The Fallen Queen

by J.D. Marcella

A kingdom lost. A crown stolen. A woman who refuses to stay buried.

Imprisoned, tortured and forgotten. She was meant to be erased, a crownless girl with power too dangerous to control. But what they broke, she rebuilt in silence.

What they buried, she raised in fire.

Escaping a prison carved in silence and pain, she crosses the border with nothing—no name, no crown, only the fire left in her blood. In a kingdom not her own, she finds unlikely sanctuary… and those willing to stand beside a queen with no throne. Now hunted by the empire that destroyed her, she carves a place of her own among kings, thieves, and blades—building power not for vengeance, but for liberation. As war looms in the distance, she’ll have to wield court politics as deftly as her sword and keep the rising force inside her from consuming everything she fights for.

This is the story of the girl they turned into a weapon, and the woman who chose to become a reckoning.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy

614 pages, Hardcover

Published November 21, 2025

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review of The Fallen Queen by J.D. Marcella. This is a perfect fantasy read. The world building is amazing. The reader can really see this world that has been created. The book gripped me from the very beginning. Kalithea, our FMC, is the strongest woman making her way in a world after overcoming odds that seem unbeatable. The banter between her and kings, a prince, warriors, thieves and pirates is top tier and had me giggling. The tension between the FMC and the four male characters is off the charts. This is a slow burn without spice. After over 800 pages of kingdoms, politics, war, the open seas and possible love, I still wanted more! Will the queen rise? How? And with who by her side?

[NerdyBookFox · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars out of 5.
0 peppers out of 5 spice.

**I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

Genre: Romantasy/Epic Fantasy
Multi-POV
Third Person

Tropes:
The Chosen One
Multiple Love Interests
Reluctant Hero(ine)
Slow Burn
Why Choose? Maybe? Unconfirmed?

I'm hesitant to give this 3 stars, because the writing style is beautifully written, but there's too many things that I personally was not a fan of as well, and I think 3 stars is a nice balance. Other readers may enjoy the aspects I don't gravitate towards when looking for a book.

Let's start with what I loved. I already mentioned the writing style was beautiful. Marcella put a lot of love into this story and it translated into their writing style, feeling almost poetic. They put a lot of care into this story. My understanding is that this is their debut novel. The book is thick. Over 850 pages of our Fallen Queen and those who cross her path.

I enjoyed that the FMC wasn't helpless or hosting a pity party. And the other characters that make appearances are also loveable. The banter and interactions between the characters is what held my attention the most and kept me engaged with the story. I think book two will up the conflict and drama between the characters - fingers crossed.

The tropes listed to me to pick up this book did not indicate if this is a Why Choose story, but the characters don't show any sense of jealousy or competition towards each other and instead plot and scheme together and sound like they're going to share the FMC, so we'll have to wait and see if it's a why choose or if some sort of rivalry and competition begins.

But let's look at what is bringing the rating down, and I won't let my guess that the FMC won't end up with the MC of my choosing affect this outcome. While the book is long and descriptive, I often found myself tuning out and going in my head about other things. The plot moves at the pace of a snail going for a leisurely stroll on a Sunday morning. The book could be condensed to maybe a 300 to 400 page book without losing any of the plot. There was a lot of repetition, especially in the first 40% of the book. It was the same thing happening over and over, with the characters interacting only giving a teeny tiny bit of information each time, that the plot became stagnant for a while. If you enjoy a slow burn plot, this is your cup of tea. However, it left enough intrigue that I kept coming back, if even for a chapter at a time to try to get through it. The plot begins to pick up at around the 80% mark for me, but others might notice a change in pace around the 45% mark - this is when I started reading a few chapters at a time before taking a break.

I think my biggest gripe with the story was that our FMC is a complete Mary Sue with a two-dimensional personality. I'm personally not a fan of Mary Sues. She was perfect at everything she did, without struggle, besting everyone that is suppose to be the best in their trade without struggle. Maybe this has to do with her lineage, but that was never made a part of the lore that we know of. Near the end of the the 850 page book, we receive a little information that tries to back this up, but she still has no skill weaknesses. You would think she would struggle a bit against people who make it their life's work to do what they do. There was no sense of danger or any stakes to make you worried for the fate of the FMC, but I think the author is building up to a little bit of stakes with their "Chosen One (but with a twist)" trope.

