I had high hopes for the book and series, however, I was left really disappointed. The book strives to paint an intricate world between the mortal woman Aisling and the fae king Lir, in the realm of another ACOTAR or Fourth Wing. However, this book fails to deliver. After 500 pages, the MMC Lir had little to no character growth. Also the writing mentioning “the fae king”, “the mortal queen” and the inside thoughts of Aisling over and over again got really tiring. I feel as if I would have been playing the game of where someone took a drink every time, I would have been wasted after fifty pages.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the audiobook ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Mortal Queen is a really well written fantasy. Aisling is a naïve, young princess to be wed to the Fae King. She is torn from believing her father and her husband. They both claim the other to be the monsters that tear the world apart. All she wants is peace and to figure out who she has become.

The Mortal Queen (The Aisling Trilogy Book 1)
🌟 An Absolutely Addictive Fae Romance 🌟
By Ashley Metzler | Narrated by Samantha Norbury

Samantha Norbury’s narration was phenomenal, truly bringing the story to life with rich emotion and depth.

This book is a thrilling rollercoaster—packed with unexpected twists and turns that kept me hooked from start to finish. Just when you think you know what’s coming, the story takes a sharp turn, making it impossible to put down.

Aisling’s character arc is empowering—watching her evolve from powerless to a total badass was incredibly satisfying. I can’t wait to see how her strength and determination continue to grow in book two!

The romance is a slow burn, and while I loved the tension, I’m really hoping book two brings the heat and delivers some well-earned spice.

Ashley Metzler’s exquisite world-building is pure magic. The lush descriptions and attention to detail truly immerse you in the world of the fae, making every scene feel vivid and real. The folklore elements are woven in beautifully, adding layers of depth and intrigue.

The characters are complex, dynamic, and wonderfully developed—each with their own unique struggles and strengths.

I need book two right now! If you love fae romance with strong heroines, rich fantasy worlds, and captivating storytelling, this book is a must-read.

Thank you Bookouture Audio for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

4 Stars

Y’all, this was GOOD. We got a savage fae king, a forced marriage, and all the slow-burn tension you could ask for. Aisling and Lir’s dynamic? Absolutely addicting. He’s got that dangerous, morally grey, fiercely loyal energy, and she’s trying so hard not to fall for him—but we all know how that goes.

The world-building was solid, the magic system was interesting, and the pacing kept me hooked. It definitely gave Sarah J. Maas meets Holly Black, which I’m never mad about. The only thing keeping this from being a 5-star read for me was that some parts felt a little predictable, and I wanted just a bit more depth in certain areas. But overall? A super entertaining fantasy romance that I devoured.

If you love fae, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers, and a broody, obsessed love interest, this one’s for you!

The Mortal Queen is a phenomenal read that captivated me from start to finish with its perfect balance of high-stakes drama, intense romance, and masterful world-building. The slow, smoldering burn between the characters is exquisite, drawing you deeper into their intricate relationships—whether they are enemies, soulmates, lovers, or bound by an arranged marriage. The action sequences are breathtaking, and each twist and turn keeps you on the edge of your seat. The author's world-building in The Mortal Queen is marvelous—it's richly imaginative yet never feels overwhelming. The simmering hatred and fierce rivalry serve as the perfect backdrop for the characters' development, while the meticulous uncovering of secrets keeps you guessing until the very last page.

4.5 stars. I read this book in one sitting and as fast as possible. Already requested book 2 (though sad it isn’t in audiobook format). The fairy clans in this book felt so similar to the elves in LOTR (I.e. powerful, unworldly, warriors, etc) which I loved. Really just ended up liking everything about this one other than a too slow of a burn happening between the MC’s.