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The Faceless Queen
Steal the face of the princess. Claim the heart of her prince. Don't fall in love.
Exiled after the death of her mother, the Queen of the Witches, Princess Samara was forced to hide as a dancer for years amongst her enemies in the Kingdom of Eskalon, a place where discovery means death.
But Samara can’t be found by the witches either. She was born cursed, an Azete, a faceless one. A kind of witch whose shapeshifting power depends upon stealing the lifeforce of others through touch.
Samara has feared her power ever since her mother’s death, barely daring to use it except to feed off the men she entertains, and only in order to keep up her disguise. But when a chimera attack on her tavern leaves her exposed, she’s brought back home to the current witch queen, and tasked with preventing a dangerous prophecy in exchange for forgiveness by the witches.
In Eskalon, the tyrant king’s son, newly betrothed to a foreign princess, will father a child with the power to destroy the witches forever–unless Samara stops it. To save herself and her people, she must steal the face of the princess, claim the heart of her prince, and bear the child of prophecy herself.
But the prince’s bed isn’t what she expected, and maintaining her stolen face requires enormous amounts of magic and power. With all eyes on her, and everything at stake, feeding becomes more dangerous by the day. Tensions are rising between warring factions vying for power. The kingdom is growing unstable as the prince’s political enemies close in, monstrous attacks by chimera terrorize the land, and Samara is in the center of it all.
But what’s even more dangerous to the mission is Samara falling in love with her enemy, a man who doesn’t know her true name, a man who has never seen her true face. Except when he dreams of a woman that looks just like her.
The closer she gets to the prince, the closer he gets to the truth of what she is. But her true face and power, the power she fears, may be the key to saving the man she loves, but only if she risks everything: her people, her life, and her heart.
The Faceless Queen, book 1 in a new romantasy duet is perfect for fans of In the Veins of the Drowning, Shield and Sparrow, and The Bridge Kingdom.
Exiled after the death of her mother, the Queen of the Witches, Princess Samara was forced to hide as a dancer for years amongst her enemies in the Kingdom of Eskalon, a place where discovery means death.
But Samara can’t be found by the witches either. She was born cursed, an Azete, a faceless one. A kind of witch whose shapeshifting power depends upon stealing the lifeforce of others through touch.
Samara has feared her power ever since her mother’s death, barely daring to use it except to feed off the men she entertains, and only in order to keep up her disguise. But when a chimera attack on her tavern leaves her exposed, she’s brought back home to the current witch queen, and tasked with preventing a dangerous prophecy in exchange for forgiveness by the witches.
In Eskalon, the tyrant king’s son, newly betrothed to a foreign princess, will father a child with the power to destroy the witches forever–unless Samara stops it. To save herself and her people, she must steal the face of the princess, claim the heart of her prince, and bear the child of prophecy herself.
But the prince’s bed isn’t what she expected, and maintaining her stolen face requires enormous amounts of magic and power. With all eyes on her, and everything at stake, feeding becomes more dangerous by the day. Tensions are rising between warring factions vying for power. The kingdom is growing unstable as the prince’s political enemies close in, monstrous attacks by chimera terrorize the land, and Samara is in the center of it all.
But what’s even more dangerous to the mission is Samara falling in love with her enemy, a man who doesn’t know her true name, a man who has never seen her true face. Except when he dreams of a woman that looks just like her.
The closer she gets to the prince, the closer he gets to the truth of what she is. But her true face and power, the power she fears, may be the key to saving the man she loves, but only if she risks everything: her people, her life, and her heart.
The Faceless Queen, book 1 in a new romantasy duet is perfect for fans of In the Veins of the Drowning, Shield and Sparrow, and The Bridge Kingdom.
499 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
after years on the run from her own kingdom, samara is forced to face her past. she has been hated for being a succubus that feeds on strong emotions of anyone she encounters, but especially those she loves for her whole life, especially after the death of her mother. forced to enter a blood oath, samara finds herself forced to use her shapeshifting powers to take down the kingdom who hunts for her, only to find out in order to do so she has to kill the only person she's felt safe with for years.
there's something about the way that frankie writes that maked you never want to put the book down. her characrers are complex, her magic systems are incredibly unique and the plot is something i've never come across before (in the best way possible).
oh and did i forget to mention how she writes the romantic relationship of her main characters? she's not crowned the slow burn queen for no reason. the mutual yearning, a dash of forbidden love and a massive amount of tension? absolute perfection.
the only thing i struggled with is the hinting of an element in the story being incredibly similar to an element in her other series. i'm hoping it's fleshed out enough a bit more in the second book to make it feel different.
on another note.. that ending made me want to scream into my pillow?? oh my god??
𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 ⋆˚࿔
only fitting to finish out arctember with one of my favorite authors upcoming new release. 😌
𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘦 𝘥. 𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘦-𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸. 💜
there's something about the way that frankie writes that maked you never want to put the book down. her characrers are complex, her magic systems are incredibly unique and the plot is something i've never come across before (in the best way possible).
oh and did i forget to mention how she writes the romantic relationship of her main characters? she's not crowned the slow burn queen for no reason. the mutual yearning, a dash of forbidden love and a massive amount of tension? absolute perfection.
the only thing i struggled with is the hinting of an element in the story being incredibly similar to an element in her other series. i'm hoping it's fleshed out enough a bit more in the second book to make it feel different.
on another note.. that ending made me want to scream into my pillow?? oh my god??
𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 ⋆˚࿔
only fitting to finish out arctember with one of my favorite authors upcoming new release. 😌
𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘦 𝘥. 𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘦-𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸. 💜
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Imagine being a succubus whose touch can literally drain the life from anyone who feels too strongly about you, including the people you love. Now imagine being hunted for it.
Our shapeshifting FMC has spent years running from a kingdom that wants her kind dead and her own people, while struggling with a power she cannot control and never wanted. Then along comes a strong, beautiful, and genuinely kind MMC who smells of spices and musk and is an absolute cinnamon roll for real.
And yet, am I the only one, who found the mysterious Hermit a little more intriguing?
When a prophecy threatens to bring another doom, she is forced into a political gamble that means hurting the very people she is desperately trying to save. Watching her navigate that impossible choice made for a captivating and often dark read.
There are some heavy themes here, so definitely check your trigger warnings, but the story completely pulled me in. And then came that ending.
That cliffhanger was brutal. I need the sequel.
Imagine being a succubus whose touch can literally drain the life from anyone who feels too strongly about you, including the people you love. Now imagine being hunted for it.
Our shapeshifting FMC has spent years running from a kingdom that wants her kind dead and her own people, while struggling with a power she cannot control and never wanted. Then along comes a strong, beautiful, and genuinely kind MMC who smells of spices and musk and is an absolute cinnamon roll for real.
And yet, am I the only one, who found the mysterious Hermit a little more intriguing?
When a prophecy threatens to bring another doom, she is forced into a political gamble that means hurting the very people she is desperately trying to save. Watching her navigate that impossible choice made for a captivating and often dark read.
There are some heavy themes here, so definitely check your trigger warnings, but the story completely pulled me in. And then came that ending.
That cliffhanger was brutal. I need the sequel.
September 20, 2026
Thank you to the author for the eARC. All my thoughts are my own.
**
I’m not sure if I finished this book or if it finished me. An absolute stunner of a story and I was left screaming when that final page made its twist known.
The story follows Samara, Sam, who is an Azete. In this world, Azete is a type of witch (a demonos) who can shapeshift and feeds off peoples emotions, shaving off time from their lifeline every time she feeds off them. The bigger the emotion, the grander the feast. But for Sam, her main goal isn’t to feed and leave the scene but she just wants to live a normal life. But when a chance encounter with two chimeras attacking the tavern she works in reveals her true nature to many people, Sam is forced to flee and she is found by her aunt, the Witch Queen. To pay penance for what happened years before, Sam needs to fulfill a blood oath and a prophecy. Throw in a handsome prince she needs for the prophecy and we got ourself a dark, intriguing story with plenty of political intrigue.
The story is quite dark, on-page and off (check out those CW’s, they are not a joke) and it’s hard to witness Sam face so many challenges and be brought down and stumble. But that is what I love about Frankie’s writing because her characters are put into impossible situations to and we see them struggle. They are not perfect but that actually makes them so beautiful as characters. I immediately fell in love with Sam and there were so many moments where I was just hoping that she would get out. And that’s not to say she’s a weak woman, she’s actually very strong and I loved seeing her battle things out, both physically and mentally. That girl is a powerhouse in the battlefield and off it!
The romance between Sam and the prince is so good. He’s truly a cinnamon roll and needs to be protected just as fiercely as he wants to protect everyone around him. There’s more than a few moments where I found myself absolutely melting over him and my heart aches for all the wrongs he has to face.
The cliffhanger in the book is brutal. BRUTAL I tell you. I honestly didn’t know this would happen and now I’m left reeling. When can I have book two, please? I neeeeeeed it. I need to know what happens next!
**
I’m not sure if I finished this book or if it finished me. An absolute stunner of a story and I was left screaming when that final page made its twist known.
The story follows Samara, Sam, who is an Azete. In this world, Azete is a type of witch (a demonos) who can shapeshift and feeds off peoples emotions, shaving off time from their lifeline every time she feeds off them. The bigger the emotion, the grander the feast. But for Sam, her main goal isn’t to feed and leave the scene but she just wants to live a normal life. But when a chance encounter with two chimeras attacking the tavern she works in reveals her true nature to many people, Sam is forced to flee and she is found by her aunt, the Witch Queen. To pay penance for what happened years before, Sam needs to fulfill a blood oath and a prophecy. Throw in a handsome prince she needs for the prophecy and we got ourself a dark, intriguing story with plenty of political intrigue.
The story is quite dark, on-page and off (check out those CW’s, they are not a joke) and it’s hard to witness Sam face so many challenges and be brought down and stumble. But that is what I love about Frankie’s writing because her characters are put into impossible situations to and we see them struggle. They are not perfect but that actually makes them so beautiful as characters. I immediately fell in love with Sam and there were so many moments where I was just hoping that she would get out. And that’s not to say she’s a weak woman, she’s actually very strong and I loved seeing her battle things out, both physically and mentally. That girl is a powerhouse in the battlefield and off it!
The romance between Sam and the prince is so good. He’s truly a cinnamon roll and needs to be protected just as fiercely as he wants to protect everyone around him. There’s more than a few moments where I found myself absolutely melting over him and my heart aches for all the wrongs he has to face.
The cliffhanger in the book is brutal. BRUTAL I tell you. I honestly didn’t know this would happen and now I’m left reeling. When can I have book two, please? I neeeeeeed it. I need to know what happens next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
OHHH where to even begin!!
I was in full spiral out mode, breaking out the string and everything! I could NOT SLEEP! I was SOOO excited when I started spotting certain connections. The worlds Frankie weaves are so intricate, the plot is so thought out—this is an author who KNOWS what she’s doing, and I am absolutely all in for it.
The MMC in this is a TRUE green flag. From the love and care he shows the FMC to the honor he displays in every facet of his life… just WOW. I need all men to be like this! And our FMC, Samara, is strong, capable, emotionally intelligent, incredibly self-aware, and just an absolute badass.
The romance in this is an ACTUAL romance. It’s a slow burn (but OH BOY IS IT COMPLICATED), with SO much tension.
In true Frankie fashion, I was white knuckling, heart racing and on the edge of my seat, the entire time! When I flipped the last page and it said “to be continued,” I SCREAMED! How I will survive until book 2, I have no clue.
I also love that Frankie tackles real world issues with no hesitation. She does this with incredible forethought, but she doesn’t soften anything to make it more palatable. She is the only author I’ve ever read who can approach such serious topics with such careful deliberation. There is so much thought behind every aspect.
Every single page, every single moment, I felt like I was right there with Sam and our MMC.
If you’re looking for a fast paced plot, characters that are complex and REAL, lore that will have you breaking out your detective skills, a green flag MMC, and an intelligent, strong FMC then do not walk, RUNNNN to read this!
I devoured this in 24 hours. Hands down, one of the best books I’ve ever read. I will literally read a grocery list from Frankie if that’s all she’s got. She writes the kind of stories and characters that make me toss every single thing aside and abandon life for. She will leave you gasping for breath and begging for more.
I gotta go see if I can get my jaw off of the floor.
Frankie is one of my favorite authors, so the chance to review this early is an absolute DREAM COME TRUE! Thank you SOOO MUCH!
I was in full spiral out mode, breaking out the string and everything! I could NOT SLEEP! I was SOOO excited when I started spotting certain connections. The worlds Frankie weaves are so intricate, the plot is so thought out—this is an author who KNOWS what she’s doing, and I am absolutely all in for it.
The MMC in this is a TRUE green flag. From the love and care he shows the FMC to the honor he displays in every facet of his life… just WOW. I need all men to be like this! And our FMC, Samara, is strong, capable, emotionally intelligent, incredibly self-aware, and just an absolute badass.
The romance in this is an ACTUAL romance. It’s a slow burn (but OH BOY IS IT COMPLICATED), with SO much tension.
In true Frankie fashion, I was white knuckling, heart racing and on the edge of my seat, the entire time! When I flipped the last page and it said “to be continued,” I SCREAMED! How I will survive until book 2, I have no clue.
I also love that Frankie tackles real world issues with no hesitation. She does this with incredible forethought, but she doesn’t soften anything to make it more palatable. She is the only author I’ve ever read who can approach such serious topics with such careful deliberation. There is so much thought behind every aspect.
Every single page, every single moment, I felt like I was right there with Sam and our MMC.
If you’re looking for a fast paced plot, characters that are complex and REAL, lore that will have you breaking out your detective skills, a green flag MMC, and an intelligent, strong FMC then do not walk, RUNNNN to read this!
I devoured this in 24 hours. Hands down, one of the best books I’ve ever read. I will literally read a grocery list from Frankie if that’s all she’s got. She writes the kind of stories and characters that make me toss every single thing aside and abandon life for. She will leave you gasping for breath and begging for more.
I gotta go see if I can get my jaw off of the floor.
Frankie is one of my favorite authors, so the chance to review this early is an absolute DREAM COME TRUE! Thank you SOOO MUCH!
Review of advance copy received from Author
My jaw is on the floor. Frankie has done it again with her immersive writing style and complex characters, The Faceless Queen, is another 5-star read from me.
This book left me feeling raw and emotional, but before I got there I was intrigued from page 1. I felt all the feelings we chase in a great Romantasy that leaves us yearning for more.
The absolute despair and gut wrenching discovery as the FMC has to continuously run from herself to only find the solitude of safety with a powerful, compassionate, and understanding male left me smitten.
The Faceless Queen is new and refreshing, but also mysterious and unfolds an underlying story that affects so many woman around the world with trauma that they themselves have endured or know of a close friend who has. The story that often gets shoved under the rug or discounted when spoken out about.
This story is not only one of pleasure, but of letting woman have a space to see a woman who has been plagued by such a traumatic experience.
A huge thank you to Frankie, for allowing me to read this incredible story before publication.
Also, if you love this one, which I know you will, check out her other standout, the Drowned Empire series.
This book left me feeling raw and emotional, but before I got there I was intrigued from page 1. I felt all the feelings we chase in a great Romantasy that leaves us yearning for more.
The absolute despair and gut wrenching discovery as the FMC has to continuously run from herself to only find the solitude of safety with a powerful, compassionate, and understanding male left me smitten.
The Faceless Queen is new and refreshing, but also mysterious and unfolds an underlying story that affects so many woman around the world with trauma that they themselves have endured or know of a close friend who has. The story that often gets shoved under the rug or discounted when spoken out about.
This story is not only one of pleasure, but of letting woman have a space to see a woman who has been plagued by such a traumatic experience.
A huge thank you to Frankie, for allowing me to read this incredible story before publication.
Also, if you love this one, which I know you will, check out her other standout, the Drowned Empire series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Just when I thought nothing from Frankie could possibly come close to Daughter of the Drowned Empire series, she brings me this one!
This was SUCH a good read! Frankie once again did an amazing job of making her characters so relatable and made me continue to root for them throughout the pages.
Samara is a complex character. She is a badass who is willing to do what it takes to survive, but she also has such a sacrificing, bleeding heart for those she cares about; often putting them before herself. I wish that she had someone to talk to about what is happening and to have that special confidant. She is going through so much from beginning to end, and I can only imagine what it is truly doing to her mental state having to hold inside. I can't wait to see where her character goes in book two!
Brennan is SO likable! He is caring, determined, and protects what is his. I would have LOVED to get his POV during a few of these scenes, but I don't think that not having it took anything away from the story and plot. He is also a consent king! He is perfect for what Samara is needing and I am excited to see where their story goes and continues to develop!
The cliffhanger at the end...ahh! I did not see that coming how it happened! I CANNOT wait for book 2!
This was SUCH a good read! Frankie once again did an amazing job of making her characters so relatable and made me continue to root for them throughout the pages.
Samara is a complex character. She is a badass who is willing to do what it takes to survive, but she also has such a sacrificing, bleeding heart for those she cares about; often putting them before herself. I wish that she had someone to talk to about what is happening and to have that special confidant. She is going through so much from beginning to end, and I can only imagine what it is truly doing to her mental state having to hold inside. I can't wait to see where her character goes in book two!
Brennan is SO likable! He is caring, determined, and protects what is his. I would have LOVED to get his POV during a few of these scenes, but I don't think that not having it took anything away from the story and plot. He is also a consent king! He is perfect for what Samara is needing and I am excited to see where their story goes and continues to develop!
The cliffhanger at the end...ahh! I did not see that coming how it happened! I CANNOT wait for book 2!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — 5/5 stars
Thank you so much to Frankie Diane Mallis for the eARC!
I am honestly still recovering from The Faceless Queen. This book was such an absolute knockout from start to finish.
The world-building is incredible, but the character work for Samara is what completely stole the show for me. Watching everything this poor girl goes through—the sheer amount of heartache—and seeing how she still manages to be an absolute badass on the other side of it? Absolute masterclass.
And don't even get me started on Samara and Brennan. The relationship Frankie builds between them is just stunning.
Then came that ending. Talk about a brutal cliffhanger—I am genuinely sitting here not knowing whether to laugh or cry. All I know is that I NEED book two right this second.
If this isn't on your TBR yet, you need to go add it immediately!
Thank you so much to Frankie Diane Mallis for the eARC!
I am honestly still recovering from The Faceless Queen. This book was such an absolute knockout from start to finish.
The world-building is incredible, but the character work for Samara is what completely stole the show for me. Watching everything this poor girl goes through—the sheer amount of heartache—and seeing how she still manages to be an absolute badass on the other side of it? Absolute masterclass.
And don't even get me started on Samara and Brennan. The relationship Frankie builds between them is just stunning.
Then came that ending. Talk about a brutal cliffhanger—I am genuinely sitting here not knowing whether to laugh or cry. All I know is that I NEED book two right this second.
If this isn't on your TBR yet, you need to go add it immediately!
September 20, 2026
Thoughts Immediately after finishing: WHAT DO YOU MEANNNN!!!!!! I’ll just be lying here dead until the second part of the duet comes out - please revive me when the time comes 😂
5⭐️ 2🌶️
OMG YOU GUYS! Frankie did it again! She left me on the edge of my seat for an entire like 500 pages, taunted me with a will they won’t they situation because naturally she’s a slow burn queen 👸🏻, and then promptly made me want to jump off the cliff she left me with 🤣 The Faceless Queen was SO GOOD! The world building, the magic, the beings, the action sequences, the absolutely insane romantic connection between the main characters!!! The twists and turns and reveals and betrayals!!! Arrrrghhhh I’m so in love!
5⭐️ 2🌶️
OMG YOU GUYS! Frankie did it again! She left me on the edge of my seat for an entire like 500 pages, taunted me with a will they won’t they situation because naturally she’s a slow burn queen 👸🏻, and then promptly made me want to jump off the cliff she left me with 🤣 The Faceless Queen was SO GOOD! The world building, the magic, the beings, the action sequences, the absolutely insane romantic connection between the main characters!!! The twists and turns and reveals and betrayals!!! Arrrrghhhh I’m so in love!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A slow complicated burn , a succubus who steals emotions and a cinnamon roll Prince with green eyes all ingredients for a Frankie 5 star read. The characters leap off the page and take you on a journey guaranteed to wreck you. We feel all of Sam's emotions her fear, her despair , her love and hope as she struggles to stay ahead of all of those who want to harm her some threats known and others unknown. Brennan fighting everything he has to be an upstanding man for his people, his bride and a dancer he met. Add a splash of political intrigue, Gods and Goddesses, blackmail, arranged marriages and you have a fantasy world you dont want to leave!! Questions linger regarding some stones and a certain armors lineage and all these pieces of the story bring us to an emotionally shattering cliffhanger that leaves you desperately looking for the next chapter. It goes without saying 10 stars out of 5!!! So happy I got to ARC read this.
September 19, 2026
I received an eARC from the author, and this is my honest review.
- 📖 book 1 of 2
- ☝️single POV
- 🫣hidden identity
- 👩🏼shapeshifting succubus like MFC
- ✅golden retriever MMC
- 🎉she saves him
- 🗡️knights & jousting
- ❌betrayal
- 😵major cliffhanger
This was 4.5 stars, rounding up to 5.
The book immediately opened with a scene of a sexy man walking into a bar, followed by sprinkles of information about the MFC, her forced job as a dancer, seducer, and courtesan, why she was stuck in that bar working for Geoffrey, her boss, and her sketchy past from two years ago with another man, “a prince.” Frankie also threw in details about the world, the people, and the magic, including specifics about the MFC. This was all so intriguing. Frankie did such a great job creating a strong first chapter that immediately hooked me.
The pacing of this book was moderate to fast the entire time. I noted that at 11%, I had not put the book down and my heart was essentially racing the whole time. The stakes were so high this early in the book. Again, I keep saying this, but Frankie did such a good job hooking me into the story. The pacing and stakes essentially stayed this way throughout the entire book. Further, the storyline provoked strong emotions, especially because of the injustice.
Early on, we were given the MFC’s backstory, including her history of love followed by trauma. Frankie wrote a story with characters who had depth, and that was shown to us immediately upon opening this book. The MFC struggled with significant guilt surrounding her trauma. She suffered throughout her life, including with her mother, and Frankie explained all of this well so that we could understand why the MFC was struggling.
Although the MFC had to do some shady things, she always did them with some sense of a moral code. She did what she had to do to survive. But then, plot twist, she has to do something deceptive, with the argument being that it is necessary for long-term survival.
I appreciated that, because of her powers, she was able to read the thoughts and emotions of the MMC. With her trauma history, she wouldn’t have been able to connect with him so early otherwise. However, because she could understand his thoughts and intentions, she could see that he was truly a good person, which allowed her to develop feelings for him relatively quickly. I loved that there was an explanation.
I will say that before 40%, I was concerned Frankie wasn’t going to address some of the questions I had. They weren’t answered right away, and I kept thinking of more questions that the MFC was not asking. I thought some answers were blatantly missing. However, I was impatient. Of course, Frankie eventually addressed the questions I had and filled in the blanks.
Around 58%, I started to feel like we, as the readers, were seeing things differently than the MFC because we didn’t have her trauma history. We were able to look at certain situations through a different lens. Specifically, when the MFC saw the MMC giving a sketch of her previous self to the soldiers to find, she assumed it was because he was hunting for her because she was a demonos. I interpreted it differently. I thought he was looking for her because he wanted to see her again. I loved that later the MFC was given information to show that my interpretation as the reader was the right interpretation. Her thoughts had been challenged and she developed a different perspective after that.
Further, the MMC was feeling guilty when he looked at his betrothed, Olivay. But we readers knew was that he was looking for Sam on the side because he wanted her, all while being forced to marry someone else. The MMC was an honorable man, so of course he felt guilty about searching for a woman he had feelings for while being betrothed to another woman. I loved that Frankie trusted us as readers to put all of this together, this made the reading experience fun and intense.
I really appreciated that Frankie wrote the MFC quite flawed and a terrible actress. The MFC was constantly making mistakes that didn’t align with what Princess Olivay, the MMC’s betrothed, would do. This was especially true when the MFC was faced with her abuser. She would often say or do things that the princess Olivay would never do. This created more emotion and grit to the story. Also, her often making mistakes made sense to me because the MFC didn’t plan to go in and do this undercover manipulation. She was forced into it without a choice and with very little training. Therefore, it made sense that she couldn’t magically turn on being an actress as well as was emotionally driven when facing her abuser.
In regard to the MMC, he was the golden retriever, green-flag MMC. He’s thoughtful, kind, and compassionate. He was raised by a tyrant, yet he didn’t engage in the same behavior as his father. He was loyal to the MFC and greatly conflicted when he had to engage in behaviors that weren’t loyal to her.
One thing I comment on in my reviews is how, when an MMC is betrayed by the MFC, the MMC tends to move on because he can think things through and logically understand why the MFC did what she did or kept a secret. Because MMCs are often written this way, they don’t spend 50% of the book pouting. When authors write MFCs as the ones who are betrayed by the MMC, the MFCs are often written as characters who can’t move on and have big emotions for over half the book, which I find annoying. This book followed the tradition in the sense that the MMC discovered he had been betrayed, leading to him having real emotions about it. However, he also had more complex thoughts and was able to understand the MFC better because of that. He was able to pause, take some space from her, and then engage in dialogue with her. I appreciated that he was more mature. It is possible to feel betrayal, not act like a child because of the betrayal, engage in communication, have complex thoughts and emotions, and not pout for half of a book. Frankie did a great job with that.
Throughout the story, little nuggets of information were given that hinted at a bigger thing happening that the MCs were not aware of. The ladies’ comment to the MFC about another lifetime, the MC’s dream sharing, the MMC seeing the MFC’s true self when that was not possible, the dream at the end, and the unique connection between the MCs all made it clear that there was something bigger happening beneath the surface.
There were some great antagonists we loved to hate. I enjoyed that MFC got to obtain some revenge on one of the antagonists.
Random note: Finlay was the male slutty best friend who loved redheads. He was a fun addition to the early part of the story and was also loyal to the MFC. I wished there had been more of him throughout the book.
The ending. HUGE CLIFFHANGER! I want book 2 immediately. Wow. Seriously, that ending.
Other Thoughts:
One piece I did not understand was that, when the MMC discovered the truth, he never asked what the MFC did with the real Olivay. He’s written as such a green flag, golden-retriever character. Therefore, even though he’s in love with the MFC, wouldn’t he be concerned about what happened to the real Olivay?
Frankie made it quite clear and did an excellent job explaining that, when the MFC fed off other people’s intense emotions directed at her, it shortened their lifespan. However, it wasn’t clear to me why certain emotions would take a year versus other emotions taking only minutes.
For example, if she had been lusting after the same man for a long time, she was concerned that she had taken a year or more from his life. But when she fed from the princess’s mother or the MMC one time, she was concerned that she had taken a whole year off their lives. I know the author wrote that taking more in a short period of time resulted in shortening someone’s life more quickly, but a similar scenario would happen later and the same amount of life force would not be taken. This inconsistency, or lack of information, made it difficult for me to fully understand how the life-force aspect worked.
Additionally, I had complex thoughts about the MFC, which I thought was likely Frankie’s intention. The MFC knew that she could and would kill people she loved because of her feeding and taking in their life force, like her mother. Frankie did a great job showing us the impact of that trauma on the MFC, especially because taking other people’s life force and killing them was against her will since she had little control over the Azele. Yet, moving forward, she found a lover and continued to take his life force without telling him. He didn’t consent to it.
Don’t get me wrong, I completely understood why she couldn’t tell other people who she was. The author did an excellent job explaining why she had to keep that secret. I also understood that she was a human who needed connection. However, the ethics of continuing to seek connection for her own personal emotional needs, like loneliness, while knowing that doing so meant she could end someone’s life early or completely, seemed really crappy and selfish. The MFC logically understood that what she was doing was not great, and she even identified herself as a monster. Let me be clear, I don’t think she was a monster; it was much more complex than that. But I could understand why she thought she was one. Overall, I really liked this MFC, but these nuances triggered me to have more complex thoughts about how conflicting her thoughts, emotions, bodily responses, and behaviors were and the balance between survival, connection, and selfishness.
Again, Frankie wrote a very flawed MFC, and I really appreciated that.
There was some telling instead of showing in regard to the relationship development between the MCs.
- 📖 book 1 of 2
- ☝️single POV
- 🫣hidden identity
- 👩🏼shapeshifting succubus like MFC
- ✅golden retriever MMC
- 🎉she saves him
- 🗡️knights & jousting
- ❌betrayal
- 😵major cliffhanger
This was 4.5 stars, rounding up to 5.
The book immediately opened with a scene of a sexy man walking into a bar, followed by sprinkles of information about the MFC, her forced job as a dancer, seducer, and courtesan, why she was stuck in that bar working for Geoffrey, her boss, and her sketchy past from two years ago with another man, “a prince.” Frankie also threw in details about the world, the people, and the magic, including specifics about the MFC. This was all so intriguing. Frankie did such a great job creating a strong first chapter that immediately hooked me.
The pacing of this book was moderate to fast the entire time. I noted that at 11%, I had not put the book down and my heart was essentially racing the whole time. The stakes were so high this early in the book. Again, I keep saying this, but Frankie did such a good job hooking me into the story. The pacing and stakes essentially stayed this way throughout the entire book. Further, the storyline provoked strong emotions, especially because of the injustice.
Early on, we were given the MFC’s backstory, including her history of love followed by trauma. Frankie wrote a story with characters who had depth, and that was shown to us immediately upon opening this book. The MFC struggled with significant guilt surrounding her trauma. She suffered throughout her life, including with her mother, and Frankie explained all of this well so that we could understand why the MFC was struggling.
Although the MFC had to do some shady things, she always did them with some sense of a moral code. She did what she had to do to survive. But then, plot twist, she has to do something deceptive, with the argument being that it is necessary for long-term survival.
I appreciated that, because of her powers, she was able to read the thoughts and emotions of the MMC. With her trauma history, she wouldn’t have been able to connect with him so early otherwise. However, because she could understand his thoughts and intentions, she could see that he was truly a good person, which allowed her to develop feelings for him relatively quickly. I loved that there was an explanation.
I will say that before 40%, I was concerned Frankie wasn’t going to address some of the questions I had. They weren’t answered right away, and I kept thinking of more questions that the MFC was not asking. I thought some answers were blatantly missing. However, I was impatient. Of course, Frankie eventually addressed the questions I had and filled in the blanks.
Around 58%, I started to feel like we, as the readers, were seeing things differently than the MFC because we didn’t have her trauma history. We were able to look at certain situations through a different lens. Specifically, when the MFC saw the MMC giving a sketch of her previous self to the soldiers to find, she assumed it was because he was hunting for her because she was a demonos. I interpreted it differently. I thought he was looking for her because he wanted to see her again. I loved that later the MFC was given information to show that my interpretation as the reader was the right interpretation. Her thoughts had been challenged and she developed a different perspective after that.
Further, the MMC was feeling guilty when he looked at his betrothed, Olivay. But we readers knew was that he was looking for Sam on the side because he wanted her, all while being forced to marry someone else. The MMC was an honorable man, so of course he felt guilty about searching for a woman he had feelings for while being betrothed to another woman. I loved that Frankie trusted us as readers to put all of this together, this made the reading experience fun and intense.
I really appreciated that Frankie wrote the MFC quite flawed and a terrible actress. The MFC was constantly making mistakes that didn’t align with what Princess Olivay, the MMC’s betrothed, would do. This was especially true when the MFC was faced with her abuser. She would often say or do things that the princess Olivay would never do. This created more emotion and grit to the story. Also, her often making mistakes made sense to me because the MFC didn’t plan to go in and do this undercover manipulation. She was forced into it without a choice and with very little training. Therefore, it made sense that she couldn’t magically turn on being an actress as well as was emotionally driven when facing her abuser.
In regard to the MMC, he was the golden retriever, green-flag MMC. He’s thoughtful, kind, and compassionate. He was raised by a tyrant, yet he didn’t engage in the same behavior as his father. He was loyal to the MFC and greatly conflicted when he had to engage in behaviors that weren’t loyal to her.
One thing I comment on in my reviews is how, when an MMC is betrayed by the MFC, the MMC tends to move on because he can think things through and logically understand why the MFC did what she did or kept a secret. Because MMCs are often written this way, they don’t spend 50% of the book pouting. When authors write MFCs as the ones who are betrayed by the MMC, the MFCs are often written as characters who can’t move on and have big emotions for over half the book, which I find annoying. This book followed the tradition in the sense that the MMC discovered he had been betrayed, leading to him having real emotions about it. However, he also had more complex thoughts and was able to understand the MFC better because of that. He was able to pause, take some space from her, and then engage in dialogue with her. I appreciated that he was more mature. It is possible to feel betrayal, not act like a child because of the betrayal, engage in communication, have complex thoughts and emotions, and not pout for half of a book. Frankie did a great job with that.
Throughout the story, little nuggets of information were given that hinted at a bigger thing happening that the MCs were not aware of. The ladies’ comment to the MFC about another lifetime, the MC’s dream sharing, the MMC seeing the MFC’s true self when that was not possible, the dream at the end, and the unique connection between the MCs all made it clear that there was something bigger happening beneath the surface.
There were some great antagonists we loved to hate. I enjoyed that MFC got to obtain some revenge on one of the antagonists.
Random note: Finlay was the male slutty best friend who loved redheads. He was a fun addition to the early part of the story and was also loyal to the MFC. I wished there had been more of him throughout the book.
The ending. HUGE CLIFFHANGER! I want book 2 immediately. Wow. Seriously, that ending.
Other Thoughts:
One piece I did not understand was that, when the MMC discovered the truth, he never asked what the MFC did with the real Olivay. He’s written as such a green flag, golden-retriever character. Therefore, even though he’s in love with the MFC, wouldn’t he be concerned about what happened to the real Olivay?
Frankie made it quite clear and did an excellent job explaining that, when the MFC fed off other people’s intense emotions directed at her, it shortened their lifespan. However, it wasn’t clear to me why certain emotions would take a year versus other emotions taking only minutes.
For example, if she had been lusting after the same man for a long time, she was concerned that she had taken a year or more from his life. But when she fed from the princess’s mother or the MMC one time, she was concerned that she had taken a whole year off their lives. I know the author wrote that taking more in a short period of time resulted in shortening someone’s life more quickly, but a similar scenario would happen later and the same amount of life force would not be taken. This inconsistency, or lack of information, made it difficult for me to fully understand how the life-force aspect worked.
Additionally, I had complex thoughts about the MFC, which I thought was likely Frankie’s intention. The MFC knew that she could and would kill people she loved because of her feeding and taking in their life force, like her mother. Frankie did a great job showing us the impact of that trauma on the MFC, especially because taking other people’s life force and killing them was against her will since she had little control over the Azele. Yet, moving forward, she found a lover and continued to take his life force without telling him. He didn’t consent to it.
Don’t get me wrong, I completely understood why she couldn’t tell other people who she was. The author did an excellent job explaining why she had to keep that secret. I also understood that she was a human who needed connection. However, the ethics of continuing to seek connection for her own personal emotional needs, like loneliness, while knowing that doing so meant she could end someone’s life early or completely, seemed really crappy and selfish. The MFC logically understood that what she was doing was not great, and she even identified herself as a monster. Let me be clear, I don’t think she was a monster; it was much more complex than that. But I could understand why she thought she was one. Overall, I really liked this MFC, but these nuances triggered me to have more complex thoughts about how conflicting her thoughts, emotions, bodily responses, and behaviors were and the balance between survival, connection, and selfishness.
Again, Frankie wrote a very flawed MFC, and I really appreciated that.
There was some telling instead of showing in regard to the relationship development between the MCs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“ᴅᴏ ɪ ᴅᴀᴍɴ ʏᴏᴜ? ᴅᴏ ɪ ᴅᴀᴍɴ ᴍʏ ᴘᴇᴏᴘʟᴇ? ᴏʀ, ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏ ᴛᴏᴜᴄʜ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴋɪꜱꜱ, ᴅᴏ ɪ ᴅᴀᴍɴ ᴍʏꜱᴇʟꜰ?”
— 𝕭𝖗𝖊𝖓𝖓𝖆𝖓.
💚 She's a wounded "succubus" who can change her appearance
💚 He's a cinnamon roll noble who loves her in every form
💚 First person single POV
💚 Hidden identities
💚 Blood oath that can't be broken
💚 Instalove but slowburn progress
💚 She saves him
For a book that came to me by accident, reading The Faceless Queen feels like falling into a pool of glitter where everything is warm, shiny, and comfy, and I just don't. Want. To. Get. Out. Of. It.
So this is kind of a funny story. I joined three ARC groups because I'm a greedy goblin with ✨ zero self control ✨, and one day, I lost a book from my feed. I'm gonna blame shitty fb errors for that 🙂 The one thing I remembered from the book was that the author used "she saves him" in the promotion, so I typed it into the search bar. I never found that book again.
BUT I found The Faceless Queen instead. So I applied for the ARC, I think, a few days before applications closed? 🤔 I honestly wasn't sure if I was going to be accepted because the author already had loyal readers. So imagine my face when this book dropped into my inbox. I was like, WHAT??? 🤯
This book immediately hooked me with the writing. Like, seriously. Sometimes you just know when an author has been on this journey for a long time. I didn't even have to check the disclaimer to know that this book didn't involve AI. Because there's no way AI could write like this. The depth. The metaphors. The creativity. The style is pretty heavy on narration, which is exactly my type. If I want to read something that's mostly dialogue, I'll read a drama script instead. But this? This has the perfect balance between elegant prose and raw emotion. Kudos to Mallis for her gorgeous writing style 👏
And the characters ... Oooh, I love them so much. You can't imagine how happy I was to find a book about a succubus that wasn't just erotica. Don't get me wrong. I love smut. I love my books spicy. But sometimes you just crave a different flavour. And this book delivers!!
Samara's power is very unique. I love the concept of her feeding on people's emotions. Men. Women. Negative. Positive. Imagine how powerful she could be in a crowd that was enchanted by her?? 😳 But Mallis also gave her a weakness here. Her shapeshifting drains her. Again, another balance. She's not a Mary Sue with unlimited HP. There are moments where she's vulnerable. Other times, this girl is going back and forth kicking chimeras like a professional football player 😩🤌
"𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙣 𝘼𝙯𝙚𝙩𝙚 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙖 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙚? 𝘼 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙚𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨. 𝘼 𝘿𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙨 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙙."
However, the real spotlight of this book is Brennan. Fuck shadow daddies. Say hello to this cutie fruity strawberry sweetie cinnamon rolly!!! Someone get him a blanket, a marshmallow, and warm milk, please??? I'm amazed at how Mallis wrote him. We literally don't get any POV from him, but we can still feel how much he yearns for Samara through the way he treats her with such gentleness. I'm gonna fucking cry. He's so precious 😭
I'm not exaggerating when I say their scene together is one of the softest making love scene I've ever read. It was so beautiful I wanted to read it to my grandma. She's dead, but you get the point. Ooooh la la, the way I gasped and had to read some paragraphs twice?? It wasn't even particularly intimate considering the circumstances, but the way they focused on each other despite everything happening around them, the way they adored each other ... I'm fucking melted. My fragile little heart couldn't handle this.
Mind you, this is a VERY, VERY slow burn. You get some sweet kissy kissy throughout the book, plenty of banter, lots of "we couldn't do this" situations except they're about life and death, and enough almost-moments to make me want to chew my pillow and scream JUST SLEEP TOGETHER ALREADY!!! 😡 This is why I didn't mind the instalove at the beginning.
"𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙚𝙭𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙤𝙙𝙮, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤, 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙄’𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝, 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙄’𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙩, 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙘𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚."
The author took the time to develop their relationship, and by the time the spice was spicing (??) we had already fallen in love with Brennan.
Oh, Brennan, the man that you are 🤧 I want one like him, please 🥺
“𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩–𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙄 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡. 𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙤. 𝙄 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙, 𝙄 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙄 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙬𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜, 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮’𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩.”
My only complaint is how Samara lets herself be used. Sometimes, it feels like the plot moves her rather than the other way around. I swear I was stressed watching her get surrounded by threats left and right while all my girl did was throw insults. With that much power, I expected her to do, eh more??? Research The Hermit. Ask someone about the blood oath. Find her enemies' weaknesses. But all the time, Samara was so busy with her mission. Which I understand, but still ... It was frustrating at times 😬
I love u, my girl, but pls do something in book two 😭
I really hope we get some feminine rage in the sequel. We need it so bad 🙂
I also think this book would benefit from multiple POVs, or at least dual POV. We know almost nothing about Kienan or Rowan, even though they're part of Brennan's circle. And ooooh, Cecilia too, since her role was important. Before the first attack, Samara had very minimal contact with Cecilia because she was busy with Finlay. I want more of her. I want sisterhood. But that's probably just my lesbian ass speaking.
Other than that? This book checks all my boxes (mwahaha, iykyk 😏) I was sick for the last few days, but I still read this book while dealing with a runny nose. That's just how committed I was.
“𝙉𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚. 𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙧𝙚.”
What can I say? A great book will always beat the flu.
— 𝕭𝖗𝖊𝖓𝖓𝖆𝖓.
💚 She's a wounded "succubus" who can change her appearance
💚 He's a cinnamon roll noble who loves her in every form
💚 First person single POV
💚 Hidden identities
💚 Blood oath that can't be broken
💚 Instalove but slowburn progress
💚 She saves him
For a book that came to me by accident, reading The Faceless Queen feels like falling into a pool of glitter where everything is warm, shiny, and comfy, and I just don't. Want. To. Get. Out. Of. It.
So this is kind of a funny story. I joined three ARC groups because I'm a greedy goblin with ✨ zero self control ✨, and one day, I lost a book from my feed. I'm gonna blame shitty fb errors for that 🙂 The one thing I remembered from the book was that the author used "she saves him" in the promotion, so I typed it into the search bar. I never found that book again.
BUT I found The Faceless Queen instead. So I applied for the ARC, I think, a few days before applications closed? 🤔 I honestly wasn't sure if I was going to be accepted because the author already had loyal readers. So imagine my face when this book dropped into my inbox. I was like, WHAT??? 🤯
This book immediately hooked me with the writing. Like, seriously. Sometimes you just know when an author has been on this journey for a long time. I didn't even have to check the disclaimer to know that this book didn't involve AI. Because there's no way AI could write like this. The depth. The metaphors. The creativity. The style is pretty heavy on narration, which is exactly my type. If I want to read something that's mostly dialogue, I'll read a drama script instead. But this? This has the perfect balance between elegant prose and raw emotion. Kudos to Mallis for her gorgeous writing style 👏
And the characters ... Oooh, I love them so much. You can't imagine how happy I was to find a book about a succubus that wasn't just erotica. Don't get me wrong. I love smut. I love my books spicy. But sometimes you just crave a different flavour. And this book delivers!!
Samara's power is very unique. I love the concept of her feeding on people's emotions. Men. Women. Negative. Positive. Imagine how powerful she could be in a crowd that was enchanted by her?? 😳 But Mallis also gave her a weakness here. Her shapeshifting drains her. Again, another balance. She's not a Mary Sue with unlimited HP. There are moments where she's vulnerable. Other times, this girl is going back and forth kicking chimeras like a professional football player 😩🤌
"𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙣 𝘼𝙯𝙚𝙩𝙚 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙖 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙚? 𝘼 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙚𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨. 𝘼 𝘿𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙨 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙙."
However, the real spotlight of this book is Brennan. Fuck shadow daddies. Say hello to this cutie fruity strawberry sweetie cinnamon rolly!!! Someone get him a blanket, a marshmallow, and warm milk, please??? I'm amazed at how Mallis wrote him. We literally don't get any POV from him, but we can still feel how much he yearns for Samara through the way he treats her with such gentleness. I'm gonna fucking cry. He's so precious 😭
I'm not exaggerating when I say their scene together is one of the softest making love scene I've ever read. It was so beautiful I wanted to read it to my grandma. She's dead, but you get the point. Ooooh la la, the way I gasped and had to read some paragraphs twice?? It wasn't even particularly intimate considering the circumstances, but the way they focused on each other despite everything happening around them, the way they adored each other ... I'm fucking melted. My fragile little heart couldn't handle this.
Mind you, this is a VERY, VERY slow burn. You get some sweet kissy kissy throughout the book, plenty of banter, lots of "we couldn't do this" situations except they're about life and death, and enough almost-moments to make me want to chew my pillow and scream JUST SLEEP TOGETHER ALREADY!!! 😡 This is why I didn't mind the instalove at the beginning.
"𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙚𝙭𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙤𝙙𝙮, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤, 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙄’𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝, 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙄’𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙩, 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙘𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚."
The author took the time to develop their relationship, and by the time the spice was spicing (??) we had already fallen in love with Brennan.
Oh, Brennan, the man that you are 🤧 I want one like him, please 🥺
“𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩–𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙄 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡. 𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙤. 𝙄 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙, 𝙄 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙄 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙬𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜, 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮’𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩.”
My only complaint is how Samara lets herself be used. Sometimes, it feels like the plot moves her rather than the other way around. I swear I was stressed watching her get surrounded by threats left and right while all my girl did was throw insults. With that much power, I expected her to do, eh more??? Research The Hermit. Ask someone about the blood oath. Find her enemies' weaknesses. But all the time, Samara was so busy with her mission. Which I understand, but still ... It was frustrating at times 😬
I love u, my girl, but pls do something in book two 😭
I really hope we get some feminine rage in the sequel. We need it so bad 🙂
I also think this book would benefit from multiple POVs, or at least dual POV. We know almost nothing about Kienan or Rowan, even though they're part of Brennan's circle. And ooooh, Cecilia too, since her role was important. Before the first attack, Samara had very minimal contact with Cecilia because she was busy with Finlay. I want more of her. I want sisterhood. But that's probably just my lesbian ass speaking.
Other than that? This book checks all my boxes (mwahaha, iykyk 😏) I was sick for the last few days, but I still read this book while dealing with a runny nose. That's just how committed I was.
“𝙉𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚. 𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙧𝙚.”
What can I say? A great book will always beat the flu.
September 26, 2026
First off, thank you for the ARC of the book! I am a huge fan of the Guardians of the Drowned Empire series so I was so excited to read a new world from Frankie Diane Mallis. Slight spoilers ahead.
I gotta say this did not hit as hard as Guardians for me. I will definitely read the next one and as usual, Mallis has created a really interesting world and magic system. But I was not a fan of the instant-love between Samara and Brennan, especially when I know Mallis can write an amazing SLOW burn. I was also not a huge fan of Samara. I found her to have no agency and it was frustrating to watch her stumble her way through being the princess. Also, it seems like there is some build up to a whole "reincarnation of the gods" thing going on which is literally the entire plot of Guardians, so I don't see why we're doing that again here.
A definite 3 star read for me. Not bad, not amazing, and will continue the series. But I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little bit disappointed.
I gotta say this did not hit as hard as Guardians for me. I will definitely read the next one and as usual, Mallis has created a really interesting world and magic system. But I was not a fan of the instant-love between Samara and Brennan, especially when I know Mallis can write an amazing SLOW burn. I was also not a huge fan of Samara. I found her to have no agency and it was frustrating to watch her stumble her way through being the princess. Also, it seems like there is some build up to a whole "reincarnation of the gods" thing going on which is literally the entire plot of Guardians, so I don't see why we're doing that again here.
A definite 3 star read for me. Not bad, not amazing, and will continue the series. But I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little bit disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2026
I received this as an eARC and it is easily a 5 ⭐️ read for me! The FMC is amazing and kickass from page 1. I love the MMC and I like that he isn’t the one doing to saving in this story 🤭. This is a duet so the pacing is a little quicker but the world Frankie has built is so large and wonderful! No details have been sacrificed for a shorter series. I need book 2 asap.
It does end with a cliffhanger 🫠
It does end with a cliffhanger 🫠
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a great introduction into this Duology by Frankie! This book was filled with twists and turns and a love story so complex you will want to throw your book against the wall after the ending cliff hanger!!! Absolutely worth the read! 10/10, no notes!
Review of advance copy received from Author
"The Faceless Queen" is the first book in The Faceless Queen duology by Franke Diane Mallis.
Samara is an exiled witch princess, dancing in a bar in enemy territory and feeding off of the emotions of the men that come to watch her dance...and take her upstairs. She a Faceless one, an Azete - a witch cursed by even her own people, because she feeds off the lifeforce of others that show strong emotions towards her. When a Chimera attack leaves her vulnerable to discovery, she flees, right into the arms of the witches who have been waiting for her.
There's a prophesy, another Doom on the horizon that would spell the suffering of countless people...and only Samara can stop it - by taking the face of a human princess, marrying the prince, and bearing the child of prophesy.
Keeping up the disguise takes more power than Samara was expecting, and with tensions in the realm rising over who is the rightful king, a misstep could cost her everything. A misstep, like falling in love with her betrothed.
What to expect:
✨Secret identities
👑 Forbidden romance
✨Cinnamon roll MMC
👑She saves him
✨Arranged marriage
👑Slow burn
✨Political intrigue
I was so pleasantly surprised by this read! I went into it not knowing anything about the author previously, but can safely say I'll be picking up some of her other books now that I've finished this one!
I loved that Samara was a succubus-like magic user - I think it's a unique magic that I don't read about often, and I loved seeing how the author made it her own in this story. The attraction between Brennan and Samara was lovely - I absolutely love a cinnamon roll MMC, not to mention a FMC that feels just as protective over him as he does over her. The creatures in the book were also pretty unique and I loved that they weren't just glossed over, but were made a part of the story with backstories as well.
The pacing is fast, and pulls you into the high stakes right off the bat, and it doesn't let up all that much throughout. I did wish there was a little more info about how the Azete's powers worked in terms of what made a feeding take a few minutes versus years from her victims. I also have *thoughts* about how Samara gets a HEA, but those are TBD when the next book comes out!
Also, THAT CLIFFHANGER was just not fair.
The entire book made me think of the quote "they didn't burn witches, they burned women," because at its core, this book is absolutely a dialogue on how women are othered and feared - check your content warnings! This book does have some SA etc that may be triggering.
Thank you to the author for the eARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Samara is an exiled witch princess, dancing in a bar in enemy territory and feeding off of the emotions of the men that come to watch her dance...and take her upstairs. She a Faceless one, an Azete - a witch cursed by even her own people, because she feeds off the lifeforce of others that show strong emotions towards her. When a Chimera attack leaves her vulnerable to discovery, she flees, right into the arms of the witches who have been waiting for her.
There's a prophesy, another Doom on the horizon that would spell the suffering of countless people...and only Samara can stop it - by taking the face of a human princess, marrying the prince, and bearing the child of prophesy.
Keeping up the disguise takes more power than Samara was expecting, and with tensions in the realm rising over who is the rightful king, a misstep could cost her everything. A misstep, like falling in love with her betrothed.
What to expect:
✨Secret identities
👑 Forbidden romance
✨Cinnamon roll MMC
👑She saves him
✨Arranged marriage
👑Slow burn
✨Political intrigue
I was so pleasantly surprised by this read! I went into it not knowing anything about the author previously, but can safely say I'll be picking up some of her other books now that I've finished this one!
I loved that Samara was a succubus-like magic user - I think it's a unique magic that I don't read about often, and I loved seeing how the author made it her own in this story. The attraction between Brennan and Samara was lovely - I absolutely love a cinnamon roll MMC, not to mention a FMC that feels just as protective over him as he does over her. The creatures in the book were also pretty unique and I loved that they weren't just glossed over, but were made a part of the story with backstories as well.
The pacing is fast, and pulls you into the high stakes right off the bat, and it doesn't let up all that much throughout. I did wish there was a little more info about how the Azete's powers worked in terms of what made a feeding take a few minutes versus years from her victims. I also have *thoughts* about how Samara gets a HEA, but those are TBD when the next book comes out!
Also, THAT CLIFFHANGER was just not fair.
The entire book made me think of the quote "they didn't burn witches, they burned women," because at its core, this book is absolutely a dialogue on how women are othered and feared - check your content warnings! This book does have some SA etc that may be triggering.
Thank you to the author for the eARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy
Exiled after the death of her mother, the Queen of the Witches, Princess Samara was forced to hide as a dancer for years amongst her enemies in the Kingdom of Eskalon, a place where discovery means death. But Samara can’t be found by the witches either. She was born cursed, an Azete, a faceless one. A kind of witch whose shapeshifting power depends upon stealing the lifeforce of others through touch.
Samara has feared her power ever since her mother’s death, barely daring to use it except to feed off the men she entertains, and only in order to keep up her disguise. But when a chimera attack on her tavern leaves her exposed, she’s brought back home to the current witch queen, and tasked with preventing a dangerous prophecy in exchange for forgiveness by the witches.
I honestly don’t know if I finished this book or if this book finished me. Geez Louise, talk about emotional damage and upheaval. When a Tyrant Kings son is betrothed, it is the catalyst to a long-awaited prophecy in which his heir will be the destruction of all witches, unless Samara can pull off the unthinkable. The faceless one is now tasked to shapeshift into the betroth Princess and fulfill the prophecy by changing it.
Samara knows the fulfillment of the prophecy will result in the death of the prince and normally she wouldn’t have an issue with this since she must feed off of peoples lust and emotions in order to survive but when the Prince is the young man she met while dancing in the tavern a total GREEN FLAG, Samara faces reservations; not because he treats her with respect and kindness but he actually sees her TRUE FORM which should be impossible and now she is faced with exuding excessive amounts of magic to continue this charade only to realize that the Prince is doing his duty to fall in love with the Princess because in reality his heart belongs to the dancer he met in the tavern….Samara.
Oh, what a tangle web we weave. Get ready for secrets, deception, duty, courtly politics, manipulation, danger and a slow burn romance that is worth the wait. I’ve never read a story quite like this; it was imaginative, raw, emotional, calculating and as if the author hasn’t put us through our paces she gives us a BRUTAL Cliffhanger. Like, did you not already destroy us while reading this book, Frankie literally went for the jugular at the end, and I have not yet recovered.
I need book 2 ASAP.
Samara has feared her power ever since her mother’s death, barely daring to use it except to feed off the men she entertains, and only in order to keep up her disguise. But when a chimera attack on her tavern leaves her exposed, she’s brought back home to the current witch queen, and tasked with preventing a dangerous prophecy in exchange for forgiveness by the witches.
I honestly don’t know if I finished this book or if this book finished me. Geez Louise, talk about emotional damage and upheaval. When a Tyrant Kings son is betrothed, it is the catalyst to a long-awaited prophecy in which his heir will be the destruction of all witches, unless Samara can pull off the unthinkable. The faceless one is now tasked to shapeshift into the betroth Princess and fulfill the prophecy by changing it.
Samara knows the fulfillment of the prophecy will result in the death of the prince and normally she wouldn’t have an issue with this since she must feed off of peoples lust and emotions in order to survive but when the Prince is the young man she met while dancing in the tavern a total GREEN FLAG, Samara faces reservations; not because he treats her with respect and kindness but he actually sees her TRUE FORM which should be impossible and now she is faced with exuding excessive amounts of magic to continue this charade only to realize that the Prince is doing his duty to fall in love with the Princess because in reality his heart belongs to the dancer he met in the tavern….Samara.
Oh, what a tangle web we weave. Get ready for secrets, deception, duty, courtly politics, manipulation, danger and a slow burn romance that is worth the wait. I’ve never read a story quite like this; it was imaginative, raw, emotional, calculating and as if the author hasn’t put us through our paces she gives us a BRUTAL Cliffhanger. Like, did you not already destroy us while reading this book, Frankie literally went for the jugular at the end, and I have not yet recovered.
I need book 2 ASAP.
September 28, 2026
I want to start off by saying that I am a big, big fan of Frankie's. I devoured her Drowned Empire series and am anxiously awaiting the next one to come out. So I was very excited to receive an ARC copy of this book prior to the release.
The premise of this story had me hooked right from the start. I was eager to read about this FMC who had to hide who she was and attempt to seduce the crown prince. And the prince stole MY heart very quickly! And while I really wanted to rate this as another 5-star read for me from Frankie....I, unfortunately could not. This felt more like a 3.5 book, but I did round up to 4.
Having said all of that - I do want to know how this ends, so I will be picking up book 2 in hopes that I end up loving the rest of the story! Frankie is still one of my favorite authors, even if this particular book didn't resonate as strongly with me as her Drowned Empire series did!
The premise of this story had me hooked right from the start. I was eager to read about this FMC who had to hide who she was and attempt to seduce the crown prince. And the prince stole MY heart very quickly! And while I really wanted to rate this as another 5-star read for me from Frankie....I, unfortunately could not. This felt more like a 3.5 book, but I did round up to 4.
Having said all of that - I do want to know how this ends, so I will be picking up book 2 in hopes that I end up loving the rest of the story! Frankie is still one of my favorite authors, even if this particular book didn't resonate as strongly with me as her Drowned Empire series did!
Review of advance copy received from Author
From the first page, I was immediately invested in the premise of a shape-shifting witch who feeds off the emotions of others.
We follow our FMC, Samara, as she faces discrimination and is hunted by everybody including her own kind. Despite her traumatic backstory and unfair circumstances thrust upon her, she does not allow grief and hate to consume her. Samara is the perfect complex main character and I feel so deeply for her. I am highly anticipating seeing her take her power back and finally finding peace in the next book.
I also absolutely adored Brennan and his loving and protective nature. The chemistry between him and Samara was undeniable, and I am glad they have each other's support while being caught in the middle of politics beyond their control.
Besides the romance and magic, the author uses this story to address critical social justice issues that are happening in the real world. The underlying themes of misogyny and patriarchy give you something to reflect on and adds depth to the story.
As usual, Frankie never disappoints and this is why she is solidified as one of my favourite authors!
Slight spoiler:
If you've read the Drowned Empire, your mind will be blown while spotting the parallels between the two series. I am so impressed with how the author created such intricate worlds, and her ability to seamlessly connect the two.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC!
We follow our FMC, Samara, as she faces discrimination and is hunted by everybody including her own kind. Despite her traumatic backstory and unfair circumstances thrust upon her, she does not allow grief and hate to consume her. Samara is the perfect complex main character and I feel so deeply for her. I am highly anticipating seeing her take her power back and finally finding peace in the next book.
I also absolutely adored Brennan and his loving and protective nature. The chemistry between him and Samara was undeniable, and I am glad they have each other's support while being caught in the middle of politics beyond their control.
Besides the romance and magic, the author uses this story to address critical social justice issues that are happening in the real world. The underlying themes of misogyny and patriarchy give you something to reflect on and adds depth to the story.
As usual, Frankie never disappoints and this is why she is solidified as one of my favourite authors!
Slight spoiler:
If you've read the Drowned Empire, your mind will be blown while spotting the parallels between the two series. I am so impressed with how the author created such intricate worlds, and her ability to seamlessly connect the two.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, I thoroughly enjoyed myself reading this book. This is my first book by Frankie Diane Mallis and I was absolutely hooked.
We have Samara, the shapeshifter-succubus-like FMC. She has learnt to adapt to her surrounding as is very much a survivor due to her circumstances. While she’s tough on the outside, she softer and kinder on the inside especially for those she cares for or takes a liking to.
Next, we have Brennan, the cinnamon-roll MMC, who is also kind-hearted, respectful, loyal and protective especially for those he sees as his friends.
However, both of them are hiding their true identities and they seem to keep crossing each others' paths and there is a connection between that neither can deny.
I felt for Samara, she’s so caring and yet what’s inside her forces her to feed of the life force of people she cares for including Brennan and she struggles with the guilt of that because while he may not know what her true face looks like, she feels like he’s the only one who truly knows and likes her, for her
Brennan is a walking green flag, who I absolutely adored, I loved it when his more cheekier side came out too.
This book has prophecies, political power, intrigue, yearning, betrayal, redemption and the more the story continues the more in its grip you are. And that ending, oh my gosh I cannot wait for the next book as that was some cliffhanger.
We have Samara, the shapeshifter-succubus-like FMC. She has learnt to adapt to her surrounding as is very much a survivor due to her circumstances. While she’s tough on the outside, she softer and kinder on the inside especially for those she cares for or takes a liking to.
Next, we have Brennan, the cinnamon-roll MMC, who is also kind-hearted, respectful, loyal and protective especially for those he sees as his friends.
However, both of them are hiding their true identities and they seem to keep crossing each others' paths and there is a connection between that neither can deny.
I felt for Samara, she’s so caring and yet what’s inside her forces her to feed of the life force of people she cares for including Brennan and she struggles with the guilt of that because while he may not know what her true face looks like, she feels like he’s the only one who truly knows and likes her, for her
Brennan is a walking green flag, who I absolutely adored, I loved it when his more cheekier side came out too.
This book has prophecies, political power, intrigue, yearning, betrayal, redemption and the more the story continues the more in its grip you are. And that ending, oh my gosh I cannot wait for the next book as that was some cliffhanger.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved this book. The concept was super unique and I loved how kind the MMC was (a rarity in fantasy).
How does an empathetic, kind-hearted person deal with the toll of having to drain the life of those they love most to survive? Not well…to say the least.
Samara’s (Sam) inherent nature/abilities force her to harm others by depleting their lifespan by days, weeks, and sometimes even months or years. To add to the emotional turmoil, she can only drain from those she forms an emotional connection with, which means that she is constantly vulnerable to always taking the lives of those she’s closest to. Being an empath like Sam, this was so heartbreaking to witness throughout the book.
As you can imagine, Sam has experienced a lot of trauma in her life, and right from the start, Brennan shows us that he is exactly the type of guy she needs to break out of her situation and begin healing. Cinnamon roll MMCs are my favorite and Brennan did not disappoint!
Samara quickly realizes that by agreeing to help prevent the prophecy from happening (by shapeshifting into the prince’s betrothed and having his child), Brennan will die. But the two cannot stay away from each other, having this intense connection neither can explain.
This book had me hooked from the start, I couldn't put it down. I need book 2 to come out asap!
How does an empathetic, kind-hearted person deal with the toll of having to drain the life of those they love most to survive? Not well…to say the least.
Samara’s (Sam) inherent nature/abilities force her to harm others by depleting their lifespan by days, weeks, and sometimes even months or years. To add to the emotional turmoil, she can only drain from those she forms an emotional connection with, which means that she is constantly vulnerable to always taking the lives of those she’s closest to. Being an empath like Sam, this was so heartbreaking to witness throughout the book.
As you can imagine, Sam has experienced a lot of trauma in her life, and right from the start, Brennan shows us that he is exactly the type of guy she needs to break out of her situation and begin healing. Cinnamon roll MMCs are my favorite and Brennan did not disappoint!
Samara quickly realizes that by agreeing to help prevent the prophecy from happening (by shapeshifting into the prince’s betrothed and having his child), Brennan will die. But the two cannot stay away from each other, having this intense connection neither can explain.
This book had me hooked from the start, I couldn't put it down. I need book 2 to come out asap!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved it! This was the first book I’ve read by Frankie Diane Mallis, and I am officially hooked on her writing! The Faceless Queen was such a delicious slow burn filled with so much yearning. The political intrigue, the twists, and betrayals made it so I couldn’t put it down! The world-building was so immersive, and I adored our main characters!
Samara is our FMC, and she has been through so much. She is a survivor who, despite everything she’s endured, is still so compassionate. She’s fierce, a total badass, and I love how she is the one doing the saving! Brennan, our MMC, is such a cinnamon roll, and I just loved him! He is so sweet and supportive. The relationship between Samara and Brennan was perfection and felt so right.
This book was such a fantastic start to the series! I read it so fast, and that ending had me wanting to throw my Kindle across the room! I need to know what happens next, and I can’t wait for Book 2!
If you love a romantasy book with a hidden identity, political intrigue, an arranged marriage, a cinnamon roll MMC, a delicious slow burn, and all the yearning, then add this book to your TBR!
Thank you so much, Frankie Diane Mallis and team, for the eARC! All opinions are my own.
Samara is our FMC, and she has been through so much. She is a survivor who, despite everything she’s endured, is still so compassionate. She’s fierce, a total badass, and I love how she is the one doing the saving! Brennan, our MMC, is such a cinnamon roll, and I just loved him! He is so sweet and supportive. The relationship between Samara and Brennan was perfection and felt so right.
This book was such a fantastic start to the series! I read it so fast, and that ending had me wanting to throw my Kindle across the room! I need to know what happens next, and I can’t wait for Book 2!
If you love a romantasy book with a hidden identity, political intrigue, an arranged marriage, a cinnamon roll MMC, a delicious slow burn, and all the yearning, then add this book to your TBR!
Thank you so much, Frankie Diane Mallis and team, for the eARC! All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.25⭐️
Thank you to the author for my advanced copy. I thought this book and plot were so unique. I really enjoyed it.
It’s not often you read about a succubus FMC who is stronger and more morally grey than the MMC. I loved Samara and the internal battles she constantly fought within herself. I felt for her in her struggles of hating what she was and, at the same time, wanting to be loved. Brennan was such a sweet cinnamon roll and I loved his relationship with Samara.
While this ended in a cliffhanger, it wasn’t exactly shocking for me. I think this might have been 5 stars if the ending would’ve been more shocking and unpredictable.
I’m definitely interested in continuing this Duology because I’m very curious how Samara and Brennan find their HEA.
There was so much to love about this book. Read this if you like: a succubus shapeshifting FMC, a cinnamon roll MMC, hidden identities, political intrigue and scheming, complicated family dynamics, and a unique plot and magic system.
Please check your triggers because the FMC does work at a brothel and there are some flashbacks of SA.
Thank you to the author for my advanced copy. I thought this book and plot were so unique. I really enjoyed it.
It’s not often you read about a succubus FMC who is stronger and more morally grey than the MMC. I loved Samara and the internal battles she constantly fought within herself. I felt for her in her struggles of hating what she was and, at the same time, wanting to be loved. Brennan was such a sweet cinnamon roll and I loved his relationship with Samara.
While this ended in a cliffhanger, it wasn’t exactly shocking for me. I think this might have been 5 stars if the ending would’ve been more shocking and unpredictable.
I’m definitely interested in continuing this Duology because I’m very curious how Samara and Brennan find their HEA.
There was so much to love about this book. Read this if you like: a succubus shapeshifting FMC, a cinnamon roll MMC, hidden identities, political intrigue and scheming, complicated family dynamics, and a unique plot and magic system.
Please check your triggers because the FMC does work at a brothel and there are some flashbacks of SA.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for giving me an earc
This book. My heart was like racing the entire book. But that's how good this book was because it was making you feel angsty, my anxiety was up cause I was like fearing for the Samsara the entire book. The MMC. I'm not gonna say his name because that would be huge spoilers but he is a cinnamon roll green flag I love. I love him so much. New fictional boyfriend of mine. He is so sweet. So respectful. Just a wonderful man. Samsara, I love her. Just a sweet and fighter FMC that you're routing for. The rage I felt at side characters where I wanted to stab them was like intense. But this book was fast pace and just leaves you anticipating what's gonna happen next. I'm sad this is a duology cause I feel like they're could be more in this world. But I loved it. Great start. The world is incredible and the magic system. so cool but also deadly. There's also political intrigue which I think was done well. The ending? Like what? I'm like scared for the conclusion because I'm just like freaking out. Infinity stars to this one
This book. My heart was like racing the entire book. But that's how good this book was because it was making you feel angsty, my anxiety was up cause I was like fearing for the Samsara the entire book. The MMC. I'm not gonna say his name because that would be huge spoilers but he is a cinnamon roll green flag I love. I love him so much. New fictional boyfriend of mine. He is so sweet. So respectful. Just a wonderful man. Samsara, I love her. Just a sweet and fighter FMC that you're routing for. The rage I felt at side characters where I wanted to stab them was like intense. But this book was fast pace and just leaves you anticipating what's gonna happen next. I'm sad this is a duology cause I feel like they're could be more in this world. But I loved it. Great start. The world is incredible and the magic system. so cool but also deadly. There's also political intrigue which I think was done well. The ending? Like what? I'm like scared for the conclusion because I'm just like freaking out. Infinity stars to this one
Review of advance copy received from Author
No one writes a cinnamon roll MMC like Frankie. The MMC we're treated to in The Faceless Queen counters the brutal pain and threats of the world by bringing protection, heart, and gentleness. Even when we don't have access to their POVs, her characters embody their vaules, making their way through the stunningly vivid world with vitality and earnesty. Nothing in Frankie's writing feels prescriptive. Instead, her stories invite us in and offer to show us something beautiful and true. In contrast to the more gruesome elements in The Faceless Queen, Brennan offers comfort, reassurance, and hope.
In a story so full of magic and otherworldly creatures, Frankie keeps her characters, their wants, and their emotions center stage. She is a natural storyteller. Her characters leap off the page, coming to life and inviting you into their world while simultaneously encouraging you to think more critically about your own. I loved this book and I'm excited for what comes next! You are a rockstar, Frankie!!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In a story so full of magic and otherworldly creatures, Frankie keeps her characters, their wants, and their emotions center stage. She is a natural storyteller. Her characters leap off the page, coming to life and inviting you into their world while simultaneously encouraging you to think more critically about your own. I loved this book and I'm excited for what comes next! You are a rockstar, Frankie!!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.75⭐️
Frankie is one of my favourite authors and such an incredible writer! The magic system in this book is so interesting and unique to anything I have ever read. The FMC is a shapeshifter that can drain the energy/ lifespan of humans by feeding on their emotions. It is incredibly intruiging. I love the way that Frankie builds her worlds, I always feel completely drawn in!
The FMC Samara's backstory is extremely heartbreaking, and her character has a lot of layers. My heart ached for her and the cards that she kept being dealt. I absolutely loved the MMC Brennan, he gave complete green flag energy from the start.
I did just struggle with the romance a little bit, their connection felt a little bit too instant for me so their relationship development lacked depth. And some chapters dragged a little for me, with not an awful lot happening to advance the plot.
However, there was lots to love in this book and as with all of Frankie's books, the ending was SHOCKING and has left me desperately wanting to know what happens next!
Frankie is one of my favourite authors and such an incredible writer! The magic system in this book is so interesting and unique to anything I have ever read. The FMC is a shapeshifter that can drain the energy/ lifespan of humans by feeding on their emotions. It is incredibly intruiging. I love the way that Frankie builds her worlds, I always feel completely drawn in!
The FMC Samara's backstory is extremely heartbreaking, and her character has a lot of layers. My heart ached for her and the cards that she kept being dealt. I absolutely loved the MMC Brennan, he gave complete green flag energy from the start.
I did just struggle with the romance a little bit, their connection felt a little bit too instant for me so their relationship development lacked depth. And some chapters dragged a little for me, with not an awful lot happening to advance the plot.
However, there was lots to love in this book and as with all of Frankie's books, the ending was SHOCKING and has left me desperately wanting to know what happens next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have been a fan of Frankie's books since the Drowned Empire series which is very different from The Faceless Queen. Nonetheless, this just shows how Frankie's writing can be seamless. This has already been decided to be a duology and that is an aspect I greatly appreciate.
As always, I go into books blind and this one caught me by surprise. The premise of the FMC was very unique where she can take the form of others and without spoiling, has an aspect to her that needs to feed on other people's energy/emotion. It really gives the FMC a complex background where she wants to do the right thing but is stuck due to the politics of the kingdoms.
While the romance timeline is fairly short, the FMC and MMC did get to know each other well. It felt like a slow burn at times but Frankie really portrayed the "he's the only one sees her" type of feeling so well.
While I predicted some parts of where the story was headed, the ending leaving me on a cliffhanger was unexpected and now I'm in dire need of the next book.
Thank you Frankie for the ARC!
As always, I go into books blind and this one caught me by surprise. The premise of the FMC was very unique where she can take the form of others and without spoiling, has an aspect to her that needs to feed on other people's energy/emotion. It really gives the FMC a complex background where she wants to do the right thing but is stuck due to the politics of the kingdoms.
While the romance timeline is fairly short, the FMC and MMC did get to know each other well. It felt like a slow burn at times but Frankie really portrayed the "he's the only one sees her" type of feeling so well.
While I predicted some parts of where the story was headed, the ending leaving me on a cliffhanger was unexpected and now I'm in dire need of the next book.
Thank you Frankie for the ARC!
September 30, 2026
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️ .5
Thank you Frankie for the opportunity to be apart of the ARC team for The Faceless Queen! I am absolutely over the moon that I can continue to support Frankie as one of my favorite authors as an ARC reader for her work. One of the things that draws me to her stories is her ability to create a world that’s heavily influenced by ancient history and mythology.
Set in a world where witches are hunted, our FMC (Samara) has spent years wearing a different face to mask her true identity - quite literally. As a runaway princess, she is hunted both by her own kind and by the cruel reining monarchy. A breath of fresh air - our FMC is the morally grey character whose powers allow her the ability her take on any form - by extracting enough energy from the victim. She is faced with countless decisions that make her question her own existence and how far she is willing to go to save herself and fulfill an ancient prophecy. I loved reading the progression of the growing attraction Samara has to a man that has never seen her true face or form
Spice: 🌶️ .5
Thank you Frankie for the opportunity to be apart of the ARC team for The Faceless Queen! I am absolutely over the moon that I can continue to support Frankie as one of my favorite authors as an ARC reader for her work. One of the things that draws me to her stories is her ability to create a world that’s heavily influenced by ancient history and mythology.
Set in a world where witches are hunted, our FMC (Samara) has spent years wearing a different face to mask her true identity - quite literally. As a runaway princess, she is hunted both by her own kind and by the cruel reining monarchy. A breath of fresh air - our FMC is the morally grey character whose powers allow her the ability her take on any form - by extracting enough energy from the victim. She is faced with countless decisions that make her question her own existence and how far she is willing to go to save herself and fulfill an ancient prophecy. I loved reading the progression of the growing attraction Samara has to a man that has never seen her true face or form
September 27, 2026
This was a completely different read, featuring Samara a powerful witch who shapeshifts and feeds her power by draining the life force of her victims. In hiding for many years working as a dancer, Samara encounters Brennan, whom she feels an instant connection to. Through a series of events, Samara is forced to become Olivay, the betrothed foreign Princess to the Crown Prince. Her task is to make the Prince fall in love with her and bear his offspring.
I went through all the emotions reading this. Poor Samara really does have it tough. As she starts to develop feelings for the Prince, her choices between doing what’s been forced upon her and what her heart wants make it harder and harder.
The slow burn is top notch, the chemistry between Samara and her crown Prince is toe curlingly good. The plot line is fast paced and with that cliffhanger of an ending I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!
I went through all the emotions reading this. Poor Samara really does have it tough. As she starts to develop feelings for the Prince, her choices between doing what’s been forced upon her and what her heart wants make it harder and harder.
The slow burn is top notch, the chemistry between Samara and her crown Prince is toe curlingly good. The plot line is fast paced and with that cliffhanger of an ending I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
FRANKIE!! Ugh no one else does forbidden romance quite like Frankie… she has this ability to write characters that instantly grip you, make you feel, and then drops as much heartbreak as possible 🤣
Samara is just a tavern dancer…right? In a world where Azetes, witches who must steal lifeforce to fuel their power, it’s safest for Samara to live as she does, quietly feeding off crowds as she dances. Enter the most swoon-worthy, golden retriever MMC…😍
As soon as I started this, the forbidden, slow burn, yearning romance took hold of me and suddenly it was 3am. The magic system, especially with a succubus, shape-shifting witch was so captivating and unique… I kept “one more chapter”ing into the early hours.
If you know Frankie, you know that at least once in each of her series, she must leave us on a DIABOLICAL CLIFFHANGER. It’s one thing that I absolutely love about her writing and I will be staring off into the void until book 2 comes out.
Samara is just a tavern dancer…right? In a world where Azetes, witches who must steal lifeforce to fuel their power, it’s safest for Samara to live as she does, quietly feeding off crowds as she dances. Enter the most swoon-worthy, golden retriever MMC…😍
As soon as I started this, the forbidden, slow burn, yearning romance took hold of me and suddenly it was 3am. The magic system, especially with a succubus, shape-shifting witch was so captivating and unique… I kept “one more chapter”ing into the early hours.
If you know Frankie, you know that at least once in each of her series, she must leave us on a DIABOLICAL CLIFFHANGER. It’s one thing that I absolutely love about her writing and I will be staring off into the void until book 2 comes out.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A succubus that takes life force from emotions? SIGN ME UP. Meeting our protagonist, Samara who is not your typical Badass FMC, ahe’s a woman doing what she has to survive in her world with the unfair cards that were dealt to her. The world of Eley and the flawed kingdom of Eskalon are amazing places to get lost in. Frankie’s books were kind of my soft push into reading more politically intriguing books. And though Eskalon is not “real” they face many real issues that are happening in the real world of the US in 2026.
I am so thankful to have come across Frankie’s writing when I found her on TikTok with the release of Guardian of the Drowned empire (book 2 of the drowned empire series) and I absolutely fell in love with her writing and story telling. But this book? This book is my new addiction. With the bar set so high from her previous characters I cannot (I really can) believe she has OUTDONE herself this time.
I am so thankful to have come across Frankie’s writing when I found her on TikTok with the release of Guardian of the Drowned empire (book 2 of the drowned empire series) and I absolutely fell in love with her writing and story telling. But this book? This book is my new addiction. With the bar set so high from her previous characters I cannot (I really can) believe she has OUTDONE herself this time.
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