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Queen of Extinction #2
Queen of Destruction
This Sleeping Beauty fights back…
Find out why readers are loving this new fairy tale retelling from New York Times bestselling author Gwynn White!
Aurora and her allies barely escaped Ryferia with their lives. With the help of her would-be husband Jorah, the princess must trust in unlikely allies to have a chance against her arch enemy. An oracle with a flare for the dramatic may hold the key to Ryferia’s survival…
Jorah has deep feelings for Aurora, but he doesn’t have the heart to take down the shrine to his lost love. Between Aurora’s distrust and a broken promise with the vengeful Sabrisia, Jorah uses dragon magic and trickery to buy himself time. But nothing will convince Aurora that he loves her…
But all is not lost. One of Aurora’s new allies may turn the tide in her fight against Raith. The only problem is that he may conquer her heart as well…
Queen of Destruction is a fantastical retelling of Sleeping Beauty, complete with pirates, oracles, and an evil goddess. If you like incredible magic, reimagined fairy tales, and high-stakes romantic adventures, then you’ll love this captivating second book in the Queen of Extinction Trilogy by Erin St. Pierre and Gwynn White. Book One: Queen of Extinction is available in digital form in the Dark Humanity Kindle Edition Boxed Set and in print form.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2017
31 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Gwynn White
21 books246 followersUSA Today, New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of science fiction and fantasy novels set on distant planets.
All Gwynn White's stories have an adventure at the heart mixed with a liberal sprinkling of romance and intrigue. To confuse things, she also write adventure travel books set firmly on planet Earth.
She lives in Western Australia with her husband, Andrew, my three daughters, a yapping Toy Pomeranian, and a fantastic farm cat called Pixel. When she's not writing, she's reading, traveling, herding kids around, taking dogs for walks, and avoiding all cooking.
All Gwynn White's stories have an adventure at the heart mixed with a liberal sprinkling of romance and intrigue. To confuse things, she also write adventure travel books set firmly on planet Earth.
She lives in Western Australia with her husband, Andrew, my three daughters, a yapping Toy Pomeranian, and a fantastic farm cat called Pixel. When she's not writing, she's reading, traveling, herding kids around, taking dogs for walks, and avoiding all cooking.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 8, 2019
As you may remember, I had the pleasure of reviewing the first Queen of Extinction book. You can read that review here. When I had the opportunity of reviewing the next book as well, how could I turn it down? I'm so glad that I was offered the opportunity. White and St. Pierre did not let me down!
I was surprised to find that I didn't hate the main villain, Raith, nearly as much as I hated his brother, Carian. I wanted Raith to finally find compassion and possibly be released from his addiction to power. Carian, on the other hand, I wanted to watch as he writhed in pain and despair. How dare he be so cold and calculating! The authors did a fantastic job writing such a despicable character.
Aurora has definitely grown since the first book. No longer restrained by her Infirmity, she is beginning to understand how much personal, and magical, power she truly has. Her greatest moments of strength are shown in this novel. Not only is she forced to believe in herself, which can sometimes feel impossible, she is encouraged to assert herself to the friends that have always guarded her and she is able to be open and honest about her emotions. While none of these seem especially action filled, the authors use them to make Aurora as realistic as possible. After reading this book, I am able to identify with her so much more! It feels like she is a living and breathing person.
In addition to the vast amounts of character building accomplished in this book, the world building is beautifully done. Every question the first book left me with was answered in this sequel.
While there was plenty of character and world development, the authors provide a ton of excitement and adventure. I was so happy to see the detailed fight scenes. Not only were they plausible, they captured the humanity of the emotions spurring on each fight.
I think this is the point I'm supposed to say something critical, you know, something I didn't like. I guess I'll close on this one thing. I have to wait for the next book. Not ok.
I was surprised to find that I didn't hate the main villain, Raith, nearly as much as I hated his brother, Carian. I wanted Raith to finally find compassion and possibly be released from his addiction to power. Carian, on the other hand, I wanted to watch as he writhed in pain and despair. How dare he be so cold and calculating! The authors did a fantastic job writing such a despicable character.
Aurora has definitely grown since the first book. No longer restrained by her Infirmity, she is beginning to understand how much personal, and magical, power she truly has. Her greatest moments of strength are shown in this novel. Not only is she forced to believe in herself, which can sometimes feel impossible, she is encouraged to assert herself to the friends that have always guarded her and she is able to be open and honest about her emotions. While none of these seem especially action filled, the authors use them to make Aurora as realistic as possible. After reading this book, I am able to identify with her so much more! It feels like she is a living and breathing person.
In addition to the vast amounts of character building accomplished in this book, the world building is beautifully done. Every question the first book left me with was answered in this sequel.
While there was plenty of character and world development, the authors provide a ton of excitement and adventure. I was so happy to see the detailed fight scenes. Not only were they plausible, they captured the humanity of the emotions spurring on each fight.
I think this is the point I'm supposed to say something critical, you know, something I didn't like. I guess I'll close on this one thing. I have to wait for the next book. Not ok.
June 17, 2019
The dramatic escape of Princess Aurora from the hands of her uncle, the power hungry Artemis, has made everyone in Ryferia realize that the Infirm among them are people that have stunted magical powers. Now, Artemis has seized the throne and, in an attempt to lure Aurora back to fight for her people, he has instituted a campaign of terror and murder. To help him in this endeavor, he has enlisted Raith Krall, the blood craving incubus, who wants Aurora for himself. Aurora, meanwhile, finds herself in the middle of a battle for power in Warrendyte, where her dragon knight, Jorah, has taken her to ask the magical council of the land for help in getting her throne back. To achieve their ends, Aurora and Jorah go on a quest to find a drop of blood from Maleficent, the goddess of the magical realm. Will they be in time to prevent Artemis slaughtering all the Infirm in Ryferia?
This is the sequel to Queen of Extinction, and the second part of a trilogy that is a retelling of the fairy tale Sleeping Beauty. It has good action and a certain amount of enthrallment to it, though retellings are not my favorite type of story. Aurora is a good heroine, Jorah is earnest and loyal as her dedicated paramour, and Raith is fantastic as a tortured soul forced into a villainy that he never wanted. But, for all that, it is still simply an updated, steam punk, drawn out version of a story that has been told so many times, in so many different ways, that it is now old news. A good book, but the authors' talents might have been better spent on an original idea.
This is the sequel to Queen of Extinction, and the second part of a trilogy that is a retelling of the fairy tale Sleeping Beauty. It has good action and a certain amount of enthrallment to it, though retellings are not my favorite type of story. Aurora is a good heroine, Jorah is earnest and loyal as her dedicated paramour, and Raith is fantastic as a tortured soul forced into a villainy that he never wanted. But, for all that, it is still simply an updated, steam punk, drawn out version of a story that has been told so many times, in so many different ways, that it is now old news. A good book, but the authors' talents might have been better spent on an original idea.
November 27, 2017
When everything around you succumbs to war and violence, would you be able to live your values and protect the lives of others?
Aurora was forced to flee Ryferia together with Jorah and her Infirm friends. Desperate to defeat Raith and Artemis and claim her rightful place on Ryferian throne, she heads to Warrendyte to plea for help. But her mission fails, and she has to find another way to protect and free her people, one that does not lead to war and great loss of lives. While she searches for a solution, she must find the ancient goddess and figure out her own emotions. Meanwhile, Raith takes the development in Ryferia into his own hands, manipulating the power shift into his favor.
It has been some time since I read the first book, but I sank easily into the story, remembering all details and enjoyng the book fully, only regretting I haven't started reading sooner. The second book in this series was even better than the first one, with abrupt twists in the plot development and introduction of new, interesting character. The characters we are already familiar with developed nicely, analyzing their own emotional state and feelings, adjusting to the new situation - excepr for Peckle. The cat is still equally mean.
I loved the turn in Aurora and Jorah's relationship. They finally find a way to each other without being forced abd leaving the past behind. With everything that is going on, they will need each other to survive the next book.
Awesome read!
Aurora was forced to flee Ryferia together with Jorah and her Infirm friends. Desperate to defeat Raith and Artemis and claim her rightful place on Ryferian throne, she heads to Warrendyte to plea for help. But her mission fails, and she has to find another way to protect and free her people, one that does not lead to war and great loss of lives. While she searches for a solution, she must find the ancient goddess and figure out her own emotions. Meanwhile, Raith takes the development in Ryferia into his own hands, manipulating the power shift into his favor.
It has been some time since I read the first book, but I sank easily into the story, remembering all details and enjoyng the book fully, only regretting I haven't started reading sooner. The second book in this series was even better than the first one, with abrupt twists in the plot development and introduction of new, interesting character. The characters we are already familiar with developed nicely, analyzing their own emotional state and feelings, adjusting to the new situation - excepr for Peckle. The cat is still equally mean.
I loved the turn in Aurora and Jorah's relationship. They finally find a way to each other without being forced abd leaving the past behind. With everything that is going on, they will need each other to survive the next book.
Awesome read!
May 31, 2017
Loving it
Aurora is a real powerhouse however after killing so many of her people her guilt prevented her from using her powers. Thankfully she finally realised how it was necessary just in time to save her friends during an ambush. Talking to the Goddess The Maleficent she now knows just how powerful she truly is and with the love and support of Jorah and friends she is now ready to claim her position as Queen. Jorah was fighting his feelings for Aurora not wanting to betray Lila but he has finally realized after breaking the unbreakable and the full restoration of his abilities that Aurora is the woman for him. His true soul mate. This has been a great series and I can't wait for the conclusion. It is definitely worth reading.
Aurora is a real powerhouse however after killing so many of her people her guilt prevented her from using her powers. Thankfully she finally realised how it was necessary just in time to save her friends during an ambush. Talking to the Goddess The Maleficent she now knows just how powerful she truly is and with the love and support of Jorah and friends she is now ready to claim her position as Queen. Jorah was fighting his feelings for Aurora not wanting to betray Lila but he has finally realized after breaking the unbreakable and the full restoration of his abilities that Aurora is the woman for him. His true soul mate. This has been a great series and I can't wait for the conclusion. It is definitely worth reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2018
I liked the direction that the story headed allowing Aurora to find why to the what, cause everyone was a bit shocked by her powerful antics everywhere.
I admit i was a bit distracted reading it as I was searching for the romance. Jorah and Aurora are at a standstill, don't worry about what happened at the end of book 1, and something needs to happen.
Which it did... at the end but no spoilers.
I love how the storyline follows aspects of Sleeping Beauty but is still so different. It's a fantastic mix.
I admit i was a bit distracted reading it as I was searching for the romance. Jorah and Aurora are at a standstill, don't worry about what happened at the end of book 1, and something needs to happen.
Which it did... at the end but no spoilers.
I love how the storyline follows aspects of Sleeping Beauty but is still so different. It's a fantastic mix.
June 27, 2017
This one is slower than book 1 - Queen of Extinction - but still, there is happening a lot during this read.
It starts almost right after book 1. Here we will experience: struggles to get allies, more about Aurora's legacy (i was really surprised), bad situation in Ryferia and finally how the war between Magical and Untalented starter! Add to it feelings of confused Dragon.
I can't wait to read book 3 as this story is really Great.
It starts almost right after book 1. Here we will experience: struggles to get allies, more about Aurora's legacy (i was really surprised), bad situation in Ryferia and finally how the war between Magical and Untalented starter! Add to it feelings of confused Dragon.
I can't wait to read book 3 as this story is really Great.
May 14, 2017
The story continues well...
The adventure continues with Aurora and Jorah and their unlikely band. I love the magical cat...It isn't until this book that I really saw the Sleeping Beauty reference. The writing is descriptive and immerses the reader into a fantastical world that I can't wait to join again in the next book.
The adventure continues with Aurora and Jorah and their unlikely band. I love the magical cat...It isn't until this book that I really saw the Sleeping Beauty reference. The writing is descriptive and immerses the reader into a fantastical world that I can't wait to join again in the next book.
May 13, 2017
A must read for magic lovers!
The story of Aurora and her kingdom continues to thrill this reader! Aurora and Norah are trying to gather an army to go back to Ryferia and free the magical beings from the good of the Guardians. Raith and his evil brother are plotting against them. Intrigue and double crossings, love and hate, all abound in this second novel. 5 stars all the way!
The story of Aurora and her kingdom continues to thrill this reader! Aurora and Norah are trying to gather an army to go back to Ryferia and free the magical beings from the good of the Guardians. Raith and his evil brother are plotting against them. Intrigue and double crossings, love and hate, all abound in this second novel. 5 stars all the way!
May 15, 2017
5 stars
This is the second book in this trilogy. It picked up right where the first book left off. I loved it. It was exciting, captivating and intriguing. I found myself needing to turn the page to find out what happened next. I can not wait to find out how it ends.
*I am voluntarily reviewing a book gifted to me by the author with no obligation.*
This is the second book in this trilogy. It picked up right where the first book left off. I loved it. It was exciting, captivating and intriguing. I found myself needing to turn the page to find out what happened next. I can not wait to find out how it ends.
*I am voluntarily reviewing a book gifted to me by the author with no obligation.*
May 19, 2017
Great read
I enjoyed the second part to this series. Can't wait until the third installment. I am anxious to see Aurora and Jorah fighting together (truly) against Sabrisia and Raith.
I enjoyed the second part to this series. Can't wait until the third installment. I am anxious to see Aurora and Jorah fighting together (truly) against Sabrisia and Raith.
May 20, 2017
Action packed
Full of action, suspense, drama, and even romance this was a perfect second book to the series. I can not wait to read the next book!
Full of action, suspense, drama, and even romance this was a perfect second book to the series. I can not wait to read the next book!
May 21, 2017
Love!
Book two was an awesome continuation of the story. I can't wait to see the conclusion of this series. Impatiently waiting....
Book two was an awesome continuation of the story. I can't wait to see the conclusion of this series. Impatiently waiting....
June 27, 2017
Good read
I couldn't put it down. Can't wait for the next book. Hope you enjoy it as much as
I did.
I couldn't put it down. Can't wait for the next book. Hope you enjoy it as much as
I did.
August 12, 2017
review to come
August 23, 2017
Marvelous...astounding...magical! Queen of Destruction is a fantastic read and I can't wait to read the finale...Queen of Creation.
September 27, 2018
Exciting
I enjoyed this book and could not put it down. The relationship between the characters is fascinating and I keep wondering if Raith could ever be redeemed after he has been so bullied and manipulated all his life.
I enjoyed this book and could not put it down. The relationship between the characters is fascinating and I keep wondering if Raith could ever be redeemed after he has been so bullied and manipulated all his life.
November 24, 2025
review coming soon
Read
June 27, 2018Wow, I love this series.
Aurora and Jorah discover more about their powers, they are much stronger together than apart.
Raith continues to gather body parts for his brothers potion, but also comes to an unexpected accord with Aurora's Uncle.
Aurora and Jorah discover more about their powers, they are much stronger together than apart.
Raith continues to gather body parts for his brothers potion, but also comes to an unexpected accord with Aurora's Uncle.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews