enclave Publishing and the author—who knows how to run readers through the ringer (that one hurt, McCombs)—for the eARC, for which I excitedly and willingly give my own, honest opinion.
See the full (spoiler-free) review on my blog!
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My sincerest thanks to Enclave Publishing and the author—who knows how to run readers through the ringer (that one hurt, McCombs)—for the eARC, for which I excitedly and willingly give my own, honest opinion.
See the full (spoiler-free) review on my blog!
Blog / Instagram / Literal / BookBub
December 4, 2024
This was the ultimate game of chess. The brilliance behind these novel is amazing!! All the twists and turns, the mind games. I gasped, I cried, I laughed, I cheered and probably all in one sentence. This series was so good that even knowing the outcome it will be a reread for me I know there are clues I missed along the way. If you haven’t picked up this series yet I don’t know what’s stopping you<3
January 15, 2025
This was a satisfying conclusion that tied things up nicely. While I had figured out the majority of the secrets, I didn't always have the right logic behind it which was refreshing.
I still wanted more from the romance though. But at the same time, it was nice to read a book that wasn't so romance (ie sex) focused.
I still wanted more from the romance though. But at the same time, it was nice to read a book that wasn't so romance (ie sex) focused.
September 27, 2025
Man, this was great! Was it conveniently plotted at times? Sure. But, I was so sucked into this story. My heart strings were toyed with, tugged at, and at times broken. This was even better than book one. I’m giving it 5 stars. 🥹❤️
November 18, 2024
Um, yeah. This book was SO GOOD. I literally could not turn the pages fast enough. And I'm glad I was able to read it directly after reading book one (Read them in order guys - very important).
I have to say - Eliza's character surprised me so much. I expected her to just kind of sit back and see how things play out, but BAM. She was ready for the fight! There were so many twists and turns with her, Althea, and just everything going on in the story. You can't look away from even a moment because you'll miss something! It's that wild and fun.
But also I have to commend McCombs on her character arc. Althea has to come to terms with some things, and really has a lot of growing happening in this story. She handled it masterfully. It didn't distract from the story - it enhanced the story!!
Most of my favorite points I can't really comment on because of spoilers, but know this - this series is amazing. I didn't want it to end honestly. However, McCombs brings us to an ending that I absolutely adored. It wasn't what I was originally expecting, it was ten times better. Fantasy fans will devour this series, especially Lethal Kings. I highly recommend!!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I have to say - Eliza's character surprised me so much. I expected her to just kind of sit back and see how things play out, but BAM. She was ready for the fight! There were so many twists and turns with her, Althea, and just everything going on in the story. You can't look away from even a moment because you'll miss something! It's that wild and fun.
But also I have to commend McCombs on her character arc. Althea has to come to terms with some things, and really has a lot of growing happening in this story. She handled it masterfully. It didn't distract from the story - it enhanced the story!!
Most of my favorite points I can't really comment on because of spoilers, but know this - this series is amazing. I didn't want it to end honestly. However, McCombs brings us to an ending that I absolutely adored. It wasn't what I was originally expecting, it was ten times better. Fantasy fans will devour this series, especially Lethal Kings. I highly recommend!!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 7, 2026
So this was the second book in the fade dynasty series, 2nd and final.
I didn’t like this book as much as the first book, I felt it dragged on a bit and even though there were things happening it felt predictable.
But I must say I do give this book a 3.5 stars, and the only reason I give another half star is because of the ending. The ending was so satisfying and all the pieces came together nicely.
I didn’t like this book as much as the first book, I felt it dragged on a bit and even though there were things happening it felt predictable.
But I must say I do give this book a 3.5 stars, and the only reason I give another half star is because of the ending. The ending was so satisfying and all the pieces came together nicely.
December 16, 2024
We were promised an epic conclusion to the Fae Dynasty Duology and we were not disappointed!!!
Lethal Kings is a cunning mix of riddles, high stakes games, and staggering plot twists. I was unable to put this book down and I know that there will be a reread of this duology very soon!!
Lethal Kings is a cunning mix of riddles, high stakes games, and staggering plot twists. I was unable to put this book down and I know that there will be a reread of this duology very soon!!
November 11, 2024
Easily one of the best sequels I've read in 2024!!
"It was easy to feel alone when all I thought about were my struggles, but when I stopped to take stock, I had a band of fierce loyalty around me."
If you enjoy fast-paced books, you won't be disappointed with Lethal Kings. The story begins right where book 1 ends, and the characters return to a world of deception, manipulation, and constant mind games. However, the stakes double with Thea only having one year left to live. The suspense of this novel cannot be overstated, and it will keep readers turning pages well into the night. I devoured Lethal Kings, and the few times I put the book down were to rest my eyes haha it's THAT good.
Victoria is a master at character building. From the main characters to the side characters, they feel so painfully real. As both a reader and an aspiring writer, I live for books with excellent characters, and Lethal Kings delivers. One of my favourite qualities about Victoria's character work is her ability to write characters who can't easily be labeled good or evil. One minute, you think they're a friend, but the next minute they do something just a little off to make you question their intentions. Again, it's an excellent way to build intrigue and suspense.
Last, Lethal Kings amped up the focus on Thea's family, both biological and chosen. As a huge found family lover, this made book 2 something special. Readers will get more background info on nearly every major character. As I slowly gathered this info piece by piece, all the plot threads and character connections came together masterfully. There were some plot twists I caught, but also a lot I didn't see coming. From the premise to the execution of this duology, the writing is nothing short of excellent.
Thank you so much to Victoria and Enclave Publishing for sending me an e-arc of Lethal Kings. It is a true privilege to be an early reader. The above review is my honest opinion, and I cannot wait to read McCombs next novel!
"It was easy to feel alone when all I thought about were my struggles, but when I stopped to take stock, I had a band of fierce loyalty around me."
If you enjoy fast-paced books, you won't be disappointed with Lethal Kings. The story begins right where book 1 ends, and the characters return to a world of deception, manipulation, and constant mind games. However, the stakes double with Thea only having one year left to live. The suspense of this novel cannot be overstated, and it will keep readers turning pages well into the night. I devoured Lethal Kings, and the few times I put the book down were to rest my eyes haha it's THAT good.
Victoria is a master at character building. From the main characters to the side characters, they feel so painfully real. As both a reader and an aspiring writer, I live for books with excellent characters, and Lethal Kings delivers. One of my favourite qualities about Victoria's character work is her ability to write characters who can't easily be labeled good or evil. One minute, you think they're a friend, but the next minute they do something just a little off to make you question their intentions. Again, it's an excellent way to build intrigue and suspense.
Last, Lethal Kings amped up the focus on Thea's family, both biological and chosen. As a huge found family lover, this made book 2 something special. Readers will get more background info on nearly every major character. As I slowly gathered this info piece by piece, all the plot threads and character connections came together masterfully. There were some plot twists I caught, but also a lot I didn't see coming. From the premise to the execution of this duology, the writing is nothing short of excellent.
Thank you so much to Victoria and Enclave Publishing for sending me an e-arc of Lethal Kings. It is a true privilege to be an early reader. The above review is my honest opinion, and I cannot wait to read McCombs next novel!
November 28, 2024
I laughed. I cried. I lost a year off my life from stress. It was a fantastic time.
February 4, 2025
*sniff*
Talen I’ll miss you sooo much 😭
Sometimes people have to die but WHY youuuuu!!!
-
.
Ugh,, still mourning Talen 😔
But yk what can you do?
Poor Odette tho…like, girl’ys literally lost everyone..
I’ll be praying for you 😬
.
-
Anwayyyyy
(Enough mourning)
THAT WAS PHENOMENAL!!
BASH, THORNE, THEA, FAE??????!!!!
no words..
EXCEPT THERE ARE!!!
SO…MANY…WOORRRRDDDDSSS
to many 😑
-
.
I usually don’t enjoy marriage in any books,
But this one was acceptable just because of how long their
‘I hate you, but still love you’ trait, 🙄
.
The romance ♥️
I liked it.
It was getting really annoying with the whole
‘Mother wasn’t there?’ She gasped.
‘Take me to Bastians palace.’
She stormed off.
Literally like girl,
your boy would never, EVER
betray you!! You were willing to find his heart at the
Expenses of
1. NO FAMILY!!!!!????
2.NO HAPPINESS!!!!AND HEARTBREAK????
so like what happened two chapters ago
*nervous chuckle* 😮💨
And like I was shocked she wasn’t like
‘Bash, mothers gone..’
and see Bashtian RUN
I MEAN FULL ON SPRINT
to.
Her.
FREAKING.
SIDE.
*sobs*
But yk she chose that path…
But still!!!
Reasons for me being furious at her!!!
1.
Girl you already made him lose his kingdom!
2.
cracked his baby GLASS HEART 💔
3.
BLAME HIM AFTER ONE THING IN YOUR PRECIOUS
LIFE GOES WRONG!!!!!
.
-
Long story short I vent way to much and I
Definitely would NOT have handled it that way but
You be you Thea 😇
.
-
Anyway…
The whole maze thingy was cool
I was just furious that she got thornes heart instead
Of Precious
Baby.
BASH!!
but that’s okay.. 😟
Still petrified.
But good 😌
Maybe….
Not?
.
-
I love these characters I was
Happy to see them happy 😊
And was satisfied so yeah
End of discussion!
.
-
Bye lovelies
Don’t let your glass heart
Shatter
♥️ ♥️ 💔 ♥️ ♥️
Talen I’ll miss you sooo much 😭
Sometimes people have to die but WHY youuuuu!!!
-
.
Ugh,, still mourning Talen 😔
But yk what can you do?
Poor Odette tho…like, girl’ys literally lost everyone..
I’ll be praying for you 😬
.
-
Anwayyyyy
(Enough mourning)
THAT WAS PHENOMENAL!!
BASH, THORNE, THEA, FAE??????!!!!
no words..
EXCEPT THERE ARE!!!
SO…MANY…WOORRRRDDDDSSS
to many 😑
-
.
I usually don’t enjoy marriage in any books,
But this one was acceptable just because of how long their
‘I hate you, but still love you’ trait, 🙄
.
The romance ♥️
I liked it.
It was getting really annoying with the whole
‘Mother wasn’t there?’ She gasped.
‘Take me to Bastians palace.’
She stormed off.
Literally like girl,
your boy would never, EVER
betray you!! You were willing to find his heart at the
Expenses of
1. NO FAMILY!!!!!????
2.NO HAPPINESS!!!!AND HEARTBREAK????
so like what happened two chapters ago
*nervous chuckle* 😮💨
And like I was shocked she wasn’t like
‘Bash, mothers gone..’
and see Bashtian RUN
I MEAN FULL ON SPRINT
to.
Her.
FREAKING.
SIDE.
*sobs*
But yk she chose that path…
But still!!!
Reasons for me being furious at her!!!
1.
Girl you already made him lose his kingdom!
2.
cracked his baby GLASS HEART 💔
3.
BLAME HIM AFTER ONE THING IN YOUR PRECIOUS
LIFE GOES WRONG!!!!!
.
-
Long story short I vent way to much and I
Definitely would NOT have handled it that way but
You be you Thea 😇
.
-
Anyway…
The whole maze thingy was cool
I was just furious that she got thornes heart instead
Of Precious
Baby.
BASH!!
but that’s okay.. 😟
Still petrified.
But good 😌
Maybe….
Not?
.
-
I love these characters I was
Happy to see them happy 😊
And was satisfied so yeah
End of discussion!
.
-
Bye lovelies
Don’t let your glass heart
Shatter
♥️ ♥️ 💔 ♥️ ♥️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2024
The only reason this book took me so long to read was because of family visiting and an insane amount of unexpected busyness, because every time I picked it up I couldn’t put it down!
I didn’t think it was possible for this book to be better than Mortal Queens but here we are! This book has so much heart, I was emotional right from the beginning. Thea is such a strong and deep character, and I loved reading/watching her growth and how she faced every single challenge is this book. Lethal Kings is haunting and lovely and devastating and beautiful all at once. The stakes are higher, the losses are bigger, and every twist keeps you guessing until the very end. I’m an emotional wreck and can’t recommend this duology enough!
5⭐️ for the whole duology and definitely my favorite fae books now.
Thank you Enclave and Victoria for the eARC, all thoughts and reviews are my own. Lethal Kings releases Nov 12, 2024.
I didn’t think it was possible for this book to be better than Mortal Queens but here we are! This book has so much heart, I was emotional right from the beginning. Thea is such a strong and deep character, and I loved reading/watching her growth and how she faced every single challenge is this book. Lethal Kings is haunting and lovely and devastating and beautiful all at once. The stakes are higher, the losses are bigger, and every twist keeps you guessing until the very end. I’m an emotional wreck and can’t recommend this duology enough!
5⭐️ for the whole duology and definitely my favorite fae books now.
Thank you Enclave and Victoria for the eARC, all thoughts and reviews are my own. Lethal Kings releases Nov 12, 2024.
November 18, 2024
The queen must choose wisely or the queen will be dead.
*4.5 stars
Since the ending of "Mortal Queens", I've been desperately waiting for this finale, and I'm pleased to report that it did NOT disappoint! There's no one quite like McCombs for writing a story that I won't be able to look away from; her plots always hit the ground running and don't let up until the very end. Understandable, given that Althea has less than a year to figure out how to live. Add to that "boy problems, poor choices, and a cliff" (Thea's words, not mine, lol) plus a deadly scavenger hunt and SO MANY plot twists, and it comes together in an epic adventure that I just loved. Pieces of the puzzle started clicking together and the final picture was iconic. I'm so glad I've read this duology, and I can't wait to see what Victoria has in store next!
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**
*4.5 stars
Since the ending of "Mortal Queens", I've been desperately waiting for this finale, and I'm pleased to report that it did NOT disappoint! There's no one quite like McCombs for writing a story that I won't be able to look away from; her plots always hit the ground running and don't let up until the very end. Understandable, given that Althea has less than a year to figure out how to live. Add to that "boy problems, poor choices, and a cliff" (Thea's words, not mine, lol) plus a deadly scavenger hunt and SO MANY plot twists, and it comes together in an epic adventure that I just loved. Pieces of the puzzle started clicking together and the final picture was iconic. I'm so glad I've read this duology, and I can't wait to see what Victoria has in store next!
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**
November 11, 2024
The old queen is dead, a new queen is in play, and the realm has descended into darkness.
You've been warned many times, you cannot trust the kings . . .
𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒊𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒆𝒇, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒔𝒐 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒓.
👑 Eternal Night
👑 Glass Hearts
👑 Games/Tricks
👑 Hidden Identities
👑 Hidden Messages in Paintings
Lethal Kings was the perfect ending to this duology. Secrets were revealed, games were won, and hearts were broken. Thea never gives up on saving all of the Mortal Queens to come! I loved all the twists and turns.
Talen 😭😭😭 oh my sweet Talen!!
Thank you to the author and books of match media for the e-arc. My review and thoughts are my own.
You've been warned many times, you cannot trust the kings . . .
𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒊𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒆𝒇, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒔𝒐 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒓.
👑 Eternal Night
👑 Glass Hearts
👑 Games/Tricks
👑 Hidden Identities
👑 Hidden Messages in Paintings
Lethal Kings was the perfect ending to this duology. Secrets were revealed, games were won, and hearts were broken. Thea never gives up on saving all of the Mortal Queens to come! I loved all the twists and turns.
Talen 😭😭😭 oh my sweet Talen!!
Thank you to the author and books of match media for the e-arc. My review and thoughts are my own.
September 16, 2024
I couldn’t put this book down! I was equally captivated with this one as I was with the first book. The story just came to life and swept me away. There were some twists that I didn’t see coming. I loved it! This is a series that I will read again! I highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
September 5, 2025
Such a thrilling conclusion to this wonderful duology!!
💃🏻👸🏻🤴🏻💍♟️💃🏻
This was so exciting! Some parts I was giggling, others I was sitting in shocked silence. This was sooo good!! There was just enough mystery to be interesting, but it was balanced well with relationships and love. I would definitely recommend this duology! 🤗
💃🏻👸🏻🤴🏻💍♟️💃🏻
This was so exciting! Some parts I was giggling, others I was sitting in shocked silence. This was sooo good!! There was just enough mystery to be interesting, but it was balanced well with relationships and love. I would definitely recommend this duology! 🤗
January 31, 2025
2.25
very meh
i don't think althea could be dumber even if she tried; like, tell me why i was always ten steps ahead of her? i know it's normal for protagonists to take time discouvering every thing, but miss girl was really testing my limits with how dense she is. also, i feel like she got amnesia midway through the book, 'cause what do you mean the thing we learned twenty pages ago is complete news to you??
also, the "peacocks"?! YOU'RE NOT EVEN TRYING TO UNDERSTAND
very meh
i don't think althea could be dumber even if she tried; like, tell me why i was always ten steps ahead of her? i know it's normal for protagonists to take time discouvering every thing, but miss girl was really testing my limits with how dense she is. also, i feel like she got amnesia midway through the book, 'cause what do you mean the thing we learned twenty pages ago is complete news to you??
also, the "peacocks"?! YOU'RE NOT EVEN TRYING TO UNDERSTAND
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