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The Masks of Under #6
Queen of All
The world of Under has been remade into what it was long before the Ancients were put in their prison. They are free, and with them comes the reign of the callous, merciless King who was once the man I loved.
I always knew Aon was a monster, and as the King of All he is far worse. But a part of me refuses to give up on him, hoping that Aon might be strong enough to shed the skin of the ruthless King he has become.
But time is running out, and the Ancients are forcing me to choose. Either I let them destroy who I truly am, or fall to my knees and be remade into the one thing the King of All has always wanted, yet has always been denied…
The Queen of All.
I always knew Aon was a monster, and as the King of All he is far worse. But a part of me refuses to give up on him, hoping that Aon might be strong enough to shed the skin of the ruthless King he has become.
But time is running out, and the Ancients are forcing me to choose. Either I let them destroy who I truly am, or fall to my knees and be remade into the one thing the King of All has always wanted, yet has always been denied…
The Queen of All.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2019
235 people are currently reading
498 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Ann Kingsley
67 books2,466 followersKathryn has always been a storyteller. Years of scriptwriting for performances on stage and for tourism in Boston led her to writing romantically dark, fantastical tales, which was an obsession of hers that began once seeing The Phantom of the Opera at a young age.
When she isn’t penning new villainous leads, she works in video game development. There, she has been everything from Creative Director to Chief of Staff, Design Manager, Executive Producer, and Principal Writer for various companies in the industry.
She shares her antique home with three very fluffy animals and one very patient and loving husband.
When she isn’t penning new villainous leads, she works in video game development. There, she has been everything from Creative Director to Chief of Staff, Design Manager, Executive Producer, and Principal Writer for various companies in the industry.
She shares her antique home with three very fluffy animals and one very patient and loving husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
July 29, 2019
So yea...In my review for the 𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕠𝕦𝕤 book I said it was my least favorite of the series. 🙈 That dubious honor now goes to this ฿ØØ₭. 😪 Look, on the whole this was a 🅖🅞🅞🅓 🅢🅔🅡🅘🅔🅢. 👍 An impressive series for a 𝓭𝓮𝓫𝓾𝓽 author. 👍 Great ŴØŘŁĐ βỮƗŁĐƗŇǤ. 👍 Great 🅲🅷🅰🆁🅰🅲🆃🅴🆁 development. 👍 I'd give the series 🌟🌟🌟🌟 overall.
🅑🅤🅣, and you knew there would be one 😂, I just wasn't a 𝖋𝖆𝖓 of the last two books. 🙈 Lydia turned ғɪᴄᴋʟᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴜɴʟɪᴋᴀʙʟᴇ. 🔪 Her inner thoughts were ŕέρέţίţίνέ άήȡ άήήόчίήģ. 😒 I tired of her and Aon being at 🅻🅾🅶🅶🅴🆁🅷🅴🅰🅳🆂. 😪 I hated the 𝕕𝕚𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 this author took regarding many of the 𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼. 😭 One in particular pïššεd mε ⊕ƒƒ because I felt SO much page space was 🅓🅔🅓🅘🅒🅐🅣🅔🅓 to this character and then that ending? 😠 No, just ₦Ø .. 🚫
Honestly, this simply boils down to 🅿🅴🆁🆂🅾🅽🅰🅻 🅿🆁🅴🅵🅴🆁🅴🅽🅲🅴 👀 The author went in a 𝕕𝕚𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 I didn't care for. It happens. 🙎 It doesn't mean the ฿ØØ₭ (or series) is bad in any way. 👍 For as much as I didn't care for the 🅢🅔🅡🅘🅔🅢 🅔🅝🅓🅘🅝🅖 there will be plenty of people that l♥o♥v♥e it. 💕 I am still sᴜᴘᴇʀ ᴇxᴄɪᴛᴇᴅ to get my hands on this author's next series. 🙌 She is a ғαηтαsтιc ωяιтεя with a great imagination. 👍
January 31, 2025
31/1/25
I’m currently rereading this entire series as I bloody devoured and adored it back when I first dived in. It’s one that I was fan-girling over so hard and was an easy five star read back then. My one and only complaint was the lack of any serious spice between Lydia & Aon. So obviously when I heard it was being re-released with all of that delicious content that I so desperately wanted of course I’m going to purchase the whole series in paperback to reread and then have as book trophies for my shelves. This for me is now perfect and the total cherry and I enjoyed rediscovering all of the magic once more. This author is an auto-buy for me and I adore everything i pick up of there’s. This is still a top-tier series for me and I highly recommend reading if you’re after a unique fresh fantasy read.
This is the final instalment in the Masks of Under series and it didn't disappoint. As usual, this was excellently written and I read it in one sitting. I was more than ready to conclude what has been one hell of a journey and finally get some closure for Lydia and Aon. I am going to keep this one relatively short as I have no desire to spoil this much-anticipated finale for anyone. Just know that there are things here that will make your heart bleed but amid this pain, there is also an end in sight. I was just happy to finally get some much-needed closure and some semblance of normality (or what passes for such in Under).
This was fast-paced, told from multiple POVs and managed to answer any lingering questions I had. But as much as I am ecstatic to reach the finish here I am also ever so sad to be leaving behind these vibrant flawed characters who have managed to burrow and dig deep. This has been such an amazing series and one of my standout favourites ever. I recommend this series so highly it has something for everyone. I cant wait to see what this author brings forth next. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of Queen of All (The Masks of Under #6).
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
I’m currently rereading this entire series as I bloody devoured and adored it back when I first dived in. It’s one that I was fan-girling over so hard and was an easy five star read back then. My one and only complaint was the lack of any serious spice between Lydia & Aon. So obviously when I heard it was being re-released with all of that delicious content that I so desperately wanted of course I’m going to purchase the whole series in paperback to reread and then have as book trophies for my shelves. This for me is now perfect and the total cherry and I enjoyed rediscovering all of the magic once more. This author is an auto-buy for me and I adore everything i pick up of there’s. This is still a top-tier series for me and I highly recommend reading if you’re after a unique fresh fantasy read.
This is the final instalment in the Masks of Under series and it didn't disappoint. As usual, this was excellently written and I read it in one sitting. I was more than ready to conclude what has been one hell of a journey and finally get some closure for Lydia and Aon. I am going to keep this one relatively short as I have no desire to spoil this much-anticipated finale for anyone. Just know that there are things here that will make your heart bleed but amid this pain, there is also an end in sight. I was just happy to finally get some much-needed closure and some semblance of normality (or what passes for such in Under).
This was fast-paced, told from multiple POVs and managed to answer any lingering questions I had. But as much as I am ecstatic to reach the finish here I am also ever so sad to be leaving behind these vibrant flawed characters who have managed to burrow and dig deep. This has been such an amazing series and one of my standout favourites ever. I recommend this series so highly it has something for everyone. I cant wait to see what this author brings forth next. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of Queen of All (The Masks of Under #6).
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
August 4, 2019
The book maybe over. The series maybe "over", but I won't be leaving Under. I loved this world, but mostly I loved Aon and Lydia.
When an author has a story to tell the world you can feel that in their writing. It's not some hashed out generic book to make a buck, but a well thought out story living in the mind of the author. With The Masks of Under series Kathryn Ann Kingsley delivered her soul to us. She shares with us her imagination in her words and artwork. It's sometimes dark, but other times beautiful.
August 5, 2019
Despite taking a day after finishing this book to sort my thoughts before I write a review on it, I'm still not quite sure how to feel about it. So I'm just going to go with my initial reaction...
First half: 2 stars
I hate to say this, but I strongly disliked Lydia. While I didn't much care for her inner ramblings in the previous book, I feel like she even took it up a notch or two in this one. It was tedious and aggravating, her constant back and forth and woe-is-me whining seriously grated on my nerves.
The characters' thoughts and actions were repetitive and the only one I actually enjoyed reading about was Edu. Even Lyon's POV, whom I'm completely enamored with, didn't do it for me. I don't understand why the author chose the last instalment, the one that's supposed to be the grand, mind-blowing finale, to reveal his and Kamira's back story, and thereby constantly disrupting the arc of suspense she's built up thus far. Had it been told earlier on, I would've enjoyed it a lot more. As it was, the only thing it did for me was to disturb the flow.
Second half: 4 stars
Luckily, at some point, Lydia finally found her backbone again and came close to being the heroine I fell in love with to begin with. Granted, there might just have been too much going on for her to continue with her pity party, but I'm not picky.
The second half was great - nail-biting suspense, thrilling fights, tragic losses and surprising twists. I'm not exactly a fan of the ending , but that's just a matter of personal preference, obviously.
I'm just glad that in the end, this series that started out so strong managed to recapture some of its former magic with this book.
While it definitely had its weaknesses (namely book #5 and #6), all in all, this was a fantastic series. So unique and imaginative, dark and gory, emotional and sweet, funny and sexy (and don't even get me started on the really sexy bonus material on Kat's homepage... whew).
Series rating: 4 stars
December 2, 2020
4.5 Stars
Absolutely loved this series! Probably one of the most unique worlds and stories I have read in this genre. One thing I REALLY enjoyed, was how the hero was more than an anti-hero, he was the actual villain in the story which is so hard to find, and I think I'm pretty much obsessed with him now. I also really liked all the multiple POVs (3+) which usually are a turn off for me, but this time the author did such a great job with them that actually made me want to read the other POVs and it kept me even more interested because i wasn't inside of the same person's head the whole time. All the romances were super cute too (though they would have been better without the sharing🙃).
There are only a couple things I would actually change such as the sharing partners in sex thing. The romances would have honestly been even better IMO if they hadn't. I don't really care how old they are but it's such a turn off when side characters are over sexualized like that, and I'm so glad the MCs never participated and that it wasn't for them (altho I would have really like some full sex scenes from the main couple because it would have been EPIC🙌). Also there were some editing issues too. Other than those, this is probably one of my top PNR series faves of this year, and definitely made me a fan of this author.
Absolutely loved this series! Probably one of the most unique worlds and stories I have read in this genre. One thing I REALLY enjoyed, was how the hero was more than an anti-hero, he was the actual villain in the story which is so hard to find, and I think I'm pretty much obsessed with him now. I also really liked all the multiple POVs (3+) which usually are a turn off for me, but this time the author did such a great job with them that actually made me want to read the other POVs and it kept me even more interested because i wasn't inside of the same person's head the whole time. All the romances were super cute too (though they would have been better without the sharing🙃).
There are only a couple things I would actually change such as the sharing partners in sex thing. The romances would have honestly been even better IMO if they hadn't. I don't really care how old they are but it's such a turn off when side characters are over sexualized like that, and I'm so glad the MCs never participated and that it wasn't for them (altho I would have really like some full sex scenes from the main couple because it would have been EPIC🙌). Also there were some editing issues too. Other than those, this is probably one of my top PNR series faves of this year, and definitely made me a fan of this author.
July 31, 2019
3.75 stars
August 1, 2019
The author did a fantastic job with this series. It managed to surprise me a few times. Recommend.
July 21, 2019
***I received this ARC courtesy of the Author in exchange for an honest review***
3.5 stars upgraded to 4
Finally, the end of the series. I have enjoyed it as a whole but this book , eh. It was good but a little underwhelming.
I complained that the last book was a bit repetitive, this book was hella repetitive. I get it, we are at the end of the series there's only a lot you can do to keep the story flowing but Lydia internal debate just got annoying fast. I love Lydia, she is the kind of heroine I want every heroine to be, smart. Be that as it may, I still wanted her to make her damn mind.
Story line wise, it was good, it went the way expected after the last book but I didn't like the way it ended. I don't want to spoil anything but I didn't like it.
This was a 3 star read for me but I enjoyed the epilogue so I'm adding half a star.
I look forward to the author's other books, especially if her heroines her headstrong like Lydia.
3.5 stars upgraded to 4
Finally, the end of the series. I have enjoyed it as a whole but this book , eh. It was good but a little underwhelming.
I complained that the last book was a bit repetitive, this book was hella repetitive. I get it, we are at the end of the series there's only a lot you can do to keep the story flowing but Lydia internal debate just got annoying fast. I love Lydia, she is the kind of heroine I want every heroine to be, smart. Be that as it may, I still wanted her to make her damn mind.
Story line wise, it was good, it went the way expected after the last book but I didn't like the way it ended. I don't want to spoil anything but I didn't like it.
This was a 3 star read for me but I enjoyed the epilogue so I'm adding half a star.
I look forward to the author's other books, especially if her heroines her headstrong like Lydia.
January 12, 2020
Great wrap up ending to a surprisingly fun and unique series!
Reading that last page had me sighing in relief after the stress of the last few books.
Reading that last page had me sighing in relief after the stress of the last few books.
November 26, 2024
A poetic finish to the series. I started the series a while ago and coming to its conclusion I’m finding myself emotional after watching all of the character’s stories coming to an end.
Overall
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
Overall
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
August 23, 2019
Best series ever!
This story is dark and twisted. I was riveted from page one. I literally couldn't put it down, 6 books and 2½ days later I am in awe of the world that was created. I wish it would never end.
This story is dark and twisted. I was riveted from page one. I literally couldn't put it down, 6 books and 2½ days later I am in awe of the world that was created. I wish it would never end.
Want to read
November 22, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/22/2019)! 🎁
January 15, 2022
Well then, this was certainly an experience. First I shall give my thoughts on this book alone, and then this series in full.
This book was...fine. It definitely could have been better. For me, it only really worked because of my fondness for the previous books. This one and King of None felt a tad disjointed compared to the ones that came before. What I will give this one is that it did break my heart multiple times. Speaking of...I'm usually all for a happy ending but I kinda liked that my heart was ripped out at the end and wish it had stayed that way. The way it did actually end felt a tad rushed, suddenly all was well for whatever reason. I definitely think that could have been dealt with better. I'd also like to point out that for some reason this one went into a lot of detail about the start of Lyon and Kamira, I wasn't a big fan of their relationship so it really didn't interest me (the same applies to Edu and Evie).
