Long Live the Queen

by Kahley Burwell

I am not a fan of Heroes. They can rot in hell. I’m supposed to be their number one fan because society deems them good, why? Because they swear they’re going to protect you? They put their life on the line for you? Last time I checked heroes sacrificed you to save the world, not save you and burn the world.

I am not a princess, nor will I ever be the queen they wanted. I am what society carved me into with crowns made of silence and thorns. I was born from expectation, bred in perfection, taught to smile while burning. Call me evil. Call me bad. I don’t believe in long living queens.

When an eighteen-year-old girl Maya is sucked into the world of a dark fairytale, grief clings to her like a shadow. Her dad is gone, reality is breaking at the seams, and now she’s trapped in a realm where fate is inked in blood and beauty is a weapon. But Maya isn’t just an observer. She’s the reader, one the story has chosen, or perhaps cursed. There she meets Enora, the girl destined to become the Evil Queen. Young. Hurt. Vengeful. Betrayed by the one person who swore to love her most. Determined to change the story, Maya allies herself with a kingdom that bleeds secrets and a magic mentor who is more myth than man, and the bastard brother of Prince Charming himself.

671 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 16, 2025

Reviews

[Harley Audette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I honestly did my best to get through this book, but I just couldn't. It kept going in so many directions that I couldn't really keep up with the plot. I had to DNF it at 31% because I was just so confused with the direction this story was going in.

This is just my opinion, I'm sure others would love this story but I couldn't finish it.

[Osiris-Rae Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A masterpiece 🧡👑

Long Live the Queen is a brilliant book that captures your attention at first without making a big deal out of it but then absolutely will not let go. The prose is amazing without being too much and each chapter has a purpose or a reason for being in this novel. The political urgency, emotional trauma and the moments of defiance and tenderness create a rich tapestry of the human experience.

The multiple points of view are a wonderful addition to this novel; the different voices of the characters are not only distinct and identifiable, they also bring depth to each character's story.

The first chapter of this novel is truly heartbreaking because Maya is mourning the horrible and senseless murder of her father and Enora's marriage is forced upon her which takes away her choice and autonomy. This sad but emotional journey through grief, obligation and love is one that we feel throughout the entire novel, as the tension of the characters' struggles continues until the very end.

One of the best scenes for me is when David and Enora are playfully throwing snowballs at the townspeople. They are not only alive and in love in the midst of such despair, but they also exist in a world that is trying to extinguish them. It was a moment that reminded me of a breath of fresh, cold air.

This is a stunning novel. Kahley Burwell is an immensely talented writer, and Long Live the Queen is a haunting, emotional, and gripping read that lingers long after the final page.

[Adaire | daring.fantasy.reads]

I am so sorry but this book was the biggest struggle to get through. At first I thought it was a me problem, maybe I would have enjoyed this if I was still in my teens? But there were some comments and themes that I would not be comfortable with a teen reading. I finished the book, but if I wasn't ARC reading then it would have been an easy DNF.

This is a Snow White retelling focusing on the 'evil' stepmother. However it starts off in a modern day setting with a traumatized FMC who is brought into the world of this book. Why it started here is still a mystery to me.

There was not a lot to like about this book. The storyline was confusing. The chapters felt disjointed with the Multi-character POV instead of cohesive and don't even get me started on the romance. Who even likes who in this book?

I'm choosing not to leave a star review for this book but it wasn't for me. Thank you to the author & PA for sending me an ARC of this book.

Narration: Multi character, first person POV

Spice: 1/5 (no smut, but there are some darker themes)

Tropes:
- Snow white retelling
- Arranged marriage
- Prophecy
- Rewriting destiny
- Love triangle? Love square?
- Court politics
- Scheming & Betrayal

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[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this. I am a big fan of a fairytale retelling, but this one just did not hit. I had this critique for the last book I read by Kahley Burwell (Filthy Royals), but there are just too many characters and too many things going on for me. It’s very easy to get lost and feel like you missed something. I also did not really like most of the characters in this story. I also didn’t care for most of the characters. Enora has too much going on in her life and that makes her a nervous and stressed out wreck. And Maya is a brat. Maybe the author meant this on purpose, but it’s just not really my vibe.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a strong start to the Once Upon a Legacy series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed in the fairy tale retelling. I enjoyed the overall feel of this and how it uses the fairy tale characters in a way that interesting and unique. I was invested in what was happening and enjoyed the book from start to finish. Kahley Burwell has a strong writing style and am excited to read more from them and this series.

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

[Chenoa Rogers · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ahhhhhh I started this book and maybe it was because of my reading slump but I had to DNF for now.

It was a little confusing in the beginning and I’ve been a fantasy girly through and through, but I haven’t picked up the kindle for a good few days knowing that this was the book I was reading and I am definitely a girly who will read everyday 😭

Once I’m outta this slump, it will be re-attempted, but for now, this girly will be stuck in 17% 😵‍💫

[Lilithya · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

An intriguing concept but by 20% it started to drag and became too convoluted for me to orient myself.

There were too many characters and not very well developed. This should have been divided into more books to develop it succesfully.