A Blog of Books and Tea

(Rattle the Stars PR ARC Rreview)

Tropes:

• Slow Burn
• Forbidden Romance
• Morally Grey Characters
• Strong FMCs
• Middle-Aged FMC
• Found Family
• Fated Mates
• Touch HIM and Die
• Multi-POV
• Sibling Rivalry 
• Murder Mystery Subplot
• Angsty Romance
• Oracles & Seer Prophecies 
• Cave Dragons
• Gargoyle Shifters
• Fae Fantasy

Stars – 🫖🫖🫖🫖🫖

Spice Level – 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Synopsis –

The Truth can set you free…or destroy a Kingdom.

On the magic imbued continent of Irridessen, twin Princesses must forego their delicate sensibilities and reveal the bloodthirsty beasts hidden under their perfect, immortal skin. Only one can win the coveted title of Queen on High – but securing the crown will come at a steep cost.

When a rare flicker of magic flares within the confines of the Slate Kingdom, two disgraced King’s Guards hunt for the source – desperate to uncover the identity of a murderer while a formidable enemy stalks closer, determined to stop them by any means necessary.

Unaware of the tension brewing in Irridessen, Lenna wallows in the doldrums of life, struggling to accept her role in a society that demands her subservience and meekness. At fifty-one years old, she reminisces fondly on her youth and the freedom she had prior to marrying a powerful Lord. But when migraines begin morphing Lenna’s dreams into nightmares of leathery wings and giant stone beasts, she is forced to confront a reality she never knew existed – before she is devoured by the very same monsters that haunt her.

Thoughts –

Queens of Spells and Stone was one of my most anticipated books on my TBR and I enjoyed it so much. I will definitely be reading the other three books in the Vessels of the Gods series.

When we are introduced to Lenna, I was confused as to how she could fit into a world filled with magic when her own had none. I was so surprised by how she was pulled into a realm of magic, and ultimately thrived in it. It was also refreshing to have a middle-aged FMC rather than one that is young and spry.

I loved the family that built up seamlessly around Lenna. It seemed so natural and authentic, and perfect after she had been surrounded by so much indifference throughout her marriage.

The world building was brilliant and I enjoyed the contrast between the Slate Kingdom and Irridessen. Slate Kingdom is so drab in comparison to the vivid world of Irridessen. The explanation that the lack of magic has caused Slate Kingdom to decline is brilliant and unique. I cannot wait to see more of Stevens’ world!

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast paced story filled with sass and intrigue. The characters were fantastic and easy to love and the world was wonderfully immersive.