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Queen Takes Sunfires #3
Queen Takes Sunfires: Book 2
I will not go back.
I thought we were free. I dealt with Ra’s spawn and freed my sunfires. I have a place of safety outside of space and time where I can develop deeper relationships with my Blood.
Former Soldiers of Light, they were legendary human warriors resurrected to march the golden streets of Heliopolis at Ra’s command. They know nothing about Aima and goddesses’ daughters.
Neither do I—which is a lethal liability in the game of vampire queens.
I need someone I can trust, but who? The House Sunna consiliarius I’ve never met? The Isador queen who helped Helayna protect her nest? Or her brother, the wolf king? Eivind should have been my first Blood to teach me what I needed to know to survive. Instead, he left me to my fate in a filthy alley of garbage. He made his choice.
Now I have a terrible choice to make. I might have escaped Heliopolis, but I will never be free as long as I still carry Ra’s foul touch.
Karmen is recovering from abuse with flashbacks to her past, which may be triggering to survivors of sexual assault. This series includes themes of pregnancy and pregnancy loss.
I thought we were free. I dealt with Ra’s spawn and freed my sunfires. I have a place of safety outside of space and time where I can develop deeper relationships with my Blood.
Former Soldiers of Light, they were legendary human warriors resurrected to march the golden streets of Heliopolis at Ra’s command. They know nothing about Aima and goddesses’ daughters.
Neither do I—which is a lethal liability in the game of vampire queens.
I need someone I can trust, but who? The House Sunna consiliarius I’ve never met? The Isador queen who helped Helayna protect her nest? Or her brother, the wolf king? Eivind should have been my first Blood to teach me what I needed to know to survive. Instead, he left me to my fate in a filthy alley of garbage. He made his choice.
Now I have a terrible choice to make. I might have escaped Heliopolis, but I will never be free as long as I still carry Ra’s foul touch.
Karmen is recovering from abuse with flashbacks to her past, which may be triggering to survivors of sexual assault. This series includes themes of pregnancy and pregnancy loss.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2024
51 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Joely Sue Burkhart
121 books2,021 followersI write books. Sometimes I even finish them!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 13, 2024
I didn't dislike it, but it's more slice-of-life than I was expecting. There wasn't really a plot, just Karmen settling into her new life.
October 29, 2024
It was a refreshing story that covered the choice of abortion for FMC Karmen after her abuse and that she didn't have to accept asshole suitors into a relationship. We'll see if the wolf shifter / Aima king Eivind ends up in a true redemption arc that will allow him back in, but for now, good riddance. I would have liked to learn more about all the warriors more, but it was a short book to do more than a few smut scenes with a few characters.
Romance:
Romance:
November 4, 2024
:The Sun Incarnate burns in you, Daughter. Embrace your rage. Like heat burns away impurities from iron ore, purify yourself of the dross that troubles you.:
I'm so glad Joely gave us more Karmen Sunna. This woman deserves the world. Her arc so far has been immensely satisfying and I can't wait to see just how much more she grows from here on out. Karmen's relationship with her Blood is also something truly special. Just as with Shara and her Blood, each individual one brings something unique and necessary that the Queen is in need of, and for Karmen, it's no exception. I really do love how Joely has interwoven some of history's most notable warlords and kings into Karmen's Blood. She deserves nothing but the finest and these men are the stuff of legend (quite literally).
Much of the plot of this book is Karmen continuing to find her footing in the world of Blood, Aima queens, and her legacy as she continues to heal from multiple lifetimes of sexual assault at the hands of the tyrannical Ra. Every time someone validated her feelings or decisions made me want to cry because of how much it meant to her. Joely captured what true support looks like so beautifully here, I have no notes.
Karmen also finally has it out with Eivind and while a part of me feels kinda bad for him because he's fucked up so royally and he's still figuring out just how much and how badly, it was SO. DAMN. SATISFYING watching this solar queen lay into him. That wolf king has a lot of growing up to do and I'm definitely curious to see what Joely decides to do with his character. He lost his chance to be Karmen's number 1 (and let's all be honest, Sunzi is the perfect alpha for her anyway, Eivind could never), but it'll be interesting to see if these two can still come together in some way in the future, if at all. The hopeless romantic in me hopes they can, but - as I said - Eivind has such a long way to go if he's ever to be worthy of being her Blood.
I should note that this book does deal with heavy topics like the PTSD of surviving brutal sexual assault and abortion, so if you have any triggers, please keep that in mind. However, I do feel like Joely handles it all with fearless grace. She doesn't shy away from it, but she also doesn't dwell on it to the point of it feeling gratuitous. Karmen is so much more than what she has endured and that couldn't be more clear than in this book. I can't wait to see where we go from here!
