Blood Queen: Dark & Spicy Fae Romantasy With Deadly Trials

The Trials of Death and Honor

by Karolina Wilde

Vengeance is within my grasp. If I can survive the trials.

After six brutal months of training, I’ve earned my place in the lethal Order of Ezkai, the first human in history to do so. The Ezkai General himself had plans for me, and I was ready to climb the ranks until I had the power to end King Franci’s life.

Then the General is assassinated.

Chaos consumes the Order.

A new leader must rise, and the only way to claim the title is to survive the deadly trials.

One victor. Everyone else dies.

An unlikely ally offers me a path to the throne, and I know what I have to do.

Win the trials.

Take the power.

Use it to destroy my enemies.

But nothing in Ekios is ever simple.

The man I love has entered the trials, too.

And in the end, only one of us will walk away.

Blood Queen is a dark, seductive romantasy sequel to Vicious Princess, perfect for fans of Fourth Wing, Throne of Glass, and From Blood and Ash, where deadly trials, ruthless ambition, and forbidden passion collide.

Genres: Fantasy

580 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 31, 2026

About the author

Karolina Wilde is an author of House of Pain, the first book in a seductive dark fantasy romance trilogy, and a sex-positive freelance writer who worked with some of the biggest brands in the world. She has a serious obsession with chocolate (dark or milk, never white, and always with salted caramel), and when she's not writing another book or another client article, she can be found playing World of Warcraft or trying to conquer her never-ending TBR pile. Find her on social media @karolinawilde or on her website at www.karolinawilde.com.

Reviews

[Haleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 🌟

This series has a CHOKEHOLD on me. Once I got the bookfunnel notification that my ARC was ready I IMMEDIATELY downloaded it and started reading. Loved the development and depth in this book. It's a great continuation from book 1, and kept my attention the whole way through.

After book 1, I couldn't wait to find out what direction Karolina was going to take us in, and I'm not in the slightest disappointed. There's so much plot progression and character development. ALSO I'm a COMPLETE SUCKER for trials, so I'm glad we got some of those in this one.

The secondary characters really shine in this one. The support network Pheonix develops is fantastic and much needed. And I'll say it without saying for those who are reading this before reading the book 😏🤭😉🥰, but if you have read it you understand, right? LOVE that for us.

So often I read book 2 in a series, and it ends pretty similarly to book 1. More of a filler. HOWEVER this one has a FULL plot! Beginning, middle, AND an end. We get a completely flushed out story and an FMC in a different spot than where she started. A breathe of fresh air if you ask me. No waiting for book 3 for the big finale. We got one in book 2 also (with more to come in book 3, one can only assume)

The only thing that was annoying to me was the first 60% relationship wise. It's a TON of back-and-forth and repetition when it comes to conversations/arguments they have. Fight -> fuck. Biggest pet peeve of mine. I somewhat get the reasoning, buuuuut there's a few too many of the same arguments and the FMCs thoughts on the matter get quite repetitive. It's like they're stuck in a loop. Could've cut some of it out.

Also small note: there's a few POV changes, but at the beginning of the chapter it's not noted whose POV it is. Definitely not my favorite because it messed with the flow.

***Thank you Karolina Wilde for this ARC. My review is voluntary and all thoughts and opinions are my own***

[Nikolett Ungor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclosure: I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for an honest review. As someone who loves supporting indie authors, I always aim to share thoughtful, fair feedback. While I have personal reading preferences like a love for fantasy, horses, or specific tropes, I never let that impact my rating unless it is relevant to the book’s intent or audience. I review with the genre and readership in mind.

Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bloodiness/darkness: 🩸🩸
Spice: 🌶️. 5

I am so happy I got to read this treat. First of all, if you haven't read the first book, Viscious Princess yet, then please head over there and check out reviews for that book before reading my review. If you have read book 1 you will not run into any spoilers, but if you are still new to the story, you definitely will be spoiled and I wouldn't want to do that to any booklover.

Karolina Wilde's style is absolutely fascinating. The writing style, the world building, the details, the form and shape of the book all supports the amazing immersion into this dark fantasy world full with corruption and danger. You will not only get to see a glossary, help with characters and places, a beautiful map, but also some amazing art. This book has several sections that are separated by riddles and graphics. You might not understand them all at first reading, I giggle about it now but it took me 18 chapters to understand that the Phoenix drawing was a pointed that I am reading Phoenix's point of view... (duh, you may call me blonde now)

The characters have layers, many of them and they might not only be black and white, there are many gray areas they explore. The world itself is also exactly like the characters, often bloody and scary, but I found it so amazing to read about a complex society, a deep rooted social problem, a god and belief system. I was kept on my toes the whole way and I could finish this quite thick story swiftly, I couldn't put it down.

Now I have to brag a little, because a few chapters in I changed my mind about a character just purely based on a gut feeling and I was so dang right. It felt incredibly good around the end when finally I got all the justification and I could see just how correct I was. I think this change will be very exciting for many readers as it is not very common, at least I have never read such a twist before, and I only know one book that has one.

Who would enjoy this book? If you love dark fantasy, fighting for justice, a deep rooted social problem that has to be burned out by a hero(ish) person then I would absolutely say this book is for you. You will find it spiced with a deadly trial, betrayal, spice, dragons and an unexpected found family.

I hope you give a chance to this book, I loved every moment and I would love to see this book go far! ❤️

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ - Karolina Wilde is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors when I need to dissociate from the world. The way this book had me in a chokehold….I literally finished it in less than 24 hours.

Blood Queen picks up where Vicious Princess leaves off after our FMC Phoenix passes her training to join an elite fae military force. After reading the first book and the Blood Queen synopsis, I was fully prepared for a story I’ve read 100 times before. I was pleasantly surprised with where the plot went and was excited to explore more of the politics, social hierarchy, and social problems in our setting.

We have a small cast of new side characters that added an interesting side quest, a surprising found family, and a new goofy, flirty MMC Jax to the mix. If you like Carrion from Quicksilver, you’ll probably be a fan of Jax. I could not get enough of him and can’t wait to see more of him in future books.

There was also plenty of character growth for the main characters. The trials focused on mental strength and forced Phoenix to confront hard questions about her mission for vengeance and what she wants for herself outside of revenge. Watching her wrestle with those answers and admit her truth made for really satisfying character growth.

The romance takes a backseat in this story due to Daegel’s character arc taking a wild, unexpected turn. I won’t say too much because everyone deserves to unravel that story on their own, but I didn’t mind the lack of romance.

So this book was a lot of fun, however, there are a few issues I kept going back to that took me out of the story.

The lengths Phoenix was willing to go for revenge were strange and unbelievable – like why compete to essentially become the leader of the Fae land as a human transplant who has only been living there for a very short period of time? This story arc is also at odds with what we know about the world from the previous book. The Fae don’t really trust humans (which was made crystal clear in the first book), so we’re supposed to believe that they’d let one become ruler? This concern is brought up in conversation early in the book, but I don’t feel like the problem is actually addressed or resolved. I get it’s fantasy and sometimes you just have to shrug and keep reading, but this part of the plot would have been more believable if there were more scenes of Phoenix convincing others to stand behind her despite her humanness.

Anyways, I love this series and I’m definitely going to read the next one when it comes out. Definitely recommend it if you want a story with a hero who fights for justice, an unexpected and unlikely found family, or shocking betrayals.

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

Thank you to Karolina Wilde for the ARC!

Burner Kindle Book Blog

[Emma Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️ Blurb -
Vengeance is within my grasp—if I can survive the trials.
After six brutal months of training, I’ve earned my place in the lethal Order of Ezkai—the first human in history to do so. The Ezkai General himself had plans for me, and I was ready to climb the ranks until I had the power to end King Franci’s life.
Then the General is assassinated.
Chaos consumes the Order. A new leader must rise, and the only way to claim the title is to survive the deadly trials. One victor. Everyone else dies.
An unlikely ally offers me a path to the throne, and I know what I have to do. Win the trials. Take the power. Use it to destroy my enemies.
But nothing in Ekios is ever simple.
The man I love has entered the trials too—and in the end, only one of us will walk away.
Blood Queen is a dark, seductive romantasy sequel to Vicious Princess, perfect for fans of Fourth Wing, Throne of Glass, and From Blood and Ash, where deadly trials, ruthless ambition, and forbidden passion collide.
💜 Review -
I loved the first book in the series, Vicious Princess and Blood Queen certainly didn't disappoint. From the very first page I was hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. The author's writing is so good that sometimes I forgot I was reading and felt like I was in the book with the characters. The story had everything that I could want in a fantasy novel and more. Overall, a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers.
💝 Thank you to the author, Karolina Wilde for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Tiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC.

After reading Vicious Princess, I was absolutely looking forward to the next book in this series. I loved Phoenix and Daegel's relationship from the first book, and I was ready to continue the journey in book 2. With that said, I feel immensely betrayed as a reader with the trajectory of their relationship and the complete behavior changes seen in Daegel. While it could be argued as unveiling his true nature and development of his character, I feel that we were led to believe one thing in the first book and then introduced to what could be a potential love triangle and new love interest. I think it goes against the heart of book one, and unfortunately, I am not interested in reading book 3. I understand that there is the author's creative license, and that she can do as she chooses with characters and plot twists. However, if their relationship transformation was my only concern, then I would have likely rated this book higher.

Starting off, there are multiple POVs but no chapter headers to suggest such, and I felt the intros into each chapter, especially in the beginning half of the book were confusing to figure out who was speaking their POV. It was disruptive to the flow to have to stop and think: wait...is this Phoenix or someone else? There are plot holes present, and information or opportunities overlooked. Phoenix comes off excessively juvenile throughout most of the book, where's she's raging, whining, or throwing a fit, and it just doesn't fit in with her very focused, determined, must become Ezkai persona captured in book one. Most of Phoenix and Daegel's interactions throughout the first 75% of the book feel forced into the plot in order to have the presence of spicy scenes even though they really aren't supposed to be seeing each other. It doesn't feel natural where those scenes are placed in the plot.

The premise in general doesn't seem reasonable either. Phoenix chooses to jump into the trials to become the next Ezkai General in order to further her vengeance against her family. Despite not taken into any consideration the leadership role and responsibility in ruling a whole country, she not only enters, but also gets a patron(s), who advocates and supports her contestation. It doesn't make sense because she's NOT a good candidate from an objective standpoint. Phoenix also doesn't know anything about the trials and does minimal effort to try to learn anything about them. The trials are also to the death, which also doesn't make sense because this does not benefit the country at all. You have your BEST Ezkai candidates enter a contest where (yes, they could drop out) they are to battle to the death. So, not only do you eliminate your top soldiers and warriors, you create this culture of hostility between contestants and factions.

I will say that one thing I didn't see coming was the death of the General in the first place. I somewhat think that this should have been left out of the synopsis because I overlooked that part when starting the book, and that actually caught me by surprise. Given, I liked his character and think that he shouldn't have been killed off (but then we wouldn't have a plot).

The trials themselves were confusing, and I couldn't figure out what mental battle Phoenix was undergoing, and how she essentially passed. I would have liked to know more about who the other candidates were; how many of them made it through each point; and what happened to them? There are other bits of lore brought in that could have used more explanation. Dragons: tell me more! How do they bond, and why is the first trial an acceptable trial in the first place? Why do we have the introduction of gods who are interactive with Phoenix all of a sudden? What's the story behind them?

Ultimately, I was prepared to just DNF this at 89% (even though I wanted to earlier...I have a strong completionist mentality) but felt that I needed to finish this out in case something changed my mind in the end. I skimmed through the last 5% because I just couldn't handle anymore of where things were going.

[Cinnamon&Pine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark, uncompromising sequel where ambition, loyalty, and justice refuse to align neatly.

Two months into Phoenix’s life as an Eskai, the political landscape shifts violently. An assassination destabilizes the balance of power, organized crime steps out of the shadows, and the trials to determine the next Eskai general are opened—at a cost that feels deliberately brutal.

Phoenix enters these trials as a fresh Eskai, sacrificing a deeply personal relationship in favor of vengeance and a self-defined sense of justice. She frames it as honor and duty, yet her choices are messy, emotional, and often contradictory. She resents not being trusted, struggles with promises she can’t quite keep, and acts without knowing all the facts—making her frustrating, but also painfully human.

The trials themselves are unsettling. A nation willingly sacrifices its elite soldiers to identify “the best,” while dragons—rare and revered—are treated as expendable proof of worth. The world-building leans into discomfort and consequence rather than easy answers.

For much of the book, I expected a familiar arc—redemption, forgiveness, reconciliation. Instead, the author makes a colder, bolder choice. Power has a price, ambition leaves scars, and love is not a free pass. The story commits fully to this stance, even when it hurts.

There are promising hints of something new on the horizon—Jax in particular caught my attention—and I am very much holding on to that thread. Also: where is the dragon?

A challenging sequel that refuses to soften its moral edges and is stronger for it.

4.5 stars rounded up ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

⸻

It is for you if you like:
• Morally gray FMCs and MMCs
• Political intrigue and ruthless ambition
• High-stakes trials with lasting consequences
• Dragons and dark fantasy world-building
• A flirty, mysterious MMC waiting in the wings

Not for you if you do not like:
• Toxic relationships
• Emotionally difficult choices
• Stories that deny easy redemption

[Fedythereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so so much to the amazing author for sharing a very early BETA version of this book with me !!!

“I will always want you, Princess. No matter what”

“I have to choose between Daegal and revenge”

As I write this, I’m still trying to process what has happened. After Vicious Princess, we were all more than a little bit interested in Phoenix and whatever the heck the Order had in store for her. We wanted to know how her revenge would have played out and how her complicated relationship with Daegal would have gone through. Well, we have here all (well most of) the explanations we needed. We have more political intrigue. More povs. More spice. More intense fighting scenes and more action. We have finally the trials ro become general and if you know anything about Phoenix you might have an idea about where this is all going. She was magnificent and Daegal … well, he is the same man who is obsessed with her and would do anything to keep her his. ANYTHING! The author developed this book to be plot twist after plot twist. She made it so frustrating and so jaw dropping, that you would like to throw the book at the other side of the room. But then she gives you that little sparkle of hope that is just enough to make you change your mind and hold still until you have read another chapter. And that’s her power. And when new characters are introduced, you stick around for them too because … they have a potential to change the story to a whole different universe. The last couple of chapters will be anxiety inducing and will bring you at the edge of your seat. And after that last cliffhanger … you simply will want more … desperately so!!

“I’m about to find out if I am capable of becoming the next Ezkai General”

“For the first time in years, the tiniest cracks of hope sparks deep within the darkness that looms inside me”

“Today, I stand strong”

[Girlzgottaread · Rating 4 out of 5]

went on quite the journey with Blood Queen, book two in the trilogy… and wow, this one had plans I did not see coming.
I had the chance to ARC read book one, Vicious Princess, last year, so jumping back into this world felt familiar and exciting. I thought I knew the direction things were heading. I was wrong. Very wrong 😅
Enemies to lovers to enemies… again. New characters who immediately make an impact. Twists that hit out of nowhere. I had a genuinely great time reading this.
Phoenix continues to be such a compelling FMC. She’s strong, capable, and constantly being tested, not just physically but emotionally. Her role as a phantom ranger is still one of the coolest elements of this series. Truly Katniss Everdeen energy with a dark, magical twist 🏹 She goes through it in this book… questioning who to trust, who’s lying, who’s manipulating the truth, all while chasing revenge tied to a very real blood debt.
What I loved most is how the revenge arc forces Phoenix to confront some hard questions. Who actually deserves blame? What does justice really look like? And what does revenge cost her in the process? Watching her wrestle with those answers, make painful discoveries, and come out changed on the other side was pretty cool. I’m a little bit in love with her, not gonna lie.
And Daegal… listen. One of the wildest character arcs I’ve read in a while. I’m not saying anything else because you deserve to experience that unraveling for yourself 👀🔥
If you like:
• strong, resilient FMCs
• unique magic systems
• enemies ➝ lovers ➝ enemies chaos
• cocky characters you can’t help but adore
• trials, danger, and high stakes
• dragons
…this one should absolutely be on your radar.
Thank you Karolina Wilde for the gifted eARC and the chance to spend another chapter in this world. So much love and gratitude 🫶🏽

[Vicki Freezer · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars - but god forbid Goodread lets you star correctly.

Book 1 was just the start, the calm before the storm, the peace before the impending chaos.

Book 1 was an introduction to a new world, a new way of life, it was the building blocks, the foundation of life, and person.

Book 2 was the wrecking ball, as well as the healing potion.

My gripe with the first book was that we were told how Phoenix wanted revenge, and it was sort of pushed to the wayside; there is no such problem in this book. She remembers fully what her task is, and we are there for the ride.

This isn’t a tale of revenge, though, its a tale of self-healing, of realisation. It’s about a young woman who has been wronged and broken, realising that strength does not come in just one form, and asking for help, makes her just as strong. It’s a journey of healing and learning to be at one with yourself. The found family aspect of this chef’s kiss and i loved, that after everything that Phoenix has been through, she’s been able to find a home, somewhere she feels loved and appreciated.

If the story had just been this and her fight to become the next General, this read would have been a 5 star read without a doubt. But it wasn’t.

Now i can’t say much, because I don’t want to give anything away, but book 1 gave us a beautiful love story, and book 2 became an assassination, which negatively affected the love i ended up having for this story. There are also several different pov’s, without any hint that the pov is changing, and some of it reads in the same tone so it can make it hard to figure out who is who. It can be a little jarring.

[Faye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so first off—this book broke my heart, goddamn it. It starts with one of my favourite characters getting badly injured and then disappearing off the page. It made me so sad to carry on without them, because we have no idea what actually happened and remain in limbo, wondering if they made it or not.

Now the only reason I am not giving this book 5 stars is because it felt like the first 20% of the book was rushed, and things happened and were put in motion just to get a person from point A to point B.

Also, concerning Daegel in book 1, I was all for him; I was like, "She can fix him—the jealousy will hopefully pass." But oh my lord was I wrong; that man is fucked up in the worst way possible. Happy she managed to win the last trial (even though it cost her a lot).

There is, however, a new chemistry forming between her and Jax, but I am going to be real with you. Her suddenly feeling different about him, she starts to feel attracted to him and jealous of him being with other women—in my opinion, this needed more buildup. Like I don't feel the chemistry between them at all.

While I am sorry the commander died, I am interested to see how things will unfold in book 3. I want to know how she'll get Jax out of jail. If a specific someone is really dead or still alive. What the commander and the king's henchman really wanted to discuss with her, and if the 1v1 would even be honored and she'd get to avenge her family.

These are all things that linger for me, for which I hope to receive answers for when reading book 3.

Thanks a ton for the ARC; I really enjoyed my time in this universe once more.

[Krista Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooo I don’t often HATE characters but boy do I hate that man and once you finish this book you’ll know who I’m talking about, I just wanted to scream at our FMC so many times!

This book picks up right where the last one left off, with our FMC passing her academy training and ready to be the badass she was meant to be. When an offer from the general to become his mentee comes right before his untimely death, she must choose between love and her plan to seek vengeance for her families death. She enters a trail against all odds with the support of some unusual allies in order to become the new general. But with twists around every turn, she’s not sure even she knows what she’s getting herself into.

This book had me by a chokehold, I could not put it down and spent two nights up much too late reading it. There is just as much excitement and training as the first book, if not even more, with a new cast of characters I came to love and I was so devastated by the ending because of it! There was plenty of tension between her and the man she swears she will give up to become a leader and of course lots of banter between them because of it. I really enjoyed all the subplots going on, especially with her working with Vera to save more of the children and training with her new mentor. Our FMC went on quite the journey this book and after that cliffhanger ending I cannot wait to see what happens next! Overall my rating 4.8/5!

Thanks to the author for the gifted ARC, all opinions given are my own!

[Niomi King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ezkai lieutenant Phoenix Wildarrow.

"The true intention of your heart, its purest desire, is to make a home, and live every day making an impact."

🥺 This book takes you beyond skin deep.
Our FMC faces loss after loss that leaves her questioning everything, and in the face of heartbreak and grief she is blinded to the truthes staring at her head on.
Blood Queen is filled with twist and turns that will leave you cursing out loud and struggling to put it down. I mean this in absolutely no negative light, but I wish I had found this series as a completed works, because damn, it is soooo bingeable. I already have June marked down for Lost prince, book 3. I can not wait to see the direction Phoenix takes us.

I don't often share quotes because I love for readers to experience books for the first time just as I have, but there was one that stood out especially that tugged at my heartstrings and I really wanted to share it.

Kazh, “I watched you transform from a wild, feral, lost child into a well-rounded, balanced, and confident person with a purpose in such a short amount of time. You must know, it’s a special character trait in itself. Not many are capable of such change. I don’t say it often, and I won’t say it again, so listen carefully. I’m proud to have witnessed this transformation. And I’m proud to be your mentor.”

10/10 would recommend you pre-order immediately

*** Thank you to Karolina wild for the ARC, I'm so grateful to be a part of your early readers team.
The above review is my honest opinion and has not been influenced in any way.

[bookswithcorey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly don’t even know where to start because this book absolutely wrecked me (in the best way). “Vicious Princess” was already a 5⭐ read for me and a top 5 book of all 2025, and somehow “Blood Queen” still managed to exceed every expectation I had.

Phoenix’s growth in this book is INSANE. Like… the character development?? The resilience?? The choices?? She grows so much, and watching her evolve through everything she’s put through was beyond satisfying. AND THEN a new MMC enters the chat 👀 and let me just say… I was not prepared.

Vera is officially my new favorite side character. Full stop. I would read an entire book just about her and be thrilled.

The trials?? NEXT. LEVEL. I genuinely did not expect how they played out, and the way this book was broken into segments actually helped so much. It let my brain process everything in phases while still keeping the tension high and the pacing brutal (in a good way). I lost so much sleep reading this because I physically could not put it down.

This book consumed my every thought while reading it, and I cannot overstate how phenomenal it is as a sequel. The stakes are higher, the emotions hit harder, and the payoff is absolutely worth it. Did I mention there are DRAGONS?

That ending though????
WHAT. THE. F*CK.
I need the next book immediately. Stat. Yesterday. Please. 😭

Thank you so much to Karolina Wilde for the ARC 🖤 “Blood Queen” releases at the end of the month, and trust me when I say you NEED this on your TBR.

[Kinsey B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Karolina Wilde for the eARC of this book. These are my honest opinions.

3.5-3.75 for me. I struggled a little bit to stay engaged with this story. I loved it, but it didn't have me so engrossed that I couldn't put it down. The characters didn't hit quite as well for me in this book compared to the first. Some of the swearing and spicy scenes just felt a bit excessive for me. The deadly trials while interesting, just didn't quite make me feel enough. I also wanted more with the dragons. They didn't really seem to have much of a role in this book, but I am hopeful that we'll see more of them in the next book. That being said I did love quite a few things about this story.

Book two was much more of a mental battle versus the physical battling from book 1. I loved watching the lovers become enemies in this book. The twist and turns of who was who kept me on my toes. The lying and backstabbing was very interesting. I loved watching Phoenix become stronger mentally in this story. The ending was well done and left me ready for more.

Tropes:
Enemies to lovers to Enemies
Deadly Trials
Love v. revenge
Betrayals!!
Hidden purpose

Quote:
"You know, as a fighter, a soldier, and a warrior, you do complain a lot."

[Aria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Queen is an absolutely addictive dark & spicy fae romantasy and a phenomenal follow-up in the Trials of Death and Honor world. Returning to this brutal, decadent setting of deadly trials, political scheming, and razor‑sharp power plays felt like stepping back into a nightmare you secretly missed, and this book somehow manages to raise the stakes even higher than Vicious Princess.
The heroine is everything: elegant, ambitious, and dangerously clever, with that soft, lethal charm that hides just how far she’s willing to go to survive and win. The romance is intense and delightfully toxic in all the right dark‑romantasy ways—full of tension, sharp banter, obsession, and a constant push‑pull between desire and betrayal. The trials themselves are brutal, imaginative, and emotionally charged, forcing impossible choices that kept the pages flying.For me, this was a five‑star read: rich worldbuilding, morally grey characters, deliciously dark vibes, and a romance that sinks its claws in and refuses to let go. Blood Queen firmly cements Karolina Wilde as a must‑read author for fans of vicious courts, deadly games, and unhinged fae lovers. I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[MrsBookaholic · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 stars for Book 2!

I was exited to read Book 2 - Blood Queen. It had a really interesting premise and a dark, moody vibe that pulled me in at first. The world and the idea behind the blood magic were solid, and I liked that the characters weren’t squeaky clean or purely good.

That said, the pacing felt a bit uneven. Some parts dragged, while other moments that felt important moved too fast. I also struggled at times with the constant POV changes — I really wish the chapter headings clearly stated whose POV you were in, because it was easy to get confused and had me flipping back a few times to reorient myself. If the POV's were listed, i think i would have scored higher.

The main character was intriguing, but some of her decisions felt repetitive, and the romance didn’t quite land for me. It had potential, but the emotional payoff just wasn’t fully there.

Overall, this was an ok read with some strong ideas, but it didn’t quite hit as hard as I hoped. I’d still recommend it to fans of dark fantasy who don’t mind slower sections and multiple POVs — just be prepared to work a bit to keep track of who’s narrating.

Thankyou to Karolina & BookFunnel for this Arc :)

[Tracy Myburgh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantasy Romance
Multiple POV
Spicy
Political Intrigue
Found Family
Betrayal
Deadly Trials

In this second book of the series you need to be prepared to be betrayed beyond your wildest imagination.

Character development is a huge part of this book. Action-packed trials determine who will be the new Ezkai General as lovers are set to oppose each other in the run for the position.
Fall in love all over again as Jax flirts his way into your heart, even if he is not the most savoury of characters.

Blood Queen is the second book of the series and gives "wax on, wax off" energy from the movie 'The Karate Kid'; only Khaz, her mentor, has the foulest mouth I have ever come across - she will have you in stitches.

I enjoyed the book although some parts felt slow. I did not enjoy it as much as the first book, but this is definitely a must-read, and I will be continuing the journey with Phoenix and her newfound family.
I recommend this series if you enjoyed Fourth Wing.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
A huge thank you to Karolina Wilde and her team for this e- ARC .

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good sequel to the 1st book, Vicious Princess.
The revenge, the found family, the action, the heartaches, twists and suspense- this had it all!

Blood Queen starts right where we left off in book 1 so I wasn't left confused which I was grateful for. I also adored the multiple POV's, it was a little confusing at first due to there being no way to tell who's POV it is but the little headers are like clues & I figured it out fast.

My favourite part of this story had to be Phoenix. My Gods does she go through a glow-up 🙌 She came such a long way, and is a total bada**. I absolutely adore her but I also feel for her too, she goes through so much.

The found family in this- the new side characters- they were all written so well into the story. I think Vera and Jax are my new faves. And the magic system, it is so intriguing!
Oh and the trials! The. Suspense!! I couldn't put this down!

Overall, I adored every second of book 2 but that ending?! Like... WHAT?! 😭
I need book 3 like now, please and thank you because I am devastateddddd

Thank you sm to @karolinawilde for the ARC

[ChronicallyYou · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first chapter to the moment the Val’taz Ezkairin begins, I was obsessed. The trials are brutal, inventive, and completely enthralling, but what truly blew me away was how the plot just kept getting better. Every twist felt intentional. Every betrayal made me want to scream and cry...but in the best way. I'm a sucker for emotional damage.

Phoenix’s journey is everything I wanted in a sequel: vengeance-fueled, emotionally charged, and marked by a hard-earned confidence. Watching her navigate impossible choices: power versus love, survival versus mercy was addictive. This book raises the stakes of Vicious Princess in every single way.

And the found family? The cursed trio - Jax, Vera, and Phoenix - own my entire heart. Their bond adds warmth, humor, and emotional grounding. Also, Kazh aka Oka Oya absolutely killed me with her insults and cane slaps.

This book delivers. I cannot wait for Lost Prince!

Thank you Karolina Wilde for the ARC :)

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to be accepted for a ARC of this book after reading the first book as a ARC.
This was an enjoyable read and a really strong sequel to Vicious Princess. Phoenix is a great FMC and her growth in this book only makes me excited to see what she will be like in the next one. The introduction of the new characters was real welcome. They had great personalities and were woven into the story incredibly well. Karolina is not afraid to break our hearts and I was sad at the loss of some characters.
This story follows Phoenix as she takes part in trials to become the next Ezkai General. These trials are brutal and her training takes her on a whole new journey. This was a really strong story as I wasn’t sure where the story would take us after the first book but it was much better than I could have predicted.
I’m so excited for the next book!

[Catherine Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was phenomenal, I couldn’t put it down until the very last word.
The suspense, mystery and action was perfectly balance with the emotional relationship journey.
I loved the fact that the enemy is hidden so well, you never know who will turn up being a spy.
The deadly trials are so beyond detailed, they had me in the edge of my chair in anticipation - utterly perfect.
The new characters in this book really takes it into a different direction than book one. I adored the inner turmoil that Phoenix struggles with, the losses she has and the way she moves past them while holding onto her passion for revenge.
Her Feistiness and broodiness makes, along with the love versus revenge aspect made for a fascinating read.
Overall an amazing read, can’t wait for the next book in this series.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wooow. Just. Wow. While this book is a slower start than Vicious Princess, it is absolutely incredible. The sheer number of twists and turns creates a roller coaster of emotions. Phoenix is still stubborn and determined to avenge her family. Vera is a strong, no nonsense kinda girl who really helps keep Phoenix grounded. Jax is such a lovable goof, despite his obvious shortcomings and provides some good comic relief. Daegel... He's who, now? He did what now? And that cliffhanger ending is a cruel, cruel punishment. Buckle up and hold on to your bonnets folks, it's a wild ride.
*Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this e-arc!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t even express how much this series has me hooked. What I thought and felt in book one has done a 180. It was filled with so many twists and turns I was in shock at times. The writing is spectacular and the characters are perfectly written with such depth and emotion. The amount of strength Phoenix has in her is incredible and she literally is willing to do anything to bring her family’s murder to justice. The one thing she struggles with is patience and playing a role she never knew she would be in. Will she be able to take what life throws at her and still be standing strong? I devoured this book in one day and now I am dying for more. Book three can’t get here soon enough.

[Karolyn Durocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoiler free review!

I would actually give this a 4.8 stars if I could because DAMN this book was really something!

I did read book 1 as an ARC previously as well and I did actually enjoy book 2 WAY more than book 1. I liked the darker aspects of the book & the way it kept me guessing on what was going to happen next. There are several times throughout the book where my jaw actually dropped!

This was a very intense, emotional, edge of your seat, heart pounding in your chest read, and I loved every second of it. Not sure how I’ll make it all the way to June for book 3 but hey, that’s a concern for another time😂🥲

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the series felt more like Hunger Games with manipulation, heavy politics, and sponsorship except with spice, fae, magic and more brutality. Spice is on page starting in the first chapter but becomes less as the story gets more intense. I mention this because I know there are other readers like me who don't want to miss the story yet also don't care for on page scenes. I really enjoyed the story.

Fans of dark romantasy will love this series!

Thank you for the early copy! This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Ishani Chowdhury · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have literally 0 hate comments for this book. It is so well written.

Books that actually captivate you, make you live in the world itself. I loved every part of the book.

Literally I was the happiest when Daegel was taken care off (not giving out much) and I love our lover boy😉