Diving into The Forever Queen without having read the first book or novella was definitely a leap — I found myself a bit lost at the start, trying to piece together the rich, complex world and its deep-rooted histories. But what truly blew me away was how powerful and captivating this installment is all on its own. Despite missing some background, the story grabbed me by the throat and didn’t let go.

From the first chapter, the intensity is palpable. The novel is a masterclass in political intrigue, with kingdoms on the brink of war, alliances forged and broken, and betrayals lurking around every corner. The stakes feel colossal, and the pacing keeps you breathless, hurtling through battles and strategy with breathtaking momentum.

What really stands out are the characters — fierce, multifaceted women who own every scene they’re in. The titular Forever Queen is a force of nature: cunning, unyielding, and fiercely protective of her realm. Alongside her are allies and enemies alike who are layered, morally complex, and utterly compelling. Each relationship crackles with tension, whether it’s fraught alliances or simmering betrayals.

The world-building is nothing short of spectacular. Fernandez crafts a vivid, immersive landscape where magic, politics, and personal vendettas intertwine seamlessly. Even without having the full picture from earlier books, the lore and atmosphere are richly detailed enough to feel authentic and enthralling.

Emotionally, this book packs a punch. Moments of raw vulnerability break through the relentless action, giving the story heart and depth. It’s a tale of survival, sacrifice, and the price of power — told with a voice that’s bold and unapologetic.

If you’re a fan of epic fantasy with complex queens, high stakes, and storytelling that’s as brutal as it is beautiful, The Forever Queen is an absolute must-read. It’s left me eager to go back and experience the full series from the start, and I’m already counting down the days until the next installment.

EXCUSE ME WHILE I GO SACRIFICE MYSELF FOR THIS BOOK 😍👌👏♾️⭐️📚😩🌊

Holy sh*t. I cannot even form all the words yet. I just finished this, and I am in shock. This is one of the best books I've ever read, and I loved the first 2 in this series, but this was somehow a million times better. It IMMEDIATELY went into the story and was dark and f*cked up and gruesome, and I was here for it.

S.T. Fernandez writes about the Goddess, but I think she is the Goddess of writing ✍️ Damn. She can write the most detailed stories that are impossible to put down. Every character, every moment, every plot twist had my heart racing, and I did not want to stop reading. The different elements and the class system between fae and humans and even other types of fae were infinitely well done.

I also f*cking HATE the characters from the fire fae realm, like I had rage in my heart and felt the pain and frustration that Asherah felt. It's like I was part of the book. This book was a lot darker than the other 2, and this new realm is brutal. Asherah had a task to complete that was assigned by the goddess Atabey because she is the Hekiti (has all elemental magic) and needs to claim her throne and rule over all fae. Of course, Malaysa has other plans and is taken over by fear and madness while still trying to claim Drae as her bondmate when he clearly isn't. I LOVE prince Lux and their friendship, and that poor boy was given a rough fate for his life under his mother, Queen Sessi's rule. He was such a sweet friend, and their fake betrothal was perfect. I loved the subtle challenges they waged against Queen Sessi and their defiance over the treatment of humans. There were a lot of sacrifices in this book, and a lot of depth that is going to be important for the rest of the series.

I'm genuinely mad because now I have to wait again to see what happens next, but words really just can't express my feelings for this right now!

Thank you to the author for my copy!

Book: The Forever Queen
Author: S.T. Fernandez
Rating: 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Omgosh! This was everything I needed and more.

After that crazy cliffhanger that book one left us with, I'm so glad that this book covered what happened right from the beginning.

Did we get less spice/more action in this one? Yes we did. But, did we get dream spice ... also yes. And it was magical.

I loved this book so much, I enjoyed so many of the characters. There was also a character in here that has my maiden name, which was so fun and sweet of the author to do.

I felt so much angst in this one, tension was through the roof, and characters that I just wanted to strangle.

And then of course we end on another cliffhanger ... 🤯

You get:
• Fantasy Romance
• Spicy
• Don't Trust Anyone
• Bond Mates
• Prophecy
• Magic & Elementals
• Brutaility

I can't wait for the next one! Available on KU, ebook, and paperback. (September 1st)

Really good story with a strong main character.
The Forever Queen is full of action, emotion, and a little romance. The queen goes through a lot but never gives up, and it’s easy to root for her. The story kept me hooked and I wanted to see how it would all end. A fun and powerful read.

“Diplomacy is just another battlefield—for hearts as much as kingdoms.”

🗓𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: September 2, 2025
🫶𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: S. T. Fernandez

✨️𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆 & 🍵𝗧𝗲𝗮 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
Asherah Delmar, once heir to the throne of Atlantis, embarks on a mission in enemy territory—masquerading as Prince Lux’s betrothed to steal a goddess-level artifact. She leaves behind her unbonded mate, Commander Draevyn, and everything she thought she knew. In Corenathia, she must weave through palace intrigue, deception, and shifting loyalties to save her world while protecting the fragile bond she sacrificed everything for.

I really liked this sequel—I read the first book and loved how it set up Asherah’s complicated, high-stakes world, and this one dives even deeper. It feels like stepping into a gilded maze where every corridor hides traps—or unexpected allies. The stakes feel real because they hit home: love tangled in betrayal, identity bound to purpose, and the kind of sacrifice that haunts you long after the final page. Asherah is a queen in name and a survivor in spirit. Watching her navigate court games, shadowy alliances, and her own grief made me feel every heartbeat. And those moments—when she’s both vulnerable and unbreakable—landed me right in the storm with her.

🛡️ Undercover royal mission & political chess
🌊 Betrayal, sacrifice & forbidden bonds
⚔️ Power plays between rival kingdoms
🤍 Love, grief & legacy intertwined
👑 Female leadership under threat & scrutiny

3.75 rounded to 4 stars because I really love this world.

Asherah is in Corenthia under this fake rouse of marrying Lux. We knew that Corenthia was bad but didn’t really know just HOW bad. It’s bad folks. I really felt for the humans and for everyone under Sessi realm.

I really love the premise, the journey/adventure and this story as a whole.

The reason for my rating is that the beginning felt insanely slow. I mean we know she is going to Corenthia but the dragging it on for 8+ chapters (I think ?) Just lets go already! I won’t lie I started to lose interest (which hasn’t happened in the previous two stories 1 & 1.5)
Then Asherahs “defiance” made little sense to me. She knew she was playing / acting as a fiance but yet she couldn’t pretend to just say nothing? I understand she needed to have this struggle but it felt a little dragged on here too.

Overall, great continuation of the story despite the prolonged parts. s. Also , of course there is a cliffhanger as this is a series - but it’s not horrible considering the ending gives us so much hope. I appreciated that!


Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and the author for this ARC

This series is an 5 star and just keeps getting better and better.

I am so in love with all of these characters...well not Melysah or Queen Sessi- they can both get fkd. But, my God the way I just want Asherah and Draevyn to have their happy ending.

The number of times I was pacing or on the edge of my seat- too many to count. The number of times I wanted to cry for Asherah- also too many to count. The number of times I swooned over Draevyn- once again, too many to count.

In The Forever Queen, we get an undercover fake engagement that was seriously done so well and it was so sweet and made me fall in love with Lux so much more. More fated mates and bonding ceremonies. Some answers to prophecy's and lots more questions.

Yes the end is a cliffhanger but there is so much happy right before it that I am surviving on that until book 3 releases!