Week 10 Review: The Queen's Price

From Goodreads:

Enter the dark and sensual realms of the Black Jewels in this sweeping story in the New York Times bestselling fantasy saga of three young women who must navigate life within the powerful SaDiablo family--and come to terms with Witch, the Queen who is still the heart and will of that family.

The Queen's price is to stand against what you know is wrong. To stand and fight, no matter the cost to your court or to yourself. Especially to yourself.

Zoey, a young Queen-in-training at SaDiablo Hall, is wounded...and vulnerable to taunts and criticism. When an opportunity arises to befriend a stranger seeking sanctuary at the Hall, she puts herself and others in danger by ignoring Daemonar Yaslana's warning to back off.

Meanwhile, the witch Jillian's family prepares for her Virgin Night, the rite of passage that assures a woman will retain her power and her Jewels. The trouble is Jillian secretly went through the ceremony already. Now she has to explain the omission of that detail to her powerful and lethal family. And the High Lord of Hell's daughter, Saetien, travels to Scelt to find out about Jaenelle Angelline's sister--and perhaps to discover truths about herself.

With some guidance from Witch, these three young women will learn when to yield because it is right--and when to take a stand, even if they must pay the Queen's price.

My Review:
Oh man, I loved reading this book! I love this world and these characters so much! They're definitely lower stakes, these past few books, then the initial trilogy, but that's a good thing, even though tendrils of the original threat, of honor being corrupted and people doing evil, keeps popping back up.

There's two main stories in this book. There's the hall being a school, and there's Saetien's heart journey after her actions in the previous book. While the later was getting going, we had the plot of Jillian's Virgin Night, which definitely roused some emotions in the brothers which was hilarious, but it was a small part of the story.

Zoey was one of those that was affected by the coven of Malice. She's wounded, and gets special care. Which makes the other students, particularly the Queens, jealous, which lead to some awful happenings. But also some hilarious things, like Lady Dunn! I really enjoyed watching her story play out, and watching her learn about the Queen's Price.

Then we had Saetien's story. She was a spoiled, selfish brat, and was really unlikeable, what with all the pain her actions caused. That we got to see how Wilhelmina Benedict's life was after the events of the 3rd book, and part of what the Queen's Price was for Janelle. It was really great to see Saetien start to grow up and grow roots! 

One thing that still makes me a little sad is that Daemon is going to die, and it's going to be soon. He's lived a long time, but he only hit the prime of his life, which is why he's dying, the events of The Queen's Bargain. Sure, he's going to be demon-dead, and be with Janelle again, but it still hurts! 

Absolutely loved reading this book, and I can't wait for more! 

Author: Anne Bishop
Series: The Black Jewels #12
Read: March 7th, 2023
Source: Ebook.bike
Reason Why: Love her writing and this series, and it's a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2023 Book and a WoW Book! 
Publisher: Ace Books 
Published: March 7th 2023

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars