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Blood of Kings: Legends #5
Queen of Reckoning: Blood of Kings: Legends
Mandzee Hamartano has her crown—but barely. The new queen of Jaelport rules a city on the edge of revolt, bound by a treaty she didn’t want with a king she doesn’t trust. Every reform she dares to make earns her another enemy. And she’s already running out of friends.
The last person she needs walking through her gates is Lovell Dunn—King Gidon’s royal envoy, devastatingly charming, and predisposed to distrust every mage he’s ever met. She throws him in a dungeon. He talks his way out. She offers him a tunnel out of the city. He refuses to leave.
When dark forces inside the city align with a threat she never saw coming, Mandzee must navigate a deadly mage tournament, a treacherous brother returned from the grave, and a half-blind envoy who sees more clearly than anyone around her. If she’s going to save her kingdom, she’ll need to trust him—and maybe even trust the God he serves.
But in a city built on power and magic, falling for the one man immune to both might be the most dangerous thing she’s ever done.
For fans of Shari L. Tapscott and faith-forward fantasy romance, Queen of Reckoning delivers enemies-to-more slow burn, political intrigue, and a romance worth fighting for.
The last person she needs walking through her gates is Lovell Dunn—King Gidon’s royal envoy, devastatingly charming, and predisposed to distrust every mage he’s ever met. She throws him in a dungeon. He talks his way out. She offers him a tunnel out of the city. He refuses to leave.
When dark forces inside the city align with a threat she never saw coming, Mandzee must navigate a deadly mage tournament, a treacherous brother returned from the grave, and a half-blind envoy who sees more clearly than anyone around her. If she’s going to save her kingdom, she’ll need to trust him—and maybe even trust the God he serves.
But in a city built on power and magic, falling for the one man immune to both might be the most dangerous thing she’s ever done.
For fans of Shari L. Tapscott and faith-forward fantasy romance, Queen of Reckoning delivers enemies-to-more slow burn, political intrigue, and a romance worth fighting for.
390 pages, Paperback
Published June 23, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 22, 2026
Wow. This no spice Christian romantic fantasy was intense. After I picked the book up, I could not put it back down. I completely binged this novel in one night. It is by far my favorite of the series.
Mandzee is the queen of Jaelport. Jaelport is filled with magic and spells and the worship of false gods. Having created a treaty with the Christian king in a previous book, an envoy (Lovell) has been sent to check on whether the requirements are being met.
Mandzee is surrounded by a country resistant to her leadership, one firmly entrenched in their pagan way of life, highly resistant to Christianity, with danger around every corner. When challenged, she opts to compete in a mage tournament to prove that she deserves to rule them. She is surrounded by traitors and betrayal, with political intrigue around every corner.
Lovell is half-blind, but that doesn’t keep these enemies from responding to their forced proximity. This book had a lot to do with spells, a journey to Christ, redemption, and a strong theme of darkness and spiritual warfare. This was an intense and creative addition to this series. The romance is just kisses, intimacy level 2.
TW: Spells, Spirits, Murder, Injuries, Spiritual Warfare
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Mandzee is the queen of Jaelport. Jaelport is filled with magic and spells and the worship of false gods. Having created a treaty with the Christian king in a previous book, an envoy (Lovell) has been sent to check on whether the requirements are being met.
Mandzee is surrounded by a country resistant to her leadership, one firmly entrenched in their pagan way of life, highly resistant to Christianity, with danger around every corner. When challenged, she opts to compete in a mage tournament to prove that she deserves to rule them. She is surrounded by traitors and betrayal, with political intrigue around every corner.
Lovell is half-blind, but that doesn’t keep these enemies from responding to their forced proximity. This book had a lot to do with spells, a journey to Christ, redemption, and a strong theme of darkness and spiritual warfare. This was an intense and creative addition to this series. The romance is just kisses, intimacy level 2.
TW: Spells, Spirits, Murder, Injuries, Spiritual Warfare
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 22, 2026
Y'all, being an ARC reader is one of the most fun things ever. Having the opportunity to read and review books in advance to their wide release is something younger me never dreamed was even a thing, let alone that little ol' me would be able to do it. And honestly? I love reading the Blood of Kings: Legends books, and this one I enjoyed SO MUCH. From the very beginning I fell in love with Mandzee's pluck and Lovell's wit. They are a rakish pair that are pretty impossible not to love and stand behind—especially with everything they go through over the course of the story.
Because, friends, they go through A LOT. One of my favorite things about this expanded BoK world is the depth with which we get to explore the different places and peoples that populate it. There is a rich (if not unsavory, which it kind of is) culture in the kingdom of Jaelport that gives a depth of meaning and severity to the stakes of what's going on during this new and tenuous alliance with the Armanites.
But not only is the story steeped in magic and mystery and dangerous competitions with traitors and treason lurking the shadows. It's a story of fragile hearts learning to trust again. Of the power of Truth and Light and Goodness and the very active hand of the Living God in the the workings of the world. Of burgeoning faith and lives transformed and renewed.
I was thoroughly engrossed from the first chapter and laughed, gasped, nail-bit, cackled, cheered, and raced through the action, retorts, unfolding schemes, and even the kissing to a wild and exciting end!
Because, friends, they go through A LOT. One of my favorite things about this expanded BoK world is the depth with which we get to explore the different places and peoples that populate it. There is a rich (if not unsavory, which it kind of is) culture in the kingdom of Jaelport that gives a depth of meaning and severity to the stakes of what's going on during this new and tenuous alliance with the Armanites.
But not only is the story steeped in magic and mystery and dangerous competitions with traitors and treason lurking the shadows. It's a story of fragile hearts learning to trust again. Of the power of Truth and Light and Goodness and the very active hand of the Living God in the the workings of the world. Of burgeoning faith and lives transformed and renewed.
I was thoroughly engrossed from the first chapter and laughed, gasped, nail-bit, cackled, cheered, and raced through the action, retorts, unfolding schemes, and even the kissing to a wild and exciting end!
June 24, 2026
Queen of Reckoning
Blood of Kings: Legends #5
Jill Williamson presents Kelly Fernlake
I love that the Blood of Kings series has this engaging spinoff series to delve into. And the fifth book, Queen of Reckoning, does not disappoint. In this book, we return to Jaelport as Mandzee Hamartano tries to maintain her role as queen, but her treaty with King Gidon is viewed unfavorably by her people.
Worse, her tenure seems doomed to be short. When Lovell Dunn shows up early in her role as a royal envoy, things become even more volatile as her connections with Armonguard are brought once again into focus.
With her worthiness and abilities called into question, Mandzee feels she must compete in an annual tournament to earn her people's trust as ruler. But the tournament could be the very thing that brings down her rule and shortens her life. With threats surrounding her, Mandzee might have to rely on Lovell Dunn to help her discover who is targeting her and why.
Lovell has the unique ability to thoroughly annoy Mandzee, but all he's trying to do is make sure she is following the terms of the treaty she signed, keep her safe, charm her, and leave Jaelport as soon as possible. Though why he has to charm her, he's not sure. It certainly has nothing to do with saving her life previously or thinking about her a lot. Nope, it is just part of his personality. Umhum, right. Nothing else.
Queen of Reckoning is so good. I love how Mandzee is working through the best way to rule. Does she follow the examples of the queens who came before, including her mother? Delving into the magic that steals a piece of her soul little by little with each spell? Or does she instead turn to her new knowledge of Armon and learn from Lovell?
This is, at its heart, a book about heart and trust. Will this be a new beginning to something better in Jaelport? Or will they fall deeper into the darkness that is already consuming them?
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Blood of Kings: Legends #5
Jill Williamson presents Kelly Fernlake
I love that the Blood of Kings series has this engaging spinoff series to delve into. And the fifth book, Queen of Reckoning, does not disappoint. In this book, we return to Jaelport as Mandzee Hamartano tries to maintain her role as queen, but her treaty with King Gidon is viewed unfavorably by her people.
Worse, her tenure seems doomed to be short. When Lovell Dunn shows up early in her role as a royal envoy, things become even more volatile as her connections with Armonguard are brought once again into focus.
With her worthiness and abilities called into question, Mandzee feels she must compete in an annual tournament to earn her people's trust as ruler. But the tournament could be the very thing that brings down her rule and shortens her life. With threats surrounding her, Mandzee might have to rely on Lovell Dunn to help her discover who is targeting her and why.
Lovell has the unique ability to thoroughly annoy Mandzee, but all he's trying to do is make sure she is following the terms of the treaty she signed, keep her safe, charm her, and leave Jaelport as soon as possible. Though why he has to charm her, he's not sure. It certainly has nothing to do with saving her life previously or thinking about her a lot. Nope, it is just part of his personality. Umhum, right. Nothing else.
Queen of Reckoning is so good. I love how Mandzee is working through the best way to rule. Does she follow the examples of the queens who came before, including her mother? Delving into the magic that steals a piece of her soul little by little with each spell? Or does she instead turn to her new knowledge of Armon and learn from Lovell?
This is, at its heart, a book about heart and trust. Will this be a new beginning to something better in Jaelport? Or will they fall deeper into the darkness that is already consuming them?
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.
June 23, 2026
Queen of Reckoning by Jill Williamson and Kelly Fernlake is a thrilling adventure that echoes the excitement of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The book's rapid pacing and dialogue-heavy nature immediately captivated me, thanks to its outstanding world-building. As someone who has visited Er'retz in prior books, I appreciated this new story on Jaelport's happenings during the queen's current rule.
I found her playful exchanges with Lovell to be both amusing and charged with an undeniable romantic energy. Mandzee and Lovell were a wonderfully frustrating and entertaining pair, perfectly suited for each other. I was most captivated by the evolution of their relationship, a journey that started in an earlier narrative. Lovell’s dry wit and sarcasm added to his charm only because of his hidden heroic streak. (Don’t get me started on his ‘friendship’ with the queen’s eunuch!) The male characters in this woman-dominant world were great.
I fully enjoyed the suspense inherent in the competition aspect of the story and the undercurrent of betrayal between the mages. The mystery kept me guessing, leaving me with questions until the final moments. The element of surprise in the form of a who-dun-it turned out to be a welcome and pleasant change. At first, I found the story's spiritual warfare element chillingly vivid in a disturbing way. Yet, it was artfully restrained and enhanced the redemption arc with a powerful literary punch. The concluding part of the story added beautiful, layered takeaways to the Armor of God scriptures. This book can be read on its own, but readers who have been immersed in this fantasy world will definitely get more out of it.
I received a complimentary copy from the author but was not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I found her playful exchanges with Lovell to be both amusing and charged with an undeniable romantic energy. Mandzee and Lovell were a wonderfully frustrating and entertaining pair, perfectly suited for each other. I was most captivated by the evolution of their relationship, a journey that started in an earlier narrative. Lovell’s dry wit and sarcasm added to his charm only because of his hidden heroic streak. (Don’t get me started on his ‘friendship’ with the queen’s eunuch!) The male characters in this woman-dominant world were great.
I fully enjoyed the suspense inherent in the competition aspect of the story and the undercurrent of betrayal between the mages. The mystery kept me guessing, leaving me with questions until the final moments. The element of surprise in the form of a who-dun-it turned out to be a welcome and pleasant change. At first, I found the story's spiritual warfare element chillingly vivid in a disturbing way. Yet, it was artfully restrained and enhanced the redemption arc with a powerful literary punch. The concluding part of the story added beautiful, layered takeaways to the Armor of God scriptures. This book can be read on its own, but readers who have been immersed in this fantasy world will definitely get more out of it.
I received a complimentary copy from the author but was not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Wow! I think I just stepped off the wildest roller-coaster ride of emotions! Queen of Reckoning delivers all the palace intrigues we've come to expect from the Blood of Kings: Legends and then upped the game. Queen of Reckoning is a deep dive into the kingdom of Jaelport as we watch Mandzee Hamartano, now queen of Jaelport, begin to establish her reign.
My dislike for Jaelportian magery and magic hasn't changed, but this time we're getting to view the kingdom of Jaelport through Mandzee's eyes. She's facing one major uphill battle to gain control of her kingdom. Lovell Dunn, is sent as envoy from King Gidon to ensure that Jaelport is keeping the peace treaty that was negotiated. However, Lovell is facing his own uphill battle against impending blindness and his confidence and self-worth are wavering.
This is where the story gained traction and major points for me. We have two flawed main characters, one a believer in Arman and one not, who are both wrestling with doubts, questions, and faith. Both Lovell and Mandzee felt relatable and I genuinely rooted for them. The author beautifully wove the truth of the Bible into the story without becoming preachy. Rather, it felt natural to discover what Mandzee was learning, and see how it has the power to affect and change lives. There's a lot of darkness in this story. At times it was hard to keep going because there's an ick and creep factor to it. It's the moments when the Light breaks through and you see Arman still at work that pulled it all together for me. I came away from the story so grateful for the love of God towards humanity. And I came away with hope for the world we live in. Well done!
I did receive an eARC of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
My dislike for Jaelportian magery and magic hasn't changed, but this time we're getting to view the kingdom of Jaelport through Mandzee's eyes. She's facing one major uphill battle to gain control of her kingdom. Lovell Dunn, is sent as envoy from King Gidon to ensure that Jaelport is keeping the peace treaty that was negotiated. However, Lovell is facing his own uphill battle against impending blindness and his confidence and self-worth are wavering.
This is where the story gained traction and major points for me. We have two flawed main characters, one a believer in Arman and one not, who are both wrestling with doubts, questions, and faith. Both Lovell and Mandzee felt relatable and I genuinely rooted for them. The author beautifully wove the truth of the Bible into the story without becoming preachy. Rather, it felt natural to discover what Mandzee was learning, and see how it has the power to affect and change lives. There's a lot of darkness in this story. At times it was hard to keep going because there's an ick and creep factor to it. It's the moments when the Light breaks through and you see Arman still at work that pulled it all together for me. I came away from the story so grateful for the love of God towards humanity. And I came away with hope for the world we live in. Well done!
I did receive an eARC of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Wow! Amazing imagery, tense magical action, and sweet romantic moments. This makes a compelling tale. All the books in the Blood of Kings: Legends Series are captivating and full of adventure.
In this story, we are taken back to the city of Jaelport, where Mandzee Hamartano is trying to lead her people as best as she can after the long, hard reign of her mother’s tight hand. She knows she needs to show she is capable of being the leader they need, but so many things and individuals are still trying to make her fail. Some to the point of threatening her life. Will she be able to find out who they are, and can she survive?
One person she doesn’t realize can actually help her is someone she thinks is against her, but is he really? Who can she trust?
Lovell doesn’t want to be here, but he knows this is where his King wants him to be, so he’ll do his best to help bring peace to Er’Rets any way he can.
Evil forces are against them, but can the two find support in each other before it’s too late?
The series has taken me to a whole new world, and I don’t want to leave!
I truly enjoyed this book! It was the kind of book that held me and wouldn’t let me go. As I read, I found myself wanting to keep reading. From the cover to the last page, the book is packed with colorful images and engaging dialogue.
If you want to get lost in a magical world that will make your heart pound and you find it hard to breathe, then this is the book for you. I must warn you, once you start, you might not want to put it down until you finish the whole book!
I highly recommend you pick this book up!
In this story, we are taken back to the city of Jaelport, where Mandzee Hamartano is trying to lead her people as best as she can after the long, hard reign of her mother’s tight hand. She knows she needs to show she is capable of being the leader they need, but so many things and individuals are still trying to make her fail. Some to the point of threatening her life. Will she be able to find out who they are, and can she survive?
One person she doesn’t realize can actually help her is someone she thinks is against her, but is he really? Who can she trust?
Lovell doesn’t want to be here, but he knows this is where his King wants him to be, so he’ll do his best to help bring peace to Er’Rets any way he can.
Evil forces are against them, but can the two find support in each other before it’s too late?
The series has taken me to a whole new world, and I don’t want to leave!
I truly enjoyed this book! It was the kind of book that held me and wouldn’t let me go. As I read, I found myself wanting to keep reading. From the cover to the last page, the book is packed with colorful images and engaging dialogue.
If you want to get lost in a magical world that will make your heart pound and you find it hard to breathe, then this is the book for you. I must warn you, once you start, you might not want to put it down until you finish the whole book!
I highly recommend you pick this book up!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I LOVED this book!
I’m a sucker for trials and games and this book delivered. Along with the corruption surrounding the games and the political enemies there is so much going on and you can’t wait to see what’s next.
I loved the growth Mandzee showed throughout the book. From her questions about Arman to her breaking corrupt traditions knowing she would face opposition. I really enjoyed her compassion and trying to be a different kind of leader than what was before her. A moment with her that really stuck with me was when she was talking to Lovell about the looks of judgement she was met with from the believers of Arman and how she didn’t believe Arman could love or forgive her past due that.
Lovell was fun. I enjoyed his flirty comebacks and his interactions with Mandzee. Even though he was hesitant with her and didn’t agree with the dark magic her and the mages use he still protected her and was there for her during the tournament. The inclusion of his disability of losing his sight and then gaining a new one was amazingly done. I loved seeing the insight and the influence of the darkness in their practices. The way the gowzels and the demons were written was so well done and one of my favorite aspects of the book.
The strength of Mandzee to say I will not participate in the darkness and how it changed the course of her people was really inspiring. I barely scratched the surface on the events of this book. It’s intriguing, suspenseful, inspiring, and so much more.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the author but my review is my own thoughts and opinions on the book.
I’m a sucker for trials and games and this book delivered. Along with the corruption surrounding the games and the political enemies there is so much going on and you can’t wait to see what’s next.
I loved the growth Mandzee showed throughout the book. From her questions about Arman to her breaking corrupt traditions knowing she would face opposition. I really enjoyed her compassion and trying to be a different kind of leader than what was before her. A moment with her that really stuck with me was when she was talking to Lovell about the looks of judgement she was met with from the believers of Arman and how she didn’t believe Arman could love or forgive her past due that.
Lovell was fun. I enjoyed his flirty comebacks and his interactions with Mandzee. Even though he was hesitant with her and didn’t agree with the dark magic her and the mages use he still protected her and was there for her during the tournament. The inclusion of his disability of losing his sight and then gaining a new one was amazingly done. I loved seeing the insight and the influence of the darkness in their practices. The way the gowzels and the demons were written was so well done and one of my favorite aspects of the book.
The strength of Mandzee to say I will not participate in the darkness and how it changed the course of her people was really inspiring. I barely scratched the surface on the events of this book. It’s intriguing, suspenseful, inspiring, and so much more.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the author but my review is my own thoughts and opinions on the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2026
This Romantasy blew me away. Queen of Reckoning is the fifth book in the Blood of Kings: Legends series created by Jill Williamson, written by Kelly Fernlake.
Lovell has been sent to Jaelport by the King as an envoy to check in and make sure that the citizens are following the treaty. Though he has been dealing with some vision loss and is trying to navigate that. Jaelport is a pagan nation, and Er’Rets is a Christian nation. So, to make this treaty work, Jaelport needs to put away its pagan ways. Lovell is acquainted with Queen Mandzee. So when Lovell shows up, the Queen is taken aback.
Now this story does include spells and spirits. Which is typically not something I read, like at all. The way it was written is that Mandzee is the new Queen of Jaelport, and due to tradition, she feels pressured to let the mage games continue. Jaelport. She is on the journey to find Armon (who is the allegorical persona for God). So, Mandzee feels off about doing this, but to try to settle the unrest in her kingdom, she allows the games to continue. While the games are starting, she gets tricked into also partaking in the games herself.
The Mage games had an almost what I would think the Colosseum games felt like. Where the crowd is the one semi-driving the games, where there is great excitement. But the roots of the games are so dark. Mandzee is grappling with this decision, and when other contestants seem to be dying for no reason, there seems to be something darker going on. As she leans into her newfound faith, will she be able to overcome this spiritual warfare?
The enemies-to-lovers romance was no spice and great with kisses only.
The allegorical elements were great. I loved the included scripture and the look into some spiritual warfare elements.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Lovell has been sent to Jaelport by the King as an envoy to check in and make sure that the citizens are following the treaty. Though he has been dealing with some vision loss and is trying to navigate that. Jaelport is a pagan nation, and Er’Rets is a Christian nation. So, to make this treaty work, Jaelport needs to put away its pagan ways. Lovell is acquainted with Queen Mandzee. So when Lovell shows up, the Queen is taken aback.
Now this story does include spells and spirits. Which is typically not something I read, like at all. The way it was written is that Mandzee is the new Queen of Jaelport, and due to tradition, she feels pressured to let the mage games continue. Jaelport. She is on the journey to find Armon (who is the allegorical persona for God). So, Mandzee feels off about doing this, but to try to settle the unrest in her kingdom, she allows the games to continue. While the games are starting, she gets tricked into also partaking in the games herself.
The Mage games had an almost what I would think the Colosseum games felt like. Where the crowd is the one semi-driving the games, where there is great excitement. But the roots of the games are so dark. Mandzee is grappling with this decision, and when other contestants seem to be dying for no reason, there seems to be something darker going on. As she leans into her newfound faith, will she be able to overcome this spiritual warfare?
The enemies-to-lovers romance was no spice and great with kisses only.
The allegorical elements were great. I loved the included scripture and the look into some spiritual warfare elements.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
June 23, 2026
I enjoyed watching Mandzee and Lovell's relationship develop from wariness and reluctant cooperation, to playful banter and mutual respect. I love reading couples whose relationship develops into a solid friendship first before romance. Mandzee's journey towards faith in Arman and her struggle to let go of her old ways of life felt true and honest and I was glad the author decided to hold that tension as she developed the story.
I liked the way Mandzee slowly earned the respect of her people, though for a while I wasn't sure she would be able to with all the odds stacked against her! The honest approach of recognizing where each of her people were and leading them in a different direction by example and not with power moves was beautiful.
There was a point where I had to put the book down because Mandzee makes a choice that reeeeally irritated me and I admittedly lost a little bit of respect for her for a while. I was not sure she would be able to come back from it to be honest, BUT I am glad I picked it back up because the way the author used the consequences of that choice was an interesting twist for the story and other characters and it ended up working well for both. Overall it added to her character development and I appreciate well rounded characters.
Thankful to the author and Sunrise Publishing for the opportunity to review this series! I look forward with eager anticipation for the next volume!
I liked the way Mandzee slowly earned the respect of her people, though for a while I wasn't sure she would be able to with all the odds stacked against her! The honest approach of recognizing where each of her people were and leading them in a different direction by example and not with power moves was beautiful.
There was a point where I had to put the book down because Mandzee makes a choice that reeeeally irritated me and I admittedly lost a little bit of respect for her for a while. I was not sure she would be able to come back from it to be honest, BUT I am glad I picked it back up because the way the author used the consequences of that choice was an interesting twist for the story and other characters and it ended up working well for both. Overall it added to her character development and I appreciate well rounded characters.
Thankful to the author and Sunrise Publishing for the opportunity to review this series! I look forward with eager anticipation for the next volume!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Mandzee and Lovell make a sizzling duo!
I remember reading about Mandzee in the previous book and I wasn't sure what to think about her. To be honest, I, like Lovell, naturally assumed the Jaelportian women couldn't be trusted. However, after reading Mandzee and getting to know her, my heart softened toward a woman who was forced to be strong and calloused because of her society. The story develops as Mandzee tries to establish her authority as Queen, unable to trust anyone. Lovell also slowly develops an attraction to Mandzee and tries to protect her. As they fall in love, the mystery of who is trying to sabotage Mandzee's rule deepens and intensifies. It's an intense, page turning romance that reminded me why I loved Kelly's first collaboration with Jill. I enjoyed this book so much and I can't reveal anymore without spoilers. All I will say is that it's definitely worth reading! Christian themes and messages are woven throughout.
Content Warnings:
Semi descriptive kissing, spells and witchcraft, PG-13 level violence
I remember reading about Mandzee in the previous book and I wasn't sure what to think about her. To be honest, I, like Lovell, naturally assumed the Jaelportian women couldn't be trusted. However, after reading Mandzee and getting to know her, my heart softened toward a woman who was forced to be strong and calloused because of her society. The story develops as Mandzee tries to establish her authority as Queen, unable to trust anyone. Lovell also slowly develops an attraction to Mandzee and tries to protect her. As they fall in love, the mystery of who is trying to sabotage Mandzee's rule deepens and intensifies. It's an intense, page turning romance that reminded me why I loved Kelly's first collaboration with Jill. I enjoyed this book so much and I can't reveal anymore without spoilers. All I will say is that it's definitely worth reading! Christian themes and messages are woven throughout.
Content Warnings:
Semi descriptive kissing, spells and witchcraft, PG-13 level violence
June 15, 2026
Just like with the other books in the Blood of Kings: Legends series, I love that we get to follow side characters from the original trilogy.
Lovell and Mandzee’s story begins in Kelly Fernlake’s previous novel, Lady of Shadows (book three in the seris), and it’s so exciting to see what happens with them following the events of that book. I’ve always been a little intrigued by Jaelport’s culture, so it was fascinating to learn more about the ins and outs of their society, magic, and government.
The plot of this book centers around a magical tournament, which I also found really fun. While the characters mainly use “dark magic,” which is seen in a negative light throughout the series, it was interesting to see how Mandzee wrestles with her use of magic as she begins to believe in Arman as the one true God. I appreciate that Mandzee’s “conversion” does not come across cliche or cheesy like other Christian books can sometimes come across as. Kelly also does a good job with how she handles the connection between the magic and shadir (dark spirits).
This book has sweet romance, exciting moments of magic, lots of girl power, and tense moments of high action. If you’re looking for a no spice, romantasy that’s more fantasy than romance, this book is for you.
~Thank you to the publisher for providing an early digital copy in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.~
Lovell and Mandzee’s story begins in Kelly Fernlake’s previous novel, Lady of Shadows (book three in the seris), and it’s so exciting to see what happens with them following the events of that book. I’ve always been a little intrigued by Jaelport’s culture, so it was fascinating to learn more about the ins and outs of their society, magic, and government.
The plot of this book centers around a magical tournament, which I also found really fun. While the characters mainly use “dark magic,” which is seen in a negative light throughout the series, it was interesting to see how Mandzee wrestles with her use of magic as she begins to believe in Arman as the one true God. I appreciate that Mandzee’s “conversion” does not come across cliche or cheesy like other Christian books can sometimes come across as. Kelly also does a good job with how she handles the connection between the magic and shadir (dark spirits).
This book has sweet romance, exciting moments of magic, lots of girl power, and tense moments of high action. If you’re looking for a no spice, romantasy that’s more fantasy than romance, this book is for you.
~Thank you to the publisher for providing an early digital copy in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.~
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
In previous Blood of Kings spies books, I perceived Lovell Dunn and Mandzee Harmartano as villains, or at least characters I wouldn’t follow. Jill Williamson and Kelly Fernlake’s new book, Queen of Reckoning, opens in Mandzee’s point of view as she awaits her coronation as Queen of Jaelport. I chose to keep reading to see how the authors would portray these two main characters as heroes. The story quickly engaged me, setting the scene and encouraging me to be sympathetic to Lovell’s fading eyesight and orders from the king. Mandzee is also a likeable character, with trouble not of her own making following her at every turn. We have further reason to cheer for these characters when Lovell presents Mandzee with the king’s gift, the Book of Arman. Mandzee agrees to read some, and bright hope is infused into a world filled with dark magic. Queen of Reckoning invites readers to read, savor, share, and rejoice in its hope.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
OH!MY!WORD! Williamson and Fernlake have crafted an exquisite masterpiece! I was immediately immersed into the drama. Twists and turns kept me turning the pages. The battles are epic. The slow-burn romance is delicious! These characters will linger long after turning the final page.
Recommend to readers who enjoy fantasy.
DISCLAIMER: I received an advanced copy from the author. I am not required to write positive reviews. I received no monetary compensation. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Recommend to readers who enjoy fantasy.
DISCLAIMER: I received an advanced copy from the author. I am not required to write positive reviews. I received no monetary compensation. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I've wanted Jaelport to find the light since visiting there in the original Blood of Kings series.
Now they have a chance to be ruled by a queen who puts her people above herself. Mandzee is a healer, not a fighter, but she's going to have to fight for her throne.
This book explored the spiritual battle that's "behind the scenes" in what appears to be "magic" to others.
Lovell and Mandzee are likable characters and it was easy to root for them. Neither of them get an easy path to growth.
This is a page-turner and will keep you guessing about the "traitors" until the end.
Now they have a chance to be ruled by a queen who puts her people above herself. Mandzee is a healer, not a fighter, but she's going to have to fight for her throne.
This book explored the spiritual battle that's "behind the scenes" in what appears to be "magic" to others.
Lovell and Mandzee are likable characters and it was easy to root for them. Neither of them get an easy path to growth.
This is a page-turner and will keep you guessing about the "traitors" until the end.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Queen of Reckoning was an enthralling romantasy that has faith, enemies-to-more, forced proximity between a queen and an envoy, and a tournament with suspicious incidents and deaths. Who can be trusted? Who is behind the incidents at the tournament and why? The plot was engaging, drawing me straight into the story, and I couldn't put this novel down. I had to see how it all ended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 24, 2026
This was a fantastic fantasy with great characters, but the religious aspect gave more of a preachy feeling that previous books I've read and kind of took me out of the story. I wish I knew which book these two characters met in, because I felt like I missed out on their initial relationship before being reintroduced to each other here.
Review of advance copy received from Author
OK, I really love this story! I love the intrigue, as well as the change that comes about in so many different ways. And the characters too! And although it is fiction, it also shows how God can use even our weaknesses for His glory!
Thank you to the author for the advance e-copy of this book!
Thank you to the author for the advance e-copy of this book!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A fantastic enemies to lovers romantasy! A slow burn romance with all the tension!
I received an ARC from the publisher and all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the publisher and all opinions are my own.
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