The Reaver king tried to take everything from me. And almost managed to achieve his goals. But I'm fighting back. That takes me into the hostile lands of my birth, where everyone hates what I have become. Or do they? Either way there's only one way out of this. I have to become the queen everyone says I am, to lead both of our people out of this mess. Because if we don't all work together, none of us will survive. This is the FINAL book in the Wolf Queen series.
I am still confused about this book, which is unfortunate on many levels. I love Sam Hall, and the beginning of the trilogy was, at least in my opinion, very well done...but this book... not so much. I had many issues with it, so I will make a list:
*)It was full of action, which was not what I was expecting; I was mostly expecting romance, which I did get, but because it was a reverse harem, it got a bit lost in the plot.
*)There was an additional love interest added to the story 10 chapters before the end of the book. Also, this addition felt like an attempt to patch up the plot holes, which did not work. There were some big ones left. For example... according to my understanding of the book, the last dude was her FIRST COUSIN??? (now why did i mind that but not that the other dudes are brothers is besides the point)
*) The whole book felt like both too much and nothing happened at the same time.
*)The ending was weird and disappointing.
*) Unfortunately, the "magic-mating system" seems to give theFMC's actual power rather than her being the one in control of her powers and thus create a powerful female protagonist. If we are to believe that the FMC is actually strong, why did she need the power of the men to actually be strong??? I understand those are my problems, but as I have adored this series and the author, this was a letdown for me.
ALSO THE HAREM WAS VERY UNEVEN... THE FMC 100% HAVE FAVOURITES! and the spice was not as good!
This was the first time that a book has made me so angry. I loved the first two books so much that I bought physical copies of them. This book was a huge disappointment. Not only were there numerous spelling errors, but there was also a sentence that was never even filled in on page 271 (“My lords, your choice is clear. You can either don the leather armour that has been kindly offered by Lord (name of northern lord)…”)
There was no further relationship development with ax ordain and then she adds in a new partner but there was no character development. He was just thrown into the story. The part that really makes me mad is that the book simply ends. I felt like there was no closure and the ending was just rushed. I ended up returning the physical books because the third book completely ruined the series. I don't think that I will be purchasing any more books from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I feel like I wasted my time with this book. Should have stopped at book 2. I’ve never had a series of books where one was completely different than the others. Book 3 was like it was written by someone different entirely.
I was so sucked into these damn books, I was loving every scrap of the first TWO books. This third one.. beyond disappointed. In this third book she hardly gets her “moment” with Axe and I’m whatever tf she was doing with D was NOT good enough. Just some random ass bites? Seriously? After the special moments she got with the first two??? Favorites much? Like Axe got what? A bite one day then weeks later some type of intimacy.
Then we have her new mate B which was hardly a good enough scene compared to when she claimed her first two mates. It’s like all the important parts got thrown out of this book and we got a bunch of BULL.
Like seriously… the ending on the book 3…seriously… WHAT THE HELL WAS ALL THE TIME I SPENT GETTING ATTACHED TO THE FIRST TWO BOOKS ALL FOR IT TO END ON A SH!T cliffhanger!!!!!!??????
The crone can go shove it btw. The maiden needs to just choke..and the MOTHER omfg dumb dumb dumb dumb dumbash cry baby, useless.
This was a disappointment... This review might have some baby spoilers. Fair warning...
I LOVED the first two. My two biggest issues with this last one was that it was rushed... and stripped the FMC of her independence. It was so rushed, in fact, that I can point to at least one of the fated mates and say "Wait, you still never got to actually tap that."
In no particular order, additional frusterations:
I loved that in the first two books, I didn't have to go through the obnoxious self-doubt and resistance-to-one's-destiny crap that fantasy romances usually to put me through. This one was chock-full of it, however.
Also, some of the powers the FMC manifested in the second book seemingly die off and aren't utilized in the third. Which was annoying because it made me feel like I lost ground in the character's development.
Additionally revisiting (ad nauseum) events in the FMC's past that have already been explored in the previous books made me feel like beating my head against the wall. I found myself skipping entire paragraphs due to the repetition. The first book was an incredible page-turner... what happened to that momentum?
I am also disappointed that the FMC's powers were suddenly dependent on literally everyone else... including the villian? Huh? I expected her to at least free herself of the deity control in this final book... but no. In fact, I found the FMC still going back and forth and back and forth with the villian deity. She never actually frees herself. In the end... she is still at the mercy of everyone else and what they want from her- having to be saved (and be allowed to be saved by the deity) yet again. Just... ugh
Overall... I'm sad. And not because the series is finished for me, but because I was left as wanting and as frusterated as the aforementioned mate who still has yet to get "knotted".
So much angst and talking, politics and self recrimination. Woe is me. It's all my fault. Why me. Everything is terrible. Blah, blah, blah. There's some action at the end but almost no romance or happy endings... Just so much lead up man. I don't know. The first one was so good...
Hmm I’m thinking this is a 3.75 for me because I was left a little unsatisfied. Up until the last 30 pages I was so sure there was gonna be a 4th book (which probably would’ve been too much) but then it ended, and I guess that’s fine. Would’ve liked to explore more of Rake’s story line, cause I think he was introduced too late—maybe the author didn’t quite know how to end this so threw in another character.
I liked the family aspect with Del and Jan also. I’ve always liked that aspect of the stories. Anyways, series is complete now and overall I enjoyed it. Would I re-read it all? Probably not, but you never know.
So very disappointed in this series! Especially the last two books... Way too many repetitive war scenes and conflict with Callum. There was not enough romance. Two characters are claimed in the first book and second book, with slow burn well worth the wait detailed scenes scenes. Then the other two are left to the wind. They're not claimed like the first two, one has a rushed shared scene, the other isn't ever granted to being with our MFC and officially claiming her. Then we have a 5th character that was added and there's no romantic relationship development. You wait it out thinking it's a slow burn for it to be rushed and not done out of love or building a bond. Then the ending was rushed and didn't give closure. Books 2 and 3 focused way too much on Callum and the reavers and not enough of Darcy, ax, dane, gael, Weyland, and then Bryson. The first book was on point easy 5 ⭐ book 2 and 3 killed the series. Had so much potential and the wrong things were focused on. After reading several reviews I see I'm not alone in these feelings. Several readers have expressed they felt the same.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Okay, while I enjoyed this book, it was probably my least favorite of the trilogy. I feel like the ending left a lot to be desired and kind of felt like it was rushed. Introducing a new mate would have been fine if the original 5 had had adequate time together to bond. I feel like the end left a lot to be desired in that I wanted to see more of the mates together and would love to have a continuation of the series honestly. I hope that the author decides to create another sequel to the trilogy. I'm a little disappointed that this ending didn't live up to the hype of the first two books.
I have been itching to get my hands on this last installment in the series ever since completing Through Battle and Blades. The Wolf Queen finds Darcy in a rather precarious situation as she struggles to get through her emotional trauma and although the guys are right there for her, she is hesitant to let grief overtake her and mourn her loss. This final book offers loads of angst, dangerous battles and quite a number of revelations in regard to the FMC’s heritage as well as some unexpected truths about the Reaver king and his ultimate mission.
It was another thrilling journey and although I am sad to see this story come to an end, I am really glad that I picked up the series. What has really stood out for me here has been the immense transformation of the main protagonist, from a mere maiden to a strong and confident woman. Of course, there have been many challenges along her way and she has made some rather heart – wrenching sacrifices, but she managed to pick herself up on fight for what she believes in, like a true Wolf Queen should.
Sam Hall has managed to create a marvelous story that combines complicated magical elements, vicious political plotting and captivating characters, who despite all odds manage to confront all obstacles as a united front, as a true pack.
What a great book. Darcy is the Wolf Queen & one way or another she will stop Callum. She has four mates & she takes another one to help win the battle ahead!
I think I finished this book more confused about Darcy's powers and the goddesses than I was going into it. Which is saying something.
Because 4 mates wasn't enough, Darcy gets a new mate, like, a third of the way through the book. I guess the plot stalled, and we needed something to rev it back up again? I'm not sure, but what I can tell you is that it didn't work. She hadn't even mated with 2 of her mates yet at this point. Why in the hell did we need to add another one? Not only that, but the rest of the book pretty much was just her mates going after the guy for thinking he had any claim to her. Which. I guess he did because “fated mates” or whatever.
This book was convoluted and an absolute mess. The action and plot got lost behind all these men fighting each other for their “right” to Darcy, and it was disgusting.
I felt the series was extremely repetitive and very convoluted. We barely scratched the surface on the explanation of what Darcy's powers even were then, poof! The book is over. Honestly. The entire ending of the book happened in 4 pages. And it ends abruptly, on the battlefield. Just done.
Well jeez, glad that’s over. This was a struggle to finish, not gonna lie. The emotional connection between Darcy and the boys was just so not there for the whole entire book. Her claiming Axe and Dane was so disappointing, they both deserved way better. And then in came mister Bryson and wtf happened there?! Zero emotional connection, zero relationship building, just boom, I need your power so I guess you can stick it in?? So weird. Also, why does everyone and their dog want to make Darcy their queen?? Like the whole side plot of Callum wanting Darcy in his bed while also calling her Eleanor and sister was just hell weird and confusing. Not the mention, the end where callum is just waiting patiently during the climax of the battle scene while Darcy calls Bryson over and takes the time to have a conversation with him before he breaks the bonds all before she can kill herself?? Um, Mr reaver king would not just lay there and let all that happen? It made no sense. Bleh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I deeply enjoyed the first two books but this one is just a disaster. Continuity errors, not enough romance to fill a thimble, meh intimate scenes. I had to force my way through the last 30%, and only did because of my investment in the characters.
I believe the author could research armour a bit more. After a couple hours in it, you reek. That isn't the kind of thing that makes me enjoy an intimate scene. Oh, and perhaps read about medieval bathing practices.
I almost question if this was even written by the same person. The first book is so good and this one is not. It feels like the writer rushed.
I've read a few books by Sam Hall and don't have many complaints, however this third book in the series was so hard to get through.
Too much war/battle scenes. I needed her to build stronger relationships with her mates, especially after a 5th mate was added near the end of the book. There was too much inner conflict going on. The third book should be harnessing her power within herself, especially if it means she's pulling from her mates. Not the woe is me, I don't want this, why do I suck, angst. And that inner conflict of is she the mother or the crone? We know she's the mother with her inner dialogue, but the crone herself basically tells her you have to be me, but what happened with that? So confused.
Also, when it comes to her mates, she barely bonded with Axe and Dane and then they tossed in Bryson within a few chapters. It felt super rushed. Start it with a big battle, sure, but give me more emotion between the characters. I get that it's hard to find time within a harem book for each one to bond with only one female, but over three books, it definitely could have happened. The first two should have been original mate bonding, the third add in the 5th, but start it at the beginning with all the mates involved. We knew about the fated mate thing early on, but the original mates were tossed into at the end and had to come to terms within a chapter. Let there be some sort of awe inspiring moment between them all or something. Let them say "hey, we feel him, too" and I could buy it a little more. And with that, what the heck was the big build up of B's magic to not even be utilized in the ending? It's like I, too, have the big bad voodoo stuff, but let's not use that. Here I'll just bite him even though you've stabbed him multiple times and nothing has happened.
The ending scene with her mother, Nordred and Faola was super rushed. There was no hesitancy within her to just stay and live in peace or be with her mates and adopted children. Maybe she didn't need that, but it would have been an emotional conundrum for the readers to deal with. Torn between the love and peace of her "heaven" or the harsh reality of rebuilding what she had in her real life. Did she get to tell Gael about seeing their daughter? Did she tell him her name? I DON'T KNOW which brings me to my last point....
Please, please, pleeeease give me an Epilogue. It ended so abruptly. We see she survives, we know Jan will be future queen, but what does that mean for Darcy right now?? And in the end, SHE GAVE UP HER MATES BONDS. Do they get them back automatically?? what happens??? Do they live happily ever after? Does she have more kids? IS THERE A 4th BOOK WITH THESE ANSWERS???
I know I started this series late, so if I missed an addendum or something, please let me know
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I’m feeling a million things at once. I fell in love with this series and the characters after the first book. I understand that some people may take issue with the fact that there was not as much spice as expected from a RH, but I absolutely loved the powerful FMC and well written battle scenes. I would recommend this series to anyone that is looking for a more plot driven RH fantasy read! That’s not to say that there wasn’t any spice in this book, there definitely was! Considering the trauma that the MCs face in this book I love that the author didn’t force these scenes just to please the reader, but rather included them where they felt right (and the FMC felt ready). I also loved the emotional vulnerability from the MMCs, and the way they always communicate with and support Darcy in anyway they can. I will say that some chapters between the battles felt like they dragged on and i found myself skimming at times. Overall, I did thoroughly enjoy reading this series and will be checking out more of Sam Hall’s work in the future!
A few things that either didn’t make sense to me or I took issue with: - when Darcy & her allies attempted to assassinate Callum at Snowmere it was said that he was able to heal any wound inflicted by Darcy’s sword, which was why they were unsuccessful in their attempt. However, in the final battle she is able to wound him with the same sword (which then causes her and her mates to develop mirrored injuries). I’m confused on what changed? Or was this a detail overlooked by the author? - am I tripping or are Bryson and Darcy cousins ….? *side-eye* - The mating scene between Bryson and Darcy where the Morrigan & The Wolf reconnected through them kinda felt like Darcy’s mate bonds to the others were less than or not as strong, if that makes sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I just finished the final book of The Wolf Queen Series, The Wolf Queen, by Sam Hall. I neeeeeed to talk about it! I mean I’ve mentioned it in a couple of my other posts (I made a playlist, and it was in the Indie author shoutout), but here’s my formal review of the series.
This series was recommended to me, and I have never been so happy to have been introduced to it. As a reverse harem series (a trope I will always love, no questions asked), there were so many things I was excited to see… and my expectations were met and thoroughly surpassed.
The four men are so complimentary (they are literally a pack) but are also perfect for Darcy in their own individual way. Similarly, I love how their individual relationships have progressed differently, and we were able to see Darcy slowly get introduced into the world of pleasure, having grown up sheltered and repressed, not being thrown into an immediate fivesome.
Watching Darcy grow into not only her sexuality, but also just herself in general was so amazing to see. It was hard at times, but the best growth is. The people we meet along the way as well, were so amazing and I loved them all and the role they played.
The finale was perfect, so much was happening but I never felt overwhelmed. Am I maybe a little upset that there was a last minute addition (I won’t spoil it)? Yes! But only because I wanted MORE! But the end… wow what a rollercoaster of emotion, and it set up the follow-up series perfectly
DNF at 60% I rarely give up on books, but this one became unbearable.
It's strange because usually, when I decide to quit a book, it's because it's poorly written. This one, though, it's actually well-written. I commend the author for her writing, world-building, and character development. No complaints there. So what was the issue? The main characters, or the heroes of our story if you want to call them that, just couldn't catch a break.
I don’t mind reading about war and battles, with all the sacrifices and losses that come with it. But usually, there's some hope or small victories amidst the chaos. Here, there was none. Even if they won a battle, they sacrificed so much that they only grew more and more depressed. It didn’t help that the goddess they pray to before battle was a psychotic, blood-thirsty b*tch who favored the enemy because they aimed to torture, rape, and kill every single person they come across.
After enduring tragedy after tragedy, I did something I've never done before: I skipped to the end. It's not that the ending wasn't necessarily happy; it's that the relentless misery and suffering of the characters continued until the very end. It became too much to bear. Maybe someday I'll pick it up again, but right now, it does not seem likely.
I had to hold on to my patience truly. We knew Darcy would have to keep evolving and for some parts it was interesting to see, other times, it was infuriating.
I didn't appreciate the way this book ended. Few years ago I read a series with a somewhat similar ending. Someone else would have to suffer and sacrifice, to save all they love just for someone else to come in and take it smh. I didn't appreciate it then and I don't appreciate it now.
I guess this series is more for mother's because they sacrifice their all for their children and even if the author refused to acknowledge that in the entirety of this series that's what it's. A mother who didn't plan on being a mother, haven to do all her best to give her children (Both Nations, in this case) the best chance to grow, strive and survive.
It came together nicely but there seem to be gaps that were gloss over. My happiness is the series have come to an end and now I have to decide how long it'll take me to forgive this author for the twist I didn't appreciate 😮💨 (because it's been 6yrs and I haven't forgiven the other author that pulled similar stunt or brought myself to read another book authored by em) 😤.
…I absolutely loved this series. I waited patiently for this book - the conclusion to the series - to come out. It was everything I wanted it to be; action, resolution, twists, turns, oh mys, a little bit of 🌶️, take her & die. However, if you’ve read any of my reviews, you will note my distaste for rushed endings. I cannot imagine this is the work of the writer, therefore it falls directly in the lap of the editor. The writer has just spent perhaps 3 years on a 3 book series, why would they rush the ending? It’s their baby. And it may grow into another book series that you want your fans to engage with and purchase. I have read all of Sam Hall’s books and have hope for an additional book in her fairy series one day. All in all, great series, but ending could have used more than basically (to paraphrase) “She woke up & all was well. The End.” 🤷🏻♀️
I love this series. It is such an action packed full of drama series. This book begins where the second book ends. We go on a journey with Darcy and her mates trying to save their land and country. They experience one trouble after another. But, they work to make sure everything is as it should be. It is extremely well written and developed. It is a gripping story that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. It will have you on the edge of your seat with anticipation. We have seen Darcy growing so much throughout this series and to see how she learns and keeps going even in times of pain and sorrow. To a degree I was slightly disappointed in the ending because I felt it gave more questions that were not answered but yet it still ends beautifully. This story/series is one crazy journey that is absolutely a must read.
This wasn't a bad book. It was just very different from the first two in the series. The Wolf Queen trilogy is a reverse harem, wolf shifter fantasy series set between two warring countries both facing a threat from an army of reavers (mindless battle driven wolf men.) The first two books have equal focus on the developing romance between Darcy and her pack mates, and the escalating political turmoil. The balance in this third book leans much more on Darcy's fated role in bringing the war to resolution. If you're expecting spice and romance, you won't find nearly as much attention to it in this third book. There was also more internal dialogue explaining to the reader what was happening, although still plenty of action. The introduction of a 5th fated mate at the end of the series to help resolve the story didn't sit well when there was so much focus in the first two books on the bonding of the original pack. But there was still a HEA which I'm always looking for.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The story was good, but this book did not go through any kind of editor. (Name of lord here) should never exist in a published copy of any book.
So if typos and easily corrected with a single read through mistakes make your eye twitch, skip this book. It isn't nearly as polished as anything else I've read by this author.
If you don't care about anything but the story, this one is a good enough story. Lots of unexplained things that just don't make sense even if you chalk it up to magic. And too many old characters got abandoned in their development in favor of introducing a new one.
My overall impression of this book? Disappointment. And that is an unfortunate first for me with a Sam Hall book.
I will say, that the way it ended was not something I felt I saw coming, so I was glad that it was something boring and expected. But the thing I really struggled with was how much introspection their was versus actual character interaction. It felt like the whole book was Darcy feeling sad and alone and "figuring out" her life and what she thought she was meant for, or whatever. Honestly, it was boring. I spent the entire time I was reading it praying that it was the last in the series so I wouldn't need to decide if I wanted to continue the series or not.
Sam Hall is one of those rare authors who bring all of your emotions to the surface as you experience the trials and tribulations of her characters. I swear she works to make you process like a patient through the trauma, grief and healing as her stories unfold. Another amazing world and it’s cast of characters made real, but now maybe I need time to process all the secondhand complexities of living her characters lives. There is sweet, sexy and exciting, but with the sweet the salty and sour cone too.
...only to have it change at the last minute! I absolutely enjoyed reading these three books. The last had me so spellbound, I could barely put my phone down to stop reading. The conclusion that I thought would happen did, yet it didn't. I was and wasn't prepared for it, and was well invested in the characters and shocked to find the ending way different than I had imagined (and I'm glad for it).
Great books, I look forward to reading more Sam Hall books.
Definitely more political intrigue and religious mythology involved in this three book series, of which this is the last. There is some spice with the reverse harem but not as much as you might think! Darcy was a flawed main character willing to sacrifice herself repeatedly for those she loved and defeat the reavers controlled by Callum. Adding Bryson into the mix was interesting in the last book. Of course it is all fantasy and not even remotely realistic, so that made it a fun escape. I liked the narrator when I listened to it!
Really amazing series of books and this is the last and I loved it. I was really shocked about alot of things, the only issue I have is unanswered questions, sum really important..spoilers ahead..like was Nordred Darcys father?? And what happened to all her mate bonds when she came back, I also would have loved to know more about Bryson I mean come on he is the wolf who eats the world!! It was still a really great read. Sam Hall did amazing on the folklore on the gods.
First and foremost, I feel like Sam hall has left me ruined. I adore their writing and feel like no matter what I’m reading by them I’m instantly obsessed. The wolf queen in particular was such a good ending. I feel like there were things I had no clue that were coming or really how this all was gonna end, which is pretty rare in a lot of recent fantasy. The wolf queen has cemented its place in my top 5 of all time and is definitely officially my best read of 2023.
This is the epic conclusion to Darcy’s story. Hall has taken the reader on quite the adventure, and The Wolf Queen keeps this trend going with heaps of action, heart-breaking emotion and a great storyline. Darcy has had some major obstacles thrown her way, but she is intent on seeing it through. Her Strelean mates are forced to deal not only with the circumstances, but also the introduction of some competition. This is a wonderful read fir anyone looking for some epic shifter fantasy.