The Queen of Treachery

by Rowan Joy

She's not a good queen, but she's mine.

Kate knows two things: never back down from a fight, and always protect the ones you love. Unfortunately, Kate doesn’t realize that her feral fighting style is just what Betrayal, the daughter of Death, needs.

Without warning, Betrayal whisks Kate away to the Otherworld, demanding Kate become her human champion. The deal is simple: help Betrayal defeat her father, and Kate can return home. But, trust doesn't come easily for Kate, especially when her new ally is the literal embodiment of treachery. Yet, despite Kate’s better judgment, an unwelcome desire emerges—a desire to corner the captivating villain and make her beg.

Get ready for a sweeping epic fantasy with a slow-burn sapphic romance that will leave you obsessed.

All hail the Queen.

Genres: Fantasy, Lesbian

317 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 22, 2025

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ 1🌶

This book is a wild ride, starting with a fight and kidnapping and ending on a cliffhanger, but that shouldn't dissuade you from reading it.

I've rarely read a book that had this type of start, but it grabs you and pulls you in so that you have no choice but to go along with the chaos. The world building was unique, and I have many questions. Some were answered, and others I hope are answered in the subsequent books.

The cast of side characters is unique and helps to move the storyline. The growth of the main characters: Betrayal and Kate is done in alignment with their slow burn relationship. You will be rooting for their realization that they should be together, consequences be damned.

I will be anxiously awaiting the sequel.

I received an advanced copy for an honest review.

[Clara Addicted to sapphic books · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world Rowan Joy built is original and rich. I especially loved how the Incarnates came to life, even though I was a bit lost at first due to the numerous characters and the Incarnates within the Incarnates. The political games and power play are exciting to read.
The book's pace is excellent right from the start and never slows down. There are a lot of action scenes and suspense. Every character is ambiguous, with the exception of Kate, which makes the reader question their true motives.
It took me a while to get into the story and to warm up to Kate because she sometimes behaved like an immature brat in the beginning. But in the end, everything came together because Rowan took the time to set things up properly.

The relationship between Kate and Betrayal is a fetus at the end of the book and is already full of obstacles, but there are still two books left and a lot more to say.
And that ending!!! Cliffhangers are always frustrating for me, but it shows the book is good and makes me want to read the next one as soon as possible!

[Lez_be_readin_ya · Rating 4 out of 5]

"An action-packed thrill ride you won’t want to put down!"

What a fantastic book! The storyline was so well crafted, and the plot had me hooked from the very first page. It was action-packed and full of adventure, with moments that made me laugh out loud and others that had me right on the edge of my seat. From start to finish, it was an absolute thrill to read.

I adored all the relationships in this book—not just the main romantic one, but also the friendships and bonds between characters. They were beautifully written and added so much warmth and heart to the adventure.

I’m already so excited for the next book in the series! Yes, it ends on a cliffhanger (which is just a tiny bit frustrating), but honestly, that’s what makes a great story—it leaves you eager and impatient for more.

A huge thank you to Rowan for the amazing opportunity to review this incredible read. I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next!

Release date: 22nd September 2025
Pages: 332
Format: ARC E-Book

Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

🎭 Tropes/ Content:
Enemies-to-Lovers, Slow Burn, Anti-Heroine, Gothic Vibes & Creepy Forests, Razor-Sharp Banter, Forced Proximity, Touch Her You Die, Action Packed, Age Gap, Lovable Introvert MC, Dark Sapphic Romance, Ice Queen, Adventure Novel, Cliffhanger

[KJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeeze Louise!

Okay, so first, I’ll be upfront in saying I’m not the world’s biggest fan of first person POV, but I legit LOVED this book anyway.

First chapter I was fairly unsteady. The multiple POV switches so rapidly I was like “what is happening,” (not uncommon for me to begin with in a not reality based series anyway but there is POV switches mid chapter so it’s worth mentioning anyway) but once I got my footing I was hooked. Legit the only reason this took me a few days to read is only because I have been incredibly busy, or this would have been a one sit binge for me.

The plot? Phenomenal. The characters? I absolutely adored. I really don’t want to wait until next year for the second book because I absolutely NEED to know what happens!

I love an ice-queen type, and Betrayal fits that mould so well. Obsessed. Also Kate being a protector type made such a cool pairing.

