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The Demon Accords #20
Hand of the Queen
The smallest of creatures often carry the sharpest of stings. Lydia Chapman is just such a vampire. Her small stature hides a mighty wit, a razor edged tongue, and an implacable protector of the only natural born vampire in existence. Here is the back story of the snarkiest hero on Team Gordon/ Demidova, told in her own words, just for fans of the Demon Accords. Go ahead and underestimate her... it'll be fun.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2024
269 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
John Conroe
35 books1,705 followersI'm the Urban Fantasy author of the Demon Accords series. For more information, check out my website or follow me on Facebook at the Demon Accords page.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 12, 2025
I have loved Lydia since the first time we met her at the club. She is always good for a wise-ass comeback. In the flashbacks we see that she always had that glint in her eye. Being a woman during that time in a “man’s” job made dealing with vampires a bit less daunting.
The author has a note at the end saying that the next book will be the last of the Demon Accords books. That is too bad. After finishing this I immediately started to reread the first book. To me that speaks volumes. Perhaps it will be published by the time I get done rereading all of the books. I look forward to it.
I just finished reading this for the THIRD time in 10 month. I don't normally reread books so frequently. Years perhaps, but rarely months. The fact that I was never bored revisiting Lydia speaks volumes about the author's ability to draw one in.
The author has a note at the end saying that the next book will be the last of the Demon Accords books. That is too bad. After finishing this I immediately started to reread the first book. To me that speaks volumes. Perhaps it will be published by the time I get done rereading all of the books. I look forward to it.
I just finished reading this for the THIRD time in 10 month. I don't normally reread books so frequently. Years perhaps, but rarely months. The fact that I was never bored revisiting Lydia speaks volumes about the author's ability to draw one in.
November 18, 2024
Read this as a kindle Vella. Excellent story, split between Lydia's backstory and current events leading up to the Demon Accords finale.
April 23, 2025
4 1/2
I want to give this a 5 but they further the plot and leave it still on the same cliffhanger. Lydia's story is great.
This definitely furthers the overarc of both mother earth and the Varsook invasion. It is only a little bit further but I was expecting another side character story where we don't get to the overarc storyline's ending. Some of these stories have been great as we get insight and really a story of another character and sometimes they are a rehash with only slight new story of the character. Stacia's book was the worst of these that didn't give a story of Stacia and how she came to be and more insight to her, rather is was a lot of her struggling with deciding to mate Declan. eh
So this is the financial expert, Lydia that has a pretty much eidetic memory. She comes from the early turn of the twentieth century where excellent essential women employees were regulate to secretaries if they were lucky. Luckily she is noticed by the vampire faction of the US at the time Galina.
Of these side character stories, C.A.E.C.O., The Book of Levi, Darkkin Knight, Lucky Son of a Gun, White Wolf, and this book Hand of the Queen, I liked Levi's story the best. Most of them are quite good. I just wish I got the next true installment and not another transition.
This one is necessary as it does further the plot that has been hanging for quite awhile.
I want to give this a 5 but they further the plot and leave it still on the same cliffhanger. Lydia's story is great.
This definitely furthers the overarc of both mother earth and the Varsook invasion. It is only a little bit further but I was expecting another side character story where we don't get to the overarc storyline's ending. Some of these stories have been great as we get insight and really a story of another character and sometimes they are a rehash with only slight new story of the character. Stacia's book was the worst of these that didn't give a story of Stacia and how she came to be and more insight to her, rather is was a lot of her struggling with deciding to mate Declan. eh
So this is the financial expert, Lydia that has a pretty much eidetic memory. She comes from the early turn of the twentieth century where excellent essential women employees were regulate to secretaries if they were lucky. Luckily she is noticed by the vampire faction of the US at the time Galina.
Of these side character stories, C.A.E.C.O., The Book of Levi, Darkkin Knight, Lucky Son of a Gun, White Wolf, and this book Hand of the Queen, I liked Levi's story the best. Most of them are quite good. I just wish I got the next true installment and not another transition.
This one is necessary as it does further the plot that has been hanging for quite awhile.
April 24, 2025
I have read the entire Demon Accords Series and have thoroughly enjoyed them all and rated them very highly…until I read Blood Cull, which was a huge disappointment. Why John Conroe thought he had to bring in Woke propaganda and stand on a soap box and shove it down our throats is anyone’s guess. I decided that I was finish with this series, because I didn’t want to read that kind of trash.
Upon coming across reviews of the Darkin Knight, I found that other readers felt the same way, but discovered that this book was written without the Woke agenda. I found that they were correct and thoroughly enjoyed Darkin Knight! Katrina has become one of my all time favorite characters in this series. I went on to read The Book of Levi , Lucky Son of a Gun and White Wolf, which were also very good books. This made me think that John Conroe corrected his mistake of including Woke indoctrination into his book. Boy was I mistaken…I was so looking forward to read Lydia’s story in Hand of the Queen. Lydia has been on of my favorite characters in this series. Her snarkiness and humor are very entertaining. As I started reading this book, I noticed subtle woke ideals seeping into the writing, but I over looked them, because Lydia and her sisters plus Katrina made the book enjoyable….until the major plot twist 3/4 of the way into the book. Let me just say…THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY DOES NOT MAKE MISTAKES!!! Having a character come out and say that God did this when he gave us free will is unacceptable and very disappointing that John Conroe would stoop so low to even write that kind of trash!
I am so sorry that I encouraged many friends and family members to read this series, since he caved to this stupidity. I am hoping that he redeems himself in the last two books, and comes out with a twist to correct this HUGE mistake! I’ll be watching the reviews before I decide if they are worth purchasing.
Upon coming across reviews of the Darkin Knight, I found that other readers felt the same way, but discovered that this book was written without the Woke agenda. I found that they were correct and thoroughly enjoyed Darkin Knight! Katrina has become one of my all time favorite characters in this series. I went on to read The Book of Levi , Lucky Son of a Gun and White Wolf, which were also very good books. This made me think that John Conroe corrected his mistake of including Woke indoctrination into his book. Boy was I mistaken…I was so looking forward to read Lydia’s story in Hand of the Queen. Lydia has been on of my favorite characters in this series. Her snarkiness and humor are very entertaining. As I started reading this book, I noticed subtle woke ideals seeping into the writing, but I over looked them, because Lydia and her sisters plus Katrina made the book enjoyable….until the major plot twist 3/4 of the way into the book. Let me just say…THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY DOES NOT MAKE MISTAKES!!! Having a character come out and say that God did this when he gave us free will is unacceptable and very disappointing that John Conroe would stoop so low to even write that kind of trash!
I am so sorry that I encouraged many friends and family members to read this series, since he caved to this stupidity. I am hoping that he redeems himself in the last two books, and comes out with a twist to correct this HUGE mistake! I’ll be watching the reviews before I decide if they are worth purchasing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2024
Hand of the Queen
Wow! 16 years of reading what you've written, all of it more than once. This was just amazing!
It had the action the readers have come to expect, and a plot that all of the readers would love to be able to write themselves!! Can it actually get any better?
Hurry up, err.... Umm, I mean take your time with bloodlines and the follow up stories, not like we are all getting older while we wait..... Grumble grumble grumble. !!!!
But really awesome job on the Vella stories! They were great!
I would recommend to everyone to read the books, read the Vella, then read the books from the Vella you will enjoy!
Wow! 16 years of reading what you've written, all of it more than once. This was just amazing!
It had the action the readers have come to expect, and a plot that all of the readers would love to be able to write themselves!! Can it actually get any better?
Hurry up, err.... Umm, I mean take your time with bloodlines and the follow up stories, not like we are all getting older while we wait..... Grumble grumble grumble. !!!!
But really awesome job on the Vella stories! They were great!
I would recommend to everyone to read the books, read the Vella, then read the books from the Vella you will enjoy!
November 19, 2024
a bit disappointed
That more time wasn’t spent on distant past events. :-p. :) :D
Seriously, this was a very well crafted addition, bringing direction to the ongoing plotlines and signaling an endgame. Using Lydia’s backstory to cement her position before employing her to guide the narrative was clever.
I am both eager to see and dreading the conclusion.
That more time wasn’t spent on distant past events. :-p. :) :D
Seriously, this was a very well crafted addition, bringing direction to the ongoing plotlines and signaling an endgame. Using Lydia’s backstory to cement her position before employing her to guide the narrative was clever.
I am both eager to see and dreading the conclusion.
November 18, 2024
Another hit
Just like all of John Demon accord books. Is another stellar book. Just sad close to the end of the series
Just like all of John Demon accord books. Is another stellar book. Just sad close to the end of the series
December 16, 2024
FANGTASTIC (get it) As Always
Rather sad knowing this is the second to last book, but strange as it’s going over Lydia’s life as well as a short progression of the main story.
Weird, but well written.
Come on the final chapter!
Rather sad knowing this is the second to last book, but strange as it’s going over Lydia’s life as well as a short progression of the main story.
Weird, but well written.
Come on the final chapter!
November 23, 2024
Read it fast. Enjoyed it. More discombobulated than the others in the series. I didn’t love the back and forth. I was expecting more in the past.
July 30, 2025
Finally Lydia’s story!
This is the 20th book in the urban fantasy/sci-fi Demon Accord series. It is always fun and exciting to visit the world where Lydia Chapman, Chris Gordon, Tanya Demidova, Declan O’Carroll and Stacia Reynolds live. Each book in the series continues to be engaging and the storylines continue to be fresh. This book is from Lydia’s point of view. We get Lydia’s back story interspersed with the continuation of where the last book left off. The world and its people have adjusted to the new normal and the overarching storyline continues about the pending attacks/invasion from Vorsook against earth, the death of millions of earth’s inhabitants, the deal with hell, and the arc about public opinion of our heroes and the various supernatural powers. I loved getting into Lydia’s head and seeing her relationship with the rest of the coven develop and deepen. Almost all of the characters from the other books are present in this book as well which gives the story more depth. The story includes what you’d expect from this genre - fighting, dangerous situations, end of the world scenarios, paranormal creatures, loyal friends and family, tragic back stories, mystical coincidences, snark, and laughs. I love this series. 4.5 stars.
This is the 20th book in the urban fantasy/sci-fi Demon Accord series. It is always fun and exciting to visit the world where Lydia Chapman, Chris Gordon, Tanya Demidova, Declan O’Carroll and Stacia Reynolds live. Each book in the series continues to be engaging and the storylines continue to be fresh. This book is from Lydia’s point of view. We get Lydia’s back story interspersed with the continuation of where the last book left off. The world and its people have adjusted to the new normal and the overarching storyline continues about the pending attacks/invasion from Vorsook against earth, the death of millions of earth’s inhabitants, the deal with hell, and the arc about public opinion of our heroes and the various supernatural powers. I loved getting into Lydia’s head and seeing her relationship with the rest of the coven develop and deepen. Almost all of the characters from the other books are present in this book as well which gives the story more depth. The story includes what you’d expect from this genre - fighting, dangerous situations, end of the world scenarios, paranormal creatures, loyal friends and family, tragic back stories, mystical coincidences, snark, and laughs. I love this series. 4.5 stars.
December 24, 2024
I like the historic perspective of this novel.
One of the things that has caught my attention is the interesting name of a certain Holding Company:
"Czech and Slovak Context
In Czech and Slovak languages, “temný” (pronounced “tem-nee”) means “dark”, “gloomy”, or “shadowy”. It can describe a dark or somber atmosphere, mood, or situation."
:-)
ADDENDUM/CLOSE: I just finished this book. I am extremely satisfied. I may or may not say this about every Conroe book, but this was the Best Book In The Series That I Have Read (so, far.).
A shout out to the Cover Artist. Recent covers have been almost surreal in how good they are.
P.S.: Today is 12/24/2024. This was a great Christmas Present! :-)
One of the things that has caught my attention is the interesting name of a certain Holding Company:
"Czech and Slovak Context
In Czech and Slovak languages, “temný” (pronounced “tem-nee”) means “dark”, “gloomy”, or “shadowy”. It can describe a dark or somber atmosphere, mood, or situation."
:-)
ADDENDUM/CLOSE: I just finished this book. I am extremely satisfied. I may or may not say this about every Conroe book, but this was the Best Book In The Series That I Have Read (so, far.).
A shout out to the Cover Artist. Recent covers have been almost surreal in how good they are.
P.S.: Today is 12/24/2024. This was a great Christmas Present! :-)
December 31, 2025
Conflicted
I've been reading this series for a long time and I'm at the stage where it's all so samey that you could quit but it's almost finished so wouldn't it be crazy to quit here? I reckon if you took out all the egotistical bragging, descriptions about how much food they can eat and what they are eating along with references to past escapades then two thirds of all these books would be gone. I keep going as there's a thread of a good story but it's still too young adult for me really.
I've been reading this series for a long time and I'm at the stage where it's all so samey that you could quit but it's almost finished so wouldn't it be crazy to quit here? I reckon if you took out all the egotistical bragging, descriptions about how much food they can eat and what they are eating along with references to past escapades then two thirds of all these books would be gone. I keep going as there's a thread of a good story but it's still too young adult for me really.
November 20, 2024
Hand of the Queen
What an excellent story! It is told by several.different characters but mainly by Lydia. The author, John Conroe, has a vivid imagination and his Demon Accords series is one of the best I've read. You don't have to believe in witches, weres, things that go bump in the night but you do have to accept the possibilities.
Conroe throws in quite a bit of humor too! I enjoyed this book but now feel the pull of the series, time for a reread!
What an excellent story! It is told by several.different characters but mainly by Lydia. The author, John Conroe, has a vivid imagination and his Demon Accords series is one of the best I've read. You don't have to believe in witches, weres, things that go bump in the night but you do have to accept the possibilities.
Conroe throws in quite a bit of humor too! I enjoyed this book but now feel the pull of the series, time for a reread!
April 26, 2025
I felt that Lydia was retconned with Sherlock Holmes like observation and deduction skills, which was a bit of a cheat. Elder Senka also had a much more hands-on approach to the US coven than the prior series would suggest. Despite this, I enjoyed her tale.
Unlike the other side-character POV retellings, this one extended the main story. For casual fans of this universe, it would be a mistake to skip this episode.
Unlike the other side-character POV retellings, this one extended the main story. For casual fans of this universe, it would be a mistake to skip this episode.
November 19, 2024
Amazing
Amazing book. I loved getting a deep insight into the mind of Lydia. This book served two purposes: 1) Giving background on Lydia and 2) getting the reader excited for the next book in the series. I was bummed that there won't be many more books until I read about the Demon Accords Generations!! I can't wait.
Amazing book. I loved getting a deep insight into the mind of Lydia. This book served two purposes: 1) Giving background on Lydia and 2) getting the reader excited for the next book in the series. I was bummed that there won't be many more books until I read about the Demon Accords Generations!! I can't wait.
November 24, 2024
Awesome!
As always John Conroe doesn’t disappoint with another Demon Accords book! This is the first time I read a 20 books series without it getting winded and I loose interest. The characters as always are incredible, we get a great backstory about the Smallest Vampire and the Young Queen.
Great book!
As always John Conroe doesn’t disappoint with another Demon Accords book! This is the first time I read a 20 books series without it getting winded and I loose interest. The characters as always are incredible, we get a great backstory about the Smallest Vampire and the Young Queen.
Great book!
November 26, 2024
What Can I Say?
Another excellent book. It's fun getting insights into the various characters and Lydia is one of the more colorful people.
The downside is finding out the series is almost over. The follow-up series sounds promising but with so much life left to the main characters, new adventures would be great.
Another excellent book. It's fun getting insights into the various characters and Lydia is one of the more colorful people.
The downside is finding out the series is almost over. The follow-up series sounds promising but with so much life left to the main characters, new adventures would be great.
December 1, 2024
Phenomenal!!
I cannot express vividly enough how much that I adore this Author's books! Outstanding characters, storylines and world building in every single book, as soon as I see his name on a book, it's an immediate need. Cannot wait to see what Declan is up to and what secrets Stacia is hiding😉
I cannot express vividly enough how much that I adore this Author's books! Outstanding characters, storylines and world building in every single book, as soon as I see his name on a book, it's an immediate need. Cannot wait to see what Declan is up to and what secrets Stacia is hiding😉
January 28, 2025
Demon Accords. Nuff said.
I liked that Mr. Conroe has been expanding the stores to the individual characters. This give us dedicated Accords fans a more indepth story of each and every character. It just builds upon each other making it a more complex story.
I can't wait for his next book!
I liked that Mr. Conroe has been expanding the stores to the individual characters. This give us dedicated Accords fans a more indepth story of each and every character. It just builds upon each other making it a more complex story.
I can't wait for his next book!
June 27, 2025
Not the strongest book in the series, but a welcome addition for longtime fans. Hand of the Queen shifts the spotlight to Lydia Chapman, one of the sassiest side characters in the Demon Accords, and lets her tell her own story for a change. It’s not packed with high-stakes action like some of the earlier books, but it does deepen the lore and gives us a closer look at Lydia’s loyalty, sharp wit, and her role behind the scenes.
While it might not win over new readers, it’s definitely a treat for those already invested in the series. I wouldn’t call it a must-read, but as someone who loves the Demon Accords universe, I’m glad it exists. It rounds out the world just a bit more and reminds you that every player in this world (even the snarky background ones) has a story worth telling.
While it might not win over new readers, it’s definitely a treat for those already invested in the series. I wouldn’t call it a must-read, but as someone who loves the Demon Accords universe, I’m glad it exists. It rounds out the world just a bit more and reminds you that every player in this world (even the snarky background ones) has a story worth telling.
November 18, 2024
Best yet
He has been picking at the main character in all of main line books, and finally fleshed her out. He definitely knows some over active brainiac's Just wish Amazon had listed This book as a pre-order.
He has been picking at the main character in all of main line books, and finally fleshed her out. He definitely knows some over active brainiac's Just wish Amazon had listed This book as a pre-order.
November 21, 2024
Excellent, as usual
Very well written pre-finale of the series. Full of action, funny conversations; vampires, werewolves and other un-naturals as the positive characters, politicians as the negative ones. What's not to like?!
Very well written pre-finale of the series. Full of action, funny conversations; vampires, werewolves and other un-naturals as the positive characters, politicians as the negative ones. What's not to like?!
November 23, 2024
Going downhill.
The author has gotten overbearing in his "preachiness" about how mankind is destroying the planet. He needs to dial it way back. His last few books have gone downhill. It seems as he's lost interest and is just going through the motions. Disappointing.
The author has gotten overbearing in his "preachiness" about how mankind is destroying the planet. He needs to dial it way back. His last few books have gone downhill. It seems as he's lost interest and is just going through the motions. Disappointing.
December 6, 2024
Hand of the Queen(The Demon Accords Book 20)
Love, love, loved this book and all in this great storyline. Tops the charts in my favorite category every time! Hate to reach the end and looking forward to more as usual!
Love, love, loved this book and all in this great storyline. Tops the charts in my favorite category every time! Hate to reach the end and looking forward to more as usual!
December 11, 2024
Captivating
Usually with Conroe's books I give them 5 stars then impatiently wait for the next one. I gotta write a little about this one. This is the best backstory yet.And only two more books? Bring them on, Mr Conroe.Please!!!
Usually with Conroe's books I give them 5 stars then impatiently wait for the next one. I gotta write a little about this one. This is the best backstory yet.And only two more books? Bring them on, Mr Conroe.Please!!!
March 22, 2025
I enjoyed seeing this from Lydia's viewpoint. Getting a glimpse of her past was particularly interesting. We've been set up for the finale also. Declan has plans and secrets and a few surprises for all.
November 19, 2024
Hand of The Queen
I really enjoyed reading about Lydia as she's one of my favourites. Great book. I look forward to the next one.
I really enjoyed reading about Lydia as she's one of my favourites. Great book. I look forward to the next one.
November 23, 2024
Great penultimate book
Excellent read difficult to put down. Can’t wait for the next book and the spin off generations books! Well done John Conroe
Excellent read difficult to put down. Can’t wait for the next book and the spin off generations books! Well done John Conroe
November 24, 2024
Loads of fun!
Having a lot of fun with this story. The cliffhanger makes for some good mind games. I keep coming back.
Having a lot of fun with this story. The cliffhanger makes for some good mind games. I keep coming back.
November 25, 2024
a fantastic new book in the series
It was a great read, I have read all of the series and I love how John Conroe has added the science to back up the supernatural world.
It was a great read, I have read all of the series and I love how John Conroe has added the science to back up the supernatural world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews