| They vanish without a trace, disappear into the night… Each year on the center island, one girl is chosen to be the next Mortal Queen of the idolized fae. The mortals praise these lucky girls, but their daughters are never seen again. The fae realm is eternal night, where disputes are settled by chess matches, power is acquired through the most devious kinds of trickery, and seven illusive kings roam. The fae hide their faces behind masks and guard their glass hearts to keep them from shattering. But beyond the veil of this luxurious paradise, a dark secret simmers, for their Queens have disappeared. When aspiring artist Althea is selected, she is desperate to avoid the same mysterious fate. With no one to trust, she conceals messages in paintings and receives anonymous replies from a stranger who slowly reveals the tale of a girl who outwitted the fae. Only if she is clever enough will Althea survive the fate of the Mortal Queens. As long as the king who cannot love does not claim her first. |  |
Genre: YA Fae Fantasy
Release Date: February 6, 2023
Release Date: February 6, 2023
Click here to get your copy!
My Review
Can she outwit the entire fae realm....
When I read the blurb for Mortal Queens I knew it would be good. Victoria McCombs is a new-to-me author and this first Fae Dynasty novel sounded just too intriguing to pass up. I was totally right on both counts. Yes, it was good. Yes, it was intriguing.
I was totally immersed in Victoria McCombs' Fae Dynasty world right from the start. Mortal Queens had just the right amount of vivid description to make you feel like you were right there while not bogging down the reader's attention span. The stark contrast between landscapes – hot dry island and starry palatial opulence – was quite well done.
The story itself was well written and everything that I've come to expect from an Enclave-published book. Victoria McCombs kept me interested throughout Mortal Queens and even managed to deliver a few surprises. The only downside is that it ended on something of a cliffhanger and now I have to wait the interminable amount of time before the next Fae Dynasty tale releases and I get to find out what happens next to the intrepid Althea and her allies...
Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Mortal Queens by Victoria McCombs a 4.5 Bark rating.
When I read the blurb for Mortal Queens I knew it would be good. Victoria McCombs is a new-to-me author and this first Fae Dynasty novel sounded just too intriguing to pass up. I was totally right on both counts. Yes, it was good. Yes, it was intriguing.
I was totally immersed in Victoria McCombs' Fae Dynasty world right from the start. Mortal Queens had just the right amount of vivid description to make you feel like you were right there while not bogging down the reader's attention span. The stark contrast between landscapes – hot dry island and starry palatial opulence – was quite well done.
The story itself was well written and everything that I've come to expect from an Enclave-published book. Victoria McCombs kept me interested throughout Mortal Queens and even managed to deliver a few surprises. The only downside is that it ended on something of a cliffhanger and now I have to wait the interminable amount of time before the next Fae Dynasty tale releases and I get to find out what happens next to the intrepid Althea and her allies...
Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Mortal Queens by Victoria McCombs a 4.5 Bark rating.
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
More from Victoria
There are several parties thrown in the fae realm, so today I’ll be sharing a party favorite recipe! I’ve had strangers reach out years after a party to ask for this recipe, and it’s so simple to make!
Cucumber Party Sandwiches
Ingredients:
One French loaf (the thinner, the better. It will be topped with a cucumber.)
1-2 cucumbers
8 oz cream cheese
½ cup mayo
1 package dry Italian dressing
We’d always buy the French loaf in a roll that you bake like crescent rolls, however I’ve struggled to find them recently, so I just buy the premade bread. However you acquire your bread, you’ll want it cooked and sliced into inch thick pieces. Cut medium-thick slices of cucumber. Combine the cream cheese, mayo, and dry Italian dressing. Spread the mixture over the bread, then top with cucumber. May garnish with pepper if desired. Done!
One French loaf (the thinner, the better. It will be topped with a cucumber.)
1-2 cucumbers
8 oz cream cheese
½ cup mayo
1 package dry Italian dressing
We’d always buy the French loaf in a roll that you bake like crescent rolls, however I’ve struggled to find them recently, so I just buy the premade bread. However you acquire your bread, you’ll want it cooked and sliced into inch thick pieces. Cut medium-thick slices of cucumber. Combine the cream cheese, mayo, and dry Italian dressing. Spread the mixture over the bread, then top with cucumber. May garnish with pepper if desired. Done!
 Victoria McCombs | Victoria McCombs is the author of YA fantasy books such as The Storyteller’s Daughter and The Royal Rose Chronicles. She lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and three children. Her days are filled with coffee, reading, golfing, board games, and homeschooling the littles. |
It's Time For A Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Victoria is giving away the grand prize package of
a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!
a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
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Blogging With Carol, March 2
For Him and My Family, March 3
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 4
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Fiction Book Lover, March 6 (Spotlight)
Exploring the Written Word, March 6
Simple Harvest Reads, March 7 (Guest Review from Mindy)
Guild Master, March 8 (Spotlight)
Inspired by Fiction, March 8
Texas Book-aholic, February 25
Wishful Endings, February 26
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 27
Book Looks by lisa, February 28
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 29
Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, March 1
Blogging With Carol, March 2
For Him and My Family, March 3
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 4
Hannahbandanarama, March 5
Fiction Book Lover, March 6 (Spotlight)
Exploring the Written Word, March 6
Simple Harvest Reads, March 7 (Guest Review from Mindy)
Guild Master, March 8 (Spotlight)
Inspired by Fiction, March 8
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