Just want to take a minute to talk about this world building… like…. Rowan Joy 👏🏻put 👏🏻in 👏🏻 the 👏🏻 work👏🏻 I can just imagine sitting in front of a laptop with a cork-board behind me and the red yarn lines, and I wouldn’t be able to pull off how much sense it all made once I acclimated to the concept of this world. Rowan… legit. I love how your brain works. Incredible! Absolutely massive kudos. I am incredibly grateful to have gotten an advanced copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily, but just have to say, this will be one of those series that I’m going to be purchasing a physical copy of for my book shelf.

[Unpopmary · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

I have mixed feelings about this book… To be honest, I didn’t really enjoy it until Part 2 (about halfway through) because I felt the characters lacked depth—especially Kate. There were moments when she came across as much younger than her 23 years, and maybe it’s just a personal quirk, but I don’t enjoy it when characters end up feeling weak. The power imbalance in the first part was also frustrating to watch, with Kate being practically useless for most of it. So, when she finally “changes,” that was a welcome development—her character started to make more sense. By the end, I appreciated her wit and fiery spirit.

Betrayal, on the other hand, didn’t really show her true colors until the very end, which I enjoyed because it made her seem more human—someone with feelings, even if she likes to pretend otherwise. But, as with Kate, I didn’t truly “see” her until later in the story. That said, Rowan handled the enemies-to-lovers trope well. The progression between Betrayal and Kate was gradual, which I loved since I’m not a fan of insta-love. Their chemistry and intimacy felt natural.

The worldbuilding was original, but I think it could have been fleshed out more. There were moments when I had unanswered questions about why certain things were the way they were, so I hope the author expands on that in book two. One pleasant surprise was the secondary characters—something I rarely care much about—but here they were solid and compelling. War, Chaos, and even Death, who seems to be the “villain” so far, kept me reading through the slower first half when I hadn’t yet connected with the main leads.

The cliffhanger ending sealed the deal for me. Just when I was fully invested—bam—it ended, and now I need book two.
I’m definitely curious to see this world’s full potential in the sequel, and I have a feeling I’ll enjoy book two a lot more.

So, if you’re ready to spice up your reading, The Queen of Treachery is the first installment of a trilogy that will keep you on your toes!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gio.reads.sapphic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since this is the first book in the trilogy, it's best thought of as a Fantasy adventure novel rather than a romance novel (you'll still see the relationship between Betrayal and Kate evolve, but that's more of a subplot). The world it's set in is unlike any other fantasy, and you'll have to wait for some characters' explanations to fully understand it - it'll be worth it. Now let's get to the important stuff: the tropes. In this action-packed book you'll find:
- Enemies to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Age gap
- Slow burn
- Ice queen
- Dark romance
- Touch her and die
- Masc x Femme
- Captor x Captive
- Possessive and morally gray MC
plus bonded MCs and lot of banter.

PS: Bonus point for the amazing character (side and main) and it ends on a chliffhanger !

Overall it's a 4.5⭐ and 1🔥(yeah just some kisses)


TW: Abandonment issues - foster kids - kidnapping - mention of cheating (side character on MC ) - parental abuse of children - violence - near death experience - unhealthy family dynamics

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ What a wild ride! I found the world building and characters fascinating. I was hooked from the start and already can’t wait for the next book! I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

We have enemies to lovers starting with the kidnapping of Kate to Betrayal’s realm where she is forced to find her ‘power’ and work with her kidnapper. I enjoyed the character names once I got over them and then ‘Kate’ sounded so boring lol.

There is so much trickery along with lovely friendly and familial bonds that at times I was snickering or laughing and other times practically biting my nails or swooning. These relationships were well thought out and executed throughout the story.

Our dark sapphic romance was well paced and flowed well with the themes. The cliffhanger is gasp worthy and definitely makes me want the next book as soon as possible!

[rosemarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

wow...i am not exaggerating when i say this is the BEST indie author creative arc i have ever received. from the world-building to the plot to the romance to the characters, EVERYTHING in this book just hit so hard. so let's jump right into it.

pros:
- the world-building was the queen of treachery's biggest strength. the incarnates were a very unique concept, and the otherworld's lore was explained so throughly i never felt like there were plot holes. i feel like it's very easy for a fantasy concept, particularly such an original one like this to get quite convoluted in execution, but i do truly feel like most bases were covered here. i was only confused about a few small things. (oh, how i wish human births worked like incarnates'.)
- each character was very distinct. in modern fantasy books, i almost feel like it's been harder and harder to give characters a unique identity that distinguishes them from other similar series'. i didn't even question that fact while reading. you could name any character from the book and i could talk about their personality and what makes them them for at least a minute straight. that's a sign of a well-thought out book.
- i don't know if this book is officially romantasy or fantasy, but i do know that i was so invested in the plot that though i was waiting in anticipation for the romance, i had a thousand other things to be excited about along the way. one of my pet peeves about any book with a significant sub-plot is when it takes attention away from the main point of the story and the plot. that was definitely not the case here.
- even though the ending wasn't particularly my favorite, i did like the plot twist of jax coming back. given how mia she was in tokyo, you'd just expect her to be angry at kate for disappearing or something like that, NOT to quite literally be in the otherworld as well. (it was also a cool detail to have kate not know destructioncraft at all, but have betrayal's powers, but for jax to be getting pretty good at it.)

cons:
- i did find the birth concept a little weird at times. i can accept that incarnates are born when a significant event between two of them occurs, meaning it doesn't matter if those two incarnates are family, or not but there were just other things in the book that confused me. like, is boon betrayal's daughter? or just fall's? and if all incarnates are immortal and born adults, then do parents and children look the exact same age?
- i was a little confused about the abilities in the incarnates have. i do get that betrayal has loyaltycraft because it makes way for betrayal later on, but then with death having submissioncraft and then war and chaos having additional abilities / curses unrelated to crafts (spirits living inside body, some kind of panic inducement respectively), i just wasn't really clear on how the whole system worked. for example, if there was an incarnate named loyalty, what would be their power?
- i do think the romance could have been written to feel a little less like cheating. granted, i definitely sympathize with kate's situation, and i think there's a lot of moral gray area here. but if it was written to have kate and jax break up or even take a break right before kate is whisked off to the otherworld, i believe it would feel a little more comfortable to read. it still would have worked for jax to be a prominent figure in kate's thoughts, since affection doesn't just go away like that, and the plot with jax coming back at the end still could have been kept.
- i would have preferred the ending to be a little different. it felt kind of abrupt for kate to suddenly choose jax over betrayal, especially since she was willing to leave her behind so quickly before. it would have had more sense if kate was feeling guilty about leaving throughout the second half of the book, and then finally making the decision to go with jax. it also felt like a bit of a betrayal (no pun intended) to the readers to have gotten to know betrayal, war, chaos, etc so well throughout, and then have kate choose jax, who we've technically just gotten to know, and winter, whom we barely know anything about.
- the incarnates seemed to condemn unnecessary killing and the stealing of power, but yet tolerated pain's affinity for torture? (for example, winter was willing to go to considerable lengths to save kate, a human she doesn't know, yet is in love with a man who condones his son's monstrous actions?) i was just a little confused on where they drew the moral line, especially since it seemed like they were perfectly fine with fighting, violence, and death throughout.

but honestly, a lot of my "issues" with the book were more based on some confusion and honestly small things i noticed. the positives definitely outweighed the negatives for this one, and i CANNOT tell you how excited i am for the next book. keep doing what you do rowan joy! (4.25, though close to 4.5).

disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[NewariMaicha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, thank you to BookSirens and Rowan Joy for the ARC opportunity.

This was more of a 3.5 ⭐ read.

This book took me a little while to fully settle into, but once I did, I found myself liking it as it is a truly unique story, unlike anything I’ve read before. The premise is fresh and imaginative, and the pace is relentless fast moving with action around every corner. At times, I found the sheer number of characters a bit overwhelming, but as the story progressed, I started to appreciate how each one added depth and complexity to the world.

What stood out most to me was the strong world-building and the way the relationships developed. The bonds between characters, whether through newfound friendships or hard-earned trust, gave the action-packed narrative some really heartfelt moments. Watching these connections grow alongside the unfolding adventure kept me turning the pages.

That said, I can’t deny the frustration of reaching a cliffhanger ending it left me wanting so much more. The anticipation for what comes next is real, and I’m eager to see how the story continues to unfold in the sequel.

[anni · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIRST THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS ARC!! 😭
that book was so incredible seriously?? I WAS HOOKED. AND SOMEHOW IN LOVE WITH ALL THE CHARACTERS???? the world building, character descriptions, the story line??? i was invested. 😭

they had so much tension and i was begging them to just finally accept the bond they had to each ofher!! AND THE END?!?! gods i can’t deal with THAT BIG of a cliffhanger please i need the next book?!!

it has to be my favourite book i’ve ever read it was so enthralling and just absolutely amazing 😭😭
i will never be able to get over them not actually existing.. lowkey wish i could get kidnapped by an incarnate like this??? 😭

[Emilie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of The Queen of Treachery! As always, all opinions are my own and this review is being left voluntarily.

3.75 stars rounded up

✨ Sapphic Adult Dark Romantasy
✨ First Person, Dual POV
✨ 0.5/5 Spice Level
✨ First in a Trilogy

I recommend if you enjoy…
- Trilogies where the romance takes time to develop
- Dark romance
- Unique world-building
- Enemies-to-Lovers

Content warnings after review.

Initial Thoughts
Ngl the character art is part of what really got me interested in this book. I also liked that it is planned out to be a trilogy. I read a lot of standalones, but I also really enjoy series. I knew this was a dark romantasy going in, but I am notoriously bad about reading blurbs before I read a book (and I don’t have a great memory). So I wasn’t 100% sure which path the romance was going to take (it’s giving kidnapping mixed with magical bond).

Plot & World
I thought the world building was very intriguing. It actually might be my favorite part of the book. Once I started being able to wrap my head around it, I was pretty hooked. Along with understanding the magic system, I felt invested in the plot (even if I wasn’t as invested in some of the characters). I read through the book pretty fast as there is a lot of action.

Characters & Romance
I think my favorite characters might be two of the side characters… while I like the main characters well enough, I struggled to connect with them or understand them. I’m not sure how I feel about their romance either. I think the next book will be very telling for that, so I’m curious to read it. This book also doesn’t have a huge focus on their romance (though the groundwork is being laid).

Final Thoughts
My feelings are a bit mixed, but I think the next book in the series will potentially bridge some of those gaps for me. It’s definitely a series I’m curious enough about to continue reading as I thought the world-building was intriguing and the action made the pages turn quickly.

(beware potential spoilers below)

Content Warnings
(may not be all inclusive)
torture, kidnapping, violence, de*th (of sorts), compulsion, manipulation, threats, m*rder

[Stina Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Queen of Treachery" Casts a Spell You Won’t Want to Break
Some books whisper to you gently. Queen of Treachery grabs you by the collar and yanks you into its world without apology, and I loved every second of it.
From the very first page, I was captivated by a powerful sapphic romance laced with tension, magic, and emotional depth. Our main character, Kate, is thrown headfirst into an unfamiliar world only to learn that she’s the key to everything. The stakes are high, the danger is real, and the emotional layers are richer than I anticipated.
I always love a good romantacy book And this book shattered every expectation I had. The plot, while layered and complex, is surprisingly easy to follow once you’re in its rhythm—and impossible to walk away from. I binged it in one sitting. No regrets.
What makes this story soar is the chemistry between Kate and Betrayal. Their dynamic is magnetic, sharp, messy, vulnerable. A perfect enemies-to-lovers slow burn that builds tension in every glance, every conversation. And the side characters? They’re not just filler—they’re fully realized, meaningful presences who add richness without distracting from the heart of the story.
The world-building is exquisite: immersive without being overwhelming, and imaginative while still grounded in emotion. The author’s skill shines on every page, not just in the writing, but in the literal art. She created the cover and illustrations herself, and it shows. You can feel the passion in every detail.
If you're craving a sapphic fantasy with emotional weight, adventure, slow-burn tension, and just the right dose of scheming, Queen of Treachery is your next obsession. It’s already earned a permanent place on my favorites shelf—and I’m counting down the days until book two.

[coleythesapphic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review: 4 ⭐️

Thank you to the author for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

Queen of Treachery by Rowan Joy is an epic start to a dark sapphic romantasy series that immediately stands out for its unique magic system and high-stakes tension.

The story follows Kate, a human fighter who lives by two rules: never back down from a fight, and always protect the ones you love. Fiercely loyal to her chosen family (especially Jax, who she grew up with in foster care and is also her gf), Kate gets pulled into the Otherworld when Betrayal (daughter of Death) claims her as a human champion. The deal is simple: help Betrayal defeat her father, and Kate *might* get to go home. But nothing about Betrayal is simple, and Kate finds herself caught between devotion to Jax and the dangerous allure of a villain queen she shouldn’t trust.

The worldbuilding here is a huge highlight. The incarnates which are living embodiments of primal forces like Death, War, Chaos, Blood, Fear, Fall, Winter, Night, and so many more, create a system that is both imaginative and very visual. I’ll admit, with ADHD I had to take notes to keep all the connections straight, but once I did, the lore felt immersive and cinematic. It’s the kind of world where even background details feel alive with symbolism.

The romance is a very slow burn, which works given the enemies-to-lovers setup. While the trajectory of Kate and Betrayal’s relationship felt somewhat predictable, there were still moments where I wasn’t sure who Kate would ultimately choose. That uncertainty kept the tension sharp and engaging. And the chemistry? Delicious. Betrayal in particular steals the page. She is magnetic, dangerous, and impossible not to lean into.

On the pacing side, the opening requires a little bit of patience as the worldbuilding unfolds (thankfully there are character descriptions and a map on the author’s website!!), but once the rhythm sets in, the action, banter, and battles keep things moving. By the end, I was fully invested only to be left dangling on a cruel cliffhanger that ensures I’ll be picking up book two the second it’s available.

Final thoughts:
If you want a dark, action-packed sapphic romance with inventive magic and high emotional stakes, Queen of Treachery belongs on your shelf. It’s sharp, visual, and unforgettable. I can’t wait to see what’s next!

[Shula McCann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave The Queen Of Treachery by Rowan Joy four and a half stars. It was three hundred and fifteen pages of a well thought out and developed fantasy world. The character and world building was extensive, and I was glad there was a detailed summary at the front of the book about the names of the incarnate, and what their spellcraft was/is. It definitely came in handy, and I referred back to it only a couple of times while reading.

The two main characters are Kate, who I wanted to shake a few times because she just didn’t use her brain as much as she should. And Betrayal who might seem very dark in the beginning, but by the end I was incredibly sympathetic to her life, and her cause. My favorite characters were War and Chaos, they were side characters, but not really, because their involvement weaves all the way throughout the book. There are a lot of other characters, including some villains (not necessarily listed as villains but I disliked their actions) that I grew to loathe by the end.

I took off half a star just because I found myself a little overwhelmed with new information at the beginning, but by the end I was awake until after 2:30am finishing it. You will reach a point where you just can’t put the book down. Considering this is the debut novel for this author I was really impressed, and I am already waiting for book two in the trilogy.

Tropes include touch her and die, enemies to lovers (sort of), a very slow burn, and found family. You can also expect lots of action and fight sequences, magic, kidnapping, and some incredibly witty banter that made me laugh out loud. I definitely recommend this story if you enjoy fantasy with some sapphic romance, and in depth worlds of bod verses evil, even if it’s hard to decide who is actually good and bad. Thank you to the author for the paperback copy of this book, and they did not ask for a review, but I would promote this book anyway. And happy release day for this awesome story. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did.

[Montes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate is someone who has always had to fight: for herself and for the people she cares about, she’s loyal to a fault and will step in front of any danger to protect. Those are usually commendable qualities, but they can also catch the attention of the wrong people. Betrayal, Death’s daughter is in need of a human champion and when she sees Kate in action, she knows that’s who she needs so she takes her to Otherworld to train her, against Kate’s will. Will Betrayal live up to her namesake or will she be on the receiving end of treachery?

I thought I didn’t really enjoy reading fantasy books but I have been really lucky with the best fantasy arcs these months.

I was hooked from the very beginning. The world building, the backstory into the characters and the lore was very well done. I really liked that there was balance in every aspect of the Otherworld. You can’t help but root for the apparent villain, it’s a masterclass on everything is not what it seems. Even the side characters have growth and with how well the incarnates are described, I truly would love to see images of them. The cliffhanger left me breathless, I feel like I need the second book right this second because it surely can’t stay like this.

Thank you to Rowan Joy and BookSirens for providing me with an eARC of this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Rated 4.5 stars

[Chelsea Pitsos · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Queen of Treachery
Book 1 in the ‘Cursed Throne’ Series
OUT SEPTEMBER 22!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥

I want to start by saying thank you so much to the author for sending me my first ever physical ARC, in addition to the extra goodies!!!

I have to be honest, I was a little nervous going into this one because I am WAY out of my element when picking up anything fantasy/romantasy related… and OMG was I surprised at how much I got into it! It took some time to figure out the cadence of the world building, and I really had to slow down to read this one, but it was totally worth it.

I tend to write off fantasy as a genre (for me, unless it’s paranormal of sorts) but once I started really getting into the thick of it, I was hooked! I love the elemental aspects of it and understanding Kate’s history as well as the complex nature of the incarnates/originals/offspring/etc.

The build up between Betrayal and Kate was the slowest of slow burns, so book 1 felt more like the preliminary world building of a fantasy with just a taste of romance, but a lot of fighting/action… so no real spice in book 1 but don’t be fooled, there is so much 🔥HEAT🔥 between these two!

Book 1 of this trilogy was written with so much witty banter, and creativity — but, ending on a cliffhanger just when I became fully invested was deliciously, frustrating! I’m gunna need books 2 & 3 IMMEDIATELY, pretty plz!

[Raquelio poop · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOSH. This might be my favorite read of the year. For me, this book was a 10/5. And I also now have a new book wife. I'm madly in love with muscle mommy Kate. The plot is incredible, the characters and their development are incredible, the lore and world building is fantastic and very fascinating. I'm obsessed. I am desperate for book 2 to be out, I need to know what happens next. I need more.


Kate was with her girlfriend Jax one moment, then the next she's in a forest. Betrayal has sent her to another world where magic is real. Kate is willing to do anything to get back home, but Betrayal won't let her till she helps her take down her father, Death. Humans are able to harness a power that can destroy their kind, and help overthrow Death. So Kate has no choice but train and try to learn to access her power while hiding the fact she's a human from the rest of the realm.

(my description really doesn't do it justice, there is so much more but I don't want to give any spoilers, but truly this story is so cool and interesting and funny)

[The Wild Weary Cow Reads Sapphic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh! I have to wait till Sept before the second book comes out NOOOOOOO 😱😱


So many snippy comments and snarky come backs 😂 between the main and side characters

So many great moments, and we're given a whole host of players to keep you gripped and thoroughly entertained

Just who are the "Good guys" and who are the "Bad"?

It's easy to assume Betrayal is the later, especially after she kidnaps a human from our realm to help her defeat her father Death

She's been stealing other Incarnates powers to enhance her own as well...

Whilst holding the human, Kate, sassy, full of attitude and energy, prisoners, and use her against Death, Betrayal, War and Chaos begin to slowly grow fond of her and help hone her skills at a scrappy street fighter and unleash her power

We're drawn into a vivid, colourful world of magic and power.

Who knew you could care for characters like War and Chaos?!?! .....but I DO!!

Whilst being annoyed and angry at Life and Winter 🫩

This is a total slow burn and helped kick off my NO SMUT CELIBATE month 😂

I absolutely loved it!

Thanks for the rec!

[diamondinthepages · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ // ARC via BookSirens and Rowan Joy

This was such an epic sapphic fantasy—I devoured it!

Right from the start, I was hooked. The main character and I share a first name, so naturally I dove in thinking, okay, what adventure am I on this time? And let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

The magic system in this world was so dang cool. The concept of “incarnates” was fascinating, and I loved getting to meet so many of them throughout the story. Every new character added a layer of intrigue, and the stakes just kept rising. Rowan Joy built a rich, immersive world that felt alive with magic, danger, and emotional depth.

Also, give me all the sapphic fantasy, please. The representation was chef’s kiss and I am absolutely ready for book 2.

Highly recommend if you’re into:
✨ Queer fantasy
✨ Unique magic systems
✨ High-stakes adventure
✨ Sapphic yearning and badass women

[Cynthia DeFrancisco · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a lot of fun reading this book because the world is so unique. In that same breath, I feel like the story could have expanded more on the intricacies of it all. The beginning of the story jumps right in and I got a little lost the first couple chapters.. but was able to understand as Betrayal explained her story more and more. It's one of my favorite worlds I've read and I think that's why I just want me of it.

I like Betrayal, War and Chaos.. but I was waiting for Kate to find her footing for most of the book. She didn't have a purpose, felt replaceable for a while, so it made it hard to connect with her.

The thing about this book is there is soo much potential within the story and with these characters that I need book 2 asap!


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Storm In A Teacup · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Otherworld was breathtakingly magical, and the concept of the Incarnates is one of the most original ideas I’ve read in a long time. Each one embodies something vast and powerful, and I found myself completely drawn to Betrayal, War, and Chaos, they were brilliantly vivid and unforgettable.

Kate herself is a stand out lead sassy, sharp, and unafraid to bite back. Her energy kept me hooked page after page, balancing tension with a spark of wit.

The magic system was clever, intricate, and incredibly well thought out. Combined with the epic world building, from the Isle to the dynamics between the Incarnates, it made the story impossible to put down.

This book is a unique, thrilling perspective on magic, power, and myth. I was obsessed from start to finish, and I cannot wait to dive deeper into this world with book 2.

[Lorra_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine walking through a door in your world and landing in a place where magic is real, betrayal is expected, and loyalty comes with a price — that’s The Queen of Treachery.

Rowan Joy has crafted a sweeping epic fantasy with a slow-burn sapphic romance that will obsess you.

Kate is unforgettable — fiery, protective, and constantly questioning what side she’s on. Then there’s Betrayal: elegant, dangerous, and impossible to ignore. Their dynamic is electric, messy, and deliciously slow to unravel.

The Queen of Treachery tropes you’ll devour:

* Enemies-to-Lovers
* Magic Training & Growth
* High Stakes
* Dark Fantasy Romance
* Found Family & Power Politics

This is a book that drags you in and leaves you craving the sequel — no shame in re-reading just to savor the world all over again.

[Ayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐️

Read the blurb for this one and I was intrigued!

Started reading and was immediately captivated. I love how the authour have used names in the book.
All the characters are intriguing and I want more of the story now! I really like how even the smallest characters got vivid descriptions and how well the author uses language to paint the world. It made it easy imagining myself into the story.

I really enjoyed the story and the only reason it took me a few says to get through is because work came in the way. If not I would have probably read this book without any stops in a day.
Can't wait for the sequel!!! 👌🏻❤️

(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s 1.30am and I’m still awake because I HAD to finish this book. The author has created a magical world with an amazing magic and power system. There are alliances and family ties, deceit, loyalty and betrayal by the bucketload. There is plenty action throughout, the characters are developed well, as are their relationships, which makes the emotional aspects of the story all the more powerful. I need book 2 immediately. I need to check in on my wee baby Betrayal.
I absolutely adore sapphic fantasy/romance, and this book was so different to any I’ve read before. Yes, there is a slow burn romance aspect, but the world and plot is so much more than that. I am fully invested in this world.

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Queen of Treachery is an action-packed entertaining book with an immersive worldbuilding and intricate cast of interesting characters coming together into a compelling story about love, trust and… betrayal (😜).

As a character-driven reader this book certainly has lots of interesting ones to hook my attention, but the prize for my favorite one goes hands down to Chaos. They’re such a gremlin of unrestrained, well, chaos. Loved that for them, and for me. I just hope book 2 is kinder to them🥲. Also, honorary mention to Death and Night, because I do love fictional assholes.

All in all, a very fun read!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Queen of treachery the cursed throne series book 1 was a fantastic sapphic slow burn fantasy and magic adventure. I got hooked from the beginning it was fast paced with nonstop action when Kate steps through that door from one world to magical one, the story kept me wanting more. Very likable and strong characters , You can feel a relationship buildup slow between the two main characters Betrayal and Kate. This is a cliffhanger I was frustrated cause it ended but I look forward to book 2 to see what happens.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

aka ME!! Kate is life goals.

It’s kinda like if Vi Arcane got issekai’d into Olympus. The fantasy world is more-or-less a pantheon. Full of sassy banter and action-packed fight scenes!

Finished this late last night, I’d been enjoying it but wasn’t sure if it would stick the landing but it totally did! There are some small gripes, but overall I really enjoyed it, and I’m looking forward to the next two in the series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosh I loved this book. LOVED IT. The world building was insane, it really drew you into the story.
I ended up rooting for characters I never thought I would have supported. The ending absolutely SHATTERED me. I need the next one NOW

[Willy Nichter · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging and inventive fantasy adventure! A very fun read! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[vic · Rating 4 out of 5]

rowan joy might as well be the queen of treachery for making me wait for two more books

4.25 (leaning 4.5)