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The Mad King and the False Queen #3
The Lost Land and the New Reign
The epic conclusion to the princess and the pauper retelling, perfect for fans of Throne of Glass and Once Upon a Broken Heart.
Dagmara controls an ancient and forbidden magic, one she must learn to wield before the powers consume her. She and her friends venture to uncharted territory in the Mystic South, working together to solve an ancient mystery that could alter their world. But to save the kingdoms from a new threat—Dagmara risks becoming the monster they all feared, pushing away the people she loves in the process.
Magda has brought peace to Azurem—or so she thought. When all seems right, a terror from the past returns with plans to threaten the realm. She has no choice but to fight for her kingdom or forfeit her magic forever.
With the kingdoms on the brink of collapse, Dagmara and Magda must work together to claim the magic the world has always feared. But they soon discover an astonishing secret—an unbelievable act of betrayal that could end up saving them all.
Dagmara controls an ancient and forbidden magic, one she must learn to wield before the powers consume her. She and her friends venture to uncharted territory in the Mystic South, working together to solve an ancient mystery that could alter their world. But to save the kingdoms from a new threat—Dagmara risks becoming the monster they all feared, pushing away the people she loves in the process.
Magda has brought peace to Azurem—or so she thought. When all seems right, a terror from the past returns with plans to threaten the realm. She has no choice but to fight for her kingdom or forfeit her magic forever.
With the kingdoms on the brink of collapse, Dagmara and Magda must work together to claim the magic the world has always feared. But they soon discover an astonishing secret—an unbelievable act of betrayal that could end up saving them all.
- GenresFantasy
628 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2025
9 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 1, 2026
➸ 4.5 stars
𓈀 𓄹𓂃 thank you so much to the abrom authors for the advanced readers copy!!
i am forever grateful to have been reached out to be an arc reader for book one back in 2024 otherwise i’m not sure i would’ve found this series. this series is one of my favorite fantasy series of all time and one that i’ll always hold a special place in my heart for. i cannot find the words to describe how much i love these books and these characters. the journey has been long, anxiety has been high, tears have been shed, and smiles have been endless!! i’m so happy to have been apart of this journey and i would read anything these lovely authors write!!
this book was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and i’m so happy to be ending the year with a great book. there was so much action and heart pounding moments that made me feel SO much!! i was rooting for these characters so so hard and im so happy with how everything ended!!
➺ dagmara and claude quotes:
“You don’t have to do either of those things.”
“You’re right, I don’t have to. But I want to.”
“Her voice unearthed something in him. He would do whatever she wanted. He would move the sea for her. Repaint the horizon if only she asked.”
“Dagmara would hate Claude. He knew she would. But if hatred meant she was alive, he could bear it. There was no future for him without her.”
“He would keep Dagmara safe. She was more than his betrothed. She was his light. His source of comfort. His safety. She was a power that could bring the world to its knees.”
“She would always be the one he married. It was her, and only her. Now and forever.”
“She was special. Extraordinary. His.”
“All I know is my heart belongs to you, so whatever kingdom I end up in will be where you are.”
“You already have me.”
“You are power draped in beauty, and I am honored to even stand in your proximity.”
“I don’t need you to pose for a drawing. I have you memorized. Everytime I close my eyes, I see you.”
“Say the word, and I’ll take care of it.”
“I love you.”
“And I love you.”
“I have not been the same since the moment you walked onto that balcony, all for the better. I am neither the Mad King nor the King of Ilusauri, I am simply yours.”
“He would play this game with her a thousand times over. Guardians, he would do whatever she wanted until the day he died if given the opportunity.”
“Love could not be condensed into a story. It was in the memories. The moments. Every agonizing glance, the tumultuous butterflies, the whispers that brought him to his knees. Lying awake at night and wondering how to be a better person for the woman that held his heart.”
“But there was a tether between them that had never truly been broken. He felt it, and he knew she did too. Their love transcended memories. Their souls had been woven together since the inception of this world.”
“Dagmara. My Dagmara. You came back to me.”
➺ magdalena and ravi quotes:
“No one will ever be able to scare me away from standing at your side,”
“In a world of magic and monsters and guardians, he was her guiding compass in a storm, her constant.”
“I’ve killed for you and will do it again.”
“I would write a thousand symphonies for you,”
“Remember that even when things seem to be at their worst, it’s on the blackest nights that we have the most stars to guide us, and the constellations will never fail to bring you home to me.”
“You will always be the stunning and intelligent girl I fell in love with first, and a guardian second.“
𓈀 𓄹𓂃
“For the betterment of our kingdoms.”
“And the safety of our people.”
𓈀 𓄹𓂃 thank you so much to the abrom authors for the advanced readers copy!!
i am forever grateful to have been reached out to be an arc reader for book one back in 2024 otherwise i’m not sure i would’ve found this series. this series is one of my favorite fantasy series of all time and one that i’ll always hold a special place in my heart for. i cannot find the words to describe how much i love these books and these characters. the journey has been long, anxiety has been high, tears have been shed, and smiles have been endless!! i’m so happy to have been apart of this journey and i would read anything these lovely authors write!!
this book was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and i’m so happy to be ending the year with a great book. there was so much action and heart pounding moments that made me feel SO much!! i was rooting for these characters so so hard and im so happy with how everything ended!!
➺ dagmara and claude quotes:
“You don’t have to do either of those things.”
“You’re right, I don’t have to. But I want to.”
“Her voice unearthed something in him. He would do whatever she wanted. He would move the sea for her. Repaint the horizon if only she asked.”
“Dagmara would hate Claude. He knew she would. But if hatred meant she was alive, he could bear it. There was no future for him without her.”
“He would keep Dagmara safe. She was more than his betrothed. She was his light. His source of comfort. His safety. She was a power that could bring the world to its knees.”
“She would always be the one he married. It was her, and only her. Now and forever.”
“She was special. Extraordinary. His.”
“All I know is my heart belongs to you, so whatever kingdom I end up in will be where you are.”
“You already have me.”
“You are power draped in beauty, and I am honored to even stand in your proximity.”
“I don’t need you to pose for a drawing. I have you memorized. Everytime I close my eyes, I see you.”
“Say the word, and I’ll take care of it.”
“I love you.”
“And I love you.”
“I have not been the same since the moment you walked onto that balcony, all for the better. I am neither the Mad King nor the King of Ilusauri, I am simply yours.”
“He would play this game with her a thousand times over. Guardians, he would do whatever she wanted until the day he died if given the opportunity.”
“Love could not be condensed into a story. It was in the memories. The moments. Every agonizing glance, the tumultuous butterflies, the whispers that brought him to his knees. Lying awake at night and wondering how to be a better person for the woman that held his heart.”
“But there was a tether between them that had never truly been broken. He felt it, and he knew she did too. Their love transcended memories. Their souls had been woven together since the inception of this world.”
“Dagmara. My Dagmara. You came back to me.”
➺ magdalena and ravi quotes:
“No one will ever be able to scare me away from standing at your side,”
“In a world of magic and monsters and guardians, he was her guiding compass in a storm, her constant.”
“I’ve killed for you and will do it again.”
“I would write a thousand symphonies for you,”
“Remember that even when things seem to be at their worst, it’s on the blackest nights that we have the most stars to guide us, and the constellations will never fail to bring you home to me.”
“You will always be the stunning and intelligent girl I fell in love with first, and a guardian second.“
𓈀 𓄹𓂃
December 30, 2025
The story was amazing. they tied up all the loose ends. and i definitely cried at one part.
I think I would have enjoyed it a bit more if they had condensed some of the things just a little bit. but overall loved this series and will definitely read it again!
I think I would have enjoyed it a bit more if they had condensed some of the things just a little bit. but overall loved this series and will definitely read it again!
January 11, 2026
Absolutely fantastic
This was an incredible end to this series.
I loved the continuation of the characters and their development. The ending!!! Oh my goodness. Perfection.
Highly recommend this series!!!
This was an incredible end to this series.
I loved the continuation of the characters and their development. The ending!!! Oh my goodness. Perfection.
Highly recommend this series!!!
January 17, 2026
The conclusion to The Mad Kings series went out with a bang! 💥 ⚔️ 🔮
The First Prince may be dead, but there is still trouble and turmoil (and a traitor!) in the lands and plenty of work to be done to restore long awaited peace to the kingdoms.
The story picks up right off where it last ended, straight into action and adventure for our Guardians. We’re still figuring out who this shapeshifter is and what’s their motive, protect innocent people from flying dragons and mind control, get remarried, and win a magical trial! 😮💨
While the first half of this story did feel slightly dragged out (this book is a little over 600 pages and a lot of the first half could’ve been condensed), as soon as that first trial hit I WAS LOCKED IN! This is also YA, so keep that in mind when reading.
Fave parts of the book that were 🤌🏼
✨The return of Sabien and his unhealthy/unhinged obsession with “Dagger”
✨ Never knowing who to trust because they could be mind controlled or a shapeshifter 👀
✨ The Void
✨ Sobbing at the death of a beloved character (then crying too early for another lol)
✨ The uncovering of family secrets 🔐
✨ People who just won’t stay dead ☠️
✨ A cool relic with epic powers
✨ The most badass battle scene ⚔️
✨ High-stake trials where everything is on the line!
We get our HEA, but the Guardians really have to earn it!
Thank you so much to the Abrom sisters for this ARC. I’m genuinely thrilled to have read such a great ending to a fantastic fantasy series 🫶🏼
The First Prince may be dead, but there is still trouble and turmoil (and a traitor!) in the lands and plenty of work to be done to restore long awaited peace to the kingdoms.
The story picks up right off where it last ended, straight into action and adventure for our Guardians. We’re still figuring out who this shapeshifter is and what’s their motive, protect innocent people from flying dragons and mind control, get remarried, and win a magical trial! 😮💨
While the first half of this story did feel slightly dragged out (this book is a little over 600 pages and a lot of the first half could’ve been condensed), as soon as that first trial hit I WAS LOCKED IN! This is also YA, so keep that in mind when reading.
Fave parts of the book that were 🤌🏼
✨The return of Sabien and his unhealthy/unhinged obsession with “Dagger”
✨ Never knowing who to trust because they could be mind controlled or a shapeshifter 👀
✨ The Void
✨ Sobbing at the death of a beloved character (then crying too early for another lol)
✨ The uncovering of family secrets 🔐
✨ People who just won’t stay dead ☠️
✨ A cool relic with epic powers
✨ The most badass battle scene ⚔️
✨ High-stake trials where everything is on the line!
We get our HEA, but the Guardians really have to earn it!
Thank you so much to the Abrom sisters for this ARC. I’m genuinely thrilled to have read such a great ending to a fantastic fantasy series 🫶🏼
December 23, 2025
4.5 ⭐
There was a lot of twists and revelations unpacked in this conclusion of The Mad King and The False Queen trilogy.
Most of the twists were quite unexpected and unpredictable, that makes those quite incredible twists. The world building was alive in this installment as it was finally revealed how each magic was unique from one another and how the magic operates too.
The slow burn between Claude and Dagmara had been edged from the very first book, and I was hoping to get a detailed steamy scene(s) of theirs as it was for Ravi and Magdelana in the first two books but unfortunately I feel these two didn't get the time they deserved in this installment (which i was hoping). There were a few areas that felt a bit rushed to me, especially with certain plot moments in the book— I think there was so much action and revelations packed in this one that didn't give time to actually feel the extent of what was happening, the story could have ended just as powerfully without quite so much intensity packed in around 400 pages (I felt the book could have had around 600 pages but that would've wrapped up the trilogy in a satisfying conclusion instead of rushing it).
At the end, The Lost Land and The New Reign can be described as "high stakes, action packed, delightful romance with tight pacing!".
P.s. Thanks Amanda and Hope Abrom for an early review copy.
There was a lot of twists and revelations unpacked in this conclusion of The Mad King and The False Queen trilogy.
Most of the twists were quite unexpected and unpredictable, that makes those quite incredible twists. The world building was alive in this installment as it was finally revealed how each magic was unique from one another and how the magic operates too.
The slow burn between Claude and Dagmara had been edged from the very first book, and I was hoping to get a detailed steamy scene(s) of theirs as it was for Ravi and Magdelana in the first two books but unfortunately I feel these two didn't get the time they deserved in this installment (which i was hoping). There were a few areas that felt a bit rushed to me, especially with certain plot moments in the book— I think there was so much action and revelations packed in this one that didn't give time to actually feel the extent of what was happening, the story could have ended just as powerfully without quite so much intensity packed in around 400 pages (I felt the book could have had around 600 pages but that would've wrapped up the trilogy in a satisfying conclusion instead of rushing it).
At the end, The Lost Land and The New Reign can be described as "high stakes, action packed, delightful romance with tight pacing!".
P.s. Thanks Amanda and Hope Abrom for an early review copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This trilogy ended up being one of my favorite underrated YA fantasy series I’ve read in a long time! From the start, it pulls you into a world full of magic, secrets, and power struggles, and it only gets better as the story goes on.
The world and stakes grow with each book, turning what starts small into something much more intense! I liked how the magic stayed interesting and easy to follow. The characters are what really made this series shine for me — especially Claude and Dagmara, whose relationship was my favorite! The side characters are strong and memorable, and I loved Odie as Magda’s dog companion. I also really appreciated the inclusion of the main character having a chronic illness, which added depth without defining her entire story!
By the final book, I was fully invested! The plot twists were fun and surprising, and I even teared up at a few moments. The ending feels big and magical, with great action, swoon-worthy romance, and a conclusion that actually feels earned!
Thank you to the Abrom Authors for this wonderful ARC!
The world and stakes grow with each book, turning what starts small into something much more intense! I liked how the magic stayed interesting and easy to follow. The characters are what really made this series shine for me — especially Claude and Dagmara, whose relationship was my favorite! The side characters are strong and memorable, and I loved Odie as Magda’s dog companion. I also really appreciated the inclusion of the main character having a chronic illness, which added depth without defining her entire story!
By the final book, I was fully invested! The plot twists were fun and surprising, and I even teared up at a few moments. The ending feels big and magical, with great action, swoon-worthy romance, and a conclusion that actually feels earned!
Thank you to the Abrom Authors for this wonderful ARC!
December 27, 2025
Thank you so much to the Abrom authors for this ARC of the conclusion to this epic and underrated ya fantasy trilogy!
This is one of, if not, the best fantasy trilogy I have read all year and definitely the most underrated. The magic system itself may not seem unique but whilst reading, I was completely transported and captivated by the magic, Claude's and the void magic especially, however it was also interesting how the Life magic was used in ths book too.
The characters I was so invested and connected to after reaching the conclusion and I definitely felt fearful for certain characters at points as I so desperately wanted the ending to tie together happily! Also loved the diverse representation in this book, it really added to the intensity of the plotline and deepened Claude and Dagmara's relationship, which, for me, was my favourite couple in the series!
Overall, would reccommend this book to basically anyone but the first book gave me The princess switch vibes but more of a moody, magical fantasy with marriage of convenience! 💜💙
This is one of, if not, the best fantasy trilogy I have read all year and definitely the most underrated. The magic system itself may not seem unique but whilst reading, I was completely transported and captivated by the magic, Claude's and the void magic especially, however it was also interesting how the Life magic was used in ths book too.
The characters I was so invested and connected to after reaching the conclusion and I definitely felt fearful for certain characters at points as I so desperately wanted the ending to tie together happily! Also loved the diverse representation in this book, it really added to the intensity of the plotline and deepened Claude and Dagmara's relationship, which, for me, was my favourite couple in the series!
Overall, would reccommend this book to basically anyone but the first book gave me The princess switch vibes but more of a moody, magical fantasy with marriage of convenience! 💜💙
December 24, 2025
amazing conclusion to the series
And that was an absolutely stunning conclusion to this series. Oh my good God I loved this final book. There was action, tension, love, stress. Some parts were so anxiety inducing I couldn’t put my kindle down as I had to get to the next part. The revelations in this book just had my jaw dropping so hard I could feel my jaw hinges click. Brilliant series and I’m so glad I downloaded the first book on a SYK day.
Favourite quotes include:
“It’s where I first fell in love with you. I remember holding you at the inn, looking up at the stars, and knowing with full certainty you would always be mine.”
When you assume I can’t do things, I start to think it’s true. I’ll never be who I’m supposed to be, who I know I can be, because you’re too scared to let me try.”
We’ll rewrite our love story all over again, like the first night when you rescued me and we fell asleep under the stars.”
And that was an absolutely stunning conclusion to this series. Oh my good God I loved this final book. There was action, tension, love, stress. Some parts were so anxiety inducing I couldn’t put my kindle down as I had to get to the next part. The revelations in this book just had my jaw dropping so hard I could feel my jaw hinges click. Brilliant series and I’m so glad I downloaded the first book on a SYK day.
Favourite quotes include:
“It’s where I first fell in love with you. I remember holding you at the inn, looking up at the stars, and knowing with full certainty you would always be mine.”
When you assume I can’t do things, I start to think it’s true. I’ll never be who I’m supposed to be, who I know I can be, because you’re too scared to let me try.”
We’ll rewrite our love story all over again, like the first night when you rescued me and we fell asleep under the stars.”
January 1, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This trilogy ended up being one of my favorite underrated YA fantasy series I've read in a long time! From the start, it pulls you into a world full of magic, secrets, and power struggles, and it only gets better as the story goes on.
By the final book, I was fully invested! The plot twists were fun and surprising, and I even teared up at a few moments. The ending feels big and magical, with great action, swoon-worthy romance, and a conclusion that actually feels earned!
The story was amazing. they tied up all the loose ends. and i definitely cried at one part
Most of the twists were quite unexpected and unpredictable, that makes those quite incredible twists. The world building was alive in this installment as it was finally revealed how each magic was unique from one another and how the magic operates too
This trilogy ended up being one of my favorite underrated YA fantasy series I've read in a long time! From the start, it pulls you into a world full of magic, secrets, and power struggles, and it only gets better as the story goes on.
By the final book, I was fully invested! The plot twists were fun and surprising, and I even teared up at a few moments. The ending feels big and magical, with great action, swoon-worthy romance, and a conclusion that actually feels earned!
The story was amazing. they tied up all the loose ends. and i definitely cried at one part
Most of the twists were quite unexpected and unpredictable, that makes those quite incredible twists. The world building was alive in this installment as it was finally revealed how each magic was unique from one another and how the magic operates too
December 8, 2025
I was lucky enough to read this ARC; I am pretty darn tough on ARCs and I can say with confidence and enthusiasm that this was the best one I read this year.
As the final book in a trilogy, it wraps up all our big questions and closes all the subplots, character arcs, and major plot lines. The world and scope expanded in this one and the sets/atmosphere was so magical and grand, I wanted to live in it forever.
The ultimate battle was exciting and high stakes - all bets were off and anyone can die in the final book. I don’t usually cry in books, but I did have a lot of jaw-drops and “no way!” moments.
The magic is on-point and the romance is swoon worthy. I really loved this and highly recommend.
As the final book in a trilogy, it wraps up all our big questions and closes all the subplots, character arcs, and major plot lines. The world and scope expanded in this one and the sets/atmosphere was so magical and grand, I wanted to live in it forever.
The ultimate battle was exciting and high stakes - all bets were off and anyone can die in the final book. I don’t usually cry in books, but I did have a lot of jaw-drops and “no way!” moments.
The magic is on-point and the romance is swoon worthy. I really loved this and highly recommend.
January 9, 2026
The long awaited finale of this series and it is a chunky one. Granted, there are a lot of plot lines left to wrap up especially since some of the characters don't have the decency to actually stay dead.
There are a lot more perspectives in this book with a few surprises along the way (including one towards the end that is because of an illusionary memory being cast). It does take some getting used to if you have been out of this series for a while and remembering how all the characters are related can take a moment too.
There's plenty of action to keep the mind occupied and some romance for those more inclined that way. Overall, I found this to be a satisfactory conclusion to this series.
There are a lot more perspectives in this book with a few surprises along the way (including one towards the end that is because of an illusionary memory being cast). It does take some getting used to if you have been out of this series for a while and remembering how all the characters are related can take a moment too.
There's plenty of action to keep the mind occupied and some romance for those more inclined that way. Overall, I found this to be a satisfactory conclusion to this series.
January 29, 2026
Loved this book. Magda is with Ravi and she will work with Dagmara to restore all the kingdoms. Dagmara with have to remarry Claude as herself and he will prove to be very protective of her. She has become the Void Guardian and will have to restore Mystic South where she will discover that she very powerful. Magda finally returns to Azurem she will be challenged by Sabien to become the LIfe Guardian and ruler of Asurem, loser loses their magic. While all this is going on Viette, Dagmara's mother is stirring the pot and they have to find a way to contain her. This book is full of politics, danger, suspense, strong emotions and has a great ending. I enjoyed reading this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 31, 2026
This third and final book was an amazing finale of fast moving action, vast ranging emotions, secrets revealed, strong friendships and romances tested to their limits.
Thoroughly enjoyed seeing how all the surprising revelations helped wrap up and clear up things the young guardians couldn’t make sense of earlier in the book and before this last instalment.
There is violence and, unfortunately, death but it was as needful to give credibility and authenticity to the story.
Highly recommended - please read!
Received this as an Advanced Reader Copy for free via BookSirens and this is my own opinions given voluntarily.
Thoroughly enjoyed seeing how all the surprising revelations helped wrap up and clear up things the young guardians couldn’t make sense of earlier in the book and before this last instalment.
There is violence and, unfortunately, death but it was as needful to give credibility and authenticity to the story.
Highly recommended - please read!
Received this as an Advanced Reader Copy for free via BookSirens and this is my own opinions given voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
I absolutely loved this series conclusion. This book put me through the wringer. There were so many parts where I felt like I was punched in the gut. The story had me riveted from start to finish and I couldn't put it down. There were so many twists that I didn't see coming.
I loved the romance, the characters, the world, and the plot. I'm glad to not need to wait for the next book, but I'm sad to leave this world.
I was fortunate enough to be gifted an early copy and this is my honest review.
I loved the romance, the characters, the world, and the plot. I'm glad to not need to wait for the next book, but I'm sad to leave this world.
I was fortunate enough to be gifted an early copy and this is my honest review.
January 19, 2026
Wow! This book did not disappoint. It has definitely become one of my favourite series of all time and I would definitely reread it! The plot, characters, pacing - literally everything was perfect. This book will keep you on edge and make you unable to put it down. I loved Dagmara and Claude the most and I loved how well this book continued from the previous books in this series. I would recommend this book to romantasy lovers - you will not be disappointed.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 20, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The twists and turns and the world itself had my head spinning. The storyline, characters, romance, plot all of it was very well put together. I can say I am glad I got the chance to arc read this and cannot wait to read the next, if the author plans on any additions.
The twists and turns and the world itself had my head spinning. The storyline, characters, romance, plot all of it was very well put together. I can say I am glad I got the chance to arc read this and cannot wait to read the next, if the author plans on any additions.
January 18, 2026
I was an arc reader for this book as I was the first two. this trilogy has been amazing and I was constantly thinking about the next one when I would finish one. the magic system is really easy to understand, the charectors are all very well written, I couldn't give enough praise for it. 10/10 trilogy and I'm sad it's over. I will miss Dagmara and Claude so much as they were my favorite ❤️
December 21, 2025
I love this series and this conclusion was worth the wait. Lots of drama, intrigue, surprises and twists that kept me reading and glued to the end. Loved the characters and guessing what might happen next. I laughed and held my breath at times but loved it all.
December 30, 2025
Yes! The trials really got my blood pumping. So many twists that I low key did not see coming. The things Claude says and does for Dagmara!!! All I want is to know more about the other love stories. And I wish Pierre was still alive.
January 17, 2026
Great ending to the series. The loose ends are all wrapped up nicely and there is plenty of action and twists to keep you interested as they are.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews