Fae Queen Rising: An Epic Romantic Fantasy

by Scarlett M. Honey

Perfect for fans of Throne of Glass , From Blood and Ash, and Blood & Steel , FAE QUEEN RISING is an epic romantic fantasy with a damsel-in-distress→strong FMC, fast-burn spice, vampire romance, ride-or-die sibling, and a sprawling world of magic and monsters.


In the enchanting realm of Everguard, Princess Rowandine Aeronwick discovers a truth that shatters her world of luxury and opulence.

Unveiling her royal Fae lineage, she must navigate a treacherous path between the decadent court of King Hadeon and the scattered remnants of her kingdom's once prosperous past. As her dormant Fae powers awaken, Rowandine faces a heart-wrenching follow the path laid out by those who destroyed her family or embark on a perilous journey to reclaim her rightful throne and reunite her fractured realm.

But amidst the chaos, a shocking truth comes to light from the man who holds her heart—her twin sister has been imprisoned by the bloodthirsty northern vampires, the Ancients, who plan to exploit her Fae blood for their dark ambitions. Can Rowandine find a way to defy fate and forge a new destiny for herself and Everguard?

Embark on a spellbinding tale of love, betrayal, and redemption in this gripping fantasy romance novel.

Genres: Romantasy, Fantasy, Romance, Fiction

317 pages, Hardcover

Published March 4, 2025

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

No spoilers here. The story line is really great. Love everything about it. If you enjoy romantic fantasies then you will love this book! It is captivating and fascinating the further into the book you get. I definitely recommend this book.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is the first in a series by Scarlett M. Honey. It's about a princess that has been used as a pawn her entire life by her father. Now, in her 30s, she is to be married off for a second time after the death of her first husband. I found the heroine's age to be refreshing! It was nice to see someone closer to my age having adventures and discovering more about herself. As the story evolves, so does Rowandine as she discovers new things about herself and powers she did not know she had. Overall, it was a relatively quick read with some spice. At one point, there are two men vying for Rowandine's attention. Choosing between the men also means choosing the path that she is going to take. I think this series has potential, and I think it will be exciting to watch Scarlett grow as an author as well. So, if you aren't opposed to a new author and enjoy magic, fantasy, a little mystery, and a surprise ending, give this one a try!

[JustAnotherSteff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the female main character. She's over 30. She's willing to continue to learn who she is. She seeks help when she needs it. She's tired of always doing what she's supposed to and instead is seeking the freedom of choice. She makes mistakes. The story was well thought out and interesting. It's a fantasy, but idk if I'd call it a romantasy, there isn't really romance, but there is spice.

Plot points, potential spoilers
Princess Roe is newly widowed after 10 years of marriage. After being given a few weeks in isolation to mourn, her father (the king) summons her to return home. Roe assumes it is so she will have time to mourn and grieve surrounded by friends and family, however, at the banquet that is thrown the night she arrives, she discovers her father has already betrothed her to another. She has only weeks until her new promised groom, a king from a distant land her father hopes to form an alliance with, arrives. In the small amount of time she has "home" she discovers more about her true origins, realizes life has gone and and people have changed in her 10 year absence, and the future She's been taught is her fate, is actually a lie. In addition, she starts a physically spicy relationship with a mysterious bard that caught her interest and pulled her in a way no one ever has, the second she walked through the banquet hall of the castle.

Why not 5 stars:
There is no romance. She goes from saying no to the bard to having him eat her pu55y in the library from one meeting to the next with no conversation or reason for the change in her feelings towards him given. They are just physical, they exchange maybe a page worth of dialogue in the entire book, but she's so drawn to him she's willing to ride off without question with him. Her relationship with Thaddeus just seems so against her character and personality. It doesn't make sense and makes it less romantic and more just baffling. Even more so with the twist that comes at the very end of the book. It was a good read and I appreciate this is the author's first book. Not unreadable, at all, I just feel like Roe and her story had way more potential than where this went.

[Abigail Nave · Rating 3 out of 5]

I met the author of this book at a Barnes and Noble a few weeks ago… she was so sweet!

I loved the story and the characters! SMH made the main hero a woman in her thirties (so much more relatable than the 18-21 year olds you typically get in this genre). There were a couple of points in the book where I felt like the story took a turn out of nowhere and there wasn’t enough build-up (the steamy scenes mostly but also some plot points). That said, I think this author has a ton of potential and she really brought her story to life! Pretty sure she said this was her first book. If that’s the case, holy moly! She has so much potential! I will be reading the next book in this series for sure.

[Leigha Lennon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scarlett M. Honey’s Fae Queen Rising is a captivating fantasy romance that weaves together elements of intrigue, power, and heartfelt decision-making in the lush, mystical realm of Everguard. The novel centers on Princess Rowandine Aeronwick, whose discovery of her true Fae heritage sets her on a collision course with destiny, dark forces, and profound personal choices.

The world of Everguard is beautifully realized, brimming with the decadence of King Hadeon's court and the stark contrasts of a kingdom clinging to the echoes of its glorious past. Honey skillfully paints a picture of a realm divided, with Rowandine at its center, caught between the opulent life she has known and the harsh realities she uncovers about her lineage and her people’s suffering.

Rowandine is an engaging protagonist, portrayed with depth and complexity. Her journey from a sheltered princess to a potential queen with burgeoning magical powers is both compelling and relatable, as she grapples with the weight of new responsibilities and the revelations about her family. Honey excels in character development, presenting Rowandine’s growth in a believable and empathetic light.

The narrative thrives on its blend of romance and adventure, with the stakes elevated by the imprisonment of Rowandine's twin sister by the sinister northern vampires, the Ancients. This plotline adds a sense of urgency and danger to Rowandine’s quest, as she not only seeks to reclaim her throne but also to save her sister from a dire fate. The dynamic between Rowandine and her love interest is intricately depicted, fraught with tension and tenderness, making their relationship a compelling addition to the overarching plot.

Honey’s prose is lush and evocative, capturing the magical essence of Everguard and the emotional landscapes of its characters. The pacing is well-handled, with moments of intense action balanced by deeper explorations of political intrigue and personal dilemmas.

While the novel offers a rich tapestry of narrative threads, at times, the multitude of subplots can feel overwhelming, occasionally diluting the focus from Rowandine’s main storyline. Additionally, the world-building, while intricate, sometimes introduces complexities that are not fully explored, leaving the reader desiring more clarity on the historical and magical rules governing Everguard.

Nevertheless, Fae Queen Rising earns a solid four stars for its thrilling plot, well-crafted protagonist, and the successful melding of fantasy and romance. Scarlett M. Honey has woven a story that is not only entertaining but also resonates with themes of self-discovery, leadership, and the quest for justice. Fans of fantasy romance will find much to admire in Rowandine’s tale, making Fae Queen Rising a recommended read for those who love their fantasy with a strong dose of heart and heroism.

[K.B. Mallows · Rating 3 out of 5]

~ First person, Single POV
~ Tropes: hidden secrets/identity, hidden powers, betrayal, arranged marriage

Potential spoilers: Fae Queen Rising follows Rowandine, an almost 40-year-old princess who returns to her family's kingdom after an almost 10-year hiatus living off the grid with her abusive first husband who recently died under rather questionable circumstances. After a rather cold reception from every member of her family - including her hateful father king whom she refers to by his first name - except for her sassy twin sister, she discovers she's to be the victim of another arranged marriage that she accepts without argument because it's what's best for the kingdom (and she's afraid of her father). Before being married off, she has many a shag session with a mysterious musician flying all the red flags, discovers she has magical healing powers (and a bunch of other things), becomes an expert swordswoman in a matter of days and escapes the fortress unscathed, for the most part, with an odd assortment of travel companions, to journey to the fae lands for answers to her true birthright.

I enjoyed the way this tale unraveled Rowandine's connection to the fae, and the magical system was interesting. I was also glad to see a book with an older FMC. On the other hand, I really struggled with the fact that Rowandine and her friends were almost the same age as me but behaved rather immaturely, like people in their early 20s with half the experience - from their interactions with one another, to Rowandine's fear of disappointing her parents, to her careless behavior with the musician and her constant questioning of herself.

I feel Rowandine has potential to develop into a strong character though, so it will be interesting to see how her story progresses. If you're looking for a quick read with a damsel-in-distress type of FMC and a hidden past who begins to come into her own and kick a**, you'll probably enjoy this book.

[Katarina Petzold · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟 "Fae Queen Rising" by Scarlett M. Honey 🌟

If you’re a fan of epic romantic fantasy, "Fae Queen Rising" is a delightful addition to your TBR! This first installment in The Crown of Everguard series introduces us to Princess Rowandine Aeronwick, a captivating heroine whose world is shaken as she uncovers her royal Fae heritage.

Set against the backdrop of the enchanting realm of Everguard, Rowandine’s journey from a life of luxury to a path of self-discovery is both compelling and relatable. The author does a fantastic job of weaving intricate political intrigues and the weight of familial expectations into the narrative, keeping you engaged from start to finish.

What I loved most about Rowandine is her refreshing age—over 30 and unapologetically seeking her own identity! Her evolution throughout the story is beautifully portrayed as she grapples with the pressures of her past and embraces her newfound powers. The exploration of her strength and desire for freedom resonates deeply, making her a strong and relatable FMC.

The fantasy elements are richly developed, with a world teeming with magic, monsters, and the looming threat of vampires, all perfectly balancing the fast-burn spice that keeps the plot steaming. While the romantic aspects might not be the central focus, the chemistry with the mysterious bard adds an intriguing layer to Rowandine's journey.

Scarlett M. Honey’s debut is a promising start, filled with twists and revelations that will leave you eager for more. If you enjoy stories of empowerment, magic, and unexpected choices, this book is definitely worth a read! 💖✨

Overall, I’d give "Fae Queen Rising" a solid 4 stars for its unique premise, engaging characters, and a magical world that beckons you to dive deeper. 🌌📚 #Bookstagram #FaeQueenRising #ScarlettMHoney #FantasyReads #EpicRomance #BookReview

[Erin Saulpaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you love fae? Do you love magic 🎩? How do you feel about vampires? What about fantasy with a hint of spice. This book has everything you could ask for. A little something for everyone. If the vook has fae and vampires, count me in. Oh, and I almost forgot.... that ending is going to surprise you. You eont see it coming. This ending will leave you wanting more. I can't wait to get my hands on book 2.

Are you tired of reading about people in their 20s? You're not alone she is around 30, which makes her super relatable.. finally, a female charter who is 30, and she's trying to find herself.

Rowandine 30, she loses her first husband. They were married for 10yrs!She's only given a couple of weeks to mourn the death of her husband. During this time, she is by herself, no loved ones, to help comfort her through this tragic time in her life. When she returns home, she is expecting to be able to mourn her husbands death with close relatives. Unfortunately, she's mistaken. Her dad has already found her a new suiter. She only has weeks before her groom arrives to marry her. Her dad is only concerned with having a trusted alliance.. the place where she grew up has changed since she was here last. She starts to discover her family's lies.

This was a cozy, quickly read. Easy to follow. Was able to keep my attention through the entire book. I couldn't put it down

[Nicole Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a slow burn, however, the ending will blow your mind! In the beginning, Roe has a woah-as-me attitude that can be rather draining to read but her character arc quickly became my favorite. From a depressed widow to a badass Fae Queen!

A majority theme throughout the book is ‘know yourself, know your path’ and this quote helps Roe push forward in her quest. Page 244 described perfectly with the quote, “I will rise and grow like a seed rises from the dirt; I will overcome. This, I will do for my people. Know yourself, know your path.”

However, my favorite quote from the book is “As he says this, I realize fear is easy to root. Love and respect take more time and time is not something King Hadeon is fond of.” The King was not a great man, and he didn’t take the time to truly earn the respect of his people. This can be said for many situations in life.

The only part of this book that I didn’t enjoy was the lack of connection to the smut portions. It seemed as though Roe and Thaddeus were constantly ravaging each other with no story line.

As I mentioned, the ending blew my mind. The last 50 pages will leave you wanting more in the next book! I cannot wait to see what happens on Roe’s journey North.

[Jobie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve changed my rating on this. I started off with a 3.75 and bumped it up to four because it really is a decent smut book. I’m gonna talk about like and dislike. Things I really liked about the book was that it was fast paced and easy to follow. It was a quick easy read. I do prefer something a little less linear, but I think it is what it is. The character motivations were easy to understand, but there were some surprises. I also liked that the character you expected her in a traditional sense to dislike ended being a rather likable character, even though there were some concerning things. I loved the twist at the end. I think that twist took some courage and for thought, and I loved it! I didn’t like it stylistically - sometimes I was a little bothered by her voice. There was also some editing issues in a couple of places that I noticed. And while this isn’t my go to genre, I did enjoy reading it and finished it in about a week. I will also appreciate - others will too - fact that the heroin was 35 instead of 16. Oh my God if I read another smut romantic fantasy book with the heroine 16-year-old, I’ll stab myself in the eye. That was refreshing - more than I even expected it to be. She wrote a very solid 35-year-old woman and I appreciated that.

[Angela Zambito · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great mix of romance and fantasy and plot, this is a good start to the series!
This differs from other romantasy type novels as the FMC is not your typical 'badass' who wants to beat up everyone and get angry and has a vandetta. She is in her mid-30's and is called back to her home (the castle) and must see what her next mission is as the King's daughter. She eventually finds a bit of her spirit and a bit of fight but is still relatively 'chill' in my opinion which to be honest as been really refreshing! The MMC had me hooked but may not be all as it seems. I liked the twists and turns. The found family (or rather hint of) and new characters and developing powers felt different as well and very good. I just struggled a little bit with Scarlett's writing style, and also a lot of the dialogue didn't feel quite right? Hard to explain really but just how I felt. Looking very much forward to further books to the series and I will def be keeping up with it! And as always appreciated, the spice is spicing!!!!

[Sydney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had the privilege of reading an ARC of this book. Overall, I enjoyed the plot and storyline, which followed Rowandine, a princess returning to her familial home after ten years away and discovering things aren't as they always were. Rowandine believed her future to be relatively simple, but she quickly discovered that was not the case. As secrets unfurl around her, revealing truths about her world and herself that she never expected, she seeks to find an inner strength she didn't expect.
This book was good for a first in the series and I look forward to seeing where this author takes her writing in the future. The beginning of the book starts relatively slow but picks up quickly and continues at a faster pace until the end of the book. Between the action and the spice of a romantic fantasy, Fae Queen Rising will bring you along for quite an adventure.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elysia discovers her true heritage and destiny. She is a young woman who has always felt out of place in her mundane life, but when she learns about her fae lineage, everything changes. Elysia must navigate the treacherous politics of the fae court, form alliances, and harness her newfound powers to claim her rightful place as queen. Liam is a charming and skilled warrior who becomes Elysia's protector and confidant. Seraphina is a powerful sorceress with a mysterious past who mentors Elysia in the ways of magic. Kael is a cunning and ambitious noble who seeks to claim the throne for himself. Aria is Elysia's best friend, who provides unwavering support and loyalty. The story is filled with romantic entanglements, mystical creatures, and epic battles.

[Kandi R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can we just applaud Scarlett for writing this 1st book in this series? Someone who went against the norm and created a FMC that is for the 30+ crowd. From beginning to end, this was an amazing read and ohhhh can we talk about that ending??? Whew it left me feeling like OMG, did someone just gut punch me?! I enjoyed that it has spice but not overly exhausting spice, it keeps to the fantasy theme yet it gives us adults something to smile about. All of the supporting characters were well written as well. If you’re looking for a great FMC that’s 30+ that has plenty of character growth, some spice with some good male characters and amazing Fae fantasy content…then this is for you! I give this 4.5 stars

[Gemma Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brilliantly fast paced story line with a FMC that’s in her thirties which is definitely a nice change! The story follows the fairly classic plot of a princess who discovers her fae lineage and vows to better life for her people, but is written in a wonderfully emotive and engaging way that will have you up until 3am for just one more chapter… and the twist at the end will leave you shocked! The relationships between the characters and the character development were both relatable and still kept the magic of a fantastic fantasy world alive, and a few spicy scenes definitely kept things interesting! I would definitely recommend to any romantasy fan!

[Ashlyn Tickle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay woah talk about keeping me on my toes!! This book was so fast-paced and active that I simply couldn’t put it down! I loved Rowandine as an older FMC who’s already been married once! It gives her this new side of a traumatic past that you can tell affects her decisions now. I truly loved Thaddeus and was like screaming at Roe for entertaining the king she was supposed to marry but then he made that suggestive comment and I was floored!! Then I didn’t know what to think and at the ending I was probably just in shock. You know I immediately picked up book 2!

I truly loved the characters and world because it felt diverse with all these different species. It also felt original with the way the ancients were involved but also bringing in common fantasy elements like elemental type magic, shifters, and fae.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously 5 stars all the way I read this book in one sitting because I was so intuned in this story! Roe is an amazing FMC and I loved that she was a little older and learning! The story line was perfect and flowed flawlessly for me! She had some romance after the death of her husband with the bard and that seemed like it fit for me … the ending OMG what a plot twist and I cannot wait to read book two! Great great book

[Unleishd_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a captivating read that sweeps you into the magical world of Everguard. Princess Rowandine's journey from a sheltered royal to a powerful Fae queen is both inspiring and thrilling. The story is packed with magic, unexpected twists, and a dash of romance that keeps you hooked. It's refreshing to see a heroine in her 30s taking charge and embracing her destiny. If you're into epic fantasy with strong female leads and a touch of spice, this one's for you.

[Megan Masters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I was provided an ARC for this book. This is my honest review.

This book is a really good start to a series. I'm excited to see where Roe's story goes from here. I really enjoyed watching her come into herself as she learns her history. I'm hoping she'll become even stronger in the next book! Her found family are loyal and I'm hoping their characters will be fleshed out even more in the next book too.

[Dragon_Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the first in a series, introducing you to a narrative about a princess named Rowandine. Unlike typical fantasy heroines, Rowandine is in her 30s, an age that brings a refreshing perspective to the genre. The story is well-paced and engaging, with elements of magic, mystery, and a bit of spice to keep readers intrigued. If you are open to exploring a new author and enjoy stories of magic and self-discovery, this book is worth a try!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wild Ride

I binged "Fae Queen Rising" in a few days, as it kept me captivated. So much suspense and intrigue; so many twists and turns. The storyline is unique and addictive; the characters complex and intriguing. There are familial, friendship, and romantic relationships that are complicated, satisfying, and unexpected. Definitely a wild ride and I can't wait for book two! I love Scarlett M. Honey's writing style and am so happy this is a series.

[Rachel Dailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy shit this book was so good! I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy! Rowandine is a badass FMC! I love that she is over 30! I loved seeing her growth through the book. Roe makes mistakes and learns from them, which I love seeing in a fantasy book. This book is a must read if you haven’t yet! And that twist at the end? *gasp* Book two please!

[Yvette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved that the FMC is a woman in her 30s that is finally discovering her voice and her confidence. Roe was the type of person to do as she was told, so seeing her finally have a voice and make choices for herself was wonderful. Definitely feel like Roe’s character is relatable. I enjoyed all the plot twists and turns and I’m desperately waiting for the second book.

[Désirée · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an early release copy for book 2 and had to read this book 1st! I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the book and could not put it down. The fantasy world this series is built in, the growth of the FMC. All of it was perfect. Romance, love, betrayal and elemental fae magic all flowing together seamlessly in this romantasy series.

[Mikaela Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so excited for this after the high reviews. It has all the elements of a romantasy that I normally love. The main character has a silly name, but she’s a widowed 35 year old princess which is nice to see. The relationships were so rushed. The pacing was fast, but the story and plot were lacking. I’m really disappointed in this.

[Carrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating tale of love, magic, and self-discovery, FQR follows Rowandine, a spirited woman in your 30s, as she navigates her role in the world. If you’re looking for a little spice in your next read then HERE IT IS!

[Bianca Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good story. I absolutely loved the first book that was a novella. If you enjoy romantic fantasy books then you'll love this one! It pulls you in the further you get! I highly recommend adding this to your TBR!

[Brian Block]

This romantasy novel was written by a friend’s sister. It tells the story of Princess Rowadine Aeronwick and her return to the Kingdom of Merula after the death of her husband and the political intrigue in the land of Everguard.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

It had a bit of a slow start but once it picks up its hard to put down and now I'm ready to order book 2 to continue on this story bc I need to know what happens next.


Spoiler alert..I'm really glad I was never a big fan of Thaddeus.

[Ashley Rabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it