The second big gripe I have, and this is a complete personal preference, is that all four of the men that might be a contender to be a love interest all share the same personality - little golden retriever dogs following the FMC around everywhere. They have no other personality except to follow the FMC and wag their tails like the good boys they are. I struggled to believe the author telling us that they're morally grey or what they do for a living is suppose to be questionable and feared when they're all fawning after the FMC with the same personality. But I'm not a fan of insta-love tropes or golden retriever tropes. However, I appreciated the author being self-aware of this and calling all four of them out multiple times.

I would like to see more depth and varied personality from the characters going forward. The FMC felt very dry and two-dimensional, with the last 20% showing some change and growth in her personality, but this is an 850 page book, so it took a while to get there. I guess we have to wait till book two to see if she develops further.

The book does not really end on a cliffhanger, unless you're a fan of the brother and want to see what happens with him.

In conclusion, I don't hate the book. I enjoyed the story and the banter. I think we lacked opportunity at hearing any internal monologuing and struggles the FMC may have had to give her more depth by the use of third person - The poor woman went through a lot, she should have some struggles, even if they're internal. I don't know if this is a story that will stick with me to read book 2. I'm leaning towards yes, but I'd like to see our characters have more depth and personalities and stop being little puppy dogs - as cute as that is.

[Brittni · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨She was a thing born of dark magic. The worst kind. The kind that was still alive. ✨

Do you like dark epic fantasy with a sloooow burn and multiple love interests as well as rising from the ashes and 'chosen one' with a twist? You're gonna wanna get into The Fallen Queen by J. D. Marcella 🔥

This book is long and plot rich with intricate story pieces. It reads a bit like ToG in the way that how the story is being set up, you know you're in for an epic tale that is DEFINITELY going to span several books. I absolutely LOVE Kalithea, our fierce and resilient fmc. She is so strong after the horrors she's been subject to and the fact that she is severely and openly unimpressed with the antics of men made her instantly likeable in my eyes. She ate these men up left and right and still had them crawling.

I seriously enjoyed this one and cannot wait to see where the story goes next in book two!

[Püppët · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
⚔️✨This book has had me in a chokehold ever since I started reading it. I absolutely love Kalithea’s story! I cannot wait to continue reading it in The Embers of Rebellion! ⚔️✨
✨ Her attitude, her sass and never ending confidence are what makes these men fall in love with her, yes, I said MEN. Reverse Harem without the spice, they ALL fall first. Prince? Snagged. Knight? Snagged. King of Theives? Snagged. Pirate King you say? Ya, him too.🤣✨

[₊⋆ Nyxia ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review to come 🩷

The cover instantly drew me in it’s so stunning! Also, loved the blurb. An epic fantasy with amazing world building. I feel like I’m still newer to fantasy. For me, this was easier to follow. This was so intense I loved it.

[Jennifer Miner (black_rosereads)🖤 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Review

Hands down the best fantasy book I have ever read. This brings a whole new meaning to world building and character development. It is a very slow going read but it’s so deep that you are in the thick of it. There is a lot of emotion in this and frustration being the biggest one for me. But it has a purpose and it’s worth it! Every character in this is one to be remembered. Not a single one has minimal purpose. These characters were placed strategically. First time also to read a book where everyone is vital to the story. I do have a favorite of course and his banter is fabulous. The magic is different and mysterious and highly intriguing. There is absolutely no spice in this book. It is wanting, yearning and extreme tension. Will we get spice in the next book? I have no clue but honestly, I don’t really think it matters. I want to follow Kalithea on the rest of her journey. And I just know it’s going to be great! I’m ready for the Fallen Queen to RISE!

[Karli Majeski · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book has an amazing story (and definitely worth the read!) there are some flaws too. The beginning starts with Kal and Liam, then we mix in 2 more male characters to end with 3 different men. While I know it’s her story and journey, I feel like there was a lot going on and could have been split between books or condensed. It was also very repetitive and the spacing within some chapters wasn’t needed. Did I mention it was very repetitive in parts? Some paragraphs were the same when you flipped a page but with maybe an added word or two. Or it was repetitive days of the same thing (example: her fighting with the champion but just written differently for multiple chapters). I feel like some of that could have been shortened by jumping days or something. All in all though, I give it a solid 4. The banter and games between the characters was funny and had me laughing out loud a few times. The obstacles Kal over comes. Liam and his mood. Kipp and James are my favorite! She better end up with them stuck to her side by the end (maybe romantically, just saying). Definitely recommend reading and I’ll be waiting for the second book. I did receive this as a ARC read.

[Angelica · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this more than five stars I would. The world building is top tier.

I found it extremely interesting on how the various POVs were intertwined. At first I was a little confused, but after than you can see the flawless motion between them all. Typically you see the POVs change via chapter or a distinguished paragraph break. In this it’s shifting between the characters throughout the story with no hard stop on where it transitions.

Kal is such a strong FMC. She has gone through so much horror, and it has created a shield where she no long trusts or accepts any kindness. She did thaw a little throughout the story. The only thing I didn’t like was how her thawing was done more through a one sided romantic approach. It will be interesting to see if this will be a love triangle, RH, or single lover.

Despite this being a very long story, there was character development, but not much story progression. However, this does make sense with how much she needs to overcome first. There is enough vagueness in the backstory that makes you wonder how this series will progress.

**Thank you for the ARC!**

[Talitha de Vries · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75⭐️

This book started with a lot of promise. Immediate action, the tone, the writing and the mystery around Kalithea. It all sounded like something that could be deeply emotional and layered. And the writing is beautiful. Sometimes almost too beautiful, to the point where it slows everything down.

Kalithea herself is an interesting idea of a character. She’s half fae, had a terrible upbringing, and clearly shaped by trauma. But the problem is… there’s nothing she can’t do. I was beginning to wonder how they managed to take the crown from her in the first place. This was of course before I learned she was’t an actual queen at that time but still just a child. She trains daily with Raoul, the champion of a prince whose entire reputation depends on being the best fighter in the realm. I mean, he not the champion for nothing, and not once does he beat her. Not even close. I don’t need her to be weak, but a little balance would’ve made her feel more human.

Then there’s the men. Or more like the rotation of men. The first half of the book revolves around Prince Jarreth and his champion Raoul (the good ones), and the second half shifts completely to Kipp and Jaymes (the morally grey ones, at least in theory). I would love to see more depth to the men. Because right now, all I really know is their profession and that both Raoul and Kipp have fun banter. They all behave exactly the same around her. Every single one of them falls instantly under her spell, all willing to fight, bleed, or die for her from the moment they meet her. It was quite repetitive.

And that’s kind of the theme here. Repetition. We’re constantly reminded how powerful, graceful, aware, and controlled Kalithea is. It’s like the book doesn’t quite trust the reader to remember. I promise I do. The writing is gorgeous, almost poetic at times, but it’s overkill when the same point gets restated a dozen different ways.

I had trouble getting through the book. There were so many training sessions for example and not much really happened. Then around 40% it feels like the story is picking up and then it almost feels like a replay, but on a diferrent location with different men. Things finally start clicking around the three-quarter mark, when we learn more about her past and the reasons behind her coldness. Those parts actually made me appreciate her character more, because to be honest, Kalithea was really annoying to me. Less annoying at the end though. There’s definitely potential here. Other than the slow pacing, the storyline is good.

So overall: beautifully written but drowning in its own words. Kalithea’s perfection and attitude makes her hard to root for, the pacing crawls, and the relationships feel shallow because they never get a chance to breathe. But, and this is important, J.D. Marcella can write. The potential is there, and if the sequel tones down the repetition and lets the characters actually feel a little more human with their own backgrounds to make them more into individuals, I’d definitely give it a chance.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start by say, this book is beautifully written. The way this author is able to describe the scene, feelings, and movement is truly remarkable. You are right in the world and can almost feel it by how she is able to capture the moments with her writing. This book starts right in the thick of it and gets your heart racing right away. I loved that because I was invested immediately. During the first half of this book I thought it had plot holes but everything is answered in time and done so in a meaningful way. It kept me guessing and looking for answers in the book. You won’t find chapters worth of world building at the start of the book like other fantasy series (you have to earn those answers lol).

Now with that being said, why didn’t I get it a 5 star?

Even with the beautiful descriptions, there were several scenes that repeated over and over again. The descriptions were different each time but when you break it down it was the same content (how the FMCs clothes fit, how she moved, her interactions with the same people, how the light caught on the metal strands in her hair, etc). Also I felt some of the side characters were one dimensional. Her brother is an example, he really didn’t add anything except being an angry protective older brother. I hope he gets more substance in the next books because he could be a really great character. Last thing to note is that this book changes POV fluidly throughout the writing, it’s not defined by chapters. This made it a bit hard to understand whose POV I was reading though. It reads more like watching a movie (constantly moving between dialogue, scenes, and different POVs). This wasn’t necessarily a bad thing but was confusing at times.

Okay super last thing I’ll say and it’s a tiny spoiler so skip if you don’t want to know😅- I wish this had more spicy. I’m a spicy lover and I knew this said slow burn but didn’t realize I would read 855 pages and only get one kiss and nothing else, not even closed door scenes. It’s giving the Throne of Glass series where the first few books have no spicy at all. I’m hoping we get some in the next book and I’m not forced to wait 4 books for all this slow burn to come to fruition lol

Overall I think this book would be a perfect 5 star with a bit of editing to cut back on the repetitive scenes. Overall I really loved this story and will for sure read the next in the series. Such a beautifully written book and excited to see what’s to come from this author.

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fallen Queen is a raw, intense dark fantasy that blends brutal action, political intrigue, and quiet, personal moments. The story follows Kalithea, a fae-born woman who holds a terrifying power and must relearn who she is after being used as a weapon. A ragged found family supports her, their loyalty keeping her human while political plots make everything feel huge. there is not just one MMC but at least 4 so be prepared to fall in love which each MMC in different variants of ways. I'm rooting for Kipp!

The novel moves between high-energy scenes—heists, battles and daring rescues—and slower chapters that focus on recovery and small, powerful moments of connection. The book asks hard questions about power, responsibility, and how trauma reshapes identity. It is gritty with strong emotional payoffs after violent events, and it balances its darker beats with quiet tenderness.

There is also a lot of funny, comic banter between Jaymes and Kipp that brings lightness and warmth to the group dynamic. The banter often works well, and had me in bouts of giggles, but at times it lingers and slows the momentum; I occasionally felt like skipping longer stretches of it.

This is not a conventional love story—rather, it is Kalithea’s journey toward understanding herself, accepting help, and learning to trust chosen family. I expect the second book will deepen those friendships and the slow-burning romantic threads.

There are not too many negative things about this book, my main wish was to learn more about her power and its origins in this first book — I finished feeling curious for more detail, which I hope the sequel will provide. The novel is long and leans more on emotional build‑up than on frequent, large action set pieces.

In saying that, I found it compelling and different from what I usually read in fantasy. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am eager to follow the characters’ development and her powers in the next instalment. Overall, I would give The Fallen Queen 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Please note your trigger warnings as this book has detail about trauma/sexual abuse.
I received a complimentary copy and offer this review voluntarily and honestly.

[Sam Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tugged on every emotional heart string possible! What a great read. It had me intrigued right from the start. It’s beautifully written, the world building is descriptive and the narrative is very much character driven. I absolutely loved all the characters for different reasons, they all have their part to play in this story. I loved how they were all weaved into the narrative and given depth and personality.
This is a fairly slow paced book in terms of how the story moves along but I felt this was all done with purpose and worked well. It helps to understand what Kal is working through and dealing with. I loved her as the FMC - her background is utterly heart breaking but she is a survivor and warrior. She has to overcome so much and still has obstacles to overcome. I love how her story arc develops and we get to see more of her as the story progresses.
There are a number of MMC’s throughout this book, which is not usually my type of trope, and it’s not clear whether this will be a why choose or love triangle/square! However, that said I didn’t mind this aspect of the book and actually liked that was no spice. I absolutely loved the chemistry and dynamics between Kal and each of the MMC. There is so much yearning and tension but then equal parts frustration with Liam added to the mix as her ever present protector. Kipp is definitely a firm favourite. I loved Alden’s role through the first half of the book too.
There is unique magic in this book that adds an interesting element to the story knowing some of Kal’s heritage. We are given glimpses of it and snippets of information about Kal’s background, with more revealing aspects towards the end of the book. But there are still so many questions yet to be answered. I can’t wait to see how Kal’s story unfolds.
I am definitely looking forward to book 2 after that surprise introductory chapter at the end of this book.
A huge thank you to J.D. Marcella for the privilege of reading an advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and honestly given.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as an ARC and I’m so glad I signed up for it. Let me start by saying, this book is beautifully written. The way this author is able to describe the scene, feelings, and movement is truly remarkable. You are right in the world and can almost feel it by how she is able to capture the moments with her writing. This book starts right in the thick of it and gets your heart racing right away. I loved that because I was invested immediately. During the first half of this book I thought it had plot holes but everything is answered in time and done so in a meaningful way. It kept me guessing and looking for answers in the book. You won’t find chapters worth of world building at the start of the book like other fantasy series (you have to earn those answers lol).

Now with that being said, why didn’t I get it a 5 star?

Even with the beautiful descriptions, there were several scenes that repeated over and over again. The descriptions were different each time but when you break it down it was the same content (how the FMCs clothes fit, how she moved, her interactions with the same people, how the light caught on the metal strands in her hair, etc). Also I felt some of the side characters were one dimensional. Her brother is an example, he really didn’t add anything except being an angry protective older brother. I hope he gets more substance in the next books because he could be a really great character. Last thing to note is that this book changes POV fluidly throughout the writing, it’s not defined by chapters. This made it a bit hard to understand whose POV I was reading though. It reads more like watching a movie (constantly moving between dialogue, scenes, and different POVs). This wasn’t necessarily a bad thing but was confusing at times.

Okay super last thing I’ll say😅- I wish this had more spice. I’m a spice lover and I knew this said slow burn but didn’t realize I would read 855 pages and only get one kiss and nothing else, not even closed door scenes. It’s giving the Throne of Glass series where the first few books have no spicy at all. I’m hoping we get some in the next book and I’m not forced to wait 4 books for all this slow burn to come to fruition lol

Overall I think this book would be a perfect 5 star with a bit of editing to cut back on the repetitive scenes. Overall I really loved this story and will for sure read the next in the series. Such a beautifully written book and excited to see what’s to come from this author.

[shadowarc13 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.” A kingdom has fallen. A crown has been stolen. And at the heart of the upheaval stands a woman who refuses to be erased. Once imprisoned, tortured, and discarded, she was intended to vanish a crownless girl whose immense power made her a threat. Yet in the silence they forced upon her, she rebuilt herself. From what they sought to bury, she forged something unbreakable.
After escaping a prison shaped by pain and shadows, she crosses the border stripped of everything no title, no identity, only the fire that still burns in her veins. In a land not her own, she discovers unexpected refuge and alliances forged in loyalty rather than fear, finding companions willing to stand beside a queen who has no throne. Pursued relentlessly by the empire that once destroyed her, she begins carving out a place among kings, thieves, and warriors cultivating strength not to exact vengeance, but to bring liberation.
As the specter of war rises, she must master the battlefield of court politics with the same precision she wields her blade, all while containing the growing force within her before it consumes the very future she is fighting to protect. This is the tale of a girl they shaped into a weapon and the woman who refused to remain one, choosing instead to become a reckoning.
And as the final page turns, you can’t help but crave more.💛

[Zully - My Romantasy Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fallen Queen by J.D. Marcella is a slow paced book, with great emphasis is world building, plot development and character design. It’s a book that thoroughly dives deep into emotional building rather than emotional crashing. It is, after all, a first book in a series. It builds around the FMC. The story was amazing, the plot and how it grows is captivating and compelling. It’s a mature epic fantasy/romantasy that any reader will enjoy but beware, it’s very different from all the other viral epic fantasies going wild out there in Booktok and Bookstagram. Don’t go in expecting lots of romance and spice. It has very little to none of that. (Buuuttt…. Seems like it will lead to that eventually (maybe?) and I am EAGER!) So far is very 🫑
There’s lots of banter, yes, and yearning! Absolutely!! 💯

Book 1 in The Queen of Light and Shadows series is more about plot, missions, character introductions and background.

* This book is intended for adult readers!! 18+ yrs old.


Tropes:
- Torture
- death and loss/grief
- Sexual Assault/coercion (mentioned as past event and somewhere in the story)
- PTSD, trauma responses
- Magic/Rare powers
- Multiple love interest? 👀
- Banter/Yearning
- 3rd person POV
- Found family? 👀
- Ships, swords, Royals, Pirates, Thieves, Secrets, Fae!
- Badass FMC/Shadow Mommy ❣️

[M. Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Fallen Queen, readers are swept into a haunting tale of resilience and inner turmoil, following Kalithea, a formidable yet tormented heroine whose quiet strength masks a lifetime of scars. Born from a cruel upbringing, she flees with her brother, carrying the weight of secrets that could unravel her world. Kalithea commands rooms with silent confidence, her head held high, her words sparse but deliberate (a fortress around the chaos of her powers, which she views as both a curse and a danger). Isolated by her fear of being used, she clings to her brother as her sole anchor, determined to protect those she cares for by shouldering burdens alone. Yet, as shadows close in, her refusal to trust may become her greatest vulnerability.

J.D Marcella is a master in world building and character depth, crafting a realm where every twist feels inevitable yet shocking. Kalithea’s journey, marked by emotional whiplash and moral complexity, cements her as a protagonist who resonates long after the final page. This book balances heart wrenching vulnerability with fierce empowerment. From unforgettable allies to despicable villains, the author breathes life into a narrative that thrives on tension and truth. A phenomenal opener to what promises to be an electrifying, incredible series; I am beyond excited for the next book! This author has a fan for life!

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gets a good solid 4 stars from me. For a first book, this a great start. This books starts off in the first chapter and hits you hard! Then for the next 7 chapters is Kal and her brother Liam making it to a new kingdom and finding an ally. Then you meet 2 guys. And of course she peeks their interest. You learn exactly what the person in the first chapter (Arjun) was working to try and create. As you learn more about the backstory, you learn more about her secrets and the path ahead must move forward with. Through adventure and a couple more guys, the story starts to come together. There is a lot of information in this book. So if your one that likes multiple books to get answers and leaves you with questions, buckle up buttercup! Parts of this book were slow to me but I can sense where the author is going. It’s building up the story and relationships. I am invested to have answers to my questions this book left me with. I want to say more but anything else would leave too many spoilers. But if you like a “he falls first”, there is multiples in this story and I can see some fun with how this is going to play out. Thankfully because I was selected as an early reader where I can read the book and review if I chose, I was given. A taste of the second book and boy oh boy….. that taste was tasty! A lot of snickers and this is going to be interesting is going through my brain. Great first book but just realize that by picking this book up, your along for the long haul and that you will be left with questions and a lot of character building and world building but unsure why all the info but with other writers that do this, I know there is juicy bits coming.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fantastic tale full of depth! All of the main characters were nearly fully dived into to view their thoughts and opinions during the present of the story. there is one character I hope we get more of a dive into in the next book, her brother Liam. Kipp and Jaymes are probably my 2 favorite possible lover interests for her or friendships even. Kal as a character is definitely guarded, mysterious, intelligent, determined, and wishful character I do adore her. shes got a sass to her that I dont think has fully been drawn out since she doesnt have any friend, of any gender. I do believe, in my own opinion, that she has too many men linings over her and not enough of even just 1 platonic non familial friend. I do hope to see some sort of relationship like that in the next book also and how much her character can possibly grown from that and how. regardless I did enjoy this Book quite a bit, if youre ok with a slower more detailed book you'll be okay with this, if you enjoy or can deal with a book not having anything except suggested crushes and no further you will enjoy this novel (now for the multiple time trying to post a review and rating idk whats going on with good reads)

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reads like poetry. I absolute love the author's writing & there are so many good quotes if you love to highight your favorites. It's also very wordy with quite a bit of repetitive words, phrases, similar scenes, etc that could've been condensed. The overall storyline, the vibes, the tension, the banter - are perfect. There is no spice & only two kisses I think, but there does seem to be 4 possible love interests (so far lol). I feel like Jarreth & Raoul would end up better as a close friendship/found family relationship. King Alden is honestly my favorite character because he's such a wonderful father figure for her who makes everything fun & loves drama 🤣. Jaymes & Kipp definitely form a love triangle though.....I personally feel like Kipp is winning, but I love them both. I can't wait to see who she chooses in the end & I hope they all get a HEA in some way. Mainly hoping none of them die in the looming chaos ahead 😬

*Warrior Queen
*Slow Burn
*Overprotective Brother
*Lots of Morally Grey Characters
*Prophecy
*Ancient Magic

*Content Warnings:
-Sexual Assault
-Cursing
-Torture
-Violence

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of an advance reader copy.

Beautiful plot and with interesting characters. This is a bit of a long book for the amount of plot and world building it has. It feels like it can be shortened at certain moments. There was a lot of repetition between Kal and the guys. I just feel like every time a new Male character is introduced, the same infatuations occur. Like yes, I know how badass she is but the book portrays her as like a perfect strong all powerful Queen. I do like the banter she has with the guys. There's little hardship she experienced in the book. It only starts to get more interesting in the end.

I'm not too sure if there is much character development for Kal yet, maybe in book 2? There are so many men lol but I liked Kipp and James the most! They are a joy to read! The banter between each other is fun to read.

Loved "I am not the one you buried, I am the thing that crawled out."

[Janna Felix · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fallen Queen offers a gripping and emotionally charged journey of survival, power, and rebirth. The premise is compelling: a broken girl rises from imprisonment to reclaim her agency in a world that attempted to erase her, and the execution largely lives up to this promise. The prose shines, especially in its darker, introspective moments, capturing the weight of trauma and the gradual forging of strength. The supporting cast adds depth and intrigue, particularly as alliances form in morally gray areas. At times, the pacing stumbles, especially in the middle sections where the political threads feel slightly stretched. However, the tension builds to a satisfying and fiery climax. This is a richly imagined and character-driven fantasy that balances grit with hope, making it a strong read for fans of resilient heroines.

[Sarah Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world building and characters were portrayed and described really well. I was so very intrigued in the beginning to know the secrets of Kalithea’s past. What happened to her? What/who is she really?

Liam was annoyingly lovable as the over protective, brooding brother but he had his reasons to be like that. I get it.
And the men that were falling all over themselves for Kal were amusing to say the least. Kipp is my favourite so far and he made me chuckle to myself quite a few times during reading this book.

There is tension, banter, slow burn chemistry and a whole lot of mystery surrounding certain aspects that makes you want to keep turning the pages. It is a long read, over 800 pages but definitely worth it 😊

[Megan Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book could have been shorter. It felt like there was a lot of repetition in the storyline that played out in Varis.I get world building, but it still got to be too much. This book was so long that I forgot that it was just the first book in a series.

There was a lot of build up to finding out more about her fae magic and the extent of it.

She treated all the men the same and they all reacted the same to her other than Alden, an older father figure. I wish there would have been at least one guy that she gave more of herself to, and maybe she does later in the series. She basically has 4 guys pining after her and it was two pairs of guys giving off a “sharing her” vibe. There was no discussion between the men about getting her to choose just one of them.

All in all I wish the story would have progressed faster making the book shorter, but it was well written and kept me engaged and wanting to push through it to find out what happens.

[Anna Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love worldbuilding and character arcs like those in the SJM universe, The Fallen Queen might be right up your alley. This book is on the chonky side (which I loved) and follows Kal’s journey—and without spoiling, we get quite the journey.

This book is gutting in the best way. I felt for the FMC so much, but it’s also full of delicious banter!! Kipp and Jaymes (love) seriously took it to a whole new level.

There are darker themes present, so please read the content warnings. There’s also a mild “why choose” vibe going on (though I could be wrong—we’ll see).

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the writing style; it drew me in and knew exactly when to switch scenes to keep things moving. I highly look forward to reading book two!

[Jacob Plunk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took this on as an ARC read and I am so happy that I did! The author really knows how to capture and entice someone to not want to put this book down!

Kal is such an amazing character and the world building is just phenomenal. This book is on the longer side and some things start off as confusing but are immediately cleared up, it is worth reading every page! You wouldn't want to have anything going on when you pick up this book because I guarantee you will be modifying your plans and want to finish to the end. :)

I am so excited to read the next one to see what our FALLEN QUEEN will do next!

[Tricah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC for an honest review.

I read up to chapter 10, didn't realize going in it was 70 chapters. It will take me some time to finish and I want to leave my review pre-release. Will come back and update this if my feelings change.

This book has good bones. I think that there's a few things to address but it was enjoyable. Two things strike me: location 973 of the Kindle ebook has an image that does not have the same artistic style as the map or chapter headers, and it's the only image present in the text itself so far; location 1047/1048 has a sudden POV shift that makes things a little confusing. Or maybe the fmc is a mind reader?

[Taylah Guttormsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As far as ARCs go-this one was my all time favourite and easily my top read of the entire year (I read it twice). A strong FMC escaping a life of severe hardship with a goal to retake her kingdom. It was genuinely up there with ACOTAR, Lady of Darkness and When the Moon Hatched. I couldn't recommend this book any more and even better-it's a SERIES!
The way it’s written with the world building and character development really pulled me in and held tight, made me see all their flaws but love them even more for it.
I can’t wait to finish reading the rest of this series because i NEED to know what happens next.

[Harlee Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me locked in from the moment it started. There wasn’t a single dull moment in this book. It had me kicking my feet, rolling my eyes with Kal, and sobbing in the next moment. If you love a book where the main character starts from rock bottom and fights their way to the top this book is for you.
This book includes:
✅Female Rage
✅SLOW Burn
✅Banter to the Max!!!
✅Over Protective Brother
✅Yearning
✅Dark Powers
✅Swords
✅Ships
✅Thieves 😉❤️
✅Queens and Kings
✅Finding That Found Family
✅Secrets

✅2 Men? ✅4 Men?
^^^ Come find out with me!

Book 2 releases beginning of next year and I’m so ready for it to break my heart!

[Jennie Tack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is was so good! It had its hooks in me from the beginning with the way the author explores escaping a traumatic situation, facing trauma and grief and the journey out of it. It’s so thoughtfully crafted. You can really feel the personalities of each character, and the protagonist, Kalithea surprised me so pleasantly with the unfolding of learning who she was as she reemerged. She didn’t fall all over herself when the guys around her were stricken with not only her beauty, but the fact that she is a total bad ass. She instead put them in their places and continued to prioritize her own goals. I can’t wait to dig in to the next book and find out what happens next!

[Shaina Purtill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I NEED MORE!!!!
I couldn't put this down, every free moment I had was spent reading this book. I loved it from start to finish, I love how independent and amazingly powerful even without using her powers the fmc is. I love how slowly the 4 men have managed to bring down her walls and show her she is worth as much as everyone else if not more to them. I love how each man brings her something different.
I need the next book like yesterday I just wanted to keep reading.