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The Aisling Trilogy #3
The Forever Queen
Nowhere is safe for Aisling and Lir…
Standing before a hall of cheering fae, Aisling declares her love for their king. But a rain of arrows strikes the crowd, and celebration turns to slaughter.
Aisling’s mortal family ordered the attack. Their armies march against the fae with fire and iron, leaving ruin in their wake.
Desperate to save her new home, Aisling seeks a weapon that could turn the tide in the most ancient realm of the fae. In a land of gods and monsters, where magic hangs in the air like mist, a heartbreaking choice awaits her…
To save Lir and his world, Aisling must work an enchantment that will steal all her memories of him.
Aisling knows this sacrifice is more than she can bear. But as her enemies close in, and the fae kingdoms fall one by one to their swords, she can see no other way.
Can she uncover the deepest secrets of the past—and confront the fury of her kin—before her heart is shattered and her world is burned to ash?
An utterly thrilling and enchanting fantasy romance, The Forever Queen is the conclusion to an action-packed adventure in a world of fae and magic. With unforgettable characters, searing chemistry, and shocking twists, it’s perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Holly Black and Lauren Roberts.
See why readers love The Forever Queen:
“I loved this… I loved every single second… I couldn’t stop reading.” thenarnianreader_ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The best fantasy read of the year, hands down… Will have my heart forever. Beautiful… So captivating.” Abigailemilyyreads ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Will have you on the edge of your seat… One of my favorite fantasy series of ALL time… Truly amazing.” Bibliophilewillworkforbooks ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I really loved this... It pulled me in right away… kept me hooked from start to finish… I highly recommend.” NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Amazing!... My favorite series of all time.” NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Breathtaking… An emotional rollercoaster from start to finish… I didn’t want it to end!... Captured my heart.” NetGalley reviewer
“Blown away!!... Obsessed.” NetGalley reviewer
See why readers love the Aisling
“I absolutely adored this… Had me hooked from the beginning… Absolutely smashed it, especially with the slow burn. One of my new favourite fantasy reads ever.” Abigailemilyyreads ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This was so good!! I absolutely DEVOURED it and the main characters have my heart!!” Kylies.kindle ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“AMAZING! I’m still speechless!” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I devoured this… I am now obsessed… Phenomenal&
Standing before a hall of cheering fae, Aisling declares her love for their king. But a rain of arrows strikes the crowd, and celebration turns to slaughter.
Aisling’s mortal family ordered the attack. Their armies march against the fae with fire and iron, leaving ruin in their wake.
Desperate to save her new home, Aisling seeks a weapon that could turn the tide in the most ancient realm of the fae. In a land of gods and monsters, where magic hangs in the air like mist, a heartbreaking choice awaits her…
To save Lir and his world, Aisling must work an enchantment that will steal all her memories of him.
Aisling knows this sacrifice is more than she can bear. But as her enemies close in, and the fae kingdoms fall one by one to their swords, she can see no other way.
Can she uncover the deepest secrets of the past—and confront the fury of her kin—before her heart is shattered and her world is burned to ash?
An utterly thrilling and enchanting fantasy romance, The Forever Queen is the conclusion to an action-packed adventure in a world of fae and magic. With unforgettable characters, searing chemistry, and shocking twists, it’s perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Holly Black and Lauren Roberts.
See why readers love The Forever Queen:
“I loved this… I loved every single second… I couldn’t stop reading.” thenarnianreader_ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The best fantasy read of the year, hands down… Will have my heart forever. Beautiful… So captivating.” Abigailemilyyreads ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Will have you on the edge of your seat… One of my favorite fantasy series of ALL time… Truly amazing.” Bibliophilewillworkforbooks ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I really loved this... It pulled me in right away… kept me hooked from start to finish… I highly recommend.” NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Amazing!... My favorite series of all time.” NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Breathtaking… An emotional rollercoaster from start to finish… I didn’t want it to end!... Captured my heart.” NetGalley reviewer
“Blown away!!... Obsessed.” NetGalley reviewer
See why readers love the Aisling
“I absolutely adored this… Had me hooked from the beginning… Absolutely smashed it, especially with the slow burn. One of my new favourite fantasy reads ever.” Abigailemilyyreads ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This was so good!! I absolutely DEVOURED it and the main characters have my heart!!” Kylies.kindle ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“AMAZING! I’m still speechless!” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I devoured this… I am now obsessed… Phenomenal&
433 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 16, 2025
170 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Metzler
3 books36 followersAshley Metzler is a writer and illustrator known for her high fantasy trilogy, Aisling. Influenced by folklore, mythology, and Yeats, their work captures the magic of immersive storytelling.
Ashley graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in English Literature. She’s lived in over nine different countries and five continents, not including those she explores between the pages of books or the letters on her keyboard.
Ashley graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in English Literature. She’s lived in over nine different countries and five continents, not including those she explores between the pages of books or the letters on her keyboard.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
March 16, 2025
ARC read - 3/5⭐️ I was SO excited for this one and if I’m being honest, it just did not live up to my expectations. It had such a slow start that I was not anticipating since the first 2 books were 5⭐️ reads for me! It was still a nice ending to the trilogy. I found that I didn’t love Aisling as much in this book, and maybe that was partly due to Anduril. That stupid belt was getting on my last nerve. Lir was the star of the show for me. He can do no wrong. It was so nice to see him continue to fight for Aisling and defending her throughout the book. Overall this was a great trilogy!
Thank you to Ashley Metzler, Second Sky publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC.
Thank you to Ashley Metzler, Second Sky publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC.
May 11, 2025
*Arc review*
4.25...
Well that was fun. Although the Anduril element baffled me a bit hence why the lower rating.
Aisling was a tad insufferable in this one, it was Lir that stole the show for me, his character development was everything. He's my new fave book boyfriend lol amd I'm not even sorry about it.
The series as a whole i would recommend to anyone that likes immersive world building, fae, especially against humans and beautiful descriptions of just about everything.
I also want Aisling wardrobe, even that was beautifully descriptive.
Thank you Ashley i thoroughly enjoyed reading this series.
Thank you to Second sky, Netgalley and the Author for the eArc in exchange for an honest review
4.25...
Well that was fun. Although the Anduril element baffled me a bit hence why the lower rating.
Aisling was a tad insufferable in this one, it was Lir that stole the show for me, his character development was everything. He's my new fave book boyfriend lol amd I'm not even sorry about it.
The series as a whole i would recommend to anyone that likes immersive world building, fae, especially against humans and beautiful descriptions of just about everything.
I also want Aisling wardrobe, even that was beautifully descriptive.
Thank you Ashley i thoroughly enjoyed reading this series.
Thank you to Second sky, Netgalley and the Author for the eArc in exchange for an honest review
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March 11, 2025I’m…conflicted. I’ll come back.
March 13, 2025
WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT EPILOGUE???? I have to process this and come back later with an actual review. My heart is in pain and im so confused 😭
-----------------
Ok I've slept on it and gathered my thoughts. Im leaving my initial reactions above. Im so upset with this book. I gave this 4 stars because I absolutely loved book 1 and 2, I loved Lirs character, and I loved the dark classic folklore faerie vibe of the Seelie, Unseelie, and the fearie magic. I dont think this book by itself is a 4 star book, I still love it even though it definitely fell flat at times and hurt my feelings.
My disappointment, unfortunately started as early as the beginning of the book. The beginning felt so rushed and awkward. Lir and Aisling didnt feel like they were acting like themselves. And can we talk about Fionn???? What is up with him showing up and suddenly being helpful??? this was the strangest thing for me that I couldnt get over. He was so bent on either conquering or killing Aisling in book 2, him being helpful and apologetic felt so wrong. Even if it was for all of fearie kind, I dont think he would be selfless enough to help the way he did.
I also hated the belt. I hated that its name was anduril - thats way too close to Lord of the Rings for comfort. Im just glad it was a belt and not a sword. The belt also stayed on way too long. I am also not convinced wearing the belt is something Aisling would actually do. Shes been so conscious of faerie magic and trickery and now suddenly shes ok with ignoring all that to put on the belt?? just so she can be good aw sword fighting?? It just felt so forced and out of character to me. She has always known shes not a physical fighter and shes overcome her weaknesses with her other strengths throughout book 1 and 2 this felt off kilter to me.
The belt was bad but then the belt taking her memories was worse. Worse in that I didnt like it but it hurt my hear for Lir. The belt should have come off way sooner than it did. this plot line dragged on way too long.
while i dont hate the storyline of going into 'the other' to retrieve the goblet, I was really thinking there would be more of Danu, the Lady, and the mortals in this book. I wish there had been more of a showing of conflict between them instead of the strange dreams we get.
Once they go to 'The Other' I feel like the prose got its groove back and started to flow more and the characters started acting like themselves again, and things slowed down a bit.
I think Lir was the true star of this story. Lir can wax poetic and I love this seelie king so much. My heart ached for him this entire book. I am so unbelievably upset with how this ended. Upset because im so sad for Lir. This ending was so bittersweet and I hated it. But also upset because did this really need to happen????? Did Aisling really need to die???? I feel like we didnt need to go ripping peoples hearts out here. Also the baby????????? If the author reveals at any point that this is not Aislings baby I will riot. I'm so upset with that epilogue. Im so sad with how this story ended. I was ready to be ok with both of them dying but not with this. My heart is not ok with this.
Im so conflicted on this book. This 4 stars is all my love for Lir.
Thank you Netgalley for the e-ARC.
***** I CAME BACK TO CONFIRM. I SPOKE WITH ASHLEY AND IT IS IN FACT AISLING AND LIRS BABY, THANK ALL THE GODS 🙏🏻****
-----------------
Ok I've slept on it and gathered my thoughts. Im leaving my initial reactions above. Im so upset with this book. I gave this 4 stars because I absolutely loved book 1 and 2, I loved Lirs character, and I loved the dark classic folklore faerie vibe of the Seelie, Unseelie, and the fearie magic. I dont think this book by itself is a 4 star book, I still love it even though it definitely fell flat at times and hurt my feelings.
My disappointment, unfortunately started as early as the beginning of the book. The beginning felt so rushed and awkward. Lir and Aisling didnt feel like they were acting like themselves. And can we talk about Fionn???? What is up with him showing up and suddenly being helpful??? this was the strangest thing for me that I couldnt get over. He was so bent on either conquering or killing Aisling in book 2, him being helpful and apologetic felt so wrong. Even if it was for all of fearie kind, I dont think he would be selfless enough to help the way he did.
I also hated the belt. I hated that its name was anduril - thats way too close to Lord of the Rings for comfort. Im just glad it was a belt and not a sword. The belt also stayed on way too long. I am also not convinced wearing the belt is something Aisling would actually do. Shes been so conscious of faerie magic and trickery and now suddenly shes ok with ignoring all that to put on the belt?? just so she can be good aw sword fighting?? It just felt so forced and out of character to me. She has always known shes not a physical fighter and shes overcome her weaknesses with her other strengths throughout book 1 and 2 this felt off kilter to me.
The belt was bad but then the belt taking her memories was worse. Worse in that I didnt like it but it hurt my hear for Lir. The belt should have come off way sooner than it did. this plot line dragged on way too long.
while i dont hate the storyline of going into 'the other' to retrieve the goblet, I was really thinking there would be more of Danu, the Lady, and the mortals in this book. I wish there had been more of a showing of conflict between them instead of the strange dreams we get.
Once they go to 'The Other' I feel like the prose got its groove back and started to flow more and the characters started acting like themselves again, and things slowed down a bit.
I think Lir was the true star of this story. Lir can wax poetic and I love this seelie king so much. My heart ached for him this entire book. I am so unbelievably upset with how this ended. Upset because im so sad for Lir. This ending was so bittersweet and I hated it. But also upset because did this really need to happen????? Did Aisling really need to die???? I feel like we didnt need to go ripping peoples hearts out here. Also the baby????????? If the author reveals at any point that this is not Aislings baby I will riot. I'm so upset with that epilogue. Im so sad with how this story ended. I was ready to be ok with both of them dying but not with this. My heart is not ok with this.
Im so conflicted on this book. This 4 stars is all my love for Lir.
Thank you Netgalley for the e-ARC.
***** I CAME BACK TO CONFIRM. I SPOKE WITH ASHLEY AND IT IS IN FACT AISLING AND LIRS BABY, THANK ALL THE GODS 🙏🏻****
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2025
I am so disappointed in this book. I gave it two stars for the quality of the first and second book. Honestly, the final book fumbled the bag and it irritated me. The Anduril element didn’t make sense. It was too big of an idea in this book to have never been mentioned in book 1 and/or 2. Therefore, the story didn’t make sense and it felt like we reverted back to the beginning of book 1 when Lir and Aisling couldn’t get over their Sidhe and human differences. Also, I could never get my bearings when reading because transitions between chapters and scenes were very choppy. It felt like many new scenes/time jumps were prioritized over thought out long scenes. One moment we would be in the forest and in the next we’d be in the ocean, but then we’d be fighting. The ending lost ALL impact because the story wasn’t set up for it. The love and intention didn’t make sense behind the action didn’t align with the story. Without Anduril, I probably would’ve loved the story and the ending. We were just giving random crumbs from different foods at the end and expected to make a cohesive meal out of it. The series had so much potential and I’m disappointed that it ended this way.
Thank you to Second Sky and NetGalley for the ARC!
Thank you to Second Sky and NetGalley for the ARC!
May 7, 2025
I’ve been sitting on this one for a while.. Had to take a break and come back.
I loved the first book, second book was mid and then it turned into this?
I was very disappointed since the beginning of the book because for some reason both Lir and Aisling were acting completely different. The vibes were completely off and I had to take 2 week off to come back and push through. Then when I come back the belt situation happened🤦🏽♀️ why? This was honestly the worst thing possible, I was really annoyed and mad the whole time. It was totally unnecessary and I don’t get why author decided to put it in there. It stayed on for far too long which made the book dragggggg. It hurt me that she forgot everything because of the stupid belt and it hurt me to read Lir’s POV.
Also very disappointed with how it ended, but at least I finally can put this trilogy to rest.
**Thank you NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book, all opinions are my own**
I loved the first book, second book was mid and then it turned into this?
I was very disappointed since the beginning of the book because for some reason both Lir and Aisling were acting completely different. The vibes were completely off and I had to take 2 week off to come back and push through. Then when I come back the belt situation happened🤦🏽♀️ why? This was honestly the worst thing possible, I was really annoyed and mad the whole time. It was totally unnecessary and I don’t get why author decided to put it in there. It stayed on for far too long which made the book dragggggg. It hurt me that she forgot everything because of the stupid belt and it hurt me to read Lir’s POV.
Also very disappointed with how it ended, but at least I finally can put this trilogy to rest.
**Thank you NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book, all opinions are my own**
March 29, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Second Sky for providing me an ARC copy of The Forever Queen
Compared to books one and two of the Aisling trilogy this one was just okay. I was expecting a lot more from this book and sadly it just missed the mark a little for me. I’ll start with the good first though! I believe Ashley’s writing is some of the most beautiful and descriptive writing I’ve ever read. Every scene she paints so beautifully and the world she created for this book is stunning and I constantly wish I could live there.
I loved Lir in this book and the way he loved Aisling through everything made my heart burst but also made my heart break a little. This story truly was a story of loving someone through everything and Lir proved that a thousand times over.
I liked Aisling in this book I just wish we would’ve gotten a little more from her. The belt plot got frustrating and genuinely felt like it just lasted too long for my liking. I understand the reason I think but I wish it wouldn’t have been a thing, I didn’t really like feeling like we were back at square one after everything that had already happened.
I really really wish we would’ve gotten more of Lir and Aisling being “together” they were physically together for most of the book but their relationship was pretty much non existent until the end of the book, it was all just more of the same “I hate you but I’m pulled to you” type of thing and I was really hoping to see Aisling and Lir in love and being with one another in that capacity.
The side characters, though really amazing and I love them so much, weren’t really present for this book and I missed them a lot. Unfortunately, the end felt insanely rushed I mean the main event of the book happened in the last 10% and then it was just over?? And the actual ending was absolutely gut wrenching even though it was bittersweet
All in all I’d give this book 3 stars, it was okay, I’m glad I read it and I enjoyed the series as a whole for the most part. I will miss Lir and Aisling and the world a lot though.
Compared to books one and two of the Aisling trilogy this one was just okay. I was expecting a lot more from this book and sadly it just missed the mark a little for me. I’ll start with the good first though! I believe Ashley’s writing is some of the most beautiful and descriptive writing I’ve ever read. Every scene she paints so beautifully and the world she created for this book is stunning and I constantly wish I could live there.
I loved Lir in this book and the way he loved Aisling through everything made my heart burst but also made my heart break a little. This story truly was a story of loving someone through everything and Lir proved that a thousand times over.
I liked Aisling in this book I just wish we would’ve gotten a little more from her. The belt plot got frustrating and genuinely felt like it just lasted too long for my liking. I understand the reason I think but I wish it wouldn’t have been a thing, I didn’t really like feeling like we were back at square one after everything that had already happened.
I really really wish we would’ve gotten more of Lir and Aisling being “together” they were physically together for most of the book but their relationship was pretty much non existent until the end of the book, it was all just more of the same “I hate you but I’m pulled to you” type of thing and I was really hoping to see Aisling and Lir in love and being with one another in that capacity.
The side characters, though really amazing and I love them so much, weren’t really present for this book and I missed them a lot. Unfortunately, the end felt insanely rushed I mean the main event of the book happened in the last 10% and then it was just over?? And the actual ending was absolutely gut wrenching even though it was bittersweet
All in all I’d give this book 3 stars, it was okay, I’m glad I read it and I enjoyed the series as a whole for the most part. I will miss Lir and Aisling and the world a lot though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2025
A generous 2 stars for a book that left me so disappointed I did not finish it. Maybe it was because I waited well over a year for a third book? Either way, it had way too much information crammed into the beginning and a major plot device that made me want to scream. Metzler’s writing is still beautiful and lyrical. I will eventually return to it just to know how Aisling and Lir’s story ends, but I have way too many other books to read to force myself to get through this.
SPOILER BELOW
SPOILER
SPOILER AGAIN
IVE WARNED YOU
Two heart-wrenchingly wonderful books only for Aisling to forget Lir, her literal soulmate, because of a BELT? Come ON!
Thank you SecondSky and NetGalley for the eARC.
SPOILER BELOW
SPOILER
SPOILER AGAIN
IVE WARNED YOU
Two heart-wrenchingly wonderful books only for Aisling to forget Lir, her literal soulmate, because of a BELT? Come ON!
Thank you SecondSky and NetGalley for the eARC.
September 2, 2025
I had such a hard time with this 3rd book to the point of forcing myself to finish it and not really understanding what happened in like the last 25% of it until the epilogue.
April 1, 2025
ARC REVIEWER
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This truly a beautiful work of art. My heart broke for multiple reasons. Aisling and Lir was an amazing slow burn their love was beautiful and wild as their fire together ❤️. Also, Lir is a daddy material 😍. I am so happy I found this series that was recommended by @books_and_crafts and @mandy_bookingchaos. I have been so thankful to be a part of the ARC team for this beautiful book. The fantasy and world building was done amazingly. I cannot recommend this series enough to anyone who will listen. @ashleymetzlerauthor I have not loved a series so much in a long time. Thank you for building this fantasy world.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This truly a beautiful work of art. My heart broke for multiple reasons. Aisling and Lir was an amazing slow burn their love was beautiful and wild as their fire together ❤️. Also, Lir is a daddy material 😍. I am so happy I found this series that was recommended by @books_and_crafts and @mandy_bookingchaos. I have been so thankful to be a part of the ARC team for this beautiful book. The fantasy and world building was done amazingly. I cannot recommend this series enough to anyone who will listen. @ashleymetzlerauthor I have not loved a series so much in a long time. Thank you for building this fantasy world.
March 9, 2025
This book just really missed the mark overall for me. The romance between Aisling and Lir felt very lackluster compared to the previous two books. In my opinion their romance was strongest in the first book and then has gradually been declining. Their connection almost felt nonexistent at times.
I feel as if the story focused far too much on Aisling fighting the ancient artifacts power and her memories. I believe this is part of the reason that the romance was not as good. Aisling spent majority of the book hating Lir and viewing him as her enemy.
I also really disliked the ending. While they do end up together in the end, the other world prevents them from seeing each other except for one time a year. They also have a child together which leaves Lir to care for it forever since the child can also only see her once a year. It was not the typical happy ending that I usually enjoy from books. While I understand the reasoning for things to end as they did, I just didn't enjoy it. Thank you to Netgalley, Second Sky, and Ashley Metzler for an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion.
I feel as if the story focused far too much on Aisling fighting the ancient artifacts power and her memories. I believe this is part of the reason that the romance was not as good. Aisling spent majority of the book hating Lir and viewing him as her enemy.
I also really disliked the ending. While they do end up together in the end, the other world prevents them from seeing each other except for one time a year. They also have a child together which leaves Lir to care for it forever since the child can also only see her once a year. It was not the typical happy ending that I usually enjoy from books. While I understand the reasoning for things to end as they did, I just didn't enjoy it. Thank you to Netgalley, Second Sky, and Ashley Metzler for an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2025
An amazing conclusion to The Aisling Trilogy! I have lived and breathed these characters since the first book. The fact this was the final book did make me sad. I get so involved with everyone and everything I never want to leave these worlds.
The emotional rollercoaster I have been on throughout clearly wasn't about to stop with The Forever Queen. I tried my best to slow down reading this...if only to make the series last longer, in my mind anyway. It wasn't successful, Ashley Metzler's rich, vivid, and skilful storytelling just caught me in that moment in time again.
The superb characters had my heart in their hands as their stories came to conclusions that were equally as heartbreaking as they were uplifting. A Fae romance series that ticked every single box for me. This is one of my favourite series for sure. Thanks to Second Sky Books for the gifted ebook in exchange for my honest review.
The emotional rollercoaster I have been on throughout clearly wasn't about to stop with The Forever Queen. I tried my best to slow down reading this...if only to make the series last longer, in my mind anyway. It wasn't successful, Ashley Metzler's rich, vivid, and skilful storytelling just caught me in that moment in time again.
The superb characters had my heart in their hands as their stories came to conclusions that were equally as heartbreaking as they were uplifting. A Fae romance series that ticked every single box for me. This is one of my favourite series for sure. Thanks to Second Sky Books for the gifted ebook in exchange for my honest review.
March 24, 2025
I really enjoyed book one so much and had such high hopes for this series. I enjoyed book two but it left me feeling disappointed, and unfortunately this book lost me entirely. I still appreciate Ashley’s beautiful writing and her ability to create such a beautiful world. But certain plot lines didn’t feel necessary and some completely confused me and didn’t make sense. I feel like the romance between Lir and Aisling was pretty much non existent throughout this whole series. We would get bread crumbs and tension but nothing would ever come of it, and when it did, it was taken away. This book felt like we went backwards and I was personally hoping for something different.
I would have loved to see Lir and Ash work together with their magic to face the mortals in the war and to see them explore and navigate their relationship since they finally came together at the end of book two. Instead, the whole plot revolved around Ash and this belt that took over her mind and made her forget/hate Lir. The whole purpose of this belt, to help Ash be able to wield a sword to fight the mortals, which she didn’t even end up doing. And we didn’t get the ending I was hoping for, which I will not say so I do not spoil anything.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the eARC of this book!
I would have loved to see Lir and Ash work together with their magic to face the mortals in the war and to see them explore and navigate their relationship since they finally came together at the end of book two. Instead, the whole plot revolved around Ash and this belt that took over her mind and made her forget/hate Lir. The whole purpose of this belt, to help Ash be able to wield a sword to fight the mortals, which she didn’t even end up doing. And we didn’t get the ending I was hoping for, which I will not say so I do not spoil anything.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the eARC of this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2025
4 ⭐️
Still a good book, but a little disappointing considering I gave the first two books 5 stars each.
The good was still good: gorgeous writing, atmospheric, beautiful world building.
The reason I can’t rank this higher is a personal issue: I Loathe the amnesia troupe. I think a book either needs to start with it and we learn about their lost memories alongside them, or leave it out. Especially in the last book of a series, it feels like a cheap way to reinvent the tension of the previous books.
I was also disappointed not to see more of the side characters I’ve come to love in this entry. The plot felt wholly focused on Lir and Aisling and I missed the ensemble.
Still a good book, but a little disappointing considering I gave the first two books 5 stars each.
The good was still good: gorgeous writing, atmospheric, beautiful world building.
The reason I can’t rank this higher is a personal issue: I Loathe the amnesia troupe. I think a book either needs to start with it and we learn about their lost memories alongside them, or leave it out. Especially in the last book of a series, it feels like a cheap way to reinvent the tension of the previous books.
I was also disappointed not to see more of the side characters I’ve come to love in this entry. The plot felt wholly focused on Lir and Aisling and I missed the ensemble.
March 19, 2025
Thank you for the Arc NetGalley!
I was a bit hesitant in the beginning of the book, i have read book one and two and they where instant 5 start read. Felt there was something missing but then it grew on me. It to a turn that i really didn’t think and it’s refreshing to res a story that you can entirely predict.
Lir and Aisling gives Drogo and Khaleesi vibes.
The side-characters and world a bit Narnia with the talking animals and trees.
Highly recommend this trilogy!
I was a bit hesitant in the beginning of the book, i have read book one and two and they where instant 5 start read. Felt there was something missing but then it grew on me. It to a turn that i really didn’t think and it’s refreshing to res a story that you can entirely predict.
Lir and Aisling gives Drogo and Khaleesi vibes.
The side-characters and world a bit Narnia with the talking animals and trees.
Highly recommend this trilogy!
November 24, 2025
Disappointing ending…too rushed in the end 😞
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2025
I really enjoyed the first two books in the series and was looking forward to this final installment. Unfortunately it was not at all what I was hoping for. Anduril ruined this for me as I felt it took away everything that was built in the first two books, leaving Aisling and Lir completely different people to each other. The pacing of this book was rough, very slow at parts and then the ending felt so rushed. And the ending…while it wrapped everything up, was very disappointing. The writing was still good but overall this book fell very flat for me and I wanted more for Aisling and Lir.
Thank you to Second Sky and NetGalley for the ARC!
Thank you to Second Sky and NetGalley for the ARC!
March 31, 2025
This ending is the epidemy of all the feelings this series gave me and so genuine to the story but this HURT. I feel like I should process more but its been 2 hours and I can't not say whats on my mind anymore. This book somehow still gave me yearning!! WHATTT!? That 3/3 on yearning!
The characters were great. I wish we had more on the court members, but that is only because I loved those characters so much. Naturally, I'm feral for the MMC, and wow, were his chapters savoured. The FMC, however,.... I found insufferable, and it was hard to get through her chapters (in THIS book). BUT that goes in line with the story. It all makes sense now! The MMC's brother’s presence confused me a little bit. I don't know why he was there, but I am kind of crushing on him, so I’m not mad at it. There are so many characters in this series that I loathe, but they are meant to be loathed, and I adore that feeling.
The setting and the writing are top tier. I adore this world! It is so mystical and magical. I can picture everything so vividly because the author writes so beautifully and in such a lyrical/poetic way. I can't wait to read more of Ashley Metzler’s writing in the future. I'm just going to be waiting here, rereading my favorite passages until I can.
The plot lost me a little sometimes, but the ultimate goal was always clear, and the adventures and obstacles to get there were so fun!
Ultimately, this trilogy could not have had a more impactful conclusion. I don't think I will EVER truly process that ending, or maybe it’s that it hurts too much to think about. I am so happy that I have read this series. I always love new reads, but I never thought these books would become part of my prized possessions as they have today by requesting the ARC for The Mortal Queen.
"The Forever Queen" was so captivating, and I loved how the author emphasized how interwoven love and hate can sometimes be. There are so many passages that made my heart and soul ache; I could not forget them if I tried. I will be purchasing the physical copy asap to complete the trilogy and rereading these passages again and again in the future, I highly recommend starting this journey if you dare!!!
-Thank you so much to Netgalley, Ashley Metzler and Secondsky publishing for the E-ARC of this book, i'll forever cherish this journey ;)
The characters were great. I wish we had more on the court members, but that is only because I loved those characters so much. Naturally, I'm feral for the MMC, and wow, were his chapters savoured. The FMC, however,.... I found insufferable, and it was hard to get through her chapters (in THIS book). BUT that goes in line with the story. It all makes sense now! The MMC's brother’s presence confused me a little bit. I don't know why he was there, but I am kind of crushing on him, so I’m not mad at it. There are so many characters in this series that I loathe, but they are meant to be loathed, and I adore that feeling.
The setting and the writing are top tier. I adore this world! It is so mystical and magical. I can picture everything so vividly because the author writes so beautifully and in such a lyrical/poetic way. I can't wait to read more of Ashley Metzler’s writing in the future. I'm just going to be waiting here, rereading my favorite passages until I can.
The plot lost me a little sometimes, but the ultimate goal was always clear, and the adventures and obstacles to get there were so fun!
Ultimately, this trilogy could not have had a more impactful conclusion. I don't think I will EVER truly process that ending, or maybe it’s that it hurts too much to think about. I am so happy that I have read this series. I always love new reads, but I never thought these books would become part of my prized possessions as they have today by requesting the ARC for The Mortal Queen.
"The Forever Queen" was so captivating, and I loved how the author emphasized how interwoven love and hate can sometimes be. There are so many passages that made my heart and soul ache; I could not forget them if I tried. I will be purchasing the physical copy asap to complete the trilogy and rereading these passages again and again in the future, I highly recommend starting this journey if you dare!!!
-Thank you so much to Netgalley, Ashley Metzler and Secondsky publishing for the E-ARC of this book, i'll forever cherish this journey ;)
May 15, 2025
ARC Review:
This trilogy was so unique and I really enjoyed the journey it took me on. I became consumed with the world and was completely enthralled with where the story would go. I would think I had an idea and then it would take another direction. Lir is such a great MMC with so many layers that I really enjoyed uncovering. I literally just finished and if I’m honest I’m just a bit stunned. I do feel like it was so well done and I really enjoyed it all.
This trilogy was so unique and I really enjoyed the journey it took me on. I became consumed with the world and was completely enthralled with where the story would go. I would think I had an idea and then it would take another direction. Lir is such a great MMC with so many layers that I really enjoyed uncovering. I literally just finished and if I’m honest I’m just a bit stunned. I do feel like it was so well done and I really enjoyed it all.
May 16, 2025
ARC read- releases May 16, 2025
Updated with quotes- on release day!!
“The world will burn if we continue this way,”“And then, we will have nothing.” “Then let it burn,” “Let it burn so long as you do not.”
He, spellbound by her courage, her ambition, her will. By the savage, wild magic her smile conjured.
“Be your beauty a blade, let it carve me—violent, cruel, and without mercy,”
“Take flight, little wolf,” “Let no hunter catch you, no fox outwit you, no devil master you. Take flight, little wolf.”
That he couldn’t disappear because he’d rather live on with a sword in his heart than be without her. But only if the blade was forged by her hands.
———
In the final book of Aisling’s story she must gain the Gods favor in order to save her new home and end what was once her clann. What she doesn’t know is that it will cost her the King, her King. With no memory of who he is to her she must fight to save everything and everyone that she thought she could never love- by destroying the ones she used to love.
🌿👑🔥
I had such high hopes for this book. I loved the first and adored the second but I hate to say that I’m disappointed with this one. Not only is the ending rushed but it also just wasn’t satisfying. It makes sense but doesn’t at the same time. I get it but I don’t.
The whole memory thing goes on for the majority of the book, which I felt was too long. Aisling losing parts of her memory made her act just like she did in the first book and it felt really repetitive to me- I didn’t like the back tracking.
The first few chapters felt rushed and I felt lost most of the time. The next 3/4 of the book drags on with the same plot points and same memory issues and then the ending just happens. The end felt so incredibly rushed, I literally had to reread the last few chapters multiple times because I thought I missed something. I didn’t understand (and still don’t) how it ended, especially because I feel like there’s a lot left unanswered.
As much as this was supposed to be a series about Aisling, the last book really only felt like it was about Lir (who I adore but I feel like the last book should have been more focused on Ash). Not to mention the side characters that are so well developed in the first two books, who are barely in the last one at all.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC- I received this eARC for free and all of my opinions are my own
Updated with quotes- on release day!!
“The world will burn if we continue this way,”“And then, we will have nothing.” “Then let it burn,” “Let it burn so long as you do not.”
He, spellbound by her courage, her ambition, her will. By the savage, wild magic her smile conjured.
“Be your beauty a blade, let it carve me—violent, cruel, and without mercy,”
“Take flight, little wolf,” “Let no hunter catch you, no fox outwit you, no devil master you. Take flight, little wolf.”
That he couldn’t disappear because he’d rather live on with a sword in his heart than be without her. But only if the blade was forged by her hands.
———
In the final book of Aisling’s story she must gain the Gods favor in order to save her new home and end what was once her clann. What she doesn’t know is that it will cost her the King, her King. With no memory of who he is to her she must fight to save everything and everyone that she thought she could never love- by destroying the ones she used to love.
🌿👑🔥
I had such high hopes for this book. I loved the first and adored the second but I hate to say that I’m disappointed with this one. Not only is the ending rushed but it also just wasn’t satisfying. It makes sense but doesn’t at the same time. I get it but I don’t.
The whole memory thing goes on for the majority of the book, which I felt was too long. Aisling losing parts of her memory made her act just like she did in the first book and it felt really repetitive to me- I didn’t like the back tracking.
The first few chapters felt rushed and I felt lost most of the time. The next 3/4 of the book drags on with the same plot points and same memory issues and then the ending just happens. The end felt so incredibly rushed, I literally had to reread the last few chapters multiple times because I thought I missed something. I didn’t understand (and still don’t) how it ended, especially because I feel like there’s a lot left unanswered.
As much as this was supposed to be a series about Aisling, the last book really only felt like it was about Lir (who I adore but I feel like the last book should have been more focused on Ash). Not to mention the side characters that are so well developed in the first two books, who are barely in the last one at all.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC- I received this eARC for free and all of my opinions are my own
August 8, 2025
*Thanks to Second Sky and NetGalley for this eARC; the review is my own.*
Well, that was rude. I read a combined total of 1,350 pages for this series, and for what? The two-star rating is a gift I'm giving because I can't bring myself to lump it in with the few books awful enough to merit one-star ratings from me. After a rather excellent beginning with The Mortal Queen, the series fizzled out. The second book, The Savage Queen, wasn't on par with the first but was still enjoyable. I was still invested in the story. But this final book was a disappointment. I suspected partway through that I wouldn't be happy with it, and I forced myself to power through because I'd made it that far and was determined to finish it. Now I'm just happy that I'll be able to wake up tomorrow and read something else.
Let's start first with characters who are not our FMC or MMC. I'm not sure what happened to Peitho between the second book and this one, but she was no longer the fierce, resentful warrior she had previously been. That doesn't mean I liked her--in any part of the series--but it's like she was suddenly altered from someone who wanted to kill Aisling into someone who gifted her swords and brushed her hair. They're buddies now? Most of the supporting characters from the first two books were still present in this one (Gilrel, Galad, Filverel), but none of them seemed to do much besides wait on the sidelines to be moved around adjacent to Lir or Aisling. Aisling's father and brothers were obsessed with obtaining the cursebreaker through her death. I still can't figure out, for the life of me, what possessed Danu and the Lady to align with the mortals. It makes absolutely no sense. And all I can really say about Niamh is that I hated every moment of her existence in the book. Anduril, too. Stupid belt.
In a way, this felt like a second book. You know how in some series, the main characters get together by the end of the first book, encounter troubles that shove them apart in the second book, and then find their way back together in the third book? I was rather frustrated throughout this book because I as happy at the end of the second book, and this one messed with it. It also tore a very pertinent foundation of the relationship to shreds with just a sentence and then never addressed it again. What was that?
Moving on (because I'm getting too riled up this close to bedtime).
Aside from my complaint about the characters, this book dragged. Even the action portions and battles moved slowly and were cumbered by so much description and so many awkwardly written fragments. Yes, there was a lot of beautiful imagery, but it was so abundant that it obscured the story and drowned out a lot of possible dialogue.
Usually, I try to leave technical stuff out of my NetGalley reviews. However, having purchased and read an ebook of The Savage Queen from Amazon because I only received ARCs of the first and third books, I feel comfortable making the observation that Ms. Metzler either didn't have an editor, didn't listen to her editor (is that a thing?), or needed a much better editor. Either way, all three books (including the one I purchased) suffered from the exact same grammar, usage, punctuation, structure, verb tense, etc. issues. (One brief lesson: It is never correct to say, "[H]ers and Lir's powers"; you would say "Lir's and her powers." You could say, "The powers were hers and Lir's." "Hers" is never placed in front of the noun it modifies.) In the first book, I kept track on my Kindle, correcting things as I went along (in case anyone cared). But once I read the second book, it occurred to me that perhaps nobody did care, and so I stopped. Honestly, it hurt me. With most ARCs, I can overlook the majority of errors because I know they'll probably be caught and corrected prior to publication. But it was a struggle to let these slip by, knowing they'd enter the world as they were. Please, somebody get this woman a good team of proofreaders and editors. I'd offer to do it myself, but I'm not sure I'm interested in committing to another book if it ends in any way similar to this one.
How it ends:
Language: Not that I can recall
Violence: Fantasy violence, mildly descriptive
Drugs & alcohol: Faerie wine
Physical intimacy: An open-door sex scene, mild
LGB: None
Well, that was rude. I read a combined total of 1,350 pages for this series, and for what? The two-star rating is a gift I'm giving because I can't bring myself to lump it in with the few books awful enough to merit one-star ratings from me. After a rather excellent beginning with The Mortal Queen, the series fizzled out. The second book, The Savage Queen, wasn't on par with the first but was still enjoyable. I was still invested in the story. But this final book was a disappointment. I suspected partway through that I wouldn't be happy with it, and I forced myself to power through because I'd made it that far and was determined to finish it. Now I'm just happy that I'll be able to wake up tomorrow and read something else.
Let's start first with characters who are not our FMC or MMC. I'm not sure what happened to Peitho between the second book and this one, but she was no longer the fierce, resentful warrior she had previously been. That doesn't mean I liked her--in any part of the series--but it's like she was suddenly altered from someone who wanted to kill Aisling into someone who gifted her swords and brushed her hair. They're buddies now? Most of the supporting characters from the first two books were still present in this one (Gilrel, Galad, Filverel), but none of them seemed to do much besides wait on the sidelines to be moved around adjacent to Lir or Aisling. Aisling's father and brothers were obsessed with obtaining the cursebreaker through her death. I still can't figure out, for the life of me, what possessed Danu and the Lady to align with the mortals. It makes absolutely no sense. And all I can really say about Niamh is that I hated every moment of her existence in the book. Anduril, too. Stupid belt.
In a way, this felt like a second book. You know how in some series, the main characters get together by the end of the first book, encounter troubles that shove them apart in the second book, and then find their way back together in the third book? I was rather frustrated throughout this book because I as happy at the end of the second book, and this one messed with it. It also tore a very pertinent foundation of the relationship to shreds with just a sentence and then never addressed it again. What was that?
Moving on (because I'm getting too riled up this close to bedtime).
Aside from my complaint about the characters, this book dragged. Even the action portions and battles moved slowly and were cumbered by so much description and so many awkwardly written fragments. Yes, there was a lot of beautiful imagery, but it was so abundant that it obscured the story and drowned out a lot of possible dialogue.
Usually, I try to leave technical stuff out of my NetGalley reviews. However, having purchased and read an ebook of The Savage Queen from Amazon because I only received ARCs of the first and third books, I feel comfortable making the observation that Ms. Metzler either didn't have an editor, didn't listen to her editor (is that a thing?), or needed a much better editor. Either way, all three books (including the one I purchased) suffered from the exact same grammar, usage, punctuation, structure, verb tense, etc. issues. (One brief lesson: It is never correct to say, "[H]ers and Lir's powers"; you would say "Lir's and her powers." You could say, "The powers were hers and Lir's." "Hers" is never placed in front of the noun it modifies.) In the first book, I kept track on my Kindle, correcting things as I went along (in case anyone cared). But once I read the second book, it occurred to me that perhaps nobody did care, and so I stopped. Honestly, it hurt me. With most ARCs, I can overlook the majority of errors because I know they'll probably be caught and corrected prior to publication. But it was a struggle to let these slip by, knowing they'd enter the world as they were. Please, somebody get this woman a good team of proofreaders and editors. I'd offer to do it myself, but I'm not sure I'm interested in committing to another book if it ends in any way similar to this one.
How it ends:
Language: Not that I can recall
Violence: Fantasy violence, mildly descriptive
Drugs & alcohol: Faerie wine
Physical intimacy: An open-door sex scene, mild
LGB: None
May 24, 2025
It hurts to do this but I am giving this book 1 star because of the absolute let down this read was, and don't get me wrong even with as much as I didn't like this book Ashley's writing is still otherworldly and beautiful but that alone just couldn't save this book from being disorganized and all over the place.
The first two books in the series *chef's kiss* top tier writing, banter, chemistry, plot literally not one bad thing to say about them and then there's whatever this is.
-MAJOR Spoilers- *proceed at you're own risk* :(
First off the plot was just all over the place we see little to no interaction between the main characters with the side characters like we did before it's as if they don't exist/don't matter anymore, and for whatever reason Aisling gets a complete personality change as if any and all character development from the previous books is null and void quite literally a husk of what she was formally written as. Which I think is in part of Andruil's influence(HATED THIS BIG THUMBS DOWN TO THIS ADDED DEVELOPMENT) but what was even more weird and extremely out of character was Aisling just openly accepting to wearing Andruil's belt right off the bat(which is gifted from Fionn of ALL people) no questions asked completely ignoring the ulterior motives of the man who literally kidnapped/imprisoned you and tried to forcibly break the bond you have with your lover but alright he has good intentions with this magically enchanted belt that yeah can make you into an unstoppable sword fighting machine whilst you wear it but oh by the way it can also drive you into the deepest pits of madness but hey you can fight really good though (-_-). The entire book is just all over the place even the POV shifts between Aisling and Lir feel really out of place and at times don't make a whole lot of sense I found myself having to backtrack and reread passages to understand where we were in the moment like one minute we're in the mortal realm oop now we're in the Other oh! but now we're on a big mountain somewhere in the Other oop jk now we're back at the castle annnd we're kidnapped and we're in the middle of the ocean off the coast of a mortal city like okay whiplash maybe slow down a bit there and focus on one thing at a time. We also go back to them being 'enemies' ? because Aisling forgets all about who Lir is to her because Andruil is tainting her mind with thoughts that Lir is bad news and Andruil is slowly (but it's not slow at all happens within like hours of her first putting the belt on) stealing her memories of him and that's basically the entire book...not kidding, even the interaction between Aisling and Lir is minimal and dare I say...lackluster like there's no tension, yearning, fighting like we got in the previous books just...meh. But after Aisling finally is able to acquire the Goblet her and Lir are back at Niamh's castle and she gives into her desire for him removes the belt they make love she has clarity of Lir at long last (which her memory loss I feel never gets fully addressed it gets treated as something so minuscule it's not worth taking the time to acknowledge even though it played this huge part throughout the book but alright they're together now I guess) And finally 400 pages in we see the climax the final show down between Aisling and her father and brothers and it is...meh, like we spend the entire book watching Aisling use the belt to find the goblet at the expense of her love with Lir, which he faithfully stands by her side doing everything she wants because he is madly in love with her and whatever she desire's he will make it his life's duty to accomplish, only for her to destroy the Gateway (which I thought we were fighting to protect but then oh I guess we're actually destroying not saving or protecting) whilst Lir is slowly bleeding out and dying from Starn (BIG LOSER) taking Aisling's sword and impaling him with it, and so she and Lir use their devastating magic together to destroy the Gateway and prevent the mortals from entering the Other and spreading the taint leading to the end of the Sidhe and destruction to the worlds both Mortal and Other as we know it. Annnnd that's it that's the big climax which literally happens within the span of what felt like 4 pages with little to no dialogue and then we follow up with what I'm assuming is Aisling 'ascended' to... a god idk what she is now but she exists forever 'in between' the mortal realm and the Other bc the mortals and the Sidhe can never coexist in any timeline because it will always lead to death and destruction between the two so Aisling essentially forever separates the two realms when she destroyed the Gateway and she is now the watcher between realms I'm assuming, so all the Sidhe creatures return to living in the Other with Lir being the protector and watcher of the realm taking over Niamh's reign (again a character who played somewhat of a big role and her ending gets no acknowledgement whatsoever much like the rest of the side characters CARA WHAT HAPPENS TO OUR FOX FRIEND HELLO??) and mortals stay in the...mortal realm I'm still a little confused but alright work I guess. And since Aisling is neither here nor there every Samhain and Imbolc is when she is able to come to the Other to be with Lir but only on those occasions is she able to 'cross over' (?? okay i guess ??) oh and one of the times she crossed over she had her and Lir's child that she just showed up with on one occasion gave their baby to Lir and then it's over the end.
I truly am so disappointed with the way this book turned out. The expectations for this were very high because of the quality of it's predecessors only to be let down with a book that felt so out of place from the original plot filled with what felt like half-baked ideas, forgotten characters and character development, lackluster chemistry, poor pacing, weird time jumps and what overall just felt like a rushed half-thought out book. I still love the series and love the way Ashley writes and I look forward to reading more of her work just wish that this series had been 10s all across the board instead of being left underwhelmed and disappointed.
The first two books in the series *chef's kiss* top tier writing, banter, chemistry, plot literally not one bad thing to say about them and then there's whatever this is.
-MAJOR Spoilers- *proceed at you're own risk* :(
First off the plot was just all over the place we see little to no interaction between the main characters with the side characters like we did before it's as if they don't exist/don't matter anymore, and for whatever reason Aisling gets a complete personality change as if any and all character development from the previous books is null and void quite literally a husk of what she was formally written as. Which I think is in part of Andruil's influence(HATED THIS BIG THUMBS DOWN TO THIS ADDED DEVELOPMENT) but what was even more weird and extremely out of character was Aisling just openly accepting to wearing Andruil's belt right off the bat(which is gifted from Fionn of ALL people) no questions asked completely ignoring the ulterior motives of the man who literally kidnapped/imprisoned you and tried to forcibly break the bond you have with your lover but alright he has good intentions with this magically enchanted belt that yeah can make you into an unstoppable sword fighting machine whilst you wear it but oh by the way it can also drive you into the deepest pits of madness but hey you can fight really good though (-_-). The entire book is just all over the place even the POV shifts between Aisling and Lir feel really out of place and at times don't make a whole lot of sense I found myself having to backtrack and reread passages to understand where we were in the moment like one minute we're in the mortal realm oop now we're in the Other oh! but now we're on a big mountain somewhere in the Other oop jk now we're back at the castle annnd we're kidnapped and we're in the middle of the ocean off the coast of a mortal city like okay whiplash maybe slow down a bit there and focus on one thing at a time. We also go back to them being 'enemies' ? because Aisling forgets all about who Lir is to her because Andruil is tainting her mind with thoughts that Lir is bad news and Andruil is slowly (but it's not slow at all happens within like hours of her first putting the belt on) stealing her memories of him and that's basically the entire book...not kidding, even the interaction between Aisling and Lir is minimal and dare I say...lackluster like there's no tension, yearning, fighting like we got in the previous books just...meh. But after Aisling finally is able to acquire the Goblet her and Lir are back at Niamh's castle and she gives into her desire for him removes the belt they make love she has clarity of Lir at long last (which her memory loss I feel never gets fully addressed it gets treated as something so minuscule it's not worth taking the time to acknowledge even though it played this huge part throughout the book but alright they're together now I guess) And finally 400 pages in we see the climax the final show down between Aisling and her father and brothers and it is...meh, like we spend the entire book watching Aisling use the belt to find the goblet at the expense of her love with Lir, which he faithfully stands by her side doing everything she wants because he is madly in love with her and whatever she desire's he will make it his life's duty to accomplish, only for her to destroy the Gateway (which I thought we were fighting to protect but then oh I guess we're actually destroying not saving or protecting) whilst Lir is slowly bleeding out and dying from Starn (BIG LOSER) taking Aisling's sword and impaling him with it, and so she and Lir use their devastating magic together to destroy the Gateway and prevent the mortals from entering the Other and spreading the taint leading to the end of the Sidhe and destruction to the worlds both Mortal and Other as we know it. Annnnd that's it that's the big climax which literally happens within the span of what felt like 4 pages with little to no dialogue and then we follow up with what I'm assuming is Aisling 'ascended' to... a god idk what she is now but she exists forever 'in between' the mortal realm and the Other bc the mortals and the Sidhe can never coexist in any timeline because it will always lead to death and destruction between the two so Aisling essentially forever separates the two realms when she destroyed the Gateway and she is now the watcher between realms I'm assuming, so all the Sidhe creatures return to living in the Other with Lir being the protector and watcher of the realm taking over Niamh's reign (again a character who played somewhat of a big role and her ending gets no acknowledgement whatsoever much like the rest of the side characters CARA WHAT HAPPENS TO OUR FOX FRIEND HELLO??) and mortals stay in the...mortal realm I'm still a little confused but alright work I guess. And since Aisling is neither here nor there every Samhain and Imbolc is when she is able to come to the Other to be with Lir but only on those occasions is she able to 'cross over' (?? okay i guess ??) oh and one of the times she crossed over she had her and Lir's child that she just showed up with on one occasion gave their baby to Lir and then it's over the end.
I truly am so disappointed with the way this book turned out. The expectations for this were very high because of the quality of it's predecessors only to be let down with a book that felt so out of place from the original plot filled with what felt like half-baked ideas, forgotten characters and character development, lackluster chemistry, poor pacing, weird time jumps and what overall just felt like a rushed half-thought out book. I still love the series and love the way Ashley writes and I look forward to reading more of her work just wish that this series had been 10s all across the board instead of being left underwhelmed and disappointed.
June 23, 2025
The forever queen is the conclusion to the Aisling trilogy , a fae romantasy series that followed Aisling a human princess forced to marry the fae king of the forest in order to forge a peace treaty between their people.
*The rest of this review may contain spoilers*
I actually started this book in March but had to stop. The book still had the rich and imaginative storytelling as the others and it had the creative character depictions and immersive world-building as well. Where it fell short for me was the plot....
I'll confess I really wanted to read this one because of the cliffhanger in book 2, I thought that the voice calling Aisling to the otherworld was Dagfin and she would go find him and have some character growth and personality traits from book 1 but I was completely off the mark; turns out it was a new character Niamh calling her and she now has to get the favor of the Gods so she can replace Niamh as the guardian of that world. This book was so incredibly frustrating it felt like throughout this series it's been a constant case of one step forward , three steps back especially with Lir and Aisling's relationship. At some point the charcaters in a 'romantasy' have to actually get together and stay together. It was a constant back and forth between I hate you but not really between these characters and by the end of book 2 it became exhausting and I thought they had reached stability but noooo in book 3, Aisling the power hungry tyrant puts on some magical belt that stays on for 85% of the book and causes her to forget Lir *sighhh* so right back to square one. And on that note Aisling was absolutely insufferable, her whole existence revolved around amassing power to get revenge and it was never enough , nothing else about her is explored! I expected this book to involve her grappling with the impact of Dagfins death and the fact that she committed mass genocide but Dagfin was barely mentioned and she enjoyed committing genocide which was so unsettling for me I was literally like what the actual heck is this. I mean it was her family and clan that sold her to the fae but the fact that she has such an intense hatred for other innocent humans was actually insane. Keep in mind she commits mass genocide again at the end of this book. Speaking of the end , what actually was that , all of those long justifications and power hungry mania only for her not to survive and then somehow still have a child with Lir as a spirit!!! make it make sense to me cause I couldn't with this book. And it actually is so underwhelming because I enjoyed book 1 and it had so much of potential, this series could have been epic fantasy but it just fell not even flat, it was subpar. I just want to stress that it is okay for a female character to be strong and powerful but still be kind and caring that does not make her weak it is a testament to her strength.
***Thank you to netgalley and the publishers of this book for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review based on a personal reading experience. ***
*The rest of this review may contain spoilers*
I actually started this book in March but had to stop. The book still had the rich and imaginative storytelling as the others and it had the creative character depictions and immersive world-building as well. Where it fell short for me was the plot....
I'll confess I really wanted to read this one because of the cliffhanger in book 2, I thought that the voice calling Aisling to the otherworld was Dagfin and she would go find him and have some character growth and personality traits from book 1 but I was completely off the mark; turns out it was a new character Niamh calling her and she now has to get the favor of the Gods so she can replace Niamh as the guardian of that world. This book was so incredibly frustrating it felt like throughout this series it's been a constant case of one step forward , three steps back especially with Lir and Aisling's relationship. At some point the charcaters in a 'romantasy' have to actually get together and stay together. It was a constant back and forth between I hate you but not really between these characters and by the end of book 2 it became exhausting and I thought they had reached stability but noooo in book 3, Aisling the power hungry tyrant puts on some magical belt that stays on for 85% of the book and causes her to forget Lir *sighhh* so right back to square one. And on that note Aisling was absolutely insufferable, her whole existence revolved around amassing power to get revenge and it was never enough , nothing else about her is explored! I expected this book to involve her grappling with the impact of Dagfins death and the fact that she committed mass genocide but Dagfin was barely mentioned and she enjoyed committing genocide which was so unsettling for me I was literally like what the actual heck is this. I mean it was her family and clan that sold her to the fae but the fact that she has such an intense hatred for other innocent humans was actually insane. Keep in mind she commits mass genocide again at the end of this book. Speaking of the end , what actually was that , all of those long justifications and power hungry mania only for her not to survive and then somehow still have a child with Lir as a spirit!!! make it make sense to me cause I couldn't with this book. And it actually is so underwhelming because I enjoyed book 1 and it had so much of potential, this series could have been epic fantasy but it just fell not even flat, it was subpar. I just want to stress that it is okay for a female character to be strong and powerful but still be kind and caring that does not make her weak it is a testament to her strength.
***Thank you to netgalley and the publishers of this book for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review based on a personal reading experience. ***
November 15, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Second Sky for the arc of this book. my opinion is mine only 💌
once again I was hooked. the story telling was so wonderful, and the writing is so easy to keep up with. I remember having a bit of doubts with the first book, but as I kept reading I really enjoyed the story more and more!
first off, the arc that Aisling has is honestly a bit interesting. it goes up and down a few times, where there are moments I'm frustrated with her, and others when I completely understand her reaction. also the whole thing with the belt made me so UPSET but at the same time I understand why the author did that. it made sense for the story considering Aisling isn't a great fighter, and also to keep the story interesting. it brought a lot of tension between her and Lir and although annoying sometimes, I think it was super well done, it did get a reaction out of me and in the end it worked out.
she's still fighting with inner thoughts, but now that she's making a stand for herself it changes her demeanor and it's quite interesting to see.
now Lir, my sweet Lir. I know he's a nightmare of a king, something you'd never want to encounter and all that , but he's SO BABY in this book ,,my HEART! the way he longs for her but has to keep to his oath of being her protector first is heart wrenching. Everytime it was his POV I gotta say, the author gave us plenty. now his arc. I LOVED. oh my goodness. the more and more you see his love for her peak through as things happen, and as the days go by. the fight be has with himself to keep his composure but then it slips and she sees it and it makes her confused!! it's so good!! it really made my heart ache and I really sided with him in this book.
there's unfortunately a a few things I didn't feel that great about in this book. I felt like some things were rushed or not really acknowledged which was a bit annoying. especially towards the end with the ending, it felt a bit rushed and now really well developed, I feel like that fight was hyped up so much and then... it was just over? like nothing really happened. I was quite disappointed with that whole event, very anticlimactic. however I do understand the "ending" we get between Lir and his bride. I thinks it's the right level between being together and,, well... I won't spoil it. I can't quite give this book five stars because I do feel like this book is missing some meat on its bones, in terms of rushing through things, and expanding on topics that didn't feel like the author needed too.
let's end on a happy note. great characters once again, the scene setting was so yummy, and the adventure was captivating and easy to follow. I will without a doubt recommend this series to others, and hopefully purchase all the books for myself one day. it's genuine a good, solid series that I think it's 100% worth reading. I think both Lir and Aisling will stay with me for a while after finishing a book. and that's how I know a book was good to me. now go read it
once again I was hooked. the story telling was so wonderful, and the writing is so easy to keep up with. I remember having a bit of doubts with the first book, but as I kept reading I really enjoyed the story more and more!
first off, the arc that Aisling has is honestly a bit interesting. it goes up and down a few times, where there are moments I'm frustrated with her, and others when I completely understand her reaction. also the whole thing with the belt made me so UPSET but at the same time I understand why the author did that. it made sense for the story considering Aisling isn't a great fighter, and also to keep the story interesting. it brought a lot of tension between her and Lir and although annoying sometimes, I think it was super well done, it did get a reaction out of me and in the end it worked out.
she's still fighting with inner thoughts, but now that she's making a stand for herself it changes her demeanor and it's quite interesting to see.
now Lir, my sweet Lir. I know he's a nightmare of a king, something you'd never want to encounter and all that , but he's SO BABY in this book ,,my HEART! the way he longs for her but has to keep to his oath of being her protector first is heart wrenching. Everytime it was his POV I gotta say, the author gave us plenty. now his arc. I LOVED. oh my goodness. the more and more you see his love for her peak through as things happen, and as the days go by. the fight be has with himself to keep his composure but then it slips and she sees it and it makes her confused!! it's so good!! it really made my heart ache and I really sided with him in this book.
there's unfortunately a a few things I didn't feel that great about in this book. I felt like some things were rushed or not really acknowledged which was a bit annoying. especially towards the end with the ending, it felt a bit rushed and now really well developed, I feel like that fight was hyped up so much and then... it was just over? like nothing really happened. I was quite disappointed with that whole event, very anticlimactic. however I do understand the "ending" we get between Lir and his bride. I thinks it's the right level between being together and,, well... I won't spoil it. I can't quite give this book five stars because I do feel like this book is missing some meat on its bones, in terms of rushing through things, and expanding on topics that didn't feel like the author needed too.
let's end on a happy note. great characters once again, the scene setting was so yummy, and the adventure was captivating and easy to follow. I will without a doubt recommend this series to others, and hopefully purchase all the books for myself one day. it's genuine a good, solid series that I think it's 100% worth reading. I think both Lir and Aisling will stay with me for a while after finishing a book. and that's how I know a book was good to me. now go read it
May 24, 2025
Book review: 2.5/5 ⭐️
Genre: YA romantasy
Themes: fae, prophecy, doomed lovers, power
📖 Read if you like: The Hurricane Wars, Kingdom of the Wicked
Aisling and Lir have declared their love for each other and set the world aflame. With the mortals having new powers and destroying the fae kingdom by kingdom Aisling searches for a weapon that will grant the Gods’ favour and hope for a future of her choosing.
I wanted to love this finale as I enjoyed the first two books in this series, but there were too many flaws in both the plot and characters. First off, Anduril felt like a cop out to l redo the love story and create tension. It was such a large magical concept to just appear and read as an irritating and unnecessary plot device in my opinion. I cannot figure out why Aisling would trust Fionn, or why she would so easily let go of her hard fought control over her own destiny. I found myself disenchanted with her as a character. She came across as power-hungry and self-centred, and smart is not a trait I would associate with her, so worthy also became questionable. This all powerful sorceress became helpless once again, and it was by her own making.
The whole journey to the Other and why it could save the Sidhe was also confusing to me. We were jumping all over time and space and it was tough to follow between the POVs. I also thought Lir and Aisling’s interactions were littered with stereotyping and anger. It all felt repetitive to book 1 and the belt situation dragged on for too long. With Aisling forgetting Lir, the romance became lacklustre, though Lir continued to shine in his devotion. I did find it a little odd that he no longer cared what happened to the Sidhe, which is the part of the story I was most interested in. And all those well developed side characters I adored from the first two books were no where to be seen. I also didn’t understand why the Lady gave power to the Fire Hand knowing he would use it to destroy the Sidhe, thereby fulfilling the prophecy herself. Overall, a minefield of pitfalls and contrived traps.
This just really missed the mark for me and I found it hard to read with odd pacing. I am a completionist and needed to see this series through. The last 25% of the book was the finale I was craving and it had a satisfying end to the series. Overall, I liked Metzler’s creative world and enchanting writing with the first two books really shining. While I will always adore Lir and liked many elements of this series, ending on a dud is always a bit disappointing.
Thanks to NetGalley and Second Sky for this eARC.
Genre: YA romantasy
Themes: fae, prophecy, doomed lovers, power
📖 Read if you like: The Hurricane Wars, Kingdom of the Wicked
Aisling and Lir have declared their love for each other and set the world aflame. With the mortals having new powers and destroying the fae kingdom by kingdom Aisling searches for a weapon that will grant the Gods’ favour and hope for a future of her choosing.
I wanted to love this finale as I enjoyed the first two books in this series, but there were too many flaws in both the plot and characters. First off, Anduril felt like a cop out to l redo the love story and create tension. It was such a large magical concept to just appear and read as an irritating and unnecessary plot device in my opinion. I cannot figure out why Aisling would trust Fionn, or why she would so easily let go of her hard fought control over her own destiny. I found myself disenchanted with her as a character. She came across as power-hungry and self-centred, and smart is not a trait I would associate with her, so worthy also became questionable. This all powerful sorceress became helpless once again, and it was by her own making.
The whole journey to the Other and why it could save the Sidhe was also confusing to me. We were jumping all over time and space and it was tough to follow between the POVs. I also thought Lir and Aisling’s interactions were littered with stereotyping and anger. It all felt repetitive to book 1 and the belt situation dragged on for too long. With Aisling forgetting Lir, the romance became lacklustre, though Lir continued to shine in his devotion. I did find it a little odd that he no longer cared what happened to the Sidhe, which is the part of the story I was most interested in. And all those well developed side characters I adored from the first two books were no where to be seen. I also didn’t understand why the Lady gave power to the Fire Hand knowing he would use it to destroy the Sidhe, thereby fulfilling the prophecy herself. Overall, a minefield of pitfalls and contrived traps.
This just really missed the mark for me and I found it hard to read with odd pacing. I am a completionist and needed to see this series through. The last 25% of the book was the finale I was craving and it had a satisfying end to the series. Overall, I liked Metzler’s creative world and enchanting writing with the first two books really shining. While I will always adore Lir and liked many elements of this series, ending on a dud is always a bit disappointing.
Thanks to NetGalley and Second Sky for this eARC.
April 16, 2025
This series will forever hold a place in my heart. Not only is the writing exceptional, the world, the characters, the creatures, the attention to detail, weaving a tale so true to original folklore, it's simply magical, the way this author spun this tale.
In this final installment, while reading this ending (which, by the way, I hope it's not really the end of this series), I felt the same as when Elizabeth Swan had to wait years to see Will again, then for their child to see him, it was so bittersweet but such a lovely ending. This series just got better and better as it went along, especially this last book. Aisling grew, became stronger, and really came into her own in this one. I particularly liked the belt and the interactions between Aisling and Lir while she couldn't remember who he was. It was like starting all over, just meeting him, but this time, she was a total bad a$$ and Lir loved it. Yes, it was driving him crazy too, but he did everything she asked, regardless of what HE wanted. In this book, he really showed his love for Aisling and she for him, especially in the end. I have to admit, I wanted a little more at the end. A little more time with The Lady and more interaction with her clan, more of a fight, but I guess that's just because I really didn't want the story to end. All in all, if you want to immerse yourself in the TRUE lands of the Fae, THIS is the series to read. This author will have you on the edge of your seat, sometimes wanting to scream, sometimes wanting to cry and sometimes just sighing. Your emotions will be all over the place throughout the entire series. If her intentions were to leave a mark, well, she succeeded. Isn't that what a truly good book does? Not all stories have perfectly happy endings. In fact, most of my favorite books and movies have tragic endings. (Wuthering Heights, Romeo & Juliet, The Great Gatsby, Tristan & Isolde, Titanic, Pirate's of the Caribbean At Worlds End, Anna Karenina) This ending was tragic, yet still hopeful. So I will continue to hope, for Aisling and Lir's story to carry on. But if not, this will be a story I will never forget and like I said before, will always have a place in my heart. Even if it's slightly broken.💔
This will be an auto buy author for me. I've never seen writing quite like this before, and I look forward to her future works. This is most definitely an author to keep your eyes on.
In this final installment, while reading this ending (which, by the way, I hope it's not really the end of this series), I felt the same as when Elizabeth Swan had to wait years to see Will again, then for their child to see him, it was so bittersweet but such a lovely ending. This series just got better and better as it went along, especially this last book. Aisling grew, became stronger, and really came into her own in this one. I particularly liked the belt and the interactions between Aisling and Lir while she couldn't remember who he was. It was like starting all over, just meeting him, but this time, she was a total bad a$$ and Lir loved it. Yes, it was driving him crazy too, but he did everything she asked, regardless of what HE wanted. In this book, he really showed his love for Aisling and she for him, especially in the end. I have to admit, I wanted a little more at the end. A little more time with The Lady and more interaction with her clan, more of a fight, but I guess that's just because I really didn't want the story to end. All in all, if you want to immerse yourself in the TRUE lands of the Fae, THIS is the series to read. This author will have you on the edge of your seat, sometimes wanting to scream, sometimes wanting to cry and sometimes just sighing. Your emotions will be all over the place throughout the entire series. If her intentions were to leave a mark, well, she succeeded. Isn't that what a truly good book does? Not all stories have perfectly happy endings. In fact, most of my favorite books and movies have tragic endings. (Wuthering Heights, Romeo & Juliet, The Great Gatsby, Tristan & Isolde, Titanic, Pirate's of the Caribbean At Worlds End, Anna Karenina) This ending was tragic, yet still hopeful. So I will continue to hope, for Aisling and Lir's story to carry on. But if not, this will be a story I will never forget and like I said before, will always have a place in my heart. Even if it's slightly broken.💔
This will be an auto buy author for me. I've never seen writing quite like this before, and I look forward to her future works. This is most definitely an author to keep your eyes on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2025
I am very undecided about this book. I have to give the credit where it is due though. The mark of a good story is one that leaves you with it still on your mind and dang has this one but stuck in my head.
I had very high expectations going into this book because I enjoyed the others so much. I love the characters of Aisling and Lir and really love how their relationship has evolved from when they first met. I have also thoroughly enjoyed watching Aisling come into her own and be a queen in her own right. With all that said, I personally felt like some of the choices Aisling made and the power that she gave up for this part of the story were not what I wanted. For someone that was raised to always be cautious of the fae and their “tricks” by her father, it was odd to me that she would so willingly wear something to hamper herself and her ability to protect those she loves. It just seemed so contrary to how far we’ve seen her come. Maybe it was meant to be a sign just how far she’d come from the beginning of our story?
While I wasn’t a fan of all the plot points this time around, I have to overwhelmingly hand it to Ashley on the world that she’s created. I’ve always been transfixed by the prose and storytelling in the previous books, and was very excited to journey into “the Other”. It did not disappoint. The world just got deeper and the lore richer, continuing to give us a sort of dark fairytale version of the fae legends with a dash of gothic romance.
The epilogue of this is the other part that has me so twisted. Again, it was just not what I wanted for the characters. The epilogue made it black and white who was alive and who was not. Perhaps I was supposed to be comforted by the additional tiny whisper of a character and the peace the opposite character seemed to have with said events, but dang it was a twist.
Regardless of my feelings on certain plot points, the Forever Queen was a stunning conclusion to an incredible trilogy and I want to give a massive thank you to the author, Ashley Metzler and the team Second Sky for the opportunity to read this as an eARC ahead of publication!
I had very high expectations going into this book because I enjoyed the others so much. I love the characters of Aisling and Lir and really love how their relationship has evolved from when they first met. I have also thoroughly enjoyed watching Aisling come into her own and be a queen in her own right. With all that said, I personally felt like some of the choices Aisling made and the power that she gave up for this part of the story were not what I wanted. For someone that was raised to always be cautious of the fae and their “tricks” by her father, it was odd to me that she would so willingly wear something to hamper herself and her ability to protect those she loves. It just seemed so contrary to how far we’ve seen her come. Maybe it was meant to be a sign just how far she’d come from the beginning of our story?
While I wasn’t a fan of all the plot points this time around, I have to overwhelmingly hand it to Ashley on the world that she’s created. I’ve always been transfixed by the prose and storytelling in the previous books, and was very excited to journey into “the Other”. It did not disappoint. The world just got deeper and the lore richer, continuing to give us a sort of dark fairytale version of the fae legends with a dash of gothic romance.
The epilogue of this is the other part that has me so twisted. Again, it was just not what I wanted for the characters. The epilogue made it black and white who was alive and who was not. Perhaps I was supposed to be comforted by the additional tiny whisper of a character and the peace the opposite character seemed to have with said events, but dang it was a twist.
Regardless of my feelings on certain plot points, the Forever Queen was a stunning conclusion to an incredible trilogy and I want to give a massive thank you to the author, Ashley Metzler and the team Second Sky for the opportunity to read this as an eARC ahead of publication!
June 15, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free ARC in exchange for a review.
Oh boy. After really enjoying the first one, and being okay with the second one, this is a very disappointing end to the series.
There are some major, major flaws. A very big one being the choice of Anduril the belt being such a huge plot component. It was completely annoying and ridiculous. Aisling doesn't want to train to be a warrior, she puts on a mystical belt that a guy who was trying to kidnap her gave her, and then the belt thinks her husband is distracting and so forces her to forget him. This goes on for pretty much the entire book, and it's the stupidest thing ever. She could've just like tried???? The whole forgetting things seemed like a covenient way to attempt to rebuild relationship tension, but I genuinely can't imagine anyone enjoy the boring re-hashing of the first book.
Fionn is barely a character after he jump-starts all this ridiculousness and if you thought the plotline with Racat was going anywhere, you're wrong because we barely ever hear about him. Dagin the annoying is mentioned only once thank god, and Aisling's stupid annoying family is kept to a minimum.
Niamh is a terrible new character. She is completely un-understandable and not in a fun, chaotic way, just in a 0 consistency, clearly just doing whatever forwards the plot in the way Metzler wanted.
The ending is just stupid. So, so stupid, and I refuse to give it anymore thought than this Aisling's entire arc and idea of her own destiny is ruined and ignored. Also,
The first book wasn't great but it was intensely accessible and engrossing. This book just kept punching me in the face for wanting to enjoy it. I don't recommend, and what's worse, it renders reading the first book completely pointless. Don't bother.
One star.
Oh boy. After really enjoying the first one, and being okay with the second one, this is a very disappointing end to the series.
There are some major, major flaws. A very big one being the choice of Anduril the belt being such a huge plot component. It was completely annoying and ridiculous. Aisling doesn't want to train to be a warrior, she puts on a mystical belt that a guy who was trying to kidnap her gave her, and then the belt thinks her husband is distracting and so forces her to forget him. This goes on for pretty much the entire book, and it's the stupidest thing ever. She could've just like tried???? The whole forgetting things seemed like a covenient way to attempt to rebuild relationship tension, but I genuinely can't imagine anyone enjoy the boring re-hashing of the first book.
Fionn is barely a character after he jump-starts all this ridiculousness and if you thought the plotline with Racat was going anywhere, you're wrong because we barely ever hear about him. Dagin the annoying is mentioned only once thank god, and Aisling's stupid annoying family is kept to a minimum.
Niamh is a terrible new character. She is completely un-understandable and not in a fun, chaotic way, just in a 0 consistency, clearly just doing whatever forwards the plot in the way Metzler wanted.
The ending is just stupid. So, so stupid, and I refuse to give it anymore thought than this Aisling's entire arc and idea of her own destiny is ruined and ignored. Also,
The first book wasn't great but it was intensely accessible and engrossing. This book just kept punching me in the face for wanting to enjoy it. I don't recommend, and what's worse, it renders reading the first book completely pointless. Don't bother.
One star.
March 11, 2025
I absolutely adored book 1 & 2 but book 3 sadly fell flat. The plot was unclear at times. I didn’t understand some of the motivations at times.
Aisling is very unlikable in this book. A mysterious belt is gifted to her and although others told her not too she decided because she needed power to do what she wanted. The belt took over her brain and she forgot Lir.
Also poor Lir. This fae was done for Aisling and she always seemed to be running from him. He never really got the chance to have her wholeheartedly.
There were situations that could have changed the book, like where Lir and Aisling were on a boat together and fighting. Why leave instead of finishing everyone off? These two were all powerful, even with extra magic from the Lady the way Lir and Aisling’s magic came together should have demolished the humans.
This book was just everywhere. It didn’t finish things with Fionne. It set up something that may have been a decent storyline but forgot it.
The belt just became nothing after awhile. Oh and it’s not unbeatable because apparently Lir can over power it.
Lir running into the meadow like it’s life or death to get to Aisling. Why? She was doing what you wanted her to do. What was the rush?
Lir all powerful, can see things coming before they do get randomly stabbed by Aisling’s brother while everyone is just kind of standing around? Hmm. Doesn’t seem plausible.
The characters say and do things that don’t make sense. Ex: Aisling starts to seduce Lir then stops after he says “I am your ruin.” She then goes on to explain why he’s this bad guy. It doesn’t make sense.
This quest to get an item no one else has ever got is like legit easy.
I missed the burn of passion of the other books. I missed the Aisling that was vulnerable. I didn’t like her in this one. The one thing I did like was the adventure they went on. It was fun. The rest just didn’t sit well with me.
Also the end. HEA? Open to interpretation.
Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky for the ARC.
I was gave an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Aisling is very unlikable in this book. A mysterious belt is gifted to her and although others told her not too she decided because she needed power to do what she wanted. The belt took over her brain and she forgot Lir.
Also poor Lir. This fae was done for Aisling and she always seemed to be running from him. He never really got the chance to have her wholeheartedly.
There were situations that could have changed the book, like where Lir and Aisling were on a boat together and fighting. Why leave instead of finishing everyone off? These two were all powerful, even with extra magic from the Lady the way Lir and Aisling’s magic came together should have demolished the humans.
This book was just everywhere. It didn’t finish things with Fionne. It set up something that may have been a decent storyline but forgot it.
The belt just became nothing after awhile. Oh and it’s not unbeatable because apparently Lir can over power it.
Lir running into the meadow like it’s life or death to get to Aisling. Why? She was doing what you wanted her to do. What was the rush?
Lir all powerful, can see things coming before they do get randomly stabbed by Aisling’s brother while everyone is just kind of standing around? Hmm. Doesn’t seem plausible.
The characters say and do things that don’t make sense. Ex: Aisling starts to seduce Lir then stops after he says “I am your ruin.” She then goes on to explain why he’s this bad guy. It doesn’t make sense.
This quest to get an item no one else has ever got is like legit easy.
I missed the burn of passion of the other books. I missed the Aisling that was vulnerable. I didn’t like her in this one. The one thing I did like was the adventure they went on. It was fun. The rest just didn’t sit well with me.
Also the end. HEA? Open to interpretation.
Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky for the ARC.
I was gave an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
March 26, 2025
The Forever Queen is the final installment in the trilogy, and I went into it with exceptionally high hopes, especially given how phenomenal the first two books were. I was fully prepared to be blown away once again. However, as much as I wanted to love it, I have to admit it didn’t quite meet my expectations.
One of the main issues for me was the confusion surrounding the plot. It felt like it veered off in an unexpected direction, and not necessarily in a way that felt rewarding or satisfying. This shift left me feeling a bit disconnected, as it wasn’t the journey I had anticipated or hoped for based on the earlier books.
That said, I still have immense affection for these characters. They’ve been beautifully crafted throughout the series, and their stories have resonated with me deeply. Even in this book, their voices remained compelling, and I found myself rooting for them just as passionately as I did in the first two novels.
As always, the author’s writing style was stunning. The prose carried its signature beauty, and there were moments of brilliance that reminded me why I fell in love with this series in the first place. Unfortunately, despite the elegance of the writing, it didn’t have the same gripping effect that the previous books achieved. It lacked the emotional pull and the narrative momentum that had made the earlier parts of the trilogy so extraordinary.
Overall, while The Forever Queen didn’t quite reach the heights I’d hoped for, I still appreciate the journey it provided and the way it tied up certain aspects of the story. It may not have been the conclusion I dreamed of, but it still held moments that made the experience worthwhile. I’ll continue to cherish the trilogy as a whole, even if this final chapter fell a little short for me.
Thank you for the earc via netgalley. All thoughts are my own.
One of the main issues for me was the confusion surrounding the plot. It felt like it veered off in an unexpected direction, and not necessarily in a way that felt rewarding or satisfying. This shift left me feeling a bit disconnected, as it wasn’t the journey I had anticipated or hoped for based on the earlier books.
That said, I still have immense affection for these characters. They’ve been beautifully crafted throughout the series, and their stories have resonated with me deeply. Even in this book, their voices remained compelling, and I found myself rooting for them just as passionately as I did in the first two novels.
As always, the author’s writing style was stunning. The prose carried its signature beauty, and there were moments of brilliance that reminded me why I fell in love with this series in the first place. Unfortunately, despite the elegance of the writing, it didn’t have the same gripping effect that the previous books achieved. It lacked the emotional pull and the narrative momentum that had made the earlier parts of the trilogy so extraordinary.
Overall, while The Forever Queen didn’t quite reach the heights I’d hoped for, I still appreciate the journey it provided and the way it tied up certain aspects of the story. It may not have been the conclusion I dreamed of, but it still held moments that made the experience worthwhile. I’ll continue to cherish the trilogy as a whole, even if this final chapter fell a little short for me.
Thank you for the earc via netgalley. All thoughts are my own.
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