“Nothing you could ever do will change the way I feel for you. The only way I will cease to be your Blood is if you order one of your other Blood to kill me. Then, yes, I will die gladly at your command. Nothing else will ever force me from your side. No other queen, no wolf king, no enemy, not even if the god of light managed to resurrect himself. I am yours forever. By your side. Always. Your soldier, sword, or sunfire. Whatever you need me to be.”
November 12, 2024
Loved!!!
Karmen comes into her own and it's wonderful to watch!
Karmen still needs to decide what to do about Ra's heir and where to establish her nest permanently. When Karmen is notified that she has had a consiliarius that has been with her house for generations, she sets a date to meet her in Chicago with Detective Harris in tow. Her house bought the old motel where she stayed for a few hours with the wolf king before the bad Soldiers of Light tracked her down when she first escaped. This time the vizier tries to do the same with a portal, but he no longer has any sunfires-Karmen has control over them. He also can't grab her, she has to go to him. Her anger destroys them all.
Meanwhile, Eivind, the wolf king, who refused to help her when she needed it, wants to be her Blood. He shows up at the motel after he follows Detective Harris there. But Karmen wants nothing to do with the wolf king. She senses that something is wrong with him, his wolf is gone and he's still injured by sunfires that hit him through an arrow. He'll burn alive if he's not treated, but his attitude isn't helping matters. And Karmen refuses to enslave both of them so they would both be unhappy for eternity.
I loved seeing Karmen become more confident with herself and her Blood.
A must read!!
Karmen comes into her own and it's wonderful to watch!
Karmen still needs to decide what to do about Ra's heir and where to establish her nest permanently. When Karmen is notified that she has had a consiliarius that has been with her house for generations, she sets a date to meet her in Chicago with Detective Harris in tow. Her house bought the old motel where she stayed for a few hours with the wolf king before the bad Soldiers of Light tracked her down when she first escaped. This time the vizier tries to do the same with a portal, but he no longer has any sunfires-Karmen has control over them. He also can't grab her, she has to go to him. Her anger destroys them all.
Meanwhile, Eivind, the wolf king, who refused to help her when she needed it, wants to be her Blood. He shows up at the motel after he follows Detective Harris there. But Karmen wants nothing to do with the wolf king. She senses that something is wrong with him, his wolf is gone and he's still injured by sunfires that hit him through an arrow. He'll burn alive if he's not treated, but his attitude isn't helping matters. And Karmen refuses to enslave both of them so they would both be unhappy for eternity.
I loved seeing Karmen become more confident with herself and her Blood.
A must read!!
October 21, 2024
The second book in Queen takes Sunfires, I loved it!! Kareem is finally slowly starting to understand what she is and her blood. I’m so excited to see where this series is going to go, and what’s going to happen to Karman and her wolf king. If you like vampire books with lots of men, blood and a great story this series is for you. But please check your trigger warning
October 27, 2024
I love the vampire queen series. I was in a reading slump but these books will never fail to pull me out.
I really appreciated how much care and heart Karmen was written with. I never feel like these books sacrifice emotional bond building or genuine plot just to have smut scenes, and this book was no exception. Hot but also emotional, romantic, and thoughtful.
The way Ra's offspring was handled was excellent, and I loved that Karmen had the support of those around her to make her own decisions about her body.
Karmens past and the way it informs her, navigating her new relationships felt real and raw and respectful and healing.
Her interactions with Shara were fun to read as a reader who loved all Sharas stories but also for the sisterhood support that they represented for Karmen.
I also really really really appreciated that Karmen didn't just accept Eivand back with no questions because of their bond and because he needed saving. It's so rare in a romance novel to see a man genuinely suck and actually have to deal with the consequences of his sucky actions. I loved watching Karmen stand up for herself. And I always enjoy when an author is willing to write actual complex characters and not make constant apologies for them.
Looking forward to seeing more of Karmens' story, hopefully soon!
I really appreciated how much care and heart Karmen was written with. I never feel like these books sacrifice emotional bond building or genuine plot just to have smut scenes, and this book was no exception. Hot but also emotional, romantic, and thoughtful.
The way Ra's offspring was handled was excellent, and I loved that Karmen had the support of those around her to make her own decisions about her body.
Karmens past and the way it informs her, navigating her new relationships felt real and raw and respectful and healing.
Her interactions with Shara were fun to read as a reader who loved all Sharas stories but also for the sisterhood support that they represented for Karmen.
I also really really really appreciated that Karmen didn't just accept Eivand back with no questions because of their bond and because he needed saving. It's so rare in a romance novel to see a man genuinely suck and actually have to deal with the consequences of his sucky actions. I loved watching Karmen stand up for herself. And I always enjoy when an author is willing to write actual complex characters and not make constant apologies for them.
Looking forward to seeing more of Karmens' story, hopefully soon!
November 10, 2024
Wow -- an intense read. First, this is not the place to jump into the world. Actually, the series makes little sense without the Vampire Queen series before it.
Karmen's arc and powers and situation are SO different from Shara's. The author is doing a great job of developing a very different vampire Queen -- well done.
Karmen's Bloods are not as well differentiated (yet?) as Shara's are. Part of this is that Shara's Bloods came to her individually, so the reader got to know them serially. Karmen's were all there at once. And for GOOD reason Karmen has been very hesitant about sex and her Bloods. That is loosening at the end of this book but is (intentionally) slow.
Much of the action in this book is slow because Karmen has a choice to make and her decision-making and actions are mostly internal.
The author is very aware that, in the guise of a vampire fantasy, she has written a very political book. She handled it well, but perhaps a bit too didactically.
I look forward to seeing what happens with Eivind.
As others have pointed out, the number system in this series (and Queen Takes Darkness) is confusing, especially since the author has changed her mind about numbering and so I have two different "Queen Takes Sunfires 2" books. But so it goes.
Karmen's arc and powers and situation are SO different from Shara's. The author is doing a great job of developing a very different vampire Queen -- well done.
Karmen's Bloods are not as well differentiated (yet?) as Shara's are. Part of this is that Shara's Bloods came to her individually, so the reader got to know them serially. Karmen's were all there at once. And for GOOD reason Karmen has been very hesitant about sex and her Bloods. That is loosening at the end of this book but is (intentionally) slow.
Much of the action in this book is slow because Karmen has a choice to make and her decision-making and actions are mostly internal.
The author is very aware that, in the guise of a vampire fantasy, she has written a very political book. She handled it well, but perhaps a bit too didactically.
I look forward to seeing what happens with Eivind.
As others have pointed out, the number system in this series (and Queen Takes Darkness) is confusing, especially since the author has changed her mind about numbering and so I have two different "Queen Takes Sunfires 2" books. But so it goes.
October 22, 2024
Karmen’s story continues in this amazing series. Joely Sue is at the top of her game in her world building and character driven stories in this continuation of the Vampire Queen series. She is a must read no matter what series you read of hers. Karmen’s storyline is delicately addressed in this book. If you have been following this series you will understand what I mean. I would like to address the trigger warnings listed for those who may hesitate in buying this book. First, Karmen’s history is delicately addressed only in vague generalities. In regards to the miscarriage, it too was delicately written. As Joely Sue says in the dedication and afterword, “Every woman should have the right to choose what happens to her own body.” Please give this world a read it is phenomenal. Women rule and their men and sometimes women cater to their every wish and need.
October 24, 2024
Wow can I say this is a great edition to the series. It was so good to see Karman starting to come into her own and the really deep issue that she had to deal with with. Good on her and can I say go Joely that couldn't have been an easy thing to write especially considering stances in the US at the moment, power to you as an author!. I think Evind got what he deserved and it will be very interesting to see if she decides to take him. It was interesting to see a bit of the opposite from Shara, she was the one who was ignorant of Anima ways and heritage and now with Karman its her blood I think who are ironically putting her at risk with their lack of knowledge. Fingers crossed they pick it up and soon, if Shara was a less nice queen things could have turned out very differently for Karman. I hope we see more of where Karmans journey takes her I can see one hell of a queen in the making.
November 1, 2024
Can we talk about the confusion that is this series numbering? Queen Takes Sunfires Book Two is number three in the story…. Could these books not each have their own name? Or at the very least a subtitle that isn’t the number as the number is wrong.
I feel like we’ve barely met her blood. There are four that get any mention with regularity, and I have no idea who the others are.
This is more a foundation piece in the world, with a mostly character driven narrative and not a huge amount of events taking place. It does have the disadvantage too of being so far released from the first in the world I have forgotten a lot these characters and previous battles and backstories. (Which is obviously on me) It’s mostly about healing and finding her footing and beginning the process of learning what it means to be a Queen.
I feel like we’ve barely met her blood. There are four that get any mention with regularity, and I have no idea who the others are.
This is more a foundation piece in the world, with a mostly character driven narrative and not a huge amount of events taking place. It does have the disadvantage too of being so far released from the first in the world I have forgotten a lot these characters and previous battles and backstories. (Which is obviously on me) It’s mostly about healing and finding her footing and beginning the process of learning what it means to be a Queen.
October 26, 2024
Love Love Love to see Karmen’s growth through this book as she gets closer to her Blood and her own power. There are some trigger warnings to be aware of before reading so be sure to check those out. Our queen is starting to heal from her trauma and her Blood are learning their new roles. We also get to see Evinid realizing that he has put himself into the dog house -wolf house? I am so excited to see how this plays out. No cliffhanger, but lots left to grow into in the next book. We are starting to see more perspectives from the blood, but there’s still more we haven’t had much page time with. I can’t wait!
October 30, 2024
Absolutely amazing
Another brilliant piece added to Karmen 's story and to the overall storyline of Their Vampire Queen. Definitely have a box of tissues at hand because Karmen's emotional journey is not an easy thing to read and with the clarity of Joely's writing it can transport you to where you feel that you are Karmen or you are right there with her.
As a side note, if you have triggers that include rape (flashbacks/reference to), captivity, abortion/miscarriage; then this story may not be the best read for you personally or needs to be done with caution. If it helps to know that through/after the bad that Karmen starts getting her HEA.
Another brilliant piece added to Karmen 's story and to the overall storyline of Their Vampire Queen. Definitely have a box of tissues at hand because Karmen's emotional journey is not an easy thing to read and with the clarity of Joely's writing it can transport you to where you feel that you are Karmen or you are right there with her.
As a side note, if you have triggers that include rape (flashbacks/reference to), captivity, abortion/miscarriage; then this story may not be the best read for you personally or needs to be done with caution. If it helps to know that through/after the bad that Karmen starts getting her HEA.
October 30, 2024
I am always so excited when another Vampire Queen book is released, and once again, it lived up to all my expectations!
The personal and emotional growth Karmen undergoes is remarkable. She is finally ready to take control of her life, experience new things, and open up her heart.
Eivind, not sure what to say. He really made a mess of things, and even though he wants to fix things, it just doesn’t seem doable. I don’t want him to die either, so hopefully some kind of resolution can be reached in time.
Can’t wait until the next book! I was wondering when the trickster god would make his reappearance, and I loved how that was worked in.
The personal and emotional growth Karmen undergoes is remarkable. She is finally ready to take control of her life, experience new things, and open up her heart.
Eivind, not sure what to say. He really made a mess of things, and even though he wants to fix things, it just doesn’t seem doable. I don’t want him to die either, so hopefully some kind of resolution can be reached in time.
Can’t wait until the next book! I was wondering when the trickster god would make his reappearance, and I loved how that was worked in.
November 6, 2024
phew! so satisfying
Okay, I’m sold. I didn’t expect to love how Karmen story has developed and pivoted. It feels like this book is where we should be. The author is reaching her stride again and I’m so here for it! It gives me hope that the princess takes academy series can recover from its lackluster start (I want Xochitl empowered and a queen in her own right without anyone, alpha or otherwise, holding her back!). They both have similar starts with troublesome Aima, but im back on track! Can’t wait for this world to build even deeper. More queen stories please!!
Okay, I’m sold. I didn’t expect to love how Karmen story has developed and pivoted. It feels like this book is where we should be. The author is reaching her stride again and I’m so here for it! It gives me hope that the princess takes academy series can recover from its lackluster start (I want Xochitl empowered and a queen in her own right without anyone, alpha or otherwise, holding her back!). They both have similar starts with troublesome Aima, but im back on track! Can’t wait for this world to build even deeper. More queen stories please!!
May 11, 2026
I'm looking forward to exceeding books about Karmen and her bloods. I liked how it's different from Shara's as she is recovering from her abuse.
Things will need to be addressed on the exceeding books
1. Eliminate High Priest Amun
2. Elvind will be a blood in House Sunna but definitely not the alpha, Sunzi is so much better
3. Hint of other possible enemies
4. More information about House Sunna
5. More intimate scenes (not just banging, intimacy) ! I'm excited for the other bloods (Cha'ek, the Scotsman, Kuros, Geronimo and Leonides)
Things will need to be addressed on the exceeding books
1. Eliminate High Priest Amun
2. Elvind will be a blood in House Sunna but definitely not the alpha, Sunzi is so much better
3. Hint of other possible enemies
4. More information about House Sunna
5. More intimate scenes (not just banging, intimacy) ! I'm excited for the other bloods (Cha'ek, the Scotsman, Kuros, Geronimo and Leonides)
October 28, 2024
This has definitely been a long time coming and it was absolutely worth the wait for perfection. Getting to see Karmen come into herself and her power its truly wonderful. How the sensitive topics are portrayed and give Karmen the support she needs and deserves is soul warming. I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to hear more from Karmen and her sunfires. I do hope a certain wolfy guy can earn his place.
November 20, 2024
Karmen’s story is probably one of my favorites of the side characters from Shara’s story. Her story is complex due to the nature of the trauma she endured. I really appreciate how well the author handled topics such as PTSD. The respect her Blood showed her, in respecting her boundaries, was also a plus! Overall, this last part of Karmen’s story was a great read and rounded out her character nicely.
October 19, 2024
Karman is starting to come into her own in this book and out of the shadow of Ra. She is slowly starting to trust out side of her blood. I really hope her and Eiviad can finally get together. He has a lot of baggage to get through before he can finally be the blood she needs. Definitely loved this book and can't wait for the next one.
October 28, 2024
Joely does it again
I'm a longtime fan of Joel's work. I've been waiting patiently (or not so patiently) for this next book and boy did it deliver. There's romance, history, revenge, regret, and all the blood. All the things that make a Joely Sue Burkhart novel memorable. Definitely worth a read and I will definitely be doing a reread in the very near future.
I'm a longtime fan of Joel's work. I've been waiting patiently (or not so patiently) for this next book and boy did it deliver. There's romance, history, revenge, regret, and all the blood. All the things that make a Joely Sue Burkhart novel memorable. Definitely worth a read and I will definitely be doing a reread in the very near future.
October 29, 2024
I love Karmen
I loved seeing the healing Karmen goes through in this book. There was a like Shara said to Karmen that caught my attention for future books. I'm so excited to see her story continue! Eivind in my opinion hasn't redeemed himself quite yet, we shall see how he may grow
I loved seeing the healing Karmen goes through in this book. There was a like Shara said to Karmen that caught my attention for future books. I'm so excited to see her story continue! Eivind in my opinion hasn't redeemed himself quite yet, we shall see how he may grow
November 18, 2024
This is becoming another favorite series of mine. I absolutely loved this book and love being on the journey with Karmen as she learns her new world and her men. I can't wait to see what happens with her and how she transforms into a powerful Aima Queen. I can't wait for the next book and look forward to seeing more unfold in this series.
December 11, 2024
A burden gone
I enjoyed this installment of the Queen of Sunfires. Vlad is as conniving as I knew he would be, but for his queen. I’m torn regarding the wolf king. I feel as if Joey wants us to dislike him immensely, yet I can’t. Something in the cowardly wolf calls to me. I would like to see him again but whole, happy, redeemed. I’d like more on Hannibal and Geronimo too.
I enjoyed this installment of the Queen of Sunfires. Vlad is as conniving as I knew he would be, but for his queen. I’m torn regarding the wolf king. I feel as if Joey wants us to dislike him immensely, yet I can’t. Something in the cowardly wolf calls to me. I would like to see him again but whole, happy, redeemed. I’d like more on Hannibal and Geronimo too.
October 18, 2024
I love Karmen so much, it’s great to see her starting her happily ever after with her gorgeous men! I just hope she makes up with eivind, I really think they need each other. I would definitely recommend a read if you like vampire queen romance.
October 21, 2024
I really enjoy the journey this new Queen is going through. And in this one we get to see her grow more into her Power both as a Queen and as a free woman. Also Eivind...well he's beginning to start figuring out.....things... maybe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2024
What a story of courage and preserverance
Continuing Karmen's story of freedom and recovery from captivity was so moving. I was alternately laughing and crying. Joley Sue Burkhart has done it again. What a captivating read.
Continuing Karmen's story of freedom and recovery from captivity was so moving. I was alternately laughing and crying. Joley Sue Burkhart has done it again. What a captivating read.
January 1, 2025
Continuation
Love that all these stories are connected and a continuation of the same world, but I wish that there was something like a "master list" which put everything in some sort of chronological order for us to follow
Love that all these stories are connected and a continuation of the same world, but I wish that there was something like a "master list" which put everything in some sort of chronological order for us to follow
October 23, 2024
Great continuation of the story. I love seeing Karmen start to overcome her beginnings and learn to trust.
November 3, 2024
So good
The queens evolution progresses well but I wanted a little more about the Bloods. Hopefully a little more in depth as the books progress.
The queens evolution progresses well but I wanted a little more about the Bloods. Hopefully a little more in depth as the books progress.
November 15, 2024
Meh, this was a bit dull. I’m not especially fond of any of the characters. The h in particular seems as fragile as glass.
December 4, 2024
This was a bit of a slog to get through. Only did it because I'm interested in the world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews