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The Forbidden Queen #4
Usurper Queen
Baylore has fallen into enemy hands. And the deadliest army in the world is on its way to Itrea.
Time is running out when Kalleah sets out to reclaim Baylore with an army of her own.
But after a long march back, she arrives to find the city gates closed. No strangers are allowed in, and armed guards patrol the perimeter.
Kalleah’s forces are not strong enough to storm Baylore, but with winter setting in, they can’t camp outside the city forever. She must devise a new plan to sneak her way past the guard.
Yet that plan endangers her own citizens.
As Kalleah pushes her forces toward victory at all costs, she begins to lose the support of her friends. Even the man she loves spurns her.
Kalleah knows her people will suffer at the hands of her enemy, but has she gone too far in the attempt to save Itrea?
Time is running out when Kalleah sets out to reclaim Baylore with an army of her own.
But after a long march back, she arrives to find the city gates closed. No strangers are allowed in, and armed guards patrol the perimeter.
Kalleah’s forces are not strong enough to storm Baylore, but with winter setting in, they can’t camp outside the city forever. She must devise a new plan to sneak her way past the guard.
Yet that plan endangers her own citizens.
As Kalleah pushes her forces toward victory at all costs, she begins to lose the support of her friends. Even the man she loves spurns her.
Kalleah knows her people will suffer at the hands of her enemy, but has she gone too far in the attempt to save Itrea?
- GenresFantasy
259 pages, Paperback
First published July 14, 2020
44 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Vickers
23 books70 followersR.J. Vickers is the bestselling author of the Natural Order YA fantasy series, the Forbidden Queen epic fantasy series, and several other standalone fantasy novels set in the world of the Kinship Thrones.
Originally from Colorado, Vickers now lives in New Zealand with her husband, where she enjoys hiking to backcountry huts, writing at adorable cafes, crocheting blankets and amigurumi, and baking delicious treats.
She is also an avid traveler, and spent most of 2019 exploring southern Africa and eastern Asia before continuing to Europe.
She loves harvesting landscapes and cultural ephemera from around the globe to enrich her fantasy world--New Zealand, Finland, Alaska, Namibia, Hawaii, Ireland, and South Korea all make cameos in her imaginary lands.
You can learn more about her writing and travels at www.rjvickers.com.
Originally from Colorado, Vickers now lives in New Zealand with her husband, where she enjoys hiking to backcountry huts, writing at adorable cafes, crocheting blankets and amigurumi, and baking delicious treats.
She is also an avid traveler, and spent most of 2019 exploring southern Africa and eastern Asia before continuing to Europe.
She loves harvesting landscapes and cultural ephemera from around the globe to enrich her fantasy world--New Zealand, Finland, Alaska, Namibia, Hawaii, Ireland, and South Korea all make cameos in her imaginary lands.
You can learn more about her writing and travels at www.rjvickers.com.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 15, 2020
It's slowly ending my dudes and I don't know if I want that
I have to say that the previous book didn't excite me enough and I was a bit scared on picking up this one because I thought I would be disappointed. BUT let me just say that I was the exact opposite of disappointed
However, I still think that it needed a second POV, one from a new or a known character from inside the palace just so we could see the situation in there. Also I'd like to see some characters such as Cal or Viko get more "screentime" and explore their personalities etc more.
Still not a fan of the love interest but,hey, everyone's got different tastes,right?
Anyway, I will,once again,end this review by saying that you should definitely pick this series up. You won't be disappointed!
I have to say that the previous book didn't excite me enough and I was a bit scared on picking up this one because I thought I would be disappointed. BUT let me just say that I was the exact opposite of disappointed
However, I still think that it needed a second POV, one from a new or a known character from inside the palace just so we could see the situation in there. Also I'd like to see some characters such as Cal or Viko get more "screentime" and explore their personalities etc more.
Still not a fan of the love interest but,hey, everyone's got different tastes,right?
Anyway, I will,once again,end this review by saying that you should definitely pick this series up. You won't be disappointed!
July 20, 2020
Thank you to the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
#1.) Forbidden Queen ★★★★
#2.) Innocent Queen ★★★.5
#3.) Renegade Queen ★★★★.5
My rating: ★★★
This is the fourth book in R.J. Vickers Forbidden Queen YA fantasy series. Again we follow Kalleah as she sets out to reclaim Baylore with her closest friends and army.
The description of this book states that it is a long march, and let me tell you it is. Most of the book is her journey around the towns surrounding Baylore and she doesn't actually reach Baylore until the last 30% of the book. I understand why this marching through surrounding towns happened but I found it to be very slow especially after the previous book also had a lot of travel in it. There is no real action in this book until the last 20% of the book. I believe that is why this has been my least favourite of the series.
In saying that, three stars from me is not a bad rating at all. I think being four books into this series shows my commitment to it and my love of Vickers storytelling. I genuinely like these characters and can't wait to see how Kalleah's long journey ends up.
This book had a lot more romance than the last two which I was pleased about. And, I beg Vickers to not do anything to hurt Baridya and Mellicante because they are perfect!
I believe this series is going to be six books in total and Usurper Queen may just have that middle book syndrome that many series have. But, it was still a good book that was very well written with compelling characters. Yes, it was a physical journey but it was also a mental journey for Kalleah as she had to make choices that made her friends see her in a different light- choices that left her wondering who she really is. I love character-driven books so I loved that about this one.
The ending of Usurper Queen had me turning each page with excitement so I can't wait for the next one!
#1.) Forbidden Queen ★★★★
#2.) Innocent Queen ★★★.5
#3.) Renegade Queen ★★★★.5
My rating: ★★★
This is the fourth book in R.J. Vickers Forbidden Queen YA fantasy series. Again we follow Kalleah as she sets out to reclaim Baylore with her closest friends and army.
The description of this book states that it is a long march, and let me tell you it is. Most of the book is her journey around the towns surrounding Baylore and she doesn't actually reach Baylore until the last 30% of the book. I understand why this marching through surrounding towns happened but I found it to be very slow especially after the previous book also had a lot of travel in it. There is no real action in this book until the last 20% of the book. I believe that is why this has been my least favourite of the series.
In saying that, three stars from me is not a bad rating at all. I think being four books into this series shows my commitment to it and my love of Vickers storytelling. I genuinely like these characters and can't wait to see how Kalleah's long journey ends up.
This book had a lot more romance than the last two which I was pleased about. And, I beg Vickers to not do anything to hurt Baridya and Mellicante because they are perfect!
I believe this series is going to be six books in total and Usurper Queen may just have that middle book syndrome that many series have. But, it was still a good book that was very well written with compelling characters. Yes, it was a physical journey but it was also a mental journey for Kalleah as she had to make choices that made her friends see her in a different light- choices that left her wondering who she really is. I love character-driven books so I loved that about this one.
The ending of Usurper Queen had me turning each page with excitement so I can't wait for the next one!
August 8, 2020
Excellent Next Installment of Series
Having read the previous books in this series and enjoyed them immensely, I loved this fourth installment of the series! Things are certainly not easy for our heroine, and she has to make a lot of hard decisions where there often isn't a good choice (as often happens in real life, too. I love her creativity and care for her people. The way she at times goes back and forth between options seems so believable and relatable. She hoped to get Baylore out from under the grip of the Truthbringers with her rag-tag army before fighting the Whitish, but she would find the city on lockdown, gates barred and protected. Loved the specter of the difficulties of war in winter, something that has tripped up many a real modern and ancient army. The author provides a wonderful glossary at the start of the book so you can keep all the important world-building elements straight. The author does a good job of world-building throughout all the books in the series, but she has created a complex world, so it's nice to have a quick reference that you can glance back at. By the way, this series should be started at book one, not book four. The story builds on itself through the series, and the action starts right away in this book. It wouldn't make sense if you hadn't read the previous ones. But the series is very well done, so it is no hardship to start from book one. If you're like me, you will find this book and the entire series a delight.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
Having read the previous books in this series and enjoyed them immensely, I loved this fourth installment of the series! Things are certainly not easy for our heroine, and she has to make a lot of hard decisions where there often isn't a good choice (as often happens in real life, too. I love her creativity and care for her people. The way she at times goes back and forth between options seems so believable and relatable. She hoped to get Baylore out from under the grip of the Truthbringers with her rag-tag army before fighting the Whitish, but she would find the city on lockdown, gates barred and protected. Loved the specter of the difficulties of war in winter, something that has tripped up many a real modern and ancient army. The author provides a wonderful glossary at the start of the book so you can keep all the important world-building elements straight. The author does a good job of world-building throughout all the books in the series, but she has created a complex world, so it's nice to have a quick reference that you can glance back at. By the way, this series should be started at book one, not book four. The story builds on itself through the series, and the action starts right away in this book. It wouldn't make sense if you hadn't read the previous ones. But the series is very well done, so it is no hardship to start from book one. If you're like me, you will find this book and the entire series a delight.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
July 14, 2020
ONE MIND-BLOWING ADVENTURE!!!
Holy hellhounds! Vickers delivers it with this thrilling little jewel, revving up the adrenaline and intensity, playing by hard fast rules and leading the pack, raising the stakes and keeping it real, fusing this gem together flawlessly. Vickers has this gem banging like a cheap screen door, throwing caution to the wind, no turning back and take no prisoners attitude, blowing this baby wide open, wrapping this jewel up sleek, shiny and tight. Chicanery runs rampant and disaster is rife, blowing this baby into the eye of the storm, kicking it into a frenzy with an astonishing culmination. A surging vortex of vexing mishaps and surprising circumstances, along with the intimidating trials and challenging tribulations, exposing the deadly twists and wicked turns, putting our characters through their paces. The characters are complex and genuine with traits and qualities that add depth and diversity, transforming into charismatic personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions that feel as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Fantastic job Vickers, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
Holy hellhounds! Vickers delivers it with this thrilling little jewel, revving up the adrenaline and intensity, playing by hard fast rules and leading the pack, raising the stakes and keeping it real, fusing this gem together flawlessly. Vickers has this gem banging like a cheap screen door, throwing caution to the wind, no turning back and take no prisoners attitude, blowing this baby wide open, wrapping this jewel up sleek, shiny and tight. Chicanery runs rampant and disaster is rife, blowing this baby into the eye of the storm, kicking it into a frenzy with an astonishing culmination. A surging vortex of vexing mishaps and surprising circumstances, along with the intimidating trials and challenging tribulations, exposing the deadly twists and wicked turns, putting our characters through their paces. The characters are complex and genuine with traits and qualities that add depth and diversity, transforming into charismatic personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions that feel as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Fantastic job Vickers, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
July 16, 2020
I received a complimentary copy of Usurper Queen in exchange for an honest review.
Vickers has done it again! If you've read the first three books in the Forbidden Queen series (and you should!) you will love this one as much as the others. Queen Kalleah has fought for her kingdom and managed to free Larkhaven, but she knows this is just the beginning of reclaiming her throne. In this installment, she needs to make many very difficult decisions along the way to free Itrea from the Whitish that have taken over. I really enjoyed this book, as I have the whole series and cannot wait for the next book. Vickers' skill at creating a new world is captivating and draws the reader into the story.
Vickers has done it again! If you've read the first three books in the Forbidden Queen series (and you should!) you will love this one as much as the others. Queen Kalleah has fought for her kingdom and managed to free Larkhaven, but she knows this is just the beginning of reclaiming her throne. In this installment, she needs to make many very difficult decisions along the way to free Itrea from the Whitish that have taken over. I really enjoyed this book, as I have the whole series and cannot wait for the next book. Vickers' skill at creating a new world is captivating and draws the reader into the story.
July 15, 2020
There are certainly challenges for Kalleah in Usurper Queen so much so that I found it difficult to read. It was not until I was about two thirds through the book that I appreciated it was Rebecca’s excellent descriptive writing that had totally drawn me into said challenges! I was well and truly hooked. Fortunately, the light was switched on at the end of the tunnel and I was able to feel hopeful. Yet another well crafted and entertaining read, one I will certainly remember.
July 16, 2020
Usurper Queen is amazing!
Queen Kalleah leads her growing rag rag army through excruciating conditions and leaving a reluctant path of destruction behind them. At times, she's very confused and unsure if her true intentions will ever be believed.
During this journey, many moments come to pass, that answer questions and leave more unanswered. People's true selves are revealed and some were surprising.
After surviving horrible winter conditions and pushed to the point of starvation, our Queen, pushes through to take back her palace, her city and her people. Lives were lost, but most are renewed. The war has only just begun!
Bring on book 5!
Queen Kalleah leads her growing rag rag army through excruciating conditions and leaving a reluctant path of destruction behind them. At times, she's very confused and unsure if her true intentions will ever be believed.
During this journey, many moments come to pass, that answer questions and leave more unanswered. People's true selves are revealed and some were surprising.
After surviving horrible winter conditions and pushed to the point of starvation, our Queen, pushes through to take back her palace, her city and her people. Lives were lost, but most are renewed. The war has only just begun!
Bring on book 5!
July 25, 2020
Usurper Queen, installment 4 in R.J. Vicker's Forbidden Queen Saga, is really ramping up the heat! In their campaign to take back Baylor from the Truthbringers, Kalleah must make some seriously difficult choices. Sometimes there is no right answer, no sound decision, no clear path that will let you sleep well at night. Will Kalleah be able to make those difficult decisions? Will she be able to live with herself if she does? How will she know if she crosses the line and goes too far? This story was definitely one of personal growth for Kalleah and those who chose to ride with her in their quest to free Baylor.
July 14, 2020
I was so sucked in by this book that I wasn’t aware I was even close to the end. One minute I’m reading and the next I’m turning the page and all of a sudden that’s it. These last few paragraphs and the book is over. I am highly enjoying the secrets of Kalleah & Leoth’s families. The inconsistency with Kalleah’s feelings over her plan to win back Baylore are so very welcome, it makes her so much more human. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2020
I've read several books written by R.J. Vickers; she has done a great job at writing a good book; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of books her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
July 16, 2020
Ms. Vickers just keeps upping the stakes in this series. The world-building just keeps getting better and better. The characters are real. Some are likable and some you just love to hate. I've followed this series from the beginning and I can't wait for more--thank goodness for preorder. I highly recommend Ms. Vicers as an author and this series as an amazing read. This book is a page-turner for real.
July 17, 2020
Full of action, peril, moral dilemmas and angst! I loved reading this latest segment in Queen Kalleah’s story and struggle to be the queen her people need. All seems dismal and without hope in light of the Whitish army and the occupation of Baylor’s by the detestable Truthbringers. I enjoyed the creativity Kalleah shows in how to gain access to the capitol city. I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
July 15, 2020
What a story in this continuing series. Kalleah tries to enter the city with her followers, but it proves difficult. How will she accomplish this. I couldn’t stop reading.
July 15, 2020
Holly smokes! This was epic!!! I've followed the series from book one and the characters are fabulous! I can not wait to see what happens next this was such a great story!!!!
March 30, 2021
Usurper Queen is the fourth book in the Forbidden Queen series. I enjoyed every page of it. In this book, Kalleah goes back to Baylore to free the city from the Whitish, together with her army. But when they arrive, the gates are closed. So it's up to her to find a way in, because they can't stay outside during winter. There is a lot of action, adventure, and a bit of mystery. I'm also amazed by how the author describes everything in detail, but it's still fast-paced, and the characters have so much depth. I love it! I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes to read fantasy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 8, 2020
To save her kingdom, Kalleah will have to do the unthinkable and outsmart an enemy who has been planning this takeover for a long time. Kalleah and her friends have been chased from their homes and other villages and now need to build an army to stop the Whitish from conquering Itrea. They have all suffered much and tensions run high. Kalleah is pushing away those closest to her, but she is willing to sacrifice herself as long as her people remain free, even though she does not believe they will be successful. But Kalleah is cunning and in her own way ruthless, which is what she needs to be to stop the Truthbringers and the Whitish empire. As the plan unfolds, Kalleah and her friends are in even more danger, for the enemy has spies everywhere. This is war and sacrifices must be made. Kalleah has become the demon queen and will receive much hatred, but their are those who see her as their savior. Sometimes in over to save, one must destroy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 1, 2025
I recommend sequentially reading Books One through Three of The Forbidden Queen Series prior to proceeding to Book Four, Usurper Queen.
In the days after Queen Kalleah saved Larkhaven's people from the Whitish, she's experienced true love from her people for the first time. However, her seaside tranquility was to be short-lived. If Itrea's Makhori (magic races) and nonmagic races were to be united, Kalleah needs to face her own fears, increase the number of soldiers she'll lead, strategize, consider alternatives, emotionally carry the weight of her decisions and actions, endure, plan and revise plans, make hard decisions, and adapt prior strategies with the goal of recovering Baylore from the Whitish. She's dared to dream of a future where all races could thrive, be free to live their lives, and value what they held dearest. Usurper Queen provides an adventure not to be missed!
Thank you for including the invaluable map of Itrea, which allowed me to locate, follow and/or envision activities of individual(s), troop movements and/or ship locations throughout this story.
In the days after Queen Kalleah saved Larkhaven's people from the Whitish, she's experienced true love from her people for the first time. However, her seaside tranquility was to be short-lived. If Itrea's Makhori (magic races) and nonmagic races were to be united, Kalleah needs to face her own fears, increase the number of soldiers she'll lead, strategize, consider alternatives, emotionally carry the weight of her decisions and actions, endure, plan and revise plans, make hard decisions, and adapt prior strategies with the goal of recovering Baylore from the Whitish. She's dared to dream of a future where all races could thrive, be free to live their lives, and value what they held dearest. Usurper Queen provides an adventure not to be missed!
Thank you for including the invaluable map of Itrea, which allowed me to locate, follow and/or envision activities of individual(s), troop movements and/or ship locations throughout this story.
October 21, 2020
Usurper Queen is the 4th book from the series and if u start reading it from here it will be really hard to understand the story line so I strongly recommend u to start from the 1st one. In this book Kalleah set out to reclaim Baylore with an army of her own but when she arrived the city gates was closed and its winter... Its an amazing winter battles u will enjoy every page more than the other the author describes it so well! Sadly in this war should be made sacrafices, and Kalleah receive much hatred, offen from people who are close. She deal not only with the outside threat but from inside as well and as always she must get difficult decisions.
Thanks for the amazing adventure wich u share with us i really enjoy reading every book from that series!
Thanks for the amazing adventure wich u share with us i really enjoy reading every book from that series!
July 28, 2020
This is such a great series! I love the world and the characters so it’s an easy book to pick up and keep reading! This is book 4 in the series and I highly recommend that you read the first 3 before this one. Kalleah sure faces a lot of challenges in this book. She has to build an army to stop the Whitish from conquering Itrea. I found this book to have a couple slower spots which is why I’m rating it 4 not 5 stars, but it’s still well worth the read and I can’t wait to read the next book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 29, 2020
Having followed Kalleah's tale and adventure from the outset, I have to say that I am very impressed with this story. It was a captivating and enthralling read, and very engaging when Kalleah is forced to make some very difficult decisions for the sake of the kingdom. It is through this that her character has developed so much, making her an even stronger heroine. Needless to say, I totally enjoyed reading this, and I am looking forward to seeing how the series continues!
*Note, leaving this review to share my experiences and opinions of the story.
*Note, leaving this review to share my experiences and opinions of the story.
July 27, 2020
This is the fourth installment in The Forbidden Queen, and once again, Ms. Vickers did not disappoint. The world and character building get better and better. Kalleah's journey to Baylore is a long one both physically and mentally as she needs to make some difficult decisions. This book was a true page-turner, and I can't wait to read what happens next.
July 28, 2020
*All of my reviews are voluntarily written*
So far, I've really enjoyed each of the books in this series, and Usurper Queen is no exception.
Some questions that have come throughout the series are answered, but there are more that are raised in this book. I've really enjoyed getting into this world and learning more about the characters.
I can't wait for the next one!
So far, I've really enjoyed each of the books in this series, and Usurper Queen is no exception.
Some questions that have come throughout the series are answered, but there are more that are raised in this book. I've really enjoyed getting into this world and learning more about the characters.
I can't wait for the next one!
September 20, 2020
I love this series, but like all great stories there is a bit in the middle that drags a bit. This was that for me. Completely necessary to the story and establishes a place for the climax and end of the tale. It is refreshing to have a character that has to make awful decisions for the greater good. Can't wait to read the next one.
July 21, 2020
Good addition to the series. The story flows well and the characters continue to grow and change as the series goes on.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews