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Paper Castles Trilogy #2
Burned Queen
Red Queen meets The 100 in Burned Queen —the second in a thrilling New Adult Dystopian trilogy with royal power-plays, love and loss, and a fight for survival that will leave you holding your breath until the very last page.
Burned Queen follows a new queen’s fight to save her kingdom from two rival leaders as she’s forced to work with a former traitor to keep the world from ending—again.
Burned Queen follows a new queen’s fight to save her kingdom from two rival leaders as she’s forced to work with a former traitor to keep the world from ending—again.
- GenresDystopia
381 pages, Paperback
Published February 4, 2025
10 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Ember
3 books24 followersEllie Ember is the author of sci-fi and fantasy books for hopeless romantics who love reading about royal power plays and high-stakes political intrigue. Her debut trilogy, Paper Castles, is a love letter to the 2010s YA Dystopian books she grew up on.
From Young Adult fantasy to gothic horror, Ellie is always looking for her next favorite book. This variety of interests doesn't end with genres; after changing her major five times, Ellie finally graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Science in Library and Information Science. She completed an honors thesis on the political implications of language in dystopian literature, writing double the required amount of pages (*cue "Non-Stop" from Hamilton*). Beyond the pages, Ellie is a librarian who loves to explore museums and search for new gluten free restaurants.
From Young Adult fantasy to gothic horror, Ellie is always looking for her next favorite book. This variety of interests doesn't end with genres; after changing her major five times, Ellie finally graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Science in Library and Information Science. She completed an honors thesis on the political implications of language in dystopian literature, writing double the required amount of pages (*cue "Non-Stop" from Hamilton*). Beyond the pages, Ellie is a librarian who loves to explore museums and search for new gluten free restaurants.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 18, 2025
I typically avoid dystopian books and films. I refuse to rewatch The Hunger Games movies because they stress me out so much. But Ellie Ember has drawn me in, and I must know what becomes of these amazing characters.
Don't get me wrong. This book is stressful, and if you don't like violence or mentions of blood, it may not be for you. There is something that carries the story, a thread of hope despite everything the characters go through, that has me coming back for more.
This continuation of the story felt so natural and realistic. The pacing to me was excellent, and there were a few moments where I was literally grinding my teeth at the events on page. The build up and tension was riveting. I read the last few chapters with my fingers over my eyes (figuratively, of course), because I was so scared of how Ellie was going to end it! And that ending! All I can say is, I'll be looking forward to the third book's release, for sure!
Don't get me wrong. This book is stressful, and if you don't like violence or mentions of blood, it may not be for you. There is something that carries the story, a thread of hope despite everything the characters go through, that has me coming back for more.
This continuation of the story felt so natural and realistic. The pacing to me was excellent, and there were a few moments where I was literally grinding my teeth at the events on page. The build up and tension was riveting. I read the last few chapters with my fingers over my eyes (figuratively, of course), because I was so scared of how Ellie was going to end it! And that ending! All I can say is, I'll be looking forward to the third book's release, for sure!
November 7, 2025
I need the third book to come out asap!!!!
December 22, 2024
Ellie absolutely knocked this 2nd installment in the Paper Castles series out of the park. Burned Queen is full of shocking revelations, page-turning suspense, and real-life effects of trauma. Absolutely recommend this series.
January 24, 2025
This book! Ah! I greatly enjoyed the first book, Paper Castles, and had to sit down and read the next installment of the story. This book tore me apart and put me back together again. I felt so bad for Alexandria, and while, I didn't always agree with her choices, I understood. I loved how Ember described her inner conflict and the way she was able to keep fighting in spite of it all. Isaac is still my favorite character of the whole series so far. I just loved him and the way he took care of Alexandria even when she didn't want him by her side. All the twists and turns kept me gripped and focused while I read just to see if Alexandria and Isaac find some peace. (The slow burn is burning!) Don't even get me started on the ending! I was so anxious with how it might turn out and I'm still not sure I'm okay with it. I cannot wait for book 3!
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February 25, 2025This is the sequel to Paper Castles, and in Ellie Ember fashion, lots of twists and turns, alliances, and secrets! It was fun to follow the characters from book 1, seeing their development and discovering who they could or couldn’t trust. I definitely suggest you read book 1 (don’t skip it), or you won’t be able to connect or follow all that unfolds in this book. This one leaves on another cliffhanger; we will see what Ellie has up her sleeve for book 3!
Content discretions: kissing (no spice), no language, aftermath of torture, alcohol abuse, bombings and mass shootings, death of loved ones, drugging, grief, kidnapping, loss of limb use, self-harm imagery, terminal illness, violence, and death (self-defence and otherwise), mentions of vomiting
Content discretions: kissing (no spice), no language, aftermath of torture, alcohol abuse, bombings and mass shootings, death of loved ones, drugging, grief, kidnapping, loss of limb use, self-harm imagery, terminal illness, violence, and death (self-defence and otherwise), mentions of vomiting
January 6, 2025
Have you ever picked up a sequel that was totally unexpected but a completely natural extension of the first book? Burned Queen absolutely delivers, both deepening and expanding the world introduced in Paper Castles in a way that makes you go, "Of course!"
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Story: Ember wastes no time picking up four months after the end of Paper Castles, and the thrilling pace of the book doesn't slow until the end. I also love her use of dual POV in this novel. I know more secrets than the characters but I don't know the end game, and this book is as much intrigue as politics and action.
Character: Alexandria is such a relatable character. She's in a difficult situation, pulled in all directions, and forced to make decisions she doesn't want to avoid consequences she can't control. She falls back into bad habits and takes the world on her shoulders. It was also really interesting to follow Isaac's POV and get his perspective. He is someone who struggles to know what love is, at first equating it with blind loyalty but coming to learn that it's a choice. The other side characters are great. Raegan, the teen rescued from the first book, was such a sweet girl, too. Despite the antagonism, I also really enjoyed getting to learn more about the queens and the dynamics that Alexandria had to navigate.
Worldview: The first book was very light in worldview, with few mentions of God and none of them being beyond saying "she/he prayed". There was also a Catholic perspective, with a priest and confession, and that follows into this novel. Even though at one point Alexandria struggles with alcohol, she feels shame and condemnation. This book isn't a Christian book, but it would have been really nice to have Alexandria find hope in God. That didn't affect my rating though. Overall, the themes of the book are great. Burned Queen further discusses and expands the themes of book 1. We see how power corrupts, and how loyalties are quick to flip if garnered for the wrong reasons.
Content Notes: Where Paper Castles was the hunt for the throne, now the stakes are even higher. There are a few attempts on Alexandria's life, including a few bomb threats. There are mentions of violence, fighting, gunshots, blood, torture, and dismemberment (from bombs going off). All of this is handled well and with little description. I will also give a spoiler here that Alexandria, when she struggles with alcohol, she also starts to have nightmares and hallucinations. Part of these hallucinations are her imagining the people she's killed talking to her. There is also one instance of "damned", but it didn't bother me because it wasn't used as a curse word but to mean condemned. Here's the line in context: With the spilling of ink, she had either saved her people or damned them.
Overall Thoughts: Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I stayed up way too late to finish it because I had to know how everything was going to wrap up. I should have known it would end on a cliff-hanger, being the second book in a trilogy, but oh, well! If you're looking for high-stakes political dystopian world with themes of power, loyalty, and love, you would love this series.
Note: I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Story: Ember wastes no time picking up four months after the end of Paper Castles, and the thrilling pace of the book doesn't slow until the end. I also love her use of dual POV in this novel. I know more secrets than the characters but I don't know the end game, and this book is as much intrigue as politics and action.
Character: Alexandria is such a relatable character. She's in a difficult situation, pulled in all directions, and forced to make decisions she doesn't want to avoid consequences she can't control. She falls back into bad habits and takes the world on her shoulders. It was also really interesting to follow Isaac's POV and get his perspective. He is someone who struggles to know what love is, at first equating it with blind loyalty but coming to learn that it's a choice. The other side characters are great. Raegan, the teen rescued from the first book, was such a sweet girl, too. Despite the antagonism, I also really enjoyed getting to learn more about the queens and the dynamics that Alexandria had to navigate.
Worldview: The first book was very light in worldview, with few mentions of God and none of them being beyond saying "she/he prayed". There was also a Catholic perspective, with a priest and confession, and that follows into this novel. Even though at one point Alexandria struggles with alcohol, she feels shame and condemnation. This book isn't a Christian book, but it would have been really nice to have Alexandria find hope in God. That didn't affect my rating though. Overall, the themes of the book are great. Burned Queen further discusses and expands the themes of book 1. We see how power corrupts, and how loyalties are quick to flip if garnered for the wrong reasons.
Content Notes: Where Paper Castles was the hunt for the throne, now the stakes are even higher. There are a few attempts on Alexandria's life, including a few bomb threats. There are mentions of violence, fighting, gunshots, blood, torture, and dismemberment (from bombs going off). All of this is handled well and with little description. I will also give a spoiler here that Alexandria, when she struggles with alcohol, she also starts to have nightmares and hallucinations. Part of these hallucinations are her imagining the people she's killed talking to her. There is also one instance of "damned", but it didn't bother me because it wasn't used as a curse word but to mean condemned. Here's the line in context: With the spilling of ink, she had either saved her people or damned them.
Overall Thoughts: Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I stayed up way too late to finish it because I had to know how everything was going to wrap up. I should have known it would end on a cliff-hanger, being the second book in a trilogy, but oh, well! If you're looking for high-stakes political dystopian world with themes of power, loyalty, and love, you would love this series.
Note: I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2025
“Strength is not determined by one’s capacity for violence, nor their ability to stand alone… what do you want to do? Prepare for war.” ~ Burned Queen, Ellie Ember
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Happiest of publication days to Burned Queen!
[ARC received in exchange for my honest review]
This one is the sequel to Paper Castles, and follows on four months after the events of the Campaign, and boy, it really dives right in. As well as following the new monarch’s journey and how they deal with events old and new, from secrets coming unravelled and revealing themselves, rebellions, new kingdoms and alliances and several assassination attempts from every direction, the characters we know and love from Paper Castles are not having a good time.
.
I loved Alexandria’s journey through this one as she battled trauma, balancing allegiances with new allies and just plain surviving, all while being second guessed by the Dais and her people for every difficult choice she made. Isaac will forever be one of my favourite male main characters and his secrets and layers really kept you on your toes the entire tale. And the more I learn about Leianna, the more in love with her I become.
.
My jaw is on the floor after that ending and I need book three immediately so I can find out what happens next!
.
Happiest of publication days to Burned Queen!
[ARC received in exchange for my honest review]
This one is the sequel to Paper Castles, and follows on four months after the events of the Campaign, and boy, it really dives right in. As well as following the new monarch’s journey and how they deal with events old and new, from secrets coming unravelled and revealing themselves, rebellions, new kingdoms and alliances and several assassination attempts from every direction, the characters we know and love from Paper Castles are not having a good time.
.
I loved Alexandria’s journey through this one as she battled trauma, balancing allegiances with new allies and just plain surviving, all while being second guessed by the Dais and her people for every difficult choice she made. Isaac will forever be one of my favourite male main characters and his secrets and layers really kept you on your toes the entire tale. And the more I learn about Leianna, the more in love with her I become.
.
My jaw is on the floor after that ending and I need book three immediately so I can find out what happens next!
July 19, 2024
Beta Read Review: Wow! I have an acute obsession with this series, and I can't wait for the rest of the world to get Burned Queen. A spoiler free review that doesn't spoil book one too is so hard, but man. You go through a rollercoaster. We get more personal with all the MCs and close side characters, we have great new villains, reluctant new allies, and amazing new friends, while honoring all those characters we all loved so much in Paper Castles. I loved it. And I'm dying to get to the final book!
I'll write my full review when the book comes out, but I didn't want to leave this starless, because I for one think it's wonderful!!!
I'll write my full review when the book comes out, but I didn't want to leave this starless, because I for one think it's wonderful!!!
January 14, 2025
The Paper Castles Trilogy has become my standard for high-stakes, gut-wrenching stories. I was just as invested in the story as I was the first book in the series. Burned Queen is a roller coaster: I screamed, I cried, I was nauseous from the stress. But there was still enough hope throughout that I was able to say “that was fun! Let’s do it again!” by the end. I will be awaiting book three with equal parts fear and excitement.
February 5, 2025
Book 2 in the Paper Castles trilogy did not disappoint. Just as much intensity, conspiracy and heartache as the first. You truly never know what is coming next. This book keeps you on the edge of your seat as you watch Alexandria and Isaac fight battles externally and internally. I can't believe Ellie Ember made me cry AGAIN! J am holding my breath waiting for the 3rd and final book.
February 7, 2025
Can't wait for book three
I am in love with this story and the characters in it. Once I started reading and got back into the story it was like I never left. Alexandra and Isaac tear my hear to pieces with the slow burn building of their story and these twist and reveals...ugh. I literally cannot wait for the third book in this trilogy. I am fully invested
I am in love with this story and the characters in it. Once I started reading and got back into the story it was like I never left. Alexandra and Isaac tear my hear to pieces with the slow burn building of their story and these twist and reveals...ugh. I literally cannot wait for the third book in this trilogy. I am fully invested
March 15, 2025
Where do I start?
Ummm...this book absolutely captivated me from page one until the end. The cliffhanger/plot twist at the end was just twisty and I need to find out what happens next!
I love how this book is not afraid to tackle hard topics such as PTSD, alcoholism, and grief. It doesn't overdo it, but it doesn't shy away from it.
Ummm...this book absolutely captivated me from page one until the end. The cliffhanger/plot twist at the end was just twisty and I need to find out what happens next!
I love how this book is not afraid to tackle hard topics such as PTSD, alcoholism, and grief. It doesn't overdo it, but it doesn't shy away from it.
January 24, 2025
This book had so many highs and lows! Amongst so many twists and turns, there’s secret plans, new alliances, more enemies, and even some old friends. If you like espionage, court politics, and war, you will definitely enjoy this one!
January 29, 2025
Within the first few pages I could tell the writing was more polished than book 1 which helped to keep the details of the plot clear. There is a LOT that happens and everyone has different motives. I like how scrappy Alexandria is. Looking forward to book 3, because I need answers! ;)
February 6, 2025
Another fun read. Left me with a lot questions, and I'm looking forward to book 3 when it releases at some point! I love the characters, and even more so, the character development that happens throughout the book. The ending was ... very well done.
February 24, 2025
“Her kingdom could be dust when she returned, all memory that they had ever been there carried off by the wind. Every heartbreak and trial would wash away, but the love would, too. The parties and kisses and campfires. That’s what she had to save.” ⚔️🩸👑 🌊🧡👸🏼
A big thank you to @ellieemberwrites for the ARC of Burned Queen. I prepared myself by first listening to Paper Castles, and WOAH is this story a wild ride. I don’t usually drift toward dystopian novels, but this series is deliciously intense and I’m so looking forward to reading the book in the trilogy!! 🧡
In Paper Castles(see last slide), Alexandria Redmond is named the heir to the throne after the queen’s assassination. However, in their kingdom, they have The Campaign, in which the heir is treated as a fugitive as they make their way to the throne, and anyone can kill the heir, claiming the crown for themselves. Alexandria runs and fights for her life, gaining allies and enemies simultaneously.
In Burned Queen, Alexandria is still warming up to royalty(spoilers 😜). Two enemy queens thwart her every move to protect her people and ensure a peaceful future for her kingdom. These two novels are full of action, deception, romantic tension, and a protagonist who is forced to make the difficult decisions that only one in power can.
The second book ended on quite the cliffhanger, so I’m dying a little bit inside, knowing how long it’ll be before finding out how this intense story concludes 🤣 The suspenseful moments and shocking revelations, along with the slowwww burn romance, made this a duo I’ll be excited to return to when it’s a completed trilogy. 🧡
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
A big thank you to @ellieemberwrites for the ARC of Burned Queen. I prepared myself by first listening to Paper Castles, and WOAH is this story a wild ride. I don’t usually drift toward dystopian novels, but this series is deliciously intense and I’m so looking forward to reading the book in the trilogy!! 🧡
In Paper Castles(see last slide), Alexandria Redmond is named the heir to the throne after the queen’s assassination. However, in their kingdom, they have The Campaign, in which the heir is treated as a fugitive as they make their way to the throne, and anyone can kill the heir, claiming the crown for themselves. Alexandria runs and fights for her life, gaining allies and enemies simultaneously.
In Burned Queen, Alexandria is still warming up to royalty(spoilers 😜). Two enemy queens thwart her every move to protect her people and ensure a peaceful future for her kingdom. These two novels are full of action, deception, romantic tension, and a protagonist who is forced to make the difficult decisions that only one in power can.
The second book ended on quite the cliffhanger, so I’m dying a little bit inside, knowing how long it’ll be before finding out how this intense story concludes 🤣 The suspenseful moments and shocking revelations, along with the slowwww burn romance, made this a duo I’ll be excited to return to when it’s a completed trilogy. 🧡
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
June 6, 2025
4.5 stars!
This was a great sequel with so many new characters, new conflicts, and as expected, lots of twists. I didn’t know where the story was going, but it was enjoyable.
This book takes place months after the end of the first one. Alexandria is a completely different person from before, which makes perfect sense, considering the position she’s been thrust into. Not only that, the situation she has to deal with is so much worse than anyone could have thought. As a queen, Alexandria wants to do what’s best to help her people, yet she’s forced into situations where her people may be harmed for the sake of the nation. The dilemma that Alexandria faces is evident throughout the book. I felt that it made her character real and relatable. She isn’t a heroine who runs straight into every situation. Instead, she’s vulnerable, scared, and feels worthless. Despite everything, she still tries her best. Mentally and physically, she isn’t in the best place, yet her dedication to her people is undying. In a way, I thought Alexandria was very admirable. Her character growth throughout the story is definitely evident.
Like the first book, the romance in this one isn’t the focus, but relationships amongst people drive the plot. There’s romance (I love Isaac 😁), friendship (betrayal???), family (secrets, secrets, and more secrets), and so much more. There’s mysteries about identity and history. The combination of all these elements made for an increasingly interesting story.
The ending was sooo intense 😭. I was so scared and confused, but the epilogue SAVED me. There’s still so many issues, but the one I cared about most was kinda resolved in the epilogue 😮💨. So glad I won’t have to wait until the last book for that one (it’s a spoiler, hence the vague explanation 😋).
Overall, 100% looking forward to the finale of the trilogy. I can’t wait for more mysteries to be solved, secrets to be revealed, maybe betrayals?? (this is a joke, please don’t do that to me 🥺).
Thank you to the author for the eARC! All opinions are my own.
This was a great sequel with so many new characters, new conflicts, and as expected, lots of twists. I didn’t know where the story was going, but it was enjoyable.
This book takes place months after the end of the first one. Alexandria is a completely different person from before, which makes perfect sense, considering the position she’s been thrust into. Not only that, the situation she has to deal with is so much worse than anyone could have thought. As a queen, Alexandria wants to do what’s best to help her people, yet she’s forced into situations where her people may be harmed for the sake of the nation. The dilemma that Alexandria faces is evident throughout the book. I felt that it made her character real and relatable. She isn’t a heroine who runs straight into every situation. Instead, she’s vulnerable, scared, and feels worthless. Despite everything, she still tries her best. Mentally and physically, she isn’t in the best place, yet her dedication to her people is undying. In a way, I thought Alexandria was very admirable. Her character growth throughout the story is definitely evident.
Like the first book, the romance in this one isn’t the focus, but relationships amongst people drive the plot. There’s romance (I love Isaac 😁), friendship (betrayal???), family (secrets, secrets, and more secrets), and so much more. There’s mysteries about identity and history. The combination of all these elements made for an increasingly interesting story.
The ending was sooo intense 😭. I was so scared and confused, but the epilogue SAVED me. There’s still so many issues, but the one I cared about most was kinda resolved in the epilogue 😮💨. So glad I won’t have to wait until the last book for that one (it’s a spoiler, hence the vague explanation 😋).
Overall, 100% looking forward to the finale of the trilogy. I can’t wait for more mysteries to be solved, secrets to be revealed, maybe betrayals?? (this is a joke, please don’t do that to me 🥺).
Thank you to the author for the eARC! All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews