Queen of Mazes and Mirrors

Descendants of the Fates #3

by Rhiannon Hargadon

Can the Grim Reaper rewrite destiny? Or will she destroy all she holds dear in the attempt to have her fairytale?

Princess Morena wakes at the threshold of an ever-shifting maze. Inside awaits Lorcan Fieri, the enigmatic Lord of the Fae, whose sharp wit is as dangerous as his secrets. He holds the key to an artifact of unimaginable power—the Eye of the Fates, said to reveal the true threads of destiny.

The path to the Eye is treacherous, riddled with deceptive allies, monstrous foes, and her estranged mate, Elijah, the mercurial Prince of Time. Bound by her resolve to save her kingdom and her friends, Morena must untangle the web of lies spun by those closest to her.

As Atropos tightens her grip on Moirai, bringing death to all she touches, Morena earns a new nickname among her The Saint of Death, and makes a new the owl of Athena. She must decide not only who to trust and but how far she’s willing to go... admitting the truth of her own heart, and making her choice between two very different men.

Perfect for readers who crave love triangles, shifters, dragons, and the seductive pull of dark fantasy with romance, Descendants of the Queen of Mazes and Mirrors is a journey as perilous as it is unforgettable.

A dark mythology retelling of the Grim Reaper and the Three Fates. Trigger Death, torture, graphic sex scenes, imprisonment.

Genres: Fantasy, Mythology, Fantasy Romance, Dark, Fiction

467 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 27, 2024

About the author

There was a willow I loved by a creek; sometimes I slept there. I was never afraid, alone in the dark. There was nothing to fear from water and trees and fairytales.

The real monsters were always people.

...

Can we forgive injustice?
Do we accept the fate forced upon us?
Should we fight, no matter the cost?
How do we move on from great loss?
What would you trade to relive one moment?


I write folklore and mythology inspired dark fantasy. Emphasis on dark. I don't shy away from serious issues and emotions: suicide, depression, mental illness, abuse, death, infertility, and assault are all in my books. These are not for pleasure or shock value, but because I want to write about authentic pain and suffering, and how we heal ourselves through the bad things that have been done to us.


My books will probably make you cry. I hope it helps more than it harms.




Official Site: https://www.rhiannonhargadon.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhiannonhar...
Email: hello AT rhiannonhargadon.com
Tiktok: rhiannonhargadon
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/rhian...

Thanks for reading.

Reviews

[Bailey Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just popping on here to express how pissed I am I have to wait until 2026 for book 4 after that ending

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the Descendants of the Fates and it is EVERYTHING. I literally devoured this entire series.

QoMaM features our FMC, Morena, a Femme Grim Reaper looking to thwart destiny. The Greek mythology is beautifully woven into the book and I fell hard ❤️‍🔥

Morena might be the Grim Reaper, but she’s also a woman battling with her own self doubts and fears everything she’s supposed to become. Her grandmother Atropos is now free and she’s leaving death and destruction in her wake.
Not to mention she’s at the centre of an intense love triangle, drawn to her fated mate Elijah, but she also can’t deny the attraction to mortal Jasper. But in the battle for her heart and her destiny, can she trust either? Or will she heed her Mother’s warnings to trust no one but herself…

💀Greek Mythology
☠️ Femme Grim Reaper
🔮 Fated Mates
🖤Chosen One
✨ Shifters
💜 Love Triangle
🐉 Dragons
❤️‍🔥…just…Elijah 🥵

I am so excited for book 4, book 3 leaves us on a cheeky cliffhanger so I have to know what happens next! Also I need more of Morena and Elijah because they are ❤️‍🔥

[Leah (readmeaplant) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Overall, I enjoyed the new book and learning more about Morena and the crew!

ENJOYED
The expansion of the world was fun, like learning a bit about the Fae with Lorcan (oh, how I adore his character), and the introduction of the various creatures who were helping out was a nice addition. This story, being from Morena's POV, creates an emotional and immersive experience, as you feel her emotions every step of the way. The dark themes are very present with the Cullen and the overall gothic eeriness of the world itself.

There is a lot of moving pieces to this story and I am eager for the finale.

DID NOT ENJOY
I struggled with my star rating on this, mostly because I should have done some kind of reread to prepare for this book. I felt quite lost at the beginning, with all of the characters being named and references to what happened in book one, but eventually, it all came back to me.

While I liked Morena's character in book one, she is starting to become my least favorite character type—the love triangle, her moral battles, and her not taking advice seriously. I really hope she can pull it together with how this book ends to make me enjoy her more.

At times when magic was used, I was a bit confused (like the mask) about how it worked. Maybe it's something I am forgetting from book one, but I wish it was explained just a bit more to help me understand how it all works/looks when she is using her specific powers.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ This series continues to keep me deeply entertained and I cannot wait for the next one in the series! 🖤

[Amber aka Crystal Coast Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Queen of Mazes and Mirrors by Rhiannon Hargadon is the third installment of the Descendants of the Fates series. It resumes the story of Morena, who, as descendant of Atropos, has been given the role and responsibility of Death. The first book ends with Morena and her friends waking Atropos from a cursed sleep, unknowingly unleashing hell on earth. In this third book, Morena must navigate magical lands, fight enemies both new and old, find the Eye of the Fates, all while discovering who she is and what wants. Nothing is easy- especially not for a Fate.

The world of Moirai is intricate, beautiful, and deadly. From castle Arcana and the Lord of the Fae’s magical maze, to the Ouroboros lair, to the Groves of Nemos and Clotho’s Cottage, the world building is incredibly detailed and richly layered, making the fictional world of Morai feel real. Each place has it’s own unique history and atmosphere, which draws readers in and makes them want to explore every corner (especially Lorcan’s study!).

The characters in this book are far from one-dimensional. Each individual is crafted with layers of complexity, often balancing contradictions that make them feel incredibly real. For instance, Morena is fiercely determined to change her fate but she is constantly haunted by the trauma of her past which makes her vulnerable and gullible. Her inability to accept who she is creates layers of conflict between characters and feeds the plot beautifully. Characters that were mere supporting characters in the previous books take on new roles and responsibilities. I absolutely LOVED that we get more of Lorcan, the Lord of the Fae, in this book. The true brilliance of these characters lies in their motivations, which aren’t always immediately apparent. As the narrative unfolds, the readers discovers deeper, more personal reasons behind everyone’s actions. These motivations make their choices both understandable and heartbreaking, adding layers of emotional resonance to the story. And talk about morally grey. Every single character in this book is morally grey- making everyone unpredictable. The emotional stakes in the relationships are high, and the author skillfully explores how characters navigate love, loyalty, betrayal, and sacrifice.

So many intricate plot threads, constant twists and turns, tension and suspense, layers of deception and mystery, and a cliffhanger ending- story is superb. The plot in this book is a masterclass in complexity, weaving together multiple storylines that intertwine and evolve in unexpected ways. Each chapter brings new revelations and characters you though you understood suddenly revel hidden motives, alliances shift unexpectedly, and seemingly innocuous events spiral into game-changing outcomes. Each twist is a puzzle piece that forces the reader to re-evaluate the story, keeping them on the edge of their seat. One of the most engaging aspects of the plot is how it plays with deception and mystery. Characters keep their true intentions hidden, and the reader is often left guessing who can be trusted. Every piece of information is a potential clue, and just when you think you have the mystery figured out, the rug is pulled from under you. The book concludes with a heart-pounding cliffhanger that leaves you reeling and desperate for more. The ending is not just a shocking moment, it leaves enough unresolved that the reader can’t help but be hooked and eager for the next installment.

Rhiannon Hargadon has proven to be consistently exceptional with her storytelling. If you have not yet started the Descendant of the Fates series, I highly recommend doing so.

[Tanja Glavnik · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Despite the fact it usually takes me forever to sit down to the ARCs I owe, I do then manage to read them in one or two sittings. This one is no exception.

The world: feels rather small and uninhabited. I feel like besides the Fates we might have like, 5 others still alive at this point? So the stakes feel quite small all things considered.

The plot: has gone off the rails and I'm actually enjoying it, more on the whys in a second. But this is definitely a twist I didn't quite see coming, although I DID suspect Vitess at one point.

Now, my Reasons: actually there's only one. And her name is Morena.

Straight up: she's not a character to root for nor is she likeable. To be likeable she'd have to have at least one redeeming quality and hers are in the negative numbers. There's nothing to like about her, I'm sorry, but all she does is mope and chew her nails and waffle. Indecision, thy name be Morena. I have no idea what Elijah sees in her.

Now speaking of Elijah. Supposedly, we're getting his POV eventually, and I'm actually excited. HE is a straight up interesting character who I don't think we've ever even scratched the surface of. Plus, being someone who looks at the state of the world and economy and looming crisis, I can't get behind Morena's puppy eyes towards Jasper. Sorry girl, but you have a literal powerhouse nobody can conquer as a mate who's 200 steps ahead of everyone else, and you do what you do best: waffle. Give him to me, pls, and sink into the oblivion you crave.

I do have to point out that despite this book being written well and engaging the reader, it has a BUNCH of inconsistencies. Exhibit A: Morena mentions Elijah is nowhere to be seen. 5 sentences later he's speaking for the group as a whole and she doesn't even wonder where he's been. Or, exhibit B: Morena knows Tally's not actually got any magic - but 2 sentences later she explains she watches Nico use his magic to dam Tally's visions.

It's either one way or the other, not both. There's a lot of stuff like this throughout the entire book, and even so there's scenes I have no idea how they came about. One minute, they're talking coronation and making a group stand, and out of the blue the Lord of the Fae is peacing out and ... everybody's okay with that? Except when did he mention it? And where?

And for some reason, despite this one character I'm not spoiling explicitly states: NO ONE CAN KNOW OR YOU LOSE ... everyone seems to know. Suddenly Elijah knows besides Morena, Nico knows. EVERYONE.

No wonder they "lose".

Honestly, like I said, the plot is kinda bonkers and riddled with holes like a badly patched road, but I'm here for the ride because it's also amusing and I'm a sucker for pain, apparently.

And if Morena in fact picks spineless, hound dog perpetually horny Jasper in the end instead of her GODS-DECREED MATE, I may burn something.

Give me Elijah any day of the week. Bury Jasper in an unmarked grave.

[thebookishsorceress · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid four-star read—pretty much for the same reasons Queens of Moirai got the same rating.

First off, I really enjoyed this book. The world-building is incredible, and the way the author brings everything to life makes it feel like I was actually there. I could practically feel the swampy air, the eerie maze, the fear in Clothos' home. I got drunk with the fae, stood in the temple with everyone—I was fully immersed. And just like the first book, the dialogue is the real MVP. Rhiannon knows how to write conversations that matter, and if you pay close attention, there’s some really great foreshadowing—especially in Lorcan and the Fates’ discussions.

Speaking of Lorcan… I need a whole book about this man. He’s fascinating, and I’d love to know more about his past, how he got to power, his family, his kingdom—everything. He’s easily one of the best characters in the series.

But here’s where my biggest issue with the book comes in: everyone in this world is more interesting than the main character. Morena was annoying in Queens of Moirai, but I at least understood her struggles. Here? She’s unbearable. She does nothing to move the plot forward. Things just happen around her, and she just mopes when they don’t go her way. Everyone else is evolving, making choices, driving the story—and she just… stays the same.

And don’t even get me started on her powers. In the first book, it’s clear she’s capable of killing without a tool, even on a large scale. In this book, it’s like she and everyone around her just forgets that? She’s completely useless. And when she does finally use her power, it’s not because she’s grown or stepped up—it’s just because she’s upset that the guy she rejected moved on. And what does she do after? Just stands there like she’s never seen death before. Girl. You are literally Death.

Then there’s Elijah. I don’t understand how people like this man. The amount of gaslighting he does actually made me question my own reality at times. He’s not just morally gray—he’s straight-up awful. He’s brutal, possessive, and has no kindness in him. From the moment he appears, it’s clear he just wants to own her, and I can’t get behind that.

On the flip side, I adored Serene and Jasper. Lorcan, Petra, Nico, and Vitess? Amazing. I’d happily read more about them because they actually grow and drive the plot forward.

Overall, another four star from me. The continuity errors are frustrating, and I wish I could love the protagonist, but the strong world-building, fantastic side characters, and sharp dialogue make up for it.

[bookish1.sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I see you, I've seen all of you, light and dark. I knew your heart long before the blood bond between us. Even if I were blind and deaf, I would know this - you are worthy."

"I crave your submission. No half-measures. No holding back. I want eternity with you, to claim your body and soul."

"I promise to do whatever it takes to give you whatever you need, whorship you forever, and to protect you in every way."

"No matter how angry he was, how viciously he longed for violence... He'd rather have me. He would let the world burn, he'd let them all die, but for me- he would bend."

"Life and Death are not rivals, but partners. Bound forever. If Death rejects her duty, Life has no peace.

"Memento mori. Memento vivere."

Okay it's official, I am beyond obsessed!

I was already hooked from book one but this series just keeps getting better and better! It has everything I love wrapped in this amazing story and I absolutely love Rhiannon Hargadon 's immaculate writing!

This book picks up right where book one left off (book 2 is a prequel) and has you going through all the feels! I really didn't know where the story was going, which is pretty rare for me, and I was loving every minute of it! The action and plot twists had me on the edge of my seat and the romance and spice were absolutely delicious! Saying I devoured it would be an understatement! I inhaled this!

Rhiannon has me in a chokehold with these books and that brutal cliffhanger and I NEED book four asap! Now if you'll excuse me I'm gonna go stare at a wall after that ending!

🐍 Fated Mates
💀 Arranged Marriage
🐍 Love Triangle
💀 Secret Identity
🐍 Matriarchy
💀 Greek Mythology
🐍 Retelling Of The Fates
💀 Female Grimm Reaper
🐍 Zombies
💀 Gothic Vibes
🐍 Morally Grey MC's
💀 Shifters
🐍 Dragons
💀 Mer People
🐍 Magic
💀 Betrayals

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! (And I am picky with what I give 5 stars to) The story and characters are so gripping, you fall in love with each part so quickly! The writing is well done, articulate, and paced perfectly, with so much happening but nothing feeling rushed.

The spice, banter, and intrigue were top-tier and everything I look for in a dark romantasy (and for those of you that get a little worried at the “dark” part, don’t worry because it’s not my normal genre and I Ate. It. Up. and it is so well written that it doesn’t even matter how crazy everything gets because you’re just gonna want to find out more!).

And oh my gosh the beginning to the end had me going on the perfect roller coaster of emotions. I’m going to need the next book immediately!!

[Kendal · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first piece of advice is if you haven’t read the previous books recently that you go reread them before picking this one up. I didn’t do that and I spent the at least the first half of the book trying to remember what had happened previously.

Aside from my own personal shortcomings this book was packed full of twists and turns and inner turmoil from our FMC. I feel like we got a better glimpse into her and her thought process with this book enough that I felt like I wanted to yell at her pretty often.

And that cliff hanger??? Criminal. Absolutely criminal. The whole last third of the book has me begging to know what happens to our poor characters as the series is coming to a close soon.

This book fit beautifully with the ones before it with such a lore dense world of not being too much to follow.

[Kendra Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ - The plot remains to be disjointed in this series. While the story is interesting, it’s quite dragged out with numerous plot holes. I kept waiting for something exciting to happen/a twist of events. Something big to shift/surprise me….but nothing did. Elijah has given me the ick from the beginning and I’m tired of Morena treating Jasper the way she does. For being a “fate”, she acts like a teenager with an underdeveloped prefrontal cortex, and the love triangle is just for dramas sake rather than holding purpose thus far. The author also never really expresses travel on page. You just suddenly are in one location and then another. Then creatures you have never heard about in the series suddenly are present. Then they are in this massive war with tens of thousands of dark creatures and Cullen yet they have no allies to back them and yet they are holding ground? Let’s be real….the Cullen are zombies. The fates, an orobourous, and a witch should be able to take them down easily considering how “powerful” they supposedly are. I’m not sure if I will read the next (likely final) book.

[Lindsey_reads_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in a chokehold, hanging off a cliff after that ending! What is Elijah doing?!

“I see you,” he murmured. “I’ve seen all of you, light and dark. I knew your heart long before the blood bond between us. Even if I were blind and deaf, I would know this–you are worthy. You are worthy of a kingdom, of a crown. Never doubt it.“

This dark gothic romance twisted with the Fates and Greek mythology was spellbinding. All 3 books are 5 stars for me, but I think my favorite is Queen of the Blood Throne. It was so heart wrenching! After reading her mother’s story, my perspective was different going into book 3. While pieces came together in QOMAM, that ending has left me asking more questions. I’m fascinated with how Rhiannon set up the series with the order of the way she told the story. Morena’s fight with her true self and destiny is bittersweet, she is death but when she embraces it, it’s powerful!

Greek Mythology
Dark Gothic Romance
Female Grim Reaper
Fated Mates
Chosen One
Shifter - Serpents & Dragons
Zombies
Love Triangle (it’s prefect, don’t hate on it!)

[Mariè · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are books that entertain, and then there are books that reach into your chest and stir something ancient and tender. That may be too pretentious but This was one of the latter.
From the very first page, I was enchanted!! not just by the story, but by the mythology. This isn’t the usual over-polished myth retelling we so often see saturating the market. No, this mythos feels raw, strange, and beautifully idiosyncratic. It's as if the author dipped her pen into forgotten wells of lore and conjured something entirely their own somehow!
The inclusion of the labyrinth myth where the half-man, half-bull is cast to wander eternally was a perfect prelude and done so wonderful! I mean sheesh the smells the textures the feeling!! I could vicariously feel all of that! That symbolic maze sets the tone for the entire journey: a story of entrapment, identity, and aching freedom and growth!! That part I loved so much because in the last book I fell in love with melinda whom I hated in the first book and this has sort of done the opposite of morena (in a good way)
What truly took my breath, though, was the expansion. The universe of this story unfurls so naturally it was just lush with new magic, unexpected lore, and the sense that the world has always been this big, we just hadn’t seen all of it yet. Like it didn't feel as if the author is just coming up with it as she goes it felt like I'm just exploring more and more It made me want to go back and reread the earlier books just to catch every detail I might have missed. The way the story grows outward while digging deeper into its characters is nothing short of masterful.
And the characters oh, how they *breathe*😍 (is that weird?) This installment doesn’t shy away from their shadows. We are invited to witness their flaws, their contradictions, the jagged edges of who they are. Instead of making them less lovable, it makes them feel more real Their growth isn’t linear or neat; it’s bruised, raw, and honest. That honesty gripped me. The parts of morena I hate I also love because they make her real and more human like I'm not reading fantasy but just looking down on all of these real people going thru these events

The writing itself is gorgeous lyrical without ever becoming indulgent. The setting feels painted with a dreamlike brush, every corner of it giving us secrets and all kinds of textured details
If I were to say anything critical, perhaps a part of me wished for even more time with certain arcs but that’s only because I didn’t want to leave.
I found the magic a little confusing which is an issue I've had with the first two books as well but overall A solid 4 out of 5. And if you, like me, find yourself pulled toward myth, toward magic that feels just a little wild, then this book will be a gift.

[Brittney · Rating 4 out of 5]

“In a realm shaped by illusions and haunted by fate, one princess dares to defy the darkness.”

The Grim Reaper’s legacy looms large over Princess Morena, yet fate seems to have other plans. Rescued from a watery grave, she finds herself at the entrance to a shifting maze—a perilous labyrinth that holds the key to her entire future. Teaming up with Lorcan Fieri, the cunning Lord of the Fae, Morena embarks on a treacherous journey to the Eye of the Fates, desperate to understand her Grim destiny and seize control of it once and for all.

But every step forward summons new enemies and forces unexpected alliances. Her estranged mate, Elijah—the Prince of Time—trades in half-truths, while Jasper, the luminous Prince of Life, offers a love she’s certain she can’t deserve. Meanwhile, Atropos casts a murderous shadow across Moirai, threatening to erase all who stand in her way.

Why You’ll Love It:
• Dark, Lush Fantasy: A gothic atmosphere reminiscent of One Dark Window and Gothikana, with labyrinths, fate-twisting magic, and a haunting sense of danger at every turn.
• Complex, Seductive Romance: Tangled alliances and tempting suitors challenge Morena’s heart as she battles darkness—both within and without.
• Mythology & Shifter Elements: An epic blend of world-building that reimagines Greek-inspired fates, shapeshifters, and powerful artifacts.
• High-Stakes Grimdark Adventure: Warriors, betrayals, and the ever-looming scythe of destiny collide for an edge-of-your-seat thrill ride.

Queen of Mazes and Mirrors delivers all the tension, romance, and tantalizing secrets fans of seductive grimdark fantasy crave. Step into Morena’s maze, where illusions blur with reality and her desperate attempt to master her fate could cost her everything—and everyone—she holds dear.

#QueenOfMazesAndMirrors #RhiannonHargadon #FantasyRomance #ShifterRomance #MythologyRetellings #GrimdarkFantasy #DarkFantasy #EnemiesToLovers #GothicReads #OneDarkWindow #GothikanaVibes #Bookstagram #BookTok #DarkRomanceReads #MustReadFantasy

[Brooklyn L. Wolves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhiannon Hargadon has crafted a masterpiece with Queen of Mazes and Mirrors, the third installment of the Descendants of the Fates series. This book is a whirlwind of treacherous mazes, captivating characters, and high-stakes decisions, leaving you breathless from beginning to end. Hargadon masterfully weaves together elements of dark fantasy and romance, creating a story that's both enthralling and deeply emotional.

Morena's journey is nothing short of epic. Watching her navigate the ever-shifting maze, both literal and metaphorical, is a testament to her strength and resilience. The introduction of Lorcan Fieri, Lord of the Fae, adds a delightful layer of danger and intrigue, while the presence of Elijah, the Prince of Time, amps up the love triangle to scorching levels. The tension between these two men is palpable, and Morena's internal struggle is both heartbreaking and compelling.

Hargadon’s world-building is exceptional. The mazes are vividly imagined, the monstrous foes are genuinely terrifying, and the stakes are sky-high as Atropos tightens her deadly grip. I particularly loved how Morena earns the moniker "The Saint of Death" and her unexpected friendship with the owl of Athena – these details enrich the story and add depth to her character.

But what truly sets this book apart is the emotional depth. Morena's journey of self-discovery, her struggle to trust, and her ultimate decision about matters of the heart are all portrayed with remarkable sensitivity and nuance. Hargadon doesn’t shy away from the complexities of love, loyalty, and the burden of destiny.

Queen of Mazes and Mirrors is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy romance. If you crave strong female leads, morally grey characters, intricate plot twists, and a love triangle that will keep you guessing until the very end, then look no further. This book is a journey as perilous as it is unforgettable, and I eagerly await the next installment in the Descendants of the Fates series!

[Katie Peck · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was much slower for me than book 2 but it was still very enjoyable. It gave me Alice in Wonderland vibes with the maze portion and Lorcan's weird way of answering questions in riddles. It was a cute and fun way to spin this story into something more.

I really enjoyed the banter between The Grim Reaper and Elijah. I loved that they were fated and how she really was not sure about her love for him at first. As the story unravels you learn more about how Elijah has been embedded in Death's life.

The ending...of course...was a twist I did not expect and left on a cliffhanger. I can't wait to see where this story will lead in the future. I am intrigued to see whatever happened with Jasper after he was tricked and poisoned to sleep. There is still so much story left and it is such a fun retelling in so many differeny ways.

Things I didn't love: miscommunication trope

Quotes:
"Beware of those who walk beside you, for even the shadows wear masks."
"In him I found a mirror to my soul, the place where all my shattered pieces came together."
"If you wish to keep a secret, never speak it."
"A single moment of heroism won't erase a lifetime of cruelty."
"Some things you can't ever take back, even if you wish you could."
"Knowledge is a one-way door--you cannot go back once you've crossed the threshold."
"weasel words, ways in which they avoided questions by asking another, or stating true but irrelevant facts."
"But sometimes we lose parts of ourselves we can never replace, for no reason at all, just because life is cruel."
"The darkest paths often lead to the brightest destinations."
"They say that to be born twice is to only live in your memories."
"It's your eyes that speak the truth, even when you say nothing, even when you try to mislead me."
"A good man would take your past and use it as a map for how to love you--not as a method to control you."
"it's not belief. Belief is fragile, based on nothing."

[Chaos & Courtships~ Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

🐍𝕼𝖚𝖊𝖊𝖓 𝖔𝖋 𝕸𝖆𝖟𝖊𝖘 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝕸𝖎𝖗𝖗𝖔𝖗𝖘🐍(𝔇𝔢𝔰𝔠𝔢𝔫𝔡𝔞𝔫𝔱𝔰 𝔒𝔣 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔉𝔞𝔱𝔢𝔰 𝔅𝔬𝔬𝔨 3) by @rhiannonhargadon ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 2🌶️

Where are all my dark fantasy addicts, gothic romance bibliophiles, and Greek mythology loving people at?? If that’s you, then kindly LISTEN UP. This book was IMMACULATE, just like the first two in the series, and if you haven’t dipped into this world yet, I’m starting to questioning your judgement. 💀 I am srsly obsessed with this series, and I swear each book is better than the last. This one right here had me staying up all damn night, wondering what the hell direction she was gonna take us in next.

This picks up right where book 1 left off (book 2 is a prequel, but for the love of God, make sure you read it second!!), and finds Morena separated from her betrothed, and stuck in a perilous predicament with a small group of survivors… which includes the third corner of her messy love triangle. As you can imagine, this sets the stage for all sorts of delicious tension and angst. The group faces one challenge after another, and as one problem is solved, a seemingly endless number of new issues stand in their way.

When Morena is finally reunited with her fiancé Elijah, we still don’t how we feel about him, or his best friend Jasper, who also owns a piece of her heart. My emotions were all over the damn place, loving Elijah one minute, wanting to smack the shit out of him the next. IT WAS GLORIOUS. The romance was perfection, and the spice was just… 🤌🏻🥵
I refuse to spoil a single minute of this book, so I’ll just leave you with this: Rhiannon is an expert at making you feel ALL THE FEELS. Just when you think she’s not gonna go somewhere, she fcking goes there. She is not afraid to give the reader an emotional beat down, and balances it out beautifully with humor, gorgeous prose, and mind blowing plot twists. I had to sit with my feelings for quite some time after the ending… but I’m already prepared to be served up another heaping helping of exquisite angst with the next book. I NEED IT TO BE JANUARY GOTDAMMIT!!


💀Series reading order:
Queens Of Moirai - on KU & #audible🎧
Queen of the Blood Throne - on KU & audible 🎧
Queen of Mazes and Mirrors- on KU
Book 4 title is TBD, releases 1/25/26

[Tiffani M · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I am a girl of burnt dreams and tears held in. Everywhere I go, the shadows follow.”

Our favorite femme Grim Reaper is back and more determined than ever to thwart destiny. She may be powerful as the granddaughter of Death herself, but warring within are self doubts and insecurities, leaving her fearful of who she is to become.

Further complicating matters are her feelings for Jasper, a mortal she should have never fallen for, and her fated mate Elijah, the Prince of time.

“He would let the world burn, he'd let them all die, but for me–he would bend.”

With Atropos free, leaving death and destruction across Moirai, she must figure out who she can trust or take to heart her mother's warning-to trust no one but herself.

"You won't win. You never win, ---------." 

"And as we've already established, I'm much stronger than you." She better kick -they who shall not be named's- BUTT to hell and back in the next book!!

With a dark gothic vibe, and mythology woven intrinsically into the story, it will steal your heart like it did mine.

Be prepared. The ending, twist, and cliffhanger left me SPEECHLESS and screaming "WHAT THE ACTUAL FRICK JUST HAPPENED!?" at 2am. More than Zodiac Academy ever did.

[stephanie cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Queen of Mazes and Mirrors (Descendants of the Fates #3) picks up where Queens of Moirai left off, continuing the captivating journey of Morena, a descendant of Atropos, now tasked with the formidable responsibility of Death. Hargadon once again delivers a gripping mix of tension, romance, and the dark secrets that fans of seductive grimdark fantasy crave.

Morena’s journey through her labyrinthine world is one of both internal and external struggles. The line between illusion and reality blurs as she desperately tries to control her fate, knowing that doing so could come at a devastating cost to herself—and those she loves. The stakes are high, and the emotional weight of her decisions is palpable throughout the novel.

With every twist and turn, Queen of Mazes and Mirrors pulls you deeper into its labyrinthine plot. Hargadon’s skill in crafting a dark, immersive world, filled with intrigue and complex characters, keeps you turning the pages. It’s a tantalizing, suspenseful continuation of the series that fans of the genre won’t want to miss.

[Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌶️🌶️🌶️

I can’t get over what a great book this was! The twists and turns kept me captivated from start to finish. The writing was so beautiful, with detailed imagery that felt like the story was playing out right before my eyes.

I enjoyed the complexity of Morena’s character, with her constantly fighting what she’s destined to become. I look forward to seeing how her character develops in the next book.

Rhiannon Hargadon absolutely nailed the gothic setting of this book. I’ve struggled in the past with gothic books not capturing that gloomy, dark feel, but I had no such issues with this book! This has everything I want from a gothic story.

𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞:
⚔️ Mythology Retelling
⚔️ Fated Mates
⚔️ Found Family
⚔️ Love Triangle
⚔️ Chosen One
⚔️ Grim Reaper FMC
⚔️ Introvert FMC
⚔️ Shifters, Dragons, and Fae

I’m so excited to see what the next book has in store for us. Thank you so much Rhiannon Hargadon and MTMC Tours for the copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Natasha Chudakova · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a let down

I’m officially losing patience and interest with the disjointed plot of this series.
While the core concept is has promise, the execution feels incredibly dragged out and filled with gaps.
Morena continues to be a frustrating protagonist; despite being a "Fate," she makes impulsive, immature decisions that make her feel more like a teenager than a powerful entity. The romance also feels hollow, with a love triangle that seems to exist purely for the sake of forced drama rather than actual character growth.
​The world-building continues to be a struggle as well, on a regular basis characters seemingly teleport between locations without any travel described, and new creatures are thrown into the mix with zero introduction.

The final battle felt unrealistic; seeing a small group with no allies hold their ground against thousands of "Cullen" zombies just didn't make sense, especially given how powerful these Fates are supposedly meant to be.

I find this series underwhelming and I don't know if I'll read the next.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
As previously said in my review of Queen of The Blood Throne (2nd in series), I want to love this series. It has so much potential to be something fantastic. It has many of the same issues as the 2nd, inconsistencies, spelling mistakes, etc. The series could have ended here, but it sounds like it will carry on. Conflicted as to how I would describe my reading experience.

Wish there were more backstories to the other races (trolls, sirens etc.) Author sort of answered the baby inconsistency in my review of the 2nd book, not very well, however.

Example of another inconsistency:
Petra said the Cullens had just vanished from outside the church. Taliesin said he forgot his pack in the church, and Lorcan said, "Let it go it's in a church full of Cullen now."
Early in the next chapter, it turns out they were ambling away into the trees when Morena used her shadows and accidentally alerted all of them to their presence. So where were they? The church? Or the forest?

[The Book and Bubble · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ Queen of Mazes and Mirrors by Rhiannon Hargadon ✨
(Book 3 in the Descendants of the Fates series)

If you’ve been following this series, you know things have been getting intense! After waking Atropos in book 2, Morena is sucked into the ocean and wakes up on a shore by gates. Morena is thrown into a shifting maze alongside her brother and Jasper. Desperate for control over her destiny, she embarks on a search for the Eye of the Fates, teaming up with Lorcan, Lord of the Fae. But in true Descendants of the Fates fashion, nothing is as it seems—loyalties shift, secrets unravel, and hidden motives emerge.

Let’s talk banter and spice—this book delivers! The dialogue is witty, the romance is captivating, and the tension? Perfection. This is my favorite book of the series so far! Also… Morena and Elijah? I’m rooting for them!

Be warned: the cliffhanger will leave you desperate for book 4! Can’t wait to see where the story goes next.

[Kiera · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝕿𝖍𝖊𝖞 𝖘𝖆𝖞 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝖙𝖔 𝖇𝖊 𝖇𝖔𝖗𝖓 𝖙𝖜𝖎𝖈𝖊 𝖎𝖘 𝖔𝖓𝖑𝖞 𝖙𝖔 𝖑𝖎𝖛𝖊 𝖎𝖓 𝖞𝖔𝖚𝖗 𝖒𝖊𝖒𝖔𝖗𝖎𝖊𝖘. 𝕴'𝖛𝖊 𝖆𝖑𝖜𝖆𝖞𝖘 𝖙𝖍𝖔𝖚𝖌𝖍𝖙 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖙'𝖘 𝖜𝖍𝖞 𝖜𝖊 𝖜𝖊𝖗𝖊 𝖘𝖔 𝖍𝖆𝖙𝖊𝖉...
𝖇𝖊𝖈𝖆𝖚𝖘𝖊 𝖜𝖍𝖊𝖓 𝖜𝖊 𝖗𝖊𝖒𝖊𝖒𝖇𝖊𝖗, 𝖙𝖍𝖊𝖗𝖊 𝖈𝖆𝖓 𝖇𝖊 𝖓𝖔 𝖗𝖊𝖜𝖗𝖎𝖙𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖔𝖋 𝖍𝖎𝖘𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖞, 𝖔𝖗 𝖑𝖞𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖆𝖇𝖔𝖚𝖙 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖕𝖆𝖘𝖙. 𝕹𝖔𝖙 𝖙𝖔 𝖚𝖘."
-
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Powerful. Absolutely powerful.

Queen of Mazes and Mirros is the third book in the Descendants of The Fates series by @rhiannonhargadon and it is absolutely the best book by far. I love these books so much I endded up having to rearrange my shelves to display them better so that way when you walk in this room, you immediately know that calling them a "favorite" of mine would be an understament.
This book was the definition of dark fantasy and yet, also absolutely soul crushing at the same time.

"𝕿𝖍𝖆𝖙'𝖘 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖇𝖊𝖘𝖙 𝖐𝖎𝖓𝖉 𝖔𝖋 𝖑𝖔𝖛𝖊: 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖔𝖓𝖊 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖜𝖔𝖗𝖐 𝖋𝖔𝖗. 𝕸𝖆𝖞𝖇𝖊-𝖒𝖆𝖞𝖇𝖊 𝖜𝖊 𝖜𝖊𝖗𝖊𝖓'𝖙 𝖒𝖊𝖆𝖓𝖙 𝖙𝖔 𝖇𝖊. 𝕬𝖓𝖉 𝖜𝖊 𝖉𝖎𝖉𝖓'𝖙 𝖌𝖊𝖙 𝕲𝖔𝖉'𝖘 𝖇𝖑𝖊𝖘𝖘𝖎𝖓𝖌. 𝕭𝖚𝖙 𝖜𝖊 𝖉𝖎𝖉 𝖎𝖙 𝖆𝖓𝖞𝖜𝖆𝖞.
𝕭𝖊𝖈𝖆𝖚𝖘𝖊 𝖜𝖊 𝖒𝖆𝖐𝖊 𝖔𝖚𝖗 𝖔𝖜𝖓 𝖉𝖊𝖘𝖙𝖎𝖓𝖞, 𝖉𝖔𝖓'𝖙 𝖜𝖊?"

If you want to read a book that is the literal embodiment of a Sleep Token song well...
I loved every minute of this...
And I know you guys will, too.

[Ruxi Avram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightfully dramatic, extremely dark and tragic! That would probably sum up this book, the story of the Saint of Death, Morena of the House Atropos.
Her story begun in Queens of Moirai, and now we find her fighting her grandmother, Death herself, alongside the other tho fates, Vitess of House Lachesis and Serene of House Clotho.
Her way to preserve Moirai and defeat Atropos is paved with violence, but also love. She is trapped between her fated life along Elijah and her attraction toward Jasper, with her want of freedom and her true fate as the Grim Reaper.
Morena is, undoubtedly, a tragic character, and her struggle is deeply moving.
After reading this ending, I can hardly wait for the next and ( hopefully!!) final of the series of Descendants of the Fates, as I do want Morena to get the happiness she had so longed for!

[Charlotte Patrone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book series and would recommend it to others interested in dark fantasy novels. The story is well crafted and I liked the twists throughout. Some of the earlier sex scenes needed a bit more oomph in my opinion, but the later ones are much better. I really like the main character and understand why she acts the way she does (in other books the main character can be irritating, but not this one!) The relationships between characters feel very genuine. It's easy to picture the settings where this is all taking place, which helps to understand the journey overall. A great book and I would recommend this series to others.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third book in the Descendants of Fates series. I enjoyed all three books, loved how all three were connected. I wasn’t expecting who was villain in this book, it took me by surprise. I enjoyed the plot, the writing and the world building. I love how it is based around Greek mythology. All characters involved are forced to navigate treacherous situations and unexpected alliances and betrayals. Morena is our main character in this book, she did not deserve her situation at the end of the book. I look forward to the final book to see how this series ends.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Lisa R, · Rating 5 out of 5]

I already knew I loved this series, but Queen of Mazes and Mirrors absolutely wrecked me in the best way. I am completely obsessed with this world, these characters, and this story — and I cannot wait for book 4.

The world-building continues to be incredible, dark, and immersive, and the characters feel so fully alive. I’ve grown so attached to them over the course of this series, which made everything hit that much harder.

And let’s talk about the betrayal… because WHAT 😭
The shock of Elijah — her mate — absolutely blindsided me. I did not see that coming…….That moment completely changed everything and left me staring at the page like, did that really just happen?

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had enjoyed the previous two books in the Descendants of the Fates series, it had that feel that I was looking for in a mythology retelling. It kept the atmosphere that I was looking for and enjoyed the world that was built in this book. The characters had that charm that I was looking for and was glad I got to read this. It continued the series perfectly and was glad it had that writing element that I was looking for from Rhiannon Hargadon.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Edith-Marie Buonacore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say I was very confused at the end because I thought this was only a trilogy but oh my goodness what a cliffhanger. I am so so upset that I have to wait for the next book because this book was just so good. This Series has kept me on the edge of my seat but I have to say book three by far has been the best. I am anxiously going to a wait book 4 and hope it comes sooner than later. The storyline and the terms that it takes wow exclamation I am at a loss for words other than this was just so good.