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The Queen Trials #8
Crown of Rust and Ruin: The Queen Trials, Book 8
Clio has everything she needs to end King Ergondy's reign forever... except the opportunity. Now she's fighting to stay on top as King Ergondy uses a "glistening powder shortage" and an intensified Forever War to justify changing all the rules. Clio knows that if the king dismisses her, she'll never go home. Instead she'll live the rest of her life in the dungeons, feeding his insatiable appetite with her powerful feelings. Clio must survive to the bitter end, and even then, that might not be enough.
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Published December 27, 2024
95 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Penelope Wright
53 books70 followersPenelope Wright spent a quarter of her life on the east coast and the rest in Washington state. She worked her way through college in restaurants, hospitals, factories, and everything in between, finally graduating summa cum laude from the University of Washington after an absurdly long time. She loves both traditions and new experiences, and will try anything once, except skydiving, which is a hard no. She lives north of Seattle with her husband and two amazing teenagers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 5, 2025
This was a great ending to the series but the ending felt almost a bit anti climactic with the Harry Potter esque epilogue.
April 30, 2025
Awesome Finale!
This book was packed with expectation and fast paced drama throughout the book. Once I got towards the end, simply couldn’t stop reading. I experienced everything from tears to laughter. I can’t wait for the spin off that comes out in December.
This book was packed with expectation and fast paced drama throughout the book. Once I got towards the end, simply couldn’t stop reading. I experienced everything from tears to laughter. I can’t wait for the spin off that comes out in December.
May 5, 2025
Possible spoilers...don't read on if you don't want them.
This series just got worse as I read and the last book was the hardest to read. Most of it just reiterated everything that happened throughout the rest of the books. It felt like half the book was a retelling...and not just one retelling. Things were repeated more than once in the same book. It dragged out and seemed to be lost at times.
Spoiler piece...I was disappointed because in a previous book (can't recall which one), there was mention that Clio would need Relicant to defeat Ergondy. That didn't really seem to happen. He took in majerg, but that doesn't really seem like a key element in my opinion. I thought they would have to work together, but Relicant as a character seemed somewhat helpless. I love a strong female character, but that doesn't require others around her to be less. The ending was disappointing because everything was so drawn out and then there wasn't much to the fight.
I also don't really understand Windlha's character in this book. I get she wanted to protect Relicant, but her death seemed pointless. It didn't make anyone do anything different. The two main characters it would have impacted most had their memories wiped so, other than hearing she was dead, it really didn't do anything.
Last, I didn't understand the need for the last book. I think it could have been over in the previous book. I did not see how it enhanced the story to make the competition go on. That just seemed to drag things out even more. Clio had everything she needed to kill Ergondy at the end of the previous book. Why make them cut down to one queen? It also doesn't make sense even with gabite diminished, but why would Ergondy care? He's just going to drain them all and he could just douse them in the powder leftover to make sure none of them had spores. Ugh! This series started out good, but just worse as it went along.
This series just got worse as I read and the last book was the hardest to read. Most of it just reiterated everything that happened throughout the rest of the books. It felt like half the book was a retelling...and not just one retelling. Things were repeated more than once in the same book. It dragged out and seemed to be lost at times.
Spoiler piece...I was disappointed because in a previous book (can't recall which one), there was mention that Clio would need Relicant to defeat Ergondy. That didn't really seem to happen. He took in majerg, but that doesn't really seem like a key element in my opinion. I thought they would have to work together, but Relicant as a character seemed somewhat helpless. I love a strong female character, but that doesn't require others around her to be less. The ending was disappointing because everything was so drawn out and then there wasn't much to the fight.
I also don't really understand Windlha's character in this book. I get she wanted to protect Relicant, but her death seemed pointless. It didn't make anyone do anything different. The two main characters it would have impacted most had their memories wiped so, other than hearing she was dead, it really didn't do anything.
Last, I didn't understand the need for the last book. I think it could have been over in the previous book. I did not see how it enhanced the story to make the competition go on. That just seemed to drag things out even more. Clio had everything she needed to kill Ergondy at the end of the previous book. Why make them cut down to one queen? It also doesn't make sense even with gabite diminished, but why would Ergondy care? He's just going to drain them all and he could just douse them in the powder leftover to make sure none of them had spores. Ugh! This series started out good, but just worse as it went along.
August 10, 2025
Too many details
Way tooo many details & characters, but not enough character development beyond Clio’s constant savior complex & abilities, such as why have a handsome prince love interest to only flit in over 8 books? Lots of good ideas beyond Hunger Games theme idea. Skimmed & skipped through over half of the books kept thinking it would get better. It didn’t.
Way tooo many details & characters, but not enough character development beyond Clio’s constant savior complex & abilities, such as why have a handsome prince love interest to only flit in over 8 books? Lots of good ideas beyond Hunger Games theme idea. Skimmed & skipped through over half of the books kept thinking it would get better. It didn’t.
January 18, 2025
ending felt rushed
After 8 books of struggle, we get maybe 10 pages of an ending. An extended epilogue or at least a couple of chapters would be great! Like the new kings wedding, then maybe the kids being released, or meeting back with her brother, etc. maybe how the war ended. It was just flat and summarized in one sentence
After 8 books of struggle, we get maybe 10 pages of an ending. An extended epilogue or at least a couple of chapters would be great! Like the new kings wedding, then maybe the kids being released, or meeting back with her brother, etc. maybe how the war ended. It was just flat and summarized in one sentence
June 14, 2025
Worst love story ever
There is a lot more than a love story, but that part was so terrible I just can't even explain.
The world building was weak. I liked the characters and those were okay. But there was so much wrong with this series it would take a novel to write it out.
There is a lot more than a love story, but that part was so terrible I just can't even explain.
The world building was weak. I liked the characters and those were okay. But there was so much wrong with this series it would take a novel to write it out.
October 28, 2025
I got down to 20 minutes left in the story and was still wondering how the author was going to pull off a conclusion and second guessing it being the final book. It is the final book, though the ending was quick. Arguably, too quick. There was A LOT of build up for a couple of pages. Eight books of build up in fact. I really did love this book, but must not a few things that did frustrate me. Prince Relicant seems helpless in this book. I get it based on what is going on, but also, I kind of don't? It just made him feel incompetent to me...which yes, oh big strong female can do it herself and doesn't NEED a man. Okay. but this his role feels more contrived. I feel like Clio deserves an equal, and Prince Relicant was not giving in this. I think a longer ending where he played a greater role may have helped alleviate some of these feelings on the matter.
Also, I felt like the death was unnecessary. A lot of answers to questions died with her and just why? What would it have hurt if she had been there through the rest of the book? The change and mood and tone from that whole scene just put me off for a bit. it wasn't my favorite.
Those criticisms out there, I did enjoy the book and it certainly kept things interesting! I liked the ending, though after waiting eight books to really see Clio and Relicant together, I feel bummed we really didn't get that so I hope there is some kind of follow up at some point.
Also, I felt like the death was unnecessary. A lot of answers to questions died with her and just why? What would it have hurt if she had been there through the rest of the book? The change and mood and tone from that whole scene just put me off for a bit. it wasn't my favorite.
Those criticisms out there, I did enjoy the book and it certainly kept things interesting! I liked the ending, though after waiting eight books to really see Clio and Relicant together, I feel bummed we really didn't get that so I hope there is some kind of follow up at some point.
January 7, 2025
5⭐️ (minor spoilers ahead) What a finish! The entire series has been a wild ride but this one tops them all. The conclusion to Clio’s story is well written and intriguing, keeping the reader at the edge of their seat throughout the entire book. I have come to care for so many characters in this series and was not disappointed with their endings. And the less savory characters finally getting their due was highly satisfying (I’m looking at you, Glory and Dracon!). Overall, this was an amazing book which perfectly concludes an addictive series. My only concern is what will I read now?! But I know Penelope has more amazing stories to come!
June 28, 2025
4.25 rounded down. I binged this series SO quickly which is a testament to how enjoyable the world-building was. Overall, I had a fun time reading these books, and they were short enough to speed through fairly quick! The only thing I will say is that I think this series could use a good bit of editing. The bones are all there, but I think it could be edited down into less (albeit longer) books and there were some inconsistencies that could be resolved to make the story a bit easier to read. That being said, if you want a fun Hunger Games meets reality tv (The Bachelor) series to read, definitely give this a try!
December 28, 2024
Needs proofreading and character resolution
I’m okay with the story and the ending but the conclusion seems rushed. I wish there had been a more protracted explanation of what happened to characters we were invested in. We received agonizing detail in other parts of the story but then within pages, it’s over. I actually began to think there may be another book because of how late the final power struggle occurred.
I’m okay with the story and the ending but the conclusion seems rushed. I wish there had been a more protracted explanation of what happened to characters we were invested in. We received agonizing detail in other parts of the story but then within pages, it’s over. I actually began to think there may be another book because of how late the final power struggle occurred.
March 26, 2025
excellent story
This captivating 8 book story takes us through great intrigue, mystery, challenges, self discovery, battles between good and evil, finding friendships and love and finally resolving to find peace and balance. I loved every moment. The characters are each unique and have depth. A reader can relate to even the plight of the enemy making this a full spectrum story that you cannot put down.
This captivating 8 book story takes us through great intrigue, mystery, challenges, self discovery, battles between good and evil, finding friendships and love and finally resolving to find peace and balance. I loved every moment. The characters are each unique and have depth. A reader can relate to even the plight of the enemy making this a full spectrum story that you cannot put down.
January 1, 2025
Fantastic series!
I practically devoured this series as I finished reading the entire 8 books within a week; it was that engaging! The world building and storyline kept me fascinated throughout. I am not a teenager, but an adult way past her prime, and it resonated with me. I was sorry to have it end. Loved it!
I practically devoured this series as I finished reading the entire 8 books within a week; it was that engaging! The world building and storyline kept me fascinated throughout. I am not a teenager, but an adult way past her prime, and it resonated with me. I was sorry to have it end. Loved it!
January 16, 2025
I love this book! (Also I'm not a bot)
This is an astonishing finale to one of the best series that I have ever read! It has so many twists and turns that I would have never expected and I loved it so so so much! 😍 Everything is just so amazing, and it was worth waiting 10 months for it to be published after I finished the first 7 books.
This is an astonishing finale to one of the best series that I have ever read! It has so many twists and turns that I would have never expected and I loved it so so so much! 😍 Everything is just so amazing, and it was worth waiting 10 months for it to be published after I finished the first 7 books.
January 24, 2025
So satisfying! The ending to the series is full of action and tension. You're not sure if it's going to pan out until the last five chapters. I wish there were a few more chapters of Prince R and her and maybe some explanation on how Snow was released, etc. But overall, I was happy with the outcome.
March 10, 2025
Action packed!
The plot was fast paced and easy to follow, the reader will never get bored! Sometimes the characters were very shallow and hard to connect with. Overall I enjoyed the story and most of the supporting characters, if not the main character. Would definitely read this author again.
The plot was fast paced and easy to follow, the reader will never get bored! Sometimes the characters were very shallow and hard to connect with. Overall I enjoyed the story and most of the supporting characters, if not the main character. Would definitely read this author again.
June 9, 2025
A must-read series!
OMG! I just couldn't get enough of the.queen trials! There are so many twists and turns! I just couldn't predict what was going to happen next! What an amazing read. The author is absolutely amazing! From the beginning, Princess Clio has kept me on my toes. Her character is full of emotions! I am a new life-long book nerd to Penelope Wright!!!
OMG! I just couldn't get enough of the.queen trials! There are so many twists and turns! I just couldn't predict what was going to happen next! What an amazing read. The author is absolutely amazing! From the beginning, Princess Clio has kept me on my toes. Her character is full of emotions! I am a new life-long book nerd to Penelope Wright!!!
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January 25, 2025I made it 37% through this book. Could not bring myself to finish traditionally, so I read the last two chapters. I'm not sure how I feel about this series. It felt like a cheap combined version of The Hunger Games and The Selection series.
February 14, 2025
An OK Finale
Not my favorite in the series. It lacked the excitement of the previous books and the conclusion was inevitable. I did, however, enjoy the series as a whole. I do enjoy this author and will continue to read her other works.
Not my favorite in the series. It lacked the excitement of the previous books and the conclusion was inevitable. I did, however, enjoy the series as a whole. I do enjoy this author and will continue to read her other works.
February 21, 2025
Mesmerising
One can only identigy with tje pmtestznts rspecially the MFC. Om the edge ofyour seat situations and creative resolutions. Thought the resulti at the end a little short.
One can only identigy with tje pmtestznts rspecially the MFC. Om the edge ofyour seat situations and creative resolutions. Thought the resulti at the end a little short.
April 25, 2025
amazing
These books have been one of my favorite dystopian themed series ever! So original and the story line is not over the top at all! Definitely will recommend for fans of The selection books! Cant wait to read more from this author!!
These books have been one of my favorite dystopian themed series ever! So original and the story line is not over the top at all! Definitely will recommend for fans of The selection books! Cant wait to read more from this author!!
July 1, 2025
Epic Storytelling at its finest!!!
10/10. This whole series blew me away. Dystopian Hunger Games feel with a bunch of twists and turns. Sure to keep you on the edge of your seat! Long live Queen Clio Fathom! May she reign in righteous perpetuity!! 🖤🖤
10/10. This whole series blew me away. Dystopian Hunger Games feel with a bunch of twists and turns. Sure to keep you on the edge of your seat! Long live Queen Clio Fathom! May she reign in righteous perpetuity!! 🖤🖤
December 29, 2024
Awesome series
If you enjoyed the Hunger games, read this series! It's suspenseful, I couldn't put them down.
Book 8 has lots of twists and turns, but has an awesome ending
If you enjoyed the Hunger games, read this series! It's suspenseful, I couldn't put them down.
Book 8 has lots of twists and turns, but has an awesome ending
January 4, 2025
Short and choppy. There could have been more done. A happy ending/ but this last book seemed rushed
January 7, 2025
Great read
Very hunger games-ish. It held my fascination to the last page. I can't wait to see what else she has written.
Very hunger games-ish. It held my fascination to the last page. I can't wait to see what else she has written.
January 11, 2025
Great
This was a great story with a really great set of characters. It is good and great and it was so much more.
This was a great story with a really great set of characters. It is good and great and it was so much more.
January 11, 2025
amazing
I’m so sad the series is over! I have loved all 8 books! You absolutely get the happy ending you wanted. I’m excited to read the next series
I’m so sad the series is over! I have loved all 8 books! You absolutely get the happy ending you wanted. I’m excited to read the next series
January 26, 2025
OMG THIS BOOK!!!!!! I fricken love this series!!!!!!!!!
February 4, 2025
Great story and fun to read!
This series kept my attention and had a good story line. Reminded me a lot of hunger games.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
This series kept my attention and had a good story line. Reminded me a lot of hunger games.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
February 11, 2025
Great series!
If you like a good series, this is the one for you! I haven't been bored or tired of the story the whole time!
If you like a good series, this is the one for you! I haven't been bored or tired of the story the whole time!
May 17, 2025
This is the final book in the series of 8 books. The story was enjoyable. If you like Hunger Games or The Selection, you will enjoy this one. It is unique enough to keep you guessing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews