Of Brides of Queens

Unworldly City #2

by Kelly St. Clare

She that inspires
She they desire
Should only shimmer
Like a star
Without its power
Lest starlight steals
All they are
To build her tower.

For the last week at dusk, fifteen pawns who were princes have clawed from their midnight chambers to await my declaration of purpose. A queen should have purpose, I am told. Because kings mostly do. Except this queen just wants her copper crown to stop slipping.

The truth is that discovering my purpose feels unimportant, even though I am faced with powerful kings who clamor and war and threaten me at every vulnerable turn.
And if I expected guidance from a certain seeing king? Well… I shall not dwell on loveless kings lest I enter another rage.

Forget purpose. What I must do is protect myself from kings, in heart, mind, and body. I must protect monsters, old and new, who lurk inside my walls.

A queen must learn to war.

Yet if pawns cannot teach her, who else remains? The immortal answer swims beyond a tangle of obsession, vice, and unrequited love. And if reaching that slippery answer is even possible, I cannot be certain of my ancientness to fathom it when the time comes.

Of Brides Of Queens is a dark fantasy romance thoroughly drenched with the morally gray and intended for mature audiences. This story contains monsters with manners, heaped teaspoons of spice, magical impossibilities, and not many conventional things at all, really.

Genres: Fantasy

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 14, 2025

About the author

When USA Today bestselling author, Kelly St Clare is not reading or writing, she is lost in her latest reverie.

Books have always been magical and mysterious to her. One day she decided to start unravelling this mystery and began writing.

The Tainted Accords was her debut series. The After Trilogy is now available.

A New Zealander in origin and in heart, Kelly currently resides in Australia with her soon-to-be husband, a great group of friends, and some huntsman spiders who love to come inside when it rains. Their love is not returned.

Find out more at her website, and claim a free paranormal dystopian short story, coloring book, and free bonus chapters from The Tainted Accords.

http://www.kellystclare.com/free-gift

Reviews

[Rhiannon Chillingworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This really is the most inventive and original series I have read in a very long time. Kelly's one of my favourite authors, and while I enjoyed the first book, I did find it hard to connect to the characters due to the whimsical, fable-like quality of the writing. However, I didn't find this so much in this second book.

Predominantly, this is the story of the fmc finding her power and purpose and navigating her new found Queendom. I adored seeing her grow in power, and I felt she had much more substance to her to hook into. We also saw her growing connections to other characters, which helped forge those connections for me to the characters.

I also enjoyed the backwards and forwards nature of her relationship with King See, and we definitely have some developments on that front.

It is hard to say more without giving spoilers, but if you liked the first book, you'll love this even more. If you are looking for something magical and original, I urge you to read this book.

[Amy Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unputdownable every single time 😫

Especially with this completely original concept. Can NOT wait for the third and what it reveals.

Everyone should embrace the monster within 🙃

[Shenay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Unworldly City Series.

Wow. This book did not disappoint. Once again, I'm drawn in and held tight by this imaginative and original story. It's so unique. I'm obsessed.

This book picks up from where we left off in book 1. I love how this book is about our FMC figuring out herself and her powers. I adored the world building and the character developments in this book. Her relationship with King See is something, and I really can't wait to see what happens next in the third book!

If you're looking for something new and unique that you haven't read before, these books are it. They are so different, and it's refreshing to read an original.

[Bella · Rating 2 out of 5]

The MMC was sooo annoying. You’re telling me mans doesn’t believe in love but wants to possess her mind, body and soul? Denial ain’t just a river

[Carolina Stephenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monsters with Manners?

The sequel to a truly unique romance. Kelly continues to provide new ways to intrigue her readers. This time with a gothic romance filled with curiosities that adds a layer to the story and world building.

Here, Patch is learning to become a queen in a world where 5 ancient kings have ruled. Humans are mere puppets, princes and princesses are pawns and the source of power, obsession and control are sources of sorrow, envy and strife. Amongst these, Patch and See are in a transactional struggle over love and trust.

The characters are beautifully hideous, endearing yet underhanded, and confusing in an enlightening way. The paradox is enjoyable gothic love story that’s not yet ended. Looking forward to the next book!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

👰‍♀️👑
⚜️ Book Title - Of Brides Of Queens
⚜️ Author - Kelly St. Clare
⚜️ Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚜️ Some Genre/Themes/Tropes: Adult Fiction, Romance and Fantasy

I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book via the author. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This is my honest review.

I loved diving back into the quirky, Alice in Wonderland / Tim Burton esque type read. This is definitely a unique read, especially to Kelly’s previous works.

Patch, the FMC, continues to grow into a formidable force as she continues to form ties with other characters.

There is more growth, significant world building and character development. Making for a great second instalment.

I want to say thank you to the author for the ARC.

Note (How I rate): One is DNF. Two is got there but struggled. Three stars is a good, enjoyable read. Four is an excellent read and five is a comfort read that lingers with me for life (very difficult to get but not impossible).

[Mad About Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of Brides Of Queens – Kelly St Clare
Prepare to have your ideas and imagination stretched in this incredible storyline, where monsters are truly monstrous and grotesque but with a dash or two of courteous thrown in.
This is the second book of the Unworldly City series and you need to have read Of Monsters Of Kings first.
In Of Brides of Queens we learn of Princesses and how a pawn is different from a prince. The storyline is spellbinding and it is delightful seeing Queen Perantiqua trying to understand her place in the world and growing into a strong and articulate Queen. I LOVE her interactions with all the other characters and can't wait to see what next happens with King See.
I was merrily enjoying reading each chapter but by about 80% the plot builds and I just couldn’t put it down or read fast enough!
What an imagination Kelly St Clare has to create the Unworldly City series as she has created a world and storyline unlike any other I know.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow!

I loved the first book and was worried that the sequel couldn't top that one but, it did!

I love the prose and the way the words are all written together. There's not many stories written this way today and I loved this one all the more for that!

So, book 2 starts out where Book 1 left off and the "stitch" queen of monsters, Perantinqua, has to constantly "ramp" up her powers to be on the same level as the kings, who've been around for ages.

King See, man, I have a love and hate relationship with this guy (monster, king, sometimes lover, however we want to call him) because, I think he's been around so long that all he can see is in black and white, no grey area when things aren't always so cookie cutter, especially in the world they live in. I mean, I know he's cursed and can't be touched which would give anyone a case of the serious blues but, sometimes I just want to shake him with how he acts.

I love the world building and character development in this one. I felt like we really got to see the intricacies and "politicking" between each of the King (and their princesses).

The ending of this book ends with war seeming imminent as Perantinqua seemed to upset quite a few kings there in the end. I don't want to give anything away but, definitely recommend reading this as you won't regret it!

I cant wait to read the next book to see how this story wraps up (hoping for a HEA)!

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ out of 5 !

Easily could have been 5 stars, but I’m a fan of knowing if the series is going to continue and this book could go either way with the ending. So the ending could have been more dramatic or cliff hanger esk to add some fear in this monstrous world.

Otherwise fantastically written! The new world, ideas, kingdoms/queendoms, the slow lifting of the veil allowing the reader to truly SEE… is amazing!!! It continues to build from the 1st book and just leaves your mind spinning with the creativity involved in bringing all of it to life.

All the characters are developed, have a role, and can make or break the future of our monsters. The spice is not interfering with the story line but present enough to remind you all lust cannot be denied, even amongst the most ancient of beings.

This series is something to experience and without giving away too much…

Blink, glide, or run but don’t walk to this new series!
👻

[Sassafrack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh what it must be like in Kelly St Clare’s head while she wrote this story. It’s like reading poetry. There’s a rhythm and tone to the writing rather than explicit descriptions and explanations. You just keep reading and understand the story overall rather than break everything down to the literal. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. It completely drowned out the world around me and created a world of gothic dark fantasy that I was happy to be immersed in.
Perantiqua is now a new queen surrounded by kings who aren’t super impressed by her encroachment on their kingdoms. With each new night, she gathers wisdom and power, and new subjects. There is angst between her and her favoured king as they try to adjust to the new dynamics of their relationship. Alliances are made and origins revealed.
This is very much a well written, fantastical dark world to get lost in. I am very much looking forward to the next in the series.

[Amanda Eddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

glide back into monsterdom

Step back into the world of monsters as Perantiqua discovers her place as queen and her purpose. This might become your new obsession! I am continuously blown away by this writing style. Kelly does an amazing job of describing the characters inside and out. You revel with them and let tears loose on their behalf.

I fell in love with the first book that I wasn’t sure the sequel could top it, but I am so happy that I was proven wrong. I’m almost positive Of Brides Of Queens not only deepened my love for this new series, but possibly made me even more anxious for book 3. There are some truly beautiful life lessons in both, but the story development and character development in this book were absolutely amazing.

Let your beautiful monster free and devour this series! You will not regret it.

[Jennifer Ashburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Of Brides of Queens" is a captivating read that delves deep into the struggles and strength of a queen who is constantly under threat from powerful kings that wish to claim her instead of letting her grow. The poetic prose and vivid imagery make it a truly immersive experience. The character's journey of self-discovery and protection against both external and internal monsters is compelling and relatable. The way she always seeks to understand and help those around her instead tearing them down or treating them like objects is perfection. The plot is intricate, weaving together themes of power, purpose, and survival in a way that keeps you hooked. The only drawback is that some parts feel a bit slow, but overall, it's a beautifully written book that I highly recommend. Four stars!

[Caligirlkrys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just continues to blow my mind. Kelly is a creative genius and I will sing her praises all day long. So much to love about this book. The engaging dialogue is reminiscent of the classic literature I love to read when words mattered! The verbal sparring between the characters is so fun to read. The characters are truly monstrous and unique. The relationship between King See and Perantiqua continues to heat up. Potential romance aside, this book really focused on girl power and female relationships. I always look forward to that aspect in Kelly’s stories. I highly recommend this book series if you are looking for original world building, a set of unique characters and a fascinating plot with a bit of romance and spice.

[Izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Thank you Kelly and the team for giving me a chance to read this early.

"Even rope genitals. He was certainly a rope man."

"A queen need not sit still nor move one step here and there. I might move where I like."

Kelly has done it again. Another fabulously weird and wonderful story. A slow decent in to queendom, full of exquisite quotes and moments. With some incredible obscene moments that make you laugh and think really. Prepare yourself to dig deeper into the end and this complex story. The prose perfectly fits the story. This is definitely a unique read and I'm always captivated when reading about patch and the 5 kings. This definitely topped book 1 for me.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved book one so was super excited to read book two and it did not disappoint! Once again the author weaves their magic and draws us back into this incredible world created just for us as we rejoin the story from where we left off. The storyline is intense and exciting and our FMC continues to grow and develop her powers as she must focus and find her place and her purpose in this monstrous world. It’s an incredible and unique gothic story thats has me in its grips and on the edge of my seat with the twists and turns and surprises, and I cannot wait to see where the relationship with King See goes or where the author takes us next.

[D K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very different and original and yet not my cup of tea! DNF.

I liked the first book despite being an unusual story and having a very distinct and different writing style. Even though I have nothing bad to say about it, as I started to read the second book I felt the story moved at a much slower pace and at times it felt like it was going in circles and not moving forward. Additionally, the weirdness of it that fascinated me at first became a bit tiresome and so I decided not to continue reading it. I guess you could say that it comes down to personal taste. The story is pretty original and you can feel the work that was put into it. Enjoy!

[Kristin Usher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique obsession

This is book 2 in a most unique dark fantasy distopian series.

In the same way that the destination in book 1 was clear, so it is in book 2. While the destination is predictable, the journey is not. What unfolds is a monstrous and obsessive pathway and an enjoyable read.

If you are looking for a romance of beautiful characters, this is not it. This is a world that finds delight squelching and mangy monsters of all description, yet as others have said, does so in a poetic way. Certainly worth that read for anybody seeking a story that is unique from other offerings currently available.

[Stephanie Sidoti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series continues to captivate and intrigue. And the unique prose and phrasing continues to shine. It was fun diving deeper into the world of monsters and their politics, with the addition of a Queen to shake things up (sometimes literally). I loved the twists and turns that Perantiqua's relationships take, especially with King See. I also enjoyed getting to meet the four princesses and get to know a couple of them better. I'm looking forward to seeing how the world and characters continue to grow and develop in the next installment.

[thebooksuccubus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story continues with Perantinqua trying to navigate in this world of Kings, Princesses and Pawns. She continues to have a kind heart among all everyone's task and challenges to be loyal to her and their cause. This story continues to be beautifully monstrous. You will keep fall more and more for these unique beauties. I am a lover of Tim Burton and this perfectly fits the bill in you are looking for the strange and unusual, gothic romantasy with all the monsters. I am loving seeing all her come more into herself and powers and I am entranced with how this will all play out.

[Shelyntawni · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the unworldly city series. I had to read as the first book left of a cliff hanger so naturally anticipation was at an all time high.
This book did not disappoint at all! I did have to go back to the first book to remember who everyone was align too.
Once I understood the plot I was sailing through nicely and then A hidden surprise plot had me smiling and falling in love with ‘Lady Patch’ all over again.
A good read that is poetic and a play on words.
Now highly anticipating the third book in the series.

[Brightlotus1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this second of the series, we have a wonderful story of a new monster queen becoming more ancient so that she may more easily deal with monstrous kings. Perantiqua's journey is very intriguing. She is becoming more than she ever imagined. And discovering things that didn't occur to her as a human. When she was only trying to survive. Now she contemplates obsession and power among other things. She has a growing number of monsters to care for. With a certain king always in the forefront of her mind. I look forward to more adventures.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book took me a little bit to get into (because this is not my normal cup of tea), I was happy with the way things developed. It was interesting to see more to the Kings and their princesses. There are a few surprising turns, which I loved. I greatly appreciate the mastermind of Kelly St Clare's ability to make you think that you can see which way the story is going and then throw in a subtle curve to add a greater depth that I never thought of. This is definitely a great continuation of the story of Queen Patch, and I can't wait to read more!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patch continues her journey as queen with heavy opposition.

I found this book very visual, I found myself completely pulled into story as it progressed.

There was definitely more world building in this one and character progression. Also, the dynamic between Patch and King See was one of the things I enjoyed the most.

The plot twists kept me engaged and focussed on getting to the end of the book which came too soon!

Definitely recommend this series if you like dark fantasy!

[Bookish Serendipity Shannon williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monstrously Amazing!

The second book is even better than the first!

Kelly is a genius and her writing is a pure masterpiece.

I love this unique world so so much!

The writing is just something else entirely and I couldn’t put it down!

I am loving seeing more of this world and learning more about everything.

The tension, the conversations…just pure magic.

Can’t wait for the next one!!!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminds me of reading a Shakespeare play.
The language is very flowery and descriptive.
I did enjoy the second book more than the first.
The story is so different than my usual reads, but is wonderful all the same.
Throughout the book, Queen P grows in ancientness and power. I love her back and forth relationship with King See.
I do hope that they have a happy ending. Out of all the Kings, he is my favorite.

[Mima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping, thought-provoking, and beautifully complex!

A captivating and beautifully written tale of a queen struggling to find her purpose in a world full of power-hungry kings and hidden dangers. The protagonist is sharp, witty, and fiercely determined, making for a truly engaging read. With rich world-building and a mix of intrigue, love, and self-discovery, this book is a must-read for fans of dark, atmospheric fantasy. You won’t be able to put it down!

[#ByFelicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to dive into the second book of this series and it did not disappoint! The world building was on point and I enjoyed all of the character growth. I especially loved watching our FMC grow and come into her power. I’m also very interested to see where her relationship with King See goes.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s full of unique, magical whimsy. It’s not my usual kind of read but I gotta say I. AM. HERE. FOR. IT!

[Bridgette Kanz Schroader · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most inventive book series I’ve read. The whimsy and ethereal nature of Book 1 continue in this second installment and I liked it even more. This is a book that you’ll finish and have no idea what you actually read, but will haunt you for months when snippets fall into place. Ultimately, I think this is an allegory for the various shapes and flavors of relationships and I’m enjoying watching the FMC grow in ancientness 😉😏

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am utterly blown away by the uniqueness and style of this monster romantasy series. This book continues in the fledgeling Queendom with Perantiqua discovering her powers and growing in ancientness. She finds unlikely allies in princesses and princes turned pawns.

I was continually surprised by the motivations of the five kings and their never ending madness. I was unsure who would be the victor and what a Queen really desires. Definitely the most imaginative series I’ve read.

[Ruth Hinojos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book so much, all the intrigues, the heartbreak, the sorrows, the politics and the rise of the new queen and all that makes her her.

This series is such a unique story with a great world building and suh an interesting premise.

The plot thickens and we see much more of this world, if you love the first one this is not going to dissapoint.