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Heaven's Queen

(Paradox #3)

Rachel Bach (Goodreads Author)

3.96 · Rating details · 6,747 ratings · 687 reviews

From the moment she took a job on Captain Caldswell's doomed ship, Devi Morris' life has been one disaster after another: government conspiracies, two alien races out for her blood, an incurable virus that's eating her alive.

Now, with the captain missing and everyone -- even her own government -- determined to hunt her down, things are going from bad to impossible. The se ...more

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Paperback, US edition, 373 pages

Published April 22nd 2014 by Orbit

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Mar 15, 2014 Brandi rated it it was ok

Oh man. That was painful. I fawned pretty hard over the first book in this trilogy, and I think I'll see that it stands the test of time as far as books I really got into, but with each book came more and more issues for me. This last one wasn't technically bad per se, but the romance completely eclipsed the storyline, and several times made me feel like Devi and Rupert were barely the same people.

Devi was just coming out of the hyperspace jump with Rupert at the end of the last book, and that's where we pick up here. She and Rupert make peace with their horrible past (that was pretty hard for me to swallow since I thought the author was giving the heave-ho to traditional dynamics with the way people try to kill each other here) but as Devi begins to make peace with her feelings for Rupert, Anthony shows up intending to save her from an illegal monster. This issue is one of the biggest hangups I had with this book. Anthony went through hell for her, she lost a year in hyperspace and during that time he buried her - he'd been her friend and lover for seven years, and when he got word she was alive, but seemingly trapped with a known monster, he moved heaven and earth to go rescue her. Standing up to Rupert in a way that was damn impressive - truly. And then he bares his soul for Devi and I do mean bares. It hurt to witness, and I hate Devi for the way she treated him at that moment. She justified her actions in her own own way, making a point to shove it down my throat that Rupert understood her but Anthony didn't, but she had no right to be such an absolute bitch to him. Making matters worse is after this massive scene in which my heart broke a bit Anthony is never mentioned again until the end when she hopes he didn't screw over her career prospects. It was too much for me. Way too much. I liked Anthony, he never once acted in a manner that was villainous (that was all Caldswell and Mabel) and in trying to do the right thing he got to have his soul destroyed. Poor man. So that issue was pretty significant to me and it definitely affected my enjoyment of this particular book.

Another thing that got to me here was the overbearing romance. It was almost like it was more tell than show, even though it was trying to show- but instead of my being pulled in and seduced by the awesome that is Rupert, I found myself aggravated all the time. I got so fucking sick of Devi constantly talking about her love that I could've puked. There was an explanation that was perfectly serviceable for excusing her behavior, but it got to be too much, too annoying, and too constant for my tastes. I will give Devi credit for not losing the core of herself while as she realized that the only important thing in the universe was Rupert, so there's that, but again, the romance was so heavy that I nearly didn't care.

The story arc was wrapped up neat and tidy, could put a little bow on it, and I didn't exactly hate it but I didn't exactly love it either. I didn't like the way the relationships were mended - I hate Mabel and Caldswell and wish (view spoiler).

I still think that the first book in this trilogy is absolutely worth the read, Devi was completely amazing in it, and while I had a disconnect as time went on, it might not be the case for other readers. Everything that got on my nerves really does have an explanation for it, so I could see it not bothering someone else the way it did me.
...more

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Feb 07, 2015 mich rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: end-of-series, disappointing, zzzzz, yeah-i-skimmed-so-sue-me, cheesy-corny-roll-eyes, science-fiction, lame-ass-couple, your-priorities-are-fucked-up

~all spoilers for the series/book are marked~

Goddamn mother-effing shit crap romance ruined what could’ve been a kickass trilogy!

SHIT!!!

I am hugely disappointed. So here’s the thing: Right from the get-go, I have never been on board with Devi’s relationship with her love interest, (view spoiler) BUT I’ve still been able to enjoy the previous books despite that - I've enjoyed them A LOT, actually. I h ...more

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Feb 03, 2020 Melki rated it really liked it

Recommended to Melki by: Tracey Dow

Shelves: science-fiction

At this distance, there was no way Caldswell could miss. Crouching on the bomber's bay floor, I was at eye level with Rupert, and I could see the trajectory of the shot clearly. It would blast through Rupert's head and into mine, killing us both. But though I could see the danger, understand it, practically feel the heat of the shot cutting through my head, I couldn't move fast enough. All I could do was meet Rupert's eyes for a final good-bye, a thank you, everything. He was already staring at ...more

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Oct 06, 2014 Chip rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: science-fiction

Horrible. If I'd known the series was going to turn into Twilight in space I wouldn't have started it. Five chapters in, and it's still 90% the heroine and Rupert and their dangerous hotness for each other. Enough already. And, on top of that, the plotting, logic and characterization just fell off a cliff. Devi is responsible for the death of one third of an entire species - but doesn't even stop to consider being troubled by that. (I guess Rupert's abs are too distracting.) The fight between hi ...more

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Jun 02, 2019 TS Chan rated it really liked it

Shelves: library-book

A full trilogy review.

The one thing I'll always credit Rachel Bach/Aaron with is her ability to thoroughly entertain me with her stories, and the Paradox trilogy is yet another proof of that.

By now, most of you will already know that I swear by Rachel Aaron's books. They are go-to comfort reads; I've never picked up one of her books and not found it enjoyable. Her knack of creating great characters is matched by her ability to create worlds which at first glance seemed familiar but is packed wi ...more

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Feb 24, 2019 Alissa rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: read-ebooks

“In chess,” he said, holding the game piece up between his fingers, “the queen is the most powerful piece, but even she is still just a piece on a board. For all her power, she is trapped by her role so long as the game is in play. If she truly wishes to be free, she must change the game.”

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Apr 08, 2015 Allison rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: published-2010s, warriors-fighters, romantic-elements, romance-rating-adult-r, own-physical-shelf, science-fiction, adult-content, up-to-date-with-author, space-opera, end-of-series

I had a lot of fun reading this series, and was happy with the ending. So much has changed by book 3 that it felt very different from where the series began. I did kind of miss the merc serving on a ship with a strange crew. But I was satisfied with how everything came out, both for the universe and for Devi. It was fast-paced and entertaining. Pretty much, I loved it!

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Apr 14, 2014 Nathan rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-2014, sci-fi, rated-4-star, author-female

Fantasy Review Barn

Ending a series can be hard. All those pesky plotlines gotta come together, characters need resolutions, and no matter how the author crafts it there will no doubt be a corner of the internet telling them just how wrong they got it. I think I would write two books in a trilogy and fake my death, it’s the only way I could avoid the pressure.

But I have now gone through a full series with Rachael Aaron/Bach twice, and no one remembered to tell her how hard this is supposed to be. Fantasy Review Barn

Ending a series can be hard. All those pesky plotlines gotta come together, characters need resolutions, and no matter how the author crafts it there will no doubt be a corner of the internet telling them just how wrong they got it. I think I would write two books in a trilogy and fake my death, it’s the only way I could avoid the pressure.

But I have now gone through a full series with Rachael Aaron/Bach twice, and no one remembered to tell her how hard this is supposed to be. Because she flat out nails the endings. Twice now I have watched her series get better and better. Twice she has taken premises that were almost Saturday morning cartoon in their starting simplicity and added element after element until I was screaming at my kindle to JUST TELL ME WHAT HAPPENS. Me likey Heaven’s Queen.

I have spent quite a bit of time on the series as a whole, and on how awesome Dev is, and how much I like power armor and named weapons and nasty man eating lizards getting sliced up by power blades. You no doubt already know that there were some serious sci-fi style weird shit going on that answers were needed for. Honestly these books have come out rapid fire over what, six months? Go catch up on the first two books, you don’t need me to give a summary of this. Let’s just move on to praising another great finish.

What do we get this outing? We get more Dev and Rupert romantic tension; the same I love him I hate him I am totally going to punch him stuff we have had for two books so far. Hope you like it, it should be expected by now. But as in the previous outings this is so much more than a love story, this is a story that has seen Dev grow so much in such a natural way. She is still a devil be damned, shoot first and let god (emperor) sort ‘em out alpha she has been throughout. But her conscience, never completely absent, forces her to make the hard decisions on what is most important to her – and you know she is going to follow through once that hard decision is made.

We get all the resolution we need. Yes, this includes the romantic angle, but also the forty two answers we were waiting for about in this story; life, the universe, everything. We have come a long way from strange glowing bugs with no feasible explanation, a long way from a story of a young gunner looking for a spot of glory and into what it became. Poor Dev though she had seen it all as a mercenary before joining the Glorious Fool; but through this book she saw the full might of the universe thrown at her without it ever feeling like too much to me as a reader.

And this is to me the genius of this series. It was completely over the top, 100% pulp; at least it should have been. It was about power armor cutting through aliens on a trader ship when it started for god’s sake, and there are so many Warhammer 4K allusions the book cover may as well be winking at me. But with a strong strength of character, a slow burn of a sci-fi mystery, and truly alien aliens it rises above. Even the cliché’s stopped being cliché. Example? I fell in love with the strange little religious fanatics that acted like space cadets because I understood how they got to where they were.

A strong conclusion, pulp with some heart, a protagonist that I just can’t help loving, and romantic tension that never got stupid (oh sure there was some forgiveness for some pretty big failings, but while that may not be healthy it sure as hell is realistic when passion is involve). Truly this is a series that has a little something for everyone, and this is a book that finishes said series wonderfully.

4 stars. ...more

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May 17, 2017 Suzanne rated it really liked it

Shelves: series-finished, science-fiction

This was action from start to finish, and a good ending to the trilogy!

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Feb 14, 2014 Mogsy (MMOGC) rated it really liked it

Shelves: arcs-and-galleys, netgalley, science-fiction, aliens, review-copy, romance, action-adventure

4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum http://bibliosanctum.blogspot.com/201...

Finding a series where the momentum of the first book carries through to next and beyond is pretty special, and when you find one, you know it’s a keeper. The tone of Heaven’s Queen is in keeping with the fast-paced, and action-filled rollicking good fun of the previous two books in the trilogy, and ends things in an explosively spectacular manner. You really don’t want to mess with protagonist Deviana “Devi” Morris; that’ 4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum http://bibliosanctum.blogspot.com/201...

Finding a series where the momentum of the first book carries through to next and beyond is pretty special, and when you find one, you know it’s a keeper. The tone of Heaven’s Queen is in keeping with the fast-paced, and action-filled rollicking good fun of the previous two books in the trilogy, and ends things in an explosively spectacular manner. You really don’t want to mess with protagonist Deviana “Devi” Morris; that’s just like an invitation for bodily harm and extensive property damage.

Hot-headed and not one to hide the fact, Devi is an even bigger force to be reckoned with when she’s angry -- especially with a deadly alien virus in her system. Through no fault of her own, she has gotten herself tangled up in multiple government conspiracies, had her private memories screwed with, and on top of that she’s on the run with what feels like practically everyone in the universe on her heels. In other words, just another average day in the life of our main character. Thing is, stubborn and reckless as she may be, Devi just wants to do the right thing. And that’s just a little tough to do when everyone is standing in the way and you have no idea who to trust.

But actually, there is one person Devi can count on, and that is Rupert Charkov, the man she once thought of as only the Glorious Fool’s cook, but now knows is a lot more than he appears. Those who have been interested in following the progression of the Devi-Rupert relationship (and I include myself in this group) will be happy to see their romance resolved in here, after a fashion. In any case, there’s no more ambiguity when it comes to where they stand, not like there was in the last book. In fact, I would say this one lays on the romance more thickly than either of the two novels that came before. That in itself isn’t a surprise; the romantic side-plot has been growing steadily in importance over the course of the series, so it’s only natural to see it come to fruition. What I hadn’t expected to see though was so much romantic drama in the first half of the novel.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing. If there’s one thing to take away from these books it is that Rachel Bach/Rachel Aaron never does things by halves. That’s the beauty of the trilogy. Everything about it is larger than life, from the in-your-face main character and her sexy and suave love interest to the amazing planets and exotic aliens, the twisty plot and the danger and thrills. It’s pure candy for the mind, and perhaps it’s fitting for the romance to be a little over-the-top as well, though definitely not overbearing.

A positive side effect of this is that Devi’s feelings for Rupert has added a layer of complexity to her character (it wouldn’t be love if it didn’t at least alter her perspective of herself of the world a little bit!) and to me that makes her more than just a trigger-happy merc. There are many ways for a woman to be strong and Devi prides herself on her independence, physical strength and military expertise, and while she is aware of her own faults she is also not ashamed of them. It’s true she’s not always agreeable or makes the best choices, but that’s Devi for you. She knows what she wants and won’t let anyone get in the way…not even herself. I love the fact that the foundation of who she doesn’t actually change all that much throughout the course of the story, and instead she adapts to changes in order to make the best out of a situation.

But what I guess readers really want to know is if this was a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy, and I would say absolutely. If you’ve enjoyed the spirit and high-energy pacing of the previous books, you’ll likely enjoy Heaven’s Queen as well. The author pulls out all the stops for this one, with action scenes worthy of a summer Hollywood blockbuster as the line between friend and foe continues to be blurred and the last few chapters of this book are absolutely insane.

Not only are these books entertaining, they’re also super accessible and you definitely do not need to be a card-carrying reader of the sci-fi genre to appreciate the story. If you’re looking for an invigorating and adventurous read with plenty of excitement and some humor thrown in, I highly recommend these Paradox books. Checkmate! Don't ask me why I said that, it just seemed appropriate.
...more

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Nov 13, 2016 Casey rated it really liked it

YES to this book but also NO to some of the scenes... I'm conflicted, okay? Let me tell you why

YES to Devi and kickass fight scenes, YES to learning about Maat: her appearance, her prison, her "craziness" YES to Lady Gray Devi's amour, even YES to some some of the romance scenes.

NO to Devis being conflicted about her feelings and decisions, NO to some of the mushiness, NO to Devi being a treated how she was (view spoiler) ...more

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May 10, 2014 Amber Jennell rated it it was ok

Heaven's Queen is the 3rd and final book in the Paradox trilogy. Each book can not be read singularly so it is strongly suggested you gather all three before you begin reading. The books are simple and easy to read--very quick--so would make a good weekend excursion or beach book. There isn't much if any strong language or sex, so I feel this series would be acceptable for anyone 14+.

I will admit that I enjoyed the series. The first book was highly enjoyable (I love, love, loved it!), the second Heaven's Queen is the 3rd and final book in the Paradox trilogy. Each book can not be read singularly so it is strongly suggested you gather all three before you begin reading. The books are simple and easy to read--very quick--so would make a good weekend excursion or beach book. There isn't much if any strong language or sex, so I feel this series would be acceptable for anyone 14+.

I will admit that I enjoyed the series. The first book was highly enjoyable (I love, love, loved it!), the second not so much, but the third... oh, how sad I feel for the third, and how unfulfilled. I wont go into details about what the book is about because if you are reading this, you pretty much know what's what already.

The problem I had with this book was that it felt to... perfect. Too clean. More specifically, the last quarter of the novel. Rarely do all the pieces fall so cleanly together, especially when you're messing with the fate of the universe. (view spoiler) If you have everyone, even your own government, out to get you, why does it feel so simple?

Devi's over use of metaphors felt like padding to add length, the emotional trials trifling, fake, and unexplored, and the conflict... well, the basis of the conflict was fine, but could have been explored in more depth. The romance over shadows much of the main story and is done so poorly you don't FEEL the love. At times you get frustrated at Devi as she repeatedly comes to the same conclusion--as if she's forgotten how she feels. Rupert seems like a completely different person from book one and this rather upset me since I loved Rupert in book one. But now he's lost what made him the dark, mysterious man in the beginning to become a sometimes clingy teenage boyfriend.

Enjoyable, sure. Let down, you bet. As a final goes, this one lacked that impact to leave a memorable impression and failed to carry on the tone, feel, and drive of the first novel. ...more

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Jun 06, 2015 BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme rated it liked it

Shelves: library-book, aliens, sci-fi

3.5 stars for a satisfying ending. Based on some of the reviews I read, I started this book with trepidation. There are times where I'm just not interested in a love interest. I'm happy to say the romantic element to this trilogy is just right. It isn't overwhelming and even though a surprise character showed up declaring love, it did not detract from the story for me.

Devi is back and she is now complete with her memories. The problem is, everyone is gunning for her as she could be the ultimate 3.5 stars for a satisfying ending. Based on some of the reviews I read, I started this book with trepidation. There are times where I'm just not interested in a love interest. I'm happy to say the romantic element to this trilogy is just right. It isn't overwhelming and even though a surprise character showed up declaring love, it did not detract from the story for me.

Devi is back and she is now complete with her memories. The problem is, everyone is gunning for her as she could be the ultimate weapon to finally get rid of the phantoms. With Rupert at her side, how can she fail?

There are ups and downs in this story. Even the pace seemed a bit up and down. The questions we've had about the phantoms and Mata are finally answered. In fact, when it's all explained, I wondered why I even had questions because it made so much sense. I should have been able to predict it and yet I didn't. Ms. Bach does a good job of setting up the whys and tying up all the loose ends.

The characters in this book are a doozy. To be clear, I loved Devi through every book. She's pretty kick ass and I genuinely liked this character. She's honest and does the right thing. She's focus and she knows what she wants. She never rationalizes nor justifies what she categorizes as immoral behaviour. She is driven and she goes big. Her definition of self-sacrifice is pretty much on par with what a good guy superhero would be. What is confusing is all the other characters. I'm a bit dizzy with liking them and then hating them. Almost all the other characters in this series I love to hate them. Caldswell is an asshole. He and Benton are anti-heroes coming from different directions. I didn't even know they could both be so similar yet diametrical opposites. It boggles the mind. Rupert as Devi's champion and tarnished white knight is fabulous. I love him. The crew of Glorious Fool are hard to like at times. The way they behave towards Devi is totally consistent with their loyalties to Caldswell. It doesn't make me like them any more because at times their priorities oppose Devi's purposes. The only one who is adorable is Nova. She's a loopy one.

Why am I so frustrated with those opposing Devi? Because she is right and she knows it. She is taking the risk and she's going big. The lack of support from others is annoying because they are stuck in a rut and they don't see the end game. What is admirable about Ms. Bach is how she is able to show the other perspective so that Devi gets why they won't let her carry out her end game. Still, Devi persists and I have to admire her tenacity. The ending wrapped up fast and it was glorious. Devi's one wish is granted. This happily ever after is satisfying even as it makes me wonder about King Stephen. This action packed sci-fi is recommended to those who root for the underdog. ...more

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May 17, 2014 Keith rated it did not like it

Shelves: dnf, tstl, science-fiction, wtf, wish-i-had-never-read

My god, this has got to be one of the worst finales to a previously great trilogy I have ever had the misfortune to give up on. 100 pages from the end and I am ready to quit in disgust. And I loved the first 2 books!

WHY DID YOU TURN HER INTO SUCH A SILLY STUPID GIRL? WHY?

I LOVED the reveal. And what does the MC do when she finds out the truth? (view spoiler) ...more

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Jan 27, 2020 Herbie rated it liked it

Shelves: sci-fi

That's it, the series is finally over! 😥
It was a solid end to the Paradox trilogy, but unfortunately the romance took over the storyline, pushing the sci-fi action to the background 😒
However, despite this and wishing the ending had been a little less cupcakes and rainbows, it was still enjoyable and engrossing like the other books.
3.5 stars 🌟 ...more

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Aug 25, 2014 Gwen (The Gwendolyn Reading Method) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: best-science-fiction, best-romance

One of my favorite series of all time. I would say I wish Rachel had written more science fiction books, but, honestly, this series is so perfect, I would be afraid that nothing she could ever write again would ever measure up to the perfection that is this wonderful, wonderful series.

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Jan 14, 2018 Jen Davis rated it it was amazing

I am struggling to find the words to tell you how much I loved this without sounding like a mindless squee-machine. The first book in the series, Fortune’s Pawn, was great… I had a little trouble with parts of book two. But this final book in the trilogy gave me everything I wanted and everything I needed. It’s action-packed, emotional, and satisfying in every way. I’m still cheering inside.

If you haven’t read the books leading up to this, stop here and pick up Fortune’s Pawn. You’ll thank me. S I am struggling to find the words to tell you how much I loved this without sounding like a mindless squee-machine. The first book in the series, Fortune’s Pawn, was great… I had a little trouble with parts of book two. But this final book in the trilogy gave me everything I wanted and everything I needed. It’s action-packed, emotional, and satisfying in every way. I’m still cheering inside.

If you haven’t read the books leading up to this, stop here and pick up Fortune’s Pawn. You’ll thank me. Spoilers for the previous installments are ahead.

We pick up right where Honor’s Knight left off. Devi and Rupert are in an escape pod, separated from the rest of their crew, under pursuit from the leglis. They land on a pirate colony and have to hide and regroup, trying to figure out their next move. Devi has agreed to work with the Eyes, but the captain is missing and after their escape through hyperspace, there’s no telling when he could reappear. So when a team of Eyes show up to nab them, they run. Without Caldwell, there’s no telling what the Eyes have in mind for Devi.

I won’t pick apart the plot, but this is all about Devi’s journey as she figures out the right way to use her virus to save the world. Everyone around her has a different idea about that, and they’ll all sacrifice or kill anything in their way. Is the good of the many worth the sacrifice of the few?

There are a few bumps in the road, but this book is about Devi figuring out the answer and executing a plan that stands up to the courage of her conviction. All this, while, for the first time, allowing herself to love and be loved in return.

I barely know where to start in telling you why I loved this so much. It moves like a freight train, but it never shortchanges the feelings or the impact of the action. As much as Rupert made me angry in the last book, I needed to read that to truly appreciate his transformation here. His love for Devi is so complete and unwavering, and it’s why you can’t help but root for them despite all of her reasons why it makes her weak. Ultimately, with him, she is her strongest.

The Maat storyline is so heartbreaking and a true guiding star for Devi’s conscience. Still, Caldwell and Benton and their Eyes were never mindless villains. Rachel Bach built them with their own sense of right and wrong, just one that is different from Devi’s. Bach twists and turns our ideas about who the bad guys are, writing in shades of gray that are fantastic. But at the end of the day, what really got me is the emotional journey I went on with this heroine. The bittersweet triumph of victory that left me crying tears that I wasn’t sure were from joy or grief.

I could go on and on, but suffice it to say, this is one of the best sci-fi romance/space opera series I have ever read. If you like this genre at all, I recommend it unreservedly. And be prepared to read all three books back-to-back. You’ll thank me later.

Rating: A ...more

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Mar 14, 2014 Allison (The Allure of Books) rated it really liked it

Shelves: other-adult-fantasy, 2014

There is definitely a lot of betrayal going around – but I think the way things ended up made sense. Devi is definitely not a “you’re so sweet and sensitive, LET ME LOVE YOU SQUISHY WISHY BEAR!” type of girl. She’s more of a “you look damn sexy dripping with the blood of your enemies, haaaaaay!” gal.

Check out my full review on the blog! ...more

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Jun 20, 2014 Katie rated it liked it

Shelves: format-ebook, books-read-in-2014-all, how-library, books-read-in-2014-new

This would've been better as a single book, I think. It might not have saved the romance, but there's soooo much running around and people not listening to each other and that gets boring. Plus, all the supporting characters I liked in the first book disappeared almost completely. ...more

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Feb 18, 2018 Catherine rated it liked it

Shelves: library-available-physical-book, sci-fi, last-in-series, romance, mystery, author-i-like

The romance that never should have been the focus stole all the joy from what could have been a kick ass ending. Still, it was OK, but the lackluster love story was the main point of this one. Could have ended much better.

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Aug 28, 2019 Ashley rated it really liked it

Shelves: romantical, space-opera, sci-fi, half-starsies, speculative

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This is a 3.5 star series for me, I think. I liked the first book well enough, but the series really didn't get interesting until midway through book two, when the actual plot started to come out and play. That second book, in a rare occurrence for a trilogy, I think in retrospect was actually the best one of the series. It had the most exciting action, the most believable conflict, and emotional stakes in the rift between Devi and Caldswell's crew (specifically Rupert). It had also had a well d ...more

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Apr 10, 2015 Paul rated it liked it

Shelves: books-read-2015

Devi Morris isn’t just having a bad day; ever since she took on the security role on Caldswell’s ship her life has been one disaster after another. She has been in the centre of government conspiracies, two alien species are after her, and there is another alien virus that is trying to kill her. The thing to do would be to hide, keep her head down and hope that it all blows over; but she has never worked that way. She has had enough of running and wants to take the fight to them.

But this might b ...more

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Apr 17, 2014 Tammie rated it really liked it

Shelves: favorites, adult, trilogy, owned-paper-back, series-completed, owned-kindle, sci-fi, space-opera

I liked the way it all ends in this book. I think my biggest complaint about this series in general would be the inconsistency of some of the characters. They seemed to conveniently go from good to bad to good again to suit the story. This kind of resulted in the series feeling like it was going around in circles because besides Rupert, there was never anyone Devi knew she could trust. I would like to, for once read a story where the person that goes on the run stays on the run, and fixes things ...more

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Oct 24, 2015 Alexa rated it liked it

Shelves: fab-15

A satisfying end to the adventure – lots of fun with aliens – although this all felt much more like fantasy than science fiction – and a nice romance too.
It was a fun way to spend a weekend.

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Aug 10, 2017 Jennifer rated it liked it

Shelves: action-adventure-mystery-suspense, part-of-a-series, adult, dys-fantasy-pnr-scifi-altreal, borrowed-library, not-a-mh, safe, stars-2-5, 2017, romance

2.5 stars for this book but a solid 3 stars for the series as a whole.

This book wasn't bad, but it was definitely the weakest of the trilogy. The action was great and the pacing was good, but the romance was too heavy handed for me. Things got a little too sappy and OTT which I did not like. And as some other reviewers pointed out, it was like the MCs suddenly changed and became other people in this book.

I found the writing engaging, but also a little repetitive by this point. Yes, we know tha ...more

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Feb 07, 2014 Bonnie rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, arcs-netgalley, sci-fi-futuristic, pn-aliens

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

“The universe is infinite and strange. We cannot predict, only marvel at what it creates.”

Devi Morris’ decision to sign up for a job on a trade ship has led her into the very heart of a battle where entire worlds are destroyed and she’s the only one that can put an end to it. While this is quite possibly the worst situation My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

“The universe is infinite and strange. We cannot predict, only marvel at what it creates.”

Devi Morris’ decision to sign up for a job on a trade ship has led her into the very heart of a battle where entire worlds are destroyed and she’s the only one that can put an end to it. While this is quite possibly the worst situation she’s ever found herself in, Devi has never shied away from anything and isn’t backing down now.

So, unfortunately this another series ending on a low note for me. But there’s good and bad so I’m going to start with the good. Rachel Bach has created a fascinating world here that is full of action and adventure and all around badassery. The action isn’t consistent in this installment and is for the most part relegated to the latter half of the book but they were action scenes that ended up being well worth the wait.

As far as the bad bits, I had a real issue with the romance in this installment which pains me to say as I loved how it had been handled up until now. Devi and Rupert are an amazing pair yet their romance/love has never gotten in the way of plot or changed Devi’s badass-ness in any way. In Heaven’s Queen there is so much freaking time spent on discussing and thinking about their relationship problems and trying to fix them. Granted, I appreciate the time spent on making their make-up legit and not allowing Devi to immediately accept apologies, everything becoming hunky dory instantly, but I wouldn’t hesitate to say this installment was 80% relationship drama and 20% plot wrap up. There was too damn much awesome space stuff and world ending shit going on that should have been in the spotlight. I love me so Devi and Rupert but good grief, enough is enough.

There was also the issue of Anthony. At the beginning of this book, Devi realizes that her and Rupert lost time in hyperspace. Like, a years worth of time. Anthony is one of the only people Devi stays in touch with so when she goes missing and searching leads to nothing she’s eventually declared dead. Considering Anthony and Devi were in a quasi-relationship for 7 years or so I would imagine this would be a big deal to him. When he finds out that she’s actually alive he sets out to get her immediately, finds her with Rupert and in the biggest dick move of all she tells him he wasted his time coming for her and to basically fuck off. It wasn’t just bitchy it was cruel because she knew exactly what his feelings for her were. She didn’t have to reciprocate but she could have been a little more considerate.

Heaven’s Queen still managed to serve as a satisfactory conclusion, wrapping up all loose ends, but I couldn’t help but feel disappointed after how truly amazing Fortune’s Pawn was. Devi will definitely go down in my personal record books as one of my all-time favorite heroines though and I look forward to picking up other works from Rachel Bach/Rachel Aaron. ...more

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Aug 16, 2018 Kelsea rated it it was amazing

4.5🌟

Loved the wrap up to this trilogy! Loose ends were tied up, the characters stayed true to their respective natures from the previous two books and there was plenty of adventure and action. Awesome trilogy I’d recommend to anyone looking for a space adventure story with an interesting female MC and some thought-provoking questions about the value of life, freedom and making moral decisions on a large scale.

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Mar 22, 2014 Mihir rated it really liked it

Full review over at Fantasy Book Critic

ANALYSIS: I’m a big fan of Rachel Aaron, that’s pretty evident to readers of this blog. I’ve been following her books since I happened upon Spirit Thief and it’s to her credit that since 2010 she’s also finished her second series in a completely different genre. This review will be talking about the preceding titles in the Paradox trilogy so for readers who haven’t read the previous ones please stop and read the earlier books.

Heaven's Queen is the conclud
Full review over at Fantasy Book Critic

ANALYSIS: I’m a big fan of Rachel Aaron, that’s pretty evident to readers of this blog. I’ve been following her books since I happened upon Spirit Thief and it’s to her credit that since 2010 she’s also finished her second series in a completely different genre. This review will be talking about the preceding titles in the Paradox trilogy so for readers who haven’t read the previous ones please stop and read the earlier books.

Heaven's Queen is the concluding volume in the Deviana Morris trilogy and as far as endings go, a smashing one. The prologue reveals a big secret of the past in regards to the formation of the Eyes as well as how the Lelgis first came up with a solution for the phantoms. We get to see it all from Brian Caldswell’s POV and also how Maat got a permanent location. We find ourselves back with Devi and Rupert who have to iron the mess that have been their professional & personal lives. Also before they can do so, Devi it seems is on time-ticker with regards to the Plasmex virus within her. Everyone including the Eyes, Paradoxian, Terran & the Lelgis are after them & her options are running out to figure out what her endgame will be. This is the main plot of this volume and of course there are a lot more surprises within.

All but the main secrets have been revealed in the second volume Honor's Knight, but in this one we are privy to what really started the war for saving our universe & how Brian Caldswell became such a pivotal figure in it. Not only are we shown that crucial scene but also Brian’s past is laid bare which goes a long way in explaining his actions so far & all that he attempts in this one. Devi on the other hand is still the same motormouth armored badass that we have come to expect. She however also shows a lot of fortitude and guts with her decisions in regards to Rupert and Maat. There's also much more about Maat, her daughters and why she has been imprisoned so far.

That’s the big focus of the story; the whole universe is in major trouble and its upto our protagonists to resolve the crisis. I loved how the author managed to shift the focus on to this aspect of the story as in the first two books, the story while being Devi-centric was more focused on what she did and happened around her. In Heaven’s Queen, the plot while being Devi-centric manages to convey the sense of dread and ultimately the journey that she undertakes. I enjoyed the action sequences set in the story and also the fact that we got to see a crucial personage from the Paradoxian world.

Lastly we get down to Devi and Rupert. While the romantic aspect of the story was a bit toned down due to it being the finale, for those looking for some romantic action will not be entirely disappointed. A massive ending ensues and once again Rachel Bach/Aaron proves that she never does things on a tiny scale. With this story she was looking to combine SF action with a strong does of romance and she was able to do that rather admirably if you look at the entire trilogy as a whole. For those wanting their action fix, she doesn’t disappoint either and somehow manages to make the climax epic and yet focused on a few individuals. The pace of the story never lets up and will have the reader turning pages to see how it all ends.

Now as with trilogy endings, there are always going to be a few things that you might not like. For me there was a sort of imperfect balance between the action sequences as well as the romance in the story. While the first two books managed to be precise with this aspect, somehow Heaven’s Queen wasn’t able to continue that trend. Sure I might be completely wrong about this and others might like this book better than its predecessors. But for me the first two books were superior to this one.

Also we don’t quite get a proper reveal about the Terran-Paradoxian split, this was something I was very curious to know. Also the Paradoxian society was never quite revealed but only glimpsed via conversations. Now with the trilogy being focused on all other worlds except Terran & paradox, I don’t blame the author for not being able to reveal more. I’m hoping that she does manage to write another series in this universe wherein these queries can be resolved.

CONCLUSION: Rachel Bach ends the Paradox trilogy on a note that will strongly resonate with her readers and fans of Devi Morris. Sure there are a couple of things that didn’t match up to my expectations but these are simply minor details in what turns out to be a smashing read filled with action, romance and a strong does of humor from a motormouth mercenary who manages to leave everyone speechless. Heaven’s Queen is an epic ending to a fun trilogy that will be ideal for fans who love great characters and incredible settings. ...more

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May 30, 2014 Jess rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: army-and-soldiers, bitches-get-stuff-done, women-kicking-ass-and-taking-name, change-of-heart, feeeeeeelings, epic-mission-quest-or-task, crowning-moment-of-awesome, convenient-plot-development, space-opera, science-fiction-romance

Heaven's Queen is the conclusion of the Paradox trilogy by Rachel Bach. Here's the thing - book one in the series, Fortune's Pawn, was my EVERYTHING. It was my ideal KISSING IN SPACE/"powered-armor space opera with kissing" (actual author quote, btw) book. It had a kick-ass merc heroine who was fucking competent at her job (I have a thing for kick-ass heroines who are competent at their thing), it had powered armor (I have a thing for powered armor), and KISSING (I have a thing for kissing) and ...more

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Sep 19, 2016 Jason rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: e-books, read-2016

5 Stars

Heaven's Queen, Paradox #3 by Rachel Bach the pseudonym for Rachel Aaron is an amazing conclusion to a series that I absolutely loved. I am giving it full marks because this one is not a let down and is fitting for this rollicking series. These are action packed, science fiction, space opera, fantasy, and romance filled stories. This series is made and carried by the larger than life kick everyone's ass, heroine named Devi Morris.

Devi is a breath of fresh air at a time when the strong ...more

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About Rachel Bach

Rachel Bach

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Rachel Bach grew up wanting to be an author and a super villain. Unfortunately, super villainy proved surprisingly difficult to break into, so she stuck to writing and everything worked out great. She currently lives in Athens, GA with her perpetual energy toddler, extremely understanding husband, overflowing library, and obese wiener dog. You can find out more about Rachel and all her books at ra ...more

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Quotes from Heaven's Queen

“"If I was afraid of dying, I couldn't do half the shit I do." I told him.” — 6 likes

“I didn’t often get to take the moral high ground. I was a mercenary, a killer for hire, and I made no apologies or excuses for how I lived my life. But while my hands would never be clean, I had honor.” — 4 likes

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