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Liar Queen
Spilled blood built the Jeweled Realm, and only spilled blood can ascend the throne.
Mara, queen of the Jeweled Realm and wielder of the Sacred Sword, won the throne the traditional by fighting her sister to the death. But now, a contingent of Ursan warriors have arrived, bearing tidings from a witch of the Waste. The bloodthirsty witch claims not only is Mara’s ascension based on a lie, but she herself is the princess long thought dead.
To defend her throne, Mara has no choice but to join the Ursans and defeat her sister once and for all. But deception is afoot, and Mara is surrounded by betrayal. With no one to trust, her only hope is the Ursan prince, Boden. Whether friend or foe, he seems to see her for who she really a daughter of war seeking a bloodless way forward.
Mara, queen of the Jeweled Realm and wielder of the Sacred Sword, won the throne the traditional by fighting her sister to the death. But now, a contingent of Ursan warriors have arrived, bearing tidings from a witch of the Waste. The bloodthirsty witch claims not only is Mara’s ascension based on a lie, but she herself is the princess long thought dead.
To defend her throne, Mara has no choice but to join the Ursans and defeat her sister once and for all. But deception is afoot, and Mara is surrounded by betrayal. With no one to trust, her only hope is the Ursan prince, Boden. Whether friend or foe, he seems to see her for who she really a daughter of war seeking a bloodless way forward.
- GenresFantasy
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2025
5 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
M.T. Solomon
3 books25 followersM.T. Solomon is a free-lance writer, born in the American south but raised in the remote wilderness of Alaska. She wrote her first book at the age of six. At eleven, she wrote and hand-bound several children’s books, most of which were riffs of Calvin & Hobbes with a female protagonist. She graduated from Portland State University in 2012 with a B.S. in Liberal Studies and a minor in Writing. Her work has appeared on the cover of Gotham Writers class schedule and has been featured on The Spinning Pen and Reedsy. Besides writing, she also coaches high school volleyball and is a passionate supporter of equal opportunity for female athletes. She lives in Alaska with her husband, three sons, a poodle, and her beloved labradoodle Drogon-Francis.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
January 6, 2025
This one surprised me. In a great way. The writing was great, the storytelling was interesting and I enjoyed the romance and struggle within the book too. I really wanted it to be a bit more fast paced overall, however other than that I really liked this one! The ending was great too!
Thanks to @bookedwiththeemilys for my #gifted copy!
Thanks to @bookedwiththeemilys for my #gifted copy!
January 12, 2025
I really wanted to love this book, and I thought I would based on the first few chapters. However, I was confused by most of the major plot points and I also ended up not really loving the FMC. There was a plot twist at the end which I’m assuming will set up a second book, but it totally came out of left field.
Aside from that, I did love the authors writing style. I found it very easy to read and there were several good quotes! Also, I really appreciated that it was a closed door fantasy romance.
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QUOTES
“I would die for you, over and over again, if that is what it took.” 🩵
“It wasn’t the way he said her name, but the way she liked the way he said her name.” 🩵
“He kissed her then, and this time, she let him. Because he was right, she did love him, and it thrilled her and terrified her in equal measure.” 🩵
“I’m afraid I don’t know how to love in the way you deserve to be loved.” “Don’t worry. I’ll teach you.” 🩵
——
Spice rating: none
Language rating: none
——
Thanks to Golden Scales Publishing, M.T. Solomon, and Booked with the Emily’s for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Aside from that, I did love the authors writing style. I found it very easy to read and there were several good quotes! Also, I really appreciated that it was a closed door fantasy romance.
——
QUOTES
“I would die for you, over and over again, if that is what it took.” 🩵
“It wasn’t the way he said her name, but the way she liked the way he said her name.” 🩵
“He kissed her then, and this time, she let him. Because he was right, she did love him, and it thrilled her and terrified her in equal measure.” 🩵
“I’m afraid I don’t know how to love in the way you deserve to be loved.” “Don’t worry. I’ll teach you.” 🩵
——
Spice rating: none
Language rating: none
——
Thanks to Golden Scales Publishing, M.T. Solomon, and Booked with the Emily’s for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
February 7, 2025
This was an enjoyable romantasy, filled with descriptive world building. I could picture the FMC and MMC, which I love. If you are a fan of cozy romantasy, slow burn, a closed-door romance, forced proximity, and an epic quest, give this book a shot! Cannot wait for book two!
November 30, 2024
Thanks to Golden Scales Publishing and Booked with the Emilys for the gifted ARC.
About the book: Mara is the queen of the Jeweled Realm and the wielder of the Sacred Sword... but she ascended by a lie, and now the Ursan warriors have come to her door with news of a witch of the Waste claiming to be her sister and ready to overtake the throne.
My review: LIAR QUEEN is the debut romantasy release for Golden Scales Publishing, which is so exciting! I love a good debut of all sorts. LIAR QUEEN is a book that immersed me directly into the world of the Jeweled Realm with descriptive writing and vivid imagery. Mara's epic journey was made so much better with Boden by her side, and I loved following them through the Realm as they prepared to retake the throne. Mara had a lot of internal work to do due to her upbringing, but it was so perfectly balanced by Boden's thoughtfulness and care. The ending was such a cliffhanger and I'm sad I have to wait awhile for book two because I need answers!!
About the book: Mara is the queen of the Jeweled Realm and the wielder of the Sacred Sword... but she ascended by a lie, and now the Ursan warriors have come to her door with news of a witch of the Waste claiming to be her sister and ready to overtake the throne.
My review: LIAR QUEEN is the debut romantasy release for Golden Scales Publishing, which is so exciting! I love a good debut of all sorts. LIAR QUEEN is a book that immersed me directly into the world of the Jeweled Realm with descriptive writing and vivid imagery. Mara's epic journey was made so much better with Boden by her side, and I loved following them through the Realm as they prepared to retake the throne. Mara had a lot of internal work to do due to her upbringing, but it was so perfectly balanced by Boden's thoughtfulness and care. The ending was such a cliffhanger and I'm sad I have to wait awhile for book two because I need answers!!
February 3, 2025
Tropes:
closed door romance
sibling rivalry
forced proximity
slow burn
Liar Queen, for me, was one of those books, that when you're finished reading, leaves you speechless. When I was finished with this book, I probably thought about it for a good 20 minutes, processing not only that CRAZY ending but the whole book itself!
Told in first person, Liar Queen centers around the Jeweled Realm, where if there's more than 2 heirs, they must fight to the death. The winner becoming Queen and proving they are worthy of welding the Sacred Sword. FMC Mara, the Sword Queen, has been informed her sister lives, and is claiming herself a witch. Not wanting the realm to know that Mara let her sister free, instead of killing her, Mara sets off to confront her sister and finally put an end to her.
Well... things don't go that easy. Being betrayed, Mara, and MMC Boden, fall over a waterfall, losing the Sacred Sword. Afterwards, they're on the run, as Mara as been deemed the Liar Queen, a traitor to the realm. They must find a way to gather an army and confront Mara's sister once and for all.
Sibling relationships were definitely a strong theme in this book. Whether it was Mara and Iris' rivalry, Boden and his brother's betrayal, or Osanna and Hali's loving relationship. I also really enjoyed Mara's relationship with Gabi. I feel like this Gabi really started to ground Mara in a positive way. Mara was always different than the rulers before her, but she still had an air about her that made her feel better than everyone else. I think staying with Gabi for a few weeks, helped her see the importance of knowing everyone in your kingdom.
Overall, I liked the story of Liar Queen. But that ending. I have so many questions. How do I ask without spoilers? So I'll just ask.... is there a book 2? Will I be shook forever? LOL
closed door romance
sibling rivalry
forced proximity
slow burn
Liar Queen, for me, was one of those books, that when you're finished reading, leaves you speechless. When I was finished with this book, I probably thought about it for a good 20 minutes, processing not only that CRAZY ending but the whole book itself!
Told in first person, Liar Queen centers around the Jeweled Realm, where if there's more than 2 heirs, they must fight to the death. The winner becoming Queen and proving they are worthy of welding the Sacred Sword. FMC Mara, the Sword Queen, has been informed her sister lives, and is claiming herself a witch. Not wanting the realm to know that Mara let her sister free, instead of killing her, Mara sets off to confront her sister and finally put an end to her.
Well... things don't go that easy. Being betrayed, Mara, and MMC Boden, fall over a waterfall, losing the Sacred Sword. Afterwards, they're on the run, as Mara as been deemed the Liar Queen, a traitor to the realm. They must find a way to gather an army and confront Mara's sister once and for all.
Sibling relationships were definitely a strong theme in this book. Whether it was Mara and Iris' rivalry, Boden and his brother's betrayal, or Osanna and Hali's loving relationship. I also really enjoyed Mara's relationship with Gabi. I feel like this Gabi really started to ground Mara in a positive way. Mara was always different than the rulers before her, but she still had an air about her that made her feel better than everyone else. I think staying with Gabi for a few weeks, helped her see the importance of knowing everyone in your kingdom.
Overall, I liked the story of Liar Queen. But that ending. I have so many questions. How do I ask without spoilers? So I'll just ask.... is there a book 2? Will I be shook forever? LOL
December 30, 2024
Liar Queen tells the story of Mara who ascended to the Queen of the Jeweled Realm. However, that ascension was based on a lie due to Mara not fulfilling the requirements of wielding the Sacred Sword. From there, we follow Mara as she fights to get her throne back. I thought Mara had really great character development as she grew and changed through her journey to reclaim her kingdom. I also thought Mara and Boden balanced each other well. For the majority of the story, I felt the plot was well paced and well balanced. However, I felt that the ending was drawn out too much and then the final conflict felt rushed and not as satisfying as it could have been. Aside from that, there was plenty of action, twists, and betrayals to keep my interest. Given that Mara and Boden are traveling across the kingdom, we got to experience plenty of world building by Solomon which was a big strength in this book. I could easily picture Mara and Boden’s surroundings during each portion of their journey. Overall, I enjoyed this book.
✨
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eARC courtesy of Golden Scales Publishing
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eARC courtesy of Golden Scales Publishing
January 24, 2025
3.5 stars -
I really enjoyed the writing of this book, the storytelling was really beautifully done and it was so descriptive. I loved the MMC and the secondary characters a fair bit and really found the romance to be a bit sweet and endearing. The pacing was also done pretty well considering all of the twists and turns that this book had!
The FMC was really hard for me to enjoy - she was harsh and I fully expected her to lighten up at least somewhat, but she just wasn't able to do so. I didn't like the sudden plot twists, they didn't really work for me and left me confused. I can see the setup for the next book however, and I would be interested in reading it - just to see how the story continues to progress!
Thank you so much to Golden Scale Publishing, and Booked with the Emily's for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed the writing of this book, the storytelling was really beautifully done and it was so descriptive. I loved the MMC and the secondary characters a fair bit and really found the romance to be a bit sweet and endearing. The pacing was also done pretty well considering all of the twists and turns that this book had!
The FMC was really hard for me to enjoy - she was harsh and I fully expected her to lighten up at least somewhat, but she just wasn't able to do so. I didn't like the sudden plot twists, they didn't really work for me and left me confused. I can see the setup for the next book however, and I would be interested in reading it - just to see how the story continues to progress!
Thank you so much to Golden Scale Publishing, and Booked with the Emily's for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
January 29, 2025
First lines: “Seven years had passed since she held a blade to her sister’s throat. Seven years, and not a day went by that it didn’t haunt her.” (p. 11, ARC copy)
Highlight:
When the story begins, Mara is rather entitled, always used to having people do her bidding. Her transformation, growing in humility and embracing her desire to enact change, is powerful.
Full review to come.
Highlight:
When the story begins, Mara is rather entitled, always used to having people do her bidding. Her transformation, growing in humility and embracing her desire to enact change, is powerful.
Full review to come.
January 28, 2025
Liar Queen is one of those books that has you intrigued from the beginning.
Mara, the FMC, is Queen of the Jeweled Realm after participating in a traditional family fight to the death for the throne. With her sister dead, Mara has proven herself to be Queen and the wielder of the Sacred Sword. When Boden, a prince of another realm, arrived with news that Mara’s sister is alive - and a witch - wants to meet with her sister. Of course, if the world knows that her sister is still alive then that just makes Mara a fraud.
I really enjoyed the storytelling in this book, and how the title “Liar Queen” honestly the perfect title. Also, I really love how the ending is just telling you “hey get ready for book two!”
Tropes you’ll find:
Romantasy
Slow burn
Closed door
Forced proximity
Epic quest
Opposites attract
Sibling rivalry
Thank you so much to @bookedwiththeemilys and @goldenscalespublishing for a gifted copy of this book!
Mara, the FMC, is Queen of the Jeweled Realm after participating in a traditional family fight to the death for the throne. With her sister dead, Mara has proven herself to be Queen and the wielder of the Sacred Sword. When Boden, a prince of another realm, arrived with news that Mara’s sister is alive - and a witch - wants to meet with her sister. Of course, if the world knows that her sister is still alive then that just makes Mara a fraud.
I really enjoyed the storytelling in this book, and how the title “Liar Queen” honestly the perfect title. Also, I really love how the ending is just telling you “hey get ready for book two!”
Tropes you’ll find:
Romantasy
Slow burn
Closed door
Forced proximity
Epic quest
Opposites attract
Sibling rivalry
Thank you so much to @bookedwiththeemilys and @goldenscalespublishing for a gifted copy of this book!
February 8, 2025
This is a dark, epic romantasy story that stands apart from what is typical in the genre. I disagree with the “cozy” label some have assigned to it, this novel plunges into a brooding, intense world where the weight of spilled blood and betrayal is palpable. The story follows Mara, the queen of the Jeweled Realm and wielder of the Sacred Sword, whose kingdom yields its throne to those who remove their own rival siblings from the equation. With Ursan warriors and a bloodthirsty witch challenging the legitimacy of her reign, Mara finds herself forced to confront not only her past but also a family legacy steeped in violence and deception.
One of the most striking aspects of the novel is its focus on complex family dynamics. The intense sibling rivalry and the lingering trauma from Mara’s childhood make her a multifaceted character—she’s not entirely unlikeable, yet she isn’t an easy character to root for either, and that complexity is part of what makes her journey so compelling. I love how that is rooted in her circumstances and her childhood trauma. She's NOT perfect and that's what makes her a better character. In contrast, Ursan Prince Boden offers a charming counterpoint to Mara’s hardened persona. His ability to smooth out her rough edges and the way their personalities complement each other add a beautiful layer of tenderness amid the pervasive darkness.
The pacing is deliberately slow, allowing for an intentional exploration of character arcs and intricate political intrigue that takes a backseat to the evolution of Mara and Boden’s relationship. While the action is present, it’s the emotional weight and the moral dilemmas that truly drive the story forward. Though I wished the ending could have been different (don't get me wrong, it was a perfect choice for the story but I was hoping - and not expecting - for a happier end to the relationship in question), I really enjoyed it and the cliffhanger was fantastic. The ending works perfectly for the story—it’s bittersweet and leaves room for the next book with a cliffhanger.
This is a character-driven epic that delves into themes of power and the scars of violence and betrayal. If you’re a fan of dark, slow-burn romantasy with intricate family dynamics and morally complex characters, this is a must-read. I’m already keeping a close eye on M.T. Solomon’s work and can’t wait to see what comes next in this series.
Thanks so much to the author, Golden Scales Publishing, and @bookedwiththeemilys for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
One of the most striking aspects of the novel is its focus on complex family dynamics. The intense sibling rivalry and the lingering trauma from Mara’s childhood make her a multifaceted character—she’s not entirely unlikeable, yet she isn’t an easy character to root for either, and that complexity is part of what makes her journey so compelling. I love how that is rooted in her circumstances and her childhood trauma. She's NOT perfect and that's what makes her a better character. In contrast, Ursan Prince Boden offers a charming counterpoint to Mara’s hardened persona. His ability to smooth out her rough edges and the way their personalities complement each other add a beautiful layer of tenderness amid the pervasive darkness.
The pacing is deliberately slow, allowing for an intentional exploration of character arcs and intricate political intrigue that takes a backseat to the evolution of Mara and Boden’s relationship. While the action is present, it’s the emotional weight and the moral dilemmas that truly drive the story forward. Though I wished the ending could have been different (don't get me wrong, it was a perfect choice for the story but I was hoping - and not expecting - for a happier end to the relationship in question), I really enjoyed it and the cliffhanger was fantastic. The ending works perfectly for the story—it’s bittersweet and leaves room for the next book with a cliffhanger.
This is a character-driven epic that delves into themes of power and the scars of violence and betrayal. If you’re a fan of dark, slow-burn romantasy with intricate family dynamics and morally complex characters, this is a must-read. I’m already keeping a close eye on M.T. Solomon’s work and can’t wait to see what comes next in this series.
Thanks so much to the author, Golden Scales Publishing, and @bookedwiththeemilys for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
January 21, 2025
Whoa. I literally just finished reading the final line of this book and had to sit down and get my thoughts together right away. Talk about cliffhanger! I will say I didn't love this entire book; the pacing felt uneven and it took me a very long time to have any empathy or understanding of the main character, Mara. But the parts that were good, were very promising, so I can definitely see myself wanting to read the next book in this series.
3.5 to 4 stars.
Blurb: Mara is the queen of the Jeweled Realm, having defeated her sister in the traditional combat for the throne, and claiming the Sacred Sword. But keeping the sword and the throne are much harder than expected. Warriors from neighboring Ursa have arrived with bad news about a witch disputing Mara's claim. Mara will have to align with Boden, one of the Ursans, and face a lot more trials if she is going to remain queen.
Mood Reader Guide: fantasy / adventure / sword-fighting / matriarchy / cozy-adjacent / seafaring / deception / slow paced / light romance / journey
Thoughts:
- I really enjoyed the premise of the story overall, the chapters when Mara and Boden were on ships and involved with people from Bastia, and the final 10%. Some chapters flew by and had me very engaged, while other chunks of the book felt plodding and hard to push myself through.
- Mara is a tough character to like. From her comments about not being willing to share a bed with a common folk woman (who has taken her in when she has lost everything!), to all of her other snobbishness at times, it was a struggle for me to get on board with her.
- I had expected more romance in this story, so felt disappointed with the very slow-moving relationship. Eventually we got there, but I would categorize this book more as a fantasy adventure than romantasy.
- The climax and conclusion are great and certainly made me interested in continuing on with the series. I want to know if Boden lives (after his last battle wound and possible poisoning by Mara's sister Iris?), and who the nomadic leader was that Iris seemed connected to... and Iris had a baby?!?!?! Killer final line.
3.5 to 4 stars.
Blurb: Mara is the queen of the Jeweled Realm, having defeated her sister in the traditional combat for the throne, and claiming the Sacred Sword. But keeping the sword and the throne are much harder than expected. Warriors from neighboring Ursa have arrived with bad news about a witch disputing Mara's claim. Mara will have to align with Boden, one of the Ursans, and face a lot more trials if she is going to remain queen.
Mood Reader Guide: fantasy / adventure / sword-fighting / matriarchy / cozy-adjacent / seafaring / deception / slow paced / light romance / journey
Thoughts:
- I really enjoyed the premise of the story overall, the chapters when Mara and Boden were on ships and involved with people from Bastia, and the final 10%. Some chapters flew by and had me very engaged, while other chunks of the book felt plodding and hard to push myself through.
- Mara is a tough character to like. From her comments about not being willing to share a bed with a common folk woman (who has taken her in when she has lost everything!), to all of her other snobbishness at times, it was a struggle for me to get on board with her.
- I had expected more romance in this story, so felt disappointed with the very slow-moving relationship. Eventually we got there, but I would categorize this book more as a fantasy adventure than romantasy.
- The climax and conclusion are great and certainly made me interested in continuing on with the series. I want to know if Boden lives (after his last battle wound and possible poisoning by Mara's sister Iris?), and who the nomadic leader was that Iris seemed connected to... and Iris had a baby?!?!?! Killer final line.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2025
This book started off immediately captivating my attention. We’re introduced to Mara, a queen who had to fight their sibling to the death out of tradition to win the throne. But years later when her sister turns up as a witch, and her lies are threatened to be exposed, Mara is sent on a journey that may reveal more about herself than she’s willing to admit.
Throughout, I really enjoyed @m.t.solomonwrites writing, as I was able to visualize each scene and feel like I was really there. The world building was also intricate, yet not overly complicated to the point where I couldn’t keep up. The biggest things I enjoyed about it however was the character development of Mara, who went from having to keep a mask of strength to understanding that she could break a toxic cycle, she could rule while still loving her family, and it was okay for her to be vulnerable and let people in to her close circle. There were some really profound messages in there that I think will reach a lot of audiences, a lot of people who might need to hear that.
There are four stars in this review because I felt in some places the pacing was off and the ending felt a little disjointed, hurried and awkward. I almost feel like it could be a standalone novel but I do look forward to reading how the story ends for the characters in the coming books in the series. Also, while I did like Boden, a very loyal and trustworthy companion, at times I felt we were told more than shown how he just “got her” right from the beginning. Personally, I would’ve wanted a little more conflict in the beginning to feel like a more earned relationship instead of immediate attraction and “he’s not like the others” type situation. However, it could just be Mara being confused and surprised that someone was willing to look past her mask for the first time, so I’m willing to accept that explanation.
Regardless, this was a wonderful book, and I am so appreciative to @goldenscalespublishing, @bookedwiththeemilys for the #gifted ARC e-book! If you’re looking for your next fantasy read with intricate world-building, flawed characters with realistic growth, then grab yourself a copy! Releasing in February, next month!!
Throughout, I really enjoyed @m.t.solomonwrites writing, as I was able to visualize each scene and feel like I was really there. The world building was also intricate, yet not overly complicated to the point where I couldn’t keep up. The biggest things I enjoyed about it however was the character development of Mara, who went from having to keep a mask of strength to understanding that she could break a toxic cycle, she could rule while still loving her family, and it was okay for her to be vulnerable and let people in to her close circle. There were some really profound messages in there that I think will reach a lot of audiences, a lot of people who might need to hear that.
There are four stars in this review because I felt in some places the pacing was off and the ending felt a little disjointed, hurried and awkward. I almost feel like it could be a standalone novel but I do look forward to reading how the story ends for the characters in the coming books in the series. Also, while I did like Boden, a very loyal and trustworthy companion, at times I felt we were told more than shown how he just “got her” right from the beginning. Personally, I would’ve wanted a little more conflict in the beginning to feel like a more earned relationship instead of immediate attraction and “he’s not like the others” type situation. However, it could just be Mara being confused and surprised that someone was willing to look past her mask for the first time, so I’m willing to accept that explanation.
Regardless, this was a wonderful book, and I am so appreciative to @goldenscalespublishing, @bookedwiththeemilys for the #gifted ARC e-book! If you’re looking for your next fantasy read with intricate world-building, flawed characters with realistic growth, then grab yourself a copy! Releasing in February, next month!!
December 21, 2024
M.T. Solomon’s Liar Queen delivers an epic fantasy brimming with heart-pounding adventure, slow-burning romance, and intricate family dynamics. At its heart lies a brutal tradition—a fight to the death between sisters to determine the Queen of the Sacred Sword. Mara, having defeated her sister, Iris, now rules the Jeweled Realm. Her reign faces turmoil when news arrives of a witch in the wasteland claiming to be Iris, demanding an audience. The encounter threatens to unravel Mara’s hard-won throne. Boden, a prince from another realm and a devout follower of Saint Kalda pledges unwavering loyalty to the rightful queen. His devotion fuels his resolve to follow Mara on her perilous journey. But as the dangers mount, Boden must confront the ultimate question: is his queen’s cause worth the price of his life?
The novel balances action, emotion, and a richly imagined world. Solomon crafts a tale that keeps readers hooked, with a narrative pace that urges, “just one more chapter.” Beneath the thrilling plot lies a deeper exploration of sibling relationships and the painful process of breaking toxic family cycles. These themes are intricately woven into vivid imagery, painting a landscape as dynamic as the story itself. The characters are unforgettable.
Mara’s strength and vulnerability create a compelling protagonist, while Boden’s steadfastness adds depth to their partnership. The inclusion of a map enriches the experience, allowing readers to journey alongside the characters through forests, deserts, and islands. Each realm introduces distinct cultures, religions, and traditions, offering a fascinating exploration of diversity. The story underscores the possibilities of peace, emphasizing the value of embracing differences.
Liar Queen captivated me from start to finish. Its immersive world, multi-dimensional characters, and resonant themes left me longing for more. If you seek an adventurous fantasy with meaningful undertones and a touch of romance, Liar Queen is an essential addition to your reading list.
The novel balances action, emotion, and a richly imagined world. Solomon crafts a tale that keeps readers hooked, with a narrative pace that urges, “just one more chapter.” Beneath the thrilling plot lies a deeper exploration of sibling relationships and the painful process of breaking toxic family cycles. These themes are intricately woven into vivid imagery, painting a landscape as dynamic as the story itself. The characters are unforgettable.
Mara’s strength and vulnerability create a compelling protagonist, while Boden’s steadfastness adds depth to their partnership. The inclusion of a map enriches the experience, allowing readers to journey alongside the characters through forests, deserts, and islands. Each realm introduces distinct cultures, religions, and traditions, offering a fascinating exploration of diversity. The story underscores the possibilities of peace, emphasizing the value of embracing differences.
Liar Queen captivated me from start to finish. Its immersive world, multi-dimensional characters, and resonant themes left me longing for more. If you seek an adventurous fantasy with meaningful undertones and a touch of romance, Liar Queen is an essential addition to your reading list.
July 10, 2025
Liar Queen
by MT Solomon
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recap:
Mara, queen of the Jeweled Realm and wielder of the Sacred Sword, won the throne the traditional way: by fighting her sister to the death. But now, a bloodthirsty witch claims not only is Mara's ascension based on a lie, but she herself is the princess long thought dead. Surrounded by betrayal and with no one to trust, Mara’s only hope is the Ursan prince, Boden. Whether friend or foe, he seems to see her for who she really is: a daughter of war seeking a bloodless way forward.
Review:
I LOVE THIS BOOK. Liar Queen is everything I look for in a fantasy - solid world-building, moral struggle, political intrigue, character growth, high-stakes battle, an epic quest - and so much more.
This book is built on a foundation of sibling relationships and takes sibling rivalry to a new level. I loved the nuanced grayness of the rivalry between Mara and Iris. I honestly started the book disliking Mara’s character, and reading about her conflict with Iris so early in the book, I wasn’t sure who or what I was rooting for.
Mara’s growth over the course of the book was really powerful to read, as her character is so rooted in trauma, and her juxtaposed strength and vulnerability is something I think everyone can relate to on some level. Cracking through that front we put on for the world while bolstering the truth underneath is such an epic internal quest, and when she’s navigating that while also navigating an epic external quest? Fantasy perfection.
My favorite part about this book is Boden. I will hold onto him for a long time as one of my favorite characters. From the very beginning, Boden saw Mara for more than just the queen she thought she had to be. He softens her harsh edges and is a steadfast calm in her storm.
If you love reading fantasy, you will love reading this book. I cannot recommend it enough!
Many thanks to @bookedwiththeemilys @m.t.solomonwrites and @goldenscalespublishing for the #gifted copy of this book and the opportunity to read and review it.
by MT Solomon
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recap:
Mara, queen of the Jeweled Realm and wielder of the Sacred Sword, won the throne the traditional way: by fighting her sister to the death. But now, a bloodthirsty witch claims not only is Mara's ascension based on a lie, but she herself is the princess long thought dead. Surrounded by betrayal and with no one to trust, Mara’s only hope is the Ursan prince, Boden. Whether friend or foe, he seems to see her for who she really is: a daughter of war seeking a bloodless way forward.
Review:
I LOVE THIS BOOK. Liar Queen is everything I look for in a fantasy - solid world-building, moral struggle, political intrigue, character growth, high-stakes battle, an epic quest - and so much more.
This book is built on a foundation of sibling relationships and takes sibling rivalry to a new level. I loved the nuanced grayness of the rivalry between Mara and Iris. I honestly started the book disliking Mara’s character, and reading about her conflict with Iris so early in the book, I wasn’t sure who or what I was rooting for.
Mara’s growth over the course of the book was really powerful to read, as her character is so rooted in trauma, and her juxtaposed strength and vulnerability is something I think everyone can relate to on some level. Cracking through that front we put on for the world while bolstering the truth underneath is such an epic internal quest, and when she’s navigating that while also navigating an epic external quest? Fantasy perfection.
My favorite part about this book is Boden. I will hold onto him for a long time as one of my favorite characters. From the very beginning, Boden saw Mara for more than just the queen she thought she had to be. He softens her harsh edges and is a steadfast calm in her storm.
If you love reading fantasy, you will love reading this book. I cannot recommend it enough!
Many thanks to @bookedwiththeemilys @m.t.solomonwrites and @goldenscalespublishing for the #gifted copy of this book and the opportunity to read and review it.
February 5, 2025
Liar Queen follows Mara, a young queen who had to kill her sister Iris per tradition in a duel to the death to claim the throne and the Sacred Sword. But she couldn't do it and decided to secretly exile Iris instead. Years later, Mara’s lie is exposed when her sister turns up alive as a witch, seeking to make her own claim to the throne. Forced on a journey to find allies, Mara is accompanied by loyal, devoted Boden, a prince from a nearby realm who pledges to help her regain the throne.
I absolutely loved the world building. We travel from Mara’s country to forests, towns, harbors, over seas to nearby islands and realms.
On her journey, a slow burn romance blooms between Mara and Boden which is very sweet. He really dedicates himself to helping her and believes she is the best possible ruler for the realm. He’s also a bit of a foodie which makes me like him more!
The most important part of this story is Mara’s character journey. She grows so much throughout and it was incredibly rewarding to see her find her own strength and power in comparison to the beginning where the power she touted was given by a relic. I loved Mara’s interactions with the people she meets traveling and how she learns from them. I thought there was a lot of power and emotion behind Mara facing her family legacy and the toxic cycle between her family, the sacred sword, and the throne.
Overall I really enjoyed this read. I loved the complicated sister relationship. Iris makes an intriguing character and I would love to read more of her background. I found this to be a story of family expectations, vengeance, betrayal, and self discovery. And of course the final confrontation was epic!
Rating: 4/5
Thank you to Golden Scales Publishing and Booked with the Emily’s for the ARC.
I absolutely loved the world building. We travel from Mara’s country to forests, towns, harbors, over seas to nearby islands and realms.
On her journey, a slow burn romance blooms between Mara and Boden which is very sweet. He really dedicates himself to helping her and believes she is the best possible ruler for the realm. He’s also a bit of a foodie which makes me like him more!
The most important part of this story is Mara’s character journey. She grows so much throughout and it was incredibly rewarding to see her find her own strength and power in comparison to the beginning where the power she touted was given by a relic. I loved Mara’s interactions with the people she meets traveling and how she learns from them. I thought there was a lot of power and emotion behind Mara facing her family legacy and the toxic cycle between her family, the sacred sword, and the throne.
Overall I really enjoyed this read. I loved the complicated sister relationship. Iris makes an intriguing character and I would love to read more of her background. I found this to be a story of family expectations, vengeance, betrayal, and self discovery. And of course the final confrontation was epic!
Rating: 4/5
Thank you to Golden Scales Publishing and Booked with the Emily’s for the ARC.
February 13, 2025
A very exciting story!
Mara has one goal throughout this entire story: unalive her sister (as she was meant to years before) to be able to rightfully reclaim her throne.
At the beginning of our story, Mara is queen, forming an arrangement with the Ursans. After a group of Ursans bring her to a witch, she discovers that this witch is actually her sister, whom everyone believes dead. Betrayed by the Ursans, Mara and Boden (one of the Ursan princes) tumble into the wild away from her castle.
The remaining story follows Mara as she slowly makes her way back to the castle to challenge her sister, who has taken up the throne in her absence. When Boden finds her, he is able to better help her on her journey. Mara learns that she is wanted, and so tries to hide her identity during their journey. We also learn that Mara, despite being raised to become the ruthless leader that her mother and grandmother were, doesn’t truly want to fulfill her duty to unalive her sister.
I loved the world building in this story, the descriptions vibrant and alive in my mind’s eye. The tension between Mara and Boden is palpable, but Mara doesn’t let herself slip often on their journey. She continues to have her mother’s voice in her head, seeming to dictate her actions. She has to maintain her focus in order to regain her throne, or she feels this way for most of the story. But the pull between them is too strong, and she finally admits her feelings when he is injured.
… I HATED the ending, with Mara losing Boden and unaliving her sister despite trying to walk away.
Definitely check out this story if you want to read a romantasy that has slow burn, closed door, forced proximity, epic quest, opposites attract, sibling rivalry ramped to the most extreme settings, and a fight to the death.
I received an advanced review copy for free. This review contains my honest opinion and is being left voluntarily.
Mara has one goal throughout this entire story: unalive her sister (as she was meant to years before) to be able to rightfully reclaim her throne.
At the beginning of our story, Mara is queen, forming an arrangement with the Ursans. After a group of Ursans bring her to a witch, she discovers that this witch is actually her sister, whom everyone believes dead. Betrayed by the Ursans, Mara and Boden (one of the Ursan princes) tumble into the wild away from her castle.
The remaining story follows Mara as she slowly makes her way back to the castle to challenge her sister, who has taken up the throne in her absence. When Boden finds her, he is able to better help her on her journey. Mara learns that she is wanted, and so tries to hide her identity during their journey. We also learn that Mara, despite being raised to become the ruthless leader that her mother and grandmother were, doesn’t truly want to fulfill her duty to unalive her sister.
I loved the world building in this story, the descriptions vibrant and alive in my mind’s eye. The tension between Mara and Boden is palpable, but Mara doesn’t let herself slip often on their journey. She continues to have her mother’s voice in her head, seeming to dictate her actions. She has to maintain her focus in order to regain her throne, or she feels this way for most of the story. But the pull between them is too strong, and she finally admits her feelings when he is injured.
… I HATED the ending, with Mara losing Boden and unaliving her sister despite trying to walk away.
Definitely check out this story if you want to read a romantasy that has slow burn, closed door, forced proximity, epic quest, opposites attract, sibling rivalry ramped to the most extreme settings, and a fight to the death.
I received an advanced review copy for free. This review contains my honest opinion and is being left voluntarily.
December 14, 2024
Solid 4/5 ⭐️ for the world building and the authors writing craft. Taking one star away because this was a slow read for me, the stakes didn’t seem very high, the ending felt rushed and the cliffhanger didn’t do it for me in a tingling “OMG” way.
While the author does a great job a building the fictional world in the Jewel realm, I will share that I felt the pacing to be a bit slow. Readers who want action and high stakes *might* feel a bit underwhelmed since I didn’t feel things truly start to gain momentum until after the 65% mark.
It is a slow burn, closed-door romance (kind of? They kiss a few times and they sleep in the same bed), I think the author was attempting enemies-to-lovers but there really wasn’t a believability (for me) about the enemies piece, more just a “you and I were raised different so therefore I don’t like you”. Mara was…a challenging character for me. I really LOVED Boden - is he book boyfriend material? No. Is he a golden retriever, snickerdoodle of a “I will follow you to the ends of the earth” stand up guy? Yes.
I think this series has great potential and I’m hopeful the author can build in some higher stakes to give us that “OMG ALL IS LOST” vibe. While we ended on a cliffhanger (I will not spoil), I honestly don’t have many questions other that “what now?” Because…again…the stakes don’t really seem that high to me. Maybe I’m missing something? There also seemed to be a lot of emphasis early on with these other characters that are never brought back up - but we spent so much time at the cottage, talking about Charles, and then navigating the city.
*thank you to the publisher Golden Scales for an eARC of this book!
While the author does a great job a building the fictional world in the Jewel realm, I will share that I felt the pacing to be a bit slow. Readers who want action and high stakes *might* feel a bit underwhelmed since I didn’t feel things truly start to gain momentum until after the 65% mark.
It is a slow burn, closed-door romance (kind of? They kiss a few times and they sleep in the same bed), I think the author was attempting enemies-to-lovers but there really wasn’t a believability (for me) about the enemies piece, more just a “you and I were raised different so therefore I don’t like you”. Mara was…a challenging character for me. I really LOVED Boden - is he book boyfriend material? No. Is he a golden retriever, snickerdoodle of a “I will follow you to the ends of the earth” stand up guy? Yes.
I think this series has great potential and I’m hopeful the author can build in some higher stakes to give us that “OMG ALL IS LOST” vibe. While we ended on a cliffhanger (I will not spoil), I honestly don’t have many questions other that “what now?” Because…again…the stakes don’t really seem that high to me. Maybe I’m missing something? There also seemed to be a lot of emphasis early on with these other characters that are never brought back up - but we spent so much time at the cottage, talking about Charles, and then navigating the city.
*thank you to the publisher Golden Scales for an eARC of this book!
February 3, 2025
Tropes:
✨Opposites Attract
✨Forced Proximity
✨Slow Burn
✨Closed Door Romantasy
Mara is Queen of the Jeweled Realm and wielder of the Sacred Sword. The way she obtained that title is by killing her sister, which is tradition in her realm. Or so they thought she killed her.
Mara’s sister comes back to take back what is rightfully hers—the throne. And when the truth comes out that Mara never actually killed her sister, everyone wants her head. With everyone wanting her dead, she must figure out a way to make things right and take back her throne.
Mara and I have a love hate relationship. But the end of the book it was straight love. Mara battled herself the whole entire book. She was raised one way (a very cruel way if you as me) but her inner self never agreed with it. And I honestly think that’s the thing I loved most about her character because it humanized her and showed that even though you may be raised and grew up one way, that doesn’t have to be the way you life your life.
Okay I absolutely loved Boden. He came into the book and absolutely destroyed Mara. Gave her the worst news possible. But hear me out. When Mara had absolutely no one, he was there for her. His own family turned on Mara and he stood by her side. Even when Mara rejected him, he stayed to help her. That made me love him even more. Boden is everything good in the world.
Their story is just so beautiful. When they both finally admitted their feelings to each other, I was a giddy as a schoolgirl. But this book is not all sunshine and rainbows because that ending and cliffhanger just about broke me. I have way too many questions that I need answers.
✨Opposites Attract
✨Forced Proximity
✨Slow Burn
✨Closed Door Romantasy
Mara is Queen of the Jeweled Realm and wielder of the Sacred Sword. The way she obtained that title is by killing her sister, which is tradition in her realm. Or so they thought she killed her.
Mara’s sister comes back to take back what is rightfully hers—the throne. And when the truth comes out that Mara never actually killed her sister, everyone wants her head. With everyone wanting her dead, she must figure out a way to make things right and take back her throne.
Mara and I have a love hate relationship. But the end of the book it was straight love. Mara battled herself the whole entire book. She was raised one way (a very cruel way if you as me) but her inner self never agreed with it. And I honestly think that’s the thing I loved most about her character because it humanized her and showed that even though you may be raised and grew up one way, that doesn’t have to be the way you life your life.
Okay I absolutely loved Boden. He came into the book and absolutely destroyed Mara. Gave her the worst news possible. But hear me out. When Mara had absolutely no one, he was there for her. His own family turned on Mara and he stood by her side. Even when Mara rejected him, he stayed to help her. That made me love him even more. Boden is everything good in the world.
Their story is just so beautiful. When they both finally admitted their feelings to each other, I was a giddy as a schoolgirl. But this book is not all sunshine and rainbows because that ending and cliffhanger just about broke me. I have way too many questions that I need answers.
January 20, 2025
So this book was a bit up and down for me, honestly. There were a lot of things I really enjoyed.
-- the scene setting and world building was beautiful
-- the side characters that Mara meets were great additions to the story
-- I liked seeing Mara's character arc and watching her come into her own
-- the few action scenes that happened were well-done and helped quicken the pace
This could have easily been my own mistake and therefore shaped my enjoyment of the story overall, but I was expecting a bit more of an action, stabby-stabby romantacy. While this one isn't necessarily "cozy" in the traditional sense (though there is a lot of sitting by fires and strolling through the woods so...), it was a bit of a softer / slower fantasy. It wasn't bingeable, but if I read 3-5 chapters at a time (which are short so that was easy to d0) I found myself liking it more than if I tried to plow through it.
If you're new to reading fantasy this might be a good introduction to the genre. If you don't like a ton of violence in your books, this would also be great for you. I don't think the book was bad. Solomon is a beautiful writing with some lovely prose throughout. It was just a little slower paced than I prefer.
I did receive a copy of the book as part of a book tour, but all opinions are my own.
-- the scene setting and world building was beautiful
-- the side characters that Mara meets were great additions to the story
-- I liked seeing Mara's character arc and watching her come into her own
-- the few action scenes that happened were well-done and helped quicken the pace
This could have easily been my own mistake and therefore shaped my enjoyment of the story overall, but I was expecting a bit more of an action, stabby-stabby romantacy. While this one isn't necessarily "cozy" in the traditional sense (though there is a lot of sitting by fires and strolling through the woods so...), it was a bit of a softer / slower fantasy. It wasn't bingeable, but if I read 3-5 chapters at a time (which are short so that was easy to d0) I found myself liking it more than if I tried to plow through it.
If you're new to reading fantasy this might be a good introduction to the genre. If you don't like a ton of violence in your books, this would also be great for you. I don't think the book was bad. Solomon is a beautiful writing with some lovely prose throughout. It was just a little slower paced than I prefer.
I did receive a copy of the book as part of a book tour, but all opinions are my own.
January 28, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed discovering this world with Mara and Boden. From the very first line of this, I was pulled in and had to figure Mara out. I enjoyed the slower pace of this book. I was able to hold on to every detail of the world building and the character development. I LOVE these characters and miss them already. Boden is such a strong character. He is all around amazing, and so good to Mara. The character growth was my favorite thing about this book. The romance happens slow and sweet. I love that Mara and Boden are so opposite! They are giving me reversed grumpy/sunshine vibes. They really balance each other out so well. I loved that I got to see the Hali the island Queen and Mara the Jeweled queen grow a relationship and hope that Hali is in book two! The plot twists took me by surprise especially the ending!!!
Favorite quotes:
Do not display weakness. These were her mother’s words, embroidered into her mind, unable to be restitched, unable to be undone.
“The next time you think to kiss me,” she whispered so close to his lips they tickled, “don’t.”
“Boden, I’m afraid I don’t know how to love in the way you deserve to be loved.” “Don’t worry. I’ll teach you.”
Spice: None
Language: None
Violence: Mild
Thank you booked with the emily's and Golden Scales Publishing for the ARC of this book.
These options are 100 percent my own
Favorite quotes:
Do not display weakness. These were her mother’s words, embroidered into her mind, unable to be restitched, unable to be undone.
“The next time you think to kiss me,” she whispered so close to his lips they tickled, “don’t.”
“Boden, I’m afraid I don’t know how to love in the way you deserve to be loved.” “Don’t worry. I’ll teach you.”
Spice: None
Language: None
Violence: Mild
Thank you booked with the emily's and Golden Scales Publishing for the ARC of this book.
These options are 100 percent my own
March 21, 2025
For seven years Mara had lived as Queen of the Jeweled Realm. Her mother, The Red Queen, had been ill for some time and so a dual was held between Mara and Iris, her younger sister, to see who would become Queen. It was meant to be a battle to the death. Only, Mara took mercy and now that mistake has cost her everything. Now she’s on a journey with Boden, a prince from Ursan, to reclaim her throne and finish what she had started all those years ago.
I could not put this book down. I burned through half of it in one day it is that good! The slow build of events is fitting for the world that this is built in and the slow burn romance blends so well. Some could argue that the pace is slow, but I feel it’s meant to be for this because of all the intrigue and the unknown throughout their journey. Mara was raised to be a strong woman, a strong Queen. But she’s humanized throughout this and she develops more as a character. I swear, if I didn’t have to adult, I would have stayed up all night to finish this book. It would have been worth it. Strong FMC, supportive protective MMC, epic journey to take back what was hers, you can’t go wrong.
Thanks to the author and Booked with the Emilys for this arc copy.
I could not put this book down. I burned through half of it in one day it is that good! The slow build of events is fitting for the world that this is built in and the slow burn romance blends so well. Some could argue that the pace is slow, but I feel it’s meant to be for this because of all the intrigue and the unknown throughout their journey. Mara was raised to be a strong woman, a strong Queen. But she’s humanized throughout this and she develops more as a character. I swear, if I didn’t have to adult, I would have stayed up all night to finish this book. It would have been worth it. Strong FMC, supportive protective MMC, epic journey to take back what was hers, you can’t go wrong.
Thanks to the author and Booked with the Emilys for this arc copy.
February 3, 2025
3.5/5
Weirdly(maybe) one of my favorite things about this book was that the main character was pretty insufferable at first. I did not like her and I don’t think you’re meant to. She was raised to not trust anyone, including her own family, and so she doesn’t. She’s arrogant and just really not that nice.
The good news is she has a lot of character development. She meets Boden and some other characters who teach her that she’s more than just the Sword Queen. She’s Mara. I really loved her journey in this book.
This book is slower paced with a lot of world building. I personally love world building though so I thought it was great. Mara and Boden travel to a lot of different places in this book and they were all very different and interesting.
The ending felt slightly rushed but overall I had a good time reading this. There is a cliffhanger! I’m nervous but excited about what it could mean for all our characters in book 2.
Check this book out if you enjoy world building and a slow burn fantasy romance.
Thank you to Golden Scale Publishing, Booked With the Emilys, and the author for the eARC 💜
Weirdly(maybe) one of my favorite things about this book was that the main character was pretty insufferable at first. I did not like her and I don’t think you’re meant to. She was raised to not trust anyone, including her own family, and so she doesn’t. She’s arrogant and just really not that nice.
The good news is she has a lot of character development. She meets Boden and some other characters who teach her that she’s more than just the Sword Queen. She’s Mara. I really loved her journey in this book.
This book is slower paced with a lot of world building. I personally love world building though so I thought it was great. Mara and Boden travel to a lot of different places in this book and they were all very different and interesting.
The ending felt slightly rushed but overall I had a good time reading this. There is a cliffhanger! I’m nervous but excited about what it could mean for all our characters in book 2.
Check this book out if you enjoy world building and a slow burn fantasy romance.
Thank you to Golden Scale Publishing, Booked With the Emilys, and the author for the eARC 💜
February 11, 2025
Thank you Booked with the Emily’s and Golden Scale Publishing for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Short Synopsis: To be the Queen of the Jeweled Realm you must fight your sister to the death to have the Sacred Sword. Ursan Warriors come bearing news that there is a witch of the waste claiming to be Mara’s sister. Betrayal is afoot and Mara finds herself fighting for her throne with the help of an Ursan Prince.
My Thoughts: This one really intrigued me based on the synopsis! However, it took me a long time to get invested in the story. Mara wasn’t a character I sympathized with and I didn’t really believe there was a love connection between her and Boden. I did love Boden’s character and the last 30% was interesting! The end did feel a little anticlimactic but there was a little twist I don’t think anyone saw coming! It definitely set it up for book 2!
I never want to deter anyone from reading a book. These are my opinions! If this one sounds interesting to you, please pick this one up and give it a try. It is a slow burn, closed door fantasy with a little romance. It came out 2/4 so you can read it now!
Short Synopsis: To be the Queen of the Jeweled Realm you must fight your sister to the death to have the Sacred Sword. Ursan Warriors come bearing news that there is a witch of the waste claiming to be Mara’s sister. Betrayal is afoot and Mara finds herself fighting for her throne with the help of an Ursan Prince.
My Thoughts: This one really intrigued me based on the synopsis! However, it took me a long time to get invested in the story. Mara wasn’t a character I sympathized with and I didn’t really believe there was a love connection between her and Boden. I did love Boden’s character and the last 30% was interesting! The end did feel a little anticlimactic but there was a little twist I don’t think anyone saw coming! It definitely set it up for book 2!
I never want to deter anyone from reading a book. These are my opinions! If this one sounds interesting to you, please pick this one up and give it a try. It is a slow burn, closed door fantasy with a little romance. It came out 2/4 so you can read it now!
January 27, 2025
🗡️💜𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕃𝕚𝕒𝕣 ℚ𝕦𝕖𝕖𝕟💜🗡️
𝔹𝕪 𝕄.𝕋. 𝕊𝕠𝕝𝕠𝕞𝕠𝕟
✨Thank you to @bookedwiththeemilys, @goldenscalespublishing and @m.t.solomonwrites for the #gifted physical copy of this book and the amazing goodies that came along with it. So happy to be on another one of your tours🖤
✨Review✨
This was a really fun read and had me captivated from the very start. The world building was beautiful and extremely descriptive that you felt like you were there. The FMC, Mara, really grew into her character and I enjoyed reading about her journey. This was a little slower paced, but was still full of so much adventure.
I absolutely loved Boden’s character and how he would do anything for Mara. I loved the chemistry between them and I really appreciate when the romance aspect of a book takes a bit of a back seat.
The final conflict at the end will leave you with so many unanswered questions. This leaves us off on a cliffhanger which I love. It makes me that much more excited to read the next book and to find out what happened to Boden 🥹
#liarqueen #bookedwiththeemilys #fantasy #romantasy
𝔹𝕪 𝕄.𝕋. 𝕊𝕠𝕝𝕠𝕞𝕠𝕟
✨Thank you to @bookedwiththeemilys, @goldenscalespublishing and @m.t.solomonwrites for the #gifted physical copy of this book and the amazing goodies that came along with it. So happy to be on another one of your tours🖤
✨Review✨
This was a really fun read and had me captivated from the very start. The world building was beautiful and extremely descriptive that you felt like you were there. The FMC, Mara, really grew into her character and I enjoyed reading about her journey. This was a little slower paced, but was still full of so much adventure.
I absolutely loved Boden’s character and how he would do anything for Mara. I loved the chemistry between them and I really appreciate when the romance aspect of a book takes a bit of a back seat.
The final conflict at the end will leave you with so many unanswered questions. This leaves us off on a cliffhanger which I love. It makes me that much more excited to read the next book and to find out what happened to Boden 🥹
#liarqueen #bookedwiththeemilys #fantasy #romantasy
February 11, 2025
Short synopsis: Mara, Queen of the Jeweled Realm won her title by defeating her sister. Her lie is found out when the Ursan’s show up with a Witch from the Waste claiming to be her sister.
My thoughts: I was immediately drawn in to this world and story, with a beautifully descriptive landscape and world. I thought the fight for the crown was such a fun and interesting idea and I liked how the rise to a Title was referenced throughout the book.
This was quite an adventure as we follow Boden and Mara throughout the different realms and meet different royalty along the way. I enjoyed the change in Mara as she stepped outside her usual lifestyle and became more of a “common” person. I also really enjoyed the slow burning sparks of romance blossoming between Boden and Mara.
This is a slow burn, debut romantasy that will leave you with questions at the end and yearning for the next book in the series.
Read if you love:
- Epic Adventure
- Lies and fight for the crown
- Ax wielding
- Strong female characters
- “As you wish”
My thoughts: I was immediately drawn in to this world and story, with a beautifully descriptive landscape and world. I thought the fight for the crown was such a fun and interesting idea and I liked how the rise to a Title was referenced throughout the book.
This was quite an adventure as we follow Boden and Mara throughout the different realms and meet different royalty along the way. I enjoyed the change in Mara as she stepped outside her usual lifestyle and became more of a “common” person. I also really enjoyed the slow burning sparks of romance blossoming between Boden and Mara.
This is a slow burn, debut romantasy that will leave you with questions at the end and yearning for the next book in the series.
Read if you love:
- Epic Adventure
- Lies and fight for the crown
- Ax wielding
- Strong female characters
- “As you wish”
December 15, 2024
I have no words… This book absolutely blew me away! I was fully invested from beginning to end and I need to know what happens next! I don’t care how long I have to wait. I am so invested in seeing where this story goes!
The characters were very interesting and I love to see how the different complexities to each character interacted! Seeing a multitude of different relational interactions was wonderful! Being able to really learn about these characters and see their drives and personalities was wonderful!
The Author really does an amazing job at conveying the emotion felt by each character throughout the books as well as painting an almost cinematic picture of what is happening! The fight scenes are beautifully described and make you truly see what is happening while you read!
Perfect for anyone who enjoys a book of vengeance, action, political intrigue, and so much more!
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1
The characters were very interesting and I love to see how the different complexities to each character interacted! Seeing a multitude of different relational interactions was wonderful! Being able to really learn about these characters and see their drives and personalities was wonderful!
The Author really does an amazing job at conveying the emotion felt by each character throughout the books as well as painting an almost cinematic picture of what is happening! The fight scenes are beautifully described and make you truly see what is happening while you read!
Perfect for anyone who enjoys a book of vengeance, action, political intrigue, and so much more!
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1
December 26, 2024
Thank you to @goldenscalespublishing @bookedwiththeemilys and @m.t.solomonerites for the #gifted book.
In the captivating tale, Mara engages in a fierce battle against her sister for control of the Jeweled Realm. Accompanied by Boden, the brave Ursan prince, she embarks on an epic journey through the realms to reclaim her home.
Mara, known as the Liar Queen, is a masterfully crafted character who embodies both strength and vulnerability. Her transformative journey alongside Boden is not only engaging but showcases their undeniable chemistry. As they navigate diverse lands, the author skillfully unveils the rich cultures and intricate religions of each realm, enriching the story’s tapestry.
The climactic confrontation between Mara and her sister Iris is a thrilling payoff that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Although the conclusion felt somewhat hurried, it left us eager to discover what lies ahead for Mara and Boden.
Mark your calendars—this enthralling story will be available on February 4, 2025!
In the captivating tale, Mara engages in a fierce battle against her sister for control of the Jeweled Realm. Accompanied by Boden, the brave Ursan prince, she embarks on an epic journey through the realms to reclaim her home.
Mara, known as the Liar Queen, is a masterfully crafted character who embodies both strength and vulnerability. Her transformative journey alongside Boden is not only engaging but showcases their undeniable chemistry. As they navigate diverse lands, the author skillfully unveils the rich cultures and intricate religions of each realm, enriching the story’s tapestry.
The climactic confrontation between Mara and her sister Iris is a thrilling payoff that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Although the conclusion felt somewhat hurried, it left us eager to discover what lies ahead for Mara and Boden.
Mark your calendars—this enthralling story will be available on February 4, 2025!
January 21, 2025
Overall Rating: 3⭐️
Spice Rating: 🌶️ - Kissing and some suggestive references
Language Rating: None
Reader Age: 16+
Genre: Fantasy
Content Warnings: Death, murder, estranged family
This book follows Mara, the queen of a harsh country that requires children of the crown to fight to the death against their siblings in order to determine who will get the crown. After seven years as queen, her throne is now in danger; a witch has claimed she is the princess long thought dead.
Although this book had a very solid plot, it was very character driven. Much of the book details Mara’s character development. Although I loved her growth, I would have loved a greater development of many of the side characters.
Additionally, this book felt quite cozy despite having high stakes. If you are a fan of a fantasy that focuses more on character growth and less on battles, definitely give this book a chance.
Spice Rating: 🌶️ - Kissing and some suggestive references
Language Rating: None
Reader Age: 16+
Genre: Fantasy
Content Warnings: Death, murder, estranged family
This book follows Mara, the queen of a harsh country that requires children of the crown to fight to the death against their siblings in order to determine who will get the crown. After seven years as queen, her throne is now in danger; a witch has claimed she is the princess long thought dead.
Although this book had a very solid plot, it was very character driven. Much of the book details Mara’s character development. Although I loved her growth, I would have loved a greater development of many of the side characters.
Additionally, this book felt quite cozy despite having high stakes. If you are a fan of a fantasy that focuses more on character growth and less on battles, definitely give this book a chance.
February 5, 2025
Liar Queen by M.T. Soloman was a captivating read right from the beginning. This was a well-written book with great storytelling and enough twists and turns to keep the readers engaged and interested. There were multiple parts of this book that I enjoyed, such as the captivating world-building, which was done so well. The side characters that we met along the way complemented the story very well and made it so enjoyable. I was a fan of the main characters and enjoyed following them on the quest that they embarked on over the duration of the book. Readers who enjoy a sweet closed-door romance paired with a less intense, cozy, and great introduction to the fantasy genre will really love this read. I also thought that the book had a great underlying message that will resonate with many readers, which I won’t list here due to spoilers.
Thank you to the author and @bookedwiththeemilys for the gifted copy of this read. Check at @brydzandherbooks for more reviews and content.
Thank you to the author and @bookedwiththeemilys for the gifted copy of this read. Check at @brydzandherbooks for more reviews and content.
February 11, 2025
This book is an epic journey to self discovery. Mara is the queen of her realm and has been raised with beliefs of not showing emotion or you will appear weak. At the beginning of the book Mara was very immature and annoyed me with how she acted. However, as the book goes on and Mara goes through the journey of reclaiming what is hers, she grows so much as a character. She meets many people along the way that help her to grow and see that life isn't what she has been raised to believe it to be. While this book has a romantic interest, I feel like it is more about loving who you are.
This book is centered around strong female characters. Each woman in this story has overcome some sort of hurdle in their lives. I loved that this story showed these women and how they each are strong in their own way.
This book is centered around strong female characters. Each woman in this story has overcome some sort of hurdle in their lives. I loved that this story showed these women and how they each are strong in their own way.
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