The After Queen : The Gambit

by Åndrea Huston

Fairy Tale or Truth. Myth or Legend. Paratich or Witch.

Princess Josephine, a remarkable Paratich—or, as mortals might call her, a witch—who unearthed her magical gifts at a tender age, including the powerful ability to glimpse the future. At merely thirteen, she had a 'seeing' showing her fate entwined with that of the dashing yet unattainable Prince Philip of Malan, who happens to be her sister's husband.

As she navigates through her infatuation and the awakening of her powers, Josie embarks on a quest to discover her lineage, only to learn she may indeed be the chosen one.

Yet, with this newfound knowledge comes numerous threats. For her protection, her brother assigns a formidable mercenary army under the command of his fiercest warrior, Vale Storm. A rugged man whose very presence irks Josie at every turn, setting the stage for a tumultuous relationship.

However, as shadows of danger encroach, she finds herself not only fighting for her people and kingdom but also wrestling with her own heart amid the turmoil.

While on the brink of war, Josie faces a pivotal will she heed the destiny written in the stars, or will she follow the whispers of her heart amidst the chaos?

518 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 20, 2025

Reviews

[Jessica Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrea out did her self with this story. I love jumping back in to the world. I love how we got to see our little Jose grow up from The Eighth Son Series. You don't have to read The Eighth Son to read this. I love how we got the story about the dragoons and I can't wait to see more of them. I love seeing other characters from her other story entwined with this story and the little easter eggs. I love that we are learning more about Princess Josephine and her powers as a Paratich. I love how it is still a regency fell with fantasy. I felt that I was watching a movie in my mind with the way Andrea writes you will get pulled right in and she doesn't let go easy. I have follow Andrea Huston before she decided to do her big revile that Kathleen Lacie was her pin name. She will always be on my if she writes I will buy with out a second thought.

[Sara Benton · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Spellbinding Journey of Fate, Power, and Forbidden Love
Review for The After Queen by Andrea Huston
From the very first page, The After Queen had me completely enchanted. Andrea Huston masterfully weaves together magic, prophecy, and a dash of forbidden romance into a story that’s as captivating as it is emotional.
We follow Princess Josephine—Josie—who is not just a royal but a gifted Paratich (think: witch, but deeper, older, and more powerful). Her ability to see the future marks her from a young age, especially when she envisions her fate tied to Prince Philip—her sister’s husband. That alone sets the stage for emotional complexity, but it’s only the beginning.
Josie’s journey is one of growth, power, and inner conflict. As she unravels the truth of her bloodline and realizes she might be the chosen one, the stakes skyrocket. Enter Vale Storm—the brooding, battle-hardened warrior assigned to protect her. The tension between them is palpable, sharp, and so addictively fun to read. Watching their relationship evolve amidst threats of war and dark prophecy kept me flipping pages long into the night.
Huston’s worldbuilding is lush and layered, with just the right amount of magic, mythology, and political intrigue. But it’s the heart of the story—Josie’s struggle between duty and desire—that truly shines.
If you love fierce heroines, slow-burn romance, a dash of enemies-to-lovers, and stories where magic and destiny collide, The After Queen is an absolute must-read. I’m already craving the next installment!
🔥💫✨

[Carriebooksandart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This read was filled with grief, longing, magic, beasts, love, heartbreak, and secrets. She is plagued by her visions. What would it feel like to know someone’s future? Would it be a blessing? Could you handle the pain of seeing a loved one’s death? She is told to not fully say what she sees… there is a fear she could lose this power. A vision of love.. true love has haunted her mind. It grips her heart every time. But this love… it cannot be. It is forbidden. But why does he have this maddening possession of want when he is around her? She’s made a Queen. A Queen that does not want a King. But… there is a pull. She cannot deny it, but she will hold it down. He is not the one in her visions. What is it about him that lights a fire in her? He protects her at all costs. At her side, showing her how to fight. A war is coming… coming for her. When the time finally comes, will he be able to protect her? Protect her “little beasts.” Or will his secret catch up to him, bringing him to his death?” 🖤The ending of this book left me so sad… yet feeling the passion between two souls. I cannot wait for Book 2 to get back to this world.

[Lazarra Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.. I am new to this author and I have no idea why!! Where have you been hiding all my life?? If i could give this book more than 5 ⭐️ I would!

Josephine is our kickass FMC, she is not your usual Royal, she's headstrong and independent to a fault much to her mothers dismay... She's also a Paratich (aka a witch) who is plagued with visions that cause her no end of trouble including a sibling rivalry that is featured throughout the book. The characters are all intriguing in their own way and this authors writing style is so imersive you find yourself drawn into this amazing world from the very first chapter. Its impossible not to be fully invested as the story progresses with its plot twists and emotionally charged storyline. Its got Love, both forbidden and all consuming, Loyalty, Betrayal, Forced Proximity, Heartache, Dragons, Magic and a cliffhanger to rival all cliffhangers.. To say im ready for book two is an understatement, I cannot wait to loose myself in Josephine's world again even if I know this author is going to tear my heart apart all over again.

[Nikki B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need book 2!!!! That cliffhanger has my heart hurting! I love Josie's character. She is so strong and fierce. She's not your typical queen that dresses up and sits on a throne all pretty giving orders. She trains and she fights. Her witchy powers lets her see visions of things that are to happen, but can change... and boy do these powers lead her astray sometimes. It's like, the visions are showing her one thing but her heart is feeling something else. Also.. I don't know why, but her mom and Octavia just rub me the wrong way. Not my favorite people at all! I love the writing style and the story is easy to follow. The world building is amazing as are the dragoons and their backstory. The connection she shares with them is amazing. I can't wait to get into the next book, this one was such an enjoyable read.

[Tara Kanaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The After Queen” completely captivated me from the very first page. Andrea Huston delivers a story that’s both imaginative and emotionally charged — full of mystery, strategy, and the haunting beauty of sacrifice. The chess symbolism woven throughout the plot adds layers of depth, and I loved how every move felt deliberate and meaningful.

The protagonist’s resilience and transformation were especially powerful; her journey from pawn to queen was a perfect blend of strength, pain, and triumph. The writing is vivid, almost cinematic — the kind that makes you pause to reread certain lines because they hit just right.

By the final chapters, I was holding my breath, completely immersed in the tension and symbolism. This isn’t just a fantasy story — it’s an exploration of identity, power, and what it means to rise after everything falls apart. A stunning, unforgettable read.

[TheLiterary Mug · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing is an understatement pulling you into the world of Josie (Josephine) right after only a few pages. Born with gift of foresight, fearing to speak of it, a birthright with secrets abound and a knowing of what lie’s ahead.
The tension at moments is gripping,and palpable you can feel the jolt with a longing (unrequited love) and new bonds (fated) as she forges along her journey.
Fighting all the hurdles internally and externally with chaos brewing all around, as the Queen she is meant to be. The stakes are high and so is her fated.
The world buildings magically immersive, with a seamless plot thick of twist and turns revolving around elements that are captivating, keeping you glued page after page.
What will be Queen Josephines fate?

[Patsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me starting with the dedication:

May your glow be an everlasting flame. Remember, my dears, a weak and unworthy partner will try to extinguish your flame, but your true soulmate will douse you with even more gasoline.

I love that Princess Josephine is not your typical royal. She has the ability to see the future and sometimes what she sees sets the stage for just some serious turmoil.

The writing style was very immersive and I love when authors write that way because it allows me to visualize everything so clearly. Princess Josephine definitely learns not only about the world and people around her but a lot about herself.

The storyline was very intriguing with plot twists that keep you guessing.

[🐷Shay loves books🐷 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Andrea’s writing and her books. She outdoes herself with each and every book she writes, this one was no different.

This book will take you on a journey of love, loyalty, trust, and magic. The journey long and winding but so worth the trip.

I cannot wait for book 2, I need to know what happens next. Josie and Vale have my heart in a twist and don’t let it go.

If you love enemies to lovers, forbidden love, slow burn, magic and dragons! Take the journey and read this book.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is amazingly written And definitely a wonderful twisted tail the cliffhanger well she’s done it to me again.Better than I even thought it could be I cannot believe the emotions this has this book has in it. It has grieving, loving sadness, happinessI cannot wait for Book 2just the right amount of magic, mythology, and political intrigue. I look forward to reading more from this author.I was completely captivate

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know what I was expecting but definitely not this amazing work.
We have fantasy, but with different lore, and that is something we love. It’s “historical”, so it’s also amazing.
We have positive masculinity. An amazing badass FMC with powers, family rivalry, world building, legend building, a torturous slow burn (waiting up until 80% for a kiss), and A FREAKING CLIFFHANGER.
It’s beautiful

[Jessica James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing!!!!! You have the FMC who is a Paratich(nice word for witch) who has always been different. She is more powerful than she knows. She has visions that guide her and man does she get into some messes. Then we have the Mercenary/Queens Guard MMC who had secrets of his own. Sibling rivalry causes tension within the kingdom. With war looming and her budding feeling for a certain grey eyed character throw her through a loop. Add in the dragoons, war and love and you get this amazing book. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Rei Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magically captivating

I enjoyed this YA romantasty with its show of love , loss, trust, and the complexity of magic. The forbidden love so intense. I appreciated the independent women as they are often glossed over from these type of period dramas. I’m looking forward to book 2.

[Brittany A Tilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book so much. I own every book this author has written!!! She is amazing!!!

[Lacie Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

YES!!!!! I'm so glad I was talked into reading this. not that it took much because I love this author. such a great book and so much more than fantasy.

[Dee Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW WHAT DID I JUST READ!!! The After Queen by Andrea Hust was absolutely breathtaking! The way she caught my attention from the very chapter and kept it through the whole book was amazing!! The way she constructed the world and the characters to go together so wonderfully was wonderful! The FMC Princess Josephine AKA Josie was a fierce, independent, amazing woman. The way she found her witch powers early and managed to handle chaotic life at times was so inspiring. Reading this book i know it sounds silly but the emotions i felt brought the book to life. The book was wonderfully written, and i was just blown way. His is the first book i have read by her and trust and believe i will read whatever she has published and whatever she puts out in the future.

[Nicole Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

The After Queen by Andrea Huston was absolutely phenomenal. From the very first page, I was completely captivated. The way Andrea builds her world is incredibly immersive—you can practically see and feel everything around the characters. But what stood out most to me was how real and relatable the characters felt. Even in a fantasy setting, their emotions and struggles were so genuine that I found myself really connecting with them. This tells the story of Josie and the emotional journey she must go on for answers relating to her powers.
It’s rare to find a book that balances strong storytelling, vivid world-building, and emotional depth so well. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy, especially if you’re into stories that pull you in and don’t let go. Did i mention the mess of a love triangle she currently has? Oh and The ending was mind blowing and I was not expecting that plot twist. You’ve outdone yourself with this one Andrea and I cannot wait to see what happens next.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
🥵
🐉
😍
🧙‍♀️
☠️
🥀

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The After Queen by Andrea Huston was so beautifully written—I felt completely immersed in the story, like I was right there alongside Josie. The characters were so well developed, and the way the story unfolded pulled me in from the very beginning. I couldn’t stop reading. I especially loved the Dragoons and their origin story, it added such a rich layer to the world. The world-building and paranormal elements were done so well, it felt both believable and magical at the same time. A fantastic read!

[Tori Smithers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled me in from the very beginning!! I absolutely loved it so much!! I can not wait for the next one!!!