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Queen of the Wicked
With the future of Heaven and Hell at stake, the lost queen must step into her power to claim her rightful throne, even if the arrogant and insufferably attractive Lord of Hell is the only way to do it...
Alessia Eastwood was born with a dark halo and magic in her veins. Heir to the rightful throne of Heaven but too young to wield her powers, she was sent to Earth hidden under an enchantment spell that would be unveiled on the night of her twenty-sixth birthday, protecting her from her nefarious, tyrannical uncle.
When that night comes and she plans to discover her destiny, an unfriendly visit from a seraph puts a pin in her plans, and Alessia is forced to put her faith and trust in the most arrogant, tempting man she's ever come into contact with, also known as the Lord of Hell, in order to save both realms.
As secrets of her past and future unfold, Alessia quickly realizes that her life has never been her own, and she is ultimately faced with the decision to live the righteous path destiny beckons her to follow, or create one of her own entirely
Alessia Eastwood was born with a dark halo and magic in her veins. Heir to the rightful throne of Heaven but too young to wield her powers, she was sent to Earth hidden under an enchantment spell that would be unveiled on the night of her twenty-sixth birthday, protecting her from her nefarious, tyrannical uncle.
When that night comes and she plans to discover her destiny, an unfriendly visit from a seraph puts a pin in her plans, and Alessia is forced to put her faith and trust in the most arrogant, tempting man she's ever come into contact with, also known as the Lord of Hell, in order to save both realms.
As secrets of her past and future unfold, Alessia quickly realizes that her life has never been her own, and she is ultimately faced with the decision to live the righteous path destiny beckons her to follow, or create one of her own entirely
330 pages, Paperback
Published July 29, 2025
19 people are currently reading
5818 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
July 10, 2025
I’m not sure why exactly but this book gave me sleeping beauty vibes at first. A future queen sent away to earth to grow up before she connects with her magic. When the lord of Hell comes knocking on her door, truths of pasts come to light and the pair must travel to seek answers and avoid trouble.
The idea of Queen of the Wicked was really intriguing and I’ll be honest, I’m a sucker for a pretty cover. The story took me a while to settle into but I enjoyed the connection to heaven and hell.
The idea of Queen of the Wicked was really intriguing and I’ll be honest, I’m a sucker for a pretty cover. The story took me a while to settle into but I enjoyed the connection to heaven and hell.
July 27, 2025
ARC Review
Releases 7/29
“You are the light of my existence, Alessia. Every piece of you is perfection.”
Tropes-
Shadow Mommy
He Falls first
Fated mates
Morally Grey MMC
Power struggle
Touch her and ☠️
Touch him and ☠️
Slow-burn
✨️First, thank you SO MUCH to Deanna for allowing me to read and review this ARC for my honest review. I absolutely DEVOURED this book. I'm really struggling to put into words how much I loved this book. It pained me to put it down when I had to do real life. I loved Erebos from the very beginning. I also didn't realize how big of a bad ass Alessia was going to be! She might be one of my favorite FMCs ever. I just know that it's going to be solidified after the next book. I loved the Fated mates aspect of this book and I found myself giggling and kicking my feet at their connection. The slow-burn was delicious! The ending of this book left me crying and staring at the wall. I absolutely NEED the next book ASAP, and I'm counting down the days until I can read it! I 100% recommend this to all of my friends! Add it to your TBR now! 🤭🫶
Releases 7/29
“You are the light of my existence, Alessia. Every piece of you is perfection.”
Tropes-
Shadow Mommy
He Falls first
Fated mates
Morally Grey MMC
Power struggle
Touch her and ☠️
Touch him and ☠️
Slow-burn
✨️First, thank you SO MUCH to Deanna for allowing me to read and review this ARC for my honest review. I absolutely DEVOURED this book. I'm really struggling to put into words how much I loved this book. It pained me to put it down when I had to do real life. I loved Erebos from the very beginning. I also didn't realize how big of a bad ass Alessia was going to be! She might be one of my favorite FMCs ever. I just know that it's going to be solidified after the next book. I loved the Fated mates aspect of this book and I found myself giggling and kicking my feet at their connection. The slow-burn was delicious! The ending of this book left me crying and staring at the wall. I absolutely NEED the next book ASAP, and I'm counting down the days until I can read it! I 100% recommend this to all of my friends! Add it to your TBR now! 🤭🫶
July 28, 2025
“𝓓𝓪𝓻𝓴𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓼 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓮𝔁𝓲𝓼𝓽 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓵𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽, 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝓵𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓬𝓪𝓷𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓮𝔁𝓲𝓼𝓽 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓭𝓪𝓻𝓴𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓼.”
Wow, I was blown away by this book! I absolutely loved it and it’s hands down, one of my favorite books of the month.
Alessia is a new favorite fmc for me. She was such a badass, strong and intelligent. I loved her character development throughout the book. While very confused as to what was going on in the beginning, she was open to learning and wasn’t afraid of speaking her mind. I cannot wait to see her growth in book 2 and how much of a badass she continues to be.
Erebos is also a new favorite mmc. He was amazing. He had so much depth to him and I loved getting to see his growth as well. He was so considerate and protective. I love how he’d do anything for Alessia and his friends. His friendship with Izara and Eryx was also top tier.
Alessia and Erebos had chemistry, tension, banter — just all the things and I ate it up! They were perfect together and definitely balanced each other out! I cannot wait to see where their relationship goes from here.
Sometimes fantasy/romantasy books can be harder to follow, but I was able to understand everything from the very beginning. So if you’re new to romantasy and have been scared to jump in, this would definitely be perfect for you to start with. I would 100% recommend this book to everyone, it was an easy 5 star read!
Thank you Deanna Faison for the ARC for an honest review!
Wow, I was blown away by this book! I absolutely loved it and it’s hands down, one of my favorite books of the month.
Alessia is a new favorite fmc for me. She was such a badass, strong and intelligent. I loved her character development throughout the book. While very confused as to what was going on in the beginning, she was open to learning and wasn’t afraid of speaking her mind. I cannot wait to see her growth in book 2 and how much of a badass she continues to be.
Erebos is also a new favorite mmc. He was amazing. He had so much depth to him and I loved getting to see his growth as well. He was so considerate and protective. I love how he’d do anything for Alessia and his friends. His friendship with Izara and Eryx was also top tier.
Alessia and Erebos had chemistry, tension, banter — just all the things and I ate it up! They were perfect together and definitely balanced each other out! I cannot wait to see where their relationship goes from here.
Sometimes fantasy/romantasy books can be harder to follow, but I was able to understand everything from the very beginning. So if you’re new to romantasy and have been scared to jump in, this would definitely be perfect for you to start with. I would 100% recommend this book to everyone, it was an easy 5 star read!
Thank you Deanna Faison for the ARC for an honest review!
July 27, 2025
The leader of Hell - but he’s kind. The leader of Heaven - but he’s evil. And the girl, who is the missing Heir to Heaven, and the mate of Hell’s leader - who comes into her powers at the age of 26.
I love a story about Heaven and Hell, especially when the “devil” is a good guy. Cannot wait to read the next in the series!
I love a story about Heaven and Hell, especially when the “devil” is a good guy. Cannot wait to read the next in the series!
June 29, 2025
2025 Reading Challenge: Title starts with Q
A very intriguing start to a fantasy series. Even though it takes on the age-old battle of good vs. evil, heaven vs. hell, it has some refreshing aspects of who might have the morally correct ground.
I always love a female main character who is physically strong and emotionally secure. Although Alessia was hidden away for her first 26 years of life, she is quite competent to meet each challenge presented and explore her growing and complicated feelings for Erebos.
And I always adore when the male love interest falls first. Erebos is completely caught up in his feels for Alessia and does so many sweet things that would never be expected from the Lord of Hell. Also, his support group of Eryx, Izara, Ambroz, and Isla distinctly stand out. I am hoping for even more of their side stories to come to light.
It is going to be a struggle to wait til fall of 2026 to continue this series!
This review is based on an ARC and is my honest opinion.
A very intriguing start to a fantasy series. Even though it takes on the age-old battle of good vs. evil, heaven vs. hell, it has some refreshing aspects of who might have the morally correct ground.
I always love a female main character who is physically strong and emotionally secure. Although Alessia was hidden away for her first 26 years of life, she is quite competent to meet each challenge presented and explore her growing and complicated feelings for Erebos.
And I always adore when the male love interest falls first. Erebos is completely caught up in his feels for Alessia and does so many sweet things that would never be expected from the Lord of Hell. Also, his support group of Eryx, Izara, Ambroz, and Isla distinctly stand out. I am hoping for even more of their side stories to come to light.
It is going to be a struggle to wait til fall of 2026 to continue this series!
This review is based on an ARC and is my honest opinion.
June 29, 2025
**received as an ARC
LOVED. the concept was so original and i loved it! i would say there is definitely a little room for the author to tighten up the writing, but honestly this book was so good and i would highly recommend it! can’t wait for book 2 😋
LOVED. the concept was so original and i loved it! i would say there is definitely a little room for the author to tighten up the writing, but honestly this book was so good and i would highly recommend it! can’t wait for book 2 😋
July 29, 2025
Unfortunately I was just extremely bored and could not get into this one.
June 28, 2025
my first ARC!
Alessia is probably my new favorite FMC, and this relationship is also one of my new favorites 🫶
Alessia is probably my new favorite FMC, and this relationship is also one of my new favorites 🫶
December 27, 2025
Oh my gosh, this is what I’ve been looking for ! This book has it all! You can’t put it down. It literally is so good and keeps you locked in the whole time. You have a bad ass FMC and morally gray golden retriever MMC. You’ve got demons and angels. You’ve got good and you got evil and the twist of the ending with the betrayal. Oh my gosh, I did not see that coming. I need book 2 pronto!
Enemies to lovers
Fated mates
Magic
Good versus evil
Betrayal
Action
Spice
Enemies to lovers
Fated mates
Magic
Good versus evil
Betrayal
Action
Spice
July 1, 2025
Firstly, thanks so much for the ARC to review!!
I absolutely DEVOURED this book. Ate it up like a greasy breakfast on a Saturday morning. Beautiful. Show stopping. Incredible. Never the same. I. Am. OBSESSED. I will be buying a paperback as a sexy trophy and because I want the author to take my money, I almost feel guilty for not having paid for this.
I couldn’t love the characters more. All of them, even the npcs. We had a big beefy comic relief guy, a quiet and terrifying pixie of a woman, an absolute queen, and her simp. There’s also a sentient skeleton and a smut loving housemaid. What a group.
There are so many things about this book that I loved. It was fast paced, no fluff and filler. It actually maybe could have benefited from a couple more fluff and filler scenes just to give us more time with the characters, but what we did get, I gobbled it the fuck down. It was basically the same brooding shadow daddy, tall and beefy, falls for a stabby girlie, but actually he’s completely useless with no powers and falls to his knees whimpering whenever she looks at him??? ♾️/10.
And HER?? God. Mother. I’m on my damn knees right next to him. Genuinely in most romantasy books, I like the fmc. I can almost always find something to love about female characters because I love women, and when I don’t love an fmc I feel bad about it. Sometimes books have me questioning what the hell the mmc likes about the fmc, because they’re always the same badass stabby revenge driven template. NOT ALESSIA!!! NOT OUR GIRL!!!!! God she’s awesome. She’s cool as hell. She’s strong. She’s smart. She’s fierce. She learns of the mating bond and ACCEPTS IT IMMEDIATELY!!!! There’s no argument where she’s pissed at her man for withholding the information from her. She literally takes a few seconds to process and then gets her fucking shadow daddy powers out to rescue him. She’s kind. She’s sweet. She’s humble. I love her.
There’s this one scene where homeboy has a panic attack in a cave cause he’s scared of the dark for backstory reasons (adorable, precious babygirl I would kill a dinosaur for you too my sweet Erebos) and she KNOWS he’s scared, she knows he doesn’t want to say anything, so she just takes his hand and holds it, strokes it with her thumb to reassure him, leads him through the darkness while he panics. She is the blueprint. She is the queen. She is mother.
I’m starving for book 2. I’m foaming at the mouth. I will not accept another romantasy book with a romance that’s not like this. This is my new standard. Feminine power.
Is this the greatest writing of all time? No, and like I said I think it could use some more filler. There’s a balance between plot and fluff, and I think the majority of this book is plot. Which makes it read quickly, which isn’t a bad thing. But I want more time with them, I want more intricate and longer spice, more tension and pining. Especially from this beautiful man who’s a terrifying and formidable Lord of Hell but turns into a precious little sapling around his mate. I cannot WAIT for her to rescue him from the dungeon. The touch her and die trope is obviously one of my faves, but touch HIM and die??? Perfect. I need 10 more books just like this one on my desk by tomorrow morning.
I absolutely DEVOURED this book. Ate it up like a greasy breakfast on a Saturday morning. Beautiful. Show stopping. Incredible. Never the same. I. Am. OBSESSED. I will be buying a paperback as a sexy trophy and because I want the author to take my money, I almost feel guilty for not having paid for this.
I couldn’t love the characters more. All of them, even the npcs. We had a big beefy comic relief guy, a quiet and terrifying pixie of a woman, an absolute queen, and her simp. There’s also a sentient skeleton and a smut loving housemaid. What a group.
There are so many things about this book that I loved. It was fast paced, no fluff and filler. It actually maybe could have benefited from a couple more fluff and filler scenes just to give us more time with the characters, but what we did get, I gobbled it the fuck down. It was basically the same brooding shadow daddy, tall and beefy, falls for a stabby girlie, but actually he’s completely useless with no powers and falls to his knees whimpering whenever she looks at him??? ♾️/10.
And HER?? God. Mother. I’m on my damn knees right next to him. Genuinely in most romantasy books, I like the fmc. I can almost always find something to love about female characters because I love women, and when I don’t love an fmc I feel bad about it. Sometimes books have me questioning what the hell the mmc likes about the fmc, because they’re always the same badass stabby revenge driven template. NOT ALESSIA!!! NOT OUR GIRL!!!!! God she’s awesome. She’s cool as hell. She’s strong. She’s smart. She’s fierce. She learns of the mating bond and ACCEPTS IT IMMEDIATELY!!!! There’s no argument where she’s pissed at her man for withholding the information from her. She literally takes a few seconds to process and then gets her fucking shadow daddy powers out to rescue him. She’s kind. She’s sweet. She’s humble. I love her.
There’s this one scene where homeboy has a panic attack in a cave cause he’s scared of the dark for backstory reasons (adorable, precious babygirl I would kill a dinosaur for you too my sweet Erebos) and she KNOWS he’s scared, she knows he doesn’t want to say anything, so she just takes his hand and holds it, strokes it with her thumb to reassure him, leads him through the darkness while he panics. She is the blueprint. She is the queen. She is mother.
I’m starving for book 2. I’m foaming at the mouth. I will not accept another romantasy book with a romance that’s not like this. This is my new standard. Feminine power.
Is this the greatest writing of all time? No, and like I said I think it could use some more filler. There’s a balance between plot and fluff, and I think the majority of this book is plot. Which makes it read quickly, which isn’t a bad thing. But I want more time with them, I want more intricate and longer spice, more tension and pining. Especially from this beautiful man who’s a terrifying and formidable Lord of Hell but turns into a precious little sapling around his mate. I cannot WAIT for her to rescue him from the dungeon. The touch her and die trope is obviously one of my faves, but touch HIM and die??? Perfect. I need 10 more books just like this one on my desk by tomorrow morning.
July 18, 2025
ARC REVIEW “QUEEN OF THE WICKED” Book 1 of the Afterlife Series ❤️🔥🐦🔥
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Honestly this romantasy book is soo good! I had a good time getting in this universe and reading about characters and the plot is really amazing. One thing I love the most from this book are characters, they are unique and so interesting, they were constructed by the author very well and I really didn’t expect the ending? I was shocked by the last 10 pages and omg I need the 2nd book now.
This book follows the story of Alessia, the Heaven Queen, who is transported on the Earth and until her 26 birthday she is living as a mortal til her powers are appearing again. She meets Erebos, the Lord of Hell, and she is going with him in the Hell. There she befriends Isla, her maid, and Izara and Eryx.
They are going through a journey to find answers, they discover a lot of interesting things to help the bond of Hell and Heaven and to destroy the nowadays king of Heaven, who is purely evil.
I also love the relationship between Alessia and Erebos, their tension killed me, and the jealousy of Alessia made me feel butterflies in my stomach.
Now I can’t wait to read the 2nd book and it can’t let me think of the worst scenario.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Honestly this romantasy book is soo good! I had a good time getting in this universe and reading about characters and the plot is really amazing. One thing I love the most from this book are characters, they are unique and so interesting, they were constructed by the author very well and I really didn’t expect the ending? I was shocked by the last 10 pages and omg I need the 2nd book now.
This book follows the story of Alessia, the Heaven Queen, who is transported on the Earth and until her 26 birthday she is living as a mortal til her powers are appearing again. She meets Erebos, the Lord of Hell, and she is going with him in the Hell. There she befriends Isla, her maid, and Izara and Eryx.
They are going through a journey to find answers, they discover a lot of interesting things to help the bond of Hell and Heaven and to destroy the nowadays king of Heaven, who is purely evil.
I also love the relationship between Alessia and Erebos, their tension killed me, and the jealousy of Alessia made me feel butterflies in my stomach.
Now I can’t wait to read the 2nd book and it can’t let me think of the worst scenario.
July 28, 2025
I felt so lucky reading this because it was amazing from start to end and has potential to be one of the biggest romantasy. I didn’t expect to love it this much, but I really did. I read it super fast because it was hard to put down. Alessia was such a cool main character, strong, kind, smart, and just easy to love. Erebos was also great, powerful but also soft with her. Their bond felt deep and real, and their chemistry was everything. The touch him and die energy from Alessia was chef’s kiss, I LOVED it. The romance was slow burn, but it worked so well. Even the side characters were memorable and fun. The world felt fresh and magical, and the story kept moving fast with no boring parts. I also really liked the small emotional scenes, it felt natural and sweet. The ending left me desperate for book 2. I need it like, yesterday. Easy 5 stars from me. Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review.
July 21, 2025
3.75⭐️ Did somebody say shadow mommy?!? This was an arc read and for her first romantasy it’s really good. It has so much potential and I can’t wait to see where it goes in the next book. Although I wish the ending had been a bit longer and more detailed I did enjoy this one. I liked the heaven and hell aspect along with the fated mates. Some things annoyed me throughout but overall a very good read!
July 30, 2025
I have received the ARC from the author and thanks for chosing me.
This is a 4 ⭐ reads for me as the plot is interesting, and the romance is quite good. I really like the tension between the FMC and MMC although they not that hate each other that much I think. But I really enjoyed the book and it just took me three days to finish it. The ending is get me flabbergasted and how I'm supposed to wait until the next fall? I really don't expect that kind of ending.
This is a 4 ⭐ reads for me as the plot is interesting, and the romance is quite good. I really like the tension between the FMC and MMC although they not that hate each other that much I think. But I really enjoyed the book and it just took me three days to finish it. The ending is get me flabbergasted and how I'm supposed to wait until the next fall? I really don't expect that kind of ending.
July 28, 2025
Ahh, the cliffhangers lately...this one is a doozy and I am NOT ok. Speechless. I won't say more, you'll just have to read it for yourself and suffer with me!
Such a fun read! The action begins on page 1 and doesn’t let up. I wouldn’t call this enemies-to-lovers exactly, but more strangers-to-lovers.
The depiction of Hell was unique and not at all what I was expecting. It was opposite day where I found myself looking at Heaven as the villain. It was a neat experience.
The love story is angsty and sometimes infuriating when you know they are fated but they won’t just communicate! Haha!
Such a fun read! The action begins on page 1 and doesn’t let up. I wouldn’t call this enemies-to-lovers exactly, but more strangers-to-lovers.
The depiction of Hell was unique and not at all what I was expecting. It was opposite day where I found myself looking at Heaven as the villain. It was a neat experience.
The love story is angsty and sometimes infuriating when you know they are fated but they won’t just communicate! Haha!
July 4, 2025
Queen of the Wicked - Review
Omg my first ARC! 😍
✨Disclaimer ✨
My rating is based on MY enjoyment and/or displeasure with this work. It is not a guarantee that everyone or anyone else will enjoy it. My review explains the reason for my rating, why I think others who enjoy similar genres MIGHT want to give this work a read. These are solely my opinions and observations.
Rating legend/explanation:
Spice content: 🔥 = very little or poor quality spice 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 = max spice or high quality spice
Plot predictability:
⭐️= very predictable
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️= blindsided
Plot twist:
💥 = not enjoyable;incongruent and/or not true to characters, does not follow the plot/story/world logic
💥💥💥💥💥= congruent; enjoyable and or fits Characters flawlessly, follows the plot/story/world logic
Romance:
💖= Poor quality romance development/relationship
💖💖💖💖💖= God Tier quality Romance development/relationship
Combat:
⚔️ = light combat/fight scenes
⚔️ ⚔️ ⚔️ ⚔️ ⚔️ = heavy combat/fight scenes
Overall writing quality:
✍🏽 = poorly written/ too many typos or grammatical errors
✍🏽✍🏽✍🏽✍🏽✍🏽= superior writing/ no typos or grammatical errors
****Light Spoilers Beyond This Point****
TL;DR/ Accessible rating version:
Genre(s):
Paranormal/supernatural
Contemporary Fantasy
Romance
Trigger Warnings:
Mention of SA (off page, doesn’t happen to any MCs)
Violence (combat)
Mention and description of torture
Description of panic attack
Description of claustrophobia and nyctophobia
Death of a parent
Finished series: No ❌
Standalone: No❌
Tropes/Story Elements:
FMC with Shadow powers
He falls first
Hades/Persephone archetype
Traumatic pasts and origins
Amnesia
Morally Grey MCs
Fated mates
25+ y/o FMC, Ageless MMC
Tortured/Brooding MMC
Touch him and die
Touch her and die
Mini group quest!
Lost and found parent
Soft BDSM elements
Representation:
Plus sized side character
BIPOC side character
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
POV: Dual✌🏽
Plot twist: 💥💥💥💥
Plot predictability: ⭐️⭐️main story arc (FMC’s Powers, romance, and the betrayal) very predictable.
Spice content: (occurs in the following chapters: 18, 26, 32) 🔥🔥 The Quality is good, there isn't a lot of it.
Cliffhanger ending: ✅
Combat: ⚔️ ⚔️
Overall writing quality: ✍🏽✍🏽✍🏽
Romance: 💖💖💖💖
Hetero romance: ✅
LGBTQ romance:❌
Character Development: '✨✨ There is not much character development; most of it happens to the FMC.
Overall Enjoyment: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I love this take on the Heaven/Hell and afterlife mythology. Love the reimagining of the Persephone/Hades dynamic
Recommended for readers who like:
The Fallen Series by Lauren Kate
The Hush Hush Saga by Becca Fitzpatrick
Full rating:
💕"I'm going to destroy you in all the ways that matter, Little Mortal." 💕
Synopsis:
"Queen of the Wicked" by Deanna Faison is a solid first installment to this new, Young Adult fantasy series.
The story starts off with a helpful prologue to explain how the FMC, Alessia, came to be raised on earth by her two mothers. IT provides foreshadowing for what will unfold later in the book regarding her powers and lineage.
She is sequestered on Earth for her own safety, where she is raised by her two mothers. The book does not expound about the relationship the mothers have; it is not explicitly stated that they are also lovers, and it is very possible that they raised her having only a platonic dynamic with each other, that is why I do not see LGBTQ representation. HOWEVER the fact that it is not explicitly stated does leave room for the reader to interpret it either way, and I don't see this as a negative per se.
The day Alessia and her mothers have prepared for comes a little sooner than expected, and Alessia has to flee to safety, and ultimately in the kingdom of Hell, picked up by Erebos, the King of Hell in a flurry of grief, confusion, and fear as powers that she didn't know she had suddenly emerge.
She goes on a mini quest with Erebos and some new and unexpected allies and companions to learn of her destiny, her heritage, and ultimately, her future. Following this, all Hell literally breaks loose, and we end on a cliffhanger.
What I enjoyed:
I am a sucker for a good Hades/Persephone retelling/reimagining, and I think this hits the mark perfectly, putting a fresh spin on an age old tale, with delightful twists. Deanna also adds in a dash of Heaven/Hell Mythology which enhances the story even more for me. I love that the side characters are not just plot devices for the MCs, and they get rich stories and backgrounds of their own.
I love the twist on how Heaven is run and how Hell got its ruler, and the decrees in place that restrict and limit what the King of heaven can do.
Deanna's voice and writing style do set a nice atmosphere for each of the locations we visit, and the mood of the characters and places. The romance is well written, and Erebos' romantic phrases are swoon worthy, I love that she wrote him with vulnerabilities that were relatable and very human. Once of the reasons I love supernatural stories and characters is because I love to see the humanity in the inhuman, and all of the characters in this book embody humanity very well.
The pacing is pretty solid; there is not a lot of action or combat because this is a first book and we have to be introduced to this world, but the pacing is not an issue, nor is the length. This author does a great job of giving each character their own distinct voice, and that is important especiallyw hen writing the dual POV perspectives.
Of course there are answers missing and loose ends, but this book is meant to set the stage for what's to come, and I like what I have read so far. The novel has a few typos and grammatical errors, but these are expected in the indie book world, and they were not so much that they pulled you from the story at all, its possible other readers may not even notice them, I am just sensitive to them.
Where this story suffers a bit:
1. character development; Erebos starts morally grey (honestly, I'd say he's good) and remains that way, the only thing that changes is his loyalty with the introduction of Alessia. While he doesn't really change, I think what we look for when we see character development is depth. I believe we will get more depth in the second book, maybe with more flashbacks, learning more about his past. Alessia's development is really tied to her acceptance of the mate bond and accepting her powers completely, as most of her "that's not like me" decisions are made when she listens to the power and embraces it. In this way, these changes in behavior aren't really her own, they are merely the power acting through her. I want to see more of her development in future installments, how these events shape her morality and personality.
2. Alessia annoys me a little with her reluctance to acknowledge her feelings for Erebos. She seems a little whiny to me at first, but she's still not as annoying as Mackayla Lane from the Fever Series, who almost made me DNF the series.
3. I don’t enjoy how Alessia didn’t grieve her missing mother enough. I know that grieving occurs on a spectrum, and everyone does so differently, but there are only 3 times that we are able to see how the loss affects her. Her missing mother drives her motivation for descending into hell and going forward with uncertain, hastily crafted plans, but we don’t get to see the effects of her loss cookie her actions until she cries in the arms of her living mother and when she destroys the wave of creatures invading Hell. Unfortunately by then, we see more of her rage driven by her grief for Erebos. Yes they have a mate bond, and losing him will hurt, but the loss of her mother is so fresh, I feel like that could have been fleshed out more in her moments of introspection. Maybe in being too harsh, because there’s certainly plenty of things she’s learned that can overwhelm her, but that grief being placed in the back burner still annoys me a bit.
4. Her reunion with Elyana is ruined by her rage when she begins to choke her mother and lashes out at her for keeping the mate bond hidden. Maybe that feels like a huge betrayal, but she was following Erebos’ wishes and I feel like that degree of her anger was misplaced. You may come to feel differently about this action by the end, but I'm only critiqing Alessia's response in that moment, based on the knowledge she has at this time. Whether or not Alessia was justified in hindsight is a separate thing for me.
5. I’m not a fan of the “magical peen” trope; where sex with a male is the catalyst for unlocking the FMC’s powers. Men already think too highly of their phallus, I don’t require that fantasy in my fiction.
6. The epilogue should have just been titled “Chapter 36.” I don’t dislike epilogues, but this book ends on a cliffhanger, and epilogues are definitionally commentary on or a conclusion to the events that have transpired. This story is certainly not concluded, and I look forward to the depths it will lead our characters into
I would recommend this book (and will!) to anyone who likes stories of Celestials, high stakes, fated mates, powerful men who are putty in the hands of the women they love, dark and light magic, and supernatural shenanigans.
It's going to be so hard to wait for Autumn of 2026!!!
Omg my first ARC! 😍
✨Disclaimer ✨
My rating is based on MY enjoyment and/or displeasure with this work. It is not a guarantee that everyone or anyone else will enjoy it. My review explains the reason for my rating, why I think others who enjoy similar genres MIGHT want to give this work a read. These are solely my opinions and observations.
Rating legend/explanation:
Spice content: 🔥 = very little or poor quality spice 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 = max spice or high quality spice
Plot predictability:
⭐️= very predictable
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️= blindsided
Plot twist:
💥 = not enjoyable;incongruent and/or not true to characters, does not follow the plot/story/world logic
💥💥💥💥💥= congruent; enjoyable and or fits Characters flawlessly, follows the plot/story/world logic
Romance:
💖= Poor quality romance development/relationship
💖💖💖💖💖= God Tier quality Romance development/relationship
Combat:
⚔️ = light combat/fight scenes
⚔️ ⚔️ ⚔️ ⚔️ ⚔️ = heavy combat/fight scenes
Overall writing quality:
✍🏽 = poorly written/ too many typos or grammatical errors
✍🏽✍🏽✍🏽✍🏽✍🏽= superior writing/ no typos or grammatical errors
****Light Spoilers Beyond This Point****
TL;DR/ Accessible rating version:
Genre(s):
Paranormal/supernatural
Contemporary Fantasy
Romance
Trigger Warnings:
Mention of SA (off page, doesn’t happen to any MCs)
Violence (combat)
Mention and description of torture
Description of panic attack
Description of claustrophobia and nyctophobia
Death of a parent
Finished series: No ❌
Standalone: No❌
Tropes/Story Elements:
FMC with Shadow powers
He falls first
Hades/Persephone archetype
Traumatic pasts and origins
Amnesia
Morally Grey MCs
Fated mates
25+ y/o FMC, Ageless MMC
Tortured/Brooding MMC
Touch him and die
Touch her and die
Mini group quest!
Lost and found parent
Soft BDSM elements
Representation:
Plus sized side character
BIPOC side character
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
POV: Dual✌🏽
Plot twist: 💥💥💥💥
Plot predictability: ⭐️⭐️main story arc (FMC’s Powers, romance, and the betrayal) very predictable.
Spice content: (occurs in the following chapters: 18, 26, 32) 🔥🔥 The Quality is good, there isn't a lot of it.
Cliffhanger ending: ✅
Combat: ⚔️ ⚔️
Overall writing quality: ✍🏽✍🏽✍🏽
Romance: 💖💖💖💖
Hetero romance: ✅
LGBTQ romance:❌
Character Development: '✨✨ There is not much character development; most of it happens to the FMC.
Overall Enjoyment: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I love this take on the Heaven/Hell and afterlife mythology. Love the reimagining of the Persephone/Hades dynamic
Recommended for readers who like:
The Fallen Series by Lauren Kate
The Hush Hush Saga by Becca Fitzpatrick
Full rating:
💕"I'm going to destroy you in all the ways that matter, Little Mortal." 💕
Synopsis:
"Queen of the Wicked" by Deanna Faison is a solid first installment to this new, Young Adult fantasy series.
The story starts off with a helpful prologue to explain how the FMC, Alessia, came to be raised on earth by her two mothers. IT provides foreshadowing for what will unfold later in the book regarding her powers and lineage.
She is sequestered on Earth for her own safety, where she is raised by her two mothers. The book does not expound about the relationship the mothers have; it is not explicitly stated that they are also lovers, and it is very possible that they raised her having only a platonic dynamic with each other, that is why I do not see LGBTQ representation. HOWEVER the fact that it is not explicitly stated does leave room for the reader to interpret it either way, and I don't see this as a negative per se.
The day Alessia and her mothers have prepared for comes a little sooner than expected, and Alessia has to flee to safety, and ultimately in the kingdom of Hell, picked up by Erebos, the King of Hell in a flurry of grief, confusion, and fear as powers that she didn't know she had suddenly emerge.
She goes on a mini quest with Erebos and some new and unexpected allies and companions to learn of her destiny, her heritage, and ultimately, her future. Following this, all Hell literally breaks loose, and we end on a cliffhanger.
What I enjoyed:
I am a sucker for a good Hades/Persephone retelling/reimagining, and I think this hits the mark perfectly, putting a fresh spin on an age old tale, with delightful twists. Deanna also adds in a dash of Heaven/Hell Mythology which enhances the story even more for me. I love that the side characters are not just plot devices for the MCs, and they get rich stories and backgrounds of their own.
I love the twist on how Heaven is run and how Hell got its ruler, and the decrees in place that restrict and limit what the King of heaven can do.
Deanna's voice and writing style do set a nice atmosphere for each of the locations we visit, and the mood of the characters and places. The romance is well written, and Erebos' romantic phrases are swoon worthy, I love that she wrote him with vulnerabilities that were relatable and very human. Once of the reasons I love supernatural stories and characters is because I love to see the humanity in the inhuman, and all of the characters in this book embody humanity very well.
The pacing is pretty solid; there is not a lot of action or combat because this is a first book and we have to be introduced to this world, but the pacing is not an issue, nor is the length. This author does a great job of giving each character their own distinct voice, and that is important especiallyw hen writing the dual POV perspectives.
Of course there are answers missing and loose ends, but this book is meant to set the stage for what's to come, and I like what I have read so far. The novel has a few typos and grammatical errors, but these are expected in the indie book world, and they were not so much that they pulled you from the story at all, its possible other readers may not even notice them, I am just sensitive to them.
Where this story suffers a bit:
1. character development; Erebos starts morally grey (honestly, I'd say he's good) and remains that way, the only thing that changes is his loyalty with the introduction of Alessia. While he doesn't really change, I think what we look for when we see character development is depth. I believe we will get more depth in the second book, maybe with more flashbacks, learning more about his past. Alessia's development is really tied to her acceptance of the mate bond and accepting her powers completely, as most of her "that's not like me" decisions are made when she listens to the power and embraces it. In this way, these changes in behavior aren't really her own, they are merely the power acting through her. I want to see more of her development in future installments, how these events shape her morality and personality.
2. Alessia annoys me a little with her reluctance to acknowledge her feelings for Erebos. She seems a little whiny to me at first, but she's still not as annoying as Mackayla Lane from the Fever Series, who almost made me DNF the series.
3. I don’t enjoy how Alessia didn’t grieve her missing mother enough. I know that grieving occurs on a spectrum, and everyone does so differently, but there are only 3 times that we are able to see how the loss affects her. Her missing mother drives her motivation for descending into hell and going forward with uncertain, hastily crafted plans, but we don’t get to see the effects of her loss cookie her actions until she cries in the arms of her living mother and when she destroys the wave of creatures invading Hell. Unfortunately by then, we see more of her rage driven by her grief for Erebos. Yes they have a mate bond, and losing him will hurt, but the loss of her mother is so fresh, I feel like that could have been fleshed out more in her moments of introspection. Maybe in being too harsh, because there’s certainly plenty of things she’s learned that can overwhelm her, but that grief being placed in the back burner still annoys me a bit.
4. Her reunion with Elyana is ruined by her rage when she begins to choke her mother and lashes out at her for keeping the mate bond hidden. Maybe that feels like a huge betrayal, but she was following Erebos’ wishes and I feel like that degree of her anger was misplaced. You may come to feel differently about this action by the end, but I'm only critiqing Alessia's response in that moment, based on the knowledge she has at this time. Whether or not Alessia was justified in hindsight is a separate thing for me.
5. I’m not a fan of the “magical peen” trope; where sex with a male is the catalyst for unlocking the FMC’s powers. Men already think too highly of their phallus, I don’t require that fantasy in my fiction.
6. The epilogue should have just been titled “Chapter 36.” I don’t dislike epilogues, but this book ends on a cliffhanger, and epilogues are definitionally commentary on or a conclusion to the events that have transpired. This story is certainly not concluded, and I look forward to the depths it will lead our characters into
I would recommend this book (and will!) to anyone who likes stories of Celestials, high stakes, fated mates, powerful men who are putty in the hands of the women they love, dark and light magic, and supernatural shenanigans.
It's going to be so hard to wait for Autumn of 2026!!!
July 7, 2025
I was lucky enough to get this book as an eARC & I wish I could give it 6 stars. It was so hard to put it down from the moment I started reading it. Deanna’s writing is incredible & really pulled me into this incredible world she built. Every single character felt three dimensional & I couldn’t help loving all of them. I absolutely love protective partners & especially loved seeing it come from both sides. Alessia & Erebros were so devoted to each other. I can’t wait for the next book to come out because I’m definitely reading it!
July 27, 2025
First of all, a huge thank you to Deanna Faison and BookFunnel for sending me this book. I was immediately drawn to the cover — it’s absolutely stunning — and I was really curious to see what the story would offer.
The prologue pulled me in right away. The atmosphere is dark, intriguing, and the writing style is gripping. It’s a strong opening that made me want to dive straight in.
That said, after that great start, my interest dipped a little. Alessia, the main character, came off as a bit arrogant at times, which made it harder for me to connect with her. She often reacted in ways that felt unrealistic — especially when facing someone as dangerous and ancient as Erebos, the literal Lord of Hell. I personally wouldn’t have talked back to him like that… but hey, that’s just me 😅
Erebos, on the other hand, was one of my favorite parts of the book. I liked him from the very beginning: he’s charismatic, powerful, mysterious, but not overdone. I also really enjoyed how their relationship developed — it felt natural and gradual. I was a bit nervous at first when the “mates” element was introduced so early (I thought it might make things too fast or too easy), but I was pleasantly surprised. The author took her time with it, and it really worked.
The worldbuilding is rich and dark. Some parts were a little vague or confusing for me, but overall, I was never completely lost, which was a nice balance. Around the 35-40% mark, the pacing picked up (especially the romance), and I enjoyed the story a lot more from that point on.
One moment that left me a bit disappointed, though, was when they had to find a demon called The Seeker. The build-up made it sound like it was going to be a big, crucial scene… but in the end, it was over in about two pages, with very few revelations. I had expected more from that encounter, considering how important it was supposed to be. Still, the characters didn’t seem too bothered by it — so I guess I’ll let it slide 😄
As for the final twist — I really liked it! I had a few suspicions along the way, but I wasn’t 100% sure, so when it was confirmed, it was a satisfying moment. It definitely makes me curious about what’s coming next, and I hope there will be a sequel!
📚 In short: Queen of the Wicked left me with a positive overall impression. Despite a few pacing issues and a heroine I didn’t always click with, I really enjoyed the world, the dark fantasy vibes, and especially Erebos and his relationship with Alessia. If you’re into supernatural romance with a bit of a hellish edge, this one’s worth checking out.
July 29, 2025
📚✨ ARC REVIEW ✨📚
Queen of the Wicked by @deannafaisonbooks
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 (4.75/5 stars)
Thank you to Deanna Faison for providing a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Alessia has spent the last 25 years living a quiet, mortal life on Earth, completely unaware that she’s the heir to the throne of Heaven 👑. Hidden under an enchantment to suppress her powers, she has no idea of the black magic that’s been inside her since birth... until now.
Erebos, the Lord of Hell 😈, receives a mysterious letter instructing him to collect a soul of great importance. But when he arrives, he finds Alessia running for her life — and everything changes.
When Erebos's magic ends up transferring to Alessia, it sets them on a path that will take them through Hell, literally. Forced proximity has them unable to resist the fated mate bond between them, leading to swoony moments of intimacy and an emotional connection like no other.
I was surprised by how much I loved this book. Alessia is a complete badass 💪. She is adept at physical combat, works hard to gain mastery over her powers, and is quick to tell off anyone who gets in her way. She could have easily been a damsel in distress, but she is anything but.
Erebos has the tall, dark, tattooed, and handsome thing that I love. He is morally grey, showing no mercy for the sadistic souls that end up in Hell. He is the stern daddy he needs to be to keep his realm running, and I am here for it.
Alessa and Erebus together are complete fire 🔥. The sexual tension is through the roof, especially once they have a mind-to-mind connection and can read all the dirty thoughts the other has about them together. Once they give in, it's chef's kiss. The depth of emotion they feel for each other is moving.
I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book!
For fans of:
😈 Fated mates
👸 Hidden royalty
💥 Forced proximity
🗡️ Warrior heroine
🔥 Morally grey hero
🪄 Magical awakening
#QueenOfTheWicked #DeannaFaison #ARCReview #FantasyRomance #FatedMates #HiddenRoyalty #MorallyGreyMMC #SpicyFantasy #ForcedProximity #BookishLove #DarkFantasyRomance #RomantasyReads #FantasyRomanceBooks #SwoonWorthy #HeavenVsHell #BadassHeroines
Queen of the Wicked by @deannafaisonbooks
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 (4.75/5 stars)
Thank you to Deanna Faison for providing a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Alessia has spent the last 25 years living a quiet, mortal life on Earth, completely unaware that she’s the heir to the throne of Heaven 👑. Hidden under an enchantment to suppress her powers, she has no idea of the black magic that’s been inside her since birth... until now.
Erebos, the Lord of Hell 😈, receives a mysterious letter instructing him to collect a soul of great importance. But when he arrives, he finds Alessia running for her life — and everything changes.
When Erebos's magic ends up transferring to Alessia, it sets them on a path that will take them through Hell, literally. Forced proximity has them unable to resist the fated mate bond between them, leading to swoony moments of intimacy and an emotional connection like no other.
I was surprised by how much I loved this book. Alessia is a complete badass 💪. She is adept at physical combat, works hard to gain mastery over her powers, and is quick to tell off anyone who gets in her way. She could have easily been a damsel in distress, but she is anything but.
Erebos has the tall, dark, tattooed, and handsome thing that I love. He is morally grey, showing no mercy for the sadistic souls that end up in Hell. He is the stern daddy he needs to be to keep his realm running, and I am here for it.
Alessa and Erebus together are complete fire 🔥. The sexual tension is through the roof, especially once they have a mind-to-mind connection and can read all the dirty thoughts the other has about them together. Once they give in, it's chef's kiss. The depth of emotion they feel for each other is moving.
I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book!
For fans of:
😈 Fated mates
👸 Hidden royalty
💥 Forced proximity
🗡️ Warrior heroine
🔥 Morally grey hero
🪄 Magical awakening
#QueenOfTheWicked #DeannaFaison #ARCReview #FantasyRomance #FatedMates #HiddenRoyalty #MorallyGreyMMC #SpicyFantasy #ForcedProximity #BookishLove #DarkFantasyRomance #RomantasyReads #FantasyRomanceBooks #SwoonWorthy #HeavenVsHell #BadassHeroines
July 20, 2025
This is my attempt to a no spoiler review 😂
📖 **ARC Review: *Queen of the Wicked* by Deanna Faison**
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 because WOW)
Chapters 1–24 had me *so hooked* I literally forgot I was reading an ARC. I blinked and I was already at Chapter 25, sunburned, dehydrated, and slightly panicked because I hadn’t taken a single note 😅
So here's my attempt to gather thoughts, stream-of-consciousness style — grammar be warned:
👑 The *Lord of Hell* is not your typical villain. He’s powerful, complex, and oddly... fair? He punishes the wicked but gives the broken a chance to rebuild. Heaven, on the other hand? Not the safe haven we've been told.
🔥 Alessia, our main girl, was told she’d receive her powers at 26 — and let’s just say, things are starting to pop off. She and the Lord are on a mission to the Pits to restore his power, and I can *feel* this is where she steps into her true self.
💫 Chapter 25: I'm rooting so hard for Isla and Eryx (gimme that side romance!). And the Lord? Just tell Alessia you’re mates already! The tension is unreal 😤
🕳 The Pits: I just *know* this is Alessia’s turning point. She saves Erobs from a dinosaur (yes, a dinosaur), and something about their bond feels like destiny. The writing? *So* clear and magical — like the story was just waiting to be told.
😭 Somewhere after that I stopped tracking chapters because the book started pulling on my emotions. Like… why do I *let* authors do this to me? Just wreck me, I guess.
📆 That ENDING?! I audibly said “WTFFF” at the final page. 2026? You’re really making us wait for book two like that??
Deanna, you beautifully ruined me. This book has love, war, magic, betrayal, purpose, *and* spice (just a taste… I feel more is coming 😏).
💬 Final thoughts:
✨ 5 stars
🔥 Spice: teasing… with promise
📚 Trope Vibes: fated mates, hidden magic, balance between realms, power struggle, slow burn enemies-to-lovers-ish
📆 Worth the wait? Yes. Worth rereading? Also yes.
📖 **ARC Review: *Queen of the Wicked* by Deanna Faison**
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 because WOW)
Chapters 1–24 had me *so hooked* I literally forgot I was reading an ARC. I blinked and I was already at Chapter 25, sunburned, dehydrated, and slightly panicked because I hadn’t taken a single note 😅
So here's my attempt to gather thoughts, stream-of-consciousness style — grammar be warned:
👑 The *Lord of Hell* is not your typical villain. He’s powerful, complex, and oddly... fair? He punishes the wicked but gives the broken a chance to rebuild. Heaven, on the other hand? Not the safe haven we've been told.
🔥 Alessia, our main girl, was told she’d receive her powers at 26 — and let’s just say, things are starting to pop off. She and the Lord are on a mission to the Pits to restore his power, and I can *feel* this is where she steps into her true self.
💫 Chapter 25: I'm rooting so hard for Isla and Eryx (gimme that side romance!). And the Lord? Just tell Alessia you’re mates already! The tension is unreal 😤
🕳 The Pits: I just *know* this is Alessia’s turning point. She saves Erobs from a dinosaur (yes, a dinosaur), and something about their bond feels like destiny. The writing? *So* clear and magical — like the story was just waiting to be told.
😭 Somewhere after that I stopped tracking chapters because the book started pulling on my emotions. Like… why do I *let* authors do this to me? Just wreck me, I guess.
📆 That ENDING?! I audibly said “WTFFF” at the final page. 2026? You’re really making us wait for book two like that??
Deanna, you beautifully ruined me. This book has love, war, magic, betrayal, purpose, *and* spice (just a taste… I feel more is coming 😏).
💬 Final thoughts:
✨ 5 stars
🔥 Spice: teasing… with promise
📚 Trope Vibes: fated mates, hidden magic, balance between realms, power struggle, slow burn enemies-to-lovers-ish
📆 Worth the wait? Yes. Worth rereading? Also yes.
July 23, 2025
Queen of the Wicked
"You were only meant to take to take, and now your broken heart will pay the price"
OMG - how have I been so lucky with ARCs????
This is another 5 star book that all my book besties who love dark fantasy, romantasy and strong AF FMC MUST READ!!!
Did I mention Shadow Mommy with a deathly dose of “The Lord of Hell” - swoon....
This book was so much fun to read. Characters are *chef’s kiss* and the depth of their characters is
very well written so you feel like you are continuously learning about them while still leaving room for growth and the want to see more.
At the beginning of the book you are instantly thrown into this story at a peak moment of the FMC Alessia’s journey (If you are not one to read prologues - READ THE PROLOGUE)
Alessia is such a strong bad ass character that takes all the craziness thrown at her in stride and I can't wait to see what her future holds!
This story is not only about coming into one's own, but about choice and destiny and how the choices you make can change the outcome. The story line is so well written and there is such detail you feel like you can truly see everything in this book.
Even though this book gives sleeping beauty vibes it is more like if sleeping beauty, lightlark and crescent city book 1 had a baby it would be this! LOL
I love how you continuously are learning throughout this book and with the multiple POVs (which sometimes I think can be too much) this one definitely elevates the story and allows the reader to see more of the big picture of who the characters are, their backgrounds, and sprinkles in the need to know more.
If you love Crescent City series, Gild series - then this book is for you!!!
"You were only meant to take to take, and now your broken heart will pay the price"
OMG - how have I been so lucky with ARCs????
This is another 5 star book that all my book besties who love dark fantasy, romantasy and strong AF FMC MUST READ!!!
Did I mention Shadow Mommy with a deathly dose of “The Lord of Hell” - swoon....
This book was so much fun to read. Characters are *chef’s kiss* and the depth of their characters is
very well written so you feel like you are continuously learning about them while still leaving room for growth and the want to see more.
At the beginning of the book you are instantly thrown into this story at a peak moment of the FMC Alessia’s journey (If you are not one to read prologues - READ THE PROLOGUE)
Alessia is such a strong bad ass character that takes all the craziness thrown at her in stride and I can't wait to see what her future holds!
This story is not only about coming into one's own, but about choice and destiny and how the choices you make can change the outcome. The story line is so well written and there is such detail you feel like you can truly see everything in this book.
Even though this book gives sleeping beauty vibes it is more like if sleeping beauty, lightlark and crescent city book 1 had a baby it would be this! LOL
I love how you continuously are learning throughout this book and with the multiple POVs (which sometimes I think can be too much) this one definitely elevates the story and allows the reader to see more of the big picture of who the characters are, their backgrounds, and sprinkles in the need to know more.
If you love Crescent City series, Gild series - then this book is for you!!!
July 24, 2025
“I’m going to destroy you in all the ways that matter, Little Mortal”
This book follows Alessia who has been hidden away since birth with her powers locked away until her 26th birthday. Once her powers are released and she is no longer safe on earth she enters the protection of Erebos, the lord of Hell, and, unbeknownst to her, her fated mate. They agree to work together for a time to understand her powers, help Erebos restore his, and find her missing mother. Oh, and save the realms from Bastian, the EVIL king of Heaven (which was a unique twist!)
"I am yours to play with, Little Mortal. What shall you do to me first?”
This book was a fun read. Alessia, though raised in hiding and extreme protection, isn't completely clueless or timid like many FMCs from similar backgrounds. She might have been raised in the middle of nowhere with no one around, but she was raised to be a fearsome warrior and it shows. Erebos seems like the intimidating MMC you would expect the Lord of Hell to be but he’s genuinely good deep down. He wants the realms free of unnecessary violence and pain and believes in the good in others and the chance to change for the better. I liked this spin on your typical king of Hell situation. And they way he softens even further for Alessia, bowing to her whims? It was beautiful. I will say, I did not see the last bit of the book coming and it full on threw me! Because man, what a cliffhanger! But, I have full faith that a badass like Alessia will destroy all who deserve it in book 2, so until then I'll try and be patient.
“ She wasn't righteous. She wasn't wicked. Alessia was a formidable combination of both.”
This book follows Alessia who has been hidden away since birth with her powers locked away until her 26th birthday. Once her powers are released and she is no longer safe on earth she enters the protection of Erebos, the lord of Hell, and, unbeknownst to her, her fated mate. They agree to work together for a time to understand her powers, help Erebos restore his, and find her missing mother. Oh, and save the realms from Bastian, the EVIL king of Heaven (which was a unique twist!)
"I am yours to play with, Little Mortal. What shall you do to me first?”
This book was a fun read. Alessia, though raised in hiding and extreme protection, isn't completely clueless or timid like many FMCs from similar backgrounds. She might have been raised in the middle of nowhere with no one around, but she was raised to be a fearsome warrior and it shows. Erebos seems like the intimidating MMC you would expect the Lord of Hell to be but he’s genuinely good deep down. He wants the realms free of unnecessary violence and pain and believes in the good in others and the chance to change for the better. I liked this spin on your typical king of Hell situation. And they way he softens even further for Alessia, bowing to her whims? It was beautiful. I will say, I did not see the last bit of the book coming and it full on threw me! Because man, what a cliffhanger! But, I have full faith that a badass like Alessia will destroy all who deserve it in book 2, so until then I'll try and be patient.
“ She wasn't righteous. She wasn't wicked. Alessia was a formidable combination of both.”
July 26, 2025
Please do read the trigger warnings ⚠️
Or I should say Queen of Wrecking Hearts, what was that ending. I was staring at my ceiling in disbelief 🤯 omg. How can you leave it at that ending... I need book 2 this instant. My stomach is tied in knots.
Enemies to lovers
Fated mates
Magic
Good versus evil
Betrayal
Action
Spice
Alessia, poor sweet thing, her mum dying giving birth, her father died protecting and Sending her to earth and her two moms ( guardian angels 😇) literally raised one badass, sassy woman. She's is the embodiment of looks at the situation even though she doesn't know much tries her best to defend the people she loves. She's a queen in every sense of the word and she's kind. She might have a power of darkness and all that and have a higher meanings to everyone but she's takes everything with what she knows and accepts things just like that ( don't get her pissed 😡)
Erebos is just everything even when he loses his dark lord of hell powers ( Alessia gets them ) she's everything he always wanted, but he tries so hard to deny, his attraction 🧲 , his developing feelings. The fact that their fates mates and he keeps it from her even though he can feel her every emotions and don't get me started with the talking in minds ( fucking pair of flirts )
Let's say my face heated up so much throughout this book 📚 ❤️ . I loved the storyline, the side characters ( made me blush even harder and awe moment )
Thanks you for giving me this as an arc for an honest review.
Release date July 29th, please do add to your TBR, you don't want to miss reading this gem.
Or I should say Queen of Wrecking Hearts, what was that ending. I was staring at my ceiling in disbelief 🤯 omg. How can you leave it at that ending... I need book 2 this instant. My stomach is tied in knots.
Enemies to lovers
Fated mates
Magic
Good versus evil
Betrayal
Action
Spice
Alessia, poor sweet thing, her mum dying giving birth, her father died protecting and Sending her to earth and her two moms ( guardian angels 😇) literally raised one badass, sassy woman. She's is the embodiment of looks at the situation even though she doesn't know much tries her best to defend the people she loves. She's a queen in every sense of the word and she's kind. She might have a power of darkness and all that and have a higher meanings to everyone but she's takes everything with what she knows and accepts things just like that ( don't get her pissed 😡)
Erebos is just everything even when he loses his dark lord of hell powers ( Alessia gets them ) she's everything he always wanted, but he tries so hard to deny, his attraction 🧲 , his developing feelings. The fact that their fates mates and he keeps it from her even though he can feel her every emotions and don't get me started with the talking in minds ( fucking pair of flirts )
Let's say my face heated up so much throughout this book 📚 ❤️ . I loved the storyline, the side characters ( made me blush even harder and awe moment )
Thanks you for giving me this as an arc for an honest review.
Release date July 29th, please do add to your TBR, you don't want to miss reading this gem.
July 29, 2025
Queen of the Wicked by Deanna Faison took a little while to pull me in, but once it did, I was completely hooked. The beginning felt a bit slow, but as the story unfolded, I found myself falling in love—with the characters, the plot, and especially the banter-filled, electric dynamic between Alessia and Erebos.
One of the standout aspects for me was Alessia herself. She’s not a damsel in distress—far from it. She’s powerful, smart, and knows how to protect herself, while still being wise enough to lean on her allies when needed. That balance of strength and vulnerability made her incredibly relatable and easy to root for.
Erebos, the Lord of Hell, is everything you want in a morally gray MMC—dangerous, sharp-tongued, but totally gone for her. Their constant arguments? Easily my favorite scenes. The chemistry was so good, and the slow-burn romance hit just right. I loved that there was no insta-love—they had to earn each other’s trust and connection, which made their eventual bond even more satisfying.
And let’s not forget: he falls first. That plus the fact that they’re fated mates? Yes, please.
The story is filled with twists and turns, power struggles, and a well-built fantasy world that I can’t wait to return to. That ending left me clawing for book two!
Highly recommend for fans of dark romantic fantasy, powerful heroines, and just the right amount of chaos and yearning.
If you love the following tropes, this book is for you:
• Shadow Mommy
• He Falls First
• Fated Mates
• Morally Gray MMC
• Power Struggle
• “Touch her and ☠️”
• “Touch him and ☠️”
• Slow-burn
One of the standout aspects for me was Alessia herself. She’s not a damsel in distress—far from it. She’s powerful, smart, and knows how to protect herself, while still being wise enough to lean on her allies when needed. That balance of strength and vulnerability made her incredibly relatable and easy to root for.
Erebos, the Lord of Hell, is everything you want in a morally gray MMC—dangerous, sharp-tongued, but totally gone for her. Their constant arguments? Easily my favorite scenes. The chemistry was so good, and the slow-burn romance hit just right. I loved that there was no insta-love—they had to earn each other’s trust and connection, which made their eventual bond even more satisfying.
And let’s not forget: he falls first. That plus the fact that they’re fated mates? Yes, please.
The story is filled with twists and turns, power struggles, and a well-built fantasy world that I can’t wait to return to. That ending left me clawing for book two!
Highly recommend for fans of dark romantic fantasy, powerful heroines, and just the right amount of chaos and yearning.
If you love the following tropes, this book is for you:
• Shadow Mommy
• He Falls First
• Fated Mates
• Morally Gray MMC
• Power Struggle
• “Touch her and ☠️”
• “Touch him and ☠️”
• Slow-burn
July 1, 2025
This book was seductive, had scandalous moments, luxurious notes and magnetic connections. The detailed character portrayals and landscape descriptions were great! The story was freshly woven and went farther than just good vs evil or Heaven Vs Hell. It was creative and different but not outlandish (which you can take with a grain of salt - we’re reading fiction after all). Leave your expectations at the door because this quest for Alessia’s mother once she turns 26, will have you invested in what the hell happened (literally), and wondering where her magic came from as well as what power lies within her. Erebus, the King of Hell defies every preconception and delivers the perfect amount of dark, broody, sexy, and swoon worthy romance we want to read on our pages as we sip our wine. Throw in the side characters and aides, who all hold their own with great personalities to match and we’ve got quite the party at the palace. There is so much on offer here, and I will not spoil it all for you, just take my word for it, this is a devilishly great start to Ms. Faisons’ series!
*I am so grateful to @deannafaison for my ARC, and the opportunity to read and review this book prior to release. It’s available 29July2025!*
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#slowburn #fantasy #romantasy #bookish #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookshelf #arc #magic #bookstagram#goodvsevil #adventure
*I am so grateful to @deannafaison for my ARC, and the opportunity to read and review this book prior to release. It’s available 29July2025!*
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#slowburn #fantasy #romantasy #bookish #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookshelf #arc #magic #bookstagram#goodvsevil #adventure
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2025
Besties, I ATE THIS BOOK UP!! The end has me low key upset and if Deanna doesn’t fix it I will cry for eternity 😭😂
EREBOS!!! #myfatedmate 💘💘💘
This book is very ACOTAR coded and I loved every page of it! There are different elements of heaven and hell, angels and demons HELLO WINGS and magic that is searching to regain balance.
Now I did get a little annoyed because the two main characters keep withholding information from each other and that drives me insane!!!🤪
Other than that 5 stars! I NEED BOOK 2 IMMEDIATELY!
📖 With the future of Heaven and Hell at stake, the lost queen must step into her power to claim her rightful throne, even if the arrogant and insufferably attractive Lord of Hell is the only way to do it...
Alessia Eastwood was born with a dark halo and magic in her veins. Heir to the rightful throne of Heaven but too young to wield her powers, she was sent to Earth hidden under an enchantment spell that would be unveiled on the night of her twenty-sixth birthday, protecting her from her nefarious, tyrannical uncle.
When that night comes and she plans to discover her destiny, an unfriendly visit from a seraph puts a pin in her plans, and Alessia is forced to put her faith and trust in the most tempting man she's ever come into contact with, also known as the Lord of Hell, in order to save both realms.
As secrets of her past and future unfold, Alessia quickly realizes that her life has never been her own, and she is ultimately faced with the decision to walk the righteous path destiny beckons her to follow, or create one of her own entirely.
EREBOS!!! #myfatedmate 💘💘💘
This book is very ACOTAR coded and I loved every page of it! There are different elements of heaven and hell, angels and demons HELLO WINGS and magic that is searching to regain balance.
Now I did get a little annoyed because the two main characters keep withholding information from each other and that drives me insane!!!🤪
Other than that 5 stars! I NEED BOOK 2 IMMEDIATELY!
📖 With the future of Heaven and Hell at stake, the lost queen must step into her power to claim her rightful throne, even if the arrogant and insufferably attractive Lord of Hell is the only way to do it...
Alessia Eastwood was born with a dark halo and magic in her veins. Heir to the rightful throne of Heaven but too young to wield her powers, she was sent to Earth hidden under an enchantment spell that would be unveiled on the night of her twenty-sixth birthday, protecting her from her nefarious, tyrannical uncle.
When that night comes and she plans to discover her destiny, an unfriendly visit from a seraph puts a pin in her plans, and Alessia is forced to put her faith and trust in the most tempting man she's ever come into contact with, also known as the Lord of Hell, in order to save both realms.
As secrets of her past and future unfold, Alessia quickly realizes that her life has never been her own, and she is ultimately faced with the decision to walk the righteous path destiny beckons her to follow, or create one of her own entirely.
July 15, 2025
Have you ever read a book that you enjoyed so much that you struggled to write the review? For me, that was Queen of the Wicked by Deanna Faison.
Lord of Hell? Um, yes, please.
That’s all I had to know about this book to get me to apply for the ARC, but I’ll get into it a little more for you.
I loved all of the characters. You have your badass FMC, who doesn’t remember a thing about who she actually is, and then we have our MMC, who has lost his powers and is oddly okay with it. Then you have the Lord’s inner circle that consists of a goofy beefcake and a terrifying small woman. Not to mention the skeleton butler and the smut-loving maid. Ugh. All of the characters are perfection.
Our FMC is Alessia, and she is amazing. She has been hidden her whole life to keep her safe, and she’s suddenly thrust into the world that she was hidden from, but she takes everything in stride. Travel to hell to go talk to some 100-year-old scary dude? Sure, let's go. I adore her.
Then, we have our MMC, Erebos. This is our Lord of Hell. Listen, I would die for this man. He has been tortured and used, but he is still so loyal to his inner circle and governs Hell with fairness, which, until this book, I thought was an oxymoron. The Lord of Hell has his own little quirks, such as being afraid of the dark. Ugh. I love him.
This is a story of finding yourself, defying fate, and learning to trust. If this book isn’t on your TBR, change that.
Lord of Hell? Um, yes, please.
That’s all I had to know about this book to get me to apply for the ARC, but I’ll get into it a little more for you.
I loved all of the characters. You have your badass FMC, who doesn’t remember a thing about who she actually is, and then we have our MMC, who has lost his powers and is oddly okay with it. Then you have the Lord’s inner circle that consists of a goofy beefcake and a terrifying small woman. Not to mention the skeleton butler and the smut-loving maid. Ugh. All of the characters are perfection.
Our FMC is Alessia, and she is amazing. She has been hidden her whole life to keep her safe, and she’s suddenly thrust into the world that she was hidden from, but she takes everything in stride. Travel to hell to go talk to some 100-year-old scary dude? Sure, let's go. I adore her.
Then, we have our MMC, Erebos. This is our Lord of Hell. Listen, I would die for this man. He has been tortured and used, but he is still so loyal to his inner circle and governs Hell with fairness, which, until this book, I thought was an oxymoron. The Lord of Hell has his own little quirks, such as being afraid of the dark. Ugh. I love him.
This is a story of finding yourself, defying fate, and learning to trust. If this book isn’t on your TBR, change that.
July 28, 2025
From the first chapter, this book took my soul… and wow!! ❤️🔥 I started it around 11:00pm, thinking “just a few chapters” … and then I came back to my sensessss and it was 4:30am … 🥹🥹 that’s how good it was and how hooked I got!
Now Let’s talk characters:
Alessia? QUEEN! 👑 … An absolute queen!!. I love a FMC that’s strong, powerful, assertive + a shadow mommy?? Where do I Sign!? I just loved how she was not whiny or extra naive.
And … Can we take a moment to appreciate her “I’m gonna go and get my MAN / Demon / Lord of Hell? 😈 It does not matter .. I’ll burn the world for him” vibes?? No questions asked and I’m so here for it!
Erebos? He is described as the most feared being in existence… and yet, he’s completely undone by Alessia, he is so infatuated with her 🤤 I loved seeing that dynamic. He’s obsessed, and their banter + slow burn + just the right amount of spice = delicious, give me more! 🔥
The plot was ✨solid✨, the setup intriguing, and the betrayal twist? YES. That ending left me reeling, I need book two yesterday.
Also, the side characters?? I need their stories!!Every. Single. One. Of. Them. Deserves. A. Book.
And… Please, don’t ask me about the writing style or pacing, I don’t even know! I was too busy devouring the plot 👀 And honestly? I loved that for me.
This book hit every mark I needed it to, and now…
*RUNS to add Erebos to the book boyfriend list* and yes … I’m lowkey crushing on Alessia too. Hard! 👑🔥
Now Let’s talk characters:
Alessia? QUEEN! 👑 … An absolute queen!!. I love a FMC that’s strong, powerful, assertive + a shadow mommy?? Where do I Sign!? I just loved how she was not whiny or extra naive.
And … Can we take a moment to appreciate her “I’m gonna go and get my MAN / Demon / Lord of Hell? 😈 It does not matter .. I’ll burn the world for him” vibes?? No questions asked and I’m so here for it!
Erebos? He is described as the most feared being in existence… and yet, he’s completely undone by Alessia, he is so infatuated with her 🤤 I loved seeing that dynamic. He’s obsessed, and their banter + slow burn + just the right amount of spice = delicious, give me more! 🔥
The plot was ✨solid✨, the setup intriguing, and the betrayal twist? YES. That ending left me reeling, I need book two yesterday.
Also, the side characters?? I need their stories!!Every. Single. One. Of. Them. Deserves. A. Book.
And… Please, don’t ask me about the writing style or pacing, I don’t even know! I was too busy devouring the plot 👀 And honestly? I loved that for me.
This book hit every mark I needed it to, and now…
*RUNS to add Erebos to the book boyfriend list* and yes … I’m lowkey crushing on Alessia too. Hard! 👑🔥
August 8, 2025
I received this book as an ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was HOOKED on this book from the beginning. Small farm girl meets darker than sin Fae lord?! Sign me up.
While I felt that the book jumped a little bit here and there, I really appreciated the fact that Alessia knew from the very beginning that she was going to have powers and be more than a Little Mortal. So many times the FMC has no idea and are instantly accepting of them, but Alessia was brought up knowing about them and she was still hesitant to use them once they developed. I was hanging on for the last few pages when she became a damn QUEEN and used those powers to the fullest.
Erebos, sweet Erebos. The poor soul is literally trying so hard to make things right for demons. While I wish there was a little more demon in him (maybe a little more rough around the edges?), I loved that he cast a glamour to protect HIS hell. Wouldn't it be nice to imagine a corn field in hell to lounge about it? Much better than fire and brimstone that's for sure.
I wish that Alessia picked up on the mating bond sooner rather than later (cherry pie anyone?) but I understand it was fake plot development. I also wish the chapter with the Seeker was longer. I feel so bad for Izara and I hope there's a better ending for her coming. I also hope Eryx and Isla have a happily ever after and neither one of them head to the Unknown.
Can we talk about that E P I L O G U E?! Fuck off, Elyana.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was HOOKED on this book from the beginning. Small farm girl meets darker than sin Fae lord?! Sign me up.
While I felt that the book jumped a little bit here and there, I really appreciated the fact that Alessia knew from the very beginning that she was going to have powers and be more than a Little Mortal. So many times the FMC has no idea and are instantly accepting of them, but Alessia was brought up knowing about them and she was still hesitant to use them once they developed. I was hanging on for the last few pages when she became a damn QUEEN and used those powers to the fullest.
Erebos, sweet Erebos. The poor soul is literally trying so hard to make things right for demons. While I wish there was a little more demon in him (maybe a little more rough around the edges?), I loved that he cast a glamour to protect HIS hell. Wouldn't it be nice to imagine a corn field in hell to lounge about it? Much better than fire and brimstone that's for sure.
I wish that Alessia picked up on the mating bond sooner rather than later (cherry pie anyone?) but I understand it was fake plot development. I also wish the chapter with the Seeker was longer. I feel so bad for Izara and I hope there's a better ending for her coming. I also hope Eryx and Isla have a happily ever after and neither one of them head to the Unknown.
Can we talk about that E P I L O G U E?! Fuck off, Elyana.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2025
**No Spoilers**
The Queen of the Wicked by Deanna Faison was so fun to read!
A dark power has come into this world and was hidden away for over two decades. Alessia has come of age and her world is falling apart. Teaming up with the Lord of Hell, a tall, dark, and handsome brooding guy who may just be what Alessia needs. Embarking on an emotional discovery of self and truth, she trudges into the depths of hell to uncover who she is and her fate.
Immediately I was enthralled with this book. From the dual perspective to the witty banter, I wanted to know more and see how the story developed. The side characters offer comic relief and emotional connection deepening my love for this book. There is a little bit of everything in this story. Emotions from both main characters are very relatable and well crafted rooted in their backstories. There is so much longing, misunderstanding, and need for healing. And I love that they connect over books. This book feels a bit like a Beauty and the Beast retelling and I’m HERE for it!
There is good representation of different body types and discussion of mental heath which I found to be very refreshing.
The only downside of this book is that the next one doesn’t come out till Fall 2026.
Tropes: He falls first, slow burn, enemies-to-lovers, reluctant companions on a quest
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