Now, onto this series as a whole. I've definitely enjoyed myself with these books. The concept was great and I really liked some of our characters. All I wish is that it could have all come together better. I feel like the cast was just too big so the focus often got muddled and characters I thought would be important were rarely mentioned (i.e. my boy Nick was FORGOTTEN). For me, this series was on the higher side of fine. That is all.
This book was...fine. It definitely could have been better. For me, it only really worked because of my fondness for the previous books. This one and King of None felt a tad disjointed compared to the ones that came before. What I will give this one is that it did break my heart multiple times. Speaking of...I'm usually all for a happy ending but I kinda liked that my heart was ripped out at the end and wish it had stayed that way. The way it did actually end felt a tad rushed, suddenly all was well for whatever reason. I definitely think that could have been dealt with better. I'd also like to point out that for some reason this one went into a lot of detail about the start of Lyon and Kamira, I wasn't a big fan of their relationship so it really didn't interest me (the same applies to Edu and Evie).
Now, onto this series as a whole. I've definitely enjoyed myself with these books. The concept was great and I really liked some of our characters. All I wish is that it could have all come together better. I feel like the cast was just too big so the focus often got muddled and characters I thought would be important were rarely mentioned (i.e. my boy Nick was FORGOTTEN). For me, this series was on the higher side of fine. That is all.
August 26, 2019
Lydia promised to marry and become the Queen of All, but it requires that she submit to the Ancients and give up her free will to them. Needless to say, she isn't excited about the prospect and delays. Aon is renamed "Noa" since he isn't quite the same man. He is up to no good. He is simultaneously seducing Lydia and betraying her. Lydia feels trapped by her choices, the feeling grows worse as the deadline to make a choice is shortened.
This series was great. The plot continued to unfold in unexpected ways, holding my interest. It's been one of my favorites this year. As far as this book in the installment goes, uh, you do have to wade through a little repetitiveness in the beginning, before getting to the meat of the action. In that respect, I think it could have been better. The action picks up as Lydia's deadline approaches and the end was satisfactory. I'll be keeping my eye out for future books from this author.
This series was great. The plot continued to unfold in unexpected ways, holding my interest. It's been one of my favorites this year. As far as this book in the installment goes, uh, you do have to wade through a little repetitiveness in the beginning, before getting to the meat of the action. In that respect, I think it could have been better. The action picks up as Lydia's deadline approaches and the end was satisfactory. I'll be keeping my eye out for future books from this author.
July 19, 2019
This series kept me hooked from the very first chapter, folks. Now that I’ve read the dramatic, wrap up conclusion in book 6, Queen of All, I’m left reeling. Obviously elated at parts of it, but definitely very sad about how things turned out for some of the characters. Their loss of life and love has filled me with a sense of melancholy that will linger long after I’ve put this book down.
As usual, this story line continued to have twists and turns and definitely kept me guessing how it would all finally end. There are still some very graphic, gruesome, violent scenes between these mostly immortal human like beings, btw. So better continue to brace yourself for that. Granted by now, you likely are used to it. It’s seems simply to be part of their brutal at times way of life world.
It was easy to see why The King of All was still hated by so many. Given his past record and some of his heartless actions here, he really was the epitome of a black hearted, devil villain. How unfortunate for him and others he was made that way. The rare, fleeting glimpses of humanity and his strong, unyielding, determined not to be denied, yearning to be loved by Lydia made the struggle between his evil vs good inward struggle even more complex and gut wrenching. Alas, he was not in control of his own destiny. I hated him and felt sorry for him all at the same time.
Lydia as usual was left in the middle struggling with the two opposing halves that used to make up the whole of the man she loved. She remained true to herself though and fought the good fight. Even when she stumbled and became unsure of what to do, she eventually always tried to do the right thing, regardless of her own personal sacrifice.
With all that was revealed after the dust settled in the aftermath of the final showdown, I did feel a little disoriented when I was told what was what and who made it and those that did not. Maybe it was the big part of me wishing and even assuming everyone was going to get a HEA. That’s just the impossible romantic in me and, frankly, just the way I roll. At least the main couple and several others get to rise above the mayhem and recover over all that has happened. They will continue to live on as a much stronger, unified, cohesive team in this strange world known as Under.
Want to know more? Well, better play catch up and get cracking on book 1 or wherever you left off reading. I must say it’s been a long time since an author has completely captivated me and caught me off guard in so many ways. Each book felt completely different, despite the continuous unfolding main plot.
Title: Queen of All, Series: The Masks of Under (Book 6), Author: Kathryn Ann Kingsley, Pages: 242, NOT A STAND-ALONE, Must read books in order, final book, graphic fight scenes between immortal type humans, romance safe.
Book 1 - King of Flames
Book 2 - King of Shadows
Book 3 - Queen of Dreams
Book 4 - King of Blood
Book 5 - King of None
Book 6 - Queen of All (final book)
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/PR firm.)
As usual, this story line continued to have twists and turns and definitely kept me guessing how it would all finally end. There are still some very graphic, gruesome, violent scenes between these mostly immortal human like beings, btw. So better continue to brace yourself for that. Granted by now, you likely are used to it. It’s seems simply to be part of their brutal at times way of life world.
It was easy to see why The King of All was still hated by so many. Given his past record and some of his heartless actions here, he really was the epitome of a black hearted, devil villain. How unfortunate for him and others he was made that way. The rare, fleeting glimpses of humanity and his strong, unyielding, determined not to be denied, yearning to be loved by Lydia made the struggle between his evil vs good inward struggle even more complex and gut wrenching. Alas, he was not in control of his own destiny. I hated him and felt sorry for him all at the same time.
Lydia as usual was left in the middle struggling with the two opposing halves that used to make up the whole of the man she loved. She remained true to herself though and fought the good fight. Even when she stumbled and became unsure of what to do, she eventually always tried to do the right thing, regardless of her own personal sacrifice.
With all that was revealed after the dust settled in the aftermath of the final showdown, I did feel a little disoriented when I was told what was what and who made it and those that did not. Maybe it was the big part of me wishing and even assuming everyone was going to get a HEA. That’s just the impossible romantic in me and, frankly, just the way I roll. At least the main couple and several others get to rise above the mayhem and recover over all that has happened. They will continue to live on as a much stronger, unified, cohesive team in this strange world known as Under.
Want to know more? Well, better play catch up and get cracking on book 1 or wherever you left off reading. I must say it’s been a long time since an author has completely captivated me and caught me off guard in so many ways. Each book felt completely different, despite the continuous unfolding main plot.
Title: Queen of All, Series: The Masks of Under (Book 6), Author: Kathryn Ann Kingsley, Pages: 242, NOT A STAND-ALONE, Must read books in order, final book, graphic fight scenes between immortal type humans, romance safe.
Book 1 - King of Flames
Book 2 - King of Shadows
Book 3 - Queen of Dreams
Book 4 - King of Blood
Book 5 - King of None
Book 6 - Queen of All (final book)
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/PR firm.)
July 18, 2019
Heartrending. Mournful. Hopelessness. Heartwarming. Triumphant. Hopeful. Yep. All that is what I went through. I can honestly say I bawled like a baby. A lot. From sadness and from happiness. Aon and Lydia have been through so much. It hurts to see them still fighting for the only thing they want. Love. The love they carry for each other is beyond breathtaking. It's beautifully dark and beautifully haunting. Their love transcends all. Unfortunately, because of their love so much pain and gut wrenching sadness has to happen. Under has never been a place of rainbows and butterflies. Under has always been the place of monsters, lies, betrayal, and secrets.
Lydia has come so far from book one. She has come into herself and her power so well. She has so many moments of self doubt, but she perseveres. Aon and his little insane self has endured more pain than even Lydia. There were times when I just had to stop and cry for him. Every single character in this series wiggles their way into your heart and you fall in love with them. I even have a teeny tiny bit of love for the Ancients.
Kathryn Ann Kingsley will blow you away in Queen Of All. It's almost as if she thought "You haven't seen anything yet, hold my beer!". Her world building and characters are superb. I'm sad to see this end, but I'm also excited to see what more will come from this author. Definitely my favorite series of the year, by far! And definitely a must read!
Lydia has come so far from book one. She has come into herself and her power so well. She has so many moments of self doubt, but she perseveres. Aon and his little insane self has endured more pain than even Lydia. There were times when I just had to stop and cry for him. Every single character in this series wiggles their way into your heart and you fall in love with them. I even have a teeny tiny bit of love for the Ancients.
Kathryn Ann Kingsley will blow you away in Queen Of All. It's almost as if she thought "You haven't seen anything yet, hold my beer!". Her world building and characters are superb. I'm sad to see this end, but I'm also excited to see what more will come from this author. Definitely my favorite series of the year, by far! And definitely a must read!
August 18, 2019
4-4.5 Stars. 5 stars for the whole series! I felt like I was on edge for this whole book. I was so anxious that things wouldn't work out after all we have been through and I had already fallen for Aon and Lydia so this "new Aon" really tore me up. I knew deep down that I was being tricked that everything was a fabrication.. but I hopped right on that wagon with Lydia wanting so badly to believe that everything could work out. The relationships in this were just so toxic and yet Lydia never really caves, unwilling to do "anything" for some perfect ideal of love. Wanting the real thing, raw, uncut with all its imperfections.
