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The Undoing: Who Shall Stand
Hadassah, the last descendant of a dying human line, is forced to flee the only home she has ever known. Thrust into a brutal world, she finds herself among those who only see humans as either subjugators or scum.
Disguised as a harmless rabbit, she journeys with a beastman who claims to admire humans yet hides a dark past behind his charming smile. By his side is a woman so beautiful that the world bows at her feet, a man whose strength fills Hadassah with awe, and a Harbinger created solely to protect her.
In her encounter with the Vortigern family, Hadassah glimpses a fractured world. Grudges, hidden histories, and an insatiable hunger for power tear at its seams. Witnessing the cruelty of both beastmen and humans, Hadassah is forced to confront the question she dreads:
Who deserves death? And who shall stand?
Disguised as a harmless rabbit, she journeys with a beastman who claims to admire humans yet hides a dark past behind his charming smile. By his side is a woman so beautiful that the world bows at her feet, a man whose strength fills Hadassah with awe, and a Harbinger created solely to protect her.
In her encounter with the Vortigern family, Hadassah glimpses a fractured world. Grudges, hidden histories, and an insatiable hunger for power tear at its seams. Witnessing the cruelty of both beastmen and humans, Hadassah is forced to confront the question she dreads:
Who deserves death? And who shall stand?
- GenresFantasy
410 pages, Hardcover
Published December 20, 2024
6 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 22, 2024
Felt a little slow at the beginning and I wasn't really into it after Hadassah's first scene. But after chapter 1 it REALLY picked up. Then it picked up even more after chapter 6.
The way this world treats humans is so harsh and it's interesting to see how Hadassah navigates that. Chapter 16 especially broke me. Because what the hell was that? Had me so emotional I had personally message the author.
And then there's the ending. The book ends on SUCH a high note. Endings are important for me, and it will make or break the book. This ending was one of those good ones.
Now the characters. Ahqi doesn't get much screentime, but he's is my MAN. My favourite characters other than him HAVE to be Zaref, Rahn, Naveah and of course Hadassah. Zaref is the best pick for Hadassah in a romantic sense. That's a fact.
The only low point of this book is probably the prose. It serves the story and it's not bad, but I wasn't a big fan of it. There was just a lot of unnecessary head-hopping and it can get too exposition-y at times.
But it IS better than ACOTAR and Fourth Wing prose. I said what I said.
In the end, I highly recommend this book. I'm looking forward to the next one in this series.
The way this world treats humans is so harsh and it's interesting to see how Hadassah navigates that. Chapter 16 especially broke me. Because what the hell was that? Had me so emotional I had personally message the author.
And then there's the ending. The book ends on SUCH a high note. Endings are important for me, and it will make or break the book. This ending was one of those good ones.
Now the characters. Ahqi doesn't get much screentime, but he's is my MAN. My favourite characters other than him HAVE to be Zaref, Rahn, Naveah and of course Hadassah. Zaref is the best pick for Hadassah in a romantic sense. That's a fact.
The only low point of this book is probably the prose. It serves the story and it's not bad, but I wasn't a big fan of it. There was just a lot of unnecessary head-hopping and it can get too exposition-y at times.
But it IS better than ACOTAR and Fourth Wing prose. I said what I said.
In the end, I highly recommend this book. I'm looking forward to the next one in this series.
December 26, 2024
Disclaimer: I was given a free e-copy of this book in an exchange for an honest review.
The plot of this book as well as the world was amazing, but I am afraid that there were too many times I found myself pulled out of the story due to some interesting wording/description choices.
I honestly believe this book has so much potential to be a great series, but can really use an editor.
There was random "modern slang" that did not feel appropriate to the world or characters, many scenes that did not logistically/physically make sense, and not enough clear motive as to WHY a character was saying or doing something.
ALSO this is a very personal preference... but I don't see any reason why we need to bold words. Either italicize the word OR just build up tension in the scene with other intentional writing choices.
The plot of this book as well as the world was amazing, but I am afraid that there were too many times I found myself pulled out of the story due to some interesting wording/description choices.
I honestly believe this book has so much potential to be a great series, but can really use an editor.
There was random "modern slang" that did not feel appropriate to the world or characters, many scenes that did not logistically/physically make sense, and not enough clear motive as to WHY a character was saying or doing something.
ALSO this is a very personal preference... but I don't see any reason why we need to bold words. Either italicize the word OR just build up tension in the scene with other intentional writing choices.
November 26, 2024
Disclaimer: This was given to me as an ARC by the author, that does not impact my review of the book
What a wonderful story and possibly my favourite read of the year. The characters are wonderfully written, the book itself is written beautifully. The story is one of prejudice and finding your own place in the world combined with a high fantasy setting that feels unique. Hadassah the main character feels very real and easy to empathise with as do the side characters (my personal favourites being Vivian and Kaladin).
I was glued too the book for the last six chapters and would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a high fantasy book.
What a wonderful story and possibly my favourite read of the year. The characters are wonderfully written, the book itself is written beautifully. The story is one of prejudice and finding your own place in the world combined with a high fantasy setting that feels unique. Hadassah the main character feels very real and easy to empathise with as do the side characters (my personal favourites being Vivian and Kaladin).
I was glued too the book for the last six chapters and would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a high fantasy book.
December 29, 2024
This was quite a tale, and I was fully invested after the first few chapters. I must admit, I was a little disappointed that we didn't see more of the Merman prince through the book as I would have liked to see his character develop.
It felt a little like a twisted and warped version of Wonderland, with Hadassah in place of Alice, and literal rabbit people populating the towns and cities.
There are some heavy themes throughout, notably racism and xenophobia but also important questions around who the truly evil people are, and a few home truths for Hadassah.
Overall at just over 400 pages, I feel like the story could have been shorter, just making more scenes concise and a few parts that felt unnecessary to the plot, but with a sequel confirmed by the final line, I look forward to seeing how this plays out.
It felt a little like a twisted and warped version of Wonderland, with Hadassah in place of Alice, and literal rabbit people populating the towns and cities.
There are some heavy themes throughout, notably racism and xenophobia but also important questions around who the truly evil people are, and a few home truths for Hadassah.
Overall at just over 400 pages, I feel like the story could have been shorter, just making more scenes concise and a few parts that felt unnecessary to the plot, but with a sequel confirmed by the final line, I look forward to seeing how this plays out.
November 20, 2024
This story is going to be the next big thing. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. The twists, the heartbreak, the love that I have for these characters… Unimaginable.
The Undoing is told with such elegance and depth—the dialogue, the characters & backstories, the world building… amazing!
I fell in love with every character and will gladly have my heart ripped out by each and every one of them repeatedly. The way I was cheering and crying was crazy.
I feel like books don’t usually elicit so many emotions in the first book of the series but The Undoing did so, and executed it amazingly.
I wish I could read it again for the first time😭 And I can’t wait for book 2!!!
The Undoing is told with such elegance and depth—the dialogue, the characters & backstories, the world building… amazing!
I fell in love with every character and will gladly have my heart ripped out by each and every one of them repeatedly. The way I was cheering and crying was crazy.
I feel like books don’t usually elicit so many emotions in the first book of the series but The Undoing did so, and executed it amazingly.
I wish I could read it again for the first time😭 And I can’t wait for book 2!!!
January 17, 2025
A gripping tale of vengeance, laced with twists, dripping with magic and heart-stopping action. All of it imbued with an air of romance.
This was the first fantasy book I've read with a woman of colour as an FMC and it did not disappoint. My only regret is that I can't read it again for the first time. Hadassah is not what I expected, and I like surprises. Let me reiterate that, Hadassah is not like your ordinary FMC 😉 I enjoyed the growth of this character, her light and dark sides felt organic and realistic. The side characters were unique and stunning. The villains were despicable and the heroes really grew on me (especially Zarek💖 and that cute Harbinger💖).
The worldbuilding was compelling and I think the beastmen were the highlights for me.The magic system, though familiar in some parts was refreshingly unique in others. Aside from artefacts and their vast powers, I particularly loved the Vortigern tree and its aspects. Blue's description of it made for an elaborate picture in my head. One I could never forget, much like the heart-stopping action! There are battles that will live rent-free in my head and twists that still feel like a gut-punch to remember.
Blue used every aspect mentioned in the book from the beginning to the end (so pay close attention 😉), giving it a satisfying wholeness as everything came full circle at the end. If you like revenge, battles, magic creatures, and you can do without spice as long as the fantasy is captivating (like me), then I think you will enjoy this read. Prepare to get pulled in, expect the unexpected, and discover a new world in The Undoing.
This was the first fantasy book I've read with a woman of colour as an FMC and it did not disappoint. My only regret is that I can't read it again for the first time. Hadassah is not what I expected, and I like surprises. Let me reiterate that, Hadassah is not like your ordinary FMC 😉 I enjoyed the growth of this character, her light and dark sides felt organic and realistic. The side characters were unique and stunning. The villains were despicable and the heroes really grew on me (especially Zarek💖 and that cute Harbinger💖).
The worldbuilding was compelling and I think the beastmen were the highlights for me.The magic system, though familiar in some parts was refreshingly unique in others. Aside from artefacts and their vast powers, I particularly loved the Vortigern tree and its aspects. Blue's description of it made for an elaborate picture in my head. One I could never forget, much like the heart-stopping action! There are battles that will live rent-free in my head and twists that still feel like a gut-punch to remember.
Blue used every aspect mentioned in the book from the beginning to the end (so pay close attention 😉), giving it a satisfying wholeness as everything came full circle at the end. If you like revenge, battles, magic creatures, and you can do without spice as long as the fantasy is captivating (like me), then I think you will enjoy this read. Prepare to get pulled in, expect the unexpected, and discover a new world in The Undoing.
November 30, 2025
The Undoing by Aalis Blue is one of those books that doesn’t just tell a story—it unravels you a little in the process. Blue captures the slow, painful work of healing with writing that feels lyrical at points.
If you love character-driven stories, emotional depth, and that soft ache a book leaves behind when it’s telling you something true, this one is for you.
I finished it feeling seen, cracked open, and strangely comforted after reading some of the most twisted parts.
This is a story that centres around vengeance. Hadassah, our FMC, is a human who has had to flee from the safety of her home with her father in chapter one and finds herself on a quest where she interacts with beastmen who would kill her if they knew she was human. The end of the quest? Her revenge.
While this story has a slow start it definitely pays off later down the line, the further into the story you get the more action there is. The plot twists in the last 1/4 of the book alone were worth reading for too.
If you don’t mind a slow start that pays off later down the line this book will definitely be for you, especially if you love a character driven plot. I for one am looking forward to reading book two.
If you love character-driven stories, emotional depth, and that soft ache a book leaves behind when it’s telling you something true, this one is for you.
I finished it feeling seen, cracked open, and strangely comforted after reading some of the most twisted parts.
This is a story that centres around vengeance. Hadassah, our FMC, is a human who has had to flee from the safety of her home with her father in chapter one and finds herself on a quest where she interacts with beastmen who would kill her if they knew she was human. The end of the quest? Her revenge.
While this story has a slow start it definitely pays off later down the line, the further into the story you get the more action there is. The plot twists in the last 1/4 of the book alone were worth reading for too.
If you don’t mind a slow start that pays off later down the line this book will definitely be for you, especially if you love a character driven plot. I for one am looking forward to reading book two.
June 1, 2025
I was immediately drawn into this book by Hadassah (the main character). She has such a unique vibe, and she typically doesn’t make the same kinds of decisions other fmcs would. As a sheltered human who’s thrown into a world of beastmen, she’s appalled by the way humans are treated, but it takes a few specific events for her to really accept the horribleness of the world (and then want to seek justice…or destruction). Her arc throughout the book was realistic and I was rooting for her throughout it all.
I see why she has FOUR MEN pining after her, haha.
The love interests in this book are all so well written and fleshed out, I love each one of them. Aqui is a beautiful mer-prince, Rahn is Hadassah’s harbinger/bonded guard, Zarek is hostile and prejudiced against humans which makes for an interesting dynamic, and Kaladin is the wise and charming guy you can’t help but adore. All these men have so many layers and nuances to their characters, which made the story so immersive and real.
If you like dark fantasy, intricate character dynamics, and a unique plot, you’ll love this book. I can't wait for book 2!
I see why she has FOUR MEN pining after her, haha.
The love interests in this book are all so well written and fleshed out, I love each one of them. Aqui is a beautiful mer-prince, Rahn is Hadassah’s harbinger/bonded guard, Zarek is hostile and prejudiced against humans which makes for an interesting dynamic, and Kaladin is the wise and charming guy you can’t help but adore. All these men have so many layers and nuances to their characters, which made the story so immersive and real.
If you like dark fantasy, intricate character dynamics, and a unique plot, you’ll love this book. I can't wait for book 2!
November 13, 2025
As an immersive reader I loved this though it has its bumps, like some exposition stuff mixed with a modern slang that was kinda jarring to me when I tried to "feel" the world. For like a half of the book or 3/4 everything felt right to me, but then characters take actions and have motivations that I didn't really understand.
Haadash is the prime example, I still don't know why she goes all out on real Verena, or why she was so easily convinced to go with the thing she does at the end. The second is Vivian, in her case I also didn't really get what has gotten into her.
With that being said I still liked all the characters, exception however is Haadash. She's like everything at once and nothing at all. It was difficult for me to find any compelling traits in her, but this might be due that I failed to understand her motivations.
Anyway I still enjoyed the story, even though my biggest question and dilemma became unanswered - if beastmean hate humans so much, why they all look like them?
Haadash is the prime example, I still don't know why she goes all out on real Verena, or why she was so easily convinced to go with the thing she does at the end. The second is Vivian, in her case I also didn't really get what has gotten into her.
With that being said I still liked all the characters, exception however is Haadash. She's like everything at once and nothing at all. It was difficult for me to find any compelling traits in her, but this might be due that I failed to understand her motivations.
Anyway I still enjoyed the story, even though my biggest question and dilemma became unanswered - if beastmean hate humans so much, why they all look like them?
January 30, 2025
I really like the character development. From the beginning, where it's just introductions one by one, to the point where we end up loving several of the characters by the ending ❤️
Sadly, the first 60% of the book felt really messy. It’s like one important character shows up but then halfway through, it feels like the author thought "nah, forget this character, let's change it" and then suddenly they’re just removed.
Also, the dramatic elements feel lacking. In the beginning, the character suffers and is alone, but the introduction to their family is not developed enough. So, when they’re sad, I couldn't really feel attached. I mean, their family only shows up several times, so it feels kind of distant.
3.75/5 🌟
I’ll still be waiting for and reading the next book 🥰
Sadly, the first 60% of the book felt really messy. It’s like one important character shows up but then halfway through, it feels like the author thought "nah, forget this character, let's change it" and then suddenly they’re just removed.
Also, the dramatic elements feel lacking. In the beginning, the character suffers and is alone, but the introduction to their family is not developed enough. So, when they’re sad, I couldn't really feel attached. I mean, their family only shows up several times, so it feels kind of distant.
3.75/5 🌟
I’ll still be waiting for and reading the next book 🥰
August 30, 2025
4.5 stars
Things I loved in this book
Hadassah's love for shiny things
I also adored that she wasn't just suddenly strong out of nowhere. That she was actually beaten up 🩷 cause I am tired of reading books where the fmc gets her strength from nowhere.
Where she lacks strength, she uses her brain to compensate for it.
Also, enjoy the fight scenes cause I can not write fight scenes at all. The way it was written like I was actually there reminded me of anime fight scenes.
By reading the book. All of the characters in her book are charming and have their own flaws. They're not perfect, and I love that.
Bonus point that her book is a matriarchy.
Love it when women rule. i also loved it that though women rule in this book, it also shows that women can also have their flaws when leading.
Things I loved in this book
Hadassah's love for shiny things
I also adored that she wasn't just suddenly strong out of nowhere. That she was actually beaten up 🩷 cause I am tired of reading books where the fmc gets her strength from nowhere.
Where she lacks strength, she uses her brain to compensate for it.
Also, enjoy the fight scenes cause I can not write fight scenes at all. The way it was written like I was actually there reminded me of anime fight scenes.
By reading the book. All of the characters in her book are charming and have their own flaws. They're not perfect, and I love that.
Bonus point that her book is a matriarchy.
Love it when women rule. i also loved it that though women rule in this book, it also shows that women can also have their flaws when leading.
December 22, 2025
This book is one you should stick to, even if the beginning is perhaps a bit slow, it’s necessary to get into the story.
The story itself is fantastic, it’s very creative and vividly written! I was so engaged and drawn into the incredible world Ali’s Blue has created.
The characters are all unique, interesting and interesting hé one more intriguing than the other.
There were parts in the book that brought me very close to crying.
The ending is one that won’t disappoint!
I highly recommend this fantasy story with a strong world building!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story itself is fantastic, it’s very creative and vividly written! I was so engaged and drawn into the incredible world Ali’s Blue has created.
The characters are all unique, interesting and interesting hé one more intriguing than the other.
There were parts in the book that brought me very close to crying.
The ending is one that won’t disappoint!
I highly recommend this fantasy story with a strong world building!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 5, 2025
The opening is painfully slow, filled with redundant descriptions of wet shoes, spider webs and lifeless caves. The protagonist Hadassah is as bland as her surroundings, with no compelling traits or motivations to draw you in. Just feels like a lazy mix of generic fantasy tropes.
By the end of the first chapter, nothing has happened except a stolen trinket and a tedious lecture from her father. If this is meant to hook readers, it fails miserably. Save yourself the frustration and skip this one.
By the end of the first chapter, nothing has happened except a stolen trinket and a tedious lecture from her father. If this is meant to hook readers, it fails miserably. Save yourself the frustration and skip this one.
December 20, 2024
This book had me hooked from start to finish. The author beautifully describes a world that holds so much depth and complexity. The FMC is a black woman who is funny, cunning, intelligent and fiercely talented. The male leads are each entertaining and endearing. I’m counting down the seconds until I can read the next one.
November 19, 2025
I will admit, I am personally a bit burnt out on the teenager/early 20s woman who falls in love with a magical being. But that being said, I did enjoy the magical setting and the world built around the romance. If you are a fan of the magical romance genre, but want a bit more edge than you would find in a YA novel, I would recommend.
December 11, 2024
A beautiful and unique story. Interesting characters, interesting world building, and a plot that keeps you hooked.
March 12, 2025
Bland and generic prose combined with a lackluster plot and unrelatable characters made this one difficult to get through.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews