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Dark Queen's Gambit
508 pages, Paperback
Published April 7, 2026
About the author
Michelle Rabe
9 books40 followersA lifelong California girl, Michelle Rabe tried the Hollywood thing but decided she preferred an author's den to the actor's trailer. She now lives in the Phoenix Arizona area with her somewhat unhelpful author cat. If you can't find her in a cemetery with her camera or throwing paint on canvases in her loft you can find her online at: www.authormichellerabe.com
or connect with her on social media by searching for Author Michelle Rabe on Facebook or MichRabe on Instagram or Threads. If you still can’t find her… check Disneyland, she’s probably there.
or connect with her on social media by searching for Author Michelle Rabe on Facebook or MichRabe on Instagram or Threads. If you still can’t find her… check Disneyland, she’s probably there.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 8, 2026
Dark Queen’s Gambit is a 4‑star, deliciously vicious finale that reminds you exactly why Dark Fey should never be trusted with power, husbands, or anything sharp enough to cause an international incident. Katia Rhys is in full unhinged‑queen mode — petty, possessive, ruthless, and absolutely done with sharing anything that breathes in her direction.
Her husband Killian?
Hers.
Her throne?
Hers.
Her heir?
Also, hers.
Her moral compass?
Long dead, buried, and probably set on fire for good measure.
The entire plot is Katia deciding that Serena NicArryan — the Dragon Fey queen bonded to Killian — is one obstacle too many. And when Katia decides something? The universe just has to cope. Her cruelty is sharp, strategic, and wrapped in that chilling Dark Fey elegance that makes you go, “Wow, she’s awful… but she’s also kind of iconic.”
And here’s the kicker:
I didn’t even realise this was book FOUR until I was nearly finished.
So now I’m morally obligated to go back and read the first three like a gremlin retracing their chaos steps.
Even without the earlier books, the tension hits, the magic slaps, and the emotional stakes feel like a dragon tail to the ribs. As a finale, it lands with that perfect mix of chaos, consequence, and dark‑fantasy satisfaction.
A 4‑star, wicked, dramatic, power‑hungry conclusion that gives Katia the spotlight she deserves — and the destruction she was always destined to cause.
Her husband Killian?
Hers.
Her throne?
Hers.
Her heir?
Also, hers.
Her moral compass?
Long dead, buried, and probably set on fire for good measure.
The entire plot is Katia deciding that Serena NicArryan — the Dragon Fey queen bonded to Killian — is one obstacle too many. And when Katia decides something? The universe just has to cope. Her cruelty is sharp, strategic, and wrapped in that chilling Dark Fey elegance that makes you go, “Wow, she’s awful… but she’s also kind of iconic.”
And here’s the kicker:
I didn’t even realise this was book FOUR until I was nearly finished.
So now I’m morally obligated to go back and read the first three like a gremlin retracing their chaos steps.
Even without the earlier books, the tension hits, the magic slaps, and the emotional stakes feel like a dragon tail to the ribs. As a finale, it lands with that perfect mix of chaos, consequence, and dark‑fantasy satisfaction.
A 4‑star, wicked, dramatic, power‑hungry conclusion that gives Katia the spotlight she deserves — and the destruction she was always destined to cause.
April 14, 2026
3 – 3.5 Stars
Dark Queen's Gambit is the fourth book in The Dragon Fey Saga by Michelle Rabe - continuing the Dragon Fey Saga series that began in Book #1. I have plunged into this series, accidentally diving in at the back end, which made for a bit of confusion, and leaving me somewhat adrift for some time while I ‘felt’ my way around the characters, backstory, overarching storyline, and other pertinent information which must have been provided in the previous instalments. There is no ‘recap’ to catch readers up on what has previously transpired – and if I had realised sooner, I would have read the previous books first, before diving into this instalment. I definitely think this should not be read as a standalone, and highly recommend reading the previous books before embarking on this one, as I think that having all that (previous storyline/s) information on board would help you to better understand and appreciate this instalment.
This is an intense fantasy – with all the ingredients that I normally look for in a great read – plus an undercurrent of a ruthless pursuit of love, power, and control. As mentioned, I did have trouble finding my groove with this book, and that made it difficult to connect with the characters and invest in them and their story. I really think that has a lot to do with me not having read the previous books – so I will definitely be going back and reading the series right from the beginning and hope that everything comes together here for me. So, stay tuned.
Happy Reading…
Dark Queen's Gambit is the fourth book in The Dragon Fey Saga by Michelle Rabe - continuing the Dragon Fey Saga series that began in Book #1. I have plunged into this series, accidentally diving in at the back end, which made for a bit of confusion, and leaving me somewhat adrift for some time while I ‘felt’ my way around the characters, backstory, overarching storyline, and other pertinent information which must have been provided in the previous instalments. There is no ‘recap’ to catch readers up on what has previously transpired – and if I had realised sooner, I would have read the previous books first, before diving into this instalment. I definitely think this should not be read as a standalone, and highly recommend reading the previous books before embarking on this one, as I think that having all that (previous storyline/s) information on board would help you to better understand and appreciate this instalment.
This is an intense fantasy – with all the ingredients that I normally look for in a great read – plus an undercurrent of a ruthless pursuit of love, power, and control. As mentioned, I did have trouble finding my groove with this book, and that made it difficult to connect with the characters and invest in them and their story. I really think that has a lot to do with me not having read the previous books – so I will definitely be going back and reading the series right from the beginning and hope that everything comes together here for me. So, stay tuned.
Happy Reading…
May 9, 2026
Dark Queen’s Gambit was dark, dramatic, and honestly just fun. The queen is fierce and clever, the twists come fast, and the banter had me smiling. It’s sharp, magical, and a little unhinged in the best way; the kind of quick, addictive read that keeps you turning pages.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews