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The Quarter Queen: A Novel
Sinners meets The Witcher in this debut fantasy novel of two witches battling for the soul of New Orleans—an “intoxicating” mix of magic, love, and intrigue (Sarah Penner, The Lost Apothecary).
“A riveting read that does not shy away from both the light and the dark aspects of the supernatural.”—Essence (Most Anticipated Books of 2026)
A Book Riot, Reactor, and Read Between the Spines Best Book of the Month Pick!
All are welcome to see the Quarter Queen in her forbidden court . . . at your own peril.
In 1843 New Orleans, Voodoo queen Marie Laveau is feared by all. Her rebellious daughter Ree defies her mother at every turn, until she finds Marie comatose under a wicked curse cast by exiled Voodoo king Jon the Conjurer—Marie’s former teacher, lover, and greatest enemy.
As Ree uncovers dark secrets and faces dangerous enemies, including her childhood friend turned witch hunter, she must confront her mother’s past and her own destiny—or die trying.
Told in alternating timelines between Ree in the present and Marie’s rise to power twenty-five years earlier, The Quarter Queen is an intimate yet epic tale of love, family, power, and the deadly cost of correcting the sins of the past.
“A riveting read that does not shy away from both the light and the dark aspects of the supernatural.”—Essence (Most Anticipated Books of 2026)
A Book Riot, Reactor, and Read Between the Spines Best Book of the Month Pick!
All are welcome to see the Quarter Queen in her forbidden court . . . at your own peril.
In 1843 New Orleans, Voodoo queen Marie Laveau is feared by all. Her rebellious daughter Ree defies her mother at every turn, until she finds Marie comatose under a wicked curse cast by exiled Voodoo king Jon the Conjurer—Marie’s former teacher, lover, and greatest enemy.
As Ree uncovers dark secrets and faces dangerous enemies, including her childhood friend turned witch hunter, she must confront her mother’s past and her own destiny—or die trying.
Told in alternating timelines between Ree in the present and Marie’s rise to power twenty-five years earlier, The Quarter Queen is an intimate yet epic tale of love, family, power, and the deadly cost of correcting the sins of the past.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2026
About the author
Kayla Hardy
1 book69 followersKayla Hardy is a mythology expert and multi-hyphenate author and screenwriter of Louisiana Creole descent. She earned her PhD in creative writing and African American literature from SUNY Binghamton University. Dr. Hardy is an adjunct professor at SUNY Binghamton University and is an accomplished scholar of Black folklore, mythology, and Voodoo. When not writing she loves playing rpg video games (hello Final Fantasy & The Witcher) and wandering around bookstores with a warm café au lait in hand. The Quarter Queen is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
March 31, 2026
ARC REVIEW
I really enjoyed this debut novel. I also loved the historical aspect of the story as well. The chapters are long and a bit drawn out but the plot kept me engaged. I could not connect to any of the characters besides the mom. The mom sacrificed so much and it makes me think about how Black women as a whole tend to sacrifice a lot as well. We are supposed to bow our heads and be strong, no room to bitch and moan. We deal with the cards that are dealt to us but why? To what end?
I hope there is a book two, it felt like the ending was unfinished.
Thank you to publishers for the opportunity of reading this E-Arc <3
I really enjoyed this debut novel. I also loved the historical aspect of the story as well. The chapters are long and a bit drawn out but the plot kept me engaged. I could not connect to any of the characters besides the mom. The mom sacrificed so much and it makes me think about how Black women as a whole tend to sacrifice a lot as well. We are supposed to bow our heads and be strong, no room to bitch and moan. We deal with the cards that are dealt to us but why? To what end?
I hope there is a book two, it felt like the ending was unfinished.
Thank you to publishers for the opportunity of reading this E-Arc <3
May 1, 2026
This book is about more than magic, more than not wanting to follow in our parents footsteps but about balance, trust, and honoring our ancestors
I truly thought I was going to be irritated reading this, because my pet peeve is when authors, especially black authors spookify ATRs (African Traditional Religions). When they continue to perpetuate the false narratives passed down by westernized religions. Also I thought I was going to be upset at the blending of ATRs. As this is a New Orleons Voodoo inspired book, however Papa High John the Conqueror is the protagonist which is Hoodoo, and Marie Laveau is considered a "conjureror" which is typically found in hoodoo work, not voodoo, however you can practice BOTH, but they are two totally different spiritual practices with different spirits. HOWEVER
Boy was I mistaken. This is a Historical Fantasy Novel inspired by The Queen herself Marie Laveau. Here we have a woman who is content with her magic and her freedom, while others are still enslaved, her daughter who wants nothing to do with her, because of her selfishness, and a protagonist who is on the opposite end, willing to do anything to seek revenge in order to avenge his ancestors and people. The protagonist would be reminiscent to killmonger in a sense, but the story is a tale of finding balance between choosing to take a stand, while not falling pray to being overwhelmed with anger.
Here the Lwa come alive and you can really feel their power and nature. The author reimagines the Haitian Vodou tale of the Zombi as a play on the current "honoring your ancestors is demonic" false narrative being spread
I LOVED this book, there were so many easter eggs, so many lessons, and its just profound! The author did an incredible job and I got why they blended conjure with voodoo in this tale.
It all came together and made perfect sense!
Fantastic story!
I truly thought I was going to be irritated reading this, because my pet peeve is when authors, especially black authors spookify ATRs (African Traditional Religions). When they continue to perpetuate the false narratives passed down by westernized religions. Also I thought I was going to be upset at the blending of ATRs. As this is a New Orleons Voodoo inspired book, however Papa High John the Conqueror is the protagonist which is Hoodoo, and Marie Laveau is considered a "conjureror" which is typically found in hoodoo work, not voodoo, however you can practice BOTH, but they are two totally different spiritual practices with different spirits. HOWEVER
Boy was I mistaken. This is a Historical Fantasy Novel inspired by The Queen herself Marie Laveau. Here we have a woman who is content with her magic and her freedom, while others are still enslaved, her daughter who wants nothing to do with her, because of her selfishness, and a protagonist who is on the opposite end, willing to do anything to seek revenge in order to avenge his ancestors and people. The protagonist would be reminiscent to killmonger in a sense, but the story is a tale of finding balance between choosing to take a stand, while not falling pray to being overwhelmed with anger.
Here the Lwa come alive and you can really feel their power and nature. The author reimagines the Haitian Vodou tale of the Zombi as a play on the current "honoring your ancestors is demonic" false narrative being spread
I LOVED this book, there were so many easter eggs, so many lessons, and its just profound! The author did an incredible job and I got why they blended conjure with voodoo in this tale.
It all came together and made perfect sense!
Fantastic story!
February 11, 2026
The Quarter Queen is a beautiful blend of both historical fiction and fantasy told in New Orleans in the 19th century. Marie Laveau, a real high priestess inspires this tale of a tumultuous mother-daughter relationship and their personal battles as they become who they are destined to be in the backdrop of political and racial strife. Kayla Hardy uses dual timelines to show immaturity and growth of both Marie and her naive daughter, Ree developing into powerful women. The use of dual timelines work at times but often times it gets confusing of which direction the author is going in alternating timelines. Hardy is very well versed in voodoo lore and intersecting pivotal historical moments. There are some frightening moments that shows how powerful these women are and those that want to control them.
Overall this is a great book that gives me an understanding of why this story should have been told. There’s a clear love that Hardy has for respectfully sharing voodoo culture and its impact in religious bigotry and racial discrimination . For fantasy lovers, there is plenty of magic that is shown and offers some thrilling moments that can frighten the reader.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine books for offering this wonderful eArc in the exchange for an honest review. I’d highly recommend everyone to give this book a read to be entertained.
Overall this is a great book that gives me an understanding of why this story should have been told. There’s a clear love that Hardy has for respectfully sharing voodoo culture and its impact in religious bigotry and racial discrimination . For fantasy lovers, there is plenty of magic that is shown and offers some thrilling moments that can frighten the reader.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine books for offering this wonderful eArc in the exchange for an honest review. I’d highly recommend everyone to give this book a read to be entertained.
April 29, 2026
I was really into this historical fantasy inspired by Marie Laveau. I’ve been wanting to read something about her since AHS coven tbh 😅 but learning about her, voodoo magic and New Orleans history was so cool to me. I also loved Marie and Ree’s mother/daughter dynamic + their dual timelines. I can eat those stories up any time tbh, but watching them both fight their own battles to help the other was heartwarming. Both of their lil romances were a cute touch too. Lastly the ending was tea. I really wasn’t expecting Ree to go all the way like that lol but am so glad with the way this closed out 👏🏽 My only con was that the pacing was on the slower side. But all in all, this was a good time.
May 11, 2026
Thank you @ballatinebooks for the book.
Title: The Quarter Queen
Author: Kayla Hardy
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date: Out Now!
My 💭:
This book has been an anticipated read for me and it didn’t let me down. There was magic, love, murder, betrayal, and twists that definitely caught me off guard. I will admit some parts did stall for me a little, but overall I enjoyed this book very much. This was a strong debut by Kayla Hardy and I can’t wait to read her next book! Reading this book also reminded me of the movie Sugar Hill from 1974. IYKYK
Title: The Quarter Queen
Author: Kayla Hardy
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date: Out Now!
My 💭:
This book has been an anticipated read for me and it didn’t let me down. There was magic, love, murder, betrayal, and twists that definitely caught me off guard. I will admit some parts did stall for me a little, but overall I enjoyed this book very much. This was a strong debut by Kayla Hardy and I can’t wait to read her next book! Reading this book also reminded me of the movie Sugar Hill from 1974. IYKYK
Read
May 11, 2026Soft DNF at 20%. The premise is intriguing but the story and characters just aren’t gripping me at the moment. I’ll try this one again at a later date.
April 19, 2026
The Quarter Queen by Kayla Hardy is a culturally rich historical fantasy novel set in New Orleans where Voodoo Witch Ree has to navigate perilous danger in an attempt to save her mother, Marie Laveau, the Quarter Queen.
The action in this book is dynamic and immersive, with tension that stays elevated throughout the story. I was completely invested. Hardy expertly executes the plot with alternating timelines of the past and present to add important context that deepens the story. Symbolic elements are also cleverly woven in, making this an even more enjoyable read.
The tension between selfishness and selflessness is a prevalent theme, not only within the strained mother-daughter relationship of Ree & Marie but also among the other key characters, as it plays a major role in how they navigate the chaos and danger unfolding in the city.
The idea that “Love [is] the strange and fickle thing that [can] break you in half” reflects how all of the key characters are forced to choose between putting love before magic or love versus revenge, revealing how deeply their decisions are tied to what they are willing to sacrifice. Love is the driving force between Ree and Marie, meanwhile other characters are guided by revenge and selfish gain, no matter the cost.
This was one heck of a debut novel and I am definitely ready for more! A part 2 perhaps?! 👀
Read this if you like action-pack historical fantasy reads with mixed with New Orleans Voodoo magic.
The action in this book is dynamic and immersive, with tension that stays elevated throughout the story. I was completely invested. Hardy expertly executes the plot with alternating timelines of the past and present to add important context that deepens the story. Symbolic elements are also cleverly woven in, making this an even more enjoyable read.
The tension between selfishness and selflessness is a prevalent theme, not only within the strained mother-daughter relationship of Ree & Marie but also among the other key characters, as it plays a major role in how they navigate the chaos and danger unfolding in the city.
The idea that “Love [is] the strange and fickle thing that [can] break you in half” reflects how all of the key characters are forced to choose between putting love before magic or love versus revenge, revealing how deeply their decisions are tied to what they are willing to sacrifice. Love is the driving force between Ree and Marie, meanwhile other characters are guided by revenge and selfish gain, no matter the cost.
This was one heck of a debut novel and I am definitely ready for more! A part 2 perhaps?! 👀
Read this if you like action-pack historical fantasy reads with mixed with New Orleans Voodoo magic.
July 2, 2026
This was Kayla Hardy’s debut novel and I enjoyed it. Within The Quarter Queen we get the historical journey of Marie Laveau and Marie Laveau the 2nd. We learn about the voodoo and magic in New Orleans.
The first 30% of the book was slow but once it picked up I couldn’t put it down.
Secrets in families always have a way of coming to the light. The ending was cute but was left open ended in a way and I can possibly see another book in the future.
The first 30% of the book was slow but once it picked up I couldn’t put it down.
Secrets in families always have a way of coming to the light. The ending was cute but was left open ended in a way and I can possibly see another book in the future.
July 23, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up.
the first two parts of this book dragggggggggged. like this book really could have been 70% if the length and still gotten its point across.
but the last 30%?! *chef's kiss*
the first two parts of this book dragggggggggged. like this book really could have been 70% if the length and still gotten its point across.
but the last 30%?! *chef's kiss*
May 11, 2026
This book is everything I want in a historical fantasy: built on a solid foundation of historical fact with plenty of magical elements and also historical "what ifs". The characters, setting, and magic system are vibrant and alive, and Hardy's writing is lovely. I can't wait to read more from this author!
February 4, 2026
In 1843 New Orleans, Marie Laveau is the reigning Voodoo queen, feared by her enemies and followers alike. Her daughter, Marie, “Ree,” Laveau the Second, is everything her cutthroat and principled mother is not. She’s spoiled, entitled, with a wicked rebellious streak-and defies her mother at every turn. But Ree’s world is turned upside down when she finds her mother in a coma in the bayou, having been cursed by Marie’s former teacher, lover and now enemy, Jon the Conjurer. As Marie hovers on the brink of death, Ree races to uncover the secrets of her mother’s life, gradually uncovering a web of alliances, dangers and deceptions. What’s worse is that Ree’s childhood best friend Henryk has returned as a witch hunter. Surrounded by enemies, Ree must confront the past and face demons-or die trying. Wow this book was incredible. Featuring a haunting, gorgeous New Orleans culture and setting, the novel dives deep into Voodoo gods and practices. It was absolutely fascinating, along with being well written. The issue of slavery is a good reminder of the true, dark history and the effects it had on Black people. I sincerely hope there’s a sequel. There’s atmosphere, there’s this spooky, hot feeling of being New Orleans. It was magical!
September 1, 2026
Trying to be a bit more liberal with my five stars, as I have been too stingy with them lately and it has been so long since I have come across a book I did not have mixed feelings about. This is one such book.
Set in an alternate historical New Orleans where Black people have magical blood, this is a transition time where there are free Black folks and enslaved people. Marie Levau is free, but trapped in a gilded cage with shifting alliances. She's the Quarter Queen, a voodoo high priestess, and fiercely protective of her daughter, Ree, a hellion who spends her days partying and getting laid. But rebellion is coming, ushered in by the hands of a god figure named Jon the Conjurer, and Ree's mysterious origins will soon break the fragile rules of this city on the cusp of change.
I don't see too many fantasy books about Voodoo, so I was interested in that aspect and it was compellingly handled. I liked all the family secrets and didn't guess where it was headed. I really enjoyed the mother and daughter bond between Marie and Ree, even if I didn't understand Marie's passive choices at times.
Ree is also bisexual and I found the bi rep well done, though the women in her life didn't have her best interests at heart. Trying not to give too many spoilers. Her main romance is with her childhood sweetheart, Henryk, turned Catholic Inquisitor, and I loved their romance and the foil between them and Marie and Jon.
The story is told in dual POVs between Ree and her mother and jumps back and forth in time, but I didn't find the shifts confusing.
I hope there will be another one of these, as I would read more if this were a series. We need more strong Black fantasy books like this.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Set in an alternate historical New Orleans where Black people have magical blood, this is a transition time where there are free Black folks and enslaved people. Marie Levau is free, but trapped in a gilded cage with shifting alliances. She's the Quarter Queen, a voodoo high priestess, and fiercely protective of her daughter, Ree, a hellion who spends her days partying and getting laid. But rebellion is coming, ushered in by the hands of a god figure named Jon the Conjurer, and Ree's mysterious origins will soon break the fragile rules of this city on the cusp of change.
I don't see too many fantasy books about Voodoo, so I was interested in that aspect and it was compellingly handled. I liked all the family secrets and didn't guess where it was headed. I really enjoyed the mother and daughter bond between Marie and Ree, even if I didn't understand Marie's passive choices at times.
Ree is also bisexual and I found the bi rep well done, though the women in her life didn't have her best interests at heart. Trying not to give too many spoilers. Her main romance is with her childhood sweetheart, Henryk, turned Catholic Inquisitor, and I loved their romance and the foil between them and Marie and Jon.
The story is told in dual POVs between Ree and her mother and jumps back and forth in time, but I didn't find the shifts confusing.
I hope there will be another one of these, as I would read more if this were a series. We need more strong Black fantasy books like this.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 30, 2026
4.5 stars
Wow! This book was so atmospheric. I immersive read with the audio and my physical copy and when I tell you these narrators were perfect for this genre of book. Chefs kiss!!
Set in 1840s New Orleans, we get historical fiction, fantasy, Voodoo, family drama, romance, and political struggles all in one. We are following Marie Laveau and her daughter, Ree, whose complicated mother-daughter relationship is really the heart of the book. Ree was really pissing me off low key sometimes. lol
I love how we get all of the back story and all of the dirty details through past and current day chapters. Can you image living in the French quarter through war, slavery and then being the most power witch all while trying to keep yourself and your daughter safe from harm. Kayla Hardy did that. Love this book! Idk but that epilogue have 2nd book!!
Wow! This book was so atmospheric. I immersive read with the audio and my physical copy and when I tell you these narrators were perfect for this genre of book. Chefs kiss!!
Set in 1840s New Orleans, we get historical fiction, fantasy, Voodoo, family drama, romance, and political struggles all in one. We are following Marie Laveau and her daughter, Ree, whose complicated mother-daughter relationship is really the heart of the book. Ree was really pissing me off low key sometimes. lol
I love how we get all of the back story and all of the dirty details through past and current day chapters. Can you image living in the French quarter through war, slavery and then being the most power witch all while trying to keep yourself and your daughter safe from harm. Kayla Hardy did that. Love this book! Idk but that epilogue have 2nd book!!
October 23, 2026
4.5 stars!
The Quarter Queen was SO good! Kayla Hardy’s writing is beautiful, and the atmosphere is easily one of the book’s biggest strengths. New Orleans feels alive on the page, with such vivid detail that you practically feel like you’re there. You can tell how much research and care went into bringing the setting, history, and culture into the story.
Following Marie Laveau and her daughter, Ree, across two timelines brings together magic, family secrets, and the weight of the past. Their complicated mother-daughter relationship gives the story an emotional center alongside the danger and intrigue.
If you enjoy atmospheric historical fantasy with rich writing and Black folklore, I highly recommend picking this one up!
Thank you to Books Forward for the gifted copy and beautiful PR box. All opinions are my own.
The Quarter Queen was SO good! Kayla Hardy’s writing is beautiful, and the atmosphere is easily one of the book’s biggest strengths. New Orleans feels alive on the page, with such vivid detail that you practically feel like you’re there. You can tell how much research and care went into bringing the setting, history, and culture into the story.
Following Marie Laveau and her daughter, Ree, across two timelines brings together magic, family secrets, and the weight of the past. Their complicated mother-daughter relationship gives the story an emotional center alongside the danger and intrigue.
If you enjoy atmospheric historical fantasy with rich writing and Black folklore, I highly recommend picking this one up!
Thank you to Books Forward for the gifted copy and beautiful PR box. All opinions are my own.
June 5, 2026
What a book!!!
I was obsessed from the start and could not put it down until I finished!
Kayla Hardy fluidly stitches many themes and plots together in a very captivating way. After reading the author’s notes section at the end, I am excited to research the events and individuals this book was based on! Just such a good job incorporating fantasy elements into a historical period.
I was not expecting this book to have two POVs but I thought the twin narrative where one was in the past and the other the present was so interesting. This was probably my favorite thing about the book. Seeing Marie’s past and how Ree uses it to power forward was great!!
I am really hoping there’s a sequel to this as the conclusion felt very much like a segue into a new story!
I was obsessed from the start and could not put it down until I finished!
Kayla Hardy fluidly stitches many themes and plots together in a very captivating way. After reading the author’s notes section at the end, I am excited to research the events and individuals this book was based on! Just such a good job incorporating fantasy elements into a historical period.
I was not expecting this book to have two POVs but I thought the twin narrative where one was in the past and the other the present was so interesting. This was probably my favorite thing about the book. Seeing Marie’s past and how Ree uses it to power forward was great!!
I am really hoping there’s a sequel to this as the conclusion felt very much like a segue into a new story!
July 4, 2026
This novel is categorized as historical fiction and fantasy, but I believe it can go under the category of horror as well. I love this book, and I love that it is set in New Orleans, a city that I am intrigued by, love to visit, and can feel the history and magic of when I walk through it. I have heard of Marie Laveau and although much of this story is fiction, it was nice to delve into what could have potentially been true accounts of her life. The author did an amazing job of delving into the world of voodoo and what it must have been like for people who lived in that realm. I love that this story kept me guessing. There were lots of twists and turns and just when you felt someone's fate was sealed, you were wrong!
April 28, 2026
Oh how I enjoyed this book!!! The Quarter Queen is a riveting, atmospheric, and emotionally rich debut—perfect for readers who enjoy historical fantasy with strong character arcs, intricate world‑building, and stories centered on complex women. It’s both intimate and epic, dark yet hopeful, and it marks Kayla Hardy as a powerful new voice in historical fantasy.
October 31, 2026
When I say I want something witchy, THIS is what I’m talking about. Black witches, Black magic, Black history, Black culture, Black folklore, Black spirituality. Is it really “dark magic” if you’re using it for the greater good of your people? I really enjoyed this one! The perfect blend of historical fiction and fantasy.
May 17, 2026
After traveling to New Orleans last year for my grad school graduation, I have been missing that vibrant and magical world immensely. I miss Jackson Square, museums, and just walking around the quarter. Hardy beautifully captures this rich history and world of New Orleans while also deftly balancing it with magical realism and fantastical elements.
At its heart, this book is a story about mothers and daughters. About thing to protect those we love from making similar mistakes as ours, but also having to reconcile that they are their own person and will make plenty of mistakes of their own. The Laveau women in this book are both wonderfully realizes as their own women which made this a delight to read. It builds off the legends and rich history of the Voodoo Queens while adding some original and fresh elements to elevate the magic of New Orleans into something wholly otherworldly (or at least, more than it already is).
I really liked the magical historical revision to include magic practices and abilities into the social hierarchy and culture of Louisiana and the south. It further emphasizes the exploitation of black individuals in the south and the powers of white supremacy relying on the cultures of others in order to continue. This book also addresses colorism, religious trauma, spiritualism, and intersectionality expertly as well by weaving these elements in a nuanced way throughout the narrative.
On a lighter note, this book also brought back the joy I felt when I was in middle and high school reading my favorite supernatural books. It is fast paced, has tension with a great mystery, and strong female leads learning to embrace their power. I also love that the setting feels so real and although the names of historical sites may differ, you know exactly where Hardy is placing her characters. It has also been a joy getting to message with the author about our love of New Orleans and libraries.
I am eagerly awaiting book two!
At its heart, this book is a story about mothers and daughters. About thing to protect those we love from making similar mistakes as ours, but also having to reconcile that they are their own person and will make plenty of mistakes of their own. The Laveau women in this book are both wonderfully realizes as their own women which made this a delight to read. It builds off the legends and rich history of the Voodoo Queens while adding some original and fresh elements to elevate the magic of New Orleans into something wholly otherworldly (or at least, more than it already is).
I really liked the magical historical revision to include magic practices and abilities into the social hierarchy and culture of Louisiana and the south. It further emphasizes the exploitation of black individuals in the south and the powers of white supremacy relying on the cultures of others in order to continue. This book also addresses colorism, religious trauma, spiritualism, and intersectionality expertly as well by weaving these elements in a nuanced way throughout the narrative.
On a lighter note, this book also brought back the joy I felt when I was in middle and high school reading my favorite supernatural books. It is fast paced, has tension with a great mystery, and strong female leads learning to embrace their power. I also love that the setting feels so real and although the names of historical sites may differ, you know exactly where Hardy is placing her characters. It has also been a joy getting to message with the author about our love of New Orleans and libraries.
I am eagerly awaiting book two!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
From Ballantine Books, The Quarter Queen by Dr. Kayla Hardy is a lush, dark historical fantasy debut inspired by the life of Marie Laveau and her daughter, Marie Laveau II. This is a tense story of magic, New Orleans in the 1800s, racism, slavery, and mother-daughter relationships.
From the author’s website: “FOR FANS OF SINNERS 𝘅 CIRCE 𝘅 THE WITCHER”- and really, that’s all you might need to know to pick this one up!
Bullet points for those short on time:
- debut standalone historical fantasy
- Voodoo, alchemy, catholicism
- bisexual representation
- dark, tense, horrifying
- mother-daughter relationships
It’s 1843 in New Orleans, and Ree, the rebellious daughter of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, finds herself often at odds with her mother and often gets into trouble. She is spoiled and entitled, but when something happens to her best friend and then her mother, it’s time for Ree to embrace her fate as the next Queen, to stand up for her people and fight against the barbarism and injustices of the ruling caste. She needs to figure out how to save her mother and survive not only the coming Inquisition led by an old friend, but also the Brotherhood of the White Hand, and something else equally as dangerous, if not more…
This book had me on edge the entire time. If not for the horrors of 1800s New Orleans, then for the wild scramble of trying to survive and fight back against them. Kayla Hardy’s writing sweeps you right into the atmosphere of each scene so intensely that I couldn’t tear my eyes from the page, even as quite a few things will make you feel ill, deeply uncomfortable and angry.
The transitions jump around a bit, as the book crosses timelines with Ree in the present and then back to Marie Laveau as a younger woman. I LOVED the development of the story, how Ree comes to know her mother better through seeing her past and realises for herself how little she knew about the situation in the beginning.
Overall, this book was an excellent debut inspired by a historical figure more folks should know about. I loved it and would highly recommend this! Historical fantasy is fast becoming one of my favourite genres, and I will be thinking about this one for a while yet. Now, off to pre-order a physical copy. :)
Burn it all down.
Thank you to Ballantine for the eARC via NetGalley for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Content warnings:
Racism, slavery, open-door romance, sexual assault, body horror, hanging, violence, torture, murder
About the Author:
From the author’s website:
https://kaylahardy.com/
“Kayla Hardy, PH.D., is a mythology expert and award winning multi- hyphenate author and screenwriter originally from Akron, Ohio. She earned a doctorate in English, specializing in creative writing and African American literature, from Binghamton University at age twenty-six. Dr. Hardy served as an adjunct professor at Binghamton University and is an avid scholar and lover of Black folklore, mythology, and Voodoo. Inspired by her Louisiana Creole ancestry and familial lineage of rootwork and magic, Kayla aims to tell diverse-driven horror and dark fantasy stories.
Originally conceived as a television pilot, THE QUARTER QUEEN was the prose winner of the 7th annual Launch Pad Prose competition. She is repped by Emma Kapson at Verve Talent & Literary Agency.”
About the Publisher:
https://randomhousebooks.com/imprints...
"The Ballantine Books Group, part of the Random House family, publishes a wide range of fiction and nonfiction that entertains, informs, and inspires. Our goal is to seek out and cultivate the most compelling, varied, and distinctive storytellers—and to bring their work to the broadest possible audience of readers. Our list is comprised of several imprints, including Ballantine, Bantam, Dell, and Delacorte. Ballantine was founded in 1952 by legendary publishers Ian and Betty Ballantine. From the beginning, we have sought out authors whose work is defined by the intersection of quality and wide appeal."
About Marie Laveau:
https://voodooneworleans.com/about-ho...
Additional thoughts:
I was unaware of the story of Marie Laveau before seeing this on NetGalley and requested the eARC. Here is a perfect example of how fiction helps us increase awareness, knowledge, and empathy. While reading this and afterwards, I searched for more about the history of Marie Laveau. I’m grateful to both the author and publisher for bringing this book to the masses!
From the author’s website: “FOR FANS OF SINNERS 𝘅 CIRCE 𝘅 THE WITCHER”- and really, that’s all you might need to know to pick this one up!
Bullet points for those short on time:
- debut standalone historical fantasy
- Voodoo, alchemy, catholicism
- bisexual representation
- dark, tense, horrifying
- mother-daughter relationships
It’s 1843 in New Orleans, and Ree, the rebellious daughter of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, finds herself often at odds with her mother and often gets into trouble. She is spoiled and entitled, but when something happens to her best friend and then her mother, it’s time for Ree to embrace her fate as the next Queen, to stand up for her people and fight against the barbarism and injustices of the ruling caste. She needs to figure out how to save her mother and survive not only the coming Inquisition led by an old friend, but also the Brotherhood of the White Hand, and something else equally as dangerous, if not more…
This book had me on edge the entire time. If not for the horrors of 1800s New Orleans, then for the wild scramble of trying to survive and fight back against them. Kayla Hardy’s writing sweeps you right into the atmosphere of each scene so intensely that I couldn’t tear my eyes from the page, even as quite a few things will make you feel ill, deeply uncomfortable and angry.
The transitions jump around a bit, as the book crosses timelines with Ree in the present and then back to Marie Laveau as a younger woman. I LOVED the development of the story, how Ree comes to know her mother better through seeing her past and realises for herself how little she knew about the situation in the beginning.
Overall, this book was an excellent debut inspired by a historical figure more folks should know about. I loved it and would highly recommend this! Historical fantasy is fast becoming one of my favourite genres, and I will be thinking about this one for a while yet. Now, off to pre-order a physical copy. :)
Burn it all down.
Thank you to Ballantine for the eARC via NetGalley for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Content warnings:
Racism, slavery, open-door romance, sexual assault, body horror, hanging, violence, torture, murder
About the Author:
From the author’s website:
https://kaylahardy.com/
“Kayla Hardy, PH.D., is a mythology expert and award winning multi- hyphenate author and screenwriter originally from Akron, Ohio. She earned a doctorate in English, specializing in creative writing and African American literature, from Binghamton University at age twenty-six. Dr. Hardy served as an adjunct professor at Binghamton University and is an avid scholar and lover of Black folklore, mythology, and Voodoo. Inspired by her Louisiana Creole ancestry and familial lineage of rootwork and magic, Kayla aims to tell diverse-driven horror and dark fantasy stories.
Originally conceived as a television pilot, THE QUARTER QUEEN was the prose winner of the 7th annual Launch Pad Prose competition. She is repped by Emma Kapson at Verve Talent & Literary Agency.”
About the Publisher:
https://randomhousebooks.com/imprints...
"The Ballantine Books Group, part of the Random House family, publishes a wide range of fiction and nonfiction that entertains, informs, and inspires. Our goal is to seek out and cultivate the most compelling, varied, and distinctive storytellers—and to bring their work to the broadest possible audience of readers. Our list is comprised of several imprints, including Ballantine, Bantam, Dell, and Delacorte. Ballantine was founded in 1952 by legendary publishers Ian and Betty Ballantine. From the beginning, we have sought out authors whose work is defined by the intersection of quality and wide appeal."
About Marie Laveau:
https://voodooneworleans.com/about-ho...
Additional thoughts:
I was unaware of the story of Marie Laveau before seeing this on NetGalley and requested the eARC. Here is a perfect example of how fiction helps us increase awareness, knowledge, and empathy. While reading this and afterwards, I searched for more about the history of Marie Laveau. I’m grateful to both the author and publisher for bringing this book to the masses!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was an absolutely incredible debut. The Quarter Queen by Kayla Hardy is vivid, lush, haunting, and simmering with equal parts magic and rage. Set in 1843 New Orleans and inspired by the life of Marie Laveau, this story blends historical fiction and fantasy into something atmospheric, unsettling, and deeply emotional. I was in love with this from the first chapter.
At its heart, this is a story about legacy—what we inherit, what we reject, and what we ultimately become. Ree Laveau starts off as everything her mother isn’t: reckless, privileged, and frustratingly naive. But as her mother lies cursed and comatose, Ree is forced into a role she never wanted, unraveling secrets that reshape not only her understanding of Marie, but of herself. Watching her growth from impulsive girl to something sharper, stronger, and more resolute was one of the most satisfying parts of the novel.
The dual timeline structure—shifting between Ree in the present and Marie’s rise to power—adds depth to their relationship and highlights just how much history shapes identity. If you’re not familiar with this style of writing or the dual timeline structure, it can feel a bit disorienting at times—especially early on as the transitions aren’t always seamless. Luckily for me, I didn’t have many issues, and when it works, it really works, creating this layered, almost cyclical feeling of fate and consequence.
Where this book truly shines is in its atmosphere. The setting is rich, visceral, and at times suffocating—in the best way. Hardy doesn’t shy away from the brutal realities of 19th-century New Orleans: racism, slavery, religious persecution, and violence are ever-present, grounding the magic in something painfully real. The Voodoo elements are deeply researched and respectfully portrayed, adding a sense of authenticity and reverence that elevates the story beyond standard fantasy fare. But… this shouldn’t surprise you if you’ve done even the smallest amount of research about this book’s incredible author (taken from her website): Kayla Hardy, PH.D., is a mythology expert and award winning multi- hyphenate author and screenwriter originally from Akron, Ohio. She earned a doctorate in English, specializing in creative writing and African American literature, from Binghamton University at age twenty-six. Dr. Hardy served as an adjunct professor at Binghamton University and is an avid scholar and lover of Black folklore, mythology, and Voodoo. Inspired by her Louisiana Creole ancestry and familial lineage of rootwork and magic, Kayla aims to tell diverse-driven horror and dark fantasy stories.
And with this book? She absolutely succeeded.
There are genuinely eerie, almost grotesque moments woven throughout, balanced by emotional moments that center on family, identity, and survival. The mother-daughter dynamic is raw and compelling—messy, strained, and full of things left unsaid. It’s not always soft or forgiving, but it feels real.
Overall, The Quarter Queen is a dark, immersive historical fantasy that doesn’t hold back—equal parts beautiful and brutal. It’s a story about power, resilience, and the cost of both, and I truly believe I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time. I can’t wait to see what Hardy does next.
‼️content/trigger warnings:‼️
racism, slavery, open-door romance, body horror, sexual assault, hanging, violence, torture, murder
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for this eARC!
At its heart, this is a story about legacy—what we inherit, what we reject, and what we ultimately become. Ree Laveau starts off as everything her mother isn’t: reckless, privileged, and frustratingly naive. But as her mother lies cursed and comatose, Ree is forced into a role she never wanted, unraveling secrets that reshape not only her understanding of Marie, but of herself. Watching her growth from impulsive girl to something sharper, stronger, and more resolute was one of the most satisfying parts of the novel.
The dual timeline structure—shifting between Ree in the present and Marie’s rise to power—adds depth to their relationship and highlights just how much history shapes identity. If you’re not familiar with this style of writing or the dual timeline structure, it can feel a bit disorienting at times—especially early on as the transitions aren’t always seamless. Luckily for me, I didn’t have many issues, and when it works, it really works, creating this layered, almost cyclical feeling of fate and consequence.
Where this book truly shines is in its atmosphere. The setting is rich, visceral, and at times suffocating—in the best way. Hardy doesn’t shy away from the brutal realities of 19th-century New Orleans: racism, slavery, religious persecution, and violence are ever-present, grounding the magic in something painfully real. The Voodoo elements are deeply researched and respectfully portrayed, adding a sense of authenticity and reverence that elevates the story beyond standard fantasy fare. But… this shouldn’t surprise you if you’ve done even the smallest amount of research about this book’s incredible author (taken from her website): Kayla Hardy, PH.D., is a mythology expert and award winning multi- hyphenate author and screenwriter originally from Akron, Ohio. She earned a doctorate in English, specializing in creative writing and African American literature, from Binghamton University at age twenty-six. Dr. Hardy served as an adjunct professor at Binghamton University and is an avid scholar and lover of Black folklore, mythology, and Voodoo. Inspired by her Louisiana Creole ancestry and familial lineage of rootwork and magic, Kayla aims to tell diverse-driven horror and dark fantasy stories.
And with this book? She absolutely succeeded.
There are genuinely eerie, almost grotesque moments woven throughout, balanced by emotional moments that center on family, identity, and survival. The mother-daughter dynamic is raw and compelling—messy, strained, and full of things left unsaid. It’s not always soft or forgiving, but it feels real.
Overall, The Quarter Queen is a dark, immersive historical fantasy that doesn’t hold back—equal parts beautiful and brutal. It’s a story about power, resilience, and the cost of both, and I truly believe I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time. I can’t wait to see what Hardy does next.
‼️content/trigger warnings:‼️
racism, slavery, open-door romance, body horror, sexual assault, hanging, violence, torture, murder
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for this eARC!
June 18, 2026
2 stars; a historical fantasy with a focus on a mother-daughter pair that didn't work for me. I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review. Thanks Ballantine and NetGalley.
The Quarter Queen follows the great Marie Laveau and her daughter also named the same but goes by Ree instead. The two witches do not get along, Marie does her best to lead people of color with magic in the Quarter while playing the political game with the other people of influence in the city including the Mayor and the Brotherhood. Ree on the other hand is your typical spoiled child of powerful parents, and tears up the city every night flaunting her powers. When Marie falls into a coma, Ree discovers a prophecy about her and has to contend with the political players while trying to keep her mother and people safe as her long-lost lover returns to town as a witch hunter.
The book goes between present day from Marie and Ree's POVs and from the past before Ree is born from Marie's POV. We see a lot of similarity between past Marie and Ree as they're both headstrong and self-assured in their own power and knowledge, so it's eerie to see a lot of their mistakes repeated from mother to daughter. I did like reading from Marie's perspective in the present as she does her best to help everyone out, but I thought it lost a lot of focus in her past storyline especially since she's basically revisiting a lot of those events with Ree present and learning about what her mother went through at her age. I also was not a fan of Ree, I think Kayla Hardy wrote Ree well as an immature and irresponsible woman who did not begin to understand what having power means and that there are shades of gray to every decision made. But she really annoyed me in the beginning and I didn't feel a lot of sympathy for her romance with her childhood friend or her storyline about trying to get out of her mother's shadow. Her journey and growth didn't feel realistic and I lost a lot of interest with her chapters.
I don't have a lot of knowledge about this time period that Kayla Hardy chose to cover in this book, but thought everything was well-researched for that time. I did feel there was a little too much emphasis on the disparity between the white majority population seeking out the colored people for magic tricks and remedies, almost to the point I was reminded every chapter of it. My favorite historical part might have been the differences in perspectives among those who desired freedom, and why some may chose to go more desperate lengths than others, it feels very timely for the current discussion around societal issues and remains a relevant subject.
Unfortunately I don't think I would read more of this world, as things seem open to a follow-up book at the end. If the author decides to write something that interests me, I would try to get a copy to read more of their work!
The Quarter Queen follows the great Marie Laveau and her daughter also named the same but goes by Ree instead. The two witches do not get along, Marie does her best to lead people of color with magic in the Quarter while playing the political game with the other people of influence in the city including the Mayor and the Brotherhood. Ree on the other hand is your typical spoiled child of powerful parents, and tears up the city every night flaunting her powers. When Marie falls into a coma, Ree discovers a prophecy about her and has to contend with the political players while trying to keep her mother and people safe as her long-lost lover returns to town as a witch hunter.
The book goes between present day from Marie and Ree's POVs and from the past before Ree is born from Marie's POV. We see a lot of similarity between past Marie and Ree as they're both headstrong and self-assured in their own power and knowledge, so it's eerie to see a lot of their mistakes repeated from mother to daughter. I did like reading from Marie's perspective in the present as she does her best to help everyone out, but I thought it lost a lot of focus in her past storyline especially since she's basically revisiting a lot of those events with Ree present and learning about what her mother went through at her age. I also was not a fan of Ree, I think Kayla Hardy wrote Ree well as an immature and irresponsible woman who did not begin to understand what having power means and that there are shades of gray to every decision made. But she really annoyed me in the beginning and I didn't feel a lot of sympathy for her romance with her childhood friend or her storyline about trying to get out of her mother's shadow. Her journey and growth didn't feel realistic and I lost a lot of interest with her chapters.
I don't have a lot of knowledge about this time period that Kayla Hardy chose to cover in this book, but thought everything was well-researched for that time. I did feel there was a little too much emphasis on the disparity between the white majority population seeking out the colored people for magic tricks and remedies, almost to the point I was reminded every chapter of it. My favorite historical part might have been the differences in perspectives among those who desired freedom, and why some may chose to go more desperate lengths than others, it feels very timely for the current discussion around societal issues and remains a relevant subject.
Unfortunately I don't think I would read more of this world, as things seem open to a follow-up book at the end. If the author decides to write something that interests me, I would try to get a copy to read more of their work!
April 23, 2026
An advance copy of this book was provided to me for free by the publisher.
Riveting, layered, and crackling with tension, The Quarter Queen by Kayla Harding lingers with you long after the final page. Marie Laveau, the infamous Voodoo Priestess, is given new life as you explore who she was as a woman, mother, and leader of her spiritual community in 19th-century New Orleans. As she works within oppressive systems as a free Black woman in the Antebellum South, her daughter and namesake, Ree feels confined to the role of her shadow and actively rebels against Marie. When Ree is forced to save her mother, she uncovers secrets from her past that change the way she sees herself, Marie, and the role they play in their society.
Hardy leverages beautifully layered language that peppers in historical context, emotional nuance, and a deeply spiritual magical system that makes Marie and Ree’s stories impossible to put down. Cinematic storytelling is paired with expert-level pacing that draws you into the dark fantasy world Marie and Ree inhabit, and you are drawn to their immense power in a time and place where other Black people are enslaved, the people who want to possess them for their own gains, and escalating tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Woven throughout Marie and Ree’s story are themes that will linger with you outside of the fantastical elements that draw you into their world, including:
- Tension of a mother trying to protect her daughter and a daughter fighting against being contained
- Political and spiritual scheming and maneuvering needed to maintain a false sense of balance between the varying groups and leaders in New Orleans
- Notion of sacrifice and how much we are willing to give up for the greater good
- Cost of love and how it shapes your actions and colors your perspective
- Role of fate and if you are doomed to fall into its cycle or if you have the power to break free
🎧 Audiobook Commentary:
Narrated by Angel Pean and Adenrele Ojo, the audiobook is a must listen! The narration choices of Pean and Ojo elevate Hardy’s prose, pull you into Marie and Ree’s world, and keep you mesmerized from beginning to end. I highly recommend reading this book immersively and pairing the audiobook with a physical or digital copy because you will want to annotate and experience their combined narration.
✨ If you are looking for a fantasy that centers Black folklore, complicated mother/ daughter relationships, and integrates spiritual and political systems, The Quarter Queen should be at the top of your reading list!
Riveting, layered, and crackling with tension, The Quarter Queen by Kayla Harding lingers with you long after the final page. Marie Laveau, the infamous Voodoo Priestess, is given new life as you explore who she was as a woman, mother, and leader of her spiritual community in 19th-century New Orleans. As she works within oppressive systems as a free Black woman in the Antebellum South, her daughter and namesake, Ree feels confined to the role of her shadow and actively rebels against Marie. When Ree is forced to save her mother, she uncovers secrets from her past that change the way she sees herself, Marie, and the role they play in their society.
Hardy leverages beautifully layered language that peppers in historical context, emotional nuance, and a deeply spiritual magical system that makes Marie and Ree’s stories impossible to put down. Cinematic storytelling is paired with expert-level pacing that draws you into the dark fantasy world Marie and Ree inhabit, and you are drawn to their immense power in a time and place where other Black people are enslaved, the people who want to possess them for their own gains, and escalating tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Woven throughout Marie and Ree’s story are themes that will linger with you outside of the fantastical elements that draw you into their world, including:
- Tension of a mother trying to protect her daughter and a daughter fighting against being contained
- Political and spiritual scheming and maneuvering needed to maintain a false sense of balance between the varying groups and leaders in New Orleans
- Notion of sacrifice and how much we are willing to give up for the greater good
- Cost of love and how it shapes your actions and colors your perspective
- Role of fate and if you are doomed to fall into its cycle or if you have the power to break free
🎧 Audiobook Commentary:
Narrated by Angel Pean and Adenrele Ojo, the audiobook is a must listen! The narration choices of Pean and Ojo elevate Hardy’s prose, pull you into Marie and Ree’s world, and keep you mesmerized from beginning to end. I highly recommend reading this book immersively and pairing the audiobook with a physical or digital copy because you will want to annotate and experience their combined narration.
✨ If you are looking for a fantasy that centers Black folklore, complicated mother/ daughter relationships, and integrates spiritual and political systems, The Quarter Queen should be at the top of your reading list!
October 30, 2026
New Orleans is already steeped in magic. Add Voodoo, betrayal & a cursed queen and suddenly I couldn’t look away. 🖤✨
Inspired by the life of Marie Laveau, this lush historical fantasy follows Marie “Ree” Laveau the Second, daughter of the infamous Voodoo queen. Ree is rebellious, entitled & determined to live life on her own terms… until she discovers her mother cursed & lying comatose in the bayou.
Now Ree has to uncover the secrets of Marie’s past to find a way to save her & possibly save the soul of the city itself.
I loved how cinematic this story felt. New Orleans practically became a character of its own, with its magic, danger, social divisions & simmering tension woven into every corner. The atmosphere is wonderfully eerie & I could practically feel the heat, humidity & shadows pressing in around Ree as she searched for answers.
But this isn’t just a story about magic. The racial and political divisions of the city give the fantasy real weight, while the power struggles between Voodoo practitioners, the Church, alchemists & the city’s ruling forces create an increasingly dangerous web around Ree.
And then there’s Henryk Ree’s childhood best friend who returns as a witch hunter tasked with investigating her. Because apparently Ree didn’t have enough problems already. 😳
What kept me turning the pages was Ree’s journey from someone who has spent much of her life pushing against her mother’s legacy to realizing just how deeply that legacy is woven into her own identity. Her mother’s secrets become her inheritance & suddenly she has to decide what she is willing to become to survive.
The Quarter Queen is dark, lush, magical & richly atmospheric, a compelling choice for readers who love historical fantasy, New Orleans folklore, witches, complicated family legacies & stories where magic comes with a price.
Thank you so much to Books Forward & Kayla Hardy for sharing The Quarter Queen with me! 🖤📚
Inspired by the life of Marie Laveau, this lush historical fantasy follows Marie “Ree” Laveau the Second, daughter of the infamous Voodoo queen. Ree is rebellious, entitled & determined to live life on her own terms… until she discovers her mother cursed & lying comatose in the bayou.
Now Ree has to uncover the secrets of Marie’s past to find a way to save her & possibly save the soul of the city itself.
I loved how cinematic this story felt. New Orleans practically became a character of its own, with its magic, danger, social divisions & simmering tension woven into every corner. The atmosphere is wonderfully eerie & I could practically feel the heat, humidity & shadows pressing in around Ree as she searched for answers.
But this isn’t just a story about magic. The racial and political divisions of the city give the fantasy real weight, while the power struggles between Voodoo practitioners, the Church, alchemists & the city’s ruling forces create an increasingly dangerous web around Ree.
And then there’s Henryk Ree’s childhood best friend who returns as a witch hunter tasked with investigating her. Because apparently Ree didn’t have enough problems already. 😳
What kept me turning the pages was Ree’s journey from someone who has spent much of her life pushing against her mother’s legacy to realizing just how deeply that legacy is woven into her own identity. Her mother’s secrets become her inheritance & suddenly she has to decide what she is willing to become to survive.
The Quarter Queen is dark, lush, magical & richly atmospheric, a compelling choice for readers who love historical fantasy, New Orleans folklore, witches, complicated family legacies & stories where magic comes with a price.
Thank you so much to Books Forward & Kayla Hardy for sharing The Quarter Queen with me! 🖤📚
August 4, 2026
The Quarter Queen is a book that is steeped in the world of 1840's New Orleans, where racial tensions are high, few black people are free, and voodoo is a religion woven into the fabric of its people. Marie Leveau the second, 'Ree', is dealing with the burden of a legacy she didn't ask for. Her mother, the powerful Marie Leveau is the Quarter Queen - beloved by her practioners and feared by many. Ree spends most of her time trying to shrug off the expectations put on her by her mother. When a chain of events occurs that casts Marie in a deep sleep, Ree is in a race to prevent a war from happening in New Orleans - a magical one.
This book is a colorful picture into the gritty belly of New Orlean's voodoo practioners. I was fascinated with all of the information given to us over the course of the novel in voodoo. I was even more taken in with the complex relationship between Ree and Marie. As a mother, I understand trying to do what you think is best for your child, and as a daughter, I understand trying to live a life outside of your mother's shadow. Ree's struggles with maturing into the woman that she needs to be to save her mother and her people really kept me invested in the story. In an alternate timeline, we see Marie the first come into her powers, and we see the events that occurred for the cataclysm that is happening in the present day. Add in darkly seductive Jon the Conjurer and Ree's first love, Henryk, and the romantic tension is happening in this book.
While at first I had trouble getting into this story, I'm glad that I stuck with it. The Quarter Queen was a thought-provoking novel - one that will stay with me long after I read the last page.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine, and Kayla Hardy for the eARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
This book is a colorful picture into the gritty belly of New Orlean's voodoo practioners. I was fascinated with all of the information given to us over the course of the novel in voodoo. I was even more taken in with the complex relationship between Ree and Marie. As a mother, I understand trying to do what you think is best for your child, and as a daughter, I understand trying to live a life outside of your mother's shadow. Ree's struggles with maturing into the woman that she needs to be to save her mother and her people really kept me invested in the story. In an alternate timeline, we see Marie the first come into her powers, and we see the events that occurred for the cataclysm that is happening in the present day. Add in darkly seductive Jon the Conjurer and Ree's first love, Henryk, and the romantic tension is happening in this book.
While at first I had trouble getting into this story, I'm glad that I stuck with it. The Quarter Queen was a thought-provoking novel - one that will stay with me long after I read the last page.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine, and Kayla Hardy for the eARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
December 5, 2025
The Quarter Queen is one of those books that wraps you in atmosphere from the first page. It feels rich and humid and alive, filled with spirits, secrets, and the kind of political tension that makes nineteenth century New Orleans the perfect setting for a story about power. The writing has a lush, almost cinematic quality, and the alternating timelines between Ree and her mother Marie create a really compelling rhythm.
What surprised me most was how much this book is about a complicated mother daughter relationship. Ree is messy and rebellious and sometimes painfully immature, and Marie is powerful but impossible to truly know. Watching Ree unravel the truth of who her mother used to be gave the story so much emotional weight. By the end, their dynamic becomes the heart of the novel.
I also loved how the magic is woven into the historical setting. It never feels like window dressing. It feels lived in and spiritual and sometimes terrifying. The book does not shy away from racism, religious persecution, and the danger of institutions that fear the things they cannot control. It gives the story real depth and stakes beyond just the magical conflict.
If I had any difficulty, it is that the pacing can feel dense at times. There is so much history, lore, and emotional backstory that I occasionally felt distanced from the action. But once the plot threads start to braid together, it becomes really rewarding.
Overall I thought this was a beautiful and atmospheric debut. If you enjoy historical fantasy that blends real history with powerful magic, and if you like stories centered on mothers, daughters, and legacies that refuse to stay buried, this is a great one to pick up.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy.
What surprised me most was how much this book is about a complicated mother daughter relationship. Ree is messy and rebellious and sometimes painfully immature, and Marie is powerful but impossible to truly know. Watching Ree unravel the truth of who her mother used to be gave the story so much emotional weight. By the end, their dynamic becomes the heart of the novel.
I also loved how the magic is woven into the historical setting. It never feels like window dressing. It feels lived in and spiritual and sometimes terrifying. The book does not shy away from racism, religious persecution, and the danger of institutions that fear the things they cannot control. It gives the story real depth and stakes beyond just the magical conflict.
If I had any difficulty, it is that the pacing can feel dense at times. There is so much history, lore, and emotional backstory that I occasionally felt distanced from the action. But once the plot threads start to braid together, it becomes really rewarding.
Overall I thought this was a beautiful and atmospheric debut. If you enjoy historical fantasy that blends real history with powerful magic, and if you like stories centered on mothers, daughters, and legacies that refuse to stay buried, this is a great one to pick up.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Quarter Queen is a historical fantasy novel that features Marie LaVeau and her daughter. As political, racial, and cultural tensions fester in New Orlean’s melting pot, the Voodoo gods also want a war between exiled Jon the Conjurer and the alchemist group, Brotherhood of the White Hand.
What really works is the dark, atmospheric, anything-can-happen-here setting. You can feel the humidity, the spark of barely repressed violence, the tension of the push and pull of old ways versus new. It’s creepy, magical, horrifying, hopeful, dangerous and exhilarating all at the same time. The author clearly knows a lot about the cultural and religious customs of the area which comes through and anchors the story.
Also particularly satisfying is the relationship between Marie LeVeau and her daughter, Ree (Marie LeVeau II). Like many mother-daughter relationships, they start out not really knowing each other. Ree finds out much more as she is pulled to view her mother’s past. The reader sees this through a back and forth dual timeline that, while interesting, is a little clunky in execution. This is especially tricky with a shared name.
Somewhat less successful is the character of Henryk who needed a bit more presence and depth to earn his spot in the story. Although he was supposed to be somewhat of a counterpoint to Jon the Conjurer, there just wasn’t enough learned about him to provide any weight to the story.
Overall, this novel kept me glued to the page, especially as Marie’s past with Jon was revealed. The fast moving pace, willingness to look at the cultural and historical happenings of the time, and the strong female characters were captivating.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the eARC.
What really works is the dark, atmospheric, anything-can-happen-here setting. You can feel the humidity, the spark of barely repressed violence, the tension of the push and pull of old ways versus new. It’s creepy, magical, horrifying, hopeful, dangerous and exhilarating all at the same time. The author clearly knows a lot about the cultural and religious customs of the area which comes through and anchors the story.
Also particularly satisfying is the relationship between Marie LeVeau and her daughter, Ree (Marie LeVeau II). Like many mother-daughter relationships, they start out not really knowing each other. Ree finds out much more as she is pulled to view her mother’s past. The reader sees this through a back and forth dual timeline that, while interesting, is a little clunky in execution. This is especially tricky with a shared name.
Somewhat less successful is the character of Henryk who needed a bit more presence and depth to earn his spot in the story. Although he was supposed to be somewhat of a counterpoint to Jon the Conjurer, there just wasn’t enough learned about him to provide any weight to the story.
Overall, this novel kept me glued to the page, especially as Marie’s past with Jon was revealed. The fast moving pace, willingness to look at the cultural and historical happenings of the time, and the strong female characters were captivating.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the eARC.
March 31, 2026
Rarely do I finish a book and have no words. Turning the last page of The Quarter Queen was one of those times. There simply aren’t words to convey how exquisite this book is, but I’m going to try because The Quarter Queen is a book that everyone should be talking about and have on their TBR. It’s just that good.
The Quarter Queen is the debut of Kayla Hardy, and had I not known that, I never would have guessed it. Ms. Hardy’s writing is lush, lyrical, and utterly engrossing.
The Quarter Queen begins in 1843 New Orleans and is inspired by the life of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. Much like the recently released Cleopatra by Saara El-Arifi, The Quarter Queen blends historical fact with fantasy and dramatic license to bring the story of Marie Laveau and her daughter, Marie “Ree” Laveau the Second, to breathtaking life. Hardy uses dual timelines to allow the reader to understand both Marie's and Ree’s motivations and personalities, and this was one of my favorite aspects of the book.
The book begins by showing us the contentious relationship between Marie and Ree. Ree loves her mother, but she’s tired of being in her shadow. She feels trapped by her mother and a legacy she never asked for. Marie adores her daughter and would do anything for her, but she fears that Ree is far too rebellious, naive, and nowhere near ready to take over the title of Quarter Queen that is her destiny. When something happens putting Marie on the brink of death, Ree is forced to step up and into her power, but will she be able to do it in time to save her mother and ultimately herself?
The true beauty of the Quarter Queen is in Hardy’s beautiful storytelling and her impeccable attention to detail. Her academic background in mythology, Black folklore, and Voodoo really shines through, making the story that much more emotional, immersive, and captivating. She deftly explores racism, mother-daughter relationships, and love in such a way that you can’t help but be drawn in and become emotionally invested.
Overall, The Quarter Queen is a stunning debut novel that will keep you hooked from beginning to end and needs to be on your radar if you enjoy historical fiction, fantasy, and strong women who let nothing stand in their way without giving up what makes them, them.
Thank you to Ballantine Books, NetGalley, and Kayla Hardy for the gifted eARC.
The Quarter Queen is the debut of Kayla Hardy, and had I not known that, I never would have guessed it. Ms. Hardy’s writing is lush, lyrical, and utterly engrossing.
The Quarter Queen begins in 1843 New Orleans and is inspired by the life of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. Much like the recently released Cleopatra by Saara El-Arifi, The Quarter Queen blends historical fact with fantasy and dramatic license to bring the story of Marie Laveau and her daughter, Marie “Ree” Laveau the Second, to breathtaking life. Hardy uses dual timelines to allow the reader to understand both Marie's and Ree’s motivations and personalities, and this was one of my favorite aspects of the book.
The book begins by showing us the contentious relationship between Marie and Ree. Ree loves her mother, but she’s tired of being in her shadow. She feels trapped by her mother and a legacy she never asked for. Marie adores her daughter and would do anything for her, but she fears that Ree is far too rebellious, naive, and nowhere near ready to take over the title of Quarter Queen that is her destiny. When something happens putting Marie on the brink of death, Ree is forced to step up and into her power, but will she be able to do it in time to save her mother and ultimately herself?
The true beauty of the Quarter Queen is in Hardy’s beautiful storytelling and her impeccable attention to detail. Her academic background in mythology, Black folklore, and Voodoo really shines through, making the story that much more emotional, immersive, and captivating. She deftly explores racism, mother-daughter relationships, and love in such a way that you can’t help but be drawn in and become emotionally invested.
Overall, The Quarter Queen is a stunning debut novel that will keep you hooked from beginning to end and needs to be on your radar if you enjoy historical fiction, fantasy, and strong women who let nothing stand in their way without giving up what makes them, them.
Thank you to Ballantine Books, NetGalley, and Kayla Hardy for the gifted eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Kayla Hardy really knocked it out of the park with this book. Coming from someone who grew up going to the area frequently due to family - she captured the magic of the area and its roots and gave us a deeper glimpse into that world. More than Mardi Gras and beads - what makes New Orleans the city we love today is the history of its people. Her writing is beautifully descriptive and allows you to imagine every setting in vivid detail - allowing, as usual, for the movie in my head.
She addresses the dark history of the time period and weaves it into the story seamlessly. The very real evil of racism mixed with the conflict of using magic for good or for evil and how this guides our characters giving it a mix of genres including horror, magical realism, and historical fiction. There are certainly horror elements in this and I think that is essential to really be truthful in the story telling of the pain and suffering experienced due to racism.
I do not know for sure but it does seem to end on a cliff hanger so maybe there are more books? I hope so because I need to see where some relationships are headed and where some alliances stand.
I think historical fiction fans will eat this up and I highly recommend for anyone that enjoys that genre or fans of New Orleans culture in general. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for allowing me to read and review this!
She addresses the dark history of the time period and weaves it into the story seamlessly. The very real evil of racism mixed with the conflict of using magic for good or for evil and how this guides our characters giving it a mix of genres including horror, magical realism, and historical fiction. There are certainly horror elements in this and I think that is essential to really be truthful in the story telling of the pain and suffering experienced due to racism.
I do not know for sure but it does seem to end on a cliff hanger so maybe there are more books? I hope so because I need to see where some relationships are headed and where some alliances stand.
I think historical fiction fans will eat this up and I highly recommend for anyone that enjoys that genre or fans of New Orleans culture in general. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for allowing me to read and review this!
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