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Rogue Queen #2
The Queen's Advantage
When Queen Samara Rani decides to repay her debt to Emperor Valentin Kos by rooting out the traitors in his court, she knows his advisors will despise her presence. The unknown traitors hate her because she tricked them out of five million credits, but even his loyal advisors have no use for the queen of rogues and scoundrels.
True to form, Valentin’s advisors want Samara gone, and they aren’t picky about how. When their tactics turn violent, Samara and Valentin race to unravel the web of treachery and lies binding the court before the next attack ends in tragedy.
Finding traitors is not easy when courtiers learn to lie before they learn to walk. To track down the culprits, Samara must delve deep into the underbelly of a court who wants her dead. But the Rogue Queen isn’t so easy to kill…
_____________
This is being posted as a free online serial on Jessie Mihalik's website.
True to form, Valentin’s advisors want Samara gone, and they aren’t picky about how. When their tactics turn violent, Samara and Valentin race to unravel the web of treachery and lies binding the court before the next attack ends in tragedy.
Finding traitors is not easy when courtiers learn to lie before they learn to walk. To track down the culprits, Samara must delve deep into the underbelly of a court who wants her dead. But the Rogue Queen isn’t so easy to kill…
_____________
This is being posted as a free online serial on Jessie Mihalik's website.
206 pages, ebook
First published June 27, 2019
226 people are currently reading
611 people want to read
About the author
Jessie Mihalik
13 books2,162 followersJessie Mihalik has a degree in Computer Science and a love of all things geeky. A software engineer by trade, Jessie now writes full time from her home in Texas. When she’s not writing, she can be found playing co-op video games with her husband, trying out new board games, or reading books pulled from her overflowing bookshelves.
Sample chapters of all of my books are available on my website!
The Consortium Rebellion trilogy: Polaris Rising, Aurora Blazing, Chaos Reigning.
The Rogue Queen novellas: The Queen's Gambit, The Queen's Advantage, The Queen's Triumph.
Sample chapters of all of my books are available on my website!
The Consortium Rebellion trilogy: Polaris Rising, Aurora Blazing, Chaos Reigning.
The Rogue Queen novellas: The Queen's Gambit, The Queen's Advantage, The Queen's Triumph.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
March 31, 2019
Actual rating: 3.5 stars.
➽ Free online SF serial available here.
It's finished and stuff! It was pretty fairly entertaining and stuff! I shall write anot-so proper review when the Super Extra Polished Version (SEPV™) is published and stuff (in July 2019 and stuff). Now toodeloo and stuff.
Yeah yeah yeah, it's true, there is some disgustingly romanticcrap stuff in this story. BUT. There is action and stuff gets shot and stuff explodes and there are yummy political machinations and villainous scheming abounds and the story is pretty entertaining AND doesn't make my two decaying grey cells overheat much (which is a slightly very good thing given the present state of my neurons) so yay and stuff.
No idea what this ↑ is about? Don't worry, me neither.
➽ All the chapters and stuff :
• Chapter 14
• Chapter 13
• Chapter 12
• Chapter 11
• Chapter 10
• Chapter 9
• Chapter 8
• Chapter 7
• Chapter 6
• Chapter 5, Part 2
• Chapter 5, Part 1
• Chapter 4, Part 2
• Chapter 4, Part 1
• Chapter 3
• Chapter 2
• Chapter 1
• Book 1: The Queen's Gambit ★★★
➽ Free online SF serial available here.
It's finished and stuff! It was pretty fairly entertaining and stuff! I shall write a
Yeah yeah yeah, it's true, there is some disgustingly romantic
No idea what this ↑ is about? Don't worry, me neither.
➽ All the chapters and stuff :
• Chapter 14
• Chapter 13
• Chapter 12
• Chapter 11
• Chapter 10
• Chapter 9
• Chapter 8
• Chapter 7
• Chapter 6
• Chapter 5, Part 2
• Chapter 5, Part 1
• Chapter 4, Part 2
• Chapter 4, Part 1
• Chapter 3
• Chapter 2
• Chapter 1
• Book 1: The Queen's Gambit ★★★
January 1, 2021
1st read - April 2019
2nd read - August 2019
3rd read - December 2020
I first read The Queen’s Advantage when it was available on Jessie Mihalik’s blog as a free online serial and I enjoyed it enough that I purchased the final, edited version when it went on sale. The story was officially edited and expanded upon before official publication and I enjoyed the story as much, if not more, the second time around.
Queen Samara Rami promised to help Emperor Valentin Kos figure out the traitors in his court who are trying to have him killed. To fulfil that promise she's travelled to his home planet and plans to spend at least two weeks living at the palace pushing buttons trying to get the traitors to betray themselves. It quickly becomes clear that someone doesn't want her there and that they're willing to use her, and the rest of her people, as scapegoats for the continuing attacks on Valentin.
I think this story had a little less action than the first book, there were still some great fight scenes but there was also a lot of political intrigue as Samara tried to figure out who was targeting Valentin. It was interesting to meet some of the people closest to him but I have to admit I missed Samara's loyal people who had remained behind to hold the Rogue Coalition together while she was gone. I'm still really enjoying the developing romance between Samara and Valentin, it's still very slow build (come on just give into temptation already!) but I think that works for them as a couple since they both have good reason to be wary of outsiders.
I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next when Jessie Mihalik starts posting book 3 on her blog.
_____________
I'll be rereading this and writing a proper review after the final edited version has been published in July but this was a great follow up to The Queen's Gambit, I enjoyed being back in this world and I hope the author continues with the read along format on her blog for her first drafts.
_____________
Fans of The Queen's Gambit rejoice, Jessie Mihalik has started posting instalments of the sequel The Queen's Advantage on her blog now. You can read it totally for free in weekly instalments here: https://www.jessiemihalik.com/story/t...
I'm assuming that, like with the first book, once the serial is complete it will be removed from her blog for editing and then be available to purchase so if you want to try it for free make the most of the opportunity now.
2nd read - August 2019
3rd read - December 2020
I first read The Queen’s Advantage when it was available on Jessie Mihalik’s blog as a free online serial and I enjoyed it enough that I purchased the final, edited version when it went on sale. The story was officially edited and expanded upon before official publication and I enjoyed the story as much, if not more, the second time around.
Queen Samara Rami promised to help Emperor Valentin Kos figure out the traitors in his court who are trying to have him killed. To fulfil that promise she's travelled to his home planet and plans to spend at least two weeks living at the palace pushing buttons trying to get the traitors to betray themselves. It quickly becomes clear that someone doesn't want her there and that they're willing to use her, and the rest of her people, as scapegoats for the continuing attacks on Valentin.
I think this story had a little less action than the first book, there were still some great fight scenes but there was also a lot of political intrigue as Samara tried to figure out who was targeting Valentin. It was interesting to meet some of the people closest to him but I have to admit I missed Samara's loyal people who had remained behind to hold the Rogue Coalition together while she was gone. I'm still really enjoying the developing romance between Samara and Valentin, it's still very slow build (come on just give into temptation already!) but I think that works for them as a couple since they both have good reason to be wary of outsiders.
I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next when Jessie Mihalik starts posting book 3 on her blog.
_____________
I'll be rereading this and writing a proper review after the final edited version has been published in July but this was a great follow up to The Queen's Gambit, I enjoyed being back in this world and I hope the author continues with the read along format on her blog for her first drafts.
_____________
Fans of The Queen's Gambit rejoice, Jessie Mihalik has started posting instalments of the sequel The Queen's Advantage on her blog now. You can read it totally for free in weekly instalments here: https://www.jessiemihalik.com/story/t...
I'm assuming that, like with the first book, once the serial is complete it will be removed from her blog for editing and then be available to purchase so if you want to try it for free make the most of the opportunity now.
September 18, 2020
Second part of the story. The narration is this time moved to Valentin’s court, and what a nest of vipers this is! For all its fineries and wealth, this is a rotten place, as our favourite Queen Samara finds out. Her mission - find out which of the Emperor’s advisors is/are against him, and trying to get him killed!
As with the first instalment, we get plenty of action scenes, which are a lot of fun. The relationship between the two main characters develops a little, but the focus of the story is very much on uncovering the traitors.
Once more I really enjoyed this. Samara’s voice is fun and full of snark while also being that of someone who deeply cares. Can’t wait for the final chapter coming out in December.
As with the first instalment, we get plenty of action scenes, which are a lot of fun. The relationship between the two main characters develops a little, but the focus of the story is very much on uncovering the traitors.
Once more I really enjoyed this. Samara’s voice is fun and full of snark while also being that of someone who deeply cares. Can’t wait for the final chapter coming out in December.
November 7, 2019
After listening to the first book in this series and enjoying it I decided to listen to book 2 right after it. I think I enjoyed this one even more than book 1. It's filled with action, danger, political intrigue and some romance.
In this book queen Samara Rani goes to the home planet of the Kos empire to help her friend and love interest Emperor Valentin Kos uncover who of his advisers is a traitor and wants him dead. She lands in the middle of political scheming and as soon as she arrives on the planet there's another attack. She has to figure out who wants Valentin and her dead before they succeed.
I liked how this book delved a bit more in the political situation of the galaxy and mostly the status of the Kos empire. We see how not everyone is happy with Valentin and they don't want the rogue queen here either. Rumors run rampant and they don't know who can be trusted. It was interesting to follow Samara along as she tries to figure out what's going on and it was a nice reveal when things come to light and we figure out what's going on. Everyone seemed suspect and it was hard to know for sure who was behind it.
I liked seeing more of Samara, she has to go undercover for a bit and we see a bit more of her past as a mercenary. There also is an attack that really shakes and we see more of her personality there. And also how she deals with Valentin. I like her as a main character, she's capable and likable, but also has this rough and dark edge. She will do anything for her people and will go very far to stop those who attack her and Valentin. I felt she was a realistic character, especially how she isn't a completely good character. She has her dark past and can be quite ruthless at times, but I think this just adds to her character and makes her feel more realistic.
It was interesting to see more of the Kos Empire and Valentin as well. There are some secrets and reveals that come to light. We see Valentin and Samara working together here which was fun. I also like seeing their romance develop. And I am really curious to see how/ if they will make their relationship work. I like their romance and they make for a great couple. They have a few issues they have to deal with at first, like trusting each other, but most of the time they're fighting together not with each other. Which I liked. Although they do have a few things they need to resolve before they can be really together.
I like how so far each book in this series has a plot line that gets resolved in that book, but also an overarching plot and continuing plot lines. The characters and world get more fleshed out with each book too. Because of the change in setting there are some side characters we don't see as much of in this book. In return we get to see more of some other side character like Samara's bodyguard and some of the characters on Kos that we meet.
To summarize: This was a stellar sequel! I really enjoyed this one. It's filled with action, danger, political intrigue and romance. I liked seeing Queen Samara Rani and Emperor Valentin work together in this book to uncover who of his advisors is a traitor and wants him dead. There are some interesting twists and reveals along the way. It was interesting to see more of the Kos empire and home world. There's also more we learn about Samara and Valentin. I like Samara, how much she cares about those close to her and how far she would go for her. She does have a bit of a ruthless edge and dark past, but that makes her feel more realistic. I also liked seeing the romance between Valentin and Samara develop a bit more and how they mostly work together in this book, although there are still some issues they have to deal with. This book resolves the issue of the traitor, but there also is an overarching plot line that continues and doesn't get resolved, which works nicely. All in all a great read and I am looking forward to the next book.
In this book queen Samara Rani goes to the home planet of the Kos empire to help her friend and love interest Emperor Valentin Kos uncover who of his advisers is a traitor and wants him dead. She lands in the middle of political scheming and as soon as she arrives on the planet there's another attack. She has to figure out who wants Valentin and her dead before they succeed.
I liked how this book delved a bit more in the political situation of the galaxy and mostly the status of the Kos empire. We see how not everyone is happy with Valentin and they don't want the rogue queen here either. Rumors run rampant and they don't know who can be trusted. It was interesting to follow Samara along as she tries to figure out what's going on and it was a nice reveal when things come to light and we figure out what's going on. Everyone seemed suspect and it was hard to know for sure who was behind it.
I liked seeing more of Samara, she has to go undercover for a bit and we see a bit more of her past as a mercenary. There also is an attack that really shakes and we see more of her personality there. And also how she deals with Valentin. I like her as a main character, she's capable and likable, but also has this rough and dark edge. She will do anything for her people and will go very far to stop those who attack her and Valentin. I felt she was a realistic character, especially how she isn't a completely good character. She has her dark past and can be quite ruthless at times, but I think this just adds to her character and makes her feel more realistic.
It was interesting to see more of the Kos Empire and Valentin as well. There are some secrets and reveals that come to light. We see Valentin and Samara working together here which was fun. I also like seeing their romance develop. And I am really curious to see how/ if they will make their relationship work. I like their romance and they make for a great couple. They have a few issues they have to deal with at first, like trusting each other, but most of the time they're fighting together not with each other. Which I liked. Although they do have a few things they need to resolve before they can be really together.
I like how so far each book in this series has a plot line that gets resolved in that book, but also an overarching plot and continuing plot lines. The characters and world get more fleshed out with each book too. Because of the change in setting there are some side characters we don't see as much of in this book. In return we get to see more of some other side character like Samara's bodyguard and some of the characters on Kos that we meet.
To summarize: This was a stellar sequel! I really enjoyed this one. It's filled with action, danger, political intrigue and romance. I liked seeing Queen Samara Rani and Emperor Valentin work together in this book to uncover who of his advisors is a traitor and wants him dead. There are some interesting twists and reveals along the way. It was interesting to see more of the Kos empire and home world. There's also more we learn about Samara and Valentin. I like Samara, how much she cares about those close to her and how far she would go for her. She does have a bit of a ruthless edge and dark past, but that makes her feel more realistic. I also liked seeing the romance between Valentin and Samara develop a bit more and how they mostly work together in this book, although there are still some issues they have to deal with. This book resolves the issue of the traitor, but there also is an overarching plot line that continues and doesn't get resolved, which works nicely. All in all a great read and I am looking forward to the next book.
August 5, 2020
4.5 Stars
July 16, 2019
Mostly a story divided into an ongoing serial rather than a series in itself. It was less noticeable in the first novella, but here I noticed it. And it seemed a little bit flatter too. Probably because intrigue isn't action, so it really does need more details and less black and white, more depth too...
I'm on the fence whether I want to keep reading, even though I like it. We'll see with chunk 3 I guess :)
I'm on the fence whether I want to keep reading, even though I like it. We'll see with chunk 3 I guess :)
May 6, 2025
We got so close to Samara and Valentin taking their relationship to the next level...only for them to be interrupted by palace intrigue and assassination attempts. I believe this story would be better served as one complete novel instead of broken up into three novellas. It feels like the Commander Adams subplot is being dragged out. Even so, looking forward to seeing how everything resolves in the final installment!
Characters: Samara is the 30 year old Rogue Coalition Queen and a former mercenary who has light brown skin. Valentin is the Kos Emperor. This is set on Koan, the capital city of Valentin's planet.
Content notes: sexual assault (groped by man at a bar), sexual harassment, past and present assassination attempts, MCs have bounties on their heads, murder, attempted murder, explosions, physical assault, drug assault, hostage situation, war and casualties, near-fatal injuries, lacerations, plasma bolt wounds, shattered bone, bloody nose, misogyny, MMC is estranged from his half-brother, past parental infidelity and cover up of illegitimate child, past death of MMC's father, capital punishment, treason, alcohol, inebriation (secondary character), gendered pejoratives, ableist language, hyperbolic language around suicide
Characters: Samara is the 30 year old Rogue Coalition Queen and a former mercenary who has light brown skin. Valentin is the Kos Emperor. This is set on Koan, the capital city of Valentin's planet.
Content notes: sexual assault (groped by man at a bar), sexual harassment, past and present assassination attempts, MCs have bounties on their heads, murder, attempted murder, explosions, physical assault, drug assault, hostage situation, war and casualties, near-fatal injuries, lacerations, plasma bolt wounds, shattered bone, bloody nose, misogyny, MMC is estranged from his half-brother, past parental infidelity and cover up of illegitimate child, past death of MMC's father, capital punishment, treason, alcohol, inebriation (secondary character), gendered pejoratives, ableist language, hyperbolic language around suicide
April 22, 2025
4.5/5.0
All kinds of action-packed fun, with just enough romance to make it interesting. But Valentin’s people (an entire planets worth… but especially his military and security) are the densest bunch of Gilligans ever!
All kinds of action-packed fun, with just enough romance to make it interesting. But Valentin’s people (an entire planets worth… but especially his military and security) are the densest bunch of Gilligans ever!
July 12, 2019
Solid writing
Thoroughly enjoyable with a good protagonist who is not dumb. Romance is good, but no sex, though it is sexyish. Hero is definitely hot but their relationship is natural and built on personalities.
Thoroughly enjoyable with a good protagonist who is not dumb. Romance is good, but no sex, though it is sexyish. Hero is definitely hot but their relationship is natural and built on personalities.
August 31, 2019
I really like this series. I just find the books a bit too short.
July 7, 2020
As with the first book, this could have been stronger.
But now I'm hooked, and I will read the final book when it comes out later this year.
But now I'm hooked, and I will read the final book when it comes out later this year.
July 26, 2019
3.5 stars
April 27, 2025
Considering it’s a free book, this is actually decent. Even though it’s a short book, there was just the right amount of character development and world building. Only the romance felt a bit… not out of the blue but skipped from step 1 to step 50 real quick.
September 6, 2022
Jt's not so bad, it's a good entertainment. There are flaws and mishaps in the writing, but it's enjoyable to read.
October 6, 2019
one of those books with no ending . . .
...where the story just peters out. The books have major flaws as well, starting with the main character, the Rogue Queen. Supposedly she is this legendary assassin who somehow got elected queen over a constituency that’s mainly refugees and had to learn to care about her people. We never learn anything about just how it was that she became queen, and that makes it harder to believe that her people would have chosen her for the role.
mThen there’s the fact that even though she claims she had to learn not to go it alone, to let other people help her get things done, you can’t tell by the plot in either book. In the first book, Sabrana goes off by herself to grab the Emperor from his kidnappers, in the second book, she is apparently the only person in the universe who can find out which of his advisors is betraying the Emperor.
Neither plot makes much sense, and neither does Mihalik’s attempt to justify her choices by telling us that as queen over the Rogue Nation, Sabrana doesn’t have to act like any other ruler in the universe. She can just go off for weeks even a month or so, to work her day job as an assassin/security consultant and that’s not a problem. Her people trust her so she can disappear for long periods of time and leave the governing to her people at home, right?
Sorry—I don’t buy it. I just cannot suspend that much disbelief, especially because the Emperor’s character then makes no sense either. He’s supposed to be this charming brilliant man who’s got lots of political savvy, and yet he has to have Sabrana’s help to keep his throne. She manages to figure out in a few days who the traitors are when the Emperor’s been looking for a year and yet hasn’t managed to find enough evidence to identify even one of them. At one point, the Rogue Queen and the Emperor semi-seriously discuss her giving him rulership lessons, when his kingdom could swallow hers almost without noticing it. The setup just makes no sense and so neither do their characters.
My final issue with these books is their lack of any real endings. Lots of loose ends are left behind and it’s all tell not show. Most of the main characters’ attempts to resolve the conflict happen in conversations or offstage, not through direct action.a
Both Rogue Queen books are much weaker than Mihalik’s other trilogy—something to be expected I guess, as these were her first. There’s a huge difference between the two though, and that isn’t always the case. I don’t know what happened to Mihalik’s writing between the Rogue Queen books and Polaris Rising, but the latter is a series I can wholeheartedly recommend, while I’m very disappointed in The Rogue Queen books and wish I hadn’t spent money on them.
...where the story just peters out. The books have major flaws as well, starting with the main character, the Rogue Queen. Supposedly she is this legendary assassin who somehow got elected queen over a constituency that’s mainly refugees and had to learn to care about her people. We never learn anything about just how it was that she became queen, and that makes it harder to believe that her people would have chosen her for the role.
mThen there’s the fact that even though she claims she had to learn not to go it alone, to let other people help her get things done, you can’t tell by the plot in either book. In the first book, Sabrana goes off by herself to grab the Emperor from his kidnappers, in the second book, she is apparently the only person in the universe who can find out which of his advisors is betraying the Emperor.
Neither plot makes much sense, and neither does Mihalik’s attempt to justify her choices by telling us that as queen over the Rogue Nation, Sabrana doesn’t have to act like any other ruler in the universe. She can just go off for weeks even a month or so, to work her day job as an assassin/security consultant and that’s not a problem. Her people trust her so she can disappear for long periods of time and leave the governing to her people at home, right?
Sorry—I don’t buy it. I just cannot suspend that much disbelief, especially because the Emperor’s character then makes no sense either. He’s supposed to be this charming brilliant man who’s got lots of political savvy, and yet he has to have Sabrana’s help to keep his throne. She manages to figure out in a few days who the traitors are when the Emperor’s been looking for a year and yet hasn’t managed to find enough evidence to identify even one of them. At one point, the Rogue Queen and the Emperor semi-seriously discuss her giving him rulership lessons, when his kingdom could swallow hers almost without noticing it. The setup just makes no sense and so neither do their characters.
My final issue with these books is their lack of any real endings. Lots of loose ends are left behind and it’s all tell not show. Most of the main characters’ attempts to resolve the conflict happen in conversations or offstage, not through direct action.a
Both Rogue Queen books are much weaker than Mihalik’s other trilogy—something to be expected I guess, as these were her first. There’s a huge difference between the two though, and that isn’t always the case. I don’t know what happened to Mihalik’s writing between the Rogue Queen books and Polaris Rising, but the latter is a series I can wholeheartedly recommend, while I’m very disappointed in The Rogue Queen books and wish I hadn’t spent money on them.
October 8, 2019
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I really loved Mihalik's Polaris Rising so I had no hesitation in starting this Rogue Queen series. These shorter books began as a free online serial on the author's website. The feel is similar to Polaris Rising. It is set in space with various factions, political and action battles between planets and various coalitions.
Samara leads a planet which tries to stay neutral when a war breaks out between two larger powers. She fights for her people and is not afraid to risk herself for others. She is smart, plans her strategies and fights well. In the past, she worked as a mercenary / assassin, which has given her skills.
She continues her relationship with Emporer Valentin Kos. In The Queen's Gambit she saved him and made a deal to help him ferret out which faction is trying to kill him and why. The Queen's Advantage is that story and it is a political mess. The time, on his home planet, gives them a chance to work and play together. Both are a bit explosive! lol There is just a bit more romance. I am really enjoying these in audio format. They should be read in order. I hope there will be more in the series.
Narration:
This series narrator was new to me. She handled both male and female voices in comfortable tones with enough differences in each character so I could discern who was speaking. Most of the dialogue was with a handful of characters which made it easier also. I was able to listen at my normal 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I really loved Mihalik's Polaris Rising so I had no hesitation in starting this Rogue Queen series. These shorter books began as a free online serial on the author's website. The feel is similar to Polaris Rising. It is set in space with various factions, political and action battles between planets and various coalitions.
Samara leads a planet which tries to stay neutral when a war breaks out between two larger powers. She fights for her people and is not afraid to risk herself for others. She is smart, plans her strategies and fights well. In the past, she worked as a mercenary / assassin, which has given her skills.
She continues her relationship with Emporer Valentin Kos. In The Queen's Gambit she saved him and made a deal to help him ferret out which faction is trying to kill him and why. The Queen's Advantage is that story and it is a political mess. The time, on his home planet, gives them a chance to work and play together. Both are a bit explosive! lol There is just a bit more romance. I am really enjoying these in audio format. They should be read in order. I hope there will be more in the series.
Narration:
This series narrator was new to me. She handled both male and female voices in comfortable tones with enough differences in each character so I could discern who was speaking. Most of the dialogue was with a handful of characters which made it easier also. I was able to listen at my normal 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
January 3, 2025
I liked the increased political intrigue in this one, and. the slightly more polished writing. The characters are all great.
November 25, 2019
3.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2019/11/24/...
Time for another bite-sized romance sci-fi adventure by Jessie Mihalik! Like a lot of folks, I first came to these Rogue Queen books after reading Polaris Rising in her Consortium Rebellion series. Of course, once I discovered these novellas which were previously released in serialized format on the author’s website were getting officially published with audiobook releases as well, I just had to pounce.
The Queen’s Advantage is the follow-up to The Queen’s Gambit, which continues the story of our protagonist Queen Samara of the Rogue Coalition. Following her daring rescue of Emperor Valentin Kos from the clutches of the Quint Confederacy, Samara has agreed to help him root out the traitors in his court. It will be a dangerous job given how many enemies the emperor has, and it doesn’t help that those same mysterious traitors aren’t big fans of Samara either, considering how her past stunts had cost them a whole lot of money.
Sure enough, soon after their arrival there is a violent attack, prompting Samara to move up her schedule and show her hand early. Troublingly, Valentin appears to be losing control of his security forces, and his adversaries will no doubt make use of the confusion to sow more discontent and chaos, if they haven’t already infiltrated the higher levels of the administration. This is a problem for Samara, who has promised to repay her debts to Valentin by guarding him, not to mention there is the matter of their burgeoning relationship. The two of them have become quite close, and Samara is the type of woman who always keeps her promises and fights to protect what’s hers.
Compared to The Queen’s Gambit, this sequel might have had just a tad less action, but the story makes up for it by delving deeper into the world building. The Queen’s Advantage shines a light on the intricate web of politics that connects the galaxy, expanding on the power dynamics that exist between the factions in conflict. In particular, we get to see the inner workings of the Kos Empire, which aren’t as hunky-dory as we think—for one thing, Valentin doesn’t have limitless authority, and the truth is he faces quite a lot of opposition to his rule and there are quite a few people at court who hate his guts. In fact, what we learn here is that the state of the Empire is actually quite a mess. And walking into the middle of this pit of snakes is Samara, a queen in name only, who is as welcome as a wet dog at a fancy dinner.
With two books each of the Consortium Rebellion and Rogue Queen series under my belt now, I can also confidently say that Samara is a typical Mihalik heroine—and I mean that in the best way possible. Her protagonists are all smart, tough, and independent women who can take care of themselves. Case in point, Samara can more than hold her own against the scheming politicos and other bureaucrats who look down their nose at her. She’s also fiercely protective of Valentin, who is probably my favorite of Mihalik’s male love interests so far. He’s funny, sweet, and surprisingly down-to-earth for an emperor. While I’m still not sure how realistic this feels, I’m liking the chemistry between him and Samara, his idealism being a good counterpoint to the rougher parts of her personality.
Also, another thing I like is that we’re not rushing into the romance. That said, neither would I call it a slow-burn; quite simply, there are a few matters in our characters’ relationship that still need to be ironed out, and we’re just letting things take their natural course—the way it should be. Again, you won’t find anything too deep here, but The Queen’s Advantage nevertheless serves its purpose as an entertaining diversion if you’re looking for something to lighten up a few hours of your afternoon. I would recommend this series, especially if you’re enjoying what you’re seeing in Jessie Mihalik’s other novels.
Audiobook Comments: Rachel Dulude reprises her role as narrator, and once more she brings a passion and enthusiasm to the novel and is a perfect voice for Samara. One thing to note, however, is that I had to speed up playback for this audiobook a bit more than usual because of the slow speech rate, but this wasn’t a major issue and overall my enjoyment was unaffected.
Time for another bite-sized romance sci-fi adventure by Jessie Mihalik! Like a lot of folks, I first came to these Rogue Queen books after reading Polaris Rising in her Consortium Rebellion series. Of course, once I discovered these novellas which were previously released in serialized format on the author’s website were getting officially published with audiobook releases as well, I just had to pounce.
The Queen’s Advantage is the follow-up to The Queen’s Gambit, which continues the story of our protagonist Queen Samara of the Rogue Coalition. Following her daring rescue of Emperor Valentin Kos from the clutches of the Quint Confederacy, Samara has agreed to help him root out the traitors in his court. It will be a dangerous job given how many enemies the emperor has, and it doesn’t help that those same mysterious traitors aren’t big fans of Samara either, considering how her past stunts had cost them a whole lot of money.
Sure enough, soon after their arrival there is a violent attack, prompting Samara to move up her schedule and show her hand early. Troublingly, Valentin appears to be losing control of his security forces, and his adversaries will no doubt make use of the confusion to sow more discontent and chaos, if they haven’t already infiltrated the higher levels of the administration. This is a problem for Samara, who has promised to repay her debts to Valentin by guarding him, not to mention there is the matter of their burgeoning relationship. The two of them have become quite close, and Samara is the type of woman who always keeps her promises and fights to protect what’s hers.
Compared to The Queen’s Gambit, this sequel might have had just a tad less action, but the story makes up for it by delving deeper into the world building. The Queen’s Advantage shines a light on the intricate web of politics that connects the galaxy, expanding on the power dynamics that exist between the factions in conflict. In particular, we get to see the inner workings of the Kos Empire, which aren’t as hunky-dory as we think—for one thing, Valentin doesn’t have limitless authority, and the truth is he faces quite a lot of opposition to his rule and there are quite a few people at court who hate his guts. In fact, what we learn here is that the state of the Empire is actually quite a mess. And walking into the middle of this pit of snakes is Samara, a queen in name only, who is as welcome as a wet dog at a fancy dinner.
With two books each of the Consortium Rebellion and Rogue Queen series under my belt now, I can also confidently say that Samara is a typical Mihalik heroine—and I mean that in the best way possible. Her protagonists are all smart, tough, and independent women who can take care of themselves. Case in point, Samara can more than hold her own against the scheming politicos and other bureaucrats who look down their nose at her. She’s also fiercely protective of Valentin, who is probably my favorite of Mihalik’s male love interests so far. He’s funny, sweet, and surprisingly down-to-earth for an emperor. While I’m still not sure how realistic this feels, I’m liking the chemistry between him and Samara, his idealism being a good counterpoint to the rougher parts of her personality.
Also, another thing I like is that we’re not rushing into the romance. That said, neither would I call it a slow-burn; quite simply, there are a few matters in our characters’ relationship that still need to be ironed out, and we’re just letting things take their natural course—the way it should be. Again, you won’t find anything too deep here, but The Queen’s Advantage nevertheless serves its purpose as an entertaining diversion if you’re looking for something to lighten up a few hours of your afternoon. I would recommend this series, especially if you’re enjoying what you’re seeing in Jessie Mihalik’s other novels.
Audiobook Comments: Rachel Dulude reprises her role as narrator, and once more she brings a passion and enthusiasm to the novel and is a perfect voice for Samara. One thing to note, however, is that I had to speed up playback for this audiobook a bit more than usual because of the slow speech rate, but this wasn’t a major issue and overall my enjoyment was unaffected.
February 1, 2020
It's refreshing to see a good and well-rounded duology! Except this wasn't one of them!
Two books. Relatively short, let me tell you. And great! Except... WHAT the fruge happens NEXT!?
I could growl! Totally growling in my mind. Very angrily.
But hey, let's not make hasty decisions. This could all be resolved so easily - just need a third book that has not been released even if the author already published other books. Coincidence? I think not.
On a more serious note, this was still as good as the first book, despite having more ball gowns and back-stabbing people and less shooting. Still very much satisfied. Except, well, the end. I could settle for HFN, no prob. So at least give me one! Not just some... stupid "maybe if we manage to end the war going on for SOOOO long". Like, get a grip, you either make it happen in front of my eyes or it doesn't count. AND she totally like "tied up" some loose ends in the epilogue of the first book but the main villain is supposed to just... get away?! Nope. No can do.
Fetch me another book. Like, yesterday. *Huffs but than relaxes and smiles*. Or this year. I am not picky.
Two books. Relatively short, let me tell you. And great! Except... WHAT the fruge happens NEXT!?
I could growl! Totally growling in my mind. Very angrily.
But hey, let's not make hasty decisions. This could all be resolved so easily - just need a third book that has not been released even if the author already published other books. Coincidence? I think not.
On a more serious note, this was still as good as the first book, despite having more ball gowns and back-stabbing people and less shooting. Still very much satisfied. Except, well, the end. I could settle for HFN, no prob. So at least give me one! Not just some... stupid "maybe if we manage to end the war going on for SOOOO long". Like, get a grip, you either make it happen in front of my eyes or it doesn't count. AND she totally like "tied up" some loose ends in the epilogue of the first book but the main villain is supposed to just... get away?! Nope. No can do.
Fetch me another book. Like, yesterday. *Huffs but than relaxes and smiles*. Or this year. I am not picky.
February 14, 2021
It’s good but the politics feel a little simple. And the hero doesn’t really feel like an “emperor”. More like a CEO of a poorly organised company or something. An emperor should have a lot more gravitas and history surrounding him.
I can’t not mention the complete incompetence of his staff. The emperor’s guard was especially a mess. What self respecting security agent when she finds out of a fire alarm going off at random times day after day doesn’t first think of her charge but instead brushes everything off as rats in the wiring? The stupidity! She should’ve been fired on the spot!
The romance also suffers from simplicity. It was intriguing in the first book where at any moment they could have turned on each other and become enemies but in this one it’s all very smooth going. It wasn’t completely boring but things are headed that way with them. This left me in no hurry to start on the next book.
I can’t not mention the complete incompetence of his staff. The emperor’s guard was especially a mess. What self respecting security agent when she finds out of a fire alarm going off at random times day after day doesn’t first think of her charge but instead brushes everything off as rats in the wiring? The stupidity! She should’ve been fired on the spot!
The romance also suffers from simplicity. It was intriguing in the first book where at any moment they could have turned on each other and become enemies but in this one it’s all very smooth going. It wasn’t completely boring but things are headed that way with them. This left me in no hurry to start on the next book.
February 25, 2021
I am really enjoying this little series! Even with how quick of a read it is, the characters felt fully fleshed out and I am weirdly attached to main and side characters alike. I do wish we had more time with the villains but I'm holding out hope that I'll get that in book three.
Definitely pick THE QUEEN'S ADVANTAGE, or really any of the Rogue Queen series, for either a palate cleanser or if you are looking for a quick read featuring a badass, mercenary-turned-queen female lead. Samara is a joy to read and I love how she communicates with Valentine. I picked up book three when it came out so I get to dive back in for the rest of their push toward HEA!
Side note: I want to read more about Luka and Imogen. The glimpses of chemistry only made me want more in the best way.
Definitely pick THE QUEEN'S ADVANTAGE, or really any of the Rogue Queen series, for either a palate cleanser or if you are looking for a quick read featuring a badass, mercenary-turned-queen female lead. Samara is a joy to read and I love how she communicates with Valentine. I picked up book three when it came out so I get to dive back in for the rest of their push toward HEA!
Side note: I want to read more about Luka and Imogen. The glimpses of chemistry only made me want more in the best way.
February 23, 2022
Basic Plot: Samara visits the Kos empire to help Valentin uncover which of his advisors are working against him.
The politics of Valentin's world come into play here, though they are easy enough to follow. We find out a bit more about Samara's past as a mercenary. We also find out why the war with the Quint confederacy happened. In short, a lot of the questions I had from the first book were answered. It was paced pretty well, and the characters continued to be interesting. I'm looking forward to finishing the trilogy.
The politics of Valentin's world come into play here, though they are easy enough to follow. We find out a bit more about Samara's past as a mercenary. We also find out why the war with the Quint confederacy happened. In short, a lot of the questions I had from the first book were answered. It was paced pretty well, and the characters continued to be interesting. I'm looking forward to finishing the trilogy.
December 6, 2023
This story is just poorly written. Everything that happened to move the plot forward felt forced. The main female character's "I'm a cool badass" personality was so heavy handed. The main male character on the other hand was completely boring. Even the world building was so pointless, the author makes a point of introducing this super secret, super strong armor but multiple die while wearing this armor after one shot from a regular gun. What was the point of it then??? And the book teases a romance but even that was boring.
January 15, 2021
Hmmm... just as good as the first one (maybe better?) Up until the end, which is why I knocked it a star. The ending was kinda awkward, like the author realized they had to wrap it up to leave plot for the next one. I kinda wonder if these wouldn't have been better as just one big book rather than 3 novellas. Or maybe 2 books, idk.
That said I still enjoyed it and I'm still looking forward to the third one!
That said I still enjoyed it and I'm still looking forward to the third one!
July 19, 2019
I don't know the official lengths that divide up shorter works into categories, so I'm going to risk calling this one a novella. It's lovely fun, light and easy and enjoyable and the ending suggests there is more to come. I certainly hope so.
Really, I only have one comment and it's a mild spoiler.
Really, I only have one comment and it's a mild spoiler.
February 23, 2021
Action, intrigue, a teasing bit of romance—this book had a bit of everything, though it lacked a bit in pacing. I found myself judging this book/series more harshly than I might normally only because I love Mihalik's Consortium Rebellion trilogy so much! However, I'm looking forward to book 3 (and anything else Mihalik puts out).
January 16, 2023
These are fast paced and have the same gritty world and characters of Jessie Mihalik's other books. The only thing is since they are so short I do feel like I'm not getting the same connection to the characters but that's fine with me. The audio books are great btw.
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July 15, 2024These are worth reading, but I do think they'd have been stronger if edited into one standalone romance novel. Despite the constant action, the pacing does feel a bit slow to me, which I think is because the romance pacing is glacial, even though they close to instaloved on one another.
October 9, 2019
Really fantastic! There were almost too many characters in play to keep track of at times. Otherwise, fast paced action packed fun.
October 12, 2020
3.25/5
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