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The Dragon Queen Duology #2
The Last Dragon Queen
Not yet published
Expected 10 Nov 26Win a free print copy of this book!
13 days and 02:36:07
25 copies available
U.S. only
When love and loyalty spark, fire will forge the Dragon Queen’s destiny in this breathtaking conclusion to Sylvia Mercedes’s epic romantasy duology.
Rosie Harpwood never asked to be the Dragon Queen. But with Mhoryga’s darkness spreading and the fate of the realm at stake, she must embrace the terrifying magic in her blood. Alongside Prince Valtar—her former enemy and the man she now aches to trust—Rosie journeys into the wilds in search of a phoenix shrine that could awaken her full power. But claiming it may mean losing herself...and leaving Valtar behind for good.
Far away, Rosie’s long-lost sister and Mhoryga’s most devoted creation, Nyxia, is hunting them down. Fierce and desperate to prove her worth, Nyxia will stop at nothing to carry out her mother’s will. But as doubts take root and forbidden feelings rise, Nyxia must choose between her creator and the one person who truly knows her.
As passions entwine with flame and war ignites, Rosie, Valtar, and Nyxia hurtle toward a final reckoning where bonds will be tested, magic will burn, and nothing will ever be the same.
Rosie Harpwood never asked to be the Dragon Queen. But with Mhoryga’s darkness spreading and the fate of the realm at stake, she must embrace the terrifying magic in her blood. Alongside Prince Valtar—her former enemy and the man she now aches to trust—Rosie journeys into the wilds in search of a phoenix shrine that could awaken her full power. But claiming it may mean losing herself...and leaving Valtar behind for good.
Far away, Rosie’s long-lost sister and Mhoryga’s most devoted creation, Nyxia, is hunting them down. Fierce and desperate to prove her worth, Nyxia will stop at nothing to carry out her mother’s will. But as doubts take root and forbidden feelings rise, Nyxia must choose between her creator and the one person who truly knows her.
As passions entwine with flame and war ignites, Rosie, Valtar, and Nyxia hurtle toward a final reckoning where bonds will be tested, magic will burn, and nothing will ever be the same.
496 pages, Paperback
Expected publication November 10, 2026
About the author
Sylvia Mercedes
50 books2,428 followersHi, there. I'm Sylvia: cat-lover, tea-drinker, book-addict, and avid fan of the Kickbutt Heroine Fantasy Genre! If you like reading about tough heroines with extraordinary powers facing their demons and saving their loved ones . . . then we ought to be friends!
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Recieved an e-arc from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I think that the world building, magic system, and the characterization of both the main characters are some of the strongest I have seen in a while, especially when taken int0 account this is just a duology. It's clear that Sylvia Mercedes did not want to sit on the story she had to tell, nor did she make it the quintessential happily ever after happy ending.
Rosie is still the strongest of the MC's, I love that girl. She is so sweet and charming, and I genuinely rooted for her to figure out her powers and take down the big bad without losing herself. Valtar, I will admit, grew on me in this one. In the first book I feel like I didn't understand him, or have much love for him. I couldn't really believe his love for Rosie. This book really gives Valtar more importance and standing, and we get more from him. His belief in Rosie is just so romantic, and when he describes her I swoon.
Honestly - I still can't fully believe just how Rosie and Valtar feel for one another. It still seemed a bit more telling than showing. However - I still found myself rooting for them, and LOVED the sacrifices they made for one another and their uncommon ending. It was so unique to see in a romantasy.
I think the writing really kicked it up a notch, especially at around 70% when everything was coming together. Mercedes LOVES fantasy, and you can clearly tell in her writing. It becomes even more fantastical, mystical, and almost mythic. Like you are in a dream watching dragons, hellfire, love and blood come together in a final stand.
Was it perfect? No - I still feel like Rosie and Valtar's relationship could have been developed more. I didn't care for Nyxia. The lore behind Morhyga and dragons could have been deeper. The beginning was a bit slow but I think that might have been a rollover from the first book. The times between journeys also took an almost comically long time. I know its realistic, I have heard how long it takes to get up to Mount Everest (two months), but it just kept taking me out of the story/anticipation just reading about how it takes them so long.
I think this is charming, and stronger than anticipated. The buildup from book 1 pays off in this sequel. Mercedes did not hesitate in finishing telling the story she believed in, and I give her so many props. This is truly a book an author who loves Fantasy can write. I think that, this could have been a longer series, and it might have been better that way. But, for what it is, it's still an enjoyable read.
I think that the world building, magic system, and the characterization of both the main characters are some of the strongest I have seen in a while, especially when taken int0 account this is just a duology. It's clear that Sylvia Mercedes did not want to sit on the story she had to tell, nor did she make it the quintessential happily ever after happy ending.
Rosie is still the strongest of the MC's, I love that girl. She is so sweet and charming, and I genuinely rooted for her to figure out her powers and take down the big bad without losing herself. Valtar, I will admit, grew on me in this one. In the first book I feel like I didn't understand him, or have much love for him. I couldn't really believe his love for Rosie. This book really gives Valtar more importance and standing, and we get more from him. His belief in Rosie is just so romantic, and when he describes her I swoon.
Honestly - I still can't fully believe just how Rosie and Valtar feel for one another. It still seemed a bit more telling than showing. However - I still found myself rooting for them, and LOVED the sacrifices they made for one another and their uncommon ending. It was so unique to see in a romantasy.
I think the writing really kicked it up a notch, especially at around 70% when everything was coming together. Mercedes LOVES fantasy, and you can clearly tell in her writing. It becomes even more fantastical, mystical, and almost mythic. Like you are in a dream watching dragons, hellfire, love and blood come together in a final stand.
Was it perfect? No - I still feel like Rosie and Valtar's relationship could have been developed more. I didn't care for Nyxia. The lore behind Morhyga and dragons could have been deeper. The beginning was a bit slow but I think that might have been a rollover from the first book. The times between journeys also took an almost comically long time. I know its realistic, I have heard how long it takes to get up to Mount Everest (two months), but it just kept taking me out of the story/anticipation just reading about how it takes them so long.
I think this is charming, and stronger than anticipated. The buildup from book 1 pays off in this sequel. Mercedes did not hesitate in finishing telling the story she believed in, and I give her so many props. This is truly a book an author who loves Fantasy can write. I think that, this could have been a longer series, and it might have been better that way. But, for what it is, it's still an enjoyable read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the publisher, the author, and NetGalley for providing an ARC. All opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sylvia Mercedes delivers a captivating conclusion to The Dragon Queen Duology, bringing Rosie's journey to a satisfying and emotional close.
From the very beginning, I was invested in Rosie's story, and I loved watching her embrace her destiny as the Dragon Queen. Despite the immense responsibility placed upon her, she never loses the compassion, determination, and kindness that make her such a relatable and easy character to root for. Valtar was another highlight for me. Compared to the first book, his character felt much more developed, and I loved the unwavering faith and trust he placed in Rosie. Their relationship grew naturally throughout the story, making the romance feel authentic, heartfelt, and even more compelling. Nyxia was one of the most fascinating characters in the novel. Her morally complex journey and emotional struggles added another layer to the story, and I found myself just as invested in her path as I was in Rosie's. The pacing kept me engaged throughout, balancing action, magic, political intrigue, and romance in a way that never felt overwhelming. Everything builds toward a powerful finale that delivers both emotionally and narratively. Overall, this was a wonderful conclusion to the duology. Sylvia Mercedes wraps up the story with a heartfelt, satisfying ending that left me feeling both fulfilled and a little sad to say goodbye to these characters. If you enjoy character-driven fantasy with romance, dragons, and heroines who grow into their power, this is a duology well worth reading.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sylvia Mercedes delivers a captivating conclusion to The Dragon Queen Duology, bringing Rosie's journey to a satisfying and emotional close.
From the very beginning, I was invested in Rosie's story, and I loved watching her embrace her destiny as the Dragon Queen. Despite the immense responsibility placed upon her, she never loses the compassion, determination, and kindness that make her such a relatable and easy character to root for. Valtar was another highlight for me. Compared to the first book, his character felt much more developed, and I loved the unwavering faith and trust he placed in Rosie. Their relationship grew naturally throughout the story, making the romance feel authentic, heartfelt, and even more compelling. Nyxia was one of the most fascinating characters in the novel. Her morally complex journey and emotional struggles added another layer to the story, and I found myself just as invested in her path as I was in Rosie's. The pacing kept me engaged throughout, balancing action, magic, political intrigue, and romance in a way that never felt overwhelming. Everything builds toward a powerful finale that delivers both emotionally and narratively. Overall, this was a wonderful conclusion to the duology. Sylvia Mercedes wraps up the story with a heartfelt, satisfying ending that left me feeling both fulfilled and a little sad to say goodbye to these characters. If you enjoy character-driven fantasy with romance, dragons, and heroines who grow into their power, this is a duology well worth reading.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Last Dragon Queen • Sylvia Mercedes
The Dragon Queen Duology #2
One phrase: dragons, sacrifice, and mythic heartbreak 🐉🔥
This was such a strong conclusion to the duology.
Rosie never asked to be the Dragon Queen, but with darkness spreading, she has to embrace the terrifying magic in her blood without losing herself completely. I loved her so much. She is sweet, brave, charming, and so easy to root for.
Valtar also really grew on me in this book. I struggled to fully connect with him in book one, but here he had more depth, purpose, and emotional weight. His belief in Rosie was honestly so romantic.
I still wanted a little more showing between Rosie and Valtar at times, but I absolutely rooted for them, especially with the sacrifices they made for each other and the unique ending this story gave them.
The worldbuilding, magic system, and character work were so impressive for a duology. Around the 70 percent mark, everything became bigger, more mystical, and almost mythic. Dragons, hellfire, blood, love, and one final stand.
✨ Tropes and vibes:
🐉 dragon queen
🔥 terrifying magic
🦅 phoenix shrine
⚔️ final battle
💔 sacrifice
👑 reluctant power
🖤 former enemies
🌑 darkness spreading
✨ mythic fantasy
🩸 love and blood
📚 Read this if you like:
Epic romantasy, dragon magic, duology finales, reluctant queens, former enemies learning trust, sacrifice heavy endings, and fantasy that feels mystical, fiery, and larger than life.
A bold, emotional, and beautifully fantastical ending.
#TheLastDragonQueen #SylviaMercedes #DragonBooks #RomantasyBooks #BookReview
The Dragon Queen Duology #2
One phrase: dragons, sacrifice, and mythic heartbreak 🐉🔥
This was such a strong conclusion to the duology.
Rosie never asked to be the Dragon Queen, but with darkness spreading, she has to embrace the terrifying magic in her blood without losing herself completely. I loved her so much. She is sweet, brave, charming, and so easy to root for.
Valtar also really grew on me in this book. I struggled to fully connect with him in book one, but here he had more depth, purpose, and emotional weight. His belief in Rosie was honestly so romantic.
I still wanted a little more showing between Rosie and Valtar at times, but I absolutely rooted for them, especially with the sacrifices they made for each other and the unique ending this story gave them.
The worldbuilding, magic system, and character work were so impressive for a duology. Around the 70 percent mark, everything became bigger, more mystical, and almost mythic. Dragons, hellfire, blood, love, and one final stand.
✨ Tropes and vibes:
🐉 dragon queen
🔥 terrifying magic
🦅 phoenix shrine
⚔️ final battle
💔 sacrifice
👑 reluctant power
🖤 former enemies
🌑 darkness spreading
✨ mythic fantasy
🩸 love and blood
📚 Read this if you like:
Epic romantasy, dragon magic, duology finales, reluctant queens, former enemies learning trust, sacrifice heavy endings, and fantasy that feels mystical, fiery, and larger than life.
A bold, emotional, and beautifully fantastical ending.
#TheLastDragonQueen #SylviaMercedes #DragonBooks #RomantasyBooks #BookReview
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the arc!
I definitely enjoyed this one more than the first book. It took me a little bit to fully get back into the world and some of the traveling parts dragged, but once everything started coming together I was completely locked in. The last chunk of this book was just dragons, fire, blood, magic and emotional damage flying everywhere. Exactly what I wanted.
Rosie is still such an easy character to love. She has all of this terrifying power inside her but she is still just Rosie, trying not to lose the soft and kind parts of herself in the process. And Valtar believing in her so completely??? The way he sees her and talks about her got me. I do wish their romance had been developed a little more because sometimes I felt like I was being told how deeply they loved each other instead of actually feeling every part of it, but the sacrifices they made for each other absolutely worked on me.
I wasn’t sure how I felt about Nyxia at first, but her chapters ended up adding so much more complication to everything, especially her relationship with Arun. I loved that the ending didn’t take the safest or most obvious route either. It was a little strange and bittersweet and honestly kind of perfect for the story Sylvia Mercedes was trying to tell. Not quite a five star read for me, but such a satisfying ending to the duology.
I definitely enjoyed this one more than the first book. It took me a little bit to fully get back into the world and some of the traveling parts dragged, but once everything started coming together I was completely locked in. The last chunk of this book was just dragons, fire, blood, magic and emotional damage flying everywhere. Exactly what I wanted.
Rosie is still such an easy character to love. She has all of this terrifying power inside her but she is still just Rosie, trying not to lose the soft and kind parts of herself in the process. And Valtar believing in her so completely??? The way he sees her and talks about her got me. I do wish their romance had been developed a little more because sometimes I felt like I was being told how deeply they loved each other instead of actually feeling every part of it, but the sacrifices they made for each other absolutely worked on me.
I wasn’t sure how I felt about Nyxia at first, but her chapters ended up adding so much more complication to everything, especially her relationship with Arun. I loved that the ending didn’t take the safest or most obvious route either. It was a little strange and bittersweet and honestly kind of perfect for the story Sylvia Mercedes was trying to tell. Not quite a five star read for me, but such a satisfying ending to the duology.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wheeeew.
This is very strongly not the duology for me. After a lackluster first book, I had minimal expectations going into this sequel, hoping to be swept away.
If you want a fun, trope-heavy romantasy that is fairly cozy and without much effort, this is it. The more compelling characters in this sequel (very strongly of my opinion only) are Nyxia and Arun.
Nothing about the Rosie X Valtar dynamic felt convincing or really built upon the first book. You can speed and skim through much of the text without missing a beat for how superficial the plot, character, and world depths are.
I don’t mean to be critical when I say this feels like a middle grade book with some mature content. I love a good middle grade book/series! This is just an easy novel without any investment from this reader’s side.
I am glad I satisfied my curiosity for how this would wrap up; I am terribly unsatisfied by the outcome.
All thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-arc.
This is very strongly not the duology for me. After a lackluster first book, I had minimal expectations going into this sequel, hoping to be swept away.
If you want a fun, trope-heavy romantasy that is fairly cozy and without much effort, this is it. The more compelling characters in this sequel (very strongly of my opinion only) are Nyxia and Arun.
Nothing about the Rosie X Valtar dynamic felt convincing or really built upon the first book. You can speed and skim through much of the text without missing a beat for how superficial the plot, character, and world depths are.
I don’t mean to be critical when I say this feels like a middle grade book with some mature content. I love a good middle grade book/series! This is just an easy novel without any investment from this reader’s side.
I am glad I satisfied my curiosity for how this would wrap up; I am terribly unsatisfied by the outcome.
All thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-arc.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Sylvia is a beautiful writer and genius. All her books have such nuance and so many layers. There is always a deeper meaning beneath. Valtar and Rosie represent light and dark, demon and angel. They compliment each other like ying and yang. You can't have darkness without the light. But they also each contain darkness and light inside themselves. What it truly means to be human.
There are also lots of lusty bits with Valtar reminding me of a wolf after his prey, Rosie like a lamb in my view. He both wants to consume and worship Rosie. Lots of duality throughout where each character is more than what they seem.
I just love Sylvia and all her books. Her imagination is endless and she writes miracles.
There are also lots of lusty bits with Valtar reminding me of a wolf after his prey, Rosie like a lamb in my view. He both wants to consume and worship Rosie. Lots of duality throughout where each character is more than what they seem.
I just love Sylvia and all her books. Her imagination is endless and she writes miracles.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book 2 in the Dragon Queen Duology
Prepare for ALL the feelings in this book! It's a masterful blend of suspenseful action and heartwarming moments to bring this duology to conclusion. The characters grow so much over these two books and face impossible trials with devastating choices. Yet, through it all they remain faithful and true to their ultimate goal. Even with the slow burn romance, the longing is desirable. I loved the family dynamic that developed over the storyline and seeing forgiveness and redemption given for past mistakes. Overall, a great book and a great duology.
"Where you go, I go."
Prepare for ALL the feelings in this book! It's a masterful blend of suspenseful action and heartwarming moments to bring this duology to conclusion. The characters grow so much over these two books and face impossible trials with devastating choices. Yet, through it all they remain faithful and true to their ultimate goal. Even with the slow burn romance, the longing is desirable. I loved the family dynamic that developed over the storyline and seeing forgiveness and redemption given for past mistakes. Overall, a great book and a great duology.
"Where you go, I go."
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book 2 in the Dragon Queen Duology
Prepare for ALL the feelings in this book! It's a masterful blend of suspenseful action and heartwarming moments to bring this duology to conclusion. The characters grow so much over these two books and face impossible trials with devastating choices. Yet, through it all they remain faithful and true to their ultimate goal. Even with the slow burn romance, the longing is desirable. I loved the family dynamic that developed over the storyline and seeing forgiveness and redemption given for past mistakes. Overall, a great book and a great duology.
"Where you go, I go."
Prepare for ALL the feelings in this book! It's a masterful blend of suspenseful action and heartwarming moments to bring this duology to conclusion. The characters grow so much over these two books and face impossible trials with devastating choices. Yet, through it all they remain faithful and true to their ultimate goal. Even with the slow burn romance, the longing is desirable. I loved the family dynamic that developed over the storyline and seeing forgiveness and redemption given for past mistakes. Overall, a great book and a great duology.
"Where you go, I go."
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What an amazing conclusion to The Dragon Queen Duology!
This book opens up the world we were introduced to in The Seventh Champion and expands on it in the best ways. I was on the edge of my seat during the climax; I quite literally could not stop reading it. It was everything I had hoped for!
I just love this duology.
This book opens up the world we were introduced to in The Seventh Champion and expands on it in the best ways. I was on the edge of my seat during the climax; I quite literally could not stop reading it. It was everything I had hoped for!
I just love this duology.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
So good - the plot wrapped up in a satisfying way, and I really enjoyed the multiple POVs that we got. Such a good ending!! 😭
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews