A review by bribreez
Queen of Myth and Monsters by Scarlett St. Clair

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad medium-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

4.0

*TRIGGER WARNINGS: rape, assault, torture, infant loss

Oh the joy of jumping back into this series, but obviously there was still danger, betrayal, darkness, monsters, magic, and so much more that Isolde and Adrian had to face against. Following the events of the first book, the story illustrated all that Isolde and Adrian had to deal with, not to mention the aftermath of the events that affected them. From the betrayal of certain noblesse, Ravena getting the Book of Dis, and someone in the mist of Adrian and Isolde’s inner circle revealing their true weakness, it was a lot to work through. 

Right away I could tell that Isolde not only wanted vengeance, but also dealing with a lot both mentally and emotionally. I felt while reading that I could feel the anger radiating off Isolde, she meant business and wasn’t going down without a fight. From the death of her father by her hand, the fact that her own people from Lara went against her, to the noblesse as well, Isolde was brimming with anger. When I watched a video by Scarlet St Clair saying that this book was going to focus on anger (at least along those lines), I could totally see it once I started reading within the first few chapters. Aside from Isolde dealing with a lot, I loved seeing her being the most epic, strong, fierce warrior Queen to grace the field of battle and also within the palace. Isolde truly represented a strong female character, but also revealing her vulnerability, her grief, and sadness from both the present and past (past from her previous life when she was Yesenia). 

One of many cool things in this book was that it was dual point of view so I got to read from Adrian’s perspective yay! Aside from the bonus chapter in the first book that showed Adrian’s point of view when he first met Isolde, this time around it illustrated his own fears, inner dialogue, interactions with other characters, and of course his concerns over wanting to protect Isolde. Adrian was a fierce warrior too just like his beloved Queen, but a minor difference being that Adrian never backed down from striking down his enemies in the most grotesque, bloody, horrific way possible. Adrian didn’t hold back when doling out punishments against his enemies and in this sequel he made sure to send the message loud and clear to all that any who go against him and Isolde will feel their wrath *MIC DROP!

Throughout the story, it seemed like Isolde and Adrian couldn’t catch a break, the obstacles and issues that were brought up definitely added a layer of tension for them. As King and Queen of Revekka, you would imagine that there would be a fair amount of things to deal with, but for Isolde and Adrian not only did they face against monsters and witches, but also the political agendas of those in their court. I always find it fascinating to see how those in court act, how they go about trying to get what they want, and with everyone wanting certain things to work in their favor, it was the additional added conflict to the plot.

Adrian, Adrian, Adrian, my man was and has always been devoted to Isolde and even in her previous life as Yesenia, he did any and everything he could for her. Back in the first book, I initially wasn’t sure if I was going to like Adrian, but I was gladly proven wrong. Over the course of the last book and this sequel, I loved seeing how obsessed and devoted Adrian was to Isolde. Literally any person he heard say or think mean things about Isolde and SNAP! Off with their heads and impale them! I mean sure that was drastic, but this is Adrian we’re talking about, that man is not subtle at all! But I love it haha. Even when Isolde and Adrian got into their arguments, he couldn’t help but want to be close to her, touch her, and just have her in his arms at all times. Looking back now, I’m reminded of when Isolde said, “we fight and we *bleep”. My point with that quote being that no matter what they always reverted back to intimacy as their way of reassuring one another of their love, but also because no matter what, they couldn’t keep their hands off each other. I honestly believe that Isolde and Adrian’s love language was touch, and I found it not only steamy but romantic especially when they got really deep with one another in those moments. 

Just when I thought I knew what was happening, BAM! SURPRISE! A new plot twist! Another shocking moment, and I was shook! I was constantly wondering who could or couldn’t be trusted, and towards the end when the traitor was revealed… my heart broke like awww man. Some things I didn’t see coming, but it worked out since it made me look at the characters and conflicts differently. Among the conflict, there were some big changes that happened to Isolde and Adrian. Not to mention some deep secrets that played an even bigger role that I could have imagined. I literally feel like I’m in such a jumble of a mess because, I’m trying to work through all my emotions over what was revealed. All in all be prepared to not only learn new secrets, but also big betrayals, heartbreak, sadness, and so much more! 

WTF?!?!?? OMG! OMG! Scarlet did not mess around with this sequel! SO FREAKING GOOD! Once I got towards the ending, there was even more action, drama, and yet again a big reveal and major plot twist, as well as another secret Isolde found out! Phew! My goodness this was such a blast to read! From all that happened in this book, I honestly don’t know what’s going to happen in the next book, but I know it’ll go up another level to take my breath away, and leave me with my jaw dropped. The tie in to the title makes so much sense once I figured it out, and wow! Isolde was a force to be reckoned with as well as discovering more of her strength and abilities. Not to mention, working through both mental and emotional state of mind through all that had happened to Isolde. Adrian and Isolde had their fair share of arguments, but had plenty of makeups to settle things or work through their aggression *ahem sexy time. The spice was yet again fantastic and I legit lost count how many times Isolde and Adrian did it! Not going to lie, I was amazed at their stamina, but also like, “dang they really took any and every opportunity to have sex”, but I see that as them just being passionately obsessed with one another, awww. The ending kind of ended on get another cliffhanger, but I didn’t mind because, it leaves me wanting more. All this being said, if you’ve read the first book, READ THIS ONE AS WELL! Action, romance, spice, magic, monsters, political intrigue, betrayal, heartbreak, and more!
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