This sounded really cool to begin with I was quickly hooked during chapter one. Then the mmcs first chapter I struggling from there. It was just a massive massive info dump which I think was an effort to quickly do like world building but it ended up reading much like a history textbook and it kind of continued throughout. There was a lot of different creatures and mixed creatures and everything like that that it just got so hard to read. The story was very slow progressing because of this and when it looked like things were going to happen it fizzled off or the chapter would end and it just lost all momentum. I liked the mcs but there was so much about them that just wasn’t explained that they kind of became lack lustre. I wasn’t connected with them or their connection. I’m not saying it was a bad book or anything like that but it just wasn’t for me.

✨Thank you so much to NetGalley for sending me this arc ✨

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

3.5* Solid read I have to say. I do like main character. Story is good. One of two things could be left for readers imagination, but on the other hand some could feel something is missing, so I think it's depend from individual reader.
Overall good start of the series.

Thank you for this ARC NetGalley! I will say this book was definitely heavy on the world building. The plot was different and something I haven’t often read. Enemies to lovers is my jam and so I did love that but the plot was so twisted. The names were a bit far fetched and at times it was hard to follow however it was worth it to stick it out. I am excited for book two of this series!

I hated how this book opened and that should have been the sign to me not to continue. Opening with a sex scene is something that is not for me especially in any type of fantasy book.

This is the story of an illegitimate princess who is trained to be an assassin.
I wasn't keen on this book. The story didn't hold me and I felt it was quite cruel in parts.
I requested it for the synopsis byt it wasnt what i expected. However the author is good at worldbuilding.
The book was really long and seemed to drag in bits.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley.

"The Unbroken Queen"

What I loved
*dual POV
*slow burn between Tamas and Tressya
*He falls first

this book caters to readers who love Romantasy with detailed world-building and a slow-burning romance. I recommend picking it up, provided you can persevere through the initial information overload. The beginning of the story starts with overwhelming array of world-building info dumping including lords' names that are never mentioned again, territories, and several terms that you have no idea what they mean, there's no map or glossary to reference either (love books with maps!) the pacing seems slow through and at over 500 pages, I think would have benefitted from editing down by 100 pages at least - and that's what ultimately it falls short on, I kept rushing to get to the actual point - Overall, a good book but wont be picking up its sequel.

If you like fantasy books with heavy world building, romance, and all sorts of adventures this book is for you. This was an enjoyable read that had me by the edge of my seat the whole time.

Tressya’s introduction as someone who has trained their whole life and as a bastard to her throne is such a change as we watch her develop throughout the book. She is such a strong character and I loved it.

The slow burn, enemies to lovers tropes were well done and written in a way to build all the tension to keep the reader hooked.

Well done

It's been a long while since I've delved into fantasy, one of my favourite genres, and The Unbroken Queen didn't disappoint.

A richly woven tapestry of intrigue, betrayal, skullduggery, wickedness and the like (the usual fair), it also has a few interesting concepts that I can't help but be envious of. Tamas is one of my favourite characters, and Tressya not too far behind. And I LOVE the Salmun! I want an Orphus of my own.

There are some dreadful types bounding around here (most get their come-uppance) and the ending left me wanting to know what next, which, I think it's fair to say, is an indication of a successful story. I look forward to getting my hands on the next one.

Three and a half stars, rounded up.

I LOVED THIS BOOK!

A bit of a slow start as we build our world and magic but the Romantasy in this book scratched an itch in my brain I’ve been searching for! I think this idea is so unique, and something I haven’t read from before in Romantasy!

Tressya is my favorite type of fmc, she is strong, fierce and resilient, one of my favorite type of characters to read about! I love following the journey of a character who has grown up thinking one way and to see their progression in their mind change as they grow and adapt, I think it’s so relatable to read as a reader, and I really admired that about her. The romance, the world, the magic, everything drew me in with this book and I’ll anxiously be awaiting the next!

I am extremely grateful for the arc!!

The book sounded interesting and is pretty well written. I just had a hard time with the info dumping and couldn’t connect to the story. However, I would like to give it another try later and see if I can push past it.

I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. First of all, it's starting with a spicy scene, so I was afraid it would be more smut, less plot. but oh, was I mistaken.

Starting with the characters, the FMC is described as bland, with a simple (at times considered even ugly) face and body, without elegance and anything people at court value most. However, she is an intelligent (and even cunning at times), courageous, but she's also morally grey, which is refreshing to see. The MMC is interesting, but I would have liked a bit more details about him. I liked that there are represented many types of characters, but in a natural, not forced way.

Next, the plot. It is more complex than I expected, with politics, court intrigue, secret societies, magic and more. I found it really interesting, but at times there is a bit too much going on too fast, which made me a bit confused, so I feel like some sections should have been expanded. The ending was a bit shocked and everything moved suuuuper fast and it really made me wanting more, but it also felt good as the ending of a book that's part of a series (not sure how to explain, but sometimes the fact that a book ends at some given point in time makes no sense, while here it's not the case).

In conclusion, I liked this book a lot and I think it's very good and many people would enjoy it. 4.5 / 5 stars

In this captivating fantasy romance, the author weaves a beautifully intricate world filled with magic, adventure, and an undeniable chemistry between the protagonists. From the very first page, readers are drawn into a richly imagined landscape where the stakes are high, and love transcends boundaries.

The characters are delightfully complex, each facing their own trials and transformations. Their journey is not just about romance; it’s about self-discovery and the courage to embrace one’s true self. The chemistry between them crackles with tension, making every shared moment feel electric and deeply meaningful.

The plot is expertly crafted, balancing moments of heart-pounding action with tender, intimate scenes that linger long after the book is closed. The author’s lyrical prose brings the settings to life, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and danger of this enchanting world.

Overall, this book is a delightful escape that deftly combines elements of fantasy and romance. It’s a testament to the power of love and the strength found in vulnerability. Perfect for fans of the genre, it’s a story that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a magical journey of the heart!

This book had some really interesting magic and political concepts that showed initial promise- think female assassins, kingdoms, mythical creatures and paranormal entities. There was a sprinkle of spice at the beginning and end (though with a series titled ‘the bone throne’ you might expect more lol), and an attempt at an enemies to lovers romance. I enjoyed the dual POV but felt we still missed the opportunity to get to know either of the characters very well.

The plot was very ambitious and I got a bit lost and found it hard to keep track of what was happening and why. I would have preferred if the book attempted to cover less and instead focused more on really fleshing out the world, politics, magic system, characters and relationships. The plot and characters felt disjointed often, and an event would happen with seemingly no build up and then limited connection to the next plot point. At times I felt like I was trying to read multiple books at once.

Political intrigue, world building, and a morally gray FMC? Things what I signed up for! Although I feel that this work could have benefitted from a little more fleshing out of relationships and a little less self self loathing from our FMC. it was a little hard to truck through the first 2/3 of the novel but it started to get SO good at the end.

Thank you to netgalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The world building was very good, I definitely like when I'm given details that help me picture it better in my head. The characters had interesting names that I've never or rarely have heard which was refreshing. I really liked that Tressya was not some immense beauty but did find the amount of times it was very redundant. Everyone calling her ugly and plain, Radnisa purposely dressing her in basic gowns that were out of fashion. It was brought up that she was to have dresses made to be fit for a queen but then never done. Radnisa doing her hair in an ugly bun was odd as well, what did they have to gain for the sistern by having Tressya made to look more unattractive? Radnisa felt overly mean, I felt so bad for Tressya growing up with no one to support and love her. I did really love that Tamas saw her for the beautiful strong woman she is, I found their banter and flirting fun throughout the book but their chemistry felt forced. They barely skimmed the surface of getting to know one another but are in love? It felt unrealistic.
I really felt like there was almost to many things going on and about got left behind such as when Tressya went to the queen and insisted she stop eating and drinking things brought to her by her servants because of poisenband then we never read more about that? The Ashenlands and the magic system was intriguing as well I wish there had been page time on those. At the end when the Salmun take their hoods off and all look alike except for their tattoos on their faces confused me, where was explanation of that? Im hoping in the next book some of these loose ends will be tied up.

I will say I struggled to get into the book at first, I didn't feel sucked in until 1/2 way through but ended up really enjoying the book. I also wish there had been a pronunciation guide in the front. I found myself skimming over a few different words. I really wish Tressya had gone to the library and done some research on the war 1000 years ago and on the people of the north. I longed for more information about those things. Also wouldn't have minded more about the sistern.

Overall I give this 3 stars I think this book was wonderful but fell short in alot of places. I do feel like we could have cut down on the self loathing, and the build up to the trials. I really enjoyed reading about those and the fight. The book was just getting really good when it ended.

Heavy this one was extremely heavy, wold building, story, plot, intrigue.. It has it all.. Definitely for a high fantasy lover.. I think personally the political part was very well explored and it did make sense.. And the FMC is morally grey ahaha which I did like I do love a character who's feisty

I thoroughly enjoy reading fantasy with political intrigue and history. Whilst I enjoyed this book it was hard to get through. It is very world building heavy for the majority of the book which leaves the last part full of action. It is hard to get through the first 3/4 of the book with such an information dump, for which some is irrelevant and unnecessary plot filler. I think this would have worked better plotted and split into 2-3 books

"The Unbroken Queen" offers a promising mix of intrigue and politics, but it ultimately fell short of my expectations. While the story is rich with political maneuvering, the pacing is uneven, especially in the beginning, where excessive info-dumping and awkward dialogue made it a slog to get through.

The last 40% of the book does pick up, leading to more engaging moments, but the earlier sections felt bogged down by exposition. The antagonist, the Mother, lacked the menacing presence I hoped for, and the threat level from her and the Sistern was underwhelming. Tressya is a likable protagonist with her share of clever moments, though Tamas often comes off as impulsive and less intelligent than portrayed, which detracted from his character.

While I predicted many of the deaths, which dulled their impact, I’m still intrigued enough to pick up the next book to see where the story leads. If you enjoy a slower build-up with political intrigue, you might find value in this read.

I hate having to DNF a story, but the world building and complete info dump in the beginning was over the top. I was bored. I think if overly descriptive enemies to lovers fantasy is your thing, this book is totally for you. Totally just my preference though.