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Rise of the Pendragon: Book 2 in The Blood of the Pendragon series

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After the events of The Last Pendragon, Elizabeth is left shell shocked and alone. Waking after nearly dying, she finds both men that hold a special place in her heart, fighting for their lives. Leaving her feeling alone and helpless.
Determined to help, she is guided by a mysterious letter and a promise. Leading her on a journey that will take her from the underworld to the elusive beast Kingdom. In search of the one item that could potentially set both men she loves free. That is if it still exists.
With a bounty on her head, the evil queen Lilith is desperate to collect. Time is not on Elizabeth's side.
Fate can be a cruel bitch sometimes, even to her chosen one.

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2025

2 people are currently reading
13 people want to read

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Jeanette T. Queen

6 books17 followers

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5 stars
15 (50%)
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11 (36%)
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3 (10%)
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1 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Rebecca Cairns.
35 reviews3 followers
September 9, 2025
Jeanette T Queen… back with another banger and another cliffhanger to boot!

ARC provided by Miss Queen herself and Wings & Words. Thank you guys for the opportunity 🫶🏻

Loved the latest instalment to this series! Fast paced, funny, loads of new characters and new legends! Elizabeth is starting to come into her own and believe in her abilities….its amazing seeing these legends come to life through the pages and I’m loving the spin that Jeanette has put on all of them.

I wish I saw more of Ryker. I was also screaming pretty much from the beginning and wish that she figured certain things out before near the end of the book ( once you read it, you’ll know. I’m not one for spoilers).

Another amazing read Jeanette! Can’t wait for the next one! ❤️
Profile Image for T || .
193 reviews
September 7, 2025
what in the ever loving cliffhanger?????!!!!
really. REALLY.

omg. I loved this book just as much as book 1 now im left waiting AGAIN.

Ryker is still 1 of my favourites along side Lizzy.

thanks to Beth from wings & words & of course Jeanette for the opportunity to read the book!

im utterly gobsmacked at this book & read it so quickly.

cannot recommend this series enough!
Profile Image for Georgina.
40 reviews5 followers
October 9, 2025
Review: The Last Pendragon & Rise of the Pendragon by Jeanette T. Queen
★★★★☆

Thank you so much to Jeanette T. Queen and Beth at Wings & Words ARC community for giving me the opportunity to read both The Last Pendragon and Rise of the Pendragon 💚

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4
(Book 1 - 3.75. Book 2 - 3.5)

I can’t quite decide if I love this series… or if I just desperately want to 😫
There’s so much to adore. I loved the weaving of British history with immortal beings from key historical moments who are still around today, the magical realism is fascinating. And Ryker? If he doesn’t get his HEA after everything he’s endured, I might riot 🙊

The world is ambitious and imaginative. We have King Arthur’s knights, dragons, elves, wolves, and… Santa? Yes, Santa. It can feel overwhelming and while each idea is brilliant on its own, sometimes it feels like the author tried to fit every great idea into one book. Keeping track of all the characters and plot threads can be difficult. It’s clear the author has an incredible imagination though and I’m here for it ✨

One thing that didn’t sit quite right for me was Elizabeth’s reactions to major revelations. For example, she’s given enough information to piece together Shane’s and Ryker’s true identities, yet when she officially finds out later, she reacts with one of the standard three responses: shocked, hurt, or betrayed. It happens more than once and it pulled me out of the story a little. I understand that she’s been kept in the dark most of her life, but by this point, I would have expected her intelligence and experience to show more consistently in her reactions.

Elizabeth herself is interesting, highly educated, and capable however she feels inconsistent. There are moments where she comes across as surprisingly juvenile or non communicative, which clashes with the PhD-level intellect she’s supposed to have. Again, I understand why initially this happens, given her history, but it was noticeable enough to affect my immersion at times.

Despite these issues, there’s so much here to love. The story is compelling, the mythology is rich, and the stakes feel real. I’m invested in this world and its characters, and I’m curious to see how the author continues to develop this sprawling, magical world 🌟
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Louise Smalley.
51 reviews6 followers
September 13, 2025
Wow I loved how this book keeps you on a cliffhanger so you want to get to the next book to continue the journey of Elizabeth i loved this part Oh, little dove,” Hades braced his muscular arms against the door frame, trapping her between his hard physique and the door. “I have thought about nothing else since you first walked into that gaming room. You’re a beautiful woman, and I am, after all, a devil” . I can’t wait for the next book 👀👀👀
Profile Image for Ashley Mindykowski.
Author 3 books40 followers
October 7, 2025
This was even better than the first book. I love how Elizabeth is finding her way. I love the male interests. I loved the lore and how seamlessly it's all stitched together. And that ending!?! I need book 3 right now!!
Profile Image for Donna M Barnes.
27 reviews3 followers
October 6, 2025
loved this book. enjoyed reading it and following elizabeth's story. that cliffhanger tho 😱 this book has everything, the series has everything. a must read. excited for the next one 🥰
Profile Image for Leean.
81 reviews
October 1, 2025
This is the second book in this series and what a fantastic fantasy book, I absolutely love the fmc as she is a great character, I loved how the story evolved and highly recommended this book as it was so good. I give this book five stars and love reading it. The world building and the development of characters is so inspiring and written with great passion and detail that you find it easy to get swept away by this book and are desperate to keep reading.
Profile Image for Kat Miranda.
Author 3 books23 followers
October 6, 2025
This was so freaking good. I literally just sat here and read this this morning after I finished the last pendragon at 7 AM. I have sat here until 1:42, avoiding all responsibilities, because I couldn't put it down, ma'am, ma'am, what have you done to be for real? Y'all, if you're reading this review, read this book. You need it. I'm grateful for the opportunity to read this. And I am now feral for book 3, seriously, seriously, seriously. Yes, that was not a typo. That is 3 seriously's seriously.
Profile Image for Shawn Burt.
138 reviews13 followers
September 14, 2025
Ugh another cliffhanger, I loved this book.

It was provided by the Queen herself and Wings and Words.

I loved this latest installment of The rise of pendragon. Ryker is my #1 favorite and I am so glad he and Elizabeth are soul mates. Elizabeth is starting to come into her own and believing in herself. She found out more about herself and her relatives in this Installment. It is amazing to see all the legends come to life.

Thank you again to Wings & Words for allowing me to read this amazing book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
7 reviews2 followers
September 17, 2025
absolutely love this book and how it had all the characters in from St nick to hades and elf's ryker is my fave and Elizabeth cant wait for the next book and the cliffhanger it left you on i am so glad Elizabeth was his fated mate
Profile Image for Patsy.
405 reviews21 followers
October 12, 2025
This book is a great continuation from the first book.However get ready for the ultimate cliff hanger .....Im just saying!

Elizabeth and Ryker are quite a pair and I absolutely love reading their story. I loved seeing the evolution of Elizabeth. Watching her character grow was a joy to read. The cast of characters were very well developed.

The problem is, now we all need book three right away. This was a four out of five star read for
Profile Image for 1Moment of Truth.
9 reviews1 follower
November 8, 2025
In "Rise of the Pendragon," Jeanette T. Queen presents a new perspective on the Arthurian legend, immersing readers in the magic, foresight, and valiant heroes of England. The story features passionate heirs, shifting alliances, and a sense of destiny, all vividly portrayed by Queen's playful and endearing storytelling. Even if you are unfamiliar with the story, the exciting characters and plotlines make this an epic and fun adventure. If you're seeking a book with exciting new spins on classic legends and characters to cheer for, look no further.

"Rise of the Pendragon" turned out to be better than I anticipated. The relationship between Ryker and Elizabeth is fantastic, and the stories are exciting, particularly Elizabeth's trip to the underworld. The King Kane thing was a real shocker! It's fun to watch Elizabeth's reactions, but her determination to save Shane is also really powerful and meaningful. The dialogue and witty banter of the book immediately draw you in, and coupled with the bold and emotional plot twists, these qualities are the book's strength. Jeanette Queen showcases her writing talent by crafting a world complete with dragons, myths, destinies, and elves, while Elizabeth's cleverness makes her a fascinating main character. You won't want to put this fantasy romance down because Ryker and Elizabeth have amazing chemistry. I am incredibly grateful to Jeanette T. Queen for introducing me to the "Hot Santa." To learn more about this character, I highly recommend reading the book—you're sure to fall in love with him!

The story follows Elizabeth as she tries to save her loved ones, dealing with numerous obstacles and hoping for favorable outcomes. Jeanette totally left us hanging, and I bet she's sitting there grinning because we're all desperate for the next part. In the second installment of the Pendragon series, the story's universe grows with the addition of new characters and further development of its history. I appreciated how the character developments were portrayed, especially for the main female character, and the witty dialogue between the morally gray characters had me laughing because it felt authentic. Overall, I found it to be a fantastic read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am eagerly anticipating book three.
Profile Image for Morgan Vela.
Author 4 books75 followers
September 12, 2025
****SPOILER ALERT****

Rise of the Pendragon was everything I had been waiting for, and more. Ryker is absolutely swoon-worthy, and seeing him and Elizabeth finally come together was deliciously satisfying.
The adventures in this book swept me away. Elizabeth’s visit to the underworld had me holding my breath (I half expected a sort of romantic exchange with the devil himself ;) maybe for the future...), and King Kane...wow. I was starting to like him, and then that ending pulled the rug out from under me!
Elizabeth's encounter with the tree in Eden, she always makes me laugh with her exasperation when she doesn't get a straight answer :). I loved seeing her efforts to save Shane’s soul, and even pushing her friend into the flames to raise the phoenix.
Every twist was bold, emotional, and gripping, but what makes this book shine is the dialogue and banter. It draws you in instantly, and Elizabeth’s sharp mouth makes her one of my favorite heroines to read.
Jeanette Queen is a talented writer, weaving a world filled with dragons, Pendragon myth, fates, elves, dimensions, the underworld, shifters, gods, and yes...even St. Nick himself. Swoons for Ryker...

This book is an imaginative twist on fantasy romance, and I couldn’t put it down. Literally, I devoured it in three hours. Great work, Queen!
Profile Image for Disneysparks.
42 reviews2 followers
September 16, 2025
I was lucky enough to be apart of the ARC team for 'Rise of the Pendragon' so thank you Jeanette and Beth at Wings & Words for the opportunity!

Rise of the Pendragon continues right where book one finishes, following Elizabeth on her journey to save the two men that have a special place in her heart. With twits and turns and a bounty on her heart Elizabeth will have to hope the fates will be on her side for once.

I loved this book! But the cliffhanger?! Now Jeanette that just wasn't kind at all!! The second instalment in the Pendragon series explores more worlds, allowing us to meet more characters and diving deeper into the lore if the magical realm and its history. There is also some great (and well needed) character development, giving the MFC a stronger backbone which I love to see (Morally Pink is a thing and I am here for it). I love the banter between the characters, it really adds some funny moments and brings the characters out of their shells.

I would love to see some different POVs (especially Ryker's) I was practically shouldering at Elizabeth to open her eyes (if you know, you know). All in all this was a fab read and I did enjoy it more than the first!! Even with the mouth gaping ending! I will not so patiently wait for book three so if you could release it soon that would be great 😅

Thank You Jeanette for a banger!!
Profile Image for A. Paige.
Author 5 books18 followers
September 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)

Rise of the Pendragon is an emotional, action-packed ride that had me hooked from the start. Elizabeth’s journey through the underworld and beast kingdom is full of danger, heartbreak, and determination, and I loved rooting for her every step of the way. The tension with Queen Lilith’s bounty kept the stakes high, and the mysterious letter guiding her quest added a great layer of suspense.

I only wished a few parts slowed down a little so I could sit with the emotions longer, but overall this was a fantastic continuation of the series. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Reading.With.Flo📚.
123 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2025
Book two picks up right where The Last Pendragon left off and dives even deeper into the supernatural world. The lore expands quickly, introducing a flood of new characters and relationships. At times, I felt like I needed a tree map to keep track of everything, and I occasionally found myself a bit lost in all the details.

While I enjoyed the beauty of the writing and the richness of the worldbuilding, I personally wished there had been more focus on Elizabeth and Ryker’s relationship—it’s such a compelling thread, and I missed seeing it explored more deeply here.

Thank you to Wings & Words ARC Community for the opportunity to read this book!
Profile Image for Kristie Mineo.
30 reviews1 follower
January 23, 2026
Wow, what the heck did I just read..! I honestly don't even know where to begin. The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat, and just when I thought I had it figured out, another curveball would come flying at me. And just know there is another cliffhanger that is not just frustrating but also exhilarating..!!

I really loved the main character, Elizabeth. Her journey is so captivating, and I found myself rooting for her the entire time…!! I can't wait to see where her journey goes next..!!! 
I'm really looking forward for book three and counting down the days until it’s here ..!!
(Which better be soon)
11 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2025
Thanks to wings and words and Jeanette for allowing me to read this!

A great read! I chain read both the first and second book and it’s a great story. Really engaging and great world building. Love the building upon bible/legend stories. Absolutely love Chance & Ryker! Will definitely be reading the next book and can’t wait to see how that cliffhanger is resolved!

The only reason for not 5 stars is because I’m not a fan of Elizabeth and I found her to emotionally immature and not very receptive of things that were quite obvious.
Profile Image for Pixie.
18 reviews2 followers
October 30, 2025
"Rise of the Pendragon" by Jeanette T. Queen delivers a lively and imaginative twist on Arthurian legend, plunging readers into a Britain where magic, ancient prophecy, and bold heroes are back in action. Full of fierce heirs, shifting alliances, and the spark of destiny, Queen’s storytelling is both playful and heartfelt. The cast is vibrant and the drama never lets up, making for an adventure that’s as fun as it is epic—even if you’re new to the series. If you like your legends with a fresh attitude and characters you can root for, this book is an absolute blast!
11 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2025
Just finished reading this ARC thanks to Wings & Words and Janette Queen the author.
Really enjoyed the second book as much as the first. Plenty of characters, good and bad with a really interesting take on some old, myths,legends and bible stories. Am eagerly awaiting the third book as we were left on a cliffhanger with quite a few questions to be answered.

Profile Image for Alice Legky.
41 reviews
September 18, 2025
3.5 Stars
let's just say, there is alot going on in this book. I feel like there needs to be a family tree made. I didn't hate it but it wasn't my favorite. I dont care for all the nicknames that the FMC has. I do like the fact that every character has a true purpose as to why they are in the story. but there are alot of characters to keep up with
Profile Image for Gina.
103 reviews10 followers
October 19, 2025
Jeannette did it again! First, she brought in Chris Kringle in her first book, and now she has brought in a character who reminded me of the spider from Charlotte's Web. She did a great job keeping me engaged. Now I am left anxiously waiting for the next book to find out what happens next! What a cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Bobbie.
330 reviews5 followers
September 12, 2025
Great continuation of the story. I feel like Elizabeth matures in this story, yet still gets herself into trouble as is her nature, and there are so many fascinating characters added in. I'm excited for the next installment.
Profile Image for Read, Run and Rescue .
413 reviews15 followers
October 10, 2025
Sorry about the delayed review, anyway again I really enjoyed this book. I did not think I was a romantasy girl but there I am again wondering when the next book will be out! I felt like our FMC is really starting to come into her own I feel like she is growing more confident with her magical abilities too. I loved to see her growth. I also kinda like her snarky inner dialogues too. Hades was interesting….and Ryker❣️ it’s a magical adventure I’m so glad I went on.
Profile Image for Simplymetaramarie.
221 reviews23 followers
October 10, 2025
4.5☆ So freaking good! Elizabeth is growing into her role. There may be some dragging and pushing involved, but it's happening. She is fierce, stubborn, caring, and insecure, and she is funny!

I love the different realms and beings and how they are all woven into an amazing story. Then the ending!!!! I need book 3, stat!!!
Profile Image for Michelle Langford.
32 reviews2 followers
November 15, 2025
Thank you to Jeanette T Queen & Beth at Wings & Words for the opportunity to read this book!

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic in this second instalment of the Pendragon and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all of the new characters.

Cosy but thrilling, sad and cute all at the same time. Looking forward to number 3!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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