The Scorpion Queen by Mina Fears completely swept me off my feet. As someone who doesn't read a lot of books with minimal romance, I was surprised—and delighted—by how much this book gripped me. Mina Fears’ writing was wonderful with descriptions so vivid that I could feel the desert’s heat and hear the rustle of silk in the Emperor’s halls. The pacing was perfect, delivering just the right mix of intrigue, emotion, and magic to keep me turning pages late into the night.

Amie’s loss from the privileged daughter of a wealthy salt merchant to a servant in the palace immediately hooked me. Her fall from grace felt so real, I couldn’t help but root for her as she dealt with her new reality. Amie was navigating a world full of secrets, danger, and forbidden magic. The way magic had been woven into this world was subtle but so exciting— I couldn't help but wanting more.

What truly hooked me, though, was Amie’s internal battle: the clash between her longing for the life she lost and her growing sense of purpose in the one she’s building. It made her such a good character, one I couldn’t stop thinking about even after I closed the book. Her encounters with the Emperor’s daughter and the other richly developed characters added layers of complexity to her journey. Each relationship felt authentic with the right amount of communication and feeling, no matter how big or small those interactions were.

The ending left me both satisfied and desperate for more. Amie’s story is one of courage, loss, and self-discovery, and I can’t wait to see where her path leads next. If you’re looking for a book with stunning world-building, a strong and relatable heroine, and just the right touch of magic, The Scorpion Queen is an absolute must-read.