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The Queen's Red Guard #0.5
The Rose of Suid & The Last Balik
THE ROSE OF SUID
A late-night escape to see her brother finds Lamya indebted to a stranger who dresses like a vagabond but carries the sword of a prince. The tragic love story that made a Queen!
Lady Lamya’s beauty is a curse, even worse when her father sees it as only the means for an advantageous marriage. All she wants is to see her young brother Thebo whom her father hasn’t allowed home in ten years. But when a letter arrives from Thebo urging her to meet him in secret the last thing she expects is to be attacked. Even less to land in the debt of a stranger who dresses like a vagabond but carries a royal sword.
THE LAST BALIK
As heir to the high seat of Istok, Hira is doomed to lead the country when her uncle dies. She has no time for ladylike behavior, she escapes the boring political lessons to practice swordplay in secret. Her world comes to a halt when her uncle promises her hand to an old man. Will she escape her duty to her people and find her freedom or will she let her dreams die and accept her birthright?
A late-night escape to see her brother finds Lamya indebted to a stranger who dresses like a vagabond but carries the sword of a prince. The tragic love story that made a Queen!
Lady Lamya’s beauty is a curse, even worse when her father sees it as only the means for an advantageous marriage. All she wants is to see her young brother Thebo whom her father hasn’t allowed home in ten years. But when a letter arrives from Thebo urging her to meet him in secret the last thing she expects is to be attacked. Even less to land in the debt of a stranger who dresses like a vagabond but carries a royal sword.
THE LAST BALIK
As heir to the high seat of Istok, Hira is doomed to lead the country when her uncle dies. She has no time for ladylike behavior, she escapes the boring political lessons to practice swordplay in secret. Her world comes to a halt when her uncle promises her hand to an old man. Will she escape her duty to her people and find her freedom or will she let her dreams die and accept her birthright?
181 pages, Paperback
Published May 10, 2022
About the author
Isabelle Olmo
6 books146 followersIsabelle Olmo was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and was raised on a diet of 1980s fantasy films and Sweet Valley High. She began writing stories and poetry at the age of six.
She graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in English Literature and a minor in Political Science. After working in politics and government for years, she decided to merge modern politics into fantasy and sci-fi settings. One thing is always certain; her stories are about women and their inherent power.
She is the author of The Queen's Red Guard, a feminist epic fantasy series with a diverse cast of characters.
She graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in English Literature and a minor in Political Science. After working in politics and government for years, she decided to merge modern politics into fantasy and sci-fi settings. One thing is always certain; her stories are about women and their inherent power.
She is the author of The Queen's Red Guard, a feminist epic fantasy series with a diverse cast of characters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 14, 2024
Omg I need book 1 IMMEDIATELY!
May 14, 2022
Let me start by saying that this is not a genre I normally read. However, I decided to try it out when the author sent me an Advanced copy and somehow I could not put this book down.
The author’s writing is so brilliant and elegant, yet easy to read. You will immediately become captivated with the characters and their story. The loss and love of a sibling, the reunion with said sibling, arranged marriage and unexpected love and I can not leave out the powerful women, a tragic ending and a new queen.
This novella deserves the 5 stars because it has made me want to read more like this and more from this new author.
The author’s writing is so brilliant and elegant, yet easy to read. You will immediately become captivated with the characters and their story. The loss and love of a sibling, the reunion with said sibling, arranged marriage and unexpected love and I can not leave out the powerful women, a tragic ending and a new queen.
This novella deserves the 5 stars because it has made me want to read more like this and more from this new author.
May 19, 2022
You will not be able to put this book down. I enjoyed it so much. The characters are so intriguing. I want more!!!!
August 23, 2022
The Rose of Suid & The Last Balik are both novellas take place in the same world as Isabelle Olmo’s Queen and Conqueror. Swoon, swoon, swoon. I am so enamored by all of these characters! Though the events in these novellas take place before Queen and Conqueror, I read them after I had already inhaled Q&C. And when I say inhaled, I really fucking mean it 😂 Reading these novellas completely changed my perspective on some of the characters I met in Q&C. l loved them just as much, too. Isabelle’s writing grasps you and never lets go. It’s poetic and gorgeous and vivid and maybe my favorite thing on this planet?! If you love court intrigue, epic fantasies, romance, and getting emotionally demolished, please pick up these novellas! And then do yourself a favor and pick up Q&C. I guarantee you won’t regret it! 🙌🏽
September 5, 2022
After finishing Isabelle Olmo's Queen and Conqueror, i Greedily searched for something more!!!! fortunately KU offered up this Gem two stories in one!
The Rose of Suid
We see the Close relationship Thebo and Lamya had, How Hester and Her mother where in love, And Most importantly how a high lord stole Lady Lamya's Heart..... A bittersweet ending but a story that needed telling!
The Last Balik
This shows Hira in chains, how no step no breath is hers.... And how she escapes..... Brilliant!!!! I cannot wait for her story!!!!!!
Another huge 5 star to this Author!!!!
The Rose of Suid
We see the Close relationship Thebo and Lamya had, How Hester and Her mother where in love, And Most importantly how a high lord stole Lady Lamya's Heart..... A bittersweet ending but a story that needed telling!
The Last Balik
This shows Hira in chains, how no step no breath is hers.... And how she escapes..... Brilliant!!!! I cannot wait for her story!!!!!!
Another huge 5 star to this Author!!!!
February 22, 2023
I needed this novella
"Don’t let them take your power, my lady. But more importantly, don’t let them make you think you don’t have any."
This novella gives us Lamya’s and Hira’s prequel back story. Both were brilliant. Make sure you get your hands on Queen & Conqueror (The Queen's Red Guard, #1) so you can follow this fantastic adult feminist fantasy series.
I often wonder about the support characters and I don’t know why more authors don’t take the opportunity to give us their stories too. Olmo delivers exactly what I needed! I can’t wait for her next book release in June, 2023!
“Home is people. You should know that.”
"Don’t let them take your power, my lady. But more importantly, don’t let them make you think you don’t have any."
This novella gives us Lamya’s and Hira’s prequel back story. Both were brilliant. Make sure you get your hands on Queen & Conqueror (The Queen's Red Guard, #1) so you can follow this fantastic adult feminist fantasy series.
I often wonder about the support characters and I don’t know why more authors don’t take the opportunity to give us their stories too. Olmo delivers exactly what I needed! I can’t wait for her next book release in June, 2023!
“Home is people. You should know that.”
September 23, 2023
Reading this after reading Queen and Conqueror was just me sobbing the whole damn time. Emotionally UNWELL
December 28, 2022
if this doesn’t not make you excited about what’s next
Then I don’t know what will! Get this novella down and follow with Queen and Conqueror by Isabelle Olmo!
Now that’s one bad ass novel you don’t want to Miss at all! Trust me!
Then I don’t know what will! Get this novella down and follow with Queen and Conqueror by Isabelle Olmo!
Now that’s one bad ass novel you don’t want to Miss at all! Trust me!
April 22, 2023
*Review for only The Last Balik*
In The Last Balik, a novella that explores Hira's personality prior to Lady of Istok, we see that Hira resembles that of a middle child who tends to respond to a singular moment's emotions. Her behavior and responses are inexperienced, uneducated, and immature, and she spends more time daydreaming than preparing and executing.
Nevertheless, Hira is passion incarnate.
She is a young adult who lacks understanding, impulse control, sound judgement, and reliable reasoning, all of which are necessities for making a positive impact.
When you are not put in a position where you must force the “growing up” (*cough cough* Almira) and you can heavily depend on others, you sometimes respond to the world in a petulant manner.
All aspects of life seem unfair. You believe you deserve more leisure. No one understands you. You have the desire to run away rather than face a challenge. And it can become easy to cultivate a self-sabotaged image through negative self-talk because you focus more on how incredible other people are instead of your own strengths.
You aren’t forced to be badass from the jump. You grow into your badassery. And you take your sweet ass time getting there.
There is one word above all others that formulates in my mind when reading the work of Isabelle Olmo.
Moyocoyotzin.
Emphasizing the role of the divine feminine in Aztec mythology and spirituality, this word translates to “She who creates herself.”
This word highlights how the author's strong female characters are the embodiment of feminism in such a beautiful fantasy world. Moyocoyotzin and Olmo remind every woman that they bring something individualistic to the table and that comparisons to one another are irrelevant when admiration and empowerment are the core focus.
As someone who identifies with and relates to Almira, the Queen and the Conqueror, I am very eager to witness the character development of Hira, the heir to the high seat of Istok.
I can't recommend The Queen's Red Guard series enough, and I can't wait to see where Hira's journey takes us in Lady of Istok.
In The Last Balik, a novella that explores Hira's personality prior to Lady of Istok, we see that Hira resembles that of a middle child who tends to respond to a singular moment's emotions. Her behavior and responses are inexperienced, uneducated, and immature, and she spends more time daydreaming than preparing and executing.
Nevertheless, Hira is passion incarnate.
She is a young adult who lacks understanding, impulse control, sound judgement, and reliable reasoning, all of which are necessities for making a positive impact.
When you are not put in a position where you must force the “growing up” (*cough cough* Almira) and you can heavily depend on others, you sometimes respond to the world in a petulant manner.
All aspects of life seem unfair. You believe you deserve more leisure. No one understands you. You have the desire to run away rather than face a challenge. And it can become easy to cultivate a self-sabotaged image through negative self-talk because you focus more on how incredible other people are instead of your own strengths.
You aren’t forced to be badass from the jump. You grow into your badassery. And you take your sweet ass time getting there.
There is one word above all others that formulates in my mind when reading the work of Isabelle Olmo.
Moyocoyotzin.
Emphasizing the role of the divine feminine in Aztec mythology and spirituality, this word translates to “She who creates herself.”
This word highlights how the author's strong female characters are the embodiment of feminism in such a beautiful fantasy world. Moyocoyotzin and Olmo remind every woman that they bring something individualistic to the table and that comparisons to one another are irrelevant when admiration and empowerment are the core focus.
As someone who identifies with and relates to Almira, the Queen and the Conqueror, I am very eager to witness the character development of Hira, the heir to the high seat of Istok.
I can't recommend The Queen's Red Guard series enough, and I can't wait to see where Hira's journey takes us in Lady of Istok.
December 10, 2022
I want to start off by saying that normally don’t read novella’s at all. But I was drawn to read this one. Look at that cover to start off. These characters in this novella collection amazing. The author had me screaming no really loud. ( you need to read). Also this the first time that I am reading anything from this author. This being her first books. I will be adding anything from this author on my tbr. That novella got me sucked in. The female characters and how strong they are. To stand up for themselves no matter what. A father is doesn’t give a crap. Or uncle doesn’t care who the niece marries. Long as there is heir to the throne. When he finally passes away. What a way to start a series.
About book:
The first novella is about princess Lamya and her father to marry her off. Her father is a drunk and mean. Lamya is unable to see her younger brother. Her mother is very supporting and her maid Hester is very caring to Lamya. Until one night Lamya leaves the castle and runs into an unknown man. When her father throws a party she sees that same man. I will that there. Highly recommend.
Second novella we follow Hira the niece of king Beltran. Who he wants her to learn the laws of the kingdom. But doesn’t find is useful. She rather be fighting out with the soldiers. Her mother plans to have her married. Again highly recommend this novella. Now I am ready for book one.
About book:
The first novella is about princess Lamya and her father to marry her off. Her father is a drunk and mean. Lamya is unable to see her younger brother. Her mother is very supporting and her maid Hester is very caring to Lamya. Until one night Lamya leaves the castle and runs into an unknown man. When her father throws a party she sees that same man. I will that there. Highly recommend.
Second novella we follow Hira the niece of king Beltran. Who he wants her to learn the laws of the kingdom. But doesn’t find is useful. She rather be fighting out with the soldiers. Her mother plans to have her married. Again highly recommend this novella. Now I am ready for book one.
December 16, 2022
This prequel novella was jam packed with story. It almost felt like a full length fantasy itself. It's made up of two novellas from the world of Queen and Conqueror.
The Rose of Suid is about Lamya who receives a letter from her brother who she hasn't seen in years. This leads her to be indebted to a mystery man who is more than what he leads himself to be. The Last Balik is about Hira who is the niece and Heir to the high seat of Istok, except that is the last thing she wants to be.
The entire novella has great world building, it's fast paced and easy to read, and the stories themselves are so interesting with so much depth! What I loved most were the characters. The author was able to be clearly descriptive without overdoing it and every single one of them was so interesting and captivating.
I read this prior to reading Queen and Conqueror and I am so glad I did. I was able to learn the back story of the fmc and how she came to where she is now! Perfection
The Rose of Suid is about Lamya who receives a letter from her brother who she hasn't seen in years. This leads her to be indebted to a mystery man who is more than what he leads himself to be. The Last Balik is about Hira who is the niece and Heir to the high seat of Istok, except that is the last thing she wants to be.
The entire novella has great world building, it's fast paced and easy to read, and the stories themselves are so interesting with so much depth! What I loved most were the characters. The author was able to be clearly descriptive without overdoing it and every single one of them was so interesting and captivating.
I read this prior to reading Queen and Conqueror and I am so glad I did. I was able to learn the back story of the fmc and how she came to where she is now! Perfection
September 17, 2023
Beautiful Prequel!
I ADORE Queen and Conqueror, and Lady of Istok, so when I saw there was a prequel to the Queen´s Red Guard series, I knew I HAD to read it.
Lamya´s story is heartbreaking. I loved learning about Almira's mother, and the romance with Lord Beltran... wow, now I love him too. Even in this short format, Isabelle Olmo pulled all the strings of my heart, and it was a delight watching these characters fall in love. Knowing what was coming made the whole thing much more impactful.
Meeting young Hira again was amazing. The prose reflected her younger self perfectly, and the relationship between her and mother, and also with Lord Beltran, brought the whole story to another level.
I highly recommend this read, especially as we wait for the next book in the series!
I ADORE Queen and Conqueror, and Lady of Istok, so when I saw there was a prequel to the Queen´s Red Guard series, I knew I HAD to read it.
Lamya´s story is heartbreaking. I loved learning about Almira's mother, and the romance with Lord Beltran... wow, now I love him too. Even in this short format, Isabelle Olmo pulled all the strings of my heart, and it was a delight watching these characters fall in love. Knowing what was coming made the whole thing much more impactful.
Meeting young Hira again was amazing. The prose reflected her younger self perfectly, and the relationship between her and mother, and also with Lord Beltran, brought the whole story to another level.
I highly recommend this read, especially as we wait for the next book in the series!
December 9, 2022
The first novella was short and sweet, I honestly had wished it was a little longer. The second novella is where the 5 stars truly go to. I can’t wait for the next book in the queens red guard series. I read Queen and Conqueror first, and then read the novellas, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The novella from Hiras perspective before she joined the queens guard really sets up the next book in the series and gives you an insight on why she needed to run. It’ll be interesting to see where the author decides to go with Hiras fate and love life and how well she will do in her powerful position.
June 30, 2023
I believe this book was meant to be read before book one but a friend suggested I read it after book one as there is a lot of foreshadowing. I’m glad I followed her advice. You get so much information in these little novella’s about Almira’s parents and what was going through Hira’s head prior to Queen & Conqueror. It, of course, leaves off on a cliff hanger and you find yourself wanting to know more.
I absolutely love Isabelle’s writing. It is so beautiful and very unique. It flows so beautifully. She is easily becoming one of my favorite authors. I highly recommend this series if your are into Epic Fantasy with FMCs that do ALL the saving!
I absolutely love Isabelle’s writing. It is so beautiful and very unique. It flows so beautifully. She is easily becoming one of my favorite authors. I highly recommend this series if your are into Epic Fantasy with FMCs that do ALL the saving!
August 31, 2023
This is a great read to get a taste of Isabella's writing and series. I absolutely love the full length novels released to date!
This novella has a little bit of everything: action, a slow-burn, sweet romance, world building, and resisting/chasing destiny. All the women are strong characters in their own right while the leading men match them and soften at times as needed. It's always fun to get a glimpse into supporting characters lives or younger versions of a main character to help understand why they are the way they are when we meet them in larger works. Loved meeting young Hira and seeing her journey as a woman as I read Lady of Istok prior to The Rose of Suid.
This novella has a little bit of everything: action, a slow-burn, sweet romance, world building, and resisting/chasing destiny. All the women are strong characters in their own right while the leading men match them and soften at times as needed. It's always fun to get a glimpse into supporting characters lives or younger versions of a main character to help understand why they are the way they are when we meet them in larger works. Loved meeting young Hira and seeing her journey as a woman as I read Lady of Istok prior to The Rose of Suid.
June 24, 2023
Absolutely loved it. After hearing so much about Almira's mother in Queen and Conqueror, I was really excited to read these novellas. Gave so much insight into Beltran's past and we also got to meet Almira's mother, who is just as beautiful as everyone said she was.
We learn about her abusive past and what she wanted for children with Beltran. We also got to see a little of her relationship with Hester.
Here are my favourite quotes from Lamya:
“Let him be undone. Let him want me to desperation. I’d rather live the rest of my life with his head between my legs than one more moment with you.”
“If I have a daughter,”
“I want her to be bold. I want her to state her mind without fear of repercussion. I want her to make men tremble."
Now we know where Almira gets her strength and smart mouth from
I'm really happy that Beltran was able to grant her wish. We also got to see why Hira left Istok and I loved it and now as I begin reading Lady of Istok (book 2). I'm so happy I didn't skip these novellas.
We learn about her abusive past and what she wanted for children with Beltran. We also got to see a little of her relationship with Hester.
Here are my favourite quotes from Lamya:
“Let him be undone. Let him want me to desperation. I’d rather live the rest of my life with his head between my legs than one more moment with you.”
“If I have a daughter,”
“I want her to be bold. I want her to state her mind without fear of repercussion. I want her to make men tremble."
Now we know where Almira gets her strength and smart mouth from
I'm really happy that Beltran was able to grant her wish. We also got to see why Hira left Istok and I loved it and now as I begin reading Lady of Istok (book 2). I'm so happy I didn't skip these novellas.
January 27, 2024
Dang. DANG. Are you kidding me?! Both of these novellas were SO GOOD. I am actually speechless. I had a bit of a hard time in the beginning with Queen and Conqueror but then it evened out for me and I really enjoyed that read. But this? This felt like the author really found her stride and wow. Her author presence is so impressive. I thoroughly enjoyed reading into the past of the characters in this book and can’t wait to read The Lady of Istok!
October 24, 2024
Such a fun read! I loved reading Lamya’s story and how she ended up meeting her future husband! Their chemistry was just perfect! Isabelle has such incredible writing! I can’t wait to catch up on the rest of the series!!!
Also the second novella the Last Balik! Ugh! Sooo good! I freaking love Hira! I loved her in the first book and love that we got to see the events that lead up to her leaving her uncle and mother to go with Almira!
Also the second novella the Last Balik! Ugh! Sooo good! I freaking love Hira! I loved her in the first book and love that we got to see the events that lead up to her leaving her uncle and mother to go with Almira!
October 22, 2022
Absolutely getting the next book!
This is a quick read that you won't want to put down. I'm so thrilled that there is another to keep me in this wonderful world. So often we follow the lives of men monarchs and this book sets us up for a wonderful tale. I appreciate the concise storytelling that wonderfully weaves character development in with the world building.
This is a quick read that you won't want to put down. I'm so thrilled that there is another to keep me in this wonderful world. So often we follow the lives of men monarchs and this book sets us up for a wonderful tale. I appreciate the concise storytelling that wonderfully weaves character development in with the world building.
May 27, 2023
Great introduction and world building
The author's writing is exquisite. The story is poetic and vivid, leading the reader through the beginning of an epic. The two main characters of these stories felt real and raw. We learn about their dreams, their flaws and insecurities. I can't wait to read more from Isabelle Olmo.
The author's writing is exquisite. The story is poetic and vivid, leading the reader through the beginning of an epic. The two main characters of these stories felt real and raw. We learn about their dreams, their flaws and insecurities. I can't wait to read more from Isabelle Olmo.
July 31, 2026
This book is two novellas in one. You get a story about Lamya, Almira's mother meeting her father, and Hira, before she runs away. They were good, adding to the past histories of these characters. They each had a conflict that was resolved well. They're great if you want more of the world, but they aren't essential to read.
May 29, 2022
Not your typical romance.
An empowering introduction to the series - I look forward to reading about how they spend their lives together.
An empowering introduction to the series - I look forward to reading about how they spend their lives together.
June 15, 2022
Review to come...
June 16, 2022
I REALLY ENJOY THE NOVELLA AND CAN'T WAIT FOR THE BOOK TO COME OUT.
August 1, 2022
Such an amazing novela and extremely well written. Highly recommend it, you won’t be able to put it down.
August 25, 2022
Girl power baby! I love the feminine feels! Now on to Queen and Conquerer! I love Hira and look forward to her tale.
"Destiny could go fuck itself."
"Destiny could go fuck itself."
November 21, 2022
Another fantastic read from Isabelle Olmo!
June 4, 2023
Such a good read
I know it was short, but it packed a good punch. It really gets you revved up to read the series of which I'm going straight to the next one, right now.
I know it was short, but it packed a good punch. It really gets you revved up to read the series of which I'm going straight to the next one, right now.
June 24, 2023
I loved these stories and they made me so excited to read Lady of Istok! I cannot wait to keep reading this series. Isabelle has created a beautifully rich world I love immersing myself in.
June 29, 2023
i will read anything isabelle writes at this point, i loved reading about almiras parents and the story of hira leaving was so great
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews