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Of Diamonds and Vengeance
All that glitters in Gemaria is not gold, but diamond, and Jacinth plans to shatter it all.
Cut off from her past and living destitute on the streets, Jacinth survives by stealing from those who won’t miss it. When a heist goes wrong and she lands in the hands of the Lord of Ruby Court, she’s offered a deal that would spare her life—along with the unexpected opportunity for vengeance against the man who killed her family. The only catch? She must compete in the traditional Diamond Queen Competition to win the hand of said the High King of Gemaria, before assassinating him.
But the competition to become the next Diamond Queen is fierce, and she must face not only the infamous trials, that will test her in ways she never expected, but the eyes of the court stripping away the lies she wears like armor. Yet it’s the disarming king himself who leaves her second guessing the truth she’s built her life upon.
Between salacious plots, ruthless assassination attempts, electrifying dances, over the top trials, and a newly ignited love that betrays everything she ever knew, Jacinth’s time in Diamond Court will shatter the glimmering facades ruling Diamond’s court…including her own.
Of Diamonds and Vengeance is the first book in The Chronicles of Adamah, an adult fantasy romance series of interconnected standalones that are set in the same world as The Star Queen Chronicles trilogy! Featuring marriage competition, trials, gem magic, alchemy, gem courts, assassination plots, court intrigue, a Thief-Turned-Assassin FMC, and a High King MMC! Trial of the Sun Queen meets Throne of Glass, or a Romantasy Version of The Bachelor! Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Nisha J. Tuli, Clare Sager, and Carissa Broadbent!
Cut off from her past and living destitute on the streets, Jacinth survives by stealing from those who won’t miss it. When a heist goes wrong and she lands in the hands of the Lord of Ruby Court, she’s offered a deal that would spare her life—along with the unexpected opportunity for vengeance against the man who killed her family. The only catch? She must compete in the traditional Diamond Queen Competition to win the hand of said the High King of Gemaria, before assassinating him.
But the competition to become the next Diamond Queen is fierce, and she must face not only the infamous trials, that will test her in ways she never expected, but the eyes of the court stripping away the lies she wears like armor. Yet it’s the disarming king himself who leaves her second guessing the truth she’s built her life upon.
Between salacious plots, ruthless assassination attempts, electrifying dances, over the top trials, and a newly ignited love that betrays everything she ever knew, Jacinth’s time in Diamond Court will shatter the glimmering facades ruling Diamond’s court…including her own.
Of Diamonds and Vengeance is the first book in The Chronicles of Adamah, an adult fantasy romance series of interconnected standalones that are set in the same world as The Star Queen Chronicles trilogy! Featuring marriage competition, trials, gem magic, alchemy, gem courts, assassination plots, court intrigue, a Thief-Turned-Assassin FMC, and a High King MMC! Trial of the Sun Queen meets Throne of Glass, or a Romantasy Version of The Bachelor! Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Nisha J. Tuli, Clare Sager, and Carissa Broadbent!
371 pages, Paperback
Published February 12, 2026
26 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
January 20, 2026
I thought this was enemies to lovers for some reason, so I was thrown when the enemies were more “enemies” than anything, but knowing that it’s not marketed that way other than in my mind apparently, this romance dynamic makes more sense. They’re definitely not enemies, more like two people who don’t trust each other but like each other.
Okay so the trials/competition was my favorite part of the book. I’ve read a few fantasy books with marriage trials, and yet this one is completely unique and refreshing. The trials are unlike anything I’ve read, and they were easy to follow yet super exciting and tense. The stakes actually feel high too, which is an added bonus.
I love the found family we get in this book. It was one of the strongest I’ve seen before. On the opposite end of that spectrum, I also really hated our “villains,” and it really made me root for the main characters.
You can definitely read this book at any point in your Star Queen Chronicles journey. The characters will likely be in the next book of the series, but it could easily fit at any point in the series. They take place in the same world, so there’s potential for minor spoilers, so be warned.
Thank you very much to Rachel Fallon for the gifted arc!
Okay so the trials/competition was my favorite part of the book. I’ve read a few fantasy books with marriage trials, and yet this one is completely unique and refreshing. The trials are unlike anything I’ve read, and they were easy to follow yet super exciting and tense. The stakes actually feel high too, which is an added bonus.
I love the found family we get in this book. It was one of the strongest I’ve seen before. On the opposite end of that spectrum, I also really hated our “villains,” and it really made me root for the main characters.
You can definitely read this book at any point in your Star Queen Chronicles journey. The characters will likely be in the next book of the series, but it could easily fit at any point in the series. They take place in the same world, so there’s potential for minor spoilers, so be warned.
Thank you very much to Rachel Fallon for the gifted arc!
February 25, 2026
Rachel does it again with such an amazing colorful, beautiful, Romantasy.
I instantly fell in love with these characters.
You can never go wrong with an arranged marriage trial, and mix in a little secret identity? Yes please, always.
I also loved that these marriage trials were actually inspiring and really showed the women’s morals and values rather than just their brute strength and bravery.
One thing Rachel has always done so well is her powerful imagery. The details of the courts, the castle, the characters and OMG the outfits…literally my mind felt like it could see every color and gem in this book. I was obsessed!
I wish we had a little more focus on the gem/potion making aspect, but otherwise this story was so amazing!
I instantly fell in love with these characters.
You can never go wrong with an arranged marriage trial, and mix in a little secret identity? Yes please, always.
I also loved that these marriage trials were actually inspiring and really showed the women’s morals and values rather than just their brute strength and bravery.
One thing Rachel has always done so well is her powerful imagery. The details of the courts, the castle, the characters and OMG the outfits…literally my mind felt like it could see every color and gem in this book. I was obsessed!
I wish we had a little more focus on the gem/potion making aspect, but otherwise this story was so amazing!
February 15, 2026
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I started this book. While I enjoyed many aspects of it, the story didn’t fully come together for me, and the middle section dragged at times. That said, the chemistry between Azurill and Jacinth was undeniably steamy, and I appreciated how openly they communicated and worked through their obstacles. Their developing relationship was really the heart of the book and ultimately what carried it for me. I also enjoyed seeing Jacinth form genuine friendships within the court, even while competing for the crown. Stories like this often pit women against each other over a man, which gets old quickly, so it was refreshing to see more positive female relationships alongside the expected rivalry.
I know many people will love this story so I don’t want to say too many negative things about it but the thing that took me out of the story the most was the fact that all 3 brothers were named after Pokémon characters. I literally could not see anything else every time I read their names.
Thank you to the author for the gifted arc!
I know many people will love this story so I don’t want to say too many negative things about it but the thing that took me out of the story the most was the fact that all 3 brothers were named after Pokémon characters. I literally could not see anything else every time I read their names.
Thank you to the author for the gifted arc!
Review of advance copy received from Autorin bzw. Autor
Of Diamonds and Vengeance (ODAV) from Rachel Fallon releases on February 12, 2026
e-ARC Review - 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 - Highlight
TROPES
● Marriage Competition
● Trials
● Standalone
● Thief-Turned-Assassin FMC
● High King MMC
● Gem Magic & Alchemy
● Trials of the Sun Queen x Throne of Glass
● The Bachelor… But Make It Romantasy
Review
Jacinth and Azurill are a match made in heaven, I love everything about them and their dynamic.
The transition Jacinth goes through within the book is amazing. From a thief - fighting to survive the living hell called her life, after all her loved ones were killed in front of her, while her being a little girl. Getting caught and being shoved into the role as female assassin - with the order to kill the high king himself aka her arch enemy. During the trials she reinvents herself, starts to feel alive again and even falls in love. While also getting a bunch of new female friends throughout the various stages of the trials. Which are the best support squads ever - love them.
Azurill on the other hand is such a sweetheart and badass at the same time - it's amazing. His soft side shows within the interactions with his comrades and dearest friends at court and of course with Jacinth. His badassery shows in the "touch her and die" and jealous moments, which are also kind of cute.
The Worldbuilding is phenomenal - I loved how the world was constructed, the different courts - each one of them representing another god/goddess and gems with specific attributes and characteristics plus the people having certain characteristically colored hair and eyes.
The trials were masterly crafted by the high king and his dearest friends and advisors to separate the wheat from the chaff. Where one trial is more entertaining and keeping one on their toes, than the next.
I enjoyed reading the dual POV perspectives - which changed just in time to keep it exciting. The plot twists were mind-blowing and just at the right time. Not gonna tell you about them :D
To conclude I love ODAV and am thrilled to read the next book of this series.
Book review; Highlight; recommended read; ARC reader; Support for authors
e-ARC Review - 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 - Highlight
TROPES
● Marriage Competition
● Trials
● Standalone
● Thief-Turned-Assassin FMC
● High King MMC
● Gem Magic & Alchemy
● Trials of the Sun Queen x Throne of Glass
● The Bachelor… But Make It Romantasy
Review
Jacinth and Azurill are a match made in heaven, I love everything about them and their dynamic.
The transition Jacinth goes through within the book is amazing. From a thief - fighting to survive the living hell called her life, after all her loved ones were killed in front of her, while her being a little girl. Getting caught and being shoved into the role as female assassin - with the order to kill the high king himself aka her arch enemy. During the trials she reinvents herself, starts to feel alive again and even falls in love. While also getting a bunch of new female friends throughout the various stages of the trials. Which are the best support squads ever - love them.
Azurill on the other hand is such a sweetheart and badass at the same time - it's amazing. His soft side shows within the interactions with his comrades and dearest friends at court and of course with Jacinth. His badassery shows in the "touch her and die" and jealous moments, which are also kind of cute.
The Worldbuilding is phenomenal - I loved how the world was constructed, the different courts - each one of them representing another god/goddess and gems with specific attributes and characteristics plus the people having certain characteristically colored hair and eyes.
The trials were masterly crafted by the high king and his dearest friends and advisors to separate the wheat from the chaff. Where one trial is more entertaining and keeping one on their toes, than the next.
I enjoyed reading the dual POV perspectives - which changed just in time to keep it exciting. The plot twists were mind-blowing and just at the right time. Not gonna tell you about them :D
To conclude I love ODAV and am thrilled to read the next book of this series.
Book review; Highlight; recommended read; ARC reader; Support for authors
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2026
ARC Review
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Narrative: 1st Person
POV: Dual
Wowza I loved this book! It kept me up until 2am one night just to finish it, and I struggled putting it down each night to go to bed. This was a fresh, new romantasy, think bachelor but make it fantasy! Yes there were trials but I thought they were unique and super descriptive. I feel like in some “trial” based fantasies each trial doesn’t actually take that long and then it’s over, Rachel did a great job at keeping the reader engaged and immersed but not dragging them out. The magic system is super cool, I’ve never heard of a gem alchemy magic before and in true Rachel fashion, she painted wonderfully beautiful pictures in my head and these colorful gems played a big part! I loved the banter between Jacinth and Az, and can we talk about the forbidden aspect 🥵. This book is filled with thief turned assassin, political intrigue, hidden identities, betrayal, action, sexy MCs and female friendships which I absolutely loved. Not everyone is who we think they are, and that’s all I can say without giving too much away 🤭 I loved that we’ll see more of Jac and Az in the next Star Queen Chronicles book! And The Chronicles of Adamah are all interconnected standalones so I can’t wait to see who the next book is about!
Thank you SO much to Rachel & team for the opportunity to ARC read this book, Rachel is quickly becoming one of my fav romantasy authors and I can’t wait to read more from her!
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Narrative: 1st Person
POV: Dual
Wowza I loved this book! It kept me up until 2am one night just to finish it, and I struggled putting it down each night to go to bed. This was a fresh, new romantasy, think bachelor but make it fantasy! Yes there were trials but I thought they were unique and super descriptive. I feel like in some “trial” based fantasies each trial doesn’t actually take that long and then it’s over, Rachel did a great job at keeping the reader engaged and immersed but not dragging them out. The magic system is super cool, I’ve never heard of a gem alchemy magic before and in true Rachel fashion, she painted wonderfully beautiful pictures in my head and these colorful gems played a big part! I loved the banter between Jacinth and Az, and can we talk about the forbidden aspect 🥵. This book is filled with thief turned assassin, political intrigue, hidden identities, betrayal, action, sexy MCs and female friendships which I absolutely loved. Not everyone is who we think they are, and that’s all I can say without giving too much away 🤭 I loved that we’ll see more of Jac and Az in the next Star Queen Chronicles book! And The Chronicles of Adamah are all interconnected standalones so I can’t wait to see who the next book is about!
Thank you SO much to Rachel & team for the opportunity to ARC read this book, Rachel is quickly becoming one of my fav romantasy authors and I can’t wait to read more from her!
January 19, 2026
**Thank you, Rachel, for this ARC!!**
Jacinth was once the treasured daughter of Gemaria’s Pearl Court: known as Lady Linnea Jacinth Marit. Then, on one night that would change her life forever, Jacinth’s entire family were brutally slaughtered on the order of the High King. Jacinth managed to escape the massacre, but spent the rest of her childhood living on the streets… lying and thieving for scraps to stay alive… and concealing her identity to evade those who may still want her dead.
Then, when Jacinth is caught in a theft-gone-wrong in the house of the Ruby Court’s ruling Lord Carnelion, she is presented with a dilemma, but also an opportunity for vengeance: kill the High King by first winning his affections in his marriage competition, and in return, Carnelion would heal Jacinth’s ailing mentor. What she does not expect is to fall in love with High King Azurill’s immaculately cut hair, and… other things. Lol. And she starts to question whether he is really the cold-blooded killer she thought he was the more time she spends with the High King. Whatever shall she do?!
Tropes:
💎 Elves
💗 Gem alchemy magic
💎 Marriage competition
💗 Thief-turned-assassin FMC
💎 Assassination plot
💗 Trials
💎 Court intrigue
💗 Female friendships
💎 Found family
“Of Diamonds and Vengeance” was an unexpectedly entertaining and deliciously indulgent tale about the lengths a woman might go to in order to avenge her lost loved ones.
ODAV combines the cutthroat competition of the Bridgerton marriage mart with the dating trials of The Bachelor franchise, and places them into a technicolour world of colourful gemstones and stunning architecture.
Even the elves are different colours of the rainbow! For example, Pearl Court’s lineage are known for their pink hair.
I found the trials Jacinth has to endure to get close to Azurill quite interesting and hilarious at times! I especially loved the last one, even though I predicted the outcome, because of how Azurill subverted expectations about what he actually wanted the outcome of the trial to be (read the book to find out what I mean lol).
However, I most adored the scenes where Jacinth and Azurill could be alone together without worrying about the appearance of favouritism. They could let go and be themselves (as much as they could be, anyway, with Jacinth’s secret about her identity still weighing them both down). That being said, the instant connection they share often made it feel as if they were the only people in the room even when they were not. And thus, cute and hilarious nicknames for each other were born!
There were only a couple of negatives about the book. I noticed quite a few spelling errors and word duplicates (which I assume/ hope will be fixed before publication day), and there was often awkward phrasing… either that, or Jacinth would be running through the exact same thoughts over and over (which I suppose is justifiable, given the stakes). Perhaps more importantly, I also felt like the characters’ consciences/ moral compasses unravelled to a fairly unrealistic degree after the “oh no moment” near the end. No spoilers lol.
But I can’t deny that I really looked forward to reading this on my train trips to and from work!
✨ 4/5
🌶️ 2.5/5
Jacinth was once the treasured daughter of Gemaria’s Pearl Court: known as Lady Linnea Jacinth Marit. Then, on one night that would change her life forever, Jacinth’s entire family were brutally slaughtered on the order of the High King. Jacinth managed to escape the massacre, but spent the rest of her childhood living on the streets… lying and thieving for scraps to stay alive… and concealing her identity to evade those who may still want her dead.
Then, when Jacinth is caught in a theft-gone-wrong in the house of the Ruby Court’s ruling Lord Carnelion, she is presented with a dilemma, but also an opportunity for vengeance: kill the High King by first winning his affections in his marriage competition, and in return, Carnelion would heal Jacinth’s ailing mentor. What she does not expect is to fall in love with High King Azurill’s immaculately cut hair, and… other things. Lol. And she starts to question whether he is really the cold-blooded killer she thought he was the more time she spends with the High King. Whatever shall she do?!
Tropes:
💎 Elves
💗 Gem alchemy magic
💎 Marriage competition
💗 Thief-turned-assassin FMC
💎 Assassination plot
💗 Trials
💎 Court intrigue
💗 Female friendships
💎 Found family
“Of Diamonds and Vengeance” was an unexpectedly entertaining and deliciously indulgent tale about the lengths a woman might go to in order to avenge her lost loved ones.
ODAV combines the cutthroat competition of the Bridgerton marriage mart with the dating trials of The Bachelor franchise, and places them into a technicolour world of colourful gemstones and stunning architecture.
Even the elves are different colours of the rainbow! For example, Pearl Court’s lineage are known for their pink hair.
I found the trials Jacinth has to endure to get close to Azurill quite interesting and hilarious at times! I especially loved the last one, even though I predicted the outcome, because of how Azurill subverted expectations about what he actually wanted the outcome of the trial to be (read the book to find out what I mean lol).
However, I most adored the scenes where Jacinth and Azurill could be alone together without worrying about the appearance of favouritism. They could let go and be themselves (as much as they could be, anyway, with Jacinth’s secret about her identity still weighing them both down). That being said, the instant connection they share often made it feel as if they were the only people in the room even when they were not. And thus, cute and hilarious nicknames for each other were born!
There were only a couple of negatives about the book. I noticed quite a few spelling errors and word duplicates (which I assume/ hope will be fixed before publication day), and there was often awkward phrasing… either that, or Jacinth would be running through the exact same thoughts over and over (which I suppose is justifiable, given the stakes). Perhaps more importantly, I also felt like the characters’ consciences/ moral compasses unravelled to a fairly unrealistic degree after the “oh no moment” near the end. No spoilers lol.
But I can’t deny that I really looked forward to reading this on my train trips to and from work!
✨ 4/5
🌶️ 2.5/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2026
This was a fun read! I do always enjoy a good marriage trial, and I really liked the gem-based magic.
There’s lots of political intrigue, scheming, and conflicted feelings, both of which develop as Jacinth and Azurill spend time together and realize that they have a real connection. They both have things that they’re keeping secret, and I liked how things played out as they got towards revealing what they’d kept hidden.
Also, I would love to have Jacinth’s pink hair.
At times I felt like there were a few pacing issues, and there were a few things Jacinth said or thought that I just didn’t vibe with. But overall this was minor, and I still definitely enjoyed this book. I will absolutely be going back and reading more of Rachel’s books!
I read this book as an e-arc. Thank you to the author for the advanced copy!
3.5🌟 rounded up
There’s lots of political intrigue, scheming, and conflicted feelings, both of which develop as Jacinth and Azurill spend time together and realize that they have a real connection. They both have things that they’re keeping secret, and I liked how things played out as they got towards revealing what they’d kept hidden.
Also, I would love to have Jacinth’s pink hair.
At times I felt like there were a few pacing issues, and there were a few things Jacinth said or thought that I just didn’t vibe with. But overall this was minor, and I still definitely enjoyed this book. I will absolutely be going back and reading more of Rachel’s books!
I read this book as an e-arc. Thank you to the author for the advanced copy!
3.5🌟 rounded up
February 12, 2026
Ummm O K Miss Fallon!
I was graciously gifted an ARC of this one and I was worried not because it didn't sound fantastic but because the last book in this universe really just didn't do it for me.. even though I loved the one prior to.
Anyways... this book DELIVERED! I was literally trapped reading this book so much so that my babies and husband were like will you just put the book down please.. and I was like no sorry I can't help myself I have to finish 😂
I love the MC's, the TRIALS (so good!), the banter, the magic system that was so new and different than any other I'd read! The spiccceeeee 🥵 I was def here for our MMC.
Honestly, pick this one up because you won't be disappointed!
I was graciously gifted an ARC of this one and I was worried not because it didn't sound fantastic but because the last book in this universe really just didn't do it for me.. even though I loved the one prior to.
Anyways... this book DELIVERED! I was literally trapped reading this book so much so that my babies and husband were like will you just put the book down please.. and I was like no sorry I can't help myself I have to finish 😂
I love the MC's, the TRIALS (so good!), the banter, the magic system that was so new and different than any other I'd read! The spiccceeeee 🥵 I was def here for our MMC.
Honestly, pick this one up because you won't be disappointed!
February 16, 2026
I thought this was a fun read with the Bachelor vibes and trials. I always love an FMC who is strong and independent. The banter between Az and Jac is fun and feisty. The spice was very good, too!
February 23, 2026
Fantasy books with a hint of The Selection. Lots of these books are currently releasing and one of those books is Of Diamonds and Vengeance by Rachel Fallon. This book is the start of The Chronicles of Adamah and tells the story of a high king who has to marry to save his court. But what if he doesn’t want to marry at all? Who will win his heart?
This book is an enemies to lovers with a slow burn romance. I loved the way the spice was built up during the story, but also felt like the competition really added to the character development and romance.
Check out my full review on my blog Boekensteeg
This book is an enemies to lovers with a slow burn romance. I loved the way the spice was built up during the story, but also felt like the competition really added to the character development and romance.
Check out my full review on my blog Boekensteeg
Review of advance copy received from Author
"It was always worse when monsters didn't look like monsters. And he looked more like a god than a monster; it was truly unfair."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
What you'll find in this book:
• Gem Courts
• Gem Alchemy Magic
• Trials
• Court Intrigue
• Marriage Competition
• High King MMC
• Thief Turned Assassin FMC
• Assassination Plot
• One Sided Enemies to Lovers
• Slow Burn
• Female Friendships
• Elves
• Found Family
Right everyone, Rachel Fallon is at it again! If you haven't read the Star Queen Chronicles then you are seriously missing out, and this story, the start of a new series for Rachel is absolutely fabulous. Combining a unique magical system based on gems with an assassination plot and a marriage competition to become the High Queen of Gemaria this book keeps you guessing with a plentiful amount of secrets, betrayal and court intrigue. The romance is searing with an intense connection between two characters that at the start of the story have no reason to trust one another. Romantic entanglements aside Rachel has captured fierce female friendships that can be found in the most unlikely of places, and that women supporting other women can happen even when there is a competition with the highest of stakes. I am such a massive fan of books with deadly trials, how each trial captures an aspect of the characters personality and allows for showcasing of the world created within the pages of the story and the magical system making for a thoroughly enjoyable story that had me hooked.
With the future she is owed stolen from her Jacinth is doing what she must to survive, and most recently that involves stealing from those who have plenty to keep those she cares for safe. When her latest heist goes off the rails she ends up at the mercy of the cruel Lord of the Ruby Court. Offered a death that could spare her life and provide her with an opportunity of vengeance she thought she would never get, Jacinth has no choice but to say yes. Entering into the Diamond Queen Competition to win the hand in marriage of the ruthless killer that took everything from her, the High King of Gemaria and eventually assassinate him. But of course the competition for the most coveted position in the land, the next Diamond Queen, if fierce meaning that Jacinth must overcome trials that will test every aspect of her personality as well as the court itself and the many snakes that reside there. However, it is the charming King himself so unlike her preconceptions of the man of her nightmares that leaves her second guessing all of the truths she thought she knew. With assassination attempts in play, nefarious plots, goosebump inducing moments and high stake trials, Jacinth learns more about herself and those of the infamous Diamond Court than she bargained for.
Jacinth is no stranger to having to fight for what she needs in order to survive. After the harrowing events of her past she steals from those who she knows won't miss it, helping and protecting those few people that she allows herself to get close to. Jacinth is the perfect FMC for this story, strong and resilient but with a big heart, one that has not been closed off to the world by her circumstances. She still actively chooses to help those that are less fortunate, having seen and felt what that is like firsthand, her heart being in exactly the right place. It is this part of her that can't possibly resonate the feeling that she has for the man she should hate above all others to the kind and generous man she meets. Azurill, the High King of Gemaria, must find a wife, and he must do so amongst those vying for the crown for all the wrong reasons. With hopes of love in the most unlikely of circumstances and amongst the lies and secrets, the challenge begins to find the lady of the various courts of Gemaria that will be his High Queen. Azurill is compassionate and loving, and he will stop at nothing to protect his people and he carries the guilt of a failing from many years ago with him every day. I love how these two can't stay away from one another despite the competition setting, that the undeniable pull despite not trusting one another keeps them coming back together. Azurill is hiding secrets just like Jacinth and it is these that they must overcome in order to protect the fate of Gemaria from those that are willing to stop and nothing to gain power. These two go against all odds throughout this book where the stakes couldn't get higher, and the question becomes will their secrets destroy them or bring them closer together.
Having the magic based around the gems and each gem being represented by different courts throughout the kingdom was refreshingly unique and definitely kept me engaged. The magical system is explored throughout and I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about this and how it is used and the results that it can produce. This also added to the opulence of court, and strengthens the class divide that Rachel displays within this world which feels important with Jacinth being of two worlds. Having a series of trials as part of the marriage competition helped us to get to know each or the competitors better as well as Jacinth and Azurill who worked with his immediate court to create the trials designed to test each of the contestants. The spice present in the book reflects the intense pull between Jacinth and Azurill, the way they need one another viscerally and deeply. Balanced perfectly with the rest of the book, this depeens the connection between the characters. Fast paced and intense with the court intrigue and an assassination plot, this book keeps you guessing in the best way with surprises that if you're anything like me will have pleasantly surprised and leave you practically inhaling this book. Epilogue two in particular was absolute perfection and has very much left me wanting me, I'm ready for book two.
Thank you so much to the author for sending me an e-ARC to read and review early.
Author: Rachel Fallon
Series: The Chronicles of Adamah
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: February 12th, 2026
Pages: 372
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
What you'll find in this book:
• Gem Courts
• Gem Alchemy Magic
• Trials
• Court Intrigue
• Marriage Competition
• High King MMC
• Thief Turned Assassin FMC
• Assassination Plot
• One Sided Enemies to Lovers
• Slow Burn
• Female Friendships
• Elves
• Found Family
Right everyone, Rachel Fallon is at it again! If you haven't read the Star Queen Chronicles then you are seriously missing out, and this story, the start of a new series for Rachel is absolutely fabulous. Combining a unique magical system based on gems with an assassination plot and a marriage competition to become the High Queen of Gemaria this book keeps you guessing with a plentiful amount of secrets, betrayal and court intrigue. The romance is searing with an intense connection between two characters that at the start of the story have no reason to trust one another. Romantic entanglements aside Rachel has captured fierce female friendships that can be found in the most unlikely of places, and that women supporting other women can happen even when there is a competition with the highest of stakes. I am such a massive fan of books with deadly trials, how each trial captures an aspect of the characters personality and allows for showcasing of the world created within the pages of the story and the magical system making for a thoroughly enjoyable story that had me hooked.
With the future she is owed stolen from her Jacinth is doing what she must to survive, and most recently that involves stealing from those who have plenty to keep those she cares for safe. When her latest heist goes off the rails she ends up at the mercy of the cruel Lord of the Ruby Court. Offered a death that could spare her life and provide her with an opportunity of vengeance she thought she would never get, Jacinth has no choice but to say yes. Entering into the Diamond Queen Competition to win the hand in marriage of the ruthless killer that took everything from her, the High King of Gemaria and eventually assassinate him. But of course the competition for the most coveted position in the land, the next Diamond Queen, if fierce meaning that Jacinth must overcome trials that will test every aspect of her personality as well as the court itself and the many snakes that reside there. However, it is the charming King himself so unlike her preconceptions of the man of her nightmares that leaves her second guessing all of the truths she thought she knew. With assassination attempts in play, nefarious plots, goosebump inducing moments and high stake trials, Jacinth learns more about herself and those of the infamous Diamond Court than she bargained for.
Jacinth is no stranger to having to fight for what she needs in order to survive. After the harrowing events of her past she steals from those who she knows won't miss it, helping and protecting those few people that she allows herself to get close to. Jacinth is the perfect FMC for this story, strong and resilient but with a big heart, one that has not been closed off to the world by her circumstances. She still actively chooses to help those that are less fortunate, having seen and felt what that is like firsthand, her heart being in exactly the right place. It is this part of her that can't possibly resonate the feeling that she has for the man she should hate above all others to the kind and generous man she meets. Azurill, the High King of Gemaria, must find a wife, and he must do so amongst those vying for the crown for all the wrong reasons. With hopes of love in the most unlikely of circumstances and amongst the lies and secrets, the challenge begins to find the lady of the various courts of Gemaria that will be his High Queen. Azurill is compassionate and loving, and he will stop at nothing to protect his people and he carries the guilt of a failing from many years ago with him every day. I love how these two can't stay away from one another despite the competition setting, that the undeniable pull despite not trusting one another keeps them coming back together. Azurill is hiding secrets just like Jacinth and it is these that they must overcome in order to protect the fate of Gemaria from those that are willing to stop and nothing to gain power. These two go against all odds throughout this book where the stakes couldn't get higher, and the question becomes will their secrets destroy them or bring them closer together.
Having the magic based around the gems and each gem being represented by different courts throughout the kingdom was refreshingly unique and definitely kept me engaged. The magical system is explored throughout and I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about this and how it is used and the results that it can produce. This also added to the opulence of court, and strengthens the class divide that Rachel displays within this world which feels important with Jacinth being of two worlds. Having a series of trials as part of the marriage competition helped us to get to know each or the competitors better as well as Jacinth and Azurill who worked with his immediate court to create the trials designed to test each of the contestants. The spice present in the book reflects the intense pull between Jacinth and Azurill, the way they need one another viscerally and deeply. Balanced perfectly with the rest of the book, this depeens the connection between the characters. Fast paced and intense with the court intrigue and an assassination plot, this book keeps you guessing in the best way with surprises that if you're anything like me will have pleasantly surprised and leave you practically inhaling this book. Epilogue two in particular was absolute perfection and has very much left me wanting me, I'm ready for book two.
Thank you so much to the author for sending me an e-ARC to read and review early.
Author: Rachel Fallon
Series: The Chronicles of Adamah
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: February 12th, 2026
Pages: 372
February 23, 2026
Thank you to Rachel Fallon for an ARC of this book. Thoughts and opinions are my own.Oh wow! I loved the magic system in this book! The aspect of the different gems having different properties and the way those properties could be enhanced/adjusted/etc was interesting. I liked the way Jacinth was figuring stuff out, even when she admitted she didn't know a ton of magic.
While I understood Jacinth's need for vengeance, I did note that things were not as they seemed when she recalled things the first time. The way certain things were said, and yes, they hinted at things and considering her age, I could see it sticking with her. But at the same time, I feel like maybe she should have at least started to go "wait..." before she ended up at the competition. That being said, even before she realized things, I liked the fact that she started making friends and how without realizing it, they probably helped nudge her to question. Then at the end when things were going slightly sideways and she realized what she had to fight for now.
Azurill was awesome and I laughed at lot when we were in his POV chapters. Yes, he was dealing with stuff and having to have the competition while also dealing with his grief (although I kind of wished we'd gotten a little more on that...several people in his inner circle had said they suspected murder and it felt like maybe it was being investigated but then that kind of got dropped. Or maybe not dropped and it'll come up in a future book when we focus on one of those characters?) I liked that it didn't take long for him to kind of zero in on Jacinth, even while he was telling himself he needed to give all the competitors a chance, but it was like he instinctually knew who Jacinth was and everything. Or maybe Erodite or Veritx were pushing him along?
I didn't trust Carnelian from the second he stepped on page and while Jacinth thought she was using him for her own ends, it was unfortunate the reveals. I will admit I'd been thinking
This book is connected to Rachel Fallon's other series (starting with Of Darkness and Ruination ) but you don't have to have read that to read this. The books/series are interconnected standalones, so it sounds like people make appearances in other books but you don't need backstories. Although I'm intrigued to read those books and see who pops up!
Book released February 12, 2026
January 22, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
ARC Review
This was a fun, fast paced fantasy romance that included unique and enjoyable world elements based on gems! This included gem-based alchemy magic, gem-based courts and unique physical characteristics!
I found myself looking forward to reading this one each time I picked it up. The marriage competition was a delightful element with some fresh twists on commonly seen trials (obstacle course). I also loved the plot point of Jacinth’s backstory- it was reminiscent of Anastasia and hooked me the entire time! I also enjoyed the romance. I thought it was well done, moved at a good pace, and felt natural given the circumstances.
There were some areas that took me out a bit. At times, the word choices used to describe people felt…not great (“bred out”). I also felt as though the characters arc’s (FMC/MMC) devolved at the end- from kind, compassionate and justice-oriented to bloodthirsty and cold. It didn’t align with how I had read them for the first 80% of the book. Finally, I felt there were some inconsistencies with descriptions and imagery. There would be a paragraph just on a dress or item of clothing and then other pieces of the world/setting got under described and hard to visualize. Don’t get me wrong- I love a stunning dress moment, and this book delivers! But it delivers about every chapter and the effect was lost pretty quick.
Overall, I did enjoy this and I did get excited to keep finding out what was going to happen next! With the exception of the end, I loved the FMC/MMC and really enjoyed their characters, and the side characters, throughout. It was fun and fast paced and the gem inclusions and potions were really cool!
Thank you to the author, Rachel Fallon, for an eARC of this book! It was a pleasure to read and give my honest review!
ARC Review
This was a fun, fast paced fantasy romance that included unique and enjoyable world elements based on gems! This included gem-based alchemy magic, gem-based courts and unique physical characteristics!
I found myself looking forward to reading this one each time I picked it up. The marriage competition was a delightful element with some fresh twists on commonly seen trials (obstacle course). I also loved the plot point of Jacinth’s backstory- it was reminiscent of Anastasia and hooked me the entire time! I also enjoyed the romance. I thought it was well done, moved at a good pace, and felt natural given the circumstances.
There were some areas that took me out a bit. At times, the word choices used to describe people felt…not great (“bred out”). I also felt as though the characters arc’s (FMC/MMC) devolved at the end- from kind, compassionate and justice-oriented to bloodthirsty and cold. It didn’t align with how I had read them for the first 80% of the book. Finally, I felt there were some inconsistencies with descriptions and imagery. There would be a paragraph just on a dress or item of clothing and then other pieces of the world/setting got under described and hard to visualize. Don’t get me wrong- I love a stunning dress moment, and this book delivers! But it delivers about every chapter and the effect was lost pretty quick.
Overall, I did enjoy this and I did get excited to keep finding out what was going to happen next! With the exception of the end, I loved the FMC/MMC and really enjoyed their characters, and the side characters, throughout. It was fun and fast paced and the gem inclusions and potions were really cool!
Thank you to the author, Rachel Fallon, for an eARC of this book! It was a pleasure to read and give my honest review!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2026
✨ ARC Review ✨
“Just as a diamond is ground into dust to become something new, vengeance will break you just the same.”
Jacinth is a thief surviving on instinct and grit when she’s pulled into Gemaria’s glittering courts and offered a deal that feels more dangerous than death. Compete in the Diamond Queen trials, marry the High King, and take her vengeance from the inside.
“Some would say I’d already lived past my time, and I would agree with them.”
She’s pragmatic, guarded, and shaped by survival, refusing to be intimidated by a world designed to break people like her.
“I hadn’t allowed myself to be intimidated in years, and I wasn’t going to cave to it now.”
The gem-based alchemy magic is one of the strongest elements here, woven neatly into the court structure and power dynamics. The Diamond Queen trials are dramatic and engaging, adding steady momentum.
The court intrigue works well, and I especially appreciated the strong female friendships grounding the story amid all the ambition and danger.
“What position you hold in society doesn’t define who you are as a person. Only you can do that.”
The romance develops naturally and fits the circumstances, though it remains more understated. Azurill is compelling, but his complexity unfolds quietly.
“It was always worse when monsters didn’t look like the beast beneath. And he looked more like a god than a monster.”
A solid, well-constructed fantasy with a creative magic system, engaging trials, and thoughtful character dynamics.
Chaos, vibes, and opinions are all my own ✨ please give credit if you share.
“Just as a diamond is ground into dust to become something new, vengeance will break you just the same.”
Jacinth is a thief surviving on instinct and grit when she’s pulled into Gemaria’s glittering courts and offered a deal that feels more dangerous than death. Compete in the Diamond Queen trials, marry the High King, and take her vengeance from the inside.
“Some would say I’d already lived past my time, and I would agree with them.”
She’s pragmatic, guarded, and shaped by survival, refusing to be intimidated by a world designed to break people like her.
“I hadn’t allowed myself to be intimidated in years, and I wasn’t going to cave to it now.”
The gem-based alchemy magic is one of the strongest elements here, woven neatly into the court structure and power dynamics. The Diamond Queen trials are dramatic and engaging, adding steady momentum.
The court intrigue works well, and I especially appreciated the strong female friendships grounding the story amid all the ambition and danger.
“What position you hold in society doesn’t define who you are as a person. Only you can do that.”
The romance develops naturally and fits the circumstances, though it remains more understated. Azurill is compelling, but his complexity unfolds quietly.
“It was always worse when monsters didn’t look like the beast beneath. And he looked more like a god than a monster.”
A solid, well-constructed fantasy with a creative magic system, engaging trials, and thoughtful character dynamics.
Chaos, vibes, and opinions are all my own ✨ please give credit if you share.
February 9, 2026
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Woah! This book was gripping from start to finish. I truly couldn’t put this book down until I finished it in the wee morning houses because you just have to know what’s going to happen next! Jac and Azurill were easy to love separately. I mean Jac has every reason to be cold, hard, and full of anger and while she holds some anger for the ones who destroyed her life she hasn’t let it make her cold to the world around her, and to the people who don’t deserve her wrath. But she’s more than strong enough to go after what she wants, and to fight for what she believes is right. As for Azurill he took a little longer to warm up to, while I loved him from the start I was also hesitant to see just who he’d turn out to be in the long run. If nothing else though you can love him for his hilarious banter! And together… omg Jac and Azurill chemistry leaped right off the page! It was impossible not to root for them the second their eyes locked across the room! Honestly, if you’re looking for a slow burn romance, packed full of emotions, spice, political intrigue, lies and betrayal, trials, and a happily ever after that ties us into the next book then I highly recommend grabbing a copy Of Diamonds and Vengeance today!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Woah! This book was gripping from start to finish. I truly couldn’t put this book down until I finished it in the wee morning houses because you just have to know what’s going to happen next! Jac and Azurill were easy to love separately. I mean Jac has every reason to be cold, hard, and full of anger and while she holds some anger for the ones who destroyed her life she hasn’t let it make her cold to the world around her, and to the people who don’t deserve her wrath. But she’s more than strong enough to go after what she wants, and to fight for what she believes is right. As for Azurill he took a little longer to warm up to, while I loved him from the start I was also hesitant to see just who he’d turn out to be in the long run. If nothing else though you can love him for his hilarious banter! And together… omg Jac and Azurill chemistry leaped right off the page! It was impossible not to root for them the second their eyes locked across the room! Honestly, if you’re looking for a slow burn romance, packed full of emotions, spice, political intrigue, lies and betrayal, trials, and a happily ever after that ties us into the next book then I highly recommend grabbing a copy Of Diamonds and Vengeance today!
January 21, 2026
This ARC was gifted to me by Rachel Fallon, and I almost dropped my phone when I saw the email. 💎✨ Of Diamonds and Vengeance was absolutely phenomenal—I could not put it down. Honestly, I probably would’ve read it in one sitting if basic human needs like sleep and food weren’t a thing. 😅📖
Jacinth, our FMC, is living as a thief on the streets, but her past is far more complex than it first appears—and watching her story unravel was chef’s kiss. She’s powerful, resilient, and stunning, and I adored her from the start. 💪👑
And then there’s Azurill… the High King himself. 🖤🔥 Stone-cold, commanding, and utterly perfect—with just enough softness beneath the surface to wreck you. The slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers tension between these two is everything, woven seamlessly with court intrigue and high stakes.
Add in rich world-building, a unique magic system, and Bachelor-style love trials?! This book is truly one for the ages. If you love immersive fantasy with jaw-dropping twists and delicious tension, you need to add this to your TBR immediately.
I mean… just look at that cover. 😍📚
Jacinth, our FMC, is living as a thief on the streets, but her past is far more complex than it first appears—and watching her story unravel was chef’s kiss. She’s powerful, resilient, and stunning, and I adored her from the start. 💪👑
And then there’s Azurill… the High King himself. 🖤🔥 Stone-cold, commanding, and utterly perfect—with just enough softness beneath the surface to wreck you. The slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers tension between these two is everything, woven seamlessly with court intrigue and high stakes.
Add in rich world-building, a unique magic system, and Bachelor-style love trials?! This book is truly one for the ages. If you love immersive fantasy with jaw-dropping twists and delicious tension, you need to add this to your TBR immediately.
I mean… just look at that cover. 😍📚
Review of advance copy received from Author
If Bridgerton put on armor, Fourth Wing hosted The Bachelor, and everyone agreed assassination was a perfectly reasonable love language, you’d get this book.
Jacinth is a soft hearted baddie in the best way. Sharp, wounded, and surviving on grit and stolen chances. Watching her evolve from street thief to a woman powerful enough to challenge the glittering rot of the courts was deeply satisfying. I loved that she never lost her compassion, even when vengeance was very much on the table.
Azurill’s POV was an absolute highlight. His internal struggle between duty and desire added real emotional weight, and I ate up every moment of him unraveling under the pressure of the crown and his feelings.
The trials were dramatic, the court intrigue deliciously salacious, and the found family? Easily my favorite part. The friendships felt genuine and warm, grounding all the glitter and danger in something real.
And that ending? It made my jaded little heart very happy.
I’m fully invested now and cannot wait to see what chaos, romance, and gem magic glory comes next.
Jacinth is a soft hearted baddie in the best way. Sharp, wounded, and surviving on grit and stolen chances. Watching her evolve from street thief to a woman powerful enough to challenge the glittering rot of the courts was deeply satisfying. I loved that she never lost her compassion, even when vengeance was very much on the table.
Azurill’s POV was an absolute highlight. His internal struggle between duty and desire added real emotional weight, and I ate up every moment of him unraveling under the pressure of the crown and his feelings.
The trials were dramatic, the court intrigue deliciously salacious, and the found family? Easily my favorite part. The friendships felt genuine and warm, grounding all the glitter and danger in something real.
And that ending? It made my jaded little heart very happy.
I’m fully invested now and cannot wait to see what chaos, romance, and gem magic glory comes next.
February 13, 2026
This book was such a delight! The story felt fast-paced and kept me invested throughout the entire book.
There was so much to love - a marriage competition, trials, court intrigue, a high king MMC, a thief turned assassin FMC, gem alchemy magic, a slow burn romance, a hidden identity, and so much more!
Our FMC Jacinth gets forced into competing in the Diamond Queen Competition. She’s not happy about it, but it does set her up perfectly for revenge. I enjoyed Jacinth’s character from the start, but I loved her even more as some of her layers got peeled back for us to learn more about her and her past. She was fierce and a force to be reckoned with after her tragic past left her with no other option, but she also still had the capacity to be kind and caring.
Our MMC Azurill is not happy about having to hold the Diamond Queen Competition to find his future wife and Queen. But he’ll do whatever he has to do to keep his kingdom, and more importantly his family, safe. He dreamed of finding a real connection with someone and not just someone who’s only after a crown. He never expected to find his perfect match through the trials of the competition.
Jacinth and Azurill had amazing chemistry, and they both tried to ignore it at the beginning. This made for some great tension. When they both finally gave in, things heated up quickly.❤️🔥 but what was even better was when they were both able to open up to each other and be 100% honest about themselves and their pasts.
I could go on about this book for forever. The gem alchemy magic felt really unique, which I loved. And the political and courtly intrigue kept me on my toes throughout the entire book.
Thank you so much to Rachel Fallon for the gifted copy of this one! I loved every second of it. 💕💎✨
There was so much to love - a marriage competition, trials, court intrigue, a high king MMC, a thief turned assassin FMC, gem alchemy magic, a slow burn romance, a hidden identity, and so much more!
Our FMC Jacinth gets forced into competing in the Diamond Queen Competition. She’s not happy about it, but it does set her up perfectly for revenge. I enjoyed Jacinth’s character from the start, but I loved her even more as some of her layers got peeled back for us to learn more about her and her past. She was fierce and a force to be reckoned with after her tragic past left her with no other option, but she also still had the capacity to be kind and caring.
Our MMC Azurill is not happy about having to hold the Diamond Queen Competition to find his future wife and Queen. But he’ll do whatever he has to do to keep his kingdom, and more importantly his family, safe. He dreamed of finding a real connection with someone and not just someone who’s only after a crown. He never expected to find his perfect match through the trials of the competition.
Jacinth and Azurill had amazing chemistry, and they both tried to ignore it at the beginning. This made for some great tension. When they both finally gave in, things heated up quickly.❤️🔥 but what was even better was when they were both able to open up to each other and be 100% honest about themselves and their pasts.
I could go on about this book for forever. The gem alchemy magic felt really unique, which I loved. And the political and courtly intrigue kept me on my toes throughout the entire book.
Thank you so much to Rachel Fallon for the gifted copy of this one! I loved every second of it. 💕💎✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK! 👏 I was entertained from start to finish and flew through it! 😍 The author captured Jacinth’s inner turmoil so well. She’s caring and giving, but also fierce, brave, and a little feral, which I loved. 😆
Azurill is charming and flirty, and their chemistry was top notch. 🔥 I really enjoyed getting his POV and seeing how he viewed the other contestants. The trials had real depth, the friendships felt earned, and the ending was super satisfying! Heartfelt, romantic, suspenseful, fun, and a little savage. 😈
Azurill is charming and flirty, and their chemistry was top notch. 🔥 I really enjoyed getting his POV and seeing how he viewed the other contestants. The trials had real depth, the friendships felt earned, and the ending was super satisfying! Heartfelt, romantic, suspenseful, fun, and a little savage. 😈
February 12, 2026
Sweet Vengeance
I love the court of gems. This world is beautifully described and I want every dress. The book is so fun with a competition plot, a spooky King, fiery assassin and lots of drama. I loved the unique trials and the FMC is so complex.
I love the court of gems. This world is beautifully described and I want every dress. The book is so fun with a competition plot, a spooky King, fiery assassin and lots of drama. I loved the unique trials and the FMC is so complex.
January 14, 2026
5⭐️
2.5🌶️
Thank you Rachel for an e-arc of this book!
The is book 1 of a standalone interconnected series but ALSO, these characters from book 1 are going to show up in her Star Queen Chronicles series as well next book, so you should read books 1&2 for that too (just because that’s an awesome series too!) 😊
I love how Rachel can write us some chunky books (page length wise) but I gobble down every page!
We have bridal trials and games but for once, they aren’t these deadly, kill each other trials. Not that they aren’t dangerous in their own ways, but the trials were more logical and flowed well with the characteristics of a Queen Az is looking for. I love how he and his inner circle devised every trial to hit different aspects that weren’t just physically demanding but challenged the competitors mentally, emotionally, and their empathy.
The magic system in this is so unique with gem magic/alchemy. Each court’s representative gem brings different aspects to magic and how the complexities of mixing various gems brings different results. And how those gems are represented in their every day lives and even looks (eyes and hair color) was so cool. Then, it was intertwined into the clothing too? How I would love to see some of Jacinth’s dresses described in real life 😍 Rachel paints this beautiful image that really lets the reader immerse themselves into the world ❤️
One thing we had in this book you don’t see a lot of in romantasy? COMMUNICATION! I hate miscommunication tropes or stories where the MC’s will have truths revealed and then never really talk about it all. Not here. To have 2 MC’s that take the time to talk about things and listen was such a refreshing to read for once.
Our FMC Jacinth brings people into her orbit so naturally and I loved watching her win more and more people over for just being her, even her own competitors. And with Azurill’s inner circle, the found family in this is spot on.
The banter and connection between Jacinth and Azurill was 🔥 and while I felt like this wasn’t AS spicy 🌶️ as Rachel’s books in the Star Queen chronicles (those are some spiiiicy ones lol 😝), we still had some good spicy time 🥵 these 2 brought the heat! 🥵
I’m so excited to see Az and Jacinth in book 3 of the Star Queen Chronicles and glad we’ll get more of their characters. As for the next book of this stand alone series, I’m curious to see where we go next, because I honestly have no clue! lol.
Thank you for the arc Rachel and I can’t wait to keep reading more from you in the future!
2.5🌶️
Thank you Rachel for an e-arc of this book!
The is book 1 of a standalone interconnected series but ALSO, these characters from book 1 are going to show up in her Star Queen Chronicles series as well next book, so you should read books 1&2 for that too (just because that’s an awesome series too!) 😊
I love how Rachel can write us some chunky books (page length wise) but I gobble down every page!
We have bridal trials and games but for once, they aren’t these deadly, kill each other trials. Not that they aren’t dangerous in their own ways, but the trials were more logical and flowed well with the characteristics of a Queen Az is looking for. I love how he and his inner circle devised every trial to hit different aspects that weren’t just physically demanding but challenged the competitors mentally, emotionally, and their empathy.
The magic system in this is so unique with gem magic/alchemy. Each court’s representative gem brings different aspects to magic and how the complexities of mixing various gems brings different results. And how those gems are represented in their every day lives and even looks (eyes and hair color) was so cool. Then, it was intertwined into the clothing too? How I would love to see some of Jacinth’s dresses described in real life 😍 Rachel paints this beautiful image that really lets the reader immerse themselves into the world ❤️
One thing we had in this book you don’t see a lot of in romantasy? COMMUNICATION! I hate miscommunication tropes or stories where the MC’s will have truths revealed and then never really talk about it all. Not here. To have 2 MC’s that take the time to talk about things and listen was such a refreshing to read for once.
Our FMC Jacinth brings people into her orbit so naturally and I loved watching her win more and more people over for just being her, even her own competitors. And with Azurill’s inner circle, the found family in this is spot on.
The banter and connection between Jacinth and Azurill was 🔥 and while I felt like this wasn’t AS spicy 🌶️ as Rachel’s books in the Star Queen chronicles (those are some spiiiicy ones lol 😝), we still had some good spicy time 🥵 these 2 brought the heat! 🥵
I’m so excited to see Az and Jacinth in book 3 of the Star Queen Chronicles and glad we’ll get more of their characters. As for the next book of this stand alone series, I’m curious to see where we go next, because I honestly have no clue! lol.
Thank you for the arc Rachel and I can’t wait to keep reading more from you in the future!
Review of advance copy received from Author
**𝔄ℜℭ ℜ𝔢𝔳𝔦𝔢𝔴** 𝔒𝔣 𝔇𝔦𝔞𝔪𝔬𝔫𝔡𝔰 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔙𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔞𝔫𝔠𝔢 𝔟𝔶 ℜ𝔞𝔠𝔥𝔢𝔩 𝔉𝔞𝔩𝔩𝔬𝔫 (𝔗𝔥𝔢 ℭ𝔥𝔯𝔬𝔫𝔦𝔠𝔩𝔢𝔰 𝔬𝔣 𝔄𝔡𝔞𝔪𝔞𝔥 𝔅𝔬𝔬𝔨 1)
Release Date: February 12, 2026
5⭐️4🌶
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. I stayed up waaaay to late last night reading it. When the enemies finally become lover...just WOW! This book has all the elements I love, plus, it's so well crafted and the characters jump right off the page. I cannot wait to see where this story continues!
Minor spoilers ahead (learned at the very beginning of the book):
Jacinth has been living on the streets since she was a young girl and her whole family was assassinated. She has vowed to avenge them in whatever way possible, but, largely, she has been living day by day for her own survival on the streets.
An opportunity presents itself, when she is caught thieving by the Lord of Ruby Court, he tells her she can keep her life if she participates in the Diamond Queen Trials for the Ruby Court. Upon winning the Diamond Queen trials, she is meant to kill the Diamond King Azurill, and in exchange the Lord of Ruby Court will not kill her adoptive mother.
High King Azurill of the Diamond Court is at his wits end, and decides to take the advice of his council and enact the Diamond Queen Trials in order to secure alliances with each court and hopefully find a decent wife. He currently has no interest in taking a wife, but he has no other options at this point. He just hopes that he can find someone that meets all the requirements of being queen, but he has no hope for finding true love. However, the safety and security of his Kingdom is at stake, so he will do whatever is necessary to secure his Kingdoms future.
Jacinth eagerly leaps at this chance to rejoin royal society and gain the access she needs to avenge her family, the former ruling court of Pearl Court.
This book has all the obstacle courses, witty banter, touch-her-and-you-die, need for revenge, court intrigue, and Shadow Daddy you could want. I was literally salivating while reading this (gross I know), but I will not stop recommending this book until all the Romantasy Girlies have read this!
Themes/Tropes:
🍁Enemies to lovers
🍁Revenge story
🍁Elf/elf relationship
🍁Mental/physical trials to become Queen
🍁Hidden powers/Lost Princess
🍁Fated Mates
TW:
✨Training sequences
✨Physical and mental trials for observation
✨Death of close family members
✨Sexual content
Thank you to @rachelfallonauthor for the ARC copy!
#ofdiamondandvengeance #rachelfallon #thechronciclesofadamah #arcreview
Release Date: February 12, 2026
5⭐️4🌶
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. I stayed up waaaay to late last night reading it. When the enemies finally become lover...just WOW! This book has all the elements I love, plus, it's so well crafted and the characters jump right off the page. I cannot wait to see where this story continues!
Minor spoilers ahead (learned at the very beginning of the book):
Jacinth has been living on the streets since she was a young girl and her whole family was assassinated. She has vowed to avenge them in whatever way possible, but, largely, she has been living day by day for her own survival on the streets.
An opportunity presents itself, when she is caught thieving by the Lord of Ruby Court, he tells her she can keep her life if she participates in the Diamond Queen Trials for the Ruby Court. Upon winning the Diamond Queen trials, she is meant to kill the Diamond King Azurill, and in exchange the Lord of Ruby Court will not kill her adoptive mother.
High King Azurill of the Diamond Court is at his wits end, and decides to take the advice of his council and enact the Diamond Queen Trials in order to secure alliances with each court and hopefully find a decent wife. He currently has no interest in taking a wife, but he has no other options at this point. He just hopes that he can find someone that meets all the requirements of being queen, but he has no hope for finding true love. However, the safety and security of his Kingdom is at stake, so he will do whatever is necessary to secure his Kingdoms future.
Jacinth eagerly leaps at this chance to rejoin royal society and gain the access she needs to avenge her family, the former ruling court of Pearl Court.
This book has all the obstacle courses, witty banter, touch-her-and-you-die, need for revenge, court intrigue, and Shadow Daddy you could want. I was literally salivating while reading this (gross I know), but I will not stop recommending this book until all the Romantasy Girlies have read this!
Themes/Tropes:
🍁Enemies to lovers
🍁Revenge story
🍁Elf/elf relationship
🍁Mental/physical trials to become Queen
🍁Hidden powers/Lost Princess
🍁Fated Mates
TW:
✨Training sequences
✨Physical and mental trials for observation
✨Death of close family members
✨Sexual content
Thank you to @rachelfallonauthor for the ARC copy!
#ofdiamondandvengeance #rachelfallon #thechronciclesofadamah #arcreview
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an ARC. Actual rating 4.5/5.
Of Diamonds and Vengeance follows Jacinth as she she competes in the Diamond Queen Trials to determine who will be the next High Queen. Of course, things aren't that simple. She's here for a reason, and that reason is to avenge her brutally murdered family. Not only does Jacinth have to survive each trial, she must survive the other candidates while also navigating the politics and nobles who seek to use her for their own means.
I really enjoyed this book. It's a fast-paced read that kept me entertained with the different trials that Jacinth had to complete in the Diamond Queen Competition. Each trial encompassed an appropriate amount of page time that helped convey the intensity of the tribulation but not to the point that it was excessive or dragged down the pace. I loved the friendships built. While seemingly easily, it was nice to have that "found family" for our FMC. I did get strong "The Bachelor" vibes when reading through the setup of the trials and the way each contender would get to have a special date or time with the High King. It was honestly fun though. The story does get a little bit darker towards the end when Jacinth's goal culminates.
While I liked Jacinth's character, I did find that she gave up her secrets and clues to her background a little too easily for someone who should be street, survival savvy. She also seemed to get turned on at seemingly awkward and inappropriate times. I liked our High King. I felt his character was consistent throughout and inwardly loved his "gift" for Jacinth.
The imagery of the palace(s), the dresses, and the scenery were great. Everything had gems or jewels incorporated, which not only fit in with the title of the book but made sense in this world that centers on these different gems.
The only thing I was left wondering was: did they ever resolve the mystery that lead to the Diamond Queen Competition in the first place? I feel like I could have missed the revelation in the excitement of the rest of the story, but if so, it should have had a more significant appearance because it was the catalyst that started everything. Either way, this was an enjoyable read, and I look forward to reading the next book by Rachel Fallon.
Of Diamonds and Vengeance follows Jacinth as she she competes in the Diamond Queen Trials to determine who will be the next High Queen. Of course, things aren't that simple. She's here for a reason, and that reason is to avenge her brutally murdered family. Not only does Jacinth have to survive each trial, she must survive the other candidates while also navigating the politics and nobles who seek to use her for their own means.
I really enjoyed this book. It's a fast-paced read that kept me entertained with the different trials that Jacinth had to complete in the Diamond Queen Competition. Each trial encompassed an appropriate amount of page time that helped convey the intensity of the tribulation but not to the point that it was excessive or dragged down the pace. I loved the friendships built. While seemingly easily, it was nice to have that "found family" for our FMC. I did get strong "The Bachelor" vibes when reading through the setup of the trials and the way each contender would get to have a special date or time with the High King. It was honestly fun though. The story does get a little bit darker towards the end when Jacinth's goal culminates.
While I liked Jacinth's character, I did find that she gave up her secrets and clues to her background a little too easily for someone who should be street, survival savvy. She also seemed to get turned on at seemingly awkward and inappropriate times. I liked our High King. I felt his character was consistent throughout and inwardly loved his "gift" for Jacinth.
The imagery of the palace(s), the dresses, and the scenery were great. Everything had gems or jewels incorporated, which not only fit in with the title of the book but made sense in this world that centers on these different gems.
The only thing I was left wondering was: did they ever resolve the mystery that lead to the Diamond Queen Competition in the first place? I feel like I could have missed the revelation in the excitement of the rest of the story, but if so, it should have had a more significant appearance because it was the catalyst that started everything. Either way, this was an enjoyable read, and I look forward to reading the next book by Rachel Fallon.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wowow Rachel has done it again. 👏
I’ve gotta admit, the way Rachel writes her characters has me in a chokehold. I will probably never get over the character growth that all of her books showcase.
Azurill and Jacinth both had phenomenal growth throughout this book, and I’m absolutely obsessed with the found family that we got. Jacinth making friends with all of these women after the life that she lived has me melting 🥹
This book had marriage trials and they weren’t at all like the deadly trials and like, insane stuff we read in some books. I liked that these trials actually tested the character of the competitors and not just how well they could wield a sword (even though we do get some of that too). ☺️
Also the magic system was cool, and not too crazy to try and figure out. It’s totally different than anything I’ve read before, with the magic coming from gemstones that all have different abilities. Do I understand which gems do what? No, I’d have to take notes for that, and I’m not that kind of reader. Was it fun and unique? Absolutely. Love that. 💎
I also have to say that the imagery in this book is insane. The way Rachel describes the visuals and everything in such vivid detail kind of sucks me into the world and I can really picture everything which like a fun little movie for my imagination. And Jacinth’s dresses? I need them IMMEDIATELY. Literally sound so stunning and I guess I need to get better at sewing or something bc I want to be like her SO bad 😆
Also as always with our queen Rachel, the spice is delicious. Not too over the top and smutty, but just enough to have me dying for more and also maybe drooling a bit. 🙈🤭
The only reason I’m giving this 4 (I’d give it 4.5 if I could) stars is because it was, admittedly, a bit predictable. Nothing really shook me to my core like some of the other fantasy books that I’ve read. But still, this story was delicious and I’ve gotta say, Rachel’s MMCs are delicious and sexy and I want them all for myself. Is that TOO MUCH TO ASK?! Hellooooooooooo sign me UP!!!
ALSO HELLO THE ENDING LIKE IM DYING TO SEE MORE OF AZ AND JAC IN THE NEXT BOOK?! AZ AND CALIX TOGETHER? I might just perish.
Love Rachel’s work, I will never stop obsessing over her stories and how beautifully written they are. I’m so grateful for the advanced copy is received of this book. I’m excited to make everyone join me in my obsession 😈😈😈
I’ve gotta admit, the way Rachel writes her characters has me in a chokehold. I will probably never get over the character growth that all of her books showcase.
Azurill and Jacinth both had phenomenal growth throughout this book, and I’m absolutely obsessed with the found family that we got. Jacinth making friends with all of these women after the life that she lived has me melting 🥹
This book had marriage trials and they weren’t at all like the deadly trials and like, insane stuff we read in some books. I liked that these trials actually tested the character of the competitors and not just how well they could wield a sword (even though we do get some of that too). ☺️
Also the magic system was cool, and not too crazy to try and figure out. It’s totally different than anything I’ve read before, with the magic coming from gemstones that all have different abilities. Do I understand which gems do what? No, I’d have to take notes for that, and I’m not that kind of reader. Was it fun and unique? Absolutely. Love that. 💎
I also have to say that the imagery in this book is insane. The way Rachel describes the visuals and everything in such vivid detail kind of sucks me into the world and I can really picture everything which like a fun little movie for my imagination. And Jacinth’s dresses? I need them IMMEDIATELY. Literally sound so stunning and I guess I need to get better at sewing or something bc I want to be like her SO bad 😆
Also as always with our queen Rachel, the spice is delicious. Not too over the top and smutty, but just enough to have me dying for more and also maybe drooling a bit. 🙈🤭
The only reason I’m giving this 4 (I’d give it 4.5 if I could) stars is because it was, admittedly, a bit predictable. Nothing really shook me to my core like some of the other fantasy books that I’ve read. But still, this story was delicious and I’ve gotta say, Rachel’s MMCs are delicious and sexy and I want them all for myself. Is that TOO MUCH TO ASK?! Hellooooooooooo sign me UP!!!
ALSO HELLO THE ENDING LIKE IM DYING TO SEE MORE OF AZ AND JAC IN THE NEXT BOOK?! AZ AND CALIX TOGETHER? I might just perish.
Love Rachel’s work, I will never stop obsessing over her stories and how beautifully written they are. I’m so grateful for the advanced copy is received of this book. I’m excited to make everyone join me in my obsession 😈😈😈
Review of advance copy received from Author
⋆｡°✩ ᴀʀᴄ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ✩°｡⋆
ᴛɪᴛʟᴇ : Of Diamonds and Vengeance
ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ : Rachel Fallon
ꜰᴏʀᴍᴀᴛ ʀᴇᴀᴅ: E-Book
Tropes:
⚬ ‘Batchelor’ Style Marriage Competition
⚬ Gem Based Magic
⚬ Found Family
⚬ Alchemy
⚬ Trails
⚬ Dual POV
Stop everything. I’m just sat here blubbering at the ending!!! Rachel you’ve done it again! This book was utterly amazing and I can’t believe how much I loved it! 🥹😍
I had been a BIG lover of ‘Batchelor’ style competitions books since I was a teen and read ‘The Selection’ series. That set of a big obsession for me, to the point where I was always asking for ‘selection style’ book recommendations every week!
When I found out this book was going to be marriage trails I was kicking and screaming! It’s just one of my fav tropes ever and Rachel did such an amazing job with it, making all the trails really interesting and pulling you in wanting to know how they each end!
Another thing Rachel always does flawlessly in her writing is give you a movie in your head with her descriptive words. I adore how the outfits are explained and what is going on around you, it paints the most perfect picture for you!
All those gowns, I need ok? Who’s gonna make me them? I need to cosplay Jacinth IMMEDIATELY 🤣
Jacinth and Azruill are one of my new fav couple, pretty sure I became the third in the relationship cos I was falling too!!!! The way they was undeniably right for each other set my heart a flutter!
I went on an emotional roller coster with everything that happened to Jacinth, Chapter 5?! I was sobbing, the nail in the coffin was Cor, if you know you know 😭😭
The ending of this book was perfect, the books in this series are stand-alone part of the same world. So the ending is wrapped up in a beautifully vibrant bow for you! I cannot wait to see the future of the people in the wonderland world Rachel has created.
ᴛɪᴛʟᴇ : Of Diamonds and Vengeance
ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ : Rachel Fallon
ꜰᴏʀᴍᴀᴛ ʀᴇᴀᴅ: E-Book
Tropes:
⚬ ‘Batchelor’ Style Marriage Competition
⚬ Gem Based Magic
⚬ Found Family
⚬ Alchemy
⚬ Trails
⚬ Dual POV
Stop everything. I’m just sat here blubbering at the ending!!! Rachel you’ve done it again! This book was utterly amazing and I can’t believe how much I loved it! 🥹😍
I had been a BIG lover of ‘Batchelor’ style competitions books since I was a teen and read ‘The Selection’ series. That set of a big obsession for me, to the point where I was always asking for ‘selection style’ book recommendations every week!
When I found out this book was going to be marriage trails I was kicking and screaming! It’s just one of my fav tropes ever and Rachel did such an amazing job with it, making all the trails really interesting and pulling you in wanting to know how they each end!
Another thing Rachel always does flawlessly in her writing is give you a movie in your head with her descriptive words. I adore how the outfits are explained and what is going on around you, it paints the most perfect picture for you!
All those gowns, I need ok? Who’s gonna make me them? I need to cosplay Jacinth IMMEDIATELY 🤣
Jacinth and Azruill are one of my new fav couple, pretty sure I became the third in the relationship cos I was falling too!!!! The way they was undeniably right for each other set my heart a flutter!
I went on an emotional roller coster with everything that happened to Jacinth, Chapter 5?! I was sobbing, the nail in the coffin was Cor, if you know you know 😭😭
The ending of this book was perfect, the books in this series are stand-alone part of the same world. So the ending is wrapped up in a beautifully vibrant bow for you! I cannot wait to see the future of the people in the wonderland world Rachel has created.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 rounded up
Spice 2.5
Of Diamonds and Vengeance was a vivid and lush magical romantasy with a unique world based around Courts that are characterized by gemstones. There is plenty of intrigue and politics involved but it's on the lighter side making this standalone book in an interconnected series a fast read.
Jacinth or Jac is a elf who has been on the run since a devasting attack that killed her entire family. She has lived on the streets stealing to stay alive. When a job goes wrong she finds herself at the mercy of the Ruby Court. To save her life she must represent the Ruby Court in the upcoming Diamond Marriage Trials for the High King or she will die. Jac is a dynamic FMC who has deep emotional scars from her past. Despite that she yearns for family, friends and a place to feel connected. She might be representing Ruby court but others can't help gravitating toward her heart of gold- her loyalty runs deep with courts who have no trust.
The MMC is Azurill and I enjoyed the chapters from his POV. He is put between a rock and a hard place hosting a marriage trial he doesn't want. However he is specifically drawn to Jac though he knows he can't trust her as she is from the enemy Ruby Court.
Through the marriage trials Jac and Azurill unravel her past and learn to trust each other, as the real enemies soon come knocking at their door....along with many lush descriptions of the court and dresses/ gemstones that will have your reeling.
Definitely add this novel to your TBR. For those who love the Bridgeton vibes but with some magic this will be incredible appealing. I can't wait for book 2!
Tropes:
-Marriage trials
- One sided enemies to lovers
- Vengeance
-Hidden identities
-Touch her/ him and die
- Standalone Interconnected series
Spice 2.5
Of Diamonds and Vengeance was a vivid and lush magical romantasy with a unique world based around Courts that are characterized by gemstones. There is plenty of intrigue and politics involved but it's on the lighter side making this standalone book in an interconnected series a fast read.
Jacinth or Jac is a elf who has been on the run since a devasting attack that killed her entire family. She has lived on the streets stealing to stay alive. When a job goes wrong she finds herself at the mercy of the Ruby Court. To save her life she must represent the Ruby Court in the upcoming Diamond Marriage Trials for the High King or she will die. Jac is a dynamic FMC who has deep emotional scars from her past. Despite that she yearns for family, friends and a place to feel connected. She might be representing Ruby court but others can't help gravitating toward her heart of gold- her loyalty runs deep with courts who have no trust.
The MMC is Azurill and I enjoyed the chapters from his POV. He is put between a rock and a hard place hosting a marriage trial he doesn't want. However he is specifically drawn to Jac though he knows he can't trust her as she is from the enemy Ruby Court.
Through the marriage trials Jac and Azurill unravel her past and learn to trust each other, as the real enemies soon come knocking at their door....along with many lush descriptions of the court and dresses/ gemstones that will have your reeling.
Definitely add this novel to your TBR. For those who love the Bridgeton vibes but with some magic this will be incredible appealing. I can't wait for book 2!
Tropes:
-Marriage trials
- One sided enemies to lovers
- Vengeance
-Hidden identities
-Touch her/ him and die
- Standalone Interconnected series
February 10, 2026
💎 Gem-Based Magic System
🎭 Hidden Identity
👑 Deadly Royal Court Politics
💍 Marriage Trials for the Crown
🗡️ Revenge-Driven FMC
🫶 Found Family Feels
👀 Powerful King with Depth
💔➡️❤️ Emotional Growth Through Connection
🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝐎𝐟 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 completely pulled me in. I loved getting swept up in Jacinth’s carefully constructed plot for ultimate revenge - and even more, watching her unravel just a little when the truths she’s clung to start feeling… questionable. That slow creep of doubt made her journey feel raw and compelling.
The gem magic system is a standout. The way magic is tied to specific gems and their corresponding courts felt fresh, well thought out, and deeply woven into the worldbuilding rather than just existing for flair. It gave the kingdom real texture and stakes.
Jac’s found family absolutely stole my heart. Seeing her form genuine connections, allow herself to trust, and build bonds that go beyond survival added so much emotional depth to the story. Those relationships grounded her in a way that balanced her sharp edge perfectly.
The competitive trials to win King Azurill’s hand in marriage were fantastic, especially because so many of them weren’t just about strength or cleverness, but about revealing character. Watching the trials expose who Jac truly is as a woman made them feel meaningful rather than performative.
And the tension? Immaculate. The chemistry between Azurill and Jac was top tier: charged, layered, and impossible to ignore. Every interaction crackled with just the right mix of power, vulnerability, and restraint.
Overall, this was a gripping, emotionally satisfying read with strong worldbuilding, memorable characters, and a romance that hits just right. I can’t wait to see what’s next for this kingdom💎.
Special thanks to the author for the gifted copy 💕
🎭 Hidden Identity
👑 Deadly Royal Court Politics
💍 Marriage Trials for the Crown
🗡️ Revenge-Driven FMC
🫶 Found Family Feels
👀 Powerful King with Depth
💔➡️❤️ Emotional Growth Through Connection
🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝐎𝐟 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 completely pulled me in. I loved getting swept up in Jacinth’s carefully constructed plot for ultimate revenge - and even more, watching her unravel just a little when the truths she’s clung to start feeling… questionable. That slow creep of doubt made her journey feel raw and compelling.
The gem magic system is a standout. The way magic is tied to specific gems and their corresponding courts felt fresh, well thought out, and deeply woven into the worldbuilding rather than just existing for flair. It gave the kingdom real texture and stakes.
Jac’s found family absolutely stole my heart. Seeing her form genuine connections, allow herself to trust, and build bonds that go beyond survival added so much emotional depth to the story. Those relationships grounded her in a way that balanced her sharp edge perfectly.
The competitive trials to win King Azurill’s hand in marriage were fantastic, especially because so many of them weren’t just about strength or cleverness, but about revealing character. Watching the trials expose who Jac truly is as a woman made them feel meaningful rather than performative.
And the tension? Immaculate. The chemistry between Azurill and Jac was top tier: charged, layered, and impossible to ignore. Every interaction crackled with just the right mix of power, vulnerability, and restraint.
Overall, this was a gripping, emotionally satisfying read with strong worldbuilding, memorable characters, and a romance that hits just right. I can’t wait to see what’s next for this kingdom💎.
Special thanks to the author for the gifted copy 💕
February 20, 2026
💎 Cut to kill. Polished to break 💎
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Even diamonds fracture under the right pressure — and I was tired of pretending I was unbreakable."
From its glittering first page, Of Diamonds and Vengeance sunk its claws in deep and refused to let go. Gemaria is a kingdom built on brilliance and brutality — every surface faceted, every smile sharp. Jacinth is its perfect contradiction: a street thief with diamond-hard grief, living only for vengeance. When she’s coerced into the Diamond Queen Competition — a spectacle of lethal trials, political seduction and glittering cruelty — her mission is simple: win High King Azurill's hand, then kill him. Except nothing is that simple.
Fallon delivers everything she promises — gem magic that hums with danger, alchemy that feels visceral and real, salacious court politics, assassination attempts that left me breathless — but it’s the emotional fractures that cut the deepest. Jacinth’s rage is righteous, her vulnerability hard-won. Watching her armour crack under the weight of truth, desire and doubt was utterly intoxicating. And Azurill? He is disarming in ways that feel dangerous. Their chemistry is a slow, smouldering betrayal — of plans, of prejudice, of the carefully curated lies Jacinth has wrapped around herself like softly flowing silk.
The trials are decadent and vicious, the dances electric, the tension razor-sharp. Yet beneath all the glitter, this is a story about identity, grief and the cost of vengeance. About what happens when the monster you’ve sworn to kill looks at you like salvation, and you recognise yourself in their eyes.
This is Romantasy at its most indulgent and emotionally layered — dramatic, dangerous, and deliciously romantic. I didn’t just read it. I devoured it.
Verdict: A dazzling, dagger-laced five-star triumph that proves revenge may glitter… but love cuts far deeper.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Even diamonds fracture under the right pressure — and I was tired of pretending I was unbreakable."
From its glittering first page, Of Diamonds and Vengeance sunk its claws in deep and refused to let go. Gemaria is a kingdom built on brilliance and brutality — every surface faceted, every smile sharp. Jacinth is its perfect contradiction: a street thief with diamond-hard grief, living only for vengeance. When she’s coerced into the Diamond Queen Competition — a spectacle of lethal trials, political seduction and glittering cruelty — her mission is simple: win High King Azurill's hand, then kill him. Except nothing is that simple.
Fallon delivers everything she promises — gem magic that hums with danger, alchemy that feels visceral and real, salacious court politics, assassination attempts that left me breathless — but it’s the emotional fractures that cut the deepest. Jacinth’s rage is righteous, her vulnerability hard-won. Watching her armour crack under the weight of truth, desire and doubt was utterly intoxicating. And Azurill? He is disarming in ways that feel dangerous. Their chemistry is a slow, smouldering betrayal — of plans, of prejudice, of the carefully curated lies Jacinth has wrapped around herself like softly flowing silk.
The trials are decadent and vicious, the dances electric, the tension razor-sharp. Yet beneath all the glitter, this is a story about identity, grief and the cost of vengeance. About what happens when the monster you’ve sworn to kill looks at you like salvation, and you recognise yourself in their eyes.
This is Romantasy at its most indulgent and emotionally layered — dramatic, dangerous, and deliciously romantic. I didn’t just read it. I devoured it.
Verdict: A dazzling, dagger-laced five-star triumph that proves revenge may glitter… but love cuts far deeper.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much to the author for allowing me to read this story through an advanced copy! I read her first book and enjoyed it so much that I applied to be an ARC Reader for this new series.
This is a tense and easy-to-read romantasy with dual POV that’s soaked in royal intrigue, messy politics, and plenty of danger.
This is the first book in a trilogy with dual POV, hidden identities, and sinister plots. The constant “something is about to go wrong” feeling kept me turning the page and had me devouring this book.
The gem-based magic system is visually stunning, though a bit hard to fully understand. We also get trials to determine who should become queen. It’s very Bachelor-coded, but make it fae, elves, humans… and lethal. Everyone is lying, everyone has an agenda, and several of the twists genuinely caught me off guard.
Our FMC has survived something truly awful before the story begins, and you can feel her trying to find her footing while being thrust into this high-stakes political arena. There’s real growth here showing strength and vulnerability. And of course, there’s tension, yearning, and romance throughout (with nicknames!).
Alongside the romance, there’s a lot of mystery and manipulation so that you’re constantly questioning who to trust, what’s real, and who is actually pulling the strings.
If you love fantasy romance with political intrigue, dangerous secrets, and that edge-of-your-seat atmosphere where you just know things are about to explode, this is a very solid start to a series.
And if you’ve already read Of Darkness and Ruination, this takes place in the same world but on a different continent, so you don’t need to read that series first to enjoy this one.
This is a tense and easy-to-read romantasy with dual POV that’s soaked in royal intrigue, messy politics, and plenty of danger.
This is the first book in a trilogy with dual POV, hidden identities, and sinister plots. The constant “something is about to go wrong” feeling kept me turning the page and had me devouring this book.
The gem-based magic system is visually stunning, though a bit hard to fully understand. We also get trials to determine who should become queen. It’s very Bachelor-coded, but make it fae, elves, humans… and lethal. Everyone is lying, everyone has an agenda, and several of the twists genuinely caught me off guard.
Our FMC has survived something truly awful before the story begins, and you can feel her trying to find her footing while being thrust into this high-stakes political arena. There’s real growth here showing strength and vulnerability. And of course, there’s tension, yearning, and romance throughout (with nicknames!).
Alongside the romance, there’s a lot of mystery and manipulation so that you’re constantly questioning who to trust, what’s real, and who is actually pulling the strings.
If you love fantasy romance with political intrigue, dangerous secrets, and that edge-of-your-seat atmosphere where you just know things are about to explode, this is a very solid start to a series.
And if you’ve already read Of Darkness and Ruination, this takes place in the same world but on a different continent, so you don’t need to read that series first to enjoy this one.
February 5, 2026
This is my first book by this author and I went in completely blind and had the best time! I will soon be reading the series before this book!
I wanna do this review justice but I feel I’m struggling to find the right words to say how amazing this story, characters and world is. It’s unlike anything I’ve read before with the courts/characters being based off of gems and their beautiful colors.
It made the story very immersive and so fun to read and had me enjoying it that much more! I want every outfit Jac wears and her pink hair!
I loved the marriage competition being played out with unique trials that kept me turning the page. Think bachelor romantasy with trials you haven’t read before that show one’s true heart and character. The last trial had me tearing up 🥹
I liked Azurill right away. He’s your sweet charming golden retriever MMC that has a “dark” side to him that I ate up when it came out.
Jac is one of my favorite FMC now. I love her heart and mind. She’s everything you want in a fmc and it was so bittersweet watching her make friends and find herself in the trials and getting to find love after everything she’s been through.
There’s only one thing that didn’t work for me and it’s a personal one. I struggle with names and saying them correctly and almost every name in this sounded like gibberish in my head as I was reading so for the longest time I didn’t connect with a lot of the side characters as much as I would’ve liked to.
It may seem silly but it kept me from fully connecting and being more in the story with all of the characters.
Overall this was amazing and I can’t wait to read the other series and of course continue the next interconnected books in this series as well!
I wanna do this review justice but I feel I’m struggling to find the right words to say how amazing this story, characters and world is. It’s unlike anything I’ve read before with the courts/characters being based off of gems and their beautiful colors.
It made the story very immersive and so fun to read and had me enjoying it that much more! I want every outfit Jac wears and her pink hair!
I loved the marriage competition being played out with unique trials that kept me turning the page. Think bachelor romantasy with trials you haven’t read before that show one’s true heart and character. The last trial had me tearing up 🥹
I liked Azurill right away. He’s your sweet charming golden retriever MMC that has a “dark” side to him that I ate up when it came out.
Jac is one of my favorite FMC now. I love her heart and mind. She’s everything you want in a fmc and it was so bittersweet watching her make friends and find herself in the trials and getting to find love after everything she’s been through.
There’s only one thing that didn’t work for me and it’s a personal one. I struggle with names and saying them correctly and almost every name in this sounded like gibberish in my head as I was reading so for the longest time I didn’t connect with a lot of the side characters as much as I would’ve liked to.
It may seem silly but it kept me from fully connecting and being more in the story with all of the characters.
Overall this was amazing and I can’t wait to read the other series and of course continue the next interconnected books in this series as well!
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