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In Deception's Shadow #4
Death's Queen
Death wants his queen back.
After her two sisters are caught up by destiny’s call, Lamarra Stonemantle is the only one left to play the role of dutiful noble daughter. A task she embraces in an effort to hide the dark magic living inside her own soul. Now that power is whispering its seductive promises again, telling her only a long dead king can complete her soul.
That unknown being terrifies her, but when Lord Master Trensler orders his acolytes to capture Lamarra, she must flee her home. To her dismay, she is rescued by tomb guards sent by her dead king.
Lamarra soon learns her fate is just as terrible as she thought, but Dead King Soryn isn’t anything like she feared. He’s worse. Yet he’s also gentle and kind and he knows a way to track and destroy the acolytes’ evil god.
But Lord Master Trensler has his own plans. If he cannot match power with the Dead King, then he will go back in time and eradicate Soryn before he ever has the chance to become the Dead King.
There is one thing Trensler did not factor into his plan—Queen Lamarra and the protective instincts she feels towards her new king.
After her two sisters are caught up by destiny’s call, Lamarra Stonemantle is the only one left to play the role of dutiful noble daughter. A task she embraces in an effort to hide the dark magic living inside her own soul. Now that power is whispering its seductive promises again, telling her only a long dead king can complete her soul.
That unknown being terrifies her, but when Lord Master Trensler orders his acolytes to capture Lamarra, she must flee her home. To her dismay, she is rescued by tomb guards sent by her dead king.
Lamarra soon learns her fate is just as terrible as she thought, but Dead King Soryn isn’t anything like she feared. He’s worse. Yet he’s also gentle and kind and he knows a way to track and destroy the acolytes’ evil god.
But Lord Master Trensler has his own plans. If he cannot match power with the Dead King, then he will go back in time and eradicate Soryn before he ever has the chance to become the Dead King.
There is one thing Trensler did not factor into his plan—Queen Lamarra and the protective instincts she feels towards her new king.
231 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2017
About the author
Lisa Blackwood
48 books313 followersLisa Blackwood is the USA Today bestselling author of the Gargoyle and Sorceress Urban Fantasy series. She and her new co-author, S.M. Schmitz, are also embarking upon a new Space Opera Romance series. Book one is titled, Vengeance: Warships of the Spire. It can be found in the Dominion Rising boxset anthology.
As well as writing, Lisa is also an avid gardener, horse enthusiast, and dog lover. She grudgingly lives in a small town in Southern Ontario, though she would much rather live deep in a dark forest, surrounded by majestic old-growth trees. Since she cannot live her fantasy, she decided to write fantasy instead. Freya, her ever faithful and beloved hellhound, ensures Lisa takes breaks from the computer so they can rid the garden of cats with delusions of conquest.
As well as writing, Lisa is also an avid gardener, horse enthusiast, and dog lover. She grudgingly lives in a small town in Southern Ontario, though she would much rather live deep in a dark forest, surrounded by majestic old-growth trees. Since she cannot live her fantasy, she decided to write fantasy instead. Freya, her ever faithful and beloved hellhound, ensures Lisa takes breaks from the computer so they can rid the garden of cats with delusions of conquest.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 24, 2017
**If you haven't read the previous installments in the series you'll really want to start there as it jumps right into the world with little background information.** I've loved this series and was so excited to read the Dead King's story.
Normally I can't get behind a time-traveling story line, I'm just not into it, but I felt that this one was well done and believable in the world the author has created.
The issues I had with this book were minor, I tend to have a problem with "insta-love" stories because I never feel that the emotions are genuine. However, I appreciated that this was something which was directly addressed - Actually, what I wanted was MORE detail on the relationship between the H/h. How do they settle into life together? What does it actually look like?
Overall I was so pleased with this book and the continuation of this world.
Normally I can't get behind a time-traveling story line, I'm just not into it, but I felt that this one was well done and believable in the world the author has created.
The issues I had with this book were minor, I tend to have a problem with "insta-love" stories because I never feel that the emotions are genuine. However, I appreciated that this was something which was directly addressed - Actually, what I wanted was MORE detail on the relationship between the H/h. How do they settle into life together? What does it actually look like?
Overall I was so pleased with this book and the continuation of this world.
November 15, 2018
Death’s Queen was definitely different then the first three books (Lamarra is after all a Dead Queen) but it was just as good. I wasn’t sure how the story would go in the beginning with it being so dark but I loved how it ended. I certainly hope to read more about the younglings.
In each book so far, the sisters and Beatrice have faced harrowing trials and potential death, and found the strength inside themselves to overcome those trials. Lamarra’s trials were no different, just a bit more terrifying.
Some reviewers have said this is the end to the series, but I certainly hope not as all of The Twelve have not been found yet and the Divine Speaker has not been caught. Ms. Blackwood, please write more!
In each book so far, the sisters and Beatrice have faced harrowing trials and potential death, and found the strength inside themselves to overcome those trials. Lamarra’s trials were no different, just a bit more terrifying.
Some reviewers have said this is the end to the series, but I certainly hope not as all of The Twelve have not been found yet and the Divine Speaker has not been caught. Ms. Blackwood, please write more!
March 17, 2020
Interesting storyline
This book goes along with the previous 3 in this series. However, it focuses less on preparing for war and more on Lamarra's quest to kill the enemy acolytes in an earlier time. It was different from the other books in the series in that she seemed to have a lot of free time when she is not trying to find the acolytes that traveled to the earlier time, with her following them.
This book was not the easiest to read. It was quite slow at times, but in other places it moved more quickly. I do recommend this book and the series as a whole, but this will remain my least favorite book in the series.
This book goes along with the previous 3 in this series. However, it focuses less on preparing for war and more on Lamarra's quest to kill the enemy acolytes in an earlier time. It was different from the other books in the series in that she seemed to have a lot of free time when she is not trying to find the acolytes that traveled to the earlier time, with her following them.
This book was not the easiest to read. It was quite slow at times, but in other places it moved more quickly. I do recommend this book and the series as a whole, but this will remain my least favorite book in the series.
July 25, 2024
A very engaging end to this quartet...although the world is certainly open for more stories to be told here. The third Stonemantle daughter, Lamarra, is highlighted in this book, and I really enjoyed her story. The conflicted feelings she began to have for the living King Soryn in the past were interesting to read about and I was really rooting for them as a couple. I'm not usually a fan of time travel stories, but I think this one was done very well and it did not take away from the story for me at all. Sad to see this series end, but happy that I can try another of Lisa Blackwood's series - Ishtar's Legacy.
June 9, 2021
The Series in total from the 1st to last book
This author truly knows how to keep your interest from the 1st book to the final one. Adventure, suspense, paranormal beings combined with human interactions are fully developed yet I'd have no trouble with children from 10 up reading these stories!
This author truly knows how to keep your interest from the 1st book to the final one. Adventure, suspense, paranormal beings combined with human interactions are fully developed yet I'd have no trouble with children from 10 up reading these stories!
April 29, 2018
Death's Queen
This book was great, the next in the series In Deceptions Shadow. Another dead queen is initiated and sent back in time to eradicate the acolytes in the past before they can destroy the future.
This book was great, the next in the series In Deceptions Shadow. Another dead queen is initiated and sent back in time to eradicate the acolytes in the past before they can destroy the future.
October 22, 2019
Is this really the end?!
If this is the last book in the series I might die.
Once again not a fan of the sexual scenes but not as bad as the last two.
if this is the last book then you left me hanging off a cliff with no answers and no hope for help.
If this is the last book in the series I might die.
Once again not a fan of the sexual scenes but not as bad as the last two.
if this is the last book then you left me hanging off a cliff with no answers and no hope for help.
April 19, 2020
Kick an alcoyte's a$$!!
Talk about having a threesome!! I have now read all of the stories about the Stonemantle sisters and a couple of friends ( how is having a dragon for a mate, go figure). This has been an awesome finale to the series of stories. Thank you for sharing!!!
Talk about having a threesome!! I have now read all of the stories about the Stonemantle sisters and a couple of friends ( how is having a dragon for a mate, go figure). This has been an awesome finale to the series of stories. Thank you for sharing!!!
June 18, 2020
Time traveler
To save her world Lamarra has to time travel and that adds a whole new twist to the story. The acolytes have gone back also and their mission is one of destruction. Lamarra has her work cut out for her as she accepts her role as the new Dead Queen.
To save her world Lamarra has to time travel and that adds a whole new twist to the story. The acolytes have gone back also and their mission is one of destruction. Lamarra has her work cut out for her as she accepts her role as the new Dead Queen.
July 4, 2021
I delayed in reading this 4th in the series because the plot put me off a little. I'm so glad that I read it, now. The relationship between Soryn and Lamarra is both complex and sweet. The plot line is also satisfying. It makes me anxious to meet the rest of the twelve and read their stories.
October 9, 2022
Enjoyable action adventure romantic fantasy in a unique magical world. The romance has kissing but is in a fade to black style. I look forward to book 5! It's been a long time coming because the author has spent more time on other series. Book 5 is coming though!
December 10, 2023
Great artistry writing weaving New world.
Loved the entire series. Read them all in 3 days. Very artful. The heriones are awesome different from each other but all possess the same strength and courage.
Loved the entire series. Read them all in 3 days. Very artful. The heriones are awesome different from each other but all possess the same strength and courage.
February 28, 2017
Death's Queen was a great continuation of the In Deception's Shadow series.
April 24, 2018
Great read!
What a crazy emotional love story. Such a great read that kept me on the edge of my seat. Must read
What a crazy emotional love story. Such a great read that kept me on the edge of my seat. Must read
June 6, 2019
The ending seemed to take the easy way out
September 1, 2019
Anything Mz. Blackwood writes is awesome!
These books are absolutely incredible! Wasn't able to put them down! Please read them in order because they make better sense that way.
These books are absolutely incredible! Wasn't able to put them down! Please read them in order because they make better sense that way.
October 4, 2019
Love it!
I totally recommend the series. I wouldn't change anything at all. Lisa is indeed a talented writer. A must read.
I totally recommend the series. I wouldn't change anything at all. Lisa is indeed a talented writer. A must read.
November 13, 2019
Sworn to excellence
Excellent series!!!. Not too long and individual books are connected continuously in a well coherent manner. It could have easily been one very big book
Excellent series!!!. Not too long and individual books are connected continuously in a well coherent manner. It could have easily been one very big book
January 14, 2020
I do hope that this fourth (4th) book is not
the end of this series.
However, if it is, it is perfect for the purpose.
Enjoy !!
Phyllis S.
the end of this series.
However, if it is, it is perfect for the purpose.
Enjoy !!
Phyllis S.
June 4, 2020
Wonderful Story line
Hope it’s not the end of Deception’s books, seems to me there’s a lot more to build at least 2 more stories
Hope it’s not the end of Deception’s books, seems to me there’s a lot more to build at least 2 more stories
November 4, 2020
Great book and series
Great book and series. Enjoyable paranormal romantic adventure. Very well edited. I think that this is the concluding book to this series.
Great book and series. Enjoyable paranormal romantic adventure. Very well edited. I think that this is the concluding book to this series.
March 25, 2018
Love these stories!
Excellent story line and I love how the author brings everything together from the previous books. Also excellent character development and a world I’d love to see on the big screen.
Excellent story line and I love how the author brings everything together from the previous books. Also excellent character development and a world I’d love to see on the big screen.
May 20, 2017
Lamarra Stonemantle is the third of General Stonemantle’s daughters. She is taken captive by tomb guards of Dead King Soryn before Lord Master Trensler (a very evil man) can capture her and drain her of her magic. The Dead King usually disguises his true form (he’s been dead a thousand years), but when he reveals his true self Lamarra is horrified. At the same time, she finds he is both kind and gentle to her. After they are bonded, Soryn tells her she has a mission to go back in time to stop Lord Master Trensler and some of his evil acolytes who have gone into the past and will change history by killing the young King Soryn (the dead king’s earlier self). As hard as she tries, against her will she falls in love with the young king, but she is bonded to the dead king. How can she leave the living king when she knows she must return to the dead king? This was a fascinating story, but I won’t tell you how everything worked out for the best for everyone involved. I loved this story, just as I’ve loved the other books in this series. I hope there are more books in the future.
April 14, 2017
I enjoyed it
We get to meet and understand the third sister, Lamarra. Resolution of the previous book's cliffhanger is the purpose of this book as well as clarifying the histories of many characters. All of this is done while continuing the fight against the acolyte Trensler.
Lamarra's acceptance of her fate makes her transition into the Dead Queen possible. Understanding that her death sentence has many perks, kept the main character from fearing the act of her death while explaining her prophetic dreams.
Great world building, full character development and a humorous but slightly convoluted plot made book number four in the Deception's Shadow series enjoyable. I will continue to read Lisa Blackwood's books in the future.
We get to meet and understand the third sister, Lamarra. Resolution of the previous book's cliffhanger is the purpose of this book as well as clarifying the histories of many characters. All of this is done while continuing the fight against the acolyte Trensler.
Lamarra's acceptance of her fate makes her transition into the Dead Queen possible. Understanding that her death sentence has many perks, kept the main character from fearing the act of her death while explaining her prophetic dreams.
Great world building, full character development and a humorous but slightly convoluted plot made book number four in the Deception's Shadow series enjoyable. I will continue to read Lisa Blackwood's books in the future.
April 21, 2017
Death's Queen
Well done, a totally intriguing chapter in this series. Loved the twists and turns shot at you, heartily awaiting for more.
Well done, a totally intriguing chapter in this series. Loved the twists and turns shot at you, heartily awaiting for more.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews