The False Queen is perfect for fans of The Bridge Kingdom, Powerless, and Serpent & Dove.
A New Adult, slow burn, romantasy - The False Queen is the first epic instalment in the Cursed Queen series.
Containing some adult themes and sexual references, this book is suitable for a new adult - adult age range.
FROM THE BACK COVER
Blaise Sunseeker has been trained as a weapon against humans. There’s just one problem…she is one.
As the only human born to the witches of the Iron Woods, Blaise has always known that her mother - Agnes the Wicked, most feared of all witch kind - will one day send her to a faraway kingdom as a spy. Her mission - infiltrate the human court and exact revenge on the legendary witch hunter, Prince Kaspian, and his adoptive mother, Queen Lizabeta.
As she moves deeper into the court of Reili, and learns more about the prince, Blaise begins to question everything she has been taught, finding herself torn between the witches who raised her, and the humans she is growing to care about. With the whisperings of war on the horizon, murmurings of the queen’s suspicions in the palace, and her growing attraction to Kaspian, danger grows with Blaise’s every move, and soon she must make a decision that will decide the fate of all she holds dear.
Will she give her family the revenge they desire? Or will she put her faith in love?
Oh Mother, where to begin. I am so incredibly honoured to be given an ARC of The False Queen and I am completely blown away with the story, the characters and the world Meg has created.
The way Meg has written this book is so exciting and fast paced, and makes you want to turn to the next page over and over. As a reader, I felt love, sadness, fear, humoured, anxiety, and so many more emotions that I simply couldn’t put the book down.
I urge you all to stop what you’re doing on 22nd October and get The False Queen on publication day! (I actually stopped reading ACOMAF with no regrets, for reference 😂💜)
The False Queen is the debut novel of Meg Humble and is a fantasy story about witches and humans. She builds a really unique world and magic system for the witches within it. Blaise is a human born into a witch family, who feels like she doesn’t fit in and yearns for magic and the love of her family. Kaspian is the chosen heir to the kingdom and general of the Reilli armies, who has been taught to hate and hunt witches.
I loved this book from start to finish, as a reader it was easy to bond with Blaise as a character. I really enjoyed the twists and turns within the book and it definitely kept me guessing right until the end. I’m now left desperately wanting the next book in the series so I can see how the story progresses.
I didn't know what to expect going in but I am so glad I did! The beginning was a little slow, naturally, since there was a lot of world building, but the last 20% was action-packed👌🏽
I had SO many theories from the get go and had to keep writing them down so I could see if I was right 😂 definitely shows how well written the plot was!
I was a little annoyed with Blaise sometimes because her mind switched a lot and SO easily but that's a me problem 😂 because it actually helps build her character and personality really well! Kaspian was an interesting character, you kinda went into it thinking something very different and it takes a while to really see what he is all about and I loved that about him!
HATED Agnes, that's when you know the villain is WELL DONE! 👏🏽
I won't spoil but the ending was 😳 can't believe we have to wait for the next book!! I mean I know it makes sense since this is the arc but come on 😂 I am very curious to see how it's going to go 👀
Also, MORE COLE AND LUNA PLEASE 🫶🏽
Fantasy fans - one to add to your tbr and grab it on the 22nd Oct!
This is Book 1 of the Cursed Queen and also Meg's debut novel!
The story follows human Blaise as she is trained by her witch mother to take revenge on a Queen and her witch hunter son... but of course, things don't go to plan and aren't as they seem...
I really enjoyed this book!
Described as New Adult Romantic Fantasy, it is beautifully written.
I absolutely adored Blaise and her character. Although she doesn't 'belong' in the magical sense, she is plucky and determined, a strong female lead for this book which is absolutely needed.
Kaspian... I fell in love with this guy the moment we are introduced to him. Gorgeous, loyal and protective HE is exactly what Blaise needs.
Meg sets the story up really well initially, and you get a lot of background info and history, so you are brought up to speed with the past before the events begin.
Then everything kicks off and you're on a rollercoaster ride or action, lies and deception.
I can't wait to see what happens next in this series and where Meg takes us next!
The False Queen was quite the debut for A Cursed Queen series!
Humble does an excellent job of getting you invested in the characters and storyline fairly early on in book one. I thoroughly enjoyed the Lord in history that brought this world even more to life.
With this one, you can expect flawless world building that is both enjoyable and picturesque. This tail is chock full with slow burn, tension, well paced high stakes moments, and reveals you might not be able to guess…
I very much so enjoyed the dynamic between the FMC and MMC through the storyline as we will get a lot of push and pull, which makes for excellent banter and you know how we love that. However, do know that this is a very slow burn with minimal spice. This factor did not impact my enjoyment of the story any bit as we are provided with intricate world building, betrayal, and tons of political intrigue.
I would definitely recommend this read or fans of the bridge kingdom and powerless series (minus the trials).
I am so incredibly grateful that I got to read this amazing book as an ARC.
I ate this book UP. The way Meg has written these characters is incredible. I connected with all of them and I loved their interactions. This book kept my attention right through to the end and I honestly didn’t see the twists coming. The magic and the world just felt so cozy and charming! Blaise and Kaspiens relationship was just so sweet.
The way Meg gives us just enough of everything that we feel like we need MORE RIGHT NOW is just chefs kiss (no really… I need more… now). If you love fantasy and romantasy then please pick this one up!
It’s also my first witches book, and it didn’t disappoint. I really enjoyed the way Megan writes and thought the pacing of the book was great. You really get to feel for Blaise as she struggles throughout to support each of her 'peoples' (humans or witches).
The slow burn was perfect and I enjoyed the banter and tension between Blaise & Kaspian 👌
I have such a soft spot for Cole - I really hope we get a book for him in the future!
I found the first part of the book quite slow, but with it being a brand new book in a new world, it is to be expected! However, the last half of the book will have you reading nonstop. I was hooked and couldn’t put it down!! The twists, the turns, the magic - mother, it was so good 🔥
Can we get book two now pretty please 🥲
All opinions are my own - thank you so much for the arc Megan!! 🫶🏻
Oh my god, where do I start? I loved this book. A debut fantasy novel about a world where witches and humans hate and hunt each other.
I loved Blaise from the start. She’s confident and self assured, at no point does she cower or let people push her around. An outcast in both worlds, she has never felt at home anywhere. The pacing is spot on and you really feel for Blaise as she struggles to balance protecting her family with pursuing her own happiness. The slow burn romance is perfect for building tension between the two MCs, with a good mix of banter and cute moments. The world building happens naturally and isn’t overwhelming, and I’m really looking forward to learning more about the magic system as the series progresses.
I was IMMEDIATELY hooked by The False Queen, due to the easy flow of Humble’s writing and the immediate connection I felt with the characters, particularly Blaise. There’s an art to weaving exposition into ordinary scenes which Humble clearly understands - within the first chapter I had a grasp on the players, the conflict and the world - so I could kick back and enjoy the exquisite enemies to lovers, they fall together vibes. From the first meet to the last scene, KICKING AND SCREAMING.
Perfect for fans of early Throne of Glass and The Bridge Kingdom.
Hatred isn't innate, but it can be taught. Blaise Sunseeker has been told of the cruelties and horrors of humans since the very day she was born, and has been raised by her mother - Agnes the Wicked, most feared of all witch kind - to hate humans and act as a living weapon against them. This, of course, is complicated by the fact that she's the only human born of the witches of the Iron Woods. As she grows, Blaise knows her mission will be to one day infiltrate the human court of her mother's most reviled enemy, Queen Lizabeta, and her infamous witch-hunting adopted son, Prince Kaspian.
When an attack moves up the coven's timeline, Blaise finds herself thrown into the Reilian court, and finds herself questioning everything she's ever been taught about humans. With the queen growing more suspicious of her by the day, threats of war looming in the shadows, and Blaise's treacherous heart turning towards the prince, Blaise will soon be faced with choices she can't take back - which could spell disaster for herself and all those she holds dear.
Blaise's story was such a fascinating take on witch communities - though her family is on the run, living in the shadows, and on the brink of extinction, I really loved the very offensive stance taken by this book on reclaiming their place in the world. This was also a curiously unique magic system and I really liked the lore and detail of how witchcraft presents- both from a physical and a practical standpoint - in this novel. Blaise absolutely went through it here, and I think the ways in which she confronted a lifetime of hatred and the challenging of her core beliefs felt true and like something I myself could have faced in similar circumstances, which I really like in writing.
Overall, this was a really fun, somewhat spiced, and full of all of the things you could want in an interspecies romantasy full of court intrigue, peril, found family, bantering, secrets (physical and emotional), war, action sequences, second chances, and redemption. I think anyone who loves a solid fantasy romp who's looking for a unique take on the genre with witchcraft, romance (but also substance and heavy plot) and a cliffhanger that will leave you nervous and wanting more will find something to love in this series!
Huge thanks to the author Meg Humble for providing an ARC for this novel.
The debut from Meg Humble, The False Queen is the first in a series of books centered on Blaise, a human born to a coven of witches, and her efforts to make the world safe for both her coven and all witches of the world.
To me, this is a great first novel. It hits all the right notes with pacing, characters, relationships, twists and turns, and overall story.
This is a delicious slow-burn romantasy with a great development and some lovely steam to it; here's hoping for some more spice as the series progresses. It's a classic he falls first, although they both fall so hard. The relationship flows so well, and leaves you fighting hard for them.
The main characters are wonderful. You have the FMC Blaise, the only human born to a coven of witches, who has had her humanity used to turn her into a weapon to being safety to witches from the wider human world. Reading the story, you can really feel how she has been isolated from her own kind, and you can't help but root for her happy ending. And you have the MMC Kaspian, a human prince and general/witch hunter, who in reality is just a big feral golden retriever of a man; he just wants to be loved, and will kill whomever threatens those who mean the most to him. Alongside these, you have a cast of supporting characters who all add something great to the story as it flows.
The story reads very well, and honestly doesn't feel like a debut at all. There's enough tidbits to keep you interested without giving too much away, and you don't ever feel overloaded with information; overall, it is extremely well written.
Overall, this is a fantastic debut, and I can't wait to see how the series develops. Oh, and Meg, more of Luna and Cole please!
Where do I even start? I'm still dealing with the tears in my eyes from the final chapters.
This has been an epic fantasy read. I am calling this my ultimate spooky season recommendation.
The character's are written beautifully;
Blaise - I could feel her pain of never fitting in and only wanting to be accepted by her family. How she was able to acknowledge that sometimes being yourself is your greatest strength.
I've found a FMC who made me her number one cheerleader through the entire book.
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
This book is a 5 star read for me for many reasons. You have an epic romance, fast-paced action, immense fantasy world building, and a heartwarming bond of sisterhood.
The False Queen had amazing pacing. The action was heart pumping. You didn't know what was around the corner, but you went head first anyway. I found myself fully immersed.
There is a line in the book that gripped me. It came from one of the side characters, and it sent me back to the movie animation of Anastasia - one of my favourite movies. It gave me that same dramatic effect that sticks with you. Where you can feel such raw emotion. It only enhanced my love for this book.
If you know the line I'm referring to, let me know! It hit me with such power. The nostalgia hit me with a tonne of bricks. I am here for it.
Loved every page, every word, and every second I spent reading The False Queen.
Thank you so much for my copy, I'm ready for book 2.
*Captivating from start to finish!* *The False Queen* by Meg Humble is a brilliant, vibrant and enthralling read. From the very first page, the world-building is immersive, transporting you into a richly detailed fantasy realm. The characters are incredibly well-developed, with complex motivations that keep you fully invested in their journeys. I especially loved the protagonist--her strength, resilience, and growth throughout the story are inspiring. The plot twists are masterfully woven, keeping you on the edge of your seat and making it impossible to put the book down. Humble's writing style is elegant yet accessible, creating vivid imagery without ever feeling overwhelming. The pacing is perfect, balancing action with emotional depth. The characters are all relatable in their own way. The strong sense of family is entwined throughout, and there is just enough spice! If you're a fan of strong female leads, courtly intrigue, and beautifully crafted fantasy, *The False Queen* is a must-read. I can't wait to see what Meg Humble brings us next! I highly recommend this book, you won't be disappointed, and I feel so privileged to have been chosen to ARC for you@meghumble.author..congratulations on a beautiful book.
I absolutely adored this book from start to finish
Blaise is the only human in her coven, something that has never happened before. Blaise feels like an outcast, but her mother sees this as a gift. An opportunity to get revenge on humans and allow witches to live their lives freely. We follow her as she is sent to Reilli and tasked with seducing Prince Kaspian, a well-known witch hunter and becoming his Queen.
The world building was very easy to follow, and I loved learning about the different covens and types of witches. The relationships Blaise had in the Coven, and the ones she made along the way were so wholesome, and I felt like all she wanted was to be accepted and loved for who she was. I was invested in all the characters, which I feel is rare as there is always one character you tend not to like, but I was interested in everyone's story and purpose. The pacing in this book was fantastic, and everything flowed so naturally. This book kept me on my toes, and I can't wait for their story to continue.
I would recommend this book to people who love - witch X witch hunter - forbidden love - slow burn - he falls first - found family - revenge - betrayal
Thank you so much to the author, Meg Humble, for allowing me to read an e-arc of this book. I loved it!
I really enjoyed this book. Megs writing has an easy flow to it, which really helps when beginning a new fantasy book as there’s a lot of world building to be done.
Blaise was extremely likeable as the fmc. You really felt for her with never truly feeling like she belonged with either the witches or the humans. This confusion bled over into her thought process and how she would act, contradicting herself which makes sense. She was both naive and fierce, definitely a character led by her heart.
Kaspian, my sweet prince 🥹 another character with a big heart who’s beloved by his people and for a good reason. I liked that he wasn’t a prince who only spoke about changing things but actually took steps towards it. He’s been through a lot and I imagine there’s much more to come.
I also adored Cole and Luna, I can’t wait to see more of them. Two supportive besties who would die for their friends and maybe even each other 👀
If you’re looking for a read with witches, warring kingdoms and hearts, with strong themes of family, friends and love definitely give this a read!💕
What do you do when everything you raised to believe could actually all be a lie? That's one of the main questions running through this book.
Our FMC Blaise was raised to hate humans. Her witch mother has been training her all her life for one mission and that is to infiltrate the enemy's world. The human world. The problem is ... Blaise is human. So when she enters the enemy's world and meets our MMC Kaspian, lines seem to blur.
The character development and the world building in this book was really good. I wanted to grab a hold of Blaise several times and just shake her because she was very wishy washy at times. It was completely understandable why she was that way but I was thinking "just make a decision." The complexities of her story really pulled me in.
For me the story line was at a good pace. It was slow in the beginning so that you fully understood the characters and the story but when it jumps off look out. I couldn't wait to read the next book in the series. I was thoroughly invested in the story. This is a book that I definitely recommend you read. Add it to your TBR.
I enjoyed The False Queen and it took me on such an epic ride that I couldn't put it down, I actually gasped at one point. The characters are everything. The swoon-worthy king (well, future king) Kaspian? And his right-hand man Cole who is sexy, deadly, but with the biggest soft heart underneath had me obsessed. Then you've got witches: some super sweet and lovable, others straight-up evil. Plus the scheming queen and her handmaidens all scrambling for the prince's attention. Meg Humble nails the characters and makes you either fall head over heels for them or hate their guts, no in-between. The story hits all the feels, love and heartbreak, solid friendships and fierce enemies, family ties and betrayal, and that classic good vs. evil showdown. It's got slow-burn romance that had me squealing, juicy revenge plots, and magic. The pacing is fast and addictive, with twists that keep you hooked, and it ends on a killer setup for book two. If you're into slow-burn romance, revenge vibes, magic, and characters you'll love and love to hate, grab this one ASAP. It's perfect for romantasy fans – highly recommend!
What would you do if everything you've ever known to be true is tested?
Blaise, the main character of this book, navigates centuries of generational war and hate, whilst also figuring out who she is without the protection of her family. This book is a great mix of romance and fantasy with a sprinkle of spice. The character and world building will have you hooked. There is humour and banter between the characters that add a chef kiss to an already well written story.
I finished this ARC copy in one sitting. It had me gripped and on the edge of my seat to the very end. This is a perfect start to what I can imagine to be a fantastic series. I can not wait to read the next book.It cured my book hangover and has brought back my motivation to read. If you do anything....Order now, I promise you will not be disappointed.
I cannot put into words how much I LOVED this book. The world building was immaculate in the way that it was detailed but not overwhelming and confusing, and I could see everything so clearly in my head no matter where in the world they were. The characters.. oh my. The dynamic between the 2 main characters is probably my favourite out of any book I've read this year, their banter was quick and witty I absolutely ate it up. I loved how the characters were written, all of them were so intriguing, and written in ways that I just couldn't help but get emotionally invested. The plot twists.. I genuinely didn't see coming, and the ending had me screaming (I promise I didn't throw my kindle) :) I cannot recommend this book enough, whether you're new to romantasy or not, it's just incredible. Thank you Meg, for a truly fantasic journey.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review, so let's get into it:
This was such a fun read, I picked it up & couldn't put it back down!
The second Kaspian turned up I knew we were in for a fun ride & so did he! Our girl Blaise brings the heat, she is sassy with wicked fast wit! The banter between these two is electric and that slow burn is yummy. This is maybe like half a 🌶️ so perfect for the young adult/low spice audience
Blaise's friend Luna is hilarious in the way she tries to guide her & I found myself laughing out loud imagining her cringing at some of the things Blaise does. I have such a soft spot for Cole, I really want to see more of him in the future.
The twists & turns & mystery had me cocking my head a few times thinking "..what's that about 👀"
The end was great & sets up the next book really well & I am super excited to see what happens next!
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of The False Queen. (However as soon as paperback copies are available on 22.10.24, I’ll be ordering a copy!)
I don’t know where to begin - I was gripped from start to finish (and honestly I’m already counting down the days until the sequel). The character development and relationships between the characters had me so invested, I couldn’t bear to put it down.
The fantastically sassy FMC Blaise is a human born to the most powerful witch in the coven, and has a mission… she must bring peace between human society and the witches, a feat easier said than done. Along the way she meets Prince Kaspian (swoon - although she doesn’t agree at first 😂)
If you like witches, slow burn, enemies to lovers and he falls first tropes, as well as strong FMCs and girls supporting girls, I urge you to read The False Queen!
5 ⭐️ ARC ~ what can I say about The False Queen by @meghumble.author ? Well…what an absolute pleasure to read! I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to read this before it’s been released and it was so much better than I ever anticipated. If you love witches, enemies to lovers, he falls first and so much more then this is the book for you! It’s a slow burn romance that had me gripped from the start and I will definitely be buying myself a copy when it’s out and adding it to my collection. Blaise, is a strong hearted heroine who faces multiple challenges throughout the book. She is tasked with the weight of her coven’s survival, whilst also following her heart. There is a lot riding on the actions she takes, but will she make the right decision?
The False Queen is the debut fantasy novel by Meg Humble featuring witches and humans. The relationship between the two is very strained with the former in hiding due to the humans hatred for their kind.
We follow Blaise, our FMC, which has been trained her whole life by her mother and their coven, to be used as a weapon against the humans. Interestingly though, Blaise is human and has been tasked with infiltrating the Reili court and ultimately take the throne.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down. If you’re a fan of Throne of Glass - particularly Dorian and Manon, I think you’ll love this. It was given their relationship but a wee bit tamer.
Thank you to Meg Humble for an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review
This was a fun book with an amazing plot and it was an easy book to get through.
A big thing that made reading this a bit unenjoyable for me was the lack of depth to the characters. The amount of things that happened in this book is enough to make 2 books if you were too add more emotional depth to all the characters.
This is something that I find indie authors do quite often, and that is just making things happen one after the other without letting the characters grow and take in a big moment, which then makes every big conflict not hit as much because of it.
Some people enjoy this and if you do then this book is for you. The story is very interesting and new which is why I would still recommend this book.
Read if you like: 💜 Extravagant balls 🗡️ Badass FMC (sent to kill the prince) ✨ Slowburn Romantasy 🌹 He falls first
The False Queen is the perfect witchy Romantasy for any fans of Throne of glass, Heartless Hunter & powerless!
This Romantasy is a fast paced, exciting adventure filled with amazing banter and THEE best Slowburn ever. I absolutely loved the FMC Blaise and her character development over the book. The banter & tension between Blaise and Kaspian was perfect with lots of cute moments!
As expected in a new Romantasy it starts off slow in the beginning, but has you hooked throughout with lots of twists, turns and… magic. 👀
I am obsessed with this gritty magical world and everyone in it. To the readers who love spicy high fantasy, enemies to lovers, and compelling adventure, this one is definitely for you! This book (even at draft stage), was my all singing heavenly light, from the mourning darkness that was finishing the Throne of Glass series - yes, it is that bloody good. And the characters, omg do not even get me started on the characters and the level of addiction you will have with them (It's so hard to pick but, I'm looking at you Luna and Blaise). If you make one great decision for 2024 it will be ordering this book - you will not be disappointed!
I absolutely LOVED this book! I'm usually a psychological thriller reader but a friend recommended I read The False Queen - I'm so glad she did! This book has introduced me to the reading world of Romantasy! I loved the characters, the plot and the way in which Meg told the story - the language had a beautiful feel to it and had me hooked from the beginning. I also loved the twists and turns - most of which I didn't see coming! I am sad that I've finished reading this book - but I'm super excited for the next book in the series. I can't wait to see what happens to each and every character. Thank you Meg, I look forward to reading more from you :)
A world of covens and kingdoms, where the other is the enemy…this is the setting for The False Queen.
Born human to the leader of a powerful coven, Blaise is desperate for her mother’s acceptance and trains to overthrow the human kingdom. She is sent to seduce the Prince, but begins to question her beliefs once is is away from her mother’s influence.
The world building is strong with this one, allowing you to fully immerse yourself. The book comes with secret tunnels, instant besties, liberal usage of glamours, flirting lessons, and chocolate cake. It’s a slow burn, enemies to lovers romance with just a little bit of open door spice.