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The Fallen World #2
The Queen of Traitors
They say I am a queen.
They say I married a monster. That I did so willingly.
They say he cannot die, that he does not age. That together, we rule a ravaged world.
They say I used to be one of them, but now I am a traitor.
They say many things, all which I cannot remember, but …
I fear what they say is true.
Then there is what they don’t say, what I see in their eyes—
The king terrifies them. He cannot be stopped. And, most worrisome of all …
He is coming for me.
They say I married a monster. That I did so willingly.
They say he cannot die, that he does not age. That together, we rule a ravaged world.
They say I used to be one of them, but now I am a traitor.
They say many things, all which I cannot remember, but …
I fear what they say is true.
Then there is what they don’t say, what I see in their eyes—
The king terrifies them. He cannot be stopped. And, most worrisome of all …
He is coming for me.
348 pages, Paperback
First published January 13, 2016
1131 people are currently reading
9031 people want to read
About the author
Laura Thalassa
57 books25.6k followersFound in the forest when she was young, Laura Thalassa was raised by fairies, kidnapped by werewolves, and given over to vampires as repayment for a hundred year debt. She’s been brought back to life twice, and, with a single kiss, she woke her true love from eternal sleep. She now lives happily ever after with her undead prince in a castle in the woods.
… or something like that anyway.
When not writing, Laura can be found scarfing down guacamole, hoarding chocolate for the apocalypse, or curled up on the couch with a good book.
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… or something like that anyway.
When not writing, Laura can be found scarfing down guacamole, hoarding chocolate for the apocalypse, or curled up on the couch with a good book.
Never want to miss a release? Sign up for my newsletter HERE
Like to discuss my books? Join my Facebook fan page HERE
Official Site: http://www.laurathalassa.com/
Newsletter:
https://laurathalassa.myflodesk.com/newsletter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraThalassa/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraThalassa
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurathalassa/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/laurathalassa/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+LauraThalassa/
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Laura-Thalassa/e/B00DN9YA3S/
Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/LauraThalassa
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 840 reviews
September 14, 2025
This is one of my favorite re-read series and its purely for the MORALLY GREY CHARACTERS, where my fan girls at?
Serenity wakes up — quite confused to say in the least.
Not a personal fan of that memory plot device but please continue with the bloodthirsty heroine.
The characters
Montes the Undying King and Serenity his vicious Queen
It feels stupid to say this but this book really focused on Serenity's character more as the MC instead of incorporating both individualss, which I felt the first novel did better job at balancing both characters reveals and time in their POV.
Sure twas entertaining seeing a balance between Serenity the fighter who wants to manipulate like the “big kids” vs Serenity the victim who has constantly gotten fucked-up, betrayed and abandoned
But whole time I just wanted more Montes.... sorry not sorry
The sequels continues to feature the same love-hate dynamic between these two and it was frightfully entertaining reading the angst and tension between them
awwww he knows her so well
While parts did feel tad redundant with them still arguing like newlyweds haha, you just get sooo into the character's argument, sass, and attempts to be self-righteous while both know they are just different kinds of monsters.
Where the first book focused on the wickedness of Montes's court and rule, this sequel focuses on Serenity embracing her own monster-like tendencies
The secondary characters definitely take more of a side-only information boosting, even more so than the first one. I honestly think it was because none of them were remotely interesting *ah burn*.
But honestly...
Will and the General have pretty lost all sense of dimensions for a just label bad guy label who only pop up once and a while to fuck more shit up
Marco gets 0 unique features or really background bout how one even becomes right hand man to king of the goddamn world
and that's literally all the people I remember that we interact with more than once.
The plot
Looking back I recognize that the plotline probably isn’t as strong developments wise as it should’ve/could've been. And its mostly due to the beginning memory issues that caused everything to be reverted to the similar status of the first book
But don't worry kitties, we still got some political mayhem with Serenity learning the court, the continued civil war waging around the love bubble, and honestly just a lottaaa political betrayal and chaos happening with Montes’s court
It is definitely within the last 5 chapters that everything gets even more intense
The writing grabs you
The plot twist shock the FUCK outta you
And Montes is starting to reveal his master plan
I was literally GAPING like a goddamn idiot that are gonna have MAJOR FUCKING CONSEQUENCES AND SERENITY GONNA KICK YO ASS AGAIN, MONTES
It is is SICK and TWISTED and brilliant exactly how I like my morally grey characters to be
Overall, I see why some people might not enjoy the morally questioning alpha King and his rebel Queen. The end of the world vibes make everything more dramatic but I can also see why it creates some fuzzy good vs bad disturbing plot set-ups that some people don't enjoy reading and that's totally fair haha
Re-reading this series, it is clear to see some of the hidden info drops from the first that are woven throughout the series. The writing was great, detailed, planned out, and definitely captured the psycho couple vibes she wanted. Expect to be disturbed. And to totally enjoy it. Thats the only way i can think to describe this series cuz if that not ur thing then i wouldn't try to force it haha
Serenity wakes up — quite confused to say in the least.
“As the ache grows, I realize it isn’t fear or sadness.
It’s rage.
Other people got me into this mess; they’re not going to get me out of it. I will.”
Not a personal fan of that memory plot device but please continue with the bloodthirsty heroine.
The characters
Montes the Undying King and Serenity his vicious Queen
It feels stupid to say this but this book really focused on Serenity's character more as the MC instead of incorporating both individualss, which I felt the first novel did better job at balancing both characters reveals and time in their POV.
Sure twas entertaining seeing a balance between Serenity the fighter who wants to manipulate like the “big kids” vs Serenity the victim who has constantly gotten fucked-up, betrayed and abandoned
But whole time I just wanted more Montes.... sorry not sorry
The sequels continues to feature the same love-hate dynamic between these two and it was frightfully entertaining reading the angst and tension between them
“What did Estes say to you to put that expression on your face?” he asks as we descend the stairs.
“The truth.” Isn’t that what hurts us so much?
“My queen doesn’t run from the truth. She leaves only after she’s threatened someone.
So what did he say?”
awwww he knows her so well
While parts did feel tad redundant with them still arguing like newlyweds haha, you just get sooo into the character's argument, sass, and attempts to be self-righteous while both know they are just different kinds of monsters.
Where the first book focused on the wickedness of Montes's court and rule, this sequel focuses on Serenity embracing her own monster-like tendencies
“All you have to do is eat a little and nod to people you don’t know,” Montes says, misreading me. “Oh, and don’t stab anyone in the eye with the utensils.”There were moments I was concerned Montes was losing his edge with Serenity becoming more ruthless created a disconnected from the ruthless Montes that first took over. BUT THEN, holy fucking shit, that ending definitely reaffirmed Montes as the same goddamn narcissistic arrogant son of a bitch that first took control of the world
“Montes, I’m not going to stab anyone with anything.” That’s what my gun’s for.”
The secondary characters definitely take more of a side-only information boosting, even more so than the first one. I honestly think it was because none of them were remotely interesting *ah burn*.
But honestly...
Will and the General have pretty lost all sense of dimensions for a just label bad guy label who only pop up once and a while to fuck more shit up
“But the reality of your situation is that your life is no longer in your control.”
“Was it ever?” I ask, searching his eyes.
I genuinely want to know. Did I choose to do wrong by these people, or was I forced into it? The distinction matters.
The general hesitates. “No,” he finally says, “it wasn’t.”
Marco gets 0 unique features or really background bout how one even becomes right hand man to king of the goddamn world
and that's literally all the people I remember that we interact with more than once.
The plot
Looking back I recognize that the plotline probably isn’t as strong developments wise as it should’ve/could've been. And its mostly due to the beginning memory issues that caused everything to be reverted to the similar status of the first book
But don't worry kitties, we still got some political mayhem with Serenity learning the court, the continued civil war waging around the love bubble, and honestly just a lottaaa political betrayal and chaos happening with Montes’s court
It is definitely within the last 5 chapters that everything gets even more intense
The writing grabs you
The plot twist shock the FUCK outta you
And Montes is starting to reveal his master plan
I was literally GAPING like a goddamn idiot that are gonna have MAJOR FUCKING CONSEQUENCES AND SERENITY GONNA KICK YO ASS AGAIN, MONTES
It is is SICK and TWISTED and brilliant exactly how I like my morally grey characters to be
Overall, I see why some people might not enjoy the morally questioning alpha King and his rebel Queen. The end of the world vibes make everything more dramatic but I can also see why it creates some fuzzy good vs bad disturbing plot set-ups that some people don't enjoy reading and that's totally fair haha
Re-reading this series, it is clear to see some of the hidden info drops from the first that are woven throughout the series. The writing was great, detailed, planned out, and definitely captured the psycho couple vibes she wanted. Expect to be disturbed. And to totally enjoy it. Thats the only way i can think to describe this series cuz if that not ur thing then i wouldn't try to force it haha
February 7, 2017
5 stars!
All I gotta say is I am so glad all the books in this series are done or I would be losing my shit right now.
I don't want to get too spoilery, but this book picks up where we left off at the end of the first book. Some things are cleared up fairly quickly and we resume the everyday struggle it is for Serenity and Montes to survive. Serenity seems to be quite the target for attacks and I was completely riveted the entire time I was reading this book. A part of me wants to say "fuck it" and stay up until dawn finishing the last book but you know, life and stuff. And work. And sleep. Gosh darn those things.
It's been a LONG time since I have found a series that sucked me in like this, and I can already tell that this book hangover coming up will possibly kill me once I finish the series. Hold me.
And to book 3, I am coming for you, SOON.
All I gotta say is I am so glad all the books in this series are done or I would be losing my shit right now.
I don't want to get too spoilery, but this book picks up where we left off at the end of the first book. Some things are cleared up fairly quickly and we resume the everyday struggle it is for Serenity and Montes to survive. Serenity seems to be quite the target for attacks and I was completely riveted the entire time I was reading this book. A part of me wants to say "fuck it" and stay up until dawn finishing the last book but you know, life and stuff. And work. And sleep. Gosh darn those things.
It's been a LONG time since I have found a series that sucked me in like this, and I can already tell that this book hangover coming up will possibly kill me once I finish the series. Hold me.
And to book 3, I am coming for you, SOON.
August 30, 2024
I love you as certain dark things are to be loved, in secret, between the shadow and the soul… —Pablo Neruda
✅ Gorgeous cover
✅ Badass main character
✅ Funny/snarky conversations
✅ Hate-to-love
✅ Morally grey characters
✅ Fast-paced compelling story
✅ A lot of action
❗️❗️ Weird ending... still not sure how I feel about it
OMG THAT END?!??!!?!? I'm still not over it. Don't know how I feel about it either. 🤯
This book is a wild ride. It's just non-stop action, and the whole dystopian/end of the civilization vibe only makes things more intense.
Serenity has been captured by the Rebellion, and she lost all of her memories, then there are assassination attempts (plural), betrayal, political plotting, more assassination attempts. It never stops. I admit that the plot might not be as well developed as it could have been. The fact that Saranity loses her memory brings us back to square one relationship-wise, and the secondary characters had no depth, no appeal, and no use besides being "bad guys" in the story. Still, I enjoyed this book for the non-stop action and the awesomeness of Serenity.
“I'm the ugly truth, and he's a pretty lie, and we're always, always circling each other.”
Welcome to the world of an arrogant alpha-king and an impulsive and oppositional rebel-queen.
I am really happy that the hate/love relationship is still on between Montes and Serenity (I would have skipped the whole memory loss part though), she is not madly in love with him and ready to do anything for him. She does care for him, against her will, and hates herself for that "weakness". It is so entertaining to see the sass, angst, and tension between them. Some parts were a bit redundant near the end, but it is still a very enjoyable read... Now that I think about it they are really a psycho-couple.
“I’m still debating shooting you,” I say an hour later. “I know,” Montes says next to me. “My pants have been tight all morning because of it.” “You are a sick, sick man.”
If the first book was more focused on Montes's ruthless rule and political game, this sequel is more focused on Serenity owning her badass side and getting to terms with the more wicked and violent part of herself. We actually get to see two sides of Serenity: the fierce soldier wanting revenge for all that she and her people have been through, and Serenity the victim of all the manipulations, betrayals, and assassination attempts. I would have enjoyed more of Montes though, I do love his character and his moral greyness. I thought that he was getting softer in this book and that Serenity had finally been able to get him to open up and think about other people's feelings, but then there's this insane ending. It just proves to us once again how megalomaniac and arrogant Montes really is.
I’ve heard that love was messy, but ours is downright bloody. It turns men into monsters, and monsters into men.
I am still shocked by that epilogue, and I can't wait to read the next book because SERENITY IS GONNA KICK YOUR ASS MONTES and it's going to be so exciting to read!!
1. The Queen of All that Dies ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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January 17, 2016
4.5 STARS
How am I going to survive until May 2016?! Review later.
How am I going to survive until May 2016?! Review later.
March 25, 2023
104 years???????????
Yeah I would hate you and hunt you down
Yeah I would hate you and hunt you down
January 13, 2020
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Want To Be Done With The Series*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Re-read:
I've been "nervous" to re-read this one. I didn't have much luck the first time reading it and that's because I quickly became annoying about the constant back and forth on Serenity loving or hating Montes. Them being lovers one page and enemies the next page is just exhausting and makes me want to got through the book and strangle Serenity. Hench the reason why I have yet to actually read book #3. Because there is literally no development in their relationship. It's the same as it was in the first book, and I'm scared that as in this one, it'll be the same in the third one. Overall, I'm looking forward to finally be done with this series. Maybe I'm wrong and book #3 will be the best, but I'm careful not to let my hopes up.
In the second book in the series Queen Serenity
Other Characters:
→ King Montes ‘the Undying King’ Lazuli, of the Eastern Empire. Serenity thinks the king is in his mid thirties. King Lazuli, however, has been conquering countries for nearly thirty years. Is most likely in his 60's.
→ William ‘Will’ Kline, the general’s son. He became the head of the western chapter of the Resistance at the end of book one and Montes had him killed.
→ General Chris Kline, Will’s father and the former general of the Western United Nations—the WUN. Montes had him killed after Will turned traitor, though he apparently survived. He's now a top operative for the Resistance.
→ Ambassador Carl Freeman, of the emissary of the Western United Nations (WUN) and Serenity's father. Carl gets shot and killed by Marco at 38% into book one for refusing to sign the peace treaty in which he would sign Serenity away to Montes.
→ Marco, the liaison between Freeman and the king. He shoots himself to save the King's secrets at the end of book one. He was Montes' oldest, most loyal friend.
→ Alexander ‘Alexei’ Gorev, The Beast of the East.
→ Dr. Goldstein, the royal physician.
→ Luca Estes, the one Montes is planing on giving the government seat. He’ll spearhead the South American region of his rule. Serenity calls him a sellout.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (New Adult) Science Fiction - Dystopia (M/F).
Series: - Series, Book Two.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - King Montes Lazuli.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Unsure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Unsure.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
New Rating - 2.5 stars.
First read review:
I don't actually know what to think or feel about this book. Not sure if I liked it or not, may have to do with me being in a reading slump, or simply because I was tried when reading this, however, I feel...unsatisfied. I had expected more.
Rating: 3 stars.
August 30, 2024
I kid you not, this book made me question if trees regret becoming paper. Rant review incoming 💣💅🏻
There we go, I just summarised the entire book in one paragraph.
I can’t believe I had the tenacity and resilience to endure more than 350 pages of drivel and drudgery. The Queen of All That Dies wasn’t amazing by a long shot, but I continued reading The Queen of Traitors because it was kind of like watching a show that’s so bad you can’t look away. There’s just enough of that entertainment factor and cliffhangers that keep you coming back for more, but hating yourself for it every time. That’s my relationship with this series.
In this second instalment, we pick up right where the last book’s cliffhanger left off: Serenity has completely lost her memories thanks to Marco’s vial of serum, and is now a captive of the Resistance (the antagonists). She undergoes interrogation, and finds that General Kline (a character from the first book who was like a father to her) is involved with the Resistance. Unlike her other captors, he has a more complex conversation (and relationship) with her. Here there was such an amazing opportunity to flesh out General Kline as a morally grey character who plays the role of a guerrilla fighter and yet has a soft spot for the very queen whose husband he has sworn to kill. But no, there was nothing. I was disappointed, but it only continued to get worse. The heroine being captured by enemy forces is a common trope that has been used a thousand times, and yet Thalassa managed to botch her attempt at it. It takes only a couple of chapters before the king’s forces swoop in and save the day and retrieve Serenity. And a few chapters after that, the king administers the antidote and Serenity regains her memories. All this happens within the first 20% of the book. Like in that case what was the point of the cliffhanger at the end of the first book??? It felt so contrived because everything got resolved so fast.
And after that, the ever-churning vicious cycle of doubt, love-hate, anger, sex, and borderline abuse between Serenity and Montes begins again. Thalassa really needs to know how much is too much drama. From the moment of their reunion, we’re treated to lots of Serenity’s agonising about how she hates Montes for everything he’s done, hates the fact that her body responds to him, and then she overcomes it for a little while and fucks him before she slips back into the agonising again. It was fun at first but by this point it’s getting old. In the first book, the romance kept me reading because there was so much angst, fighting and tension between Serenity and Montes, and I wanted to see how they could overcome the gulf between them. But I saw no such development in this book – rather, Serenity and Montes lapse into their old patterns from the first book in no time at all. The entire romance is recycled from the first book, and did not change or progress at all to the point that I don’t think this book should have existed in the first place. What’s the point if readers are just being forced to read two books of the exact same romance patterns which don’t change at all 💀
There is a coherent storyline but it fell flat. Most of it ended up being filler eg. them engaging in “politics” (basically just going for dinner again and again, which Serenity whines and bitches about in her head nonstop), having “romantic tension” (see the above paragraph), and random assassination attempts thrown into the middle of it. Things just seem to happen out of nowhere with an overwhelming sense of "this happened and then this happened and then that". There are no consistent secondary characters, and minor characters are mostly antagonists who get introduced briefly and die off within a few chapters. Good stories begin, build, weave details into each scene which are relevant later, and end with a bang. None of it existed here.
And finally the cliffhanger at the end….. I’ve always been uncomfortable with Montes and Serenity’s relationship because it has VERY strong nonconsensual elements. Montes basically does what he wants and forces his will on Serenity when she rejects him, and she has no choice but to go through with whatever he demands, which she later justifies to herself or glosses over. The ending encapsulates everything I don’t enjoy about their relationship. I hated that he violently forced her to go into the Sleeper when she had already expressed her wish to die. And then he left her there for 104 years. 104. Not 5 or 10 but ONE HUNDRED AND FOUR. I hope that she kills him and leaves him dead in the third book, but who am I kidding? She’ll probably balk because of her idiotic feelings for him again.
=========================================
🎧✩˖°🌷✨ PRE-REVIEW ♡
It didn't get much better so I don't have much hopes for the last book but once again the cliffhanger is killing me 💔💔💔
🐋🐚☾⋆⁺₊ PRE-READ ♡
The first one in the series was so bad that I fail to see how this can get any better. Laura Thalassa prove me wrong challenge
Event one—the king’s palace comes under siege. I lose my memory in the process. Event two—I catch a strain of plague concocted in one of the king’s laboratories, a laboratory nations away. A strain of plague no one else catches. Event three—the stabbing. Again meant solely for me. Event four—an ambush meant to end my life and the king’s.
There we go, I just summarised the entire book in one paragraph.
I can’t believe I had the tenacity and resilience to endure more than 350 pages of drivel and drudgery. The Queen of All That Dies wasn’t amazing by a long shot, but I continued reading The Queen of Traitors because it was kind of like watching a show that’s so bad you can’t look away. There’s just enough of that entertainment factor and cliffhangers that keep you coming back for more, but hating yourself for it every time. That’s my relationship with this series.
In this second instalment, we pick up right where the last book’s cliffhanger left off: Serenity has completely lost her memories thanks to Marco’s vial of serum, and is now a captive of the Resistance (the antagonists). She undergoes interrogation, and finds that General Kline (a character from the first book who was like a father to her) is involved with the Resistance. Unlike her other captors, he has a more complex conversation (and relationship) with her. Here there was such an amazing opportunity to flesh out General Kline as a morally grey character who plays the role of a guerrilla fighter and yet has a soft spot for the very queen whose husband he has sworn to kill. But no, there was nothing. I was disappointed, but it only continued to get worse. The heroine being captured by enemy forces is a common trope that has been used a thousand times, and yet Thalassa managed to botch her attempt at it. It takes only a couple of chapters before the king’s forces swoop in and save the day and retrieve Serenity. And a few chapters after that, the king administers the antidote and Serenity regains her memories. All this happens within the first 20% of the book. Like in that case what was the point of the cliffhanger at the end of the first book??? It felt so contrived because everything got resolved so fast.
And after that, the ever-churning vicious cycle of doubt, love-hate, anger, sex, and borderline abuse between Serenity and Montes begins again. Thalassa really needs to know how much is too much drama. From the moment of their reunion, we’re treated to lots of Serenity’s agonising about how she hates Montes for everything he’s done, hates the fact that her body responds to him, and then she overcomes it for a little while and fucks him before she slips back into the agonising again. It was fun at first but by this point it’s getting old. In the first book, the romance kept me reading because there was so much angst, fighting and tension between Serenity and Montes, and I wanted to see how they could overcome the gulf between them. But I saw no such development in this book – rather, Serenity and Montes lapse into their old patterns from the first book in no time at all. The entire romance is recycled from the first book, and did not change or progress at all to the point that I don’t think this book should have existed in the first place. What’s the point if readers are just being forced to read two books of the exact same romance patterns which don’t change at all 💀
There is a coherent storyline but it fell flat. Most of it ended up being filler eg. them engaging in “politics” (basically just going for dinner again and again, which Serenity whines and bitches about in her head nonstop), having “romantic tension” (see the above paragraph), and random assassination attempts thrown into the middle of it. Things just seem to happen out of nowhere with an overwhelming sense of "this happened and then this happened and then that". There are no consistent secondary characters, and minor characters are mostly antagonists who get introduced briefly and die off within a few chapters. Good stories begin, build, weave details into each scene which are relevant later, and end with a bang. None of it existed here.
And finally the cliffhanger at the end….. I’ve always been uncomfortable with Montes and Serenity’s relationship because it has VERY strong nonconsensual elements. Montes basically does what he wants and forces his will on Serenity when she rejects him, and she has no choice but to go through with whatever he demands, which she later justifies to herself or glosses over. The ending encapsulates everything I don’t enjoy about their relationship. I hated that he violently forced her to go into the Sleeper when she had already expressed her wish to die. And then he left her there for 104 years. 104. Not 5 or 10 but ONE HUNDRED AND FOUR. I hope that she kills him and leaves him dead in the third book, but who am I kidding? She’ll probably balk because of her idiotic feelings for him again.
=========================================
🎧✩˖°🌷✨ PRE-REVIEW ♡
It didn't get much better so I don't have much hopes for the last book but once again the cliffhanger is killing me 💔💔💔
🐋🐚☾⋆⁺₊ PRE-READ ♡
The first one in the series was so bad that I fail to see how this can get any better. Laura Thalassa prove me wrong challenge
May 23, 2016
Wash & Repeat Is Disappointing
From 15% to 30-40%, the emotions, relationship, and snarky dialogue are all...
While the plot scenery is new, the character development basically starts over from scratch.
Serenity's inner thoughts and behavior concerning the king revert back to the beginning. Now, she must work her way through accepting her own emotional shit again . It's basically a wash and repeat, sud for sud, of book one.... Just with new clothes (scenes.)
It was a disappointing, slow, and frustrating process.
By 50%, Serenity's mental state and relationship with the king is back on track and we finally see her start to develop new content and move forward.
I still think Serenity is an awesome character, but I didn't want to go through this shit a second time, and certainly not for such a large chunk of the book.
The King Has Been Pussified
Again, I admire Serenity's strengths. In book one, they challenged, complimented, and softened the king. In book two, however, they pussified him.
Instead of standing by his side in rule, I feel like she leads him everywhere by his dick. Instead of being her intellectual equal, he plays catch-up to her as she solves problems and the day. Instead of softening and complimenting his unrepentant sociopathy and evil, she outshines it and makes me forget he's even in the room sometimes.
This isn't about him growing. No, rather this is about him standing still and letting Serenity and the scenes themselves overshadow him - the king, the anti-hero, the man, the lover.
From 0-95%, there are a few scattered scenes where we get a little more insight into what makes the king tick, but they are too few and far between and mostly concerning shit we've already contextually gathered, such as the monster has feelings. Well, no shit.
He basically feels like a secondary character for most of the book.
Highs and Lows Of The Plot
"The moment the king found something other than his power to care about, the world began to plot."
I think the author was aiming for a 'face that sunk a thousand ships' vibe with all the sudden threats spawned by Serenity.
I get that, but, damn, it's a bit much that so many can suddenly infiltrate this king's defenses... Defenses that have been so stoic for 30+ years... And that it's done like two, three, four times a week lol. "Traitors" is certainly befitting.
My main problem was that I had a hard time balancing the king of book two with the
king that ruthlessly took over the world for 30 years.
Despite the OTT 'kill the king and queen' plot, there are some great twists and turns to the plot points in the last 25%.
The Final 5% Made The Book!
Me at first few time jumps...
And the second few...
And the last few...
Ooooh, Serenity is gonna be one pissed off mofo in book three....
Please, please, please just don't let her have amnesia again. I might hurt someone myself if I have to do her emo for the king a third time!
Bottom Line
Serenity's emo content between 15 & 40% should've been condensed to maybe 5%. It bogged the story down and was uninteresting to read the same shit of a different color twice.
Serenity steals the show for most of the book.
The king is kinda pushed aside and all but a secondary character until the final chapters.
The book's overall plot felt off-balance and misdirected.
The final chapter and its cliffhanger was phenomenal and well played by the author.
3 generous stars overall.
August 29, 2022
Fast-paced, enthralling, full of energy, action packed, all with a kick-ass heroine who will stop at nothing to defend and protect those she loves.
Serenity and king Montez’s story continues...
Serenity was first a soldier, then emissary turned king consort, then queen👸🏼. She was bound to the evil she tried to stop, and in the process fell in love with her monster.
Now, she sometimes feels she is a pawn for both sides of the war. So far she’s experienced loss, betrayal, abandonment, but nothing had more impact on her like the cancer she contracted from exposure to radiation caused by the king’s war.
Before he was king, Montez was a self made billionaire through buying out a pharmaceutical research company that discovered a pill and a machine that renewed youth. His refusal to share his discovery with the world was the catalyst for the war.
Long story short...
The king fell in love with Serenity and she became his world, as a result Serenity became a target 🎯 for the king’s enemies and he had lots of enemies...After a massive betrayal in the king’s court, a plot was uncovered that sabotaged Serenity’s cancer treatment. The king lost it, punished (more like vanquished) those responsible, then forced Serenity into a cancer advance treatment equipment called the sleeper. (Serenity does not do “Forced”).
The sleeper rebuilds and repairs damaged cells and tissues. Like the fountain of youth. Downside? It is slow. How slow you say? Well it took a whooping 100 years to cure Serenity’s cancer. Yet the battle rages on...
Everything about this story is fantastic, the plot, setting, characters, scenes and conflict were harmonious. Heading on to the last instalment in the series.
So far, I’m having fun with this series.
Serenity and king Montez’s story continues...
Serenity was first a soldier, then emissary turned king consort, then queen👸🏼. She was bound to the evil she tried to stop, and in the process fell in love with her monster.
Now, she sometimes feels she is a pawn for both sides of the war. So far she’s experienced loss, betrayal, abandonment, but nothing had more impact on her like the cancer she contracted from exposure to radiation caused by the king’s war.
Before he was king, Montez was a self made billionaire through buying out a pharmaceutical research company that discovered a pill and a machine that renewed youth. His refusal to share his discovery with the world was the catalyst for the war.
Long story short...
The king fell in love with Serenity and she became his world, as a result Serenity became a target 🎯 for the king’s enemies and he had lots of enemies...After a massive betrayal in the king’s court, a plot was uncovered that sabotaged Serenity’s cancer treatment. The king lost it, punished (more like vanquished) those responsible, then forced Serenity into a cancer advance treatment equipment called the sleeper. (Serenity does not do “Forced”).
The sleeper rebuilds and repairs damaged cells and tissues. Like the fountain of youth. Downside? It is slow. How slow you say? Well it took a whooping 100 years to cure Serenity’s cancer. Yet the battle rages on...
Everything about this story is fantastic, the plot, setting, characters, scenes and conflict were harmonious. Heading on to the last instalment in the series.
So far, I’m having fun with this series.
February 6, 2017
Wthhhh
DONT DO THIS TO ME
YOU CANNOT LEAVE ME HANGING FoR THE SECOND TIME OMFG AHHH
Whyyyyyyyy
DONT DO THIS TO ME
YOU CANNOT LEAVE ME HANGING FoR THE SECOND TIME OMFG AHHH
Whyyyyyyyy
July 29, 2018
I'm feeling overwhelmed...
***4.5 Stars***
I think I'm in shock...no, I know I'm in shock. That was not at all how I imagined things to end. Again, I find myself in awe of Laura Thalassa and her magical words. She captures your attention, changes the way you look at right and wrong, and makes you question what our futures will hold.
When I first saw the covers for this series I thought it was going to be a paranormal or sci-fi romance, and honestly, I was put off by them. Sure, I read paranormal but I'm not a fan of sci-fi. At times, I questioned whether they were a bunch of aliens come to take over Earth. It seems like it's a reality that's quite possible, with a touch of unreal to make you question EVERYTHING!! I suppose that's what makes a good Dystopian Romance. The possibility that it COULD HAPPEN.
We are a society that's always looking for advancement. We are a society looking to get ahead, hold power and rule over others. We are a society that wants what others have. Well, this is a society where all of these things are AMPLIFIED. It's interesting while also very scary.
Am I a bad person because I find the machinations of this war fascinating? I'm not normally the sort of person who likes blood and violence. In this case, some of the blood and violence was warranted. The anger pulses in your veins, like you are the one being betrayed. When the killing blow happens, you're almost satisfied that a bad person has been ended. Honestly, I don't think I'm really like that, but, somehow, Laura Thalassa makes me feel like it's not as horrifying as it is.
Another fabulous instalment to the series. I'm kind of scared where this will go. What the King has done, I'm not sure how this will play out. I feel like it's more than just a Fallen World Serenity is waking up to.
***4.5 Stars***
I think I'm in shock...no, I know I'm in shock. That was not at all how I imagined things to end. Again, I find myself in awe of Laura Thalassa and her magical words. She captures your attention, changes the way you look at right and wrong, and makes you question what our futures will hold.
When I first saw the covers for this series I thought it was going to be a paranormal or sci-fi romance, and honestly, I was put off by them. Sure, I read paranormal but I'm not a fan of sci-fi. At times, I questioned whether they were a bunch of aliens come to take over Earth. It seems like it's a reality that's quite possible, with a touch of unreal to make you question EVERYTHING!! I suppose that's what makes a good Dystopian Romance. The possibility that it COULD HAPPEN.
We are a society that's always looking for advancement. We are a society looking to get ahead, hold power and rule over others. We are a society that wants what others have. Well, this is a society where all of these things are AMPLIFIED. It's interesting while also very scary.
Am I a bad person because I find the machinations of this war fascinating? I'm not normally the sort of person who likes blood and violence. In this case, some of the blood and violence was warranted. The anger pulses in your veins, like you are the one being betrayed. When the killing blow happens, you're almost satisfied that a bad person has been ended. Honestly, I don't think I'm really like that, but, somehow, Laura Thalassa makes me feel like it's not as horrifying as it is.
Another fabulous instalment to the series. I'm kind of scared where this will go. What the King has done, I'm not sure how this will play out. I feel like it's more than just a Fallen World Serenity is waking up to.
September 24, 2020
3 indifferent STARS ★★★✩✩
⤐ Overall.
This is the ideal specimen for my 3-Star-rating-criterea. After a surprisingly engaging start to the The Fallen World series I could not have been more indifferent towards this sequel.
In The Queen of All that Dies , it is pretty much impossible to not be fascinated by the dilemma that is the relationship between Montez and Serenity. I was pretty much at the edge of my seat at all times because their dynamic was intriguing and vibrant. This instalment, however, provides little of the thrill I enjoyed so much before.
As in the last book, the military action is somewhat questionable again and combined with the less engaging romance, The Queen of Traitors falls right into the category of second-book-syndrome.
⤐ What’s happening.
And so Serenity has to live with the fact that she has fallen for the man who's taken everything from her - her parents, her first crush, her comrades, her freedom - and continues to strip her of her choices while the world she tries to protect is falling apart.
_____________________
3 STARS. Decent read that I have neither strongly positive nor negative feelings about. Some things irked me and thus it does not qualify as exceptional.
This book is for you if… you believe in sequel-syndrome. You'll either be reformed or empowered assured.
⤐ Overall.
This is the ideal specimen for my 3-Star-rating-criterea. After a surprisingly engaging start to the The Fallen World series I could not have been more indifferent towards this sequel.
In The Queen of All that Dies , it is pretty much impossible to not be fascinated by the dilemma that is the relationship between Montez and Serenity. I was pretty much at the edge of my seat at all times because their dynamic was intriguing and vibrant. This instalment, however, provides little of the thrill I enjoyed so much before.
As in the last book, the military action is somewhat questionable again and combined with the less engaging romance, The Queen of Traitors falls right into the category of second-book-syndrome.
⤐ What’s happening.
‘War takes a lot from people but unfortunately pain is not one of them.’
And so Serenity has to live with the fact that she has fallen for the man who's taken everything from her - her parents, her first crush, her comrades, her freedom - and continues to strip her of her choices while the world she tries to protect is falling apart.
_____________________
3 STARS. Decent read that I have neither strongly positive nor negative feelings about. Some things irked me and thus it does not qualify as exceptional.
April 10, 2017
I don't even know how to rate this. What did I just read? What is happening? Is this real life?
But most of all, WTF MONTES!?!?! Serenity is going to be so fucking pissed! That ending was so unexpected, I was squealing with each step the Epilogue took further. I literally covered my eyes because I could not believe what was happening. UGH so many things happened and the next thing I knew it was over!! May 2016 needs to come ASAP.
I absolutely love Laura Thalassa and I love NA in fantasy/dystopian books. Her pacing is perfect and I love her sex scenes. The way she writes it makes them feel natural, not vulgar or dirty, just right enough to really feel the emotions from the characters; raw.
1/11/15: 4 more days!! <3
7/24/15: So glad this series has been turned into a trilogy! God bless you Laura Thalassa <3
NOOO it comes out in January 2016!?! How will I survive the wait?!
But most of all, WTF MONTES!?!?! Serenity is going to be so fucking pissed! That ending was so unexpected, I was squealing with each step the Epilogue took further. I literally covered my eyes because I could not believe what was happening. UGH so many things happened and the next thing I knew it was over!! May 2016 needs to come ASAP.
I absolutely love Laura Thalassa and I love NA in fantasy/dystopian books. Her pacing is perfect and I love her sex scenes. The way she writes it makes them feel natural, not vulgar or dirty, just right enough to really feel the emotions from the characters; raw.
1/11/15: 4 more days!! <3
7/24/15: So glad this series has been turned into a trilogy! God bless you Laura Thalassa <3
NOOO it comes out in January 2016!?! How will I survive the wait?!
September 10, 2016
Argh. Disappointed. Bored. Annoyed.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series but after the 25% mark in this one, I got bored, it was just the same thing over and over, so I started skimming, picked up reading fully at about 75%. The lead up to the ending was better than the middle, but I didn't like the end.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series but after the 25% mark in this one, I got bored, it was just the same thing over and over, so I started skimming, picked up reading fully at about 75%. The lead up to the ending was better than the middle, but I didn't like the end.
March 2, 2019
Holy heck! That ending! While everything about this is filled with intrigue and danger, violence and confused emotions, it’s all leading you to this ending that is going to leave you dry mouthed and in absolute shock. I have grown so invested with these characters, each of them with faults, each of them lost and despairing at the world around them as well as the relationship they are in. I have grown so invested that by the time I reach the last portion of this book I found myself crying and then reading in horror which quickly turned to pain. In other words, this whole story is leading you up to this ending and it’s a wild a crazy ride.
Read via Kindle Unlimited
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Read via Kindle Unlimited
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
January 21, 2016
4.5 STARS
"This is where happiness sneaks up on you, and you forgive evil people for unforgivable things because they give you a taste of a future you always thought was beyond your reach".
The second installment in this awesome series was full of action and betrayal. I loved it, had a hard time putting it down. It's post-apocalyptic and the world is in the hands of a reigning, self-appointed King, Montes Lazuli. And of course his queen, the volatile, Serenity.
This whole world is intriguing, full of questionable motives, intents and maneuvers. Montes sounds like sweet sin and I loved every bit of him. The only thing I didn't like was the inner rantings going through Serenity's head. Yes, the heroine doth protest too much. I understand how she was forced into this world, how she never got a choice in marrying Montes, but come on. The world and its improvements are within her grasp. It's time to accept things and move past all her issues.
And then there's her doubts concerning Montes. . That's dealt with here, but she questioned Montes so often that it became irritating. It was almost like she conveniently forgot how much she cared for him, how much of the real man beneath the King she'd seen, especially since he'd shown her so much love and kindness. It became almost like filler, her constant ravings and threats. Anyways...despite that, I loved this book. It was sexy, romantic and often sweet with the time spent between Montes and Serenity. Also, very on the edge of your seat type reading. It ends on a cliffy that nearly made me scream, but luckily book 3 comes out in May. Loved it!
This is a trilogy, and should be read in order.
"This is where happiness sneaks up on you, and you forgive evil people for unforgivable things because they give you a taste of a future you always thought was beyond your reach".
The second installment in this awesome series was full of action and betrayal. I loved it, had a hard time putting it down. It's post-apocalyptic and the world is in the hands of a reigning, self-appointed King, Montes Lazuli. And of course his queen, the volatile, Serenity.
This whole world is intriguing, full of questionable motives, intents and maneuvers. Montes sounds like sweet sin and I loved every bit of him. The only thing I didn't like was the inner rantings going through Serenity's head. Yes, the heroine doth protest too much. I understand how she was forced into this world, how she never got a choice in marrying Montes, but come on. The world and its improvements are within her grasp. It's time to accept things and move past all her issues.
And then there's her doubts concerning Montes. . That's dealt with here, but she questioned Montes so often that it became irritating. It was almost like she conveniently forgot how much she cared for him, how much of the real man beneath the King she'd seen, especially since he'd shown her so much love and kindness. It became almost like filler, her constant ravings and threats. Anyways...despite that, I loved this book. It was sexy, romantic and often sweet with the time spent between Montes and Serenity. Also, very on the edge of your seat type reading. It ends on a cliffy that nearly made me scream, but luckily book 3 comes out in May. Loved it!
This is a trilogy, and should be read in order.
May 3, 2018
5 This is the best Series Stars
I had high expectations for the second book and I was also nervous. I didn’t know if Laura Thalassa could give me the emotions and feels I had for the first book and she did.
I love this series like mad. I love the romance! This is the kind of epic romance I look for in my reads. I love when people would do anything to keep the ones they love.
The story picks up right where the first book left off and too my surprise there’s no filler moments, no parts dragged. I was sucked into the story and I never knew what was going to happen.
I was on the edge of my seat and I was invested in everything. I was invested into the political plot, I was invested into Serenity’s failing health and I was most importantly invested with the King’s love for Serenity.
The King is the star of the book and oh my goodness what a ride I got. I loved every bit of this story and I’m so happy I don’t have to wait for the final book.
I had high expectations for the second book and I was also nervous. I didn’t know if Laura Thalassa could give me the emotions and feels I had for the first book and she did.
I love this series like mad. I love the romance! This is the kind of epic romance I look for in my reads. I love when people would do anything to keep the ones they love.
The story picks up right where the first book left off and too my surprise there’s no filler moments, no parts dragged. I was sucked into the story and I never knew what was going to happen.
I was on the edge of my seat and I was invested in everything. I was invested into the political plot, I was invested into Serenity’s failing health and I was most importantly invested with the King’s love for Serenity.
The King is the star of the book and oh my goodness what a ride I got. I loved every bit of this story and I’m so happy I don’t have to wait for the final book.
June 10, 2020
My vicious Sleeping Beauty. This is our violent fairytale.
Anchored by Serenity, Montes's multi-layered character continues to gradually evolve. Meanwhile, Serenity's defining characteristics remain the same with no development since the first book (hint: still annoyingly skeptical and guilt-ridden even when the situation doesn't call for it).
Despite that, Montes and Serenity's explosive chemistry makes their story one of my favorites -- I have to commend Thalassa for knowing how to keep the romance exciting; many authors are able to write couples with the strongest chemistry in the first book, but fail to maintain it in the second.
Thalassa continues to feed the undying flame that is Montes and Serenity's romance, and may turn into one of my favorite authors if she keeps this up.
Despite my love for Montes and Serenity's relationship, however, I was slightly disappointed that Montes and Serenity do not exact any substantial changes to the world they control despite being King and Queen. There's no major occurrence that moves the plot much farther than where it already was; and so, this installment is more like a series of scenes written to set up the next book than a solid novel. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed the writing and action in this book.
The epilogue was unexpected, but I’m glad that Thalassa allowed Montes to stay true to his own character: Montes isn’t the misunderstood bad boy who suddenly transforms into an honorable man once he meets his love. He had lived long enough for people to believe he was immortal even before meeting Serenity; having her by his side for a few years could not have changed him completely. He is more evil than good, more selfish than selfless, and despite his fierce love for Serenity, she hasn’t changed that.
Here, my wife’s safe. And so is my heart.
Anchored by Serenity, Montes's multi-layered character continues to gradually evolve. Meanwhile, Serenity's defining characteristics remain the same with no development since the first book (hint: still annoyingly skeptical and guilt-ridden even when the situation doesn't call for it).
Despite that, Montes and Serenity's explosive chemistry makes their story one of my favorites -- I have to commend Thalassa for knowing how to keep the romance exciting; many authors are able to write couples with the strongest chemistry in the first book, but fail to maintain it in the second.
Thalassa continues to feed the undying flame that is Montes and Serenity's romance, and may turn into one of my favorite authors if she keeps this up.
Despite my love for Montes and Serenity's relationship, however, I was slightly disappointed that Montes and Serenity do not exact any substantial changes to the world they control despite being King and Queen. There's no major occurrence that moves the plot much farther than where it already was; and so, this installment is more like a series of scenes written to set up the next book than a solid novel. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed the writing and action in this book.
The epilogue was unexpected, but I’m glad that Thalassa allowed Montes to stay true to his own character: Montes isn’t the misunderstood bad boy who suddenly transforms into an honorable man once he meets his love. He had lived long enough for people to believe he was immortal even before meeting Serenity; having her by his side for a few years could not have changed him completely. He is more evil than good, more selfish than selfless, and despite his fierce love for Serenity, she hasn’t changed that.
Here, my wife’s safe. And so is my heart.
April 15, 2017
1.5/5 stars
I'm super disappointed with this book. I wasn't a huge fan of the first book in the series but I did find it enjoyable and I was excited to see how the story progressed. After reading this book, I've lost all interest in the characters, world and the overall plot. The only reason why I finished this book was because of the soap opera drama which was ridiculous but nonetheless entertaining.
The Queen Of Traitors picks off where The Queen of All That Dies left off. Serenity is trying to pick a side between the rebellion and her old alliances or her new country and her husband. In the post apocalyptic world, betrayal, death and suffering is all around and Serenity must choose who to trust and how to survive. Even though she hates Montes, deep down she knows that isn't the case but she's also not quite ready to give up her independence to the King. With an onslaught of sickness, political betrayals and enemies in all corners, Serenity must decide how to survive and who to trust in the process.
My small synopsis is really vague and actually quite awful. This is partly due to the fact that I read this book quite a while ago and am only now writing a review. The main reason for the vagueness of the synopsis is because the plot of this story just washed over my head. I can't remember much of the plot and whilst reading the book, I found it hard to concentrate on what was happening. Much of the politics and world building just didn't interest me and so it is very hard to give you an idea of wha happened. This is the first warning sign that I was losing interest in the story.
In my review of the previous book, I said it was very problematic. This book just increased the problems of the last book tenfold and also created new ones. For example, I found that in the last book, Serenity was extremely sexist against women. This became so much more apparent in this book with her blatantly degrading other women constantly at parties. This just angered me so much because Serenity is such a hypocrite. She wants to be respected as a woman and gain power in the court but then she also shuts down all other women. On top of that, there were basically no secondary characters in this book, male or female. If there were minor characters, they were poorly explained and were an antagonist who died off within chapters of meeting them. Since I have grown to strongly dislike both the main characters, there was no reason for me to keep reading because I just couldn't stand the characters any longer.
The romance in the last book wasn't great but it was entertaining with an angsty and tension filled connection between the characters. They were constantly fighting and the line between hate and love was crossed constantly. This whole plot was just recycled for this book and it was as if I was reading the previous romance, only more infuriating and frustrating. Their romance didn't develop at all and they just went back to fighting and hating each other. There was no point reading the earlier book because their romance was exactly the same in this novel! They never got past their angst and I've been reading their story for two books now! I love angst and tension but in this book, it was infuriating because it didn't develop at all, instead, they seemed to grow more apart as the boom progressed. By the end of the novel, guess what? Serenity still hated Montes and Montes was still an unliveable jerk who constantly betrayed Serenity.
I wasn't planning on making this too much of a rant review, but the romance in this book annoyed me so much and I just have to vent. The romance between Serenity and Montes was always dark and borderlining abuse. This didn't bother me too much but in this book their romance went far beyond angsty and dark to complete FUCKED UP! For example, Serenity shoots Montes with a gun and Montes is extremely turned on by it! WTF! Almost being killed by your lover should not be an aphrodisiac. She continued to have sex with him even though she 'hated him' and throughout the sex she would be thinking about how much she despised him and how she didn't want to sleep with him. That's kind of messed up and on top of that, Montes definitely didn't care that he was essentially sexually assaulting her. I actually think he preferred it when she fought him during sex.
The best thing about this book was the fast-paced and action packed plot. Now, the plot was completely ridiculous and OTT but it was somewhat enjoyable. It's like when you're watching a melodramatic soap opera on TV and you keep thinking to yourself how awful it is...but you also can't look away. This entertainment factor did get me through the book.
The ending was the last straw when it came to me disliking this book. It was a downright awful, disturbing and ridiculous ending. Conflict finished abruptly and then suddenly skipped a heap of years. And I'm not talking about 5 or 10 years, this book went all the way to 104 years!! And do you really believe that the hero is not going to sleep with anyone, fall in love with anyone or meet anyone else in that time? I just felt like it was such a tacky and lazy way to end a book. The ending really killed every desire that I may have had to continue the series.
“This is where happiness sneaks up on you, and you forgive evil people for unforgivable things because they give you a taste of a future you always thought was beyond your reach.”
I'm super disappointed with this book. I wasn't a huge fan of the first book in the series but I did find it enjoyable and I was excited to see how the story progressed. After reading this book, I've lost all interest in the characters, world and the overall plot. The only reason why I finished this book was because of the soap opera drama which was ridiculous but nonetheless entertaining.
The Queen Of Traitors picks off where The Queen of All That Dies left off. Serenity is trying to pick a side between the rebellion and her old alliances or her new country and her husband. In the post apocalyptic world, betrayal, death and suffering is all around and Serenity must choose who to trust and how to survive. Even though she hates Montes, deep down she knows that isn't the case but she's also not quite ready to give up her independence to the King. With an onslaught of sickness, political betrayals and enemies in all corners, Serenity must decide how to survive and who to trust in the process.
My small synopsis is really vague and actually quite awful. This is partly due to the fact that I read this book quite a while ago and am only now writing a review. The main reason for the vagueness of the synopsis is because the plot of this story just washed over my head. I can't remember much of the plot and whilst reading the book, I found it hard to concentrate on what was happening. Much of the politics and world building just didn't interest me and so it is very hard to give you an idea of wha happened. This is the first warning sign that I was losing interest in the story.
In my review of the previous book, I said it was very problematic. This book just increased the problems of the last book tenfold and also created new ones. For example, I found that in the last book, Serenity was extremely sexist against women. This became so much more apparent in this book with her blatantly degrading other women constantly at parties. This just angered me so much because Serenity is such a hypocrite. She wants to be respected as a woman and gain power in the court but then she also shuts down all other women. On top of that, there were basically no secondary characters in this book, male or female. If there were minor characters, they were poorly explained and were an antagonist who died off within chapters of meeting them. Since I have grown to strongly dislike both the main characters, there was no reason for me to keep reading because I just couldn't stand the characters any longer.
The romance in the last book wasn't great but it was entertaining with an angsty and tension filled connection between the characters. They were constantly fighting and the line between hate and love was crossed constantly. This whole plot was just recycled for this book and it was as if I was reading the previous romance, only more infuriating and frustrating. Their romance didn't develop at all and they just went back to fighting and hating each other. There was no point reading the earlier book because their romance was exactly the same in this novel! They never got past their angst and I've been reading their story for two books now! I love angst and tension but in this book, it was infuriating because it didn't develop at all, instead, they seemed to grow more apart as the boom progressed. By the end of the novel, guess what? Serenity still hated Montes and Montes was still an unliveable jerk who constantly betrayed Serenity.
I wasn't planning on making this too much of a rant review, but the romance in this book annoyed me so much and I just have to vent. The romance between Serenity and Montes was always dark and borderlining abuse. This didn't bother me too much but in this book their romance went far beyond angsty and dark to complete FUCKED UP! For example, Serenity shoots Montes with a gun and Montes is extremely turned on by it! WTF! Almost being killed by your lover should not be an aphrodisiac. She continued to have sex with him even though she 'hated him' and throughout the sex she would be thinking about how much she despised him and how she didn't want to sleep with him. That's kind of messed up and on top of that, Montes definitely didn't care that he was essentially sexually assaulting her. I actually think he preferred it when she fought him during sex.
The best thing about this book was the fast-paced and action packed plot. Now, the plot was completely ridiculous and OTT but it was somewhat enjoyable. It's like when you're watching a melodramatic soap opera on TV and you keep thinking to yourself how awful it is...but you also can't look away. This entertainment factor did get me through the book.
The ending was the last straw when it came to me disliking this book. It was a downright awful, disturbing and ridiculous ending. Conflict finished abruptly and then suddenly skipped a heap of years. And I'm not talking about 5 or 10 years, this book went all the way to 104 years!! And do you really believe that the hero is not going to sleep with anyone, fall in love with anyone or meet anyone else in that time? I just felt like it was such a tacky and lazy way to end a book. The ending really killed every desire that I may have had to continue the series.
January 15, 2016
Sort of a little bit speechless.
I'm the ugly truth, and he's a pretty lie, and we're always, always circling each other.
Have you read The Hunger Games? Can you imagine a grittier, more passionate, darker version of Twilight without supernatural elements? Okay. How about a more grownup, realer Divergent written in an even more gorgeous way that's just full-on believable in all of its messed-up beautifully star-crossed complexity? Yes. YES!!!!!!!! This is IT!!!!!!
I am blown away by this book. Everything—everything about it sucked the air out of me. I dabble in books myself, so I'm choosy about the novels I spend precious hours on. I might start on one and not finish it because it doesn't hold my jaded attention. With The Queen of Traitors, the author had me in a goddamn stronghold I couldn't get out of even if I wanted to. Because it's that. Freaking. Good.
With The Queen of Traitors, I'm having a hard time keeping the exclamation points at bay. And I haven't even said a word about the book. I won't either. But here are a few quotes to illustrate some of the sides that drove me blissfully crazy throughout:
The complex, star-crossed storyline:
I don't remember him, and yet a part of me aches with such ferocity that I know he's imprinted in my bones.
The understated humor in the midst of their dead-serious reality:
The place got firebombed. No wonder nobody's here.
The intriguing personality of King Montes:
—"Serenity?" Is it my imagination, or does the monster in front of me sound frightened?
— He knows how to handle me. I don't like to be handled.
— I have read him wrong, but not in the way he thinks. My mind needs him to be fully evil, and he's not.
He's quiet, and that's probably for the best. Usually when he talks someone ends up with a bullet between their eyes.
I need to stop.
I'd splatter examples of crazy, sizzling chemistry, the shockingly different storyline and conflict, and the utter badassedness of Serenity up here too. I want to, believe me.
Gah! Just one... just one more.
—For a girl who has lost much, she seems awfully entitled. Queenship suits her all too well.
"My vicious Sleeping Beauty. This is our violent fairytale."
I envy you who haven't read this novel yet. Enjoy.
I'm the ugly truth, and he's a pretty lie, and we're always, always circling each other.
Have you read The Hunger Games? Can you imagine a grittier, more passionate, darker version of Twilight without supernatural elements? Okay. How about a more grownup, realer Divergent written in an even more gorgeous way that's just full-on believable in all of its messed-up beautifully star-crossed complexity? Yes. YES!!!!!!!! This is IT!!!!!!
I am blown away by this book. Everything—everything about it sucked the air out of me. I dabble in books myself, so I'm choosy about the novels I spend precious hours on. I might start on one and not finish it because it doesn't hold my jaded attention. With The Queen of Traitors, the author had me in a goddamn stronghold I couldn't get out of even if I wanted to. Because it's that. Freaking. Good.
With The Queen of Traitors, I'm having a hard time keeping the exclamation points at bay. And I haven't even said a word about the book. I won't either. But here are a few quotes to illustrate some of the sides that drove me blissfully crazy throughout:
The complex, star-crossed storyline:
I don't remember him, and yet a part of me aches with such ferocity that I know he's imprinted in my bones.
The understated humor in the midst of their dead-serious reality:
The place got firebombed. No wonder nobody's here.
The intriguing personality of King Montes:
—"Serenity?" Is it my imagination, or does the monster in front of me sound frightened?
— He knows how to handle me. I don't like to be handled.
— I have read him wrong, but not in the way he thinks. My mind needs him to be fully evil, and he's not.
He's quiet, and that's probably for the best. Usually when he talks someone ends up with a bullet between their eyes.
I need to stop.
I'd splatter examples of crazy, sizzling chemistry, the shockingly different storyline and conflict, and the utter badassedness of Serenity up here too. I want to, believe me.
Gah! Just one... just one more.
—For a girl who has lost much, she seems awfully entitled. Queenship suits her all too well.
"My vicious Sleeping Beauty. This is our violent fairytale."
I envy you who haven't read this novel yet. Enjoy.
July 14, 2018
I should just copy and paste my review for the first book because I stand by everything I said about why I'm loving this series so much.
The more I listen to the audiobooks, the more I love it. There is just something about the way Serenity hates Montez while slowly falling in love with him that is very compelling. No matter how much she pushes him away, Montez's obsession grows for her. He actually loves her hate and anger. He seems to thrive on it. He doesn't want to tame her, but he wants to own her body and soul. I find that I'm loving their very dysfunctional love.
The only thing I did not like about book two is the way it ended. I'm actually very angry about it and I had to start book 3 immediately so it can be fixed.
I highly recommend the audiobooks. Laurel Schroeder is one of my favorite narraters. She is doing a fantastic job with this series.
The more I listen to the audiobooks, the more I love it. There is just something about the way Serenity hates Montez while slowly falling in love with him that is very compelling. No matter how much she pushes him away, Montez's obsession grows for her. He actually loves her hate and anger. He seems to thrive on it. He doesn't want to tame her, but he wants to own her body and soul. I find that I'm loving their very dysfunctional love.
The only thing I did not like about book two is the way it ended. I'm actually very angry about it and I had to start book 3 immediately so it can be fixed.
I highly recommend the audiobooks. Laurel Schroeder is one of my favorite narraters. She is doing a fantastic job with this series.
January 4, 2019
I AM SCREAMING!!!!
That ending. THAT ending. Wow, wtf!
I just want to sit Montes down and be like
Jesus, Serenity is going to be so pissed.
That ending. THAT ending. Wow, wtf!
I just want to sit Montes down and be like
Jesus, Serenity is going to be so pissed.
December 7, 2021
3.75 Stars
Told in dual POV, 1st person, it’s the second installment in "The Fallen World" series and should be read in order. Here Serenity is at war with herself and so conflicted, to love the king or hate him and she does feel both at the same time. He had awoken her heart without her understanding why or how… but I have a teeny tiny issue here and it’s that the king has all the control and when he forces her hand, she doesn’t fight enough. Overall, I had a good time reading it and hope you like it as well!
Told in dual POV, 1st person, it’s the second installment in "The Fallen World" series and should be read in order. Here Serenity is at war with herself and so conflicted, to love the king or hate him and she does feel both at the same time. He had awoken her heart without her understanding why or how… but I have a teeny tiny issue here and it’s that the king has all the control and when he forces her hand, she doesn’t fight enough. Overall, I had a good time reading it and hope you like it as well!
February 19, 2019
4.5 stars
I stayed up all night reading this one and book 2 back-to-back. I'm starting book 3 today - have to see how this all ends. Book 2 ended on a tragic note.
I kept thinking this had a Beauty and the Beast feel to it - although dystopian - and the ending of book 2 solidified it. The banter is not the romantic comedy type - it is very angry and hard-edged. The book has it all, action, adventure, politics, love, loss, betrayal, confusion, and a fairy-tale quality - again a very edgy fairy-tale. It is bloody and brutal but worth it as far as book 1 and 2 are concerned. Hoping and crossing fingers that book 3 doesn't let me down!
I stayed up all night reading this one and book 2 back-to-back. I'm starting book 3 today - have to see how this all ends. Book 2 ended on a tragic note.
I kept thinking this had a Beauty and the Beast feel to it - although dystopian - and the ending of book 2 solidified it. The banter is not the romantic comedy type - it is very angry and hard-edged. The book has it all, action, adventure, politics, love, loss, betrayal, confusion, and a fairy-tale quality - again a very edgy fairy-tale. It is bloody and brutal but worth it as far as book 1 and 2 are concerned. Hoping and crossing fingers that book 3 doesn't let me down!
July 24, 2021
I've heard that love was messy, but ours is downright bloody.
This.... didn't need to be a book. This series should've been a duet instead of a trilogy. Because of Serenity's memory loss, we basically are just repeating the first books premise all over again, where she's angry, vengeful, and fighting her feelings for him, and he's content just waiting her out. While I enjoyed it the first time, I'm over it now and ready for something new. Like... I already been knowing all this. I seen where it ends up sooooo... What else ya got
This.... didn't need to be a book. This series should've been a duet instead of a trilogy. Because of Serenity's memory loss, we basically are just repeating the first books premise all over again, where she's angry, vengeful, and fighting her feelings for him, and he's content just waiting her out. While I enjoyed it the first time, I'm over it now and ready for something new. Like... I already been knowing all this. I seen where it ends up sooooo... What else ya got
May 29, 2021
COVER!?!? COVER!!! And we have about a month to go before this is out, YES!!!!!!!!!!
come find me: IG: @ash.reads
come find me: IG: @ash.reads
August 5, 2017
3.5-3.75
July 9, 2018
Oh. My. God.
My heart hurts from how great this book is & how it ended (damn you, cliffhangers) ...
WARNING: This review is mostly gifs
How I felt in the beginning of the book w/ Serenity having to deal with her memory loss:
How I reacted when the Doctor spoke to Montes (middle of the book):
When Montes & Serenity were kicking some ass:
My reactions to everything after that (^) (not in order):
How I felt after I finished the Epilogue:
For more reviews!
Click below :)
My heart hurts from how great this book is & how it ended (damn you, cliffhangers) ...
WARNING: This review is mostly gifs
How I felt in the beginning of the book w/ Serenity having to deal with her memory loss:
How I reacted when the Doctor spoke to Montes (middle of the book):
When Montes & Serenity were kicking some ass:
My reactions to everything after that (^) (not in order):
How I felt after I finished the Epilogue:
For more reviews!
Click below :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2023
#1.) The Queen of All that Dies: ★★★★★
#2.) The Queen of Traitors: ★★★
#3.) The Queen of All that Lives: ★★
2.75 stars. Was I just in a strangely receptive mood when I finished and raved about The Queen of All That Dies this morning? Or was the sequel truly and objectively not as strong?
THE GOOD
Action scenes. While the action in this book wasn't as shocking or personal (I'll still never forget my "OMGAAH" moment in the first book when ), the action was still violent and explosive.
THE BAD
1) What I liked most about The Queen of All That Dies was how easily and quickly we treasured the relationships in Serenity's life, mainly with her father, Will Kline, General Kline, Marco, and the leaders of the WUN. This book, with the minor exception of a brief stint with General Kline, is devoid of those secondary characters and instead focuses 90% on Montes and Serenity.
Which is a problem because Montes is hands down my least favorite character in the series. Why? Montes is a tool, and the Montes and Serenity relationship is blatantly unhealthy and unrealistic, even more so than book one. I genuinely didn't enjoy reading their many scenes together nor enjoy seeing their relationship evolve (it does evolve, though; I'll give it that).
2) The ending. It literally disturbed me.
3) This book lost the intrigue, adrenaline, and relatability of The Queen of All That Dies . In my opinion, this was due to a variety of reasons: personal preference, Serenity adopting a monarch's role versus a militant role, the absence of memorable secondary characters, filler background instead of constant plot development...and the heavier spotlight on Montes. Who I don't like. Still.
4) Recycling the plot from book one. Thanks to
THE VERDICT
Meh. I'll still read the third and final book tonight...just with clammy, half-hearted *grabby hands*
#2.) The Queen of Traitors: ★★★
#3.) The Queen of All that Lives: ★★
2.75 stars. Was I just in a strangely receptive mood when I finished and raved about The Queen of All That Dies this morning? Or was the sequel truly and objectively not as strong?
THE GOOD
Action scenes. While the action in this book wasn't as shocking or personal (I'll still never forget my "OMGAAH" moment in the first book when ), the action was still violent and explosive.
THE BAD
1) What I liked most about The Queen of All That Dies was how easily and quickly we treasured the relationships in Serenity's life, mainly with her father, Will Kline, General Kline, Marco, and the leaders of the WUN. This book, with the minor exception of a brief stint with General Kline, is devoid of those secondary characters and instead focuses 90% on Montes and Serenity.
Which is a problem because Montes is hands down my least favorite character in the series. Why? Montes is a tool, and the Montes and Serenity relationship is blatantly unhealthy and unrealistic, even more so than book one. I genuinely didn't enjoy reading their many scenes together nor enjoy seeing their relationship evolve (it does evolve, though; I'll give it that).
2) The ending. It literally disturbed me.
3) This book lost the intrigue, adrenaline, and relatability of The Queen of All That Dies . In my opinion, this was due to a variety of reasons: personal preference, Serenity adopting a monarch's role versus a militant role, the absence of memorable secondary characters, filler background instead of constant plot development...and the heavier spotlight on Montes. Who I don't like. Still.
4) Recycling the plot from book one. Thanks to
THE VERDICT
Meh. I'll still read the third and final book tonight...just with clammy, half-hearted *grabby hands*
May 14, 2023
Spoilers ahead, 2.5* rounded down for 104 years 🙄
My thoughts while reading
I'm reading this series currently but these rave reviews are so fucking vague it's upsetting my spirit.....I hate going into books blind about safety details🙄
my actual review
Whew
As a reader it's rare I find a series that actually necessitated multiple books, in this case a duet would've worked just fine.
In this book we get more of the exact same thing as book 1
Serenity falls in love with Montes but doesn't want too... Because of all the people he's killed yada yada yada.....
More assassination attempts
Violence
Shocker as Serenity gets pregnant but loses the child
Traitors
Serenity acting hard and reckless as usual
Ugh I was over it about midway through but I powered through
Like a Tom and Jerry episode I put aside reality and settled in to believe whatever was in front of me, that's the only way my brain could've handled some of the utter ridiculousness of this plot....you have to suspend disbelief and I was fine with it until we find out her cancer is even worse.. Montes forces her into the sleeper to heal her cancer....I figured couple months maybe a year or 2 tops
104 years pass
104 years pass
104 years pass
ONE HUNDRED AND FOUR FUCKING YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm continuing to the next book because Montes said he did 2 terrible things and I want to know if he slept with OW....yes even with all the goings on in this series that's my main concern! Why? Because I just loved the way he loved her 😭
No cheating
Violence galore
Child loss
Cancer
My thoughts while reading
I'm reading this series currently but these rave reviews are so fucking vague it's upsetting my spirit.....I hate going into books blind about safety details🙄
my actual review
Whew
As a reader it's rare I find a series that actually necessitated multiple books, in this case a duet would've worked just fine.
In this book we get more of the exact same thing as book 1
Serenity falls in love with Montes but doesn't want too... Because of all the people he's killed yada yada yada.....
More assassination attempts
Violence
Shocker as Serenity gets pregnant but loses the child
Traitors
Serenity acting hard and reckless as usual
Ugh I was over it about midway through but I powered through
Like a Tom and Jerry episode I put aside reality and settled in to believe whatever was in front of me, that's the only way my brain could've handled some of the utter ridiculousness of this plot....you have to suspend disbelief and I was fine with it until we find out her cancer is even worse.. Montes forces her into the sleeper to heal her cancer....I figured couple months maybe a year or 2 tops
104 years pass
104 years pass
104 years pass
ONE HUNDRED AND FOUR FUCKING YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm continuing to the next book because Montes said he did 2 terrible things and I want to know if he slept with OW....yes even with all the goings on in this series that's my main concern! Why? Because I just loved the way he loved her 😭
No cheating
Violence galore
Child loss
Cancer
Displaying 1 - 30 of 840 reviews