A Legacy of Secrets and Power: Mortal Queens Review
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In Mortal Queens by Victoria McCombs, we are swept into the captivating world of the Fae Dynasty series. Where magic, mystery, and political intrigue rule the Fae realm. At the heart of this dynasty, tale is aspiring artist Althea, a young woman who finds herself drawn into the deadly games of seven elusive kings who roam the Fae Dynasty world. Their influence stretches across the realm. When Althea begins receiving anonymous replies to her art, she is thrust into a world of starry palatial opulence and eternal night. Where danger lurks behind every shimmering facade.
As the main character navigates her newfound role within this web of chess matches and deceit. The Fae Dynasty novel unfolds with intricate world-building that keeps readers interested throughout Mortal Queens. Set against the backdrop of a center island where the Fae hide and mortal queens fight for power. The story pulls us deeper into a political battle, where alliances shift and the stakes grow ever higher.
With each page, Mortal Queens builds a dynasty of suspense, and it’s clear why this book is one that fans of fantasy, magic, and royal intrigue will want to return to time and again.
Title: Mortal Queens (The Fae Dynasty, 1)
Author: Victoria McCombs
Publisher: Enclave Publishing
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, Fae, Romance, Fantasy
Release Date: February 1, 2024
Pages: 320
Star Rating: 5 stars
Spice Rating: 1 bell pepper
One Girl from the Center Island Becomes a Mortal Queen
There are books that pull you in from the very first page, and Mortal Queens by Victoria McCombs is one of them. From its stunning world-building to its complex characters, this novel weaves a tale that’s impossible to put down. As I turned each page, I found myself more immersed in a world where nothing is as it seems, and every twist leaves you questioning what’s coming next. Without giving too much away, let’s just say this is a story that will stay with you long after the final chapter.
When the story opens we get an overview of the power structure of the immortal realm. With the mortal queens being at the top, the illusive seven kings, underneath, the three houses, and so on. When a mortal queen is chosen she is immediately whisked away to the Fae world starting her reign on Queen Choosing Day. As you experience the lore of Mortal Queens you find yourself suspended in the atmosphere. At points, quite a bit of info is thrown at the reader. Feeling on the edge of info dumping but it is all necessary information.
The story’s machinations are intricate (starting in book one, then moving into book two), and thus the breadcrumbing. I almost wish that the story was spread through a trilogy. Yet, I fully understand the approach that McCombs took to creating the Fae Dynasty tale. Building upon the tidbits given and secrets not yet revealed.
“They vanish without a trace, disappear into the night . . .
One of the standout elements of the Fae Dynasty duology is its masterful political intrigue, woven in from the very start. From the beginning, Thea is tasked with forging alliances to solidify her reign. Like any compelling protagonist, she stumbles—making plenty of mistakes along the way. Yet, with every misstep and every victory, another piece of the intricate puzzle falls into place, adding layers of tension and intrigue that keep you hooked until the very last page.
When you create alliances, solve riddles, or make strategic choices, the realm is pleases. In return, it grants your kingdom power. This keeps the soil healthy, buildings strong, and you in a good position. Too many alliances and you are seen as weak. Fall prey to trickery, and you lose power. Curate favors and you have the power back. It’s a delicate game, but the mortal queens play it well.
It’s been a long time since I’ve encountered a book that truly embraces the trickster nature of the Fae. Often, we see stories that focus on their beauty and magical abilities, but Mortal Queens brings back the cunning and mischief that make them so intriguing. This refreshing take adds an element of fun and unpredictability to the plot, making it all the more exciting.
“Uhnepa te.” “I love you.”
While there is romance, it isn’t the driving force behind the story. Thea’s relationship with Bastian unfolds naturally, with all the imperfections and complexities of real-life relationships. She makes mistakes—sometimes driven by her insecurities or the weight of her responsibilities—which adds a raw and relatable quality to their dynamic. Their connection isn’t a fairytale; it’s a slow burn marked by misunderstandings, vulnerability, and growth. As the story develops throughout the book, their relationship feels earned rather than rushed. Making every tender moment and reconciliation all the more impactful. This balance between romance and Thea’s larger journey ensures the story feels grounded. Even as it soars into the realm of political intrigue and high-stakes drama.
By the end of book one, I wondered how the story would continue to build on the excitement and fun of the second entry into the duology.
Let’s touch a little on the bigger scope of world-building as we expand into Lethal Kings, shall we?
The world-building in the Fae Dynasty isn’t just a backdrop—it’s an intricate tapestry that continues to evolve and deepen. What starts in Mortal Queens spills over into Lethal Kings, with the exploration of new realms, cultures, and political landscapes to explore. The author’s attention to detail makes the world feel lived-in. With each setting rich in history and teeming with its own unique rules and conflicts. The more we dive into the story, the more layers of intrigue, power, and danger unfold. Every corner of this world holds a secret, and as Thea and her allies navigate it, they uncover just how much is at stake. The world-building is not only expansive but integral to the characters’ growth. With each new place or encounter pushing the plot forward and shaping their choices.
“His heart isn’t cracked.”
Lethal Kings takes on an elusive air with the added benefit of a mystery. One that was always there but brought to the forefront, being the grounding force of book two. A game is proposed by a mysterious woman. What’s up for grabs for the sole winner? The power of the missing seventh king! This summation adds a slew of new questions. Including what happened to him? and what is his story.
Let’s talk a little about the story’s imperfections. Because, while the Fae Dynasty duology is rich in world-building and character depth, not everything quite connects as smoothly as you might expect. There are moments that feel a bit disjointed. Where transitions between scenes or plot points leave you wondering if you missed something. It’s the kind of thing that can momentarily pull you out of the flow. But even in these moments, the story remains compelling.
“Strategize with your head, never your heart. Your head can save you. Your heart will only lead to him, and ruin lies there.”
That said, the author’s writing style is undeniably captivating. Despite a few hiccups in pacing or clarity, the overall storytelling is top-notch. The way the author crafts atmosphere, tension, and emotional depth is what makes this series stand out. The dialogue is sharp, the descriptions vivid, and the character arcs are rich with growth and complexity. There’s a fluidity to the writing that keeps you hooked, and even when a moment feels off, the narrative quickly pulls you back in with its well-executed prose. The pacing may falter in spots, but the emotional weight of the story and the author’s ability to evoke feelings make it a journey worth taking from start to finish.
I could gush about Mortal Queens all day, and trust me, I would if you’d let me. This duology is one of those stories that sticks with you long after you’ve turned the last page. The stakes are high, the characters are raw and real, and the world itself is so lush and layered, it feels like it could live and breathe beyond the pages. Even with its imperfections, it’s impossible not to get swept up in Thea’s journey, from her mistakes to her victories. This is a series that doesn’t shy away from the messiness of life, and that’s what makes it all the more gripping. If you’re ready for a world of politics, betrayal, and a heroine who’s as flawed as she is fierce, Mortal Queens is a fantasy world for the ages and should be next on your TBR.
Thank you to Enclave Publishing for sending me both Mortal Queens and Lethal Kings to review! Support local bookstores and grab a copy from Bookshop.org.
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