Queen Magic

Empire of War and Wings #5

by Sarah K.L. Wilson

CAN THIS QUEEN GUIDE HER SWARM TO VICTORY?
Forced into a marriage and role against her choosing while the revolution she supported is only just taking root, Aella must decide whether she can do the unthinkable - sacrifice her own life and future for the sake of her family and fledgling nation.
But even if she can make that choice, accomplishing it might be tougher than she ever imagined as she finds herself outnumbered, surrounded by enemies, her magic depleted and the Forbiddign intent on sifting her.
Will Aella finally find the depth of power her bees contain, or will she be swept away by the overwhelming odds stacked against her?
Empire of War and Wings is a dramatic, fast-paced, young adult fantasy series by USA TODAY bestselling author Sarah K. L. Wilson, featuring sweeping battles, tantalizing magic, sweet romance, and an epic fantasy story that will compel you to keep reading to the very last word. Start the adventure today!

Genres: Fantasy

142 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 22, 2020

About the author

Sarah K. L. Wilson is a USA Today Bestselling author who writes fantasy stories featuring practical heroes & heroines in the most impractical circumstances. She loves writing because it is the only way to make a living and give back to the world when your primary skill is an overactive imagination and a tendency toward violent daydreams.
Sarah can be found in the outdoors of Northern Ontario with her young boys and beloved husband, reading a book, or fending off her husband's pet turkeys with a straw broom.
You can find Sarah's books in paperback, hardcover, ebook and audiobook and they have also been translated into Italian, German, and (very soon) Turkish.
Please, do, enjoy the read!

*USA Today bestseller list, November 2, 2017
www.sarahklwilson.com
sarah@sarahklwilson.com
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Reviews

[The Girl with the Sagittarius Tattoo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aella is one of Sarah K.L. Wilson's best female characters, and I love the themes interwoven throughout the series, but ultimately, The Empire of War & Wings is not among my favorite series by this author. It had a mostly satisfying ending, but there were too many unresolved questions (what was the Forbidding? How did it become sentient? What was it after?) and loose threads (whatever became of Ixtap? Did he get his comeuppance? Who kidnapped Victore all those years ago and why did he wind up in the tower?) :(

[*❆ Kαɾҽɳ ❆* · Rating 5 out of 5]

And that’s all folks!

Wow what an incredible journey I have been through with Aella and Osprey. It was coming up to the mid point and so much was going on, so many mysteries and events to unfold that I was truly thinking how could it possibly end?!
But when it did, all that build up and suspense was all worth it. It was a very satisfying end, plenty of suffering, sorrow and pain but the happiness that was shown was good too.

I’m glad that we got to see the restoration and the build up of what battles. It’s more realistic when in books we get to see this and not “and they iced happily ever after”. Seeing what really happens after a battle was good to experience and how these characters adapt to it.

Greatly enjoyed the adventure and action this series has, all the twists and suspense is worth the ride and I would recommend this to any fantasy and adventure fan.

Received a copy from the author herself for an honest review, and this does not affect my review or rating of the book, thank you!

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

   Aella has no choice but to follow where her husband Emperor Juste Montpetit leads, even as he takes them deeper into the Forbidding. Through twisting and flame, he leads them ever onward, to his goal and the fulfillment of prophecy: the seat of the Adder. All this while revolution rages above ground, with the Single Wing fighting for the independence of Far Stones from the Empire of War and Wings. But time is strange in the Forbidding, and Aella catches glimpses of what may have been as well as what is, as the Forbidding ensnares her ever tighter in its cruel, painful, and unforgiving grasp, demanding a high price of her. How much of herself can she give? Will it be enough to save Far Stones – and if so, what will it cost her? What will it cost all of the ones she holds dear to purge the land of the Forbidding?
   The stakes only get higher in this final installment, with no holds barred and a very real sense of danger for our relentless queen bee Aella. Yet for all the danger and action, I spent much of the first part wondering how the magic all fit together – especially that of the Forbidding and what it was trying to accomplish – just what exactly was going on with the magic in general, and what it all meant. Once I got through that, though, it was back to more familiar territory, though no less climactic and harrowing. Nothing is a given in Aella and Far Stone’s story, and in a solid nod to verisimilitude, what is lost leaves scars that not even time will be able to completely erase.
   With the turn of events from the last book to this, there was more differentiation from the Aella/Allie, Osprey/Scouvrel, and Juste Montpetit/Sir Eckelmeyer similarities I was seeing earlier in the series, so that it was almost entirely its own thing. Except for a few residual elements which felt very much more Tangled Fae than Empire of War and Wings, such as when Aella reflects:

“What was wrong with me? When had I become so twisted? I’d been stripped down to my core and it turned out I was more wicked than I’d imagined.” – page 38/Chapter 5

These sorts of thoughts are far closer in alignment to the Faewald than Far Stones, and felt out of place in Aella’s characterization.
   Yet there were some elements which felt much more natural to just the Empire of War and Wings world, and also offered good relevance to reality. I really enjoyed these following lines for the truth of them, the honesty they offer, and how important they are in everyday life no matter how big or small the occasion:

“Just because we were being tested didn’t mean we had to fail. Just because it was hard, didn’t mean we couldn’t triumph. Just because others had fallen didn’t mean we had to break.” – page 97/Chapter 13

And

“Hope is a mad thing. It keeps making you jump higher and go farther than it makes sense to go.” – page 106/Chapter 14
And


“The monsters are the people who don’t stand up for the innocent. The ones who won’t speak or act because they’re waiting for an easier way or someone else to do it for them.” – page 126/Chapter 18
And


“Just because you’re paying a second time in grief doesn’t take that victory away from you. It doesn’t make you weak. It means you were strong enough not just to fight, but to feel.”- page 130/Chapter 18

   As for some more specific reactions to this final book in the series: the journey through the Forbidding to the Hissan camp was straight-forward enough (considering it was through the Forbidding and that is all twisted by nature), but it was the events around the table, the way the magic and sifting of the Forbidding worked, that had me perplexed.
The rest under a spoiler cut because I just can’t make it vague enough to still make my points: The Forbidding is out to consume everything and everyone it can, yet with the table, it allowed Aella, Juste, and the others more and more ability to interact and affect the places they traveled to – with each journey, they were more and more substantial, to the point that by the final journey, Aella was able to ride a horse, striking down enemies with her sword, before the Forbidding magic took her back to her captive body at the table. Sure these excursions were effective for interfering with the battles raging between the human population of Far Stones and the tide of the human revolution, but what did the Forbidding stand to gain from it? The Forbidding was “sifting” those at the table for who could be worthy of paying the ultimate price – and if someone was worthy, the Forbidding would ultimately disappear. So why wouldn’t the least worthy (Juste Montpetit) be the first to be sifted out? Was it just because of his snake magic? Because if we take the standard by which Aella made it through each shifting, Juste doesn’t hold even a candle to her. At least the other Wings seemed willing to die for the cause, even if it was of course not the preferred outcome. I think this part relied quite heavily on the vague, almost-forgotten-by-this-point prophecy, and so it felt a little drafty.
   Which brings me more or less to the next point: I was honestly concerned that Aella would pay a no-refunds hefty price to the Forbidding for all it allowed her to do at the table. So when things worked out…the way they did, it felt like a cheat. With what was going on with Aella’s bees, it really seemed as if it was going a very specific, final way, but then it got turned around and I’m still not sure why or how. However there were still some serious repercussions in all this, for which I was incredibly grateful – there is always a price! – but they did not seem to be in keeping with what the price was laid out to be.
   Two cent thought: How did Aella consider Wing Ivo a father figure? She barely spent much time with him, and their interactions were short and quite limited – while enough to start a father-daughter-like relationship between them, it didn’t feel like they had enough interaction time for him to (so quickly) take such a big place in her heart/life. I guess we have to chalk it up to the rawness Aella felt from the loss of her father, and she just sort of grasped on to Ivo strongly with all that loss she was feeling.
   Then there was, well, everything Osprey and Aella. After five books, I was (am) still not buying their love for each other, so imagine my leap for joy when Osprey tries to apologize to Aella for “stealing” a kiss/not giving her the chance to choose him as he has so clearly chosen her. I about pumped my fist in happiness (and definitely commented on the highlighted passage with “THANK GOODNESS” – verbatim!) that he was putting this out there, and if not pushing Aella away, at least offering up that hey, maybe she only felt like she “chose” him because of the circumstances which thrust them together. He was giving her a safe out to step back and at least reevaluate what she felt for him. That is, until barely a couple lines later where Aella passionately reaffirms and asserts that no, indeed she did choose Osprey, and she just hopes he’ll be okay with moving into the type of life she foresees in her/their future, as it’s so different from what he grew up knowing/hoping for. I groaned, and commented “Ugh” in annoyance. How their interactions went from there was satisfactory given the context and all as well as my resignation to what expectations there were for them should be, and I was very grateful that at least it wasn’t a no-scars happily-ever-after, even though it still ends up being a HEA. I’m not against HEAs – I do enjoy them – but when a story has such high stakes, I expect there to be more paid out, more scars, more discomfort in how things go forward. Life has been forever changed by what these characters have gone through, so let them be changed to a level in accordance with what they went through. Don’t be afraid to soften it so much.
   All in all, this series had a lot of promise, and some very good elements, but it was held back by having too many similarities to elements of Tangled Fae, a not-strong-enough fleshing out of the magic and world-building, forced-feeling romantic entanglements, and not enough time spent on fleshing out the larger conflict (revolution) which could have helped better frame and shape Aella and her character evolution. On the plus side, it has some very strong messages about faith, independence, sacrifice, loyalty, and doing the right thing even when it is not the easy thing. I just would have liked to see a bit more focus given to those things throughout, as they are very worthy topics to guide the heart of a story, and deserving of more attention even in an action-packed, fast-moving series.

I received a free eARC in exchange for an honest review. This has not affected the contents of my review or rating.

[TheGeekishBrunette · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a crazy ride this series has been! I can’t believe it’s finally over.

One thing I really enjoyed about this book is the development of the main character, Aella. She was the outcast due to her magical ability but she loved her family and would do anything for the good of others. It was never an easy journey for her and even when all hope felt gone, she still put others before her.

When it comes to villains, Juste is definitely up there on my list of people I dislike the most! I don’t know if I quite understand his motives even after reading this one. It seems like it was all for power and trying to have it all can definitely be someone’s downfall. I just thought there would be a bit more to it but I do like how it all went down. He was more calculating then I thought.

The relationship between Osprey and Aela does continue but it also has its obstacles. I like how Osprey never gives up on her even when it doesn’t seem like she, or even him, will make it out. They never stopped caring for one another and that is a love that knows no bounds. It definitely did my heart good.

As for the plot, it’s dark, intense, and has a lot of plot twists that are unexpected! One in particular being so sad! It’s a book that you are easily able to get lost in because there is a lot going on and I just wanted to know how it would all end.

Overall, this was another great book in the series and a very satisfying ending. I’m sad to see these characters go but I am looking forward to whatever this author writes next.

Thank you to the publisher for an earc to read in exchange for a review!

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brings this very gripping fantasy romance adventure to an end and what an end it is. Aella is being dragged forcefully by Juste Montpetit, now the Emperor, who had married her without her consent in absentia whilst she was off fighting with the rebels. She was being dragged to the centre of the forbidding where Juste was certain his throne of the adder was waiting for him to come into even more power, not happy to just rule over the empire. This man's greed for power was insurmountable, and he would let nothing stand in his way but he needed Aella's energy and he kept draining her throughout the voyage, and she was forced to succumb as she was heavily guarded by wings on all sides. The forbidding wanted to sift them through in order to test them and poor Aella was in torment not knowing whether she would be able to give up her life to save her family. Only her bees kept her sane and gave her courage, serving not only as her eyes but also her messengers. Through them she could see what was happening whilst she was trapped underground and what she saw gave her hope to keep on fighting through her swarm. After all she was the Queen of her swarm and she was relentless. I absolutely loved the magnificent ending to this wondrous and magical fantasy trilogy, I loved the romance and the unflagging loyalty Osprey and Aella had towards each other both ready to give up their lives for one another. This is a trilogy not to be missed, as it is a story of hope, of revolution and of bringing down a tyrannical rule, dark magic and so much love!

[Topsues · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a finale !! Please take a bow Sarah.K.L.Wilson for you deserve every single applause for this book including the whole series. This has felt like you have put your whole mind, body and soul into every word and the emotion that poured off the pages into my heart. I have laughed and cried with this finale while being completely glued to the edge of my seat plus lost many hours of sleep as I couldn’t put the book down, but even when I forced myself to, the developments and maybe’s constantly ran in my mind. I’m really trying to avoid saying much about the storyline because I don’t want to give a second of the storyline away, however I will say poor Aella has her most difficult of challenges ahead especially with the mad Juste Montpetit, who constantly believes others should do all his dirty work for him but the threats he attaches leaves no rebellion or choice for anyone to disobey.
This really is a will she live or die situation plus one of reflection. You will also find your emotions tested in this last finale book as you are swung backwards and forwards with the pace of situations that I found quite amazingly creativity as you follow every word with trepidation. The final scenes was explosive as we find out what happened to all the characters we came to love throughout the series. Sarah.K.L.Wilson congratulations on The Empire of War and Wings series 👏👏👏👏👏👏 I can’t wait until to see the next piece of Work you release and have no doubt it will be as good as this series and all your work previously.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I could say after finishing this book was "Wow!" What an ending!

And the beginning! This, the fifth book in the Empire of War and Wings series, starts off in a frenzy of adventure. Juste Monpetit, determined to claim what he sees as his birthright, basically ruling the entire continent, inexorably drags Aella and his supporters towards a final test. They literally travel into fire and the Forbidding to reach Monpetit's final goal.

Throughout the difficult and tragic journey, Aella is assaulted by visions from her bees and the Forbidding itself. Overcome by fear for her family and herself, horror at Juste Monpetit's cruelty, and exhausted to the point of barely being able to manifest her bees, Aella hangs on literally by the threads of her relentless willpower. Hope rises within her, over and over, only to be crushed by her husband's dogged pursuit of his dreams of domination. Aella finally accepts the fact that her death may be the price that must be paid to free her family, friends, and even the Empire from her husband's pitiless rule. Yet, hope and her deep desire to be with her family and Osprey again will not be completely snuffed out; warring with acceptance of her own demise. I will not go into more as I don't wish to spoil the ending. This dark, edgy series comes to an exciting climax through an extraordinary final test that pushes Aella to the brink of despair and the ragged threshold of her resolve. All in all, a fast-paced wild ride of a tale, founded on love, loyalty, and an intense desire for freedom.

[Kathy Brenzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic ending to a series. Aella is forced into the Forbidding by her "husband" the newly crowned Emperor. They had to go a journey through the Forbidding, which was currently burning, to reach a group of snake people. They would be taken from there to a place where they would be tested to see if they were worthy. Aella knew that they were not supposed to survive the test - that they were to be sacrifices. The chances were that they wouldn't all survive the trip through the Forbidding, never mind anything else. The Emperor was convinced that he was destined to not only survive, but to rule the whole world. Aella hoped that she would be brave enough to die with dignity, if it would mean that everyone she loved could live in peace.

[Amanda Sagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Sarah has managed to create an epic tale in this series and has brought it to an eventful end that leaves the reader satisfied.
Aella has been "married " to the hungry Juste Mon petit and is being dragged further and further into the forbidding and the fire in his attempt to rule everything. Can she be relentless enough to come out unscathed? Can she turn the tides of darkness that has befallen the empire and be the heroine the people have been (literally) dying for? Grab your copies of this series and find out! You won't regret it! Sarah has a way of creating a world that is complex and yet easy to read and easy to imagine, which urges the reader to keep turning the pages to find out the outcome of the story!

[Rachel Cass · Rating 5 out of 5]

This final book in the War and Wings series did a great job tying it all together. One of my favorite things throughout the series, and which is no different in this, is the character development of Aella. So many things change for her, that inevitably will cause her to change. After everything, it takes a strong person to come out stronger, even with some scars.
Juste Montepetit is absolutely one of the worst! And he only gets worse in this series, right until the end. There is a large passage of time, which at first confused me, but does make sense eventually. She and Osprey have faced many challenges, and their story comes to a conclusion that is wrapped up nicely in this final book. I was sad to see them to. I wasn't ready. I definitely recommend this series!

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outnumbered, surrounded by enemies, her magic depleted and, oh yes, forced into a marriage and role against her choosing while the revolution she supported is only just taking root, the odds are surely stacked against Aella in Queen Magic, the fifth book in Sarah K. L. Wilson ‘s wonderful Empire of War & Wings series. Have no fear though, as this is all handled quite perfectly in an exciting, fun and superbly written new series addition. This is addictive stuff that’s hard to put down, but is very easy to highly recommend.

[Tala Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super series!

Well this series was so good, I just want more! This final book was so crazy, but everything fell into perfect place. The world found peace, the Forbidding was defeated, and everyone lived happily ever after as they should. Evil is terminated and good triumphs all thanks to a young girl who manifested bees. This story will resound in my heart for years to come, for I can never forget it. I highly recommend this series if you want something very different, unique, and totally insane. Welcome to the Empire of War and Wings !

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good conclusion

Even though I didn’t want it to end, and still would like to see more, it was a good conclusion. So much going on, and you are really pulled into the story. You feel the battles, you feel the heart wrenching sadness, and you feel the happiness and contentment. Very good writing with very, very few errors to distract. This is not the first I have read of this author’s work, and that one was good and imaginative. I am delighted to see her only getting better. Good job.

[Andra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awe-inspiring, nail-biting conclusion to the Empire of War & Wings series....

Magic...spells...faith...love...hope...good vs wrong...incredible journey...intrigue...suspense...restoration

Be relentless!!!! Possess relentless hope!!!! Love that's strong and true!

These books forced me to embrace so many emotions. Aella & Osprey are facing their most trying battle yet. Fighting separately in their own battles. Are they prepared? Do they have what it takes? Can Aella's bees still be used? Has the Forbidden taken it all? Scars run deep, but can they truly be overcome?

[Nance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Queen Magic is the last book in the Empire of Wings and War series. I thought it was beautifully written and had a fitting end to Aella’s long journey. Aella was brave and fierce and proved that you really need to be relentless to achieve your goals. Queen Magic was a great ending to this great series.

I received this book from the author and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.

[Joanne H · Rating 5 out of 5]

To let us read the electrifying series was a blast! The storytelling is fanatical and just so darn good. The war was on-going between everyone and Aella was trying to get everyone to fight for the right to be free. She was taken by her false husband Juste Montpetit to the center of the Forbidding and thought she would die there. This exciting series keeps your eyes fixed on the great story told. Put this on your to be read list!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG what an ending!! Aella and friends are all doing everything they can. Aella is Empress and not by choice, but being dragged along with Juste Monpetit on his crazy mission to claim his birthright. Osprey and the others are still out there, fighting. Her bees are out there keeping her informed and feeding her hope. So much I want to say, but I don't want to spoil anything. Go read this series!!

[Barbara Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this book 5 stars because every book in the series was impossible to put down. I had to time my reading so I wouldn't be up all night. I have read most of Sarah's books and find some more gripping than others. This series rates at the top for me: the characters are consistent and creative (bees as a familiar) and the evil is cunning and twisted. I liked the emphasis on family, and faithfulness. Above all, I loved the bees!

[Tenna Chatman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly spellbinding adventure

Aella forged her own path, even from the beginning, when she didn't manifest a bird. She and Osprey had an unusual relationship. But overshadowing everything was the forbidding. Fighting the forbidding was a long and convoluted adventure. Aella saw and heard things that were extraordinary. Things that changed her life and the lives of everyone. I highly recommend the entire series!!

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very heartwarming ending to a great series.
I would have wished for more clarity about the forbidding, it occurred to me never as totally evil as it gained power because the hissan people went bad so I thought it just wanted magic to be good again. But there was no real conclusion to it.
Nevertheless, I think all characters got what they deserved!

[Silver Surfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, what can I say, possibly a few questions unanswered but hey it didn’t detract from what was undoubtedly the best book in the series even though it took some doing because they were very good, phew. As I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again if you liked the others you’ll absolutely love this one. What will this author write next I wonder. Highly recommended.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aella is back and must enter the Forbidding and do what she must to save them all. I was hooked from the beginning as usual in this series and had to see what would happen. Had to see what would happen to Aella and what danger and issues she will have to face. And had to see how she how she would come out on top. A great story and loved the Bees!!

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely saved the best for last. A great story with many harrowing scenes. A fitting end to the series.

Action-packed. Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Haunting. Inspirational. Page-turner. Romantic. Scary. Tear-jerker. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.

I received a copy of this book as a gift from the author. This is my honest review.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aella and Osprey, so desperate to be together, so torn apart by the evil set out by his half-brother Juste and his snake magic. Aella has her bees, helping her as she goes on her dangerous, deadly quest. This amazing series conclusion holds you in its grip and won’t let go. Do goodness and love conquer all? Read it to find out.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so sad it's done, and it feels like it was a super quick read, but it was so so good, as always.
We pick right up where we left off in book 4, and brought right back in the frantic pace of Aella's world. Queen Magic moves quickly and I just couldn't put it down (I read it in a couple hours). This book was exactly what was needed, for me anyway, to end this series, HEA and all.

[Fireflake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fifth book in the Empire of War & Wings series leaves you wanting more at the end. Can Aella figure out how to overthrow the emperor for the betterment of her homeland and people? You'll have to read this page turner to find out! It was so good I couldn't put it down and finished it in one sitting!

[Robin Ayoub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down

Characters with emotion, faith, love, treachery, hate and jealousy make this book memorable. A sense of urgency in choosing right or wrong make it compelling. And a twisting turning series of plots winding together into a single path toward the end make it a must-read for fantasy lovers! Definitely worth my time reading all five books in the series!

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun adventure to be part of!

What a conclusion! I felt the Forbidding would never let go. The grip it had on Aella. On my heart for the family and friends lost in battle.

Empire of War & Wings is Ana adventure I would recommend to everyone! And, have!

Thank you for another amazing series, Sarah!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to the whole series over a few days. Love it!
It's a brutal world and a bit sad. I don't like sad stories....so the fact that i loved this series hints that you'll walk away happy and with closure at the end of the series. So much in between that is intense, sad and unexpected it really hooks you in. Totally loved this writers style. It is descriptive but not in a boring way.
Loved it!

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful and fitting finale to this tale. Juste got the justice he so greatly deserved. Aella and Osprey got their rewards. I truly loved reading this series and greatly enjoyed the world it took place in. Truly creative! I look forward to reading whatever Sarah writes next!