Baba Yaga is probably the darkest of all the queens. An unrepentant bad girl, she has no time for men, or something as pedestrian as love. Too bad Calypso and Aphrodite never got that memo. They've decided to make the witch their pet project. Baba's choice is simple, fall in love with the male they found her, or die. She'd laugh, except for the little fact that they're totally serious. But Baba has never been a quitter, she'll go to that male, she'll even willingly go through the goddesses ridiculous "games," what she won't do is fall in love. At least, those were her plans until she stared into the ice blue eyes of a Viking god and realized her life would never be the same again...
Seeing Baba Yea being all three versions of herself was entertaining as hell. I also enjoyed watching her and Freyr fall in love with another. Mostly because of the sass in the beginning.
This book was definitely a surprise. I didnt expect to like it as much as I did. Winters did an amazing job bringing Babba's story to life. If your a fan of the author then you should definitely jump into the Dark Queen series. I'm going to keep this review short and sweet but know that I'm definitely recommend this series. It's fun and easy reading. Enjoy!
This is probably my favorite in the series so far. Baba was a strong character and totally sassy. However, I thought Calypso was super annoying and unnecessarily rude in this one. The whole premise of the "games" was kind of warped.
I do find the character sometimes a little confusing in their actions and reactions to things....
Baba was really an Old crone most of the time, it was nice to see Freyr chip away at her, and some of her spell were great (Loved when she frogged him)... but sometimes the Author pushes characters a bit too far... A bit too sassy, a bit too unlikeable at times.....
I thought maybe I should give this book 3 strats, not 4 just because... Did you know that Baba Yaga's name is Yaga, not Baba. Baba translation from Russian is actually the same thing as Grandma or Granny.
As I reflect on this book, I am trying to think on whether or not I can say if this is my favorite book so far. I enjoyed seeing the growing relationship between Baba Yaga and Freyr. I enjoyed the comic moments between tham and thought it gave them more of a depth because their relationship started with more than just anger and mistrust. I wish there was more of an explaination as to why the witch had the three forms and how the time frame was worked out. Also I would have liked to know how she came to be because there was a hint to her being born in Russia, which indicates that she was human, but then there was talks of her being the divine spirit of nature. Another thing is Freyr’s other form, I would like to know how the God of fertility and lust would ever come in that form and why.
I got interested in this book based on the fact that it involved Baba Yaga. For those unfamiliar, Bsba Yaga is a figure in Russian/Slovak folklore as a witch with iron teeth. Many stories have her as having two sisters also named Baba Yaga, others have her having three forms. It is said that she hold power over the elements and is the goddess of wisdom and death even though she isn't a goddess. I find her to be a fascinating character and was happy to see her used in a story. This story uses her in the form of having three forms to which Aphrodite and Calypso requests she be in maiden form for the "games." We do see the crone form at another point in the story, but not the mother, which part of me wishes we had. It would have added a different dimension to the story.
I enjoyed the romantic build up of their relationship even if it was far from romantic, but their banter back and forth was adorable. There was a scene where Freyr was a frog in her bodice that made me laugh of loud. The beginning of the stort takes a while to build up and really take off. I almost wanted a little more of the battles, especially with the Pied Piper, but I understand why there wasn't more. The dialog was well done, as I said the banter between them was funny and when they got serious it was believable.
I enjoyed the general concept of the story and the idea that love isn't a weakness, or allowing oneself to be vulnerable in order to allow love to enter into our lives. I loved seeing her becoming soft and growing love in the beginning with Phlegm, and agreeing to the challenge that Freyr poses to her after their first battle. There seems to be a lot happening in the story, but it all works well together and doing feel forced or unnatural. When you read this book you not only get a story, but you get transplanted into different worlds as each battle takes place and have a front row seat to the love forming between Baba Yaga and Freyr.
I don't think I'll ever stop being pleasantly surprised by Jovee Winters' Kingdom books. This is yet another unique and beautiful tale of a well known bad gal who finds the love we all hope to find and deserve. Baba Yaga might not be everyone's cup of tea, but she is more a strong cup of coffee and I love coffee. She's more than you can imagine and unapologetic for all she's done and may do. I love all of Marie Hall's/ Jovee Winters' Kingdom characters, but Baba is now my favorite queen, along the side of Calypso. Baba's and Freyr's tale is one I could read over and over. I guess I'm always a huge fan of characters who live, love, and embrace the truly darker areas of life that most people are affraid to admit they know, but even better is when they make no apologies for it. Anyone new to the series should at least read this book before going further, it kind of sets everything up for the books to come. Although, most the stories in the Kingdom can read as stand-alones, it's more fun to read each one in chronological order, starting with Her Mad Hatter. Think of each story like an episode from a show, each one builds on the other and past characters weave in and out of each other's stories. Sure they can be seen (read) out of order, and enjoyed, but the experience isn't quite the same. I hope to read more about Baba and Freyr in future Kingdom tales. Until then, I'm off to read The Dark Queen. I'm sure it won't disappoint.
Baba Yaga is probably the darkest of all the queens. An unrepentant bad girl, she has no time for men, or something as pedestrian as love. Too bad Calypso and Aphrodite never got that memo. They've decided to make the witch their pet project. Baba's choice is simple, fall in love with the male they found her, or die. She'd laugh, except for the little fact that they're totally serious. But Baba has never been a quitter, she'll go to that male, she'll even willingly go through the goddesses ridiculous "games," what she won't do is fall in love. At least, those were her plans until she stared into the ice blue eyes of a Viking god and realized her life would never be the same again...
Heather's Notes This story was fairly good until the ending, and really the epilogue just needs to be removed. It added nothing to the story and left a bad taste in mouth. Also really you have been together centuries and the goblin is only 5!! Who wants a toddler for centuries?!?! That in itself was awful. I didn't care for the ending either. You kill Baba and bring her back, but don't punish the evil little imp that killed her. You are suppose to be villainess. You don't just let that go. I will probably read the next book, but I really hope the ending is better. Also she better tell us what happens to Baba with the fairy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Yay Calypso and Dite are back which made me immediately excited for this book in the series. Though I did really like the characters, Baba and Freyr, I felt like their story was a little stilted and did not really have much going for it. I would give this book a rating somewhere between 2 and 3 story wise.
Baba Yaga is bullied in to joining Calypso and Dite's old fashioned version of a Dating game where the stakes are high for both participation and failure. Baba not really wanting to cater to their inanities decides shes just going to do the bare minimum so she can somehow get out of this mess. Lypso and Dite are thrown the last minute before the games because the male they had picked for Baba turned out to be married with kids....now they must do their best and pick someone new. They choose Freyr, viking god of lust, playboy extraordinaire, who seems to join only because he is bored. These 2 opposites have some funny banter and personality differences which spice things up, but all in all their story seemed a tad boring... Maybe because their adversities didn't feel that real since Lypso and Dite were running them.
It was an enjoyable read but not my favorite in the series..
No one believes less in love than the witch Baba Yaga. But the meddlesome Goddesses have a different idea. They want all the villains to get a happily ever after, that they never thought possible. Let the games begin. At once the Goddesses Calypso, Aphrodite, and Themes decide to have the participants to battle for their loves. Baba doesn't want to admit she loves her man and has to fight for not only her love but their lives. The story takes your emotions and jumbles them up, only to make you question reality. You will not be able to put it down.
These are great, quick reads. All the stories are stand alone but weave together. So far the first book, Sea Queen, was my favourite but this book bumped it out of first place.
Why?
Baba Yaga is three women, the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone. Apparently her crone form is hideous as all heck. Freyr loving her even when she’s nauseatingly ugly made this happily ever after all the more glorious.
You get the sass of Calypso without her botched slang (which I loved). She’s just a badass. Loved this one.
I have to be honest, I've been putting off reading this one for a little while and I'm not sure really why! Baba is a favorite of mine from previous books and her book was nothing short of AWESOME!!!! I loved every minute of it and her man was way cool! I look forward to more amazingness from this author and her different works of art!
Dear Goddess I didn't think that I could love the characters of this world any more, then I am introduced to Baba Yaga. I laughter until I cried following this witch's story to find love, instead of the usual woman find man, man see woman and they insta love. This journey was full of sarcasm and fun and Sass. Best story yet!!!!!
I love this book, I first read all of Jovee Winters/ Marie Halls books years ago and read the newer ones as they were coming out but I always forget how much I enjoy her characters, they are all diverse, morally grey and utterly wonderful. Baba Yaga is just so much fun and Freyr is her perfect counterpart
Each book in this series gets better and better and this was my favorite one yet. It was a good read that I really enjoyed and would U recommend it to anyone that loves a good if slightly naughty fairytale.
As always, Jovee Winters has written a book that made me smile, laugh and brought me to tears. She just knows how to pull at me heart strings!! Can't wait to start the next one ❤️❤️❤️
I really like this story. I am not as familiar with the story of Baba Yaga or Frayr but I have heard of Baba Yaga. I love how she took one of the baddest witch and gave her a happy ending.
I liked this soo much better than the othe previous books. Loved that the main heroine has spunk and the book isn't to romantish... like the other ones. Liked the ending too.
I don’t know much about Baba Yaga except that she lives in a house with chicken feet and she’s Russian. That being said, I really liked that Baba Yaga is this character that’s not supposed to have any redeemable qualities, but I found myself rooting for her and her HEA. There is a part of the story that really annoyed me. It involves Calypso and Aphrodite. I don’t really care for it. I thought it was stupid, but they thought they were helping so I digress. I really enjoyed this book and I’m excited to see where the series goes.
The Magic Queen (Book 4 The Dark Queen Kingdom Saga) NOTE: I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review. Let me start with my quick just finished reading responses: Wow. Woohoo. Amazing. Aw. I LOVE HAPPY ENDINGS. Oh too funny. BabaForTheWin. Now, onto the focus of my opinion/review of this book: Now if you’ve ever read my reviews before I never include spoilers or anything I worry could ruin the book. I feel it is unfair for someone to read a review and be ruined any part of a story. Sometimes those small moments can mean a lot to the big picture. This story is one of those where many small moments lead to one big finish. Now, it should be obvious this is the 4th book in the series of Dark Queens, and yes you should read the rest before this one. This particular book includes many names you’ll know from the previous books but be safe friend that you can enjoy this book without having read the others (just it makes the experience all the better as you’ll value the small personality traits and have a deeper meaning for why certain things are in motion). So this particular book’s “hero” (haha) is Baba Yaga. Known by many things, and well google her name if you want. I knew vaguely of the name and who she traditionally represented this book brought forth a deeper and more magical spirit than I could’ve imagined. Her personality is sharp, ruthless, funny and of course full of a balance between evil and not so evil. As with all great characters, the best ones are ones that grow deeper and grow as an individual who is on a journey that will end with self-discovery allowing them to further evolve more wonderfully than you saw happening when you first began reading. This is thanks to the amazing author Jovee Winters. She knows what it takes to keep you interested, to bring some tears, some laughs and of course why not a bit of passion here or there? A little dirty humour/thoughts/emotions never hurt anyone.
Again, this story I would sum up as a reality tv show full of romance, life vs death, and of course magic.
I highly recommend this book! Read the previous ones? Don’t be stupid and read this one too – it’s one of my favs so far. Haven’t read any of the series yet? Why not? Start at 1 then keep going till this one. This is all my personal opinion, hope it helps.
The Magic Queen is the fourth book in the Dark Queens series by Jovee Winters. In this book, she focused on the love life of Baba Yaga. Calypso and Aphrodite, goddesses of the sea and love respectfully, have started a new game. They are pairing up dark queens with prospective mates. However, Baba Yaga thinks the whole thing is ridiculous. As one of the most powerful witches in the world, she does not need a man in her life. She unwillingly agrees to take part, thinking the last thing she would do is fall in love. But then, she meets Freyr, the Norse god of fertility and finds herself changing her mind.
I liked the chemistry between Baba Yaga and Freyr, who she nicknamed a very lascivious name which I would not mention here. As is usual with the preceding books of this series, she resisted her urges until she could not help but succumb.
Jovee Winters has a knack for describing her scenes within her books so well that I felt as if I was looking on at the games. I particularly liked the description of the dress Baba Yaga wore to fight against Fiera.
My only issue with the book is the games themselves. I did not like the terms of the games and the eventual ending. I found it a bit heartless.
I enjoyed the book and will be continuing the rest of the series. I even think I might try her Dark Kings series after.
Suitable audience: Adults who like fantasy and romance. Not suitable for teens and children
Note: If you’re looking for an intense reading experience, this is not it. If, however, you’re looking for a quick, fun read with no major thinking involved, this series fits the bill especially if you’re into fantasy and romance with a touch of mythology.
Violence: Mention of violence against children and animals. The battles are quite violent Sexual Content: A lot!!! This is definitely a book for adults only! Profanity: Multiple uses of sexual euphemisms as well as obscene language Religious Themes: The book starts Greek gods and goddesses. There is also mention of gods from other cultures as well as nature spirits. Magic and witches are also very present in this series. Alcohol/Drugs/Smoking: None
Who in their right mind thinks they'll wake up on morning and like, nay love Baba Yaga. She is a witch of legend! One to be feared, even reviled. But Is she really? Is there a woman beneath the Legend, and does she deserve her Happily Ever After? Can she overcome herself to admit when she does find that love?
For most of her life Baba has reveled in being the dark horse, the one feared by all, but still sought out when powerful magics are needed. When Calypso and Aphrodite approach her to be a part of their "Love Games" she agrees with trepidation, truly believing her magic and who she is will keep her from the messy business of love, true love, and soul mates.
Freyr agrees to join as well, what fertility/sex god wouldn't? Tempt a shrew, have some sex and move on! That's what he was thinking. And then Baba does something he didn't expect. He interests him and makes him laugh! What's more, he knows her legends and still wants to learn more, more about the woman she really is, not just the legends.
Can the two overcome what they know to learn about the person beneath the legends and personas? Will they fall in love? While I won't tell you that, what I will tell you is the story had me from the start and didn't let go. I laughed, I shed a few tears, and I cheered along the way. Jovee continues to draw the reader in and feel for and fall in love with the villains of Kingdom. You'll fall in love with Baba Yaga and Freyr, and you'll cheer for them through every barb, snarky remark, and twist of the story!