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The Queen’s Price by Anne Bishop – Review & Giveaway

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The Queen’s Price by Anne Bishop – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
The Queen’s price is to stand against what you know is wrong. To stand and fight, no matter the cost to your court or to yourself. Especially to yourself.

Zoey, a young Queen-in-training at SaDiablo Hall, is wounded…and vulnerable to taunts and criticism. When an opportunity arises to befriend a stranger seeking sanctuary at the Hall, she puts herself and others in danger by ignoring Daemonar Yaslana’s warning to back off.

Meanwhile, the witch Jillian’s family prepares for her Virgin Night, the rite of passage that assures a woman will retain her power and her Jewels. The trouble is Jillian secretly went through the ceremony already. Now she has to explain the omission of that detail to her powerful and lethal family. And the High Lord of Hell’s daughter, Saetien, travels to Scelt to find out about Jaenelle Angelline’s sister–and perhaps to discover truths about herself.

With some guidance from Witch, these three young women will learn when to yield because it is right–and when to take a stand, even if they must pay the Queen’s price.

 

 

Review:

The Queen’s Price by Anne Bishop is the 12th book in her fantastic Black Jewels series. I am a huge fan of Anne Bishop, as I have read all her series.  Black Jewels has always been one of my favorite all time series, and every time Anne gives us a new book, I cannot wait to savor it.  The Queen’s Price was a fantastic read, I could not put the book down, as this was a masterpiece.

The Queen’s Price focuses on Daemon & Surreal’s daughter, Saetien’s for a major part of the story, with the rest of the story centering on the training at SaDiablo Hall. Daemon, Lucifier and staff offer training for young Queens, Black Widows, as well as the boys who would be part of the first circle courts.

I did not like Saetien in the previous book, even at the start of this book, as she was not likeable and deserved her punishment from the previous book, but in the last half of the book I did begin to like her. She went to Scelt on a heart quest to learn more about Jaenelle’s sister and discover truths about herself.  As Saetien meets Prince Butler, he will teach her the truths about the past, and along the way she begins to change.  I loved the past stories, as we learn more and more about Jaenelle, the purge, and her terrible recovery.

Zoey is considered one the best young Queens, and very close to Titian; when someone new comes to the hall, she over steps herself, not listening to those in control, such as Daemonar.  After Zoey is reprimanded, she loses her confidence, and begins to struggle; not to mention a separate group of Queens, who do not like Zoey, were mean, jealous and manipulative to her.  Zoey’s group of friends, such as Titian, Jhett, Kathleen, Grizande, were all loyal and great friends.  Zoey will need to step up and convince the Queens that they need to pay the price, required by Jaenelle.

I also got a kick of Jillian facing Virgin Night, and Brenda’s help explaining things…this was funny.  I also enjoyed seeing Surreal, who continues to be Daemon’s second hand.  Karla once again was fun in her short appearance; and loved spending time with Jaenelle (Witch), which was always great.    

The entire book was fantastic, exciting, intense, dangerous, with heartwarming moments that do not allow you to put the book down, as you become totally enthralled.  I will say I absolutely loved seeing our favorites Daemon, Lucivar, Surreal, Daemonar, Marion, Karla and of course, my favorite heroine, Jaenelle.  And as always, I love the Kindred.

Anne Bishop not only creates such wonderful leading characters; her secondary characters continue to be to be equally memorable. Black Jewels has always been one of my top favorites, especially all those people we loved, and Anne Bishop continues to bring joy to our lives with these fantastic characters. The Queen’s Price was another masterpiece from Anne Bishop.   I want more.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Anne Bishop is graciously offering copies of THE QUEEN’S PRICE to TWO (2) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe.    

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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8. Giveaway is open to USA only.

9. Giveaway runs from March 7 – 11, 2023

 

 

 

 

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The Queen’s Weapons by Anne Bishop – Review & Giveaway

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The Queen’s Weapons by Anne Bishop – Review & Giveaway

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Description:
They are Warlord Princes, men born to serve and protect. They are the Queen’s Weapons, men born to destroy the Queen’s enemies–no matter what face that enemy wears.

Daemonar Yaslana knows how to be bossy yet supportive–traits he shares with his father, the Demon Prince, and his uncle, the High Lord of Hell. Within his generation of the family, he assumes the role of protector, supporting his sister Titian’s artistic efforts and curbing his cousin Jaenelle Saetien’s more adventurous ideas. But when a young Eyrien Queen, someone Titian thought was a friend, inflicts an emotional wound, Daemonar’s counterattack brings him under the tutelage of Witch, the Queen whose continued existence is known only to a select few.

As Daemonar is confronted by troubling changes within and around the family, he sees warnings that a taint in the Blood might be reappearing. Daemonar, along with his father and uncle, must uncover the source of a familiar evil–and Daemon Sadi, the High Lord of Hell, may be forced into making a terrible choice.

 

 

Review:

The Queen’s Weapons by Anne Bishop is the 11th book in her fantastic Black Jewels series. I am a huge fan of Anne Bishop, as I have read all her series.  Black Jewels has always been one of my favorite all time series, and every time Anne gives us a new book, I cannot wait to savor it.  The Queen’s Weapons was such a fantastic read, I could not put the book down, as this was a masterpiece similar to book 2 and 3 of the initial trilogy. 

Daemonar Yaslana, Lucivar’s son, who is now old enough to join his father and uncle in protecting their family against any enemies.  When he is approached by a young queen with threats of sexual obedience, a red flag arises and he tells his father, who in turn alerts Daemon. Hundreds of years have passed when the war against the evil female enemies from Terreille were destroyed, but some things are beginning to reappear, and they go on alert. 

Jaenelle Saetien, Daemon and Surreal’s daughter, wants to go the same school that her cousin Titian is going to learn art; another young Queen (Zoey), very well liked, and has become close to Titian will also attend. In a short time, Jaenelle befriends some of the girls, who are not very nice, but she finds herself wanting to be part of their group, and keeps her distance from her cousin and Zoey.  I will say that in this entire story, I did not like Jaenelle Saetien, as she became very much like her new friends, a b***h. Her treatment of her mother, Surreal was terrible, and Janelle thought nothing of being nasty, and pushing her mother away, and just about alienating everyone, accept her new friends. Daemonar, worried about his sister at the school, decides to enroll, so that he can protect her. 

What follows is Daemon, Lucivar, Surreal and Daemonar begin to investigate what is happening, and become centered on Jaenelle’s friends, both girls and boys, and the danger escalates, especially after Jaenelle defends them as doing nothing wrong.  Zoey, who is destined to become a major Queen, is very much in danger by this group that is called the Coven of Malice. But to get to Zoey, the coven push Jaenelle to have a party bringing everyone together, and be friends; which is far from the truth.

The last half of the book was sensational, exciting, intense, with heart shattering moments that do not allow you to put the book down, as you become totally enthralled.  I will say I absolutely loved seeing our favorites come forth to fight a new battle, as it was great to not only have Daemon, Lucivar, Surreal, Tersa, Marian, but I also loved seeing Karla play a bigger part, especially Jaenelle (Witch) to help them, and of course, the return of kindred. It has always been a joy to spend time with these wonderful strong characters written by Bishop.

The battle to destroy the evil that is rising, was an amazing race to the finish that I held my breath throughout.  They all join hands to stop the destruction, and it is Daemon, as the High Lord of Hell, who will make them pay their debts. How far will he go?  To tell too much more would be spoilers, and I do not want to ruin it for you, as this is a must read. I loved that the last few chapters gave us a look at what happens to those who survived, and what the future holds for all of them.

Anne Bishop not only creates such wonderful leading characters, her secondary characters continue to be to be equally memorable. Black Jewels has always been one of my top favorites, especially all those people we loved, and Anne Bishop continues to bring joy to our lives with these fantastic characters. Bravo to Anne Bishop for giving us another masterpiece in this series.  I want more.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Anne Bishop is graciously offering a Hardcover copy of THE QUEEN’S WEAPONS to TWO (1) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe.    

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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8. Giveaway is open to USA only.

9. Giveaway runs from March 8 – 12, 2021

 

 

 

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The Queen’s Bargain by Anne Bishop – Review & Giveaway

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The Queen’s Bargain by Anne Bishop – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
POWER HAS A PRICE. SO DOES LOVE.

Return to the dark, sensual, and powerful world of the Black Jewels in this long-awaited new story in the New York Times bestselling fantasy saga

After a youthful mistake, Lord Dillon’s reputation is in tatters,
leaving him vulnerable to aristo girls looking for a bit of fun. To
restore his reputation and honor, he needs a handfast—a one-year contract of marriage. He sets his sights on Jillian, a young Eyrien witch from Ebon Rih, who he believes has only a flimsy connection to the noble society that spurned him. Unfortunately for Dillon, he is unaware of Jillian’s true connections until he finds himself facing Lucivar Yaslana, the volatile Warlord Prince of Ebon Rih.

Meanwhile, Surreal SaDiablo’s marriage is crumbling. Daemon Sadi, the Warlord Prince of Dhemlan, recognizes there is something wrong between him and Surreal, but he doesn’t realize that his attempt to suppress his own nature in order to spare his wife is causing his mind to splinter. To save Daemon, and the Realm of Kaeleer if he breaks, help must be sought from someone who no longer exists in any of the Realms—the only
Queen powerful enough to control Daemon Sadi. The Queen known as Witch.

As Jillian rides the winds of first love with Dillon, Daemon and Surreal struggle to survive the wounds of a marriage turned stormy—and Lucivar has to find a way to keep everyone in his family safe…even from each other.

 

 

Review:

The Queen’s Bargain by Anne Bishop is the 10th book in her fantastic Black Jewels series.   I have read every single book in all of Anne series, and have loved each and everyone of them.  However, that being said, Black Jewels has a place in my heart as being one, if not the best series I have ever read.  It has been many years since the Black Jewels series ended, as Anne has been busy giving us other wonderful new series; and when I heard she was going back to the world of Daemon, Luciver, Surreal and especially Jaenelle, I was so excited.  I am thrilled to say I loved returning to the Black Jewels series, and spending time with some of my all-time favorite characters, including Karla.  In fact, I decided to go back and read the first three books of this magnificent series, and once again I was totally engrossed, unable to put the book down again.

The Queen’s Bargain focuses on multiple POV’s centering around Daemon Sadi, and his wife, Surreal;  Jillian, a young witch who works for Luciver’s household, helping Marian and his children; Lord Dillion, a young lord, whose reputation was shattered and now uses love spells on girls including Jillian.

Lord Dillion, is a handsome young man, who romanced an evil woman, whose false accusations caused him to lose everything, including his family.  Dillion moves from town to town, to find a life with respect, and when he meets the young and beautiful Jillian, decides to win her over any way he can.  But what he doesn’t know, is Jillian is a like a daughter to the Warlord Prince of Ebon Rich, Lucivar Yaslana; who will always protect those he cares about.

Daemon Sadi, has been suffering terrible headaches, and one night he seduced his wife, Surreal when he was in the throes of being the High Lord of Hell, which scared Surreal.  This caused a rift between Daemon and Surreal, which neither really understood, and Daemon needs help, as his mind is beginning to splinter. Who can help heal Daemon, before he totally destroys everything around him?

What follows is a wonderful and at times tense story that will bring Lucivar and Daemon even closer.  It will also bring many of the other characters we loved in previous books, such as Karla, Marian, Daemonar, etc.  Most of all, we will also get to see a little bit of Witch, who still has powers to help those she loves.  Having been a huge fan of Ladvarian and Kaelas, the scelties dedicated to Jaenelle, I was thrilled to meet Morghann, a sceltie who is dedicated to Daemon, and some others cute pups.

I do not want to give spoilers, as this is just too precious to ruin the story, and the wonderful characters that have returned.  If you have not read the Black Jewels series, I suggest you start with Daughter of the Blood, Heir to the Shadows and Queen of the Darkness.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Anne Bishop is graciously offering a Hardcover copy of THE QUEEN’S BARGAIN to TWO (1) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe
     

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging in, please refresh the page at the top of your computer

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

4. Please FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

6. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

7. Follow ANNE BISHOP  on Facebook.

8. Giveaway is open to USA only.

9. Giveaway runs from March 9 – 13, 2020

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The Shadow Queen & Shalador’s Lady – a Combined Review

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The Shadow Queen & Shalador’s Lady – a Combined Review

As we continue with our feature on Anne Bishop, we will stay in the world of Black Jewels. The combined review of The Shadow Queen and Shalador’s Lady picks up some time after the trilogy ended, and focuses on a new heroine and hero.  However, do not be mislead, you will continue to see Jaenelle, Daemon, Lucivar and Saetan play a big role in these two books.  These two books are excellent additions to the Black Jewels series.  Especially Shalador’s Lady, which is exceptional. 

The Shadow Queen

The Shadow Queen continues in the world Anne Bishop created in the Black Jewels trilogy, but introduces new characters, a new heroine; this becomes her story, which will be followed by Shalador’s Lady.  The Shadow Queen introduces us to Cassidy, the heroine in this story, and we also get to continue to enjoy seeing Jaenelle, Saetan, Daemon and Lucivar again.  Anne Bishop, as I have said before has an uncanny ability to create great new characters, and she does not disappoint in The Shadow Queen.  Cassidy, a former Queen, who lost her court, due to her not being pretty enough, to another prettier Queen, was asked by Jaenelle to go to Terreille, and become Queen to a territory (Dena Nehele) that needed help to rebuild.  Despite her lack of confidence, Cassidy agrees to help for a minimum of a year.  She is accompanied by Vae, a female kindred dog.  Lol  Vae is one little bitch lady, and handles all the men very well. Lol  cutely done. 

Some of the characters we meet are Theran Greyhaven, who is the one who asked the SaDiablo family for help; Gray (Jared Blaed Greyhaven), Theran’s cousin, who is mentally unstable due to being tortured as a young boy; Randon (Warlord), and Shira (Black Widow witch).   I did not like Theran, as he was ill mannered, and did not care much for Cassidy, as she wasn’t pretty enough for him.  But I loved Gray, loved how he comes out of his shell to eventually and shyly love Cassie.   Great story leading to a romance for the future, and Gray’s possible emergence as a Warlord.  Cassidy, having learned how a Queen should act from her days with the coven, and the protocol (which Vae is an expert in) that is  required, eventually earns the respect of those she has chosen as her first court, as well as the landen people (non blood).  She, if given the chance will make a great Queen.   But again, there is Theran, who makes her life difficult, though he is not evil.  In fact, this is an easy book to read, as we see very little evil. 

The love story between Jaenelle and Dameon continues, and Lucivar Yaslana continues to be to me……………’sigh’…need I say more. 

The ending of The Shadow Queen was nice, but was left somewhat open, as when Cassidy was finally going to meet the lower territory Queens to work with her, you never got to see that.  In this case, Bishop showed she was trying to leave it open for the next book.  I enjoyed this book, the stories with Cassidy and the stories back home in Kaeleer with the SaDiablo family (whom I will never have enough of), made it fun. 

Shalador’s Lady
I loved this book, and I would have to rate this book close to Heir to the Shadows, and Queen of the Darkness (book 2 & 3 of Black Jewels trilogy).  Anne Bishop continues to amaze me what a great storyteller she is.  As I have said before, her characterizations are wonderful, and you truly do get to know most of the main characters.  At the start of the Black Jewels trilogy, I fell in love with Jaenelle, Saetan, Lucivar, Daemon and Surreal.  Over time, Bishop has brought in different characters to lead the new stories, and yet she amazingly continues to allow us to see our much loved favorites continually in these stories, without interfering with the current storyline. 

Shalador’s Lady was such a fun book, with many of the characters (Cassie, Gray, Ranon, Talon, Shira, Theran) whom you met in The Shadow Queen, but this book was far better. The villain in this book, is not dark, but petty, selfish, pretty young girl (Kermilla), who thought only of herself and used her feminine wiles to get her way.  In fact the entire book was not dark at all. Cassie is again the heroine, who had to fight her lack of confidence and felt threatened by the pretty Kermilla, and of course the stubborn and stupid Theran (who refused to see Cassie as the good Queen, but only saw the pretty Kermilla).  The story endears you to Cassie, as she tries to win the trust of her court, warlords, witches, villages, by helping them rebuild from the destruction (that took place in the early Black Jewels trilogy.  It’s a good story of friendship, trust, and love.  Gray (Jared Blaed) turned out to be a great hero, and Cassie’s true love.  Excellent romance. 

But two things separated this book from the two earlier ones leading to this (The Invisible Ring and The Shadow Queen).  The continued presence of the SaDiablo family was very much a part of this story, though in the background, but still a large part of it, as they too tried to help (quietly), Cassie, Gray and the others. Seeing them, and many of the older characters such as Karla, Morghann, Sabrina, Tersa, Khary, Aaron intermix throughout the story was fun and enjoyable.  There were some great moments throughout;

  • Gray becoming so close to the SaDiablo family, especially Uncle Saetan  🙂
  • The wonderful sweet romance between Gray, who came out of his shell to become a strong Warlord, and Cassie, who was a great character and a wonderful Queen.
  • The former members of Jaenelle’s court meeting to discuss Kermilla, and how to help Cassie, without her knowing.
  • The Scelties….12 of them coming to live in Cassie’s town..to help.  Awesome, fun and hilarious.  I love the Scelties, this is what made this book so much fun. 
  • Ladvarian, Kaelas and Jaal coming to visit Theran and Kermilla…to let them know that if she tries to hurt one of the kindred again they will come hunt her down.   Such a cool moment.  Lol especially with Kermilla thinking she was getting a Sceltie for herself and my Ladvarian snarled at her….lol
  • Vae standing next Cassie defending her…when Cassie dropped her club and almost hit Vae in the head….poor Vae…just kept staring at the club…it was so funny.  I couldn’t stop laughing….oh well I guess you have had to have read it.   
  • Khollie (the shy Sceltie) who almost got killed…sad..then tearful when he got better.
  • Darkmist…whoa what an awesome power  (especially in a kindred dog)
  • The strong, hard Warlords, who lost so much to the evil Queens in the past, coming to love Cassie.  Bishop did this so well.
  • Jaenelle’s message to Theran near the end to accept his last chance. Lol
  • Saeten and Janelle –  sweet revenge near the end

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.  I did not want it to end.  Anne Bishop did a great job bringing back old friends and having them come together throughout the story with many of the new characters and not one bit of darkness.  Not that Kermilla wasn’t a good villain, she was, and you would like to kill her, but she wasn’t evil in the sense of those bitches in the earlier three books. I am sad that there is only one book left (twilights dawn), and they are short stories.   I will terribly miss the SaDiablo family, and their wonderful kindred friends.

Reviewed by Barb

The Reading Cafe has a discovered a wonderful artist, who has agreed to allow us to post her wonderful artwork on many of the Black Jewels characters. Over the next few days, we will be adding Chanandra’s work to some of our reviews.   Thank you, Chanandra for your fabulous work, which in itself is a tribute to Anne Bishop.

Cassidy, by Chanandra

You can find all of Chanandra’s art on DeviantART

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Black Jewels Trilogy by Anne Bishop – a Review

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Black Jewels Trilogy by Anne Bishop – a Review

This trilogy is one of my favorite series.  I loved this trilogy, the characters we come to love, and the secondary characters and legendary animals, we love almost as much.  This is a super trilogy, but the first book, which Anne Bishop introduces us to this world, and to the characters, has a lot of darkness in it.  This led the way to the other books in the series, but book 2 & 3 lose most of the darkness, and become two of my most favorite books.

 Daughter of the Blood – book 1

Daughter of the Blood was totally not what I expected.  Bishop has created a world unlike anything I have seen yet.  It was a complex world, and totally different.  Her writing, how she creates characters that are dark, and in time makes you fall in love with them (at least some of them), was superb.  In the beginning, I was trying to absorb the worlds, the introductions of the characters, and the existence that made up of this world.  One thing that Bishop does with Black Jewels, is change the concept of most fantasies.  In this series, the women rule the worlds.  The Queen leads the matriarchy, with other queens or witches ruling men under them.  Also in this book, many of the powerful men are enslaved, become pleasure slaves, and are forced into obedience in an unusual way.  The women ruling these worlds have become corrupt over the years, and are cruel.

This is just the background, and as you get past trying to understand what this world is about, the story begins to unfold.  The three male protagonists you at first do not like, begins to change immediately, as you meet a 7 year old girl, who is destined to become a very powerful witch.  But you fall in love with this young girl…Jaenelle, and those men, some who you think have no heart, and strike fear into others (because of their torture), see into this young girl something they have been waiting for centuries, that will change their lives in the future…if they can keep her alive.  The effect she has, a mere child, on them is wonderful and you totally feel it too. 

The great thing about this book is that you find yourself falling in love or adoring some of those, who you expected to be totally bad, and make no mistake, they are capable of being horrific.  Besides Jaenelle, I totally fell for the Daemon (who was like an anti hero, whom you come to love), & Saetan (adored him), Surreal (a female warrior of a different type), Lucivar, and many good secondary characters.  Sure this book had dark parts, but also has some funny parts, and most amazingly in this type of book…..emotional parts.  Wheras, the dark parts can be horrific, such as the concept for young witches (children still) to suffer through virgin night, which could drive them into madness, child rapes, but unlike other fantasy books, you technically do not see this, therefore you do not suffer to read it.  The cruel men, who enjoy those games, and the Queens who enjoy the suffering they bestow on the men they enslave for their enjoyment, are the dark of this story.  I found it funny, that the enslaved men are loaned by the Queen give the married wives enjoyment, with the husband’s approval. Lol

This amazing ride takes you into the dark, then gets you emotionally involved, then the tension builds as you become invested in trying to save Jaenelle, who is the only one to be able change things for the better in the future,  if she survives, as the Queen and the High Priestess want her dead.   Daughter of the Blood ends partially, but with enough of a cliffhanger to force you to read the next book “Heir to the Shadows”. 

Heir to the Shadows – Book 2

Heir to the Shadows picks up pretty much where the first book left off.  There were such great characters in Daughter of the Blood, but this book introduces even more great characters whom you will come to enjoy.  “Heir to the Shadows” belongs to Jaenelle, as she is still healing and matures along the way. You will marvel at her powers, that even shock Saetan, who is one of the most powerful, if not the most.  Janelle’s life is always in danger, especially since she is still young, even now at 17. The beginning finally brings together Saetan, with the daughter of his soul, as he becomes her father…by choice. 

I can’t say enough about Anne Bishop, how she takes us on this adventure, through the dark parts, and brings forth all the love between Jaenelle, Saetan, and the rest of those who make up her new family.  As Jaenelle continues to heal, her friends come forth to spend the summer with her. The friends you never saw her visiting secretly in the first book, but knew she was meeting them all.  Meeting them (the coven) was a joy, that made this book so special, and an incredible trip.  The more you read, the more you became absorbed with the feelings, and thoughts of each character.  You laugh at Saetan’s reactions to her friends & to Jaenelle; his fears for Jaenelle on seeing her powers; you enjoy the banter between her friends, as well feeling their affection; you cry at some of terrible things done to her kindred or sacrifices along the way.  Bravo, Anne Bishop for bringing a range of emotion throughout this book.  Amazing.

Finally, almost midway, Lucivar comes forth and becomes a major part in the book.  Daemon has a small role in this book, but we know somehow, someway he will return in the next one.  Loved Lucivar, who loved Jaenelle from afar, hardly knowing her, while imprisoned and suffering; but he becomes the big brother & protector that will always stand by her, even if she does have so many. 

Where the first book was more dark and much torture, this book lightens up a lot, though again it must have its cruel events, and dark villains, it is still an easier and great read.  Sometimes second books of trilogies are not as good as the first, but this one to me continued the storyline and growth of Jaenelle so well, it surpassed the first book, and leads to the last book.  The last 1/3 of the book was sensational, very exciting, with heart shattering moments that pull you so deep into the story, that you feel you are experiencing it.  Saetan is such a wonderful character, watching him love Janelle, laugh at her, worry about her, and fear losing her, take the teasing from her friends or Lucivar, and he is the High Lord of Hell.  What a joy to read such great characters.

Queen of the Darkness – Book 3

“Queen of the Darkness” is the 3rd book in Anne Bishop’s Black Jewels trilogy.  After I finished this book, I was totally hyped and couldn’t come down fast enough from an emotional read. “In “Queen of the Darkness”, the lighter, but intense story continues to an exciting and emotional ending. 

“Queen of the Darkness” is two parts.  Part 1 brings you back into the story, meeting all the wonderful people you became so attached to in the previous two books, as well as some new characters. It also brings the major pieces together, such as Daemon and Surreal to the family, and sets things up for the exciting Part 2, where choices have to made, to face the forthcoming battle against evil.  

Anne Bishop not only creates such wonderful leading characters, her secondary characters are just as lovable.  She has a way that brings them so close to your heart, and it’s almost like you are living within each of those characters. Of course, as in any story, she has her villains, and in this case they are women (some men); her 2 vicious villainess’ are as hated, as the others are loved. 

Upon finishing the Black Jewels trilogy, these wonderful characters that I have come to love, will stay with me:

Jaenelle– whom you meet at 7 years old, and know she is destined for greatness.  You will love her immediately and watch her mature from a child, to a young adult, to a young woman, and to WITCH.

 Saetan – He is the High Lord of Hell, as I said before, nothing like you would have imagined him to be.  He is a joy to watch throughout the entire series.  He is fun, humorous, and at the same time can be lethal.   But his love for the daughter of his soul, Jaenelle, and later on for his sons, his family, and her friends is so wonderful to be part of. 

Lucivar – So strong, funny, tough, a leader and loyal to his sister.  He knew early on that this child he briefly met would be someone in the future who will change his life forever. 

Daemon – He should go down as one of the best leading male characters in fiction.  He is strong, beautiful, and highly sexual.  He has a very cruel side (due to his horrific early days), and the wonderful emotional loving side (after he meets Jaenelle). Daemon fits the description of dark & light…love & hate. A very emotional ride throughout for him. 

The four of them complete each other.  But there are so many other characters you also come to care deeply about;  Surreal, Andulvar, Karla, Prothvar, Ladvarian, Kaelas, Graysfang, and of course the rest of her coven and their warlords.  You know you are in trouble, when you find yourself falling in love with Lord Ladvarian..one of the warlord heroes…………………………..a kindred dog…lmao…ahhhhh Ladvarian.  🙂

The last  third of the book was very exciting and tense, as Anne Bishop pulled everything out of her imagination to play with your emotions…hatred for those evil bitches, for what they were doing; sadness and tears for the sacrifices to be made to save the them all.  Surreal trying to teach Jaenelle how to kiss Daemon.…laughter;  Saetan dreaming..and all those characters who came to visit him in his dream to say goodbye….tears;  Surreal & her mother….crying vengeance against two of the most vile men..….cheers;  Daemon at the fountain….double tears;  Saetan hearing the wolves howling.…triple tears.  Then later came my Ladvarian….*grins* to bring some peace.

If I had to pick one thing that I would have changed..it is part of the ending.  Though it was a good ending, I would have liked to have enhanced it more with an epilogue or another chapter bringing some of them together as a group.  But that is me, I like those mushy endings.

Anne Bishop follows this trilogy with Dreams Made Flesh, which is 4 short stories in the Black Jewels.  The last story in the book, picks up after the end of Queen of the Darkness, and we get our answers. 

I am totally in awe of Anne Bishop, who took her time in telling us her story, and bringing us these wonderful characters, whom we were able to live through them.  She has created a heart rendering, beautiful story of a young child coming to greatness, and the devoted men and friends, who stood beside her against the evil.  Bravo… Bravo Anne Bishop.  Lastly, I have to say one more thing…………………”Mother Night!”   🙂

Reviewed by Barb

 

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