During the showdown with new Aon and Lydia in this last book there was a whirlwind of emotions. The author also gave us Kamira and Lyon's story which was interesting but also drug out the angst quite a bit as we often cut to their recollections and all the while there is plotting, so much plotting. And in the end I'm not even sure if the plotting actually accomplished anything really. It seems like everything was for nothing.. and we really had to get down to the nothing so we could have everything.
This was a truly great series and I hope to revisit it in the future. I also hope that the author isn't truly done with this world because I really felt like it was incredible being able to immerse myself in it for any amount of time. Unique and so well thought out all the way through. Great series!
During the showdown with new Aon and Lydia in this last book there was a whirlwind of emotions. The author also gave us Kamira and Lyon's story which was interesting but also drug out the angst quite a bit as we often cut to their recollections and all the while there is plotting, so much plotting. And in the end I'm not even sure if the plotting actually accomplished anything really. It seems like everything was for nothing.. and we really had to get down to the nothing so we could have everything.
This was a truly great series and I hope to revisit it in the future. I also hope that the author isn't truly done with this world because I really felt like it was incredible being able to immerse myself in it for any amount of time. Unique and so well thought out all the way through. Great series!
August 11, 2019
More like 4.5,buy rounding down because I guess I wanted a bit more Aon as he was.
This has been a really fantastic series. The author is really talented and the world building was incredibly vast, complex and original. The characters, both main and secondary, were brilliantly characterised throughout. I will definitely read whatever she puts out next.
This is obviously the last in a series that took a pretty dramatic turn in the previous book. I liked the ending and thought it resolved well, something I wasn't sure would happen throughout most of it.
I guess the reason this wasn't 5 stars for me, is I felt that a lot of the first two Thurs if the book were quite repetitive and just pretty hopeless and grim. I think I would have preferred things to have resolved themselves quicker and to have had more time at the end. I feel like readers fell in love with Aon and Lydia, but to have him pretty much gone for most of 2 books did kill my enjoyment, to a slight extent. But then, I understand why the story played out the way it did, so it's not so much a criticism, it's more that I enjoyed the first few books the most.
I would definitely recommend this series, as its been one of my favourites this year.
This has been a really fantastic series. The author is really talented and the world building was incredibly vast, complex and original. The characters, both main and secondary, were brilliantly characterised throughout. I will definitely read whatever she puts out next.
This is obviously the last in a series that took a pretty dramatic turn in the previous book. I liked the ending and thought it resolved well, something I wasn't sure would happen throughout most of it.
I guess the reason this wasn't 5 stars for me, is I felt that a lot of the first two Thurs if the book were quite repetitive and just pretty hopeless and grim. I think I would have preferred things to have resolved themselves quicker and to have had more time at the end. I feel like readers fell in love with Aon and Lydia, but to have him pretty much gone for most of 2 books did kill my enjoyment, to a slight extent. But then, I understand why the story played out the way it did, so it's not so much a criticism, it's more that I enjoyed the first few books the most.
I would definitely recommend this series, as its been one of my favourites this year.
September 29, 2019
What a ride!! I empathize with Kathryn's closing of the series. I'm sad to say goodbye to all the characters in this series. From the first page of book one, to the final page of Queen of All, I was absolutely captivated!
I stumbled upon Kathryn Ann Kingsley through a seemingly endless search of recommendations that just felt sub-par. The synopsis of book one was intriguing, and I AM SO FREAKING GLAD I gave the author a shot.
Kathryn's characters have depth, and distinct traits. Emotionally moving. Both humorous and tragic. Poetically beautiful. The world of Under is magical, creative and creepily mystical. The plot is well conceived, and kept me - not only engrossed - but sleep deprived and desperate for more. What a gem! 5 stars. Shelved as a favorite.
When, when, WHEN, will Kingsley share more of her brilliance with us?! Lady, I am eagerly keeping an eye out for any new releases.
I stumbled upon Kathryn Ann Kingsley through a seemingly endless search of recommendations that just felt sub-par. The synopsis of book one was intriguing, and I AM SO FREAKING GLAD I gave the author a shot.
Kathryn's characters have depth, and distinct traits. Emotionally moving. Both humorous and tragic. Poetically beautiful. The world of Under is magical, creative and creepily mystical. The plot is well conceived, and kept me - not only engrossed - but sleep deprived and desperate for more. What a gem! 5 stars. Shelved as a favorite.
When, when, WHEN, will Kingsley share more of her brilliance with us?! Lady, I am eagerly keeping an eye out for any new releases.
August 3, 2020
I've actually never cried so hard, and at so many different points, while reading. Holy hell, I have the worst weepy headache and my eyes are still swollen and sore. Talk about getting your heart ripped out! Lord this series rekt me.
This series was amazing, so conflicting (in a great way) and so unique. I can't believe I've only just now found out about this amazing author. I will be reading all of her other books as soon as I can.
Now, if you will excuse me, Its 2 am and I have to get up for work in 4 hours. But before that, I have a date with some advil and a cold compress for my poor, over taxed tear ducts.
This series was amazing, so conflicting (in a great way) and so unique. I can't believe I've only just now found out about this amazing author. I will be reading all of her other books as soon as I can.
Now, if you will excuse me, Its 2 am and I have to get up for work in 4 hours. But before that, I have a date with some advil and a cold compress for my poor, over taxed tear ducts.
October 6, 2022
sorry but i couldn't see her love for him not to that extent so if i was in her position i would end my life, sorry.
The story just drags and drags and sure we read some plans and mystery but it felt I was just reading a new love story and the ending felt anticlimactic for me.
I don't want to put a bad review on the book because I really love the author but i didn't like the ending, i'm so over that i didn't read the epilogue and also don't have the energy to write this review
The story just drags and drags and sure we read some plans and mystery but it felt I was just reading a new love story and the ending felt anticlimactic for me.
I don't want to put a bad review on the book because I really love the author but i didn't like the ending, i'm so over that i didn't read the epilogue and also don't have the energy to write this review
March 11, 2022
Overall the series was successful but I did a lot of skimming in this one. Lydia’s ruminating and endless angst just annoyed me. I didn’t care for the flashbacks either which felt like filler. Bummer ending but the series was unique and the first 4 books I really enjoyed. Definitely a talented author here.
May 24, 2022
Not the best end of the series, not the worst either.
I was hoping for a different sort of happily-ever-after. I mean, yup, I get the reasons of her acting like she is, and I love the fact that, in the end, it was .
All in all, a series that's definitely worth trying. I'll get back to this author at one point, definitely.
I was hoping for a different sort of happily-ever-after. I mean, yup, I get the reasons of her acting like she is, and I love the fact that, in the end, it was .
All in all, a series that's definitely worth trying. I'll get back to this author at one point, definitely.
September 23, 2023
As an authors debut this story is quite good. One can only hope the authors gets better each series. However with all the world building there wasn't much world the audience got to know outside of the main characters and that was a bit frustrating.
I would love for the author to continue with the world of Under and really truly explore the world and get to know the people and the minorities through a different story. Something set in the future since we discovered the past.
Ending was satisfying. A true HEA.
Kingsley strength is in her Villians. A true Villian not some anti-hero or mafia boss
I would love for the author to continue with the world of Under and really truly explore the world and get to know the people and the minorities through a different story. Something set in the future since we discovered the past.
Ending was satisfying. A true HEA.
Kingsley strength is in her Villians. A true Villian not some anti-hero or mafia boss
May 10, 2022
A fitting ending to a great series! There were many ups and downs for all the characters and some heartbreaking moments but the conclusion was phenomenal. I loved how much all the characters grew, especially Lydia. She started out as a strong willed mortal in this scary new world and now she got to prove how incredible and powerful she truly is. This world is so intriguing and I truly hope she creates more series within this world.
February 23, 2025
It was so good, the climax was awesome, the villains unforgiving and unrelenting. But the very end…was a let down. It could have been so much more. It happened so fast, and then just “reappeared” as normal and no one suspected anything, forgave everyone without any problems, and moved on. Where is the character growth?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2022
This book was a harder to read than the rest of the series as it can get you a bit down. But then I was pleasantly surprised with how the author turned it around and made a perfect ending to the book ❤️
November 29, 2024
This series started off strong, but the last two books really just didn't fit right in my opinion...
Suddenly we go from the colorful and dark Under to a desert world where the King of All (who doesn't have a name) rules. Essentially, everyone is just puppets of the ancients, particularly the King of All (aka Aon aka Noa).
For the whole series, it has been made known that the Ancients magic cannot create souls. This has been a theme in every book and the whole reason that Under takes new people from Earth.
If that is true, what is Aon? If he has no soul, why is he worth saving? What is there to love in him? Or, can the Ancients magic actually make souls? Lol
What this whole thing a brutal test for Lydia to make sure she really loved Aon? It seems to hint at that by the end...
Why the heck does she so easily forgive the deaths of her friends? Aon was himself when he killed Nick... or are we blaming the Ancients on that too?
I guess I just wound up frustrated by the end. I understand that Aon was the villain but ultimately I felt like Lydia could have done better....
Lastly, the whole Kamira/Lion thing should have been it's own novella. It subtracted from the story.
Suddenly we go from the colorful and dark Under to a desert world where the King of All (who doesn't have a name) rules. Essentially, everyone is just puppets of the ancients, particularly the King of All (aka Aon aka Noa).
For the whole series, it has been made known that the Ancients magic cannot create souls. This has been a theme in every book and the whole reason that Under takes new people from Earth.
If that is true, what is Aon? If he has no soul, why is he worth saving? What is there to love in him? Or, can the Ancients magic actually make souls? Lol
What this whole thing a brutal test for Lydia to make sure she really loved Aon? It seems to hint at that by the end...
Why the heck does she so easily forgive the deaths of her friends? Aon was himself when he killed Nick... or are we blaming the Ancients on that too?
I guess I just wound up frustrated by the end. I understand that Aon was the villain but ultimately I felt like Lydia could have done better....
Lastly, the whole Kamira/Lion thing should have been it's own novella. It subtracted from the story.
August 1, 2019
~ Practically Perfect ~
"The dancers must stop. The music must cease. Let it end.” - Aon
This was truly a fabulous journey.
From the first moment Under choose Lydia, I was mesmerized.
Lost in the unique world that Kingsley created, enchanted by its creatures, bewitched by its residents.
From the first page to the last I was entertained and engaged.
A must-own collection for any lover of the dark fantasy genre.
I knew this was the last story in the series and as such, I was a bit hesitant to enter. I was not ready to say goodbye to Under or all the friends I had made on my journey here.
But eventually, I could no longer resist the call of the Ancients.
I knew there would be losses, I knew there would be angst...
Lots of angst.
What I was unsure of was would it flow?
Would there be gaps? Rushed scenes? All the things I really dislike.
The answer was no it was practically perfect.
If you followed this series then you know there is a lot going on at this point.
Lydia is still stubborn as he ll and Aon is well... Noa.
The only thing I can truly say without spoiling previous episodes.
Someone or Something had to give
And it did ~
I am still a bit in awe of how this all wrapped up so well.
It flowed seamlessly ~ everyone played their parts ~ there was no quick solution or a sudden closing scene and then TADA HEA.
It didn't work like that.
I cried. I cringed. I cried some more.
What a perfect ending
I will return to write my review after I dry my eyes and heal my heart
*update My eyes are dry but my heart still hurts
"The dancers must stop. The music must cease. Let it end.” - Aon
This was truly a fabulous journey.
From the first moment Under choose Lydia, I was mesmerized.
Lost in the unique world that Kingsley created, enchanted by its creatures, bewitched by its residents.
From the first page to the last I was entertained and engaged.
A must-own collection for any lover of the dark fantasy genre.
I knew this was the last story in the series and as such, I was a bit hesitant to enter. I was not ready to say goodbye to Under or all the friends I had made on my journey here.
But eventually, I could no longer resist the call of the Ancients.
I knew there would be losses, I knew there would be angst...
Lots of angst.
What I was unsure of was would it flow?
Would there be gaps? Rushed scenes? All the things I really dislike.
The answer was no it was practically perfect.
If you followed this series then you know there is a lot going on at this point.
Lydia is still stubborn as he ll and Aon is well... Noa.
The only thing I can truly say without spoiling previous episodes.
Someone or Something had to give
And it did ~
I am still a bit in awe of how this all wrapped up so well.
It flowed seamlessly ~ everyone played their parts ~ there was no quick solution or a sudden closing scene and then TADA HEA.
It didn't work like that.
I cried. I cringed. I cried some more.
What a perfect ending
I will return to write my review after I dry my eyes and heal my heart
*update My eyes are dry but my heart still hurts
July 31, 2019
Queen of All is the 6th & final book of The Masks of Under series, so seriously, YOU MUST READ BOOKS 1-5 FIRST AND IN ORDER! See, this very talented author, Kathryn Ann Kingsley has so many layers to the series, that if you don't do this, you will be lost, and won't be able to appreciate it for the amazing goodness it is! This particular installment is told in several different POVs, which I found great, as watching the whole puzzle to be solved, it just gave it an extra added depth in my opinion. Lydia has a choice to make, and it's quite the important one, which pulls her in different directions. See, she loves the King of None (Book 5), Aon, so she goes back & forth like crazy, which in turn, made me crazy to be honest. I LOVE Lydia, but I really wanted her to make a decision so I found myself yelling at her more than once. The twists are all turned around, while the turns are all twisted up, so I just called people colorful metaphors, & dropped f-bombs. There were an insane amount of questions, but luckily they were all finally answered. I did feel a lot more of angst for secondaries this go around, which shocked me, but again, Kathryn Ann Kingsley's talent really took me in all kinds of directions throughout. I'm very glad that I have the answers, yet, sad because the series is over, so I'm very excited about Ms. Kingsley's next project! So that's all from me, and I'll end with HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDING TO ALL!
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