Guide to Categories : YA Review – review of books for teens

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About the Book

Book: Mortal Queens

Author: Victoria McCombs

Genre: YA Fae Fantasy

Release Date: February 6, 2023

They vanish without a trace, disappear into the night…

Each year on the center island, one girl is chosen to be the next Mortal Queen of the idolized fae. The mortals praise these lucky girls, but their daughters are never seen again.

The fae realm is eternal night, where disputes are settled by chess matches, power is acquired through the most devious kinds of trickery, and seven illusive kings roam. The fae hide their faces behind masks and guard their glass hearts to keep them from shattering. But beyond the veil of this luxurious paradise, a dark secret simmers, for their Queens have disappeared.

When aspiring artist Althea is selected, she is desperate to avoid the same mysterious fate. With no one to trust, she conceals messages in paintings and receives anonymous replies from a stranger who slowly reveals the tale of a girl who outwitted the fae. Only if she is clever enough will Althea survive the fate of the Mortal Queens. As long as the king who cannot love does not claim her first.

Click here to get your copy!

My YA Review

McCombs, Victoria. Mortal Queens. Carol Stream, IL: Enclave Publishing, 2024.
The Fae Dynasty, book 1

I was intrigued by the premise of this book – a Fae community with a human queen. Victoria McCombs builds the fantasy world of The Fae Dynasty while telling the story. Readers are introduced to the world through the eyes of the newest Mortal Queen. 

I sensed early on that there was something important about the parents of Thea and that there was an untold story. I thought I had it figured out – but I didn’t, at least I don’t think I did – book 2 may tell me I had it figured out after all. I don’t want to spill any secrets, but you will want to read all the way to the end to discover some of the secrets kept by Thea’s father.

Soon after arriving in the Fae Realm, Thea discovers that the reason the Fae need a new Mortal Queen every year is that once they become queen, they only live 2 years. Thea determines to break that chain and either return to her family or live on in the realm with her new friends. 

The Fae in this story are masters at tricks and lies which can be very confusing to Thea – she doesn’t really know who to trust and sometimes trusts the wrong person. 

I thoroughly enjoyed Mortal Queens and look forward to book 2 in The Fae Dynasty.

Mortal Queens is a young adult fantasy. It is appropriate for a K-12 Christian school library. I think middle school and up will enjoy the book.

I received a complimentary copy of Mortal Queens. This is my honest review. 

About the Author – Victoria McCombs

Victoria McCombs is the author of YA fantasy books such as The Storyteller’s Daughter and The Royal Rose Chronicles. She lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and three children. Her days are filled with coffee, reading, golfing, board games, and homeschooling the littles.

More from Victoria McCombs

There are several parties thrown in the fae realm, so today I’ll be sharing a party favorite recipe! I’ve had strangers reach out years after a party to ask for this recipe, and it’s so simple to make!

Cucumber Party Sandwiches

Ingredients: One French loaf (the thinner, the better. It will be topped with a cucumber.)

1-2 cucumbers

8 oz cream cheese

½ cup mayo

1 package dry Italian dressing

We’d always buy the French loaf in a roll that you bake like crescent rolls, however I’ve struggled to find them recently, so I just buy the premade bread. However you acquire your bread, you’ll want it cooked and sliced into inch thick pieces.

Cut medium-thick slices of cucumber

Combine the cream cheese, mayo, and dry Italian dressing.

Spread the mixture over the bread, then top with cucumber. May garnish with pepper if desired. Done!

Blog Stops

The Lofty Pages, February 24

Texas Book-aholic, February 25

Wishful Endings, February 26

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 27

Book Looks by lisa, February 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 29

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, March 1

Blogging With Carol, March 2

For Him and My Family, March 3

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 4

Hannahbandanarama, March 5

Fiction Book Lover, March 6 (Spotlight)

Exploring the Written Word, March 6

Simple Harvest Reads, March 7 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Guild Master, March 8 (Spotlight)

Inspired by Fiction, March 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Victoria is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2a259/mortal-queens-celebration-tour-giveaway

Read more YA Review posts