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Prologue of Queens
“I’m eager to see how you’ll conquer the world—whether in light or in ashes and flames.”
The adventure of Salje and the Returned enters its second round—filled with vengeance, magic, and forbidden passion. Perfect for fans of “Throne of Glass” and “Daughter of No Worlds.”
The adventure of Salje and the Returned enters its second round—filled with vengeance, magic, and forbidden passion. Perfect for fans of “Throne of Glass” and “Daughter of No Worlds.”
446 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2026
6 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 20, 2026
This series deserves to be read and loved!
The curse of middle books from series didn’t dare to touch “Prologue of Queens”, as this volume was even better than the first one! I am so sad that it ended because I need volume three as soon as possible!
First of all, what was that ending? How much suffering can a person endure in that twisted other world?
Second of all, the scene I’ve been waiting for since “Epilogue of Kings” was finally written and it came out perfect! I thought that I was seeing something were there was nothing to see, but after 90% of this book, I got my little present full of hate and revenge. Thank you for this!
—
P.S. Even though I received the ARC from the author, this is an honest review. I applied for it after I read and enjoyed “Epilogue of Kings”. Thank you so much for giving me the chance to read in advance this amazing book!
The curse of middle books from series didn’t dare to touch “Prologue of Queens”, as this volume was even better than the first one! I am so sad that it ended because I need volume three as soon as possible!
First of all, what was that ending? How much suffering can a person endure in that twisted other world?
Second of all, the scene I’ve been waiting for since “Epilogue of Kings” was finally written and it came out perfect! I thought that I was seeing something were there was nothing to see, but after 90% of this book, I got my little present full of hate and revenge. Thank you for this!
—
P.S. Even though I received the ARC from the author, this is an honest review. I applied for it after I read and enjoyed “Epilogue of Kings”. Thank you so much for giving me the chance to read in advance this amazing book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely adored the evolution of everyone’s characters. Salje, Valerio, and Aaron’s were so well done and dynamic.
Salje becoming stronger in more than one way, overcoming her fears and trauma to come out broken but rebuilt stronger than ever. Aaron showing his true ruthlessness and embracing his relentless cold blooded drive for revenge, being a warrior both on the battlefield and in court. Valerio being both the poet, assassin, and the knight, fighting with grace and loving with savage genuine care.
Valerio was perfect for Salje coming into her own, and Aaron is perfect for seeing Salje through her pain and darkness. And Aaron is perfect for seeing the worth and hearts of both Valerio and Salje. I’ve never wanted three characters to be together more than I do right now.
Darius is so well multifaceted that despite offering comedic relief he is one of the most well written characters of the series with such good depth and so much love in his heart. He is the true heart of the family.
The push and pull between the characters made them feel even more human than in the first book of the series. The expansion of the world, court, and magic system was unique and fun. We’ve gained more insight into blood mages and it’s only made me hungry for more.
I also love that the series contains queer romances (and ace representation), and are treated with such care but also without fanfare, showing how normal and accepted they should be.
Rarely do I like second books more than the first, but I really enjoyed this book and the characters. While the first book felt like it was setting the stage and establishing the world for the first half, this book took the reins from the first page and never slowed down. I’m now starving for the third book.
Finally: I love Shawen so much. I love that little forest witch with all my heart.
Salje becoming stronger in more than one way, overcoming her fears and trauma to come out broken but rebuilt stronger than ever. Aaron showing his true ruthlessness and embracing his relentless cold blooded drive for revenge, being a warrior both on the battlefield and in court. Valerio being both the poet, assassin, and the knight, fighting with grace and loving with savage genuine care.
Valerio was perfect for Salje coming into her own, and Aaron is perfect for seeing Salje through her pain and darkness. And Aaron is perfect for seeing the worth and hearts of both Valerio and Salje. I’ve never wanted three characters to be together more than I do right now.
Darius is so well multifaceted that despite offering comedic relief he is one of the most well written characters of the series with such good depth and so much love in his heart. He is the true heart of the family.
The push and pull between the characters made them feel even more human than in the first book of the series. The expansion of the world, court, and magic system was unique and fun. We’ve gained more insight into blood mages and it’s only made me hungry for more.
I also love that the series contains queer romances (and ace representation), and are treated with such care but also without fanfare, showing how normal and accepted they should be.
Rarely do I like second books more than the first, but I really enjoyed this book and the characters. While the first book felt like it was setting the stage and establishing the world for the first half, this book took the reins from the first page and never slowed down. I’m now starving for the third book.
Finally: I love Shawen so much. I love that little forest witch with all my heart.
April 21, 2026
“I’m eager to see how you’ll conquer the world—whether in light or in ashes and flames.” This quote in the synopsis drew me in.
Epilogue of Queens completely pulled me in, and now I’m stuck wondering why book three isn’t in my hands yet.
After two years of absence, Salje’s return sets off a chain of tension, emotion, and reckoning that never lets up. Found in the Südwald and brought back to Assiri, she’s forced to confront a life that didn’t wait for her. Her dynamic with Valerio is as charged and complicated as ever, while Aaron’s promise of revenge comes with unsettling contradictions. None of these characters are “good” in the traditional sense—but that’s exactly what makes them so compelling. They’re messy, driven, and often destructive in their pursuit of what they believe is right.
Salje truly shines in this installment. She’s no longer the same person, and her growth—especially after her time among the dark fey and bloodmages—adds a dangerous, unpredictable edge to the story. Watching her finally step into her power was incredibly satisfying.
The world also expands in meaningful ways. The brewing war between Elystrien and Silvarien, the introduction of war machines, and the fragile political tensions all add depth without slowing the pace. The court intrigue remains sharp, reinforcing the idea that trust here is as dangerous as any weapon.
Maya is frustrating at times and I’m curious to see how her arc develops. She feels like a piece still being positioned for something bigger.
Overall, this was a gripping, character-driven sequel that raises the stakes on every level—emotionally and politically. I’m more invested than ever and already impatient for what comes next.
Thank you to Elisabeth for the ARC. This review is left voluntarily.
Epilogue of Queens completely pulled me in, and now I’m stuck wondering why book three isn’t in my hands yet.
After two years of absence, Salje’s return sets off a chain of tension, emotion, and reckoning that never lets up. Found in the Südwald and brought back to Assiri, she’s forced to confront a life that didn’t wait for her. Her dynamic with Valerio is as charged and complicated as ever, while Aaron’s promise of revenge comes with unsettling contradictions. None of these characters are “good” in the traditional sense—but that’s exactly what makes them so compelling. They’re messy, driven, and often destructive in their pursuit of what they believe is right.
Salje truly shines in this installment. She’s no longer the same person, and her growth—especially after her time among the dark fey and bloodmages—adds a dangerous, unpredictable edge to the story. Watching her finally step into her power was incredibly satisfying.
The world also expands in meaningful ways. The brewing war between Elystrien and Silvarien, the introduction of war machines, and the fragile political tensions all add depth without slowing the pace. The court intrigue remains sharp, reinforcing the idea that trust here is as dangerous as any weapon.
Maya is frustrating at times and I’m curious to see how her arc develops. She feels like a piece still being positioned for something bigger.
Overall, this was a gripping, character-driven sequel that raises the stakes on every level—emotionally and politically. I’m more invested than ever and already impatient for what comes next.
Thank you to Elisabeth for the ARC. This review is left voluntarily.
May 6, 2026
elisabeth mark i love u.....i fear you've now become my new insta-buy author!!!!
i finished this book a little bit ago but I wanted to give myself some time to process it before reviewing. I loved this book so much. I cannot understand how I am able to fall in love with new characters and want more from the like 4 chapters in it's low-key sorcery fr
I really adored the entire cast but specifically salje + aaron were the standouts. I just love how adult + nuanced this series is, especially the bit about no one being heroes in this story. this is EXACTLY the type of fantasy I been looking for. the dynamics between salje + the returned was so interesting to watch play out, at times I wish we actually got to see more confrontations and tension but a lot was going on in the book so I could see the need to some mini time leaps like 2 weeks etc.
I know so many people love valerio but I don't know, I found myself falling in love with Aaron more. I just really enjoy power, intrigue and politicking so much but I also feel like Aaron really views and treats salje as an equal whereas valerio sorta gives a protector/savior energy that I don't really love for salje lol
the end????? THE END?? girlie pop pls 😭 I love the way this story is going. I love how much effort and care elisabeth has put into this story. you can really tell the author has a direction and a story across the span of multiple books. pls pls pls read!
thank you SO much for providing me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!! 🖤
i finished this book a little bit ago but I wanted to give myself some time to process it before reviewing. I loved this book so much. I cannot understand how I am able to fall in love with new characters and want more from the like 4 chapters in it's low-key sorcery fr
I really adored the entire cast but specifically salje + aaron were the standouts. I just love how adult + nuanced this series is, especially the bit about no one being heroes in this story. this is EXACTLY the type of fantasy I been looking for. the dynamics between salje + the returned was so interesting to watch play out, at times I wish we actually got to see more confrontations and tension but a lot was going on in the book so I could see the need to some mini time leaps like 2 weeks etc.
I know so many people love valerio but I don't know, I found myself falling in love with Aaron more. I just really enjoy power, intrigue and politicking so much but I also feel like Aaron really views and treats salje as an equal whereas valerio sorta gives a protector/savior energy that I don't really love for salje lol
the end????? THE END?? girlie pop pls 😭 I love the way this story is going. I love how much effort and care elisabeth has put into this story. you can really tell the author has a direction and a story across the span of multiple books. pls pls pls read!
thank you SO much for providing me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!! 🖤
April 24, 2026
Thank you Elisabeth G. Mark for gifting me the ARC of this amazing book🩷
I devoured the first book and couldn't wait for the second one, and it DID NOT DISAPPOINT!
The journey Salje went though to become the powerhouse mage that she has the potential to be is so well done.
The betrayals
The drama
The longing are perfect🤌🏼 and they are what shaped her at the end.
Usually, I refrain from reading love triangles and I must say I was unaware of this series having that trope when I went into the Epilogue of Kings, BUT for some reason I don't mind it here at all. All the relationship dynamics are so interesting and eyecatching. I was shipping Salje with everyone lol.
(I do hope-ahem ahem author-that the third book somehow turns into a whychoose because I can't choose)
Also, another moment I adored was the friendship between Salje and Darius. They're so so cute, but I didn't get enough of them. I wish there were more scenes where they develop their friendship farther. Though her female friendships were well executed and I'm glad she had some other girls with all the testosterone around.
Elisabeth G. Mark has the knack for sudden jump scare plot twists and shocking cliff hangers. That Ending was something I did not expect but it fit so well.
All in all 5/5✨️ and would 100% recommend if you want to sit on the edge of the chair/bed throughout the entire book entirely immersed in the world of Salje and her Returned.
I devoured the first book and couldn't wait for the second one, and it DID NOT DISAPPOINT!
The journey Salje went though to become the powerhouse mage that she has the potential to be is so well done.
The betrayals
The drama
The longing are perfect🤌🏼 and they are what shaped her at the end.
Usually, I refrain from reading love triangles and I must say I was unaware of this series having that trope when I went into the Epilogue of Kings, BUT for some reason I don't mind it here at all. All the relationship dynamics are so interesting and eyecatching. I was shipping Salje with everyone lol.
(I do hope-ahem ahem author-that the third book somehow turns into a whychoose because I can't choose)
Also, another moment I adored was the friendship between Salje and Darius. They're so so cute, but I didn't get enough of them. I wish there were more scenes where they develop their friendship farther. Though her female friendships were well executed and I'm glad she had some other girls with all the testosterone around.
Elisabeth G. Mark has the knack for sudden jump scare plot twists and shocking cliff hangers. That Ending was something I did not expect but it fit so well.
All in all 5/5✨️ and would 100% recommend if you want to sit on the edge of the chair/bed throughout the entire book entirely immersed in the world of Salje and her Returned.
May 2, 2026
REVIEW OF ARC DELIVERED BY AUTHOR
This book gave me all I was waiting for and at the same time it wasn’t enough.
I loved seeing the development of Salje throughout he whole book, how she tries to conquer all her fears and starts shaping herself to her new reality.
Esto lo voy a escribir en mi lengua materna porque es más fácil para mi describir por todos los estados que pasa nuestra protagonista. Desde el principio siento una conexión hacia ella. Hay que tener en cuenta que trae una mochila muy grande aunque hayan pasado dos años desde el último libro. Salje nos enseña que aunque haya pasado tiempo y sigas adelante con tu vida los fantasmas del pasado te persiguen y tienes que enfrentarte a ellos cara a cara y aún así muchas veces no es suficiente.
Este libro te va sorprendiendo capítulo a capítulo. Me encanta la manera en la que autora nos va moldeando con los capítulos, te hace cambiar de opinión, te hace sentir celos por todas partes para que te metas suficiente en el personaje y así el final de este libro tenga todo el sentido, o no.
Can’t wait for the next book and get my heart twisting and turning again.
This book gave me all I was waiting for and at the same time it wasn’t enough.
I loved seeing the development of Salje throughout he whole book, how she tries to conquer all her fears and starts shaping herself to her new reality.
Esto lo voy a escribir en mi lengua materna porque es más fácil para mi describir por todos los estados que pasa nuestra protagonista. Desde el principio siento una conexión hacia ella. Hay que tener en cuenta que trae una mochila muy grande aunque hayan pasado dos años desde el último libro. Salje nos enseña que aunque haya pasado tiempo y sigas adelante con tu vida los fantasmas del pasado te persiguen y tienes que enfrentarte a ellos cara a cara y aún así muchas veces no es suficiente.
Este libro te va sorprendiendo capítulo a capítulo. Me encanta la manera en la que autora nos va moldeando con los capítulos, te hace cambiar de opinión, te hace sentir celos por todas partes para que te metas suficiente en el personaje y así el final de este libro tenga todo el sentido, o no.
Can’t wait for the next book and get my heart twisting and turning again.
April 27, 2026
“I always thought you were heroes in this story.”
“Heros only exist in books, but history is written in blood.”
“I hate living through history.”
“And yet you look so beautiful while you shape it.”
Me patiently waiting for Book 3 🧍♀️
If you thought EoK was amazing, just wait until you pick this one up 🤭 It’s just as dark and gritty, and I loved seeing all my favorite characters from the last book and I’m so ready to see Salje’s revenge ARC. Her character development has been top tier!
As for Valerio and Aaron…I love both of them. They’re far from perfect, each having their own flaws that made me want to rip my hair out throughout the books. But their love for Salje was true and I NEED more scenes of them, I didn’t get nearly enough in this book.
Thank you to the author for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review!! I cannot wait for the next one
“Heros only exist in books, but history is written in blood.”
“I hate living through history.”
“And yet you look so beautiful while you shape it.”
Me patiently waiting for Book 3 🧍♀️
If you thought EoK was amazing, just wait until you pick this one up 🤭 It’s just as dark and gritty, and I loved seeing all my favorite characters from the last book and I’m so ready to see Salje’s revenge ARC. Her character development has been top tier!
As for Valerio and Aaron…I love both of them. They’re far from perfect, each having their own flaws that made me want to rip my hair out throughout the books. But their love for Salje was true and I NEED more scenes of them, I didn’t get nearly enough in this book.
Thank you to the author for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review!! I cannot wait for the next one
April 24, 2026
Prologue of Queens
This book was given to me as an ARC here is my honest a voluntarily review.
This is book 2 and I really enjoyed Prologue of Queens pulls you straight back into a world where power, love, and survival come together darker, sharper, and emotionally heavier than the first book 📕but I still love the characters and stories .Salje is messy, complicated, and filled with tension specially Valerio and Aaron . I just love the world building and relationships . I will definitely recommend.
This book was given to me as an ARC here is my honest a voluntarily review.
This is book 2 and I really enjoyed Prologue of Queens pulls you straight back into a world where power, love, and survival come together darker, sharper, and emotionally heavier than the first book 📕but I still love the characters and stories .Salje is messy, complicated, and filled with tension specially Valerio and Aaron . I just love the world building and relationships . I will definitely recommend.
April 26, 2026
✨️ARC review✨️
First off, I want to thank Elisabeth G. Mark for making a space for me in her street team and sending me this eARC.
I loved “Epilogue of Kings” and couldn’t wait to see where the author would take this story. And let me tell you, she exceeded my expectations!
This one is epic in every sense – the plotting, the scheming, the betrayal you feel as a reader as you go through the story, the way I found myself cheering, gasping and hanging on the edge of my seat…
I honestly can’t believe this is the author’s only second book. Well done!
Can’t wait for part 3.
First off, I want to thank Elisabeth G. Mark for making a space for me in her street team and sending me this eARC.
I loved “Epilogue of Kings” and couldn’t wait to see where the author would take this story. And let me tell you, she exceeded my expectations!
This one is epic in every sense – the plotting, the scheming, the betrayal you feel as a reader as you go through the story, the way I found myself cheering, gasping and hanging on the edge of my seat…
I honestly can’t believe this is the author’s only second book. Well done!
Can’t wait for part 3.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved reading about Salje’s growth and getting more into the history and politics of Asydiar that the Returned tried to avoid in book 1.
The scenery is well described, with little tidbits of every day life really fleshing out what the kingdom looks like and how it works.
I can't wait for book 3 to find out what happens next with our favourite characters.
The scenery is well described, with little tidbits of every day life really fleshing out what the kingdom looks like and how it works.
I can't wait for book 3 to find out what happens next with our favourite characters.
April 24, 2026
Like the first book, insane storytelling. The way every detail, dialogue or description is made is enthralling and you can’t stop reading 😩
The plot in itself is so different from anything I’ve read, and seeing Salje grow and become the woman she was at the end of this book is so satisfying!
The amount of yearning in trauma in this will have you HOOKED from beginning to end!
The plot in itself is so different from anything I’ve read, and seeing Salje grow and become the woman she was at the end of this book is so satisfying!
The amount of yearning in trauma in this will have you HOOKED from beginning to end!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Yall now i need book 3. To see the FMC turn into this strong and powerful person is ahhh. She is by far my fav FMC from all books. Just read it yall! If yall love world building then this is definitely the book.
April 23, 2026
!! Not spoiler review !! (Arc reader here)
THE PLOT, THE PACING, SO SO WELL DONE! I fell in love more after every chapter! I can’t wait to get a physical copy for this! I really hope i get this opportunity again. 5 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
THE PLOT, THE PACING, SO SO WELL DONE! I fell in love more after every chapter! I can’t wait to get a physical copy for this! I really hope i get this opportunity again. 5 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5⭐️
April 24, 2026
10/10 ABSOLUTE CINEMA
I'm so happy to be part of the Street Team damn, I loved this book so much
I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE
I'm so happy to be part of the Street Team damn, I loved this book so much
I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE
May 6, 2026
DEVOURED.
ATE.
all the things kids are saying these days. Just wow. What a beautifully written dark tale of love, betrayals, healing, war, power and horrors. This was absolutely fantastic. I’m so impressed with how this author is able to suck me into the tale and not let me go. I cannot wait for the next book to see where these characters go!
ATE.
all the things kids are saying these days. Just wow. What a beautifully written dark tale of love, betrayals, healing, war, power and horrors. This was absolutely fantastic. I’m so impressed with how this author is able to suck me into the tale and not let me go. I cannot wait for the next book to see where these characters go!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews