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The Nightblade Queen
They say the Dusk Queen destroyed the world.
They lied.
A thousand years ago, the grief-stricken queen's magic shattered the land of Vesmor, severing the Dusklands from the remaining Five Kingdoms. Solnyr has spent every century since rewriting history - weaponizing the story, demonising her bloodline, and building an empire on a lie.
Now, her heir rules the Dusklands: High Queen Zoryana Vekara, silver-eyed, iron-willed, and unwilling to kneel to the throne that blames her people for the sins of the past.
When the Solnyrian King demands her surrender, he sends his brother - Prince Aurelian Solnyr, diplomat, idealist, and the last person prepared to question the truth of his own lineage.
What begins as political negotiation becomes a collision of loyalty, desire, and the buried truth of what really caused the Breaking. Because the real enemy isn't the Dusklands and her people - it is the history that was rewritten to keep them divided.
And if the truth rises, so will the world.
They lied.
A thousand years ago, the grief-stricken queen's magic shattered the land of Vesmor, severing the Dusklands from the remaining Five Kingdoms. Solnyr has spent every century since rewriting history - weaponizing the story, demonising her bloodline, and building an empire on a lie.
Now, her heir rules the Dusklands: High Queen Zoryana Vekara, silver-eyed, iron-willed, and unwilling to kneel to the throne that blames her people for the sins of the past.
When the Solnyrian King demands her surrender, he sends his brother - Prince Aurelian Solnyr, diplomat, idealist, and the last person prepared to question the truth of his own lineage.
What begins as political negotiation becomes a collision of loyalty, desire, and the buried truth of what really caused the Breaking. Because the real enemy isn't the Dusklands and her people - it is the history that was rewritten to keep them divided.
And if the truth rises, so will the world.
- GenresFantasy
240 pages, Paperback
Published March 12, 2026
About the author
Jade Louise
1 book2 followersI’m an indie dark fantasy author from Perth, Western Australia, weaving stories where myth has teeth, magic carries consequences, and even the brightest heroes walk in shadow. My work lives in the space between wonder and ruin — filled with fierce, flawed characters, ancient power, and worlds that demand a price for every choice.
Writing has always been the one constant in my life: part escape, part obsession, part alchemy. I’m driven by the thrill of worldbuilding, the depth of character psychology, and the timeless pull of myth and folklore. If there’s a little danger, a little ambition, and a little heartbreak involved… I’m probably writing it.
I’m currently forging my debut series, shaping it page by page with equal parts determination, caffeine, and chaotic enthusiasm. When I’m not elbow-deep in a manuscript, you’ll find me daydreaming new plot twists, hoarding notebooks, or wandering Perth with a story simmering in the back of my mind.
If you love dark fantasy, morally grey characters, and worlds that feel richly alive, welcome — you’re in the right place.
Writing has always been the one constant in my life: part escape, part obsession, part alchemy. I’m driven by the thrill of worldbuilding, the depth of character psychology, and the timeless pull of myth and folklore. If there’s a little danger, a little ambition, and a little heartbreak involved… I’m probably writing it.
I’m currently forging my debut series, shaping it page by page with equal parts determination, caffeine, and chaotic enthusiasm. When I’m not elbow-deep in a manuscript, you’ll find me daydreaming new plot twists, hoarding notebooks, or wandering Perth with a story simmering in the back of my mind.
If you love dark fantasy, morally grey characters, and worlds that feel richly alive, welcome — you’re in the right place.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
"You make even the dark seem holy"
The Nightblade Queen by Jade Louise
Zoryana is the newly appointed High Queen of Dusklands. Aurelian, Prince of Sun is sent as envoy into the shadowland under the guise of brokering peace, but not all is all as it seems. What will happen when the truth is unveiled?
Firstly, I really like the writing style ; the peeping and prophecies have you hooked from the start
Zoryana is a power house . She's selfless, strong , empathic, truly everything you would need in a great leader.
Aris , ever loyal bodyguard is your brawn; physical power, possessive and protector.
Aurelian is our rake . Fair haired. Easy on the eyes ( and the sheets) . His character growth is great as we see him question his purpose and the history he's been told.
The relationship between the love interests is so great ; it felt like an organic growth which I really loved.
Even though this is book one of a series it felt very complete and a natural endpoint which I loved.
The developing storyline around Zoryana's heritage and the broken lands was really interesting and I'm really excited to see where the story goes next.
Tropes
-Why choose
- Matriarchy
- Bodyguard x Queen
- Political games
Pros
- She's the shadow wielder (BC seriously why do males always have the fun gifts)
- I LOVE a Matriarchy storyline (especially one overcoming sexism and bigotry)
Cons
- It felt like some of Aris' POV and journal entries covered same ground
Overall rating 4/5
This is book one and I'm really excited to see where the story goes next
Thank you again to Jade for letting me join your ARC team , cannot wait to see what's next
#bookstagrammer #whychoose #romantasy #fantasyreads #bookrecs
The Nightblade Queen by Jade Louise
Zoryana is the newly appointed High Queen of Dusklands. Aurelian, Prince of Sun is sent as envoy into the shadowland under the guise of brokering peace, but not all is all as it seems. What will happen when the truth is unveiled?
Firstly, I really like the writing style ; the peeping and prophecies have you hooked from the start
Zoryana is a power house . She's selfless, strong , empathic, truly everything you would need in a great leader.
Aris , ever loyal bodyguard is your brawn; physical power, possessive and protector.
Aurelian is our rake . Fair haired. Easy on the eyes ( and the sheets) . His character growth is great as we see him question his purpose and the history he's been told.
The relationship between the love interests is so great ; it felt like an organic growth which I really loved.
Even though this is book one of a series it felt very complete and a natural endpoint which I loved.
The developing storyline around Zoryana's heritage and the broken lands was really interesting and I'm really excited to see where the story goes next.
Tropes
-Why choose
- Matriarchy
- Bodyguard x Queen
- Political games
Pros
- She's the shadow wielder (BC seriously why do males always have the fun gifts)
- I LOVE a Matriarchy storyline (especially one overcoming sexism and bigotry)
Cons
- It felt like some of Aris' POV and journal entries covered same ground
Overall rating 4/5
This is book one and I'm really excited to see where the story goes next
Thank you again to Jade for letting me join your ARC team , cannot wait to see what's next
#bookstagrammer #whychoose #romantasy #fantasyreads #bookrecs
February 8, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
The Night Blade Queen is a fast-paced romantasy that reflects a strong sense of intention and world-building confidence. The magic system is a standout — maternal, connective, and fluid, woven into the identity and beauty of the Dusklands in a way that feels emotionally grounded rather than mechanical.
The romantic dynamics are handled with care, including a well-executed why choose element that allows relationships to evolve together rather than compete for space. Power, intimacy, and agency are thoughtfully balanced, particularly in how private dynamics contrast with public authority. This is a book that covers a lot in its pages and trusts the reader to keep up — thematically, emotionally, and narratively.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
The Night Blade Queen is a fast-paced romantasy that reflects a strong sense of intention and world-building confidence. The magic system is a standout — maternal, connective, and fluid, woven into the identity and beauty of the Dusklands in a way that feels emotionally grounded rather than mechanical.
The romantic dynamics are handled with care, including a well-executed why choose element that allows relationships to evolve together rather than compete for space. Power, intimacy, and agency are thoughtfully balanced, particularly in how private dynamics contrast with public authority. This is a book that covers a lot in its pages and trusts the reader to keep up — thematically, emotionally, and narratively.
April 4, 2026
A very spicy start to a new romantasy series!
Thank you so much for gifting me the eARC of The Nightblade Queen.
I loved how fleshed out the world of Vesmor was, how the world building wasn't done in one straight hit but peppered throughout. And the characters of Zoryana, Aris and Aurelian rounding out.
There was so much lore thought out for the Dusklands and Solynr, the ideas that over a thousand years have passed from a pivotal moment known as The Breaking, and a jaw dropping prophecy that means God knows what!
I do need book 2 right now!
Thank you so much for gifting me the eARC of The Nightblade Queen.
I loved how fleshed out the world of Vesmor was, how the world building wasn't done in one straight hit but peppered throughout. And the characters of Zoryana, Aris and Aurelian rounding out.
There was so much lore thought out for the Dusklands and Solynr, the ideas that over a thousand years have passed from a pivotal moment known as The Breaking, and a jaw dropping prophecy that means God knows what!
I do need book 2 right now!
March 12, 2026
The Night Blade Queen is a fast paced Romantasy with prophecy, magic, matriarchy, and why choose. It is very well written and easy to follow. The world building and character growth is chef’s kiss and I can’t wait to see what happens in book two. I would definitely recommend this book. ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
A detailed fast paced romantasy, facing trials and tribulations. It has an interesting world building and magic system. It leaves you with a lot of questions and wanting more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow Caelen was such a horrible person can't believe he used and betrayed Seravine like that. Then blames her for pretty much destroying the land when it was his fault.
First off the Dusklands sounds so pretty and love that they kept a lot of the old traditions and that Zoryana gets Seravines ability.
The Solnyrian King is such a horrible vapid person. He only ever thinks of himself and what can benefit him and not his people 🤦♀️.
Zoryana sounds like an amazing Queen and love that she ain't afraid to get down and dirty with her people and always has their best interest at heart.
Prince Aurelian is a breath of fresh air and actually cares. Love that he found out the truth and helped Zoryana get the scrolls that revealed the truth about what really happened between Seravine and Caelen. Even though giving her the scrolls technically meant betraying his kingdom.
Now lastly love the relationship between Zoryana, Aurelian and Aris (Zoryanas shadowsworn warrior/bodyguard). Her people accepted it and didn't say anything either which I loved.
Can't wait for the second book and to see where it takes them and also their relationship ❤️
First off the Dusklands sounds so pretty and love that they kept a lot of the old traditions and that Zoryana gets Seravines ability.
The Solnyrian King is such a horrible vapid person. He only ever thinks of himself and what can benefit him and not his people 🤦♀️.
Zoryana sounds like an amazing Queen and love that she ain't afraid to get down and dirty with her people and always has their best interest at heart.
Prince Aurelian is a breath of fresh air and actually cares. Love that he found out the truth and helped Zoryana get the scrolls that revealed the truth about what really happened between Seravine and Caelen. Even though giving her the scrolls technically meant betraying his kingdom.
Now lastly love the relationship between Zoryana, Aurelian and Aris (Zoryanas shadowsworn warrior/bodyguard). Her people accepted it and didn't say anything either which I loved.
Can't wait for the second book and to see where it takes them and also their relationship ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Nightblade Queen is an incredible story of mystical lands and intriguing characters. Zoryana is powerful and authentic at the same time. This is demonstrated in her relationships with others, personally and with her subjects. Jade has written this so well that you can immediately imagine the people and their surroundings and immerse yourself into their worlds. The story flows well and kept me wanting more, hence I couldn't put it down. I am so excited to hear she is working on their next journey as I am now emotionally invested in all the characters and where their story may continue.
March 18, 2026
This was my arc read and it turned out amazing. The plot, the fast paced Romance was too good.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews