this series is absolutely nuts!! I swear, scarlett st clair must put crack in her writing because the plot is so repetitive, the dialogue is weak, and the characters seem to be regressing on their personalities - BUT I COULD NOT STOP READING THIS!

the secrets and betrayals of war really made this one for me! I appreciated the decrease in spice scenes from the first one to make way for more world building and characterization - except it felt like a lot of the characters definitely were weaker emotionally and physically compared to the first book…

and the plot itself was beyond repetitive, especially when isolde gets betrayed and stabbed by those she trusted approximately three different times 🫠 like, we couldn’t switch it up? just betrayal after betrayal? 

I felt like I was reading ten fantasy novels at once, and while it felt like lazy writing and editing, I also really loved it so please don’t change hahaha! this review is really just a contradictory mess pls excuse me 

and that cliffhanger? that I have to now wait 6+ months on? I shouldn’t be this invested in what happens next, but boy am I 👀 sometimes we need a hot messy book to get us going okay

now delaney needs to hurry up and finish too so we can scream together!!!

rating: 3.5 stars
wine pairing: beaujolais nouveau 

Queen of Myth and Monsters by Scarlett St. Clair is a book that left me with mixed feelings. While it had its moments, there were certain aspects of the story that hindered my overall enjoyment.

One of the main issues I encountered was the shallow and emotionally toxic nature of the relationship between the main characters. Their connection lacked depth, and their interactions often felt forced and contrived. This left me craving more substance and genuine emotion in their bond.

However, what intrigued me more were the plotlines of the minor characters. They provided a refreshing change of pace and added depth to the overall narrative. I found myself more invested in their stories, hoping for further exploration and development.

Towards the end of the book, the story does pick up and improve significantly. The pacing becomes more engaging, and the plot twists add an element of surprise. Despite this improvement, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed by the earlier sections of the book, where the main characters’ relationship dominated the narrative.

For me this was more of a back story book that really got you connected with the characters and their traumas with some sprinkles of happy moments and spicy scenes. While also showcasing how the character navigate through the traumas even in times of strife. I will be waiting in anticipation for book 3.

Definitely a highlight of the year! 
This was so good! I couldn‘t stop reading!! 
It started where the first book endet and got straight forward. 
Though adrian and isolde got finally together and she remembered there were still fights, discussions, fucking, love making, deep talk, betrayal, secrets, sobs, caring. It wasn‘t this fairytale relationship. 
This book was so much deeper! 
The side characters, world building, the integration of the past, the end ( OMG!). 
The empowerment in this book was enormous and i felt it. 
I had some goosebumps moments in this books. 
The battle cry of isolde before the battle started? goosebumps! 
The past before she got burnt and this secret was released? GOOSEBUMPS! 😭

I really really can’t wait for the third book! 

The only reason I did not give this book a five star is because I wish we had more chapters from Adrian’s perspective. Otherwise, this was a really good book. I think it was a good second book. But I would say it does differ from the lovers to enemies trope like the first book. I would also say that this is a romance book, but it was more evolved around Isolde finding her place within the kingdom and her growing. The backstory of Adrian, and the new findings about him are very interesting. I would highly recommend reading the second book. I cannot wait for the third book!! 

Terrible all around.