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3.35 AVERAGE
3.35 AVERAGE
slow-paced
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
The Scorpion Queen is an adventurous novel where our main character explores who she is once she has lost everything. Overall, this book and story were enjoyable and engaging. The first half is slowly paced and our main character makes some questionable choices, however, the second half is amazingly done. I loved the adventure, the journey, and character development that happens in the second half of the story.
You can hear the changes in thoughts, and how our character comes into herself very clearly in the audio edition of this book. Her voice changes and she seems to grow into herself and a way that almost makes her sound different from how she did in the first half of the book. The audio narration does the character development so well!
I will definitely pick up the sequel, I can't wait to see where the story goes. If you love any stories with old gods, mysteries to unravel and great character development. I would recommend you pick this up! Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
You can hear the changes in thoughts, and how our character comes into herself very clearly in the audio edition of this book. Her voice changes and she seems to grow into herself and a way that almost makes her sound different from how she did in the first half of the book. The audio narration does the character development so well!
I will definitely pick up the sequel, I can't wait to see where the story goes. If you love any stories with old gods, mysteries to unravel and great character development. I would recommend you pick this up! Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was such a fantastic read, loved the world and these characters, and I had such a great time reading it!
adventurous
dark
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A fresh and captivating retelling, spinning a narrative that is both original and empowering.
In this dark fantasy inspired by a Malian fairy tale, Amie, once the daughter of a prosperous salt merchant, has her life shattered after being framed for a scandalous crime. At sixteen, she is disinherited and forced to serve Princess Mariama of Mali. The emperor has created deadly trials for Mariama’s suitors, with those who fail meeting a gruesome fate. As Amie endures life at court, she grows close to the princess, learning of her tragic circumstances. Torn between escaping with her love, Kader, or helping Mariama end the brutal trials, Amie must summon the courage to seek the aid of an exiled god, risking everything to take control of her fate.
Amie's singular POV works extremely well in this narrative. Amie is self-absorbed and believes she is superior to those around her. This leads her into a series of chaotic and dangerous situations, ultimately making her realize that it’s her actions that have thrown her world into turmoil. What sets this book apart is its focus on women saving themselves, breaking away from the traditional narrative of a prince and a happily ever after. Instead, it centers on the strength, determination, and self-reliance of its main female characters as they try to free themselves from servitude and oppression.
The dynamic between siblings is beautifully portrayed, showing the complexity of their relationships. The mixture of rivalry, competition, and deep love creates a believable and emotional connection between characters, adding depth to the narrative. The way they fight, blame, apologize, and love each other brings a sense of realism and relatability to the story.
The book also delves into the darker aspects of power and manipulation. It makes a strong statement about how coercion, deception, and those who believe they can control fate, whether human or divine, rarely succeed. The violence and death that accompany the actions of those in power are not sugar-coated, with gruesome descriptions that heighten the stakes of the story.
The magical elements are wonderfully intriguing. The concept of sorcery being a divine gift granted to select humans adds a rich layer to the world-building, and the gods' unpredictability only adds to the allure. I'm particularly excited to see how these magical elements unfold in future installments and whether we will encounter other gods with their own devious agendas.
Overall, The Scorpion Queen is a thrilling and unique read. It's a story of personal growth, rebellion, and the consequences of power, all set in a world full of danger, magic, and unforgettable characters. If you're looking for a story that subverts traditional fairy tale tropes while delivering an action-packed, emotional ride, this book is a must-read.
ARC from NetGalley
The Scorpion Queen is about a girl named Amie who has had her life ruined by her sister. She becomes a servant for the princess and stumbles across a map that will help the princess and Amie solve their individual problems.
This book is full of plot conveniences that are very much in line with this being based on a fairy tale. Since this is a book based on a fairy tale and not the original fairy tale, I would have liked to see relationships and events be more logical. Amie’s sister is a plot convenience. I would have liked the flip flopping on how Amie felt about her sister, Kader, and the princess to make more sense. The entire interaction with Hausakoy makes no sense and Amie’s cleverness feels unearned.
The setting never feels like Mali. The first half of the book, I had to constantly remind myself where the book took place, despite the author telling me they were in Timbuktu over and over. It could have been any city near a desert until the hyenas are introduced.
Near the end of the book, Amie thinks several times about how she’s a different person because of her recent experiences, but she’s once again rushing off to a situation where she has no plan. The character she’s with has a plan, but Amie doesn’t know if she can trust them. The book ends during a chase scene, leaving me to wonder if this is the first book in a series or is that just the ending? If it’s part of a series, I will probably not continue it.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Rarely does a book pull me in so completely that I lose sleep over it, but The Scorpion Queen by Mina Fears managed to do just that. This young adult fantasy, steeped in the rich texture of West African mythology, is more than just a tale of magic and intrigue—it’s a masterful exploration of power, betrayal, and the bonds between women.
The story follows Amie, a merchant’s daughter whose life unravels when her family is disgraced by a lie. Banished from her home, she is sent to the royal palace to serve the enigmatic princess alongside two other young women. It’s here that the book truly shines, as the relationships between these three girls unfold with startling complexity. Their dynamic is layered with tension, solidarity, and moments of quiet vulnerability, making them feel heartbreakingly real. These are not the neatly packaged friendships often found in YA novels; instead, they are messy, fragile, and filled with both love and resentment.
The worldbuilding is equally mesmerizing. Fears weaves a setting that feels alive—lush, dangerous, and brimming with history. From the grandeur of the palace to the whispers of rebellion in the streets, every detail immerses you deeper into the story. The mythology at the heart of the narrative is as captivating as it is original, lending an otherworldly yet grounded quality to the magical elements.
But what truly elevates The Scorpion Queen is the prose. Fears writes with a lyrical precision that makes even the quietest moments resonate. Her words linger, painting vivid images and evoking emotions that are both raw and beautiful. There’s a rhythm to her storytelling that mirrors the pulse of the world she’s created, drawing you in with every twist and revelation.
This isn’t just a story about Amie’s journey; it’s also about the threads that connect her to others—her conflicted loyalty to her family, the delicate alliances she forms with her fellow servants, and the silent strength of her sister’s rebellion. It’s a story about what women endure, what they sacrifice, and what they fight for.
By the time I reached the final page, I was desperate for more. The Scorpion Queen is a striking start to a series that promises to be as complex and captivating as its heroines. If you’re looking for a story that blends sharp political intrigue, nuanced relationships, and a vibrant fantasy world, this one is not to be missed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Liked
*Different ya fantasy
*Desert setting
*Sibling dynamics
*Who can you trust
Disliked
*Was never sure if this was going with the lgbt rep or not
*I didn't connect with any of these characters so when anything major happened it didn't phase me.
3 ⭐️, 0 🌶, 0 🧪
Rating, smut, chemistry
*Different ya fantasy
*Desert setting
*Sibling dynamics
*Who can you trust
Disliked
*Was never sure if this was going with the lgbt rep or not
*I didn't connect with any of these characters so when anything major happened it didn't phase me.
3 ⭐️, 0 🌶, 0 🧪
Rating, smut, chemistry
The Scorpion Queen by Mina Fears is an amazing tale! I didn't know what to expect with this Malian inspired fairy tale, but I was blown away! There were many unique twists and unexpected reveals that made this a truly unique tale!
This young adult book follows Amie, a disgraced wealthy girl who now serves the princess. All she desires is to be with her love, but after spending time with the princess, she feels a connection with her as well. Amie is faced with impossible choices and enormous hurdles to do the right thing. I love how good she is, even when faced with adversity.
5/5 would absolutely read again! I'm looking forward to the next book since there is a decent cliffhanger at the end of this book 😅 I'm ready to dive in the next book!
This young adult book follows Amie, a disgraced wealthy girl who now serves the princess. All she desires is to be with her love, but after spending time with the princess, she feels a connection with her as well. Amie is faced with impossible choices and enormous hurdles to do the right thing. I love how good she is, even when faced with adversity.
5/5 would absolutely read again! I'm looking forward to the next book since there is a decent cliffhanger at the end of this book 😅 I'm ready to dive in the next book!