I recently finished "The Unbroken Queen" by Terina Adams, and I'm still reeling from the rollercoaster of emotions!

This book was a refreshing surprise in the fantasy genre. With unexpected twists and turns at every corner, it kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning the pages to see what would happen next.

Adams' world-building skills are truly impressive, immersing me in a richly detailed setting filled with intrigue and danger. And the characters? They felt so real, with depth and complexity that kept me invested in their journey from start to finish.

But let's talk about that ending... It completely blindsided me in the best way possible, leaving me craving more. Adams has truly outdone herself with this one, and I can't wait to dive into the rest of the series. If you're looking for a fantasy read that breaks the mold, then look no further. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

This is one of those books that throws the reader directly into a muddle of people and events and expects you to keep up. It’s a style that works for me, but may not be for everyone. There’s .. a lot of plot in this book, a great deal of focus on politics and treachery as plot after plot is discovered, with so many people involved and so many threads woven together that I found it a little tiring to keep track of. It’s not badly done, just a little frenetic. The pacing of the book ‘itself is fast, and for all that it’s over 400 pages, there aren’t any lulls or slow moments that drag the story down, but there also isn’t a lot of room for a reader to catch their breath.

Tressya is constantly at odds — with herself, with her father, with her watchdog, with her husband to be, with anyone and everyone — and often feels as if she’s just running on instinct. It’s nice to see a character able to and willing to make mistakes, and while she has some powers from her mage-assassin training, they’re limited, leaving her to rely on her training and her own intelligence. Tressya is a flawed character, heavily reactionary for the first half of the book, and I found her to be sympathetic and well written. She never knows more than she ought, has powers that feel unearned, or victories she didn’t work hard for.

I enjoyed her POV chapters much more than I did Tamas’s. While Tressya is concerned about her life, her duty, the plots and her need to survive in this new world, Tamas’s thoughts are … mostly about Tressya. To be honest, I much preferred seeing Tamas through Tressya’s eyes than I did reading his own chapters. Tamas’s side of the story added to some of the plot points, but I never felt like I had a real grasp on him as anything other than a love interest; his personality was just very undefined.

The world building is fun, with different kingdoms wielding different powers; one with its religious female magics (like the Bene Gesserit, complete with using their members as broodmaids), one it’s male wizards, others the ability to bond with and take the shapes of animals. The politics feel real within the world, and the magic system is neither overly explained nor overly hand-wavy. I enjoyed watching Tressya go from an obedient and insecure young woman to someone able to take control of her own life, and strong enough to defend others.

This is the first book in a series, and I’m eager to read the next one!

(I was given an ARC by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)

Thank you Net Galley and Terina Adams for access in exchange for my honest review.

“Follow the man who’s turned me into prey?” She shoved the bite mark in my face.
“Princess, you’re far from being prey. I’d say you’re more the hunter than the prey.”

When I say I loved this book I LOVED this book. The set up, the build, the execution was excellent. The flow of the story was just fast enough to keep you wanting more but not so fast that you’re overwhelmed. There was so much to love in this.
There was such a uniqueness in the world that I hadn’t read in a while. Besides your typical political struggles and hierarchy battles this had.. more. I don’t want to give too much away but if you love shapeshifters, sorcerers, enemies to lovers, creative world structure, and exciting adventure this story is for you.
I love that the story took place in multiple settings and the characters moved, I’ve read too many stories recently where characters are stuck in one area for chapters. I also liked the characters personalities shifting as they grew. People grow. A persons behavior should change when they learn something new or go through new things. Tressya and Takas weren’t stale. Each had so much conviction in what they believed and were strong characters. They were enemies, to friends, to lovers. It was so fun watching the love grow. This is a journey of discovery, and love happens to be there along the way.
This book is available to purchase and I urge you to make this one of your next reads!

I was provided an ARC of this book in exhange for an honest review.

Summary:
The Unbroken Queen is the first book in a series called The Bone Throne by Terina Adams. Tressya is the illegitimate daughter of a king, trained as an assassin by an all female society called the Sistern of Silence who secretly orchestrate her betrothal to a prince for ulterior motives. Thrown into a political game of chess and fight for power, Tressya will have to master her unique skills and decide whether the handsome Razohan leader that's wiggled his way into her life is friend or foe.

Thoughts:
This book had so much potential but ultimately wasn't enough to keep me fully engaged throughout. There was good character development and world building in the beginning and I actually liked the FMC. The ghosts were a riot and my absolute favourite. The plot dragged quite a bit in the middle, though, and I found myself losing interest quite quickly. It's heavy on the political and fantasy elements. The romance, though, was a bit weak, and the chemistry between the FMC and the MMC felt a little forced. The pace picked up in the end and the twists in the final section were pretty good. Overall the book was just okay. If you're not bothered by a slower pace and heavy politcs with little romance/steam you may like this one. If you're looking for a page turner that'll get your heart racing with lots of spice, this may not do it for you.

Tropes:
Political Intrigue
Mortal Enemies to Kind of Lovers
Female Assassin's
Talking Spirits
Mating Bonds

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The beginning of this book was hard to get into as it was heavy on the world building and was a lot of information to try and take in, which can be a bit overwhelming at times. I carried on reading as I wanted to get to where the story actually began and not let the barrage of information put me off, and I'm so glad I did.

This story was full of intrigue and twists. It's dual POV, and I was really rooting for both characters even though they're on opposing sides. As hard as getting through the start was once I got into it I couldn't put it down. Observing as relationships developed and the storyline started to come together and secrest were revealed and really pulled the story together. I'm looking forward to seeing where the series goes next.

I was lucky enough to receive an arc of this for my honest review. I would recommend this book, and I would advise anyone to persevere through the heavy world building as it's worth it all once you get into the story.

A Spellbinding Tale of Intrigue and Sacrifice: "Unbroken Queen" by Terina Adams
"Unbroken Queen" by Terina Adams weaves a captivating narrative of political intrigue, hidden powers, and the ultimate struggle for survival. Set in a world where loyalty is tested and secrets abound, this novel takes readers on a thrilling journey alongside a princess bound by duty and destiny.
At the heart of the story is an illegitimate princess, betrothed to the crown prince of the House of Tannard, yet harboring a secret allegiance to the formidable Sistern of Silence. As she grapples with her dual identity, she discovers that she has been manipulated by her mentor and chosen for a purpose she cannot yet comprehend—a purpose that could have catastrophic consequences for the realms she holds dear.
Curious to uncover the secrets that lie within the pages of 'Unbroken Queen'? Trust me, you won't want to miss the twists and turns that await you! Dive into the captivating world of political intrigue, hidden powers, and unyielding determination. But remember, the real adventure begins when you turn the first page. Are you ready to discover the truth?

- Tressya is the illegitimate daughter of the king and is raised by a secret society of women called the Sistern. She's combat trained and has magical abilities. And is sent to another kingdom for an arranged marriage.
- The story didn't draw me in the way i would've liked. The beginning was confusing with all the character introduction and world building.
- I honestly expected more romance but overall it was an enjoyable book.

★★★ stars

I got intrigued by this book after reading the description provided. It has a very solid plot where Tressya, who is an illegitimate child of the king, was raised by a secret society of women called the Sistern. She was trained in combat and has unique magical powers. Then one day, she was sent to a foreign kingdom for an arranged marriage to the prince. Along the way, she meets enemies and friends while also trying to unlock hidden secrets.

I ended up dnfing the story at 36% because it wasn't a story that was compelling me into reading. I found the beginning parts very confusing because the beginning of the story was dedicated strictly to introducing characters, locations, and world-building. It was very hard trying to keep track of who was who and which family was which because of the rapid nonstop introduction. I did later on start piecing together where everyone belongs in the story but to get there, you have to push through the first chapters.

Honestly, for the part that I read, which I believe to be somewhere around 250 pages, it qualifies for a solid 3 stars. I enjoyed it for what it brought. But the reason I'm dnfing it isn't that it is bad, but because it's not something I'm interested in reading. I thought going into this book that it would be more romance heavy because it's marketed as enemies to lovers fantasy romance, but by 36%, they only interacted with each other 2-3 times and it was hardly anything.

However, if you enjoy:
➸ royalty/ royal politics
➸ unique powers & creatures
➸ enemies to lovers
➸ slow burn
➸ arranged marriage

Then this book may be for you! But it just personally wasn't for me.

Thank you Netgalley and Terina Adams for an eARC for this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a solid start to a new fantasy series. The premise was complex and interesting. The characters were well drawn, especially some sure characters. The romance was good. There was a lot of character introduction and world building right off the bat that was a bit hard to follow. Good action, conflict, and drama. But cliffhanger ending.

This was a great book! The world building was so good! And the romance was just what I wanted. I would highly recommend this book!

Thank you Terina Adams and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Who doesn't love when a book starts off with a big bang. I mean... literally. BANG. Kidding aside, this book is the first in a series written by Erica Adams that follows the story of Tressya, a princess with some killer skills who can definitely hold her own , and Tamas, who has claim to the Bone Throne. From there the story is full of adventure, slow burn romance, and political intrigue. All ending with a very unpredictable cliffhanger (I truly didn't see it coming! ) that will have you obsessing for the second book in the series.

soo,
as a fantasy, this book is basically about the northerners and southerners warring for the bone throne. there was deception, enemies, allies, love, magic, ghosts and everything in between.(very GOT-ish if yk what I mean)

as a romance/romantasy though,😏😏😏this is about Tamas and Tressya. Tamas is the Head of the Razohan clan in the North who also has clajms to the Throne of Bone and Tressya is this badass princess who has some special abilities related with death and has come to get married in Tarragona which is a southern kingdom.
we basically see how Tressya becomes involved in the politics in Tarragona and her relationship with Tamas (who isn't even her betrothed!) which is kind of forbidden because they're on opposite sides of the war and we see how the lines between them become blurrier with literally every interaction, and I'm telling you right now, the tension between them, the chemistry- .

unfortunately, this book wasn't doing for me; hence, the 4 stars. if I was being objective, I definitely would give this book 5 stars, but I wasn't able to connect with the characters, and something about plot was just off. it felt too crowded, and had holes in it at the same time which was weird, and the characters would do things that their characters weren't meant to be doing which left me a bit confused at certain points because ??.

anyways, this is part of a series and I can't waitt!! to read the next book, and hopefully the series only gets better from here. so anyone looking for a fantasy recommendation with light smut, badass ass fmc, and very smitten mmc with a medium-fast pace, THEN THIS IS FOR UU!!

some of my notes while reading:
this is SO Game of Thrones omgg
truly Radnisa is so horrible she acts like Nesta from ACOTAR

In this riveting tale, we follow a princess born outside of wedlock, who secretly trains as an assassin while being betrothed to a neighboring prince. Her journey takes a dramatic turn upon discovering she's been used as a pawn in a larger game by her mentor. As tensions rise and war looms, she must delve into her mysterious powers inherited from her father to protect her new home. The story intertwines political intrigue, hidden truths, and a battle for control, challenging the princess to forsake love and mercy for the greater good. Her struggle against her designated enemy, the charismatic leader of the Razohan, adds a thrilling layer to this complex story of allegiance and survival.

This was my first ARC. I was approved to read it in exchange for an honest review.
I can honestly say that, as a first time ARC reader, I picked the right one to experience first.
The first few chapters start off with heavy world building that could be difficult to follow for some readers. However, the characters and geography that make the biggest difference in the story were repeated enough for me to piece necessary storylines together. I would suggest a world map and glossary to assist readers, if possible.
The story was action packed and filled with lots of slow burn and banter. The female main character was definitely not a damsel in distress and held her own throughout the story. Being written in dual POV, it was easy to follow the intentions of both the FMC and MMC. It was refreshing to follow the story of a female main character that didn't have men fawning at her feet due to her beauty. However, it did get redundant that the reader is consistently reminded of her lack of beauty.
Overall, I really did fall in love with the story of the two main characters. I genuinely rooted for both of them, even when the outcome for each were at odds. Although I had an ending in mind, the cliffhanger at the end was not at all what I expected. I'm looking forward to reading the rest that come in the trilogy.

Note: The copy I read did have a few spelling errors. Additionally, the POV label of chapter 37 is incorrect.

I absolutely LOVED this book and cannot wait for the next in the series! I was apprehensive at first because it is fairly long and I hadn't read anything by Terina Adams up to this point, but I was pleasantly surprised. The world building was so well done and the characters well-developed. The ending really took me by surprise and made me love the story even more. The author really outdid herself with this one, and I can't wait to see what she delivers for the rest of the series.

Thank you NetGalley and Terina Adams for the ARC!

The Unbroken Queen - A Fantasy Romance with Intrigue and Magic

In Terina Adamssoo's "The Unbroken Queen," readers are transported to a world rife with political intrigue, forbidden love, and magical prowess reminiscent of Game of Thrones. Set against the backdrop of warring factions vying for the coveted Bone Throne, this tale weaves together elements of fantasy and romance in a gripping narrative that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.

At its core, "The Unbroken Queen" follows the tumultuous journey of Tressya, a formidable princess with a mysterious connection to death, and Tamas, the enigmatic leader of the Razohan clan. As Tressya finds herself thrust into the heart of southern politics, bound by an arranged marriage, she becomes entangled in a web of deception and betrayal. Meanwhile, sparks fly between Tressya and Tamas, despite their opposing allegiances, leading to a forbidden romance fraught with tension and passion.

While the premise of the book is undeniably compelling, some readers may find themselves grappling with certain aspects of the story. The narrative occasionally feels crowded, with plot holes that detract from the overall cohesion. Additionally, character development may leave something to be desired, as protagonists sometimes act out of character, causing confusion for readers.

However, despite these shortcomings, "The Unbroken Queen" offers a tantalizing glimpse into a richly imagined world, populated by a diverse cast of characters. From the strong-willed Tressya to the charismatic Tamas, each character adds depth and complexity to the unfolding drama. Moreover, the inclusion of unique magical elements and intricate world-building serves to further immerse readers in the story's fantastical realm.

Overall, "The Unbroken Queen" is a captivating read that combines elements of fantasy and romance to great effect. With its intriguing premise, compelling characters, and pulse-pounding action, this book is sure to leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. So, if you're in search of a fantasy adventure brimming with political intrigue, forbidden love, and magical intrigue, look no further than "The Unbroken Queen."

I really liked the blurb, so I was intrigued to read this book. The beginning, not gonna lie, was very hard to read. The author dives right in with all these names of kings and species, it was very confusing to piece through. So much so, I needed to reread sentences a lot. The beginning was rough but I think the writer definitely redeemed herself through the rest of the book. I did like Tressya as the heroine, she has always been looked down on because she isn't pretty and is a bastard. She attempts to overcome all these shortcoming that are no fault of her own by being a loyal disciple to the society she is a part of. Then comes Tamas, a long lost heir to the bone throne, not really sure what that is but he is trying to over throw the kingdom of which Tressya is trying to marry into. Her fate keeps changing, despite her determination to stick to her mission. The story leaves on a huge cliffhanger, which I have to read now. I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 ⭐️ and 1.5🌶️
The Unbroken Queen by Terina Adams is a fantasy, enemies to lovers, magic-filled story filled with action, romance, and struggles of power (royals, assassins, and more).

I received this book as an electronic arc. Please note that it has no influence on my rating and opinions!

There are a few reasons I am rating this book 4.5/5 stars. To begin, it did take me a few chapters to really get into the book. But once I was into it, I couldn’t put it down! The first couple chapters were filled to the brim with a lot of new information and world building like character names, species, lands, powers, etc all being introduced rapidly which took a while for me to process and understand. However, I eventually was able to understand it all which helped the story flow better for me. There are a few things that I would have liked to see a little more fine tuned in the story, however the last 50% of the book ultimately made up for anything lacking in my opinion. I typically rate books on how much I enjoyed reading them, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

There were many twists and turns in this book that I didn’t expect and that didn’t follow the same basic plot that other fantasy’s I’ve read had- which was great. I enjoyed not being able to predict everything that would happen. The last few chapters of the book have really stuck with me and I absolutely cannot wait to read the next book!

If anybody is curious about spice level, this book only has only a couple spicer scenes and isn’t the main focus of the book. The first chapter started with some spice which lead me to believe this possibly may be quite a spicy story, however that did not hold true. All of the tension and build up is definitely worth it for this story and I am glad it was much more plot driven than spice driven. With that said, I think this holds true to the New Adult rating and not suitable for YA readers. :)

Overall, despite the few areas that may lack, I 100% enjoyed reading this book! I definitely recommend it to anybody considering it or who needs a new enemies to lovers/ fantasy story! I absolutely cannot wait to read book two- I need it asap! :))

3.5 stars but rounded up to 4 for Andriet and Daelon!

Firstly, thank you to NetGalley for this ARC copy in exchange for my review.

Once I got past the innuendo that is the Bone Throne (I definitely struggled to keep a straight face whenever I read that), I did enjoy The Unbroken Queen.

I didn’t mind Tressya, she was a pretty standard main character. Tamas was a good male lead in his devotion and the ‘he falls first’ trope. They worked well as enemies to lovers and I liked the times they found common goals to work together. I really liked how things played out between them at the end.

The side characters are the strongest element to the book, each one differs well and has their own believable motivations. I was very invested in both Andriet and Daelon and their story. I loved Princess Cirra. It’s so rare to find likeable female characters who don’t immediately hate each other for no reason other than to be bitches, and I loved how sweet and innocent she was. Radnisa was the perfect character to hate, and the spirits were fun too – I liked their comedic additions.

There was some slow pacing at times, and the first few chapters seemed to throw lots of new names and information out there which was hard to retain at the start. I was able to pick up the gist later on though, and I am glad I pushed past the slow burn because the last 20% of the book was really good.

The descriptive writing style was beautiful and elegant despite there being lots of grammatical mistakes and typos, but overall I enjoyed the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Terina Adams for allowing me access to this e-arc in exchange for an honest review. I’m sorry, I get very honest in this review 🙈

2.5 stars but rounded up to 3 ⭐️ 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 building, politics, magic system, characters and relationships. The plot and characters felt disjointed often and at times I felt like I was trying to read multiple books at once.

The romance felt forced and clumsy. There is limited tension or chemistry between the characters then they suddenly decide they’re in love at the end after some fairly bland encounters with each other through the book. Ultimately, because I felt so disconnected to the characters I wasn’t invested in what happened to any of them.