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Despite Deceit
A shadow from the past.
A fractured AI on the brink of madness.
A kingdom on the edge of collapse.
With Thono dead and his conquest thwarted, State Sec Agent Elianorra Salazar should finally have peace. But when Dolor’s capital comes under sudden attack, a mysterious woman arrives aboard Thono's old warships—a woman with bi-coloured eyes. After obliterating the invasion force, every newsfeed and citizen hails Yelena as a hero, much to Elia’s horror.
Beneath the saviour's charm lies a ruthless ambition, one that twists the hearts of the people and turns them against their queen. Elia and the royal family are rendered powerless, caught in the political hurricane that unfolds. Between scrambling to save her relationship with Captain Haggerty, rebuilding the one with her mother, and mending Eighty-Three's splintered mind, Elia must unite with former enemies and risk everything to keep her world from falling apart.
Because some shadows never fade—and some creations refuse to die.
A fractured AI on the brink of madness.
A kingdom on the edge of collapse.
With Thono dead and his conquest thwarted, State Sec Agent Elianorra Salazar should finally have peace. But when Dolor’s capital comes under sudden attack, a mysterious woman arrives aboard Thono's old warships—a woman with bi-coloured eyes. After obliterating the invasion force, every newsfeed and citizen hails Yelena as a hero, much to Elia’s horror.
Beneath the saviour's charm lies a ruthless ambition, one that twists the hearts of the people and turns them against their queen. Elia and the royal family are rendered powerless, caught in the political hurricane that unfolds. Between scrambling to save her relationship with Captain Haggerty, rebuilding the one with her mother, and mending Eighty-Three's splintered mind, Elia must unite with former enemies and risk everything to keep her world from falling apart.
Because some shadows never fade—and some creations refuse to die.
- GenresRomance
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 22, 2026
3 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Jasmin Joachims
7 books38 followersJasmin Joachims is a poet, writer and author of Despite Distress, Despite Duty, and The Flying Kite. Previously working as an IT consultant, she now prefers to put words onto the page and dabble in a plethora of genres that include science fiction, romance and post-apocalyptic dystopia. One of her passions is to create gripping LGBTQ+ novels and trying to write the kind of stories she would have loved to be able to read while she was growing up. Her second passion is ice cream. No, sorry, it's dogs. Okay, she can't decide. Let's call them her other two second passions and be done with it.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
A perfect, heartfelt finale to an unforgettable series
What a fantastic end to a brilliant series. I’ve followed this story from beginning to end, and while I’m sad to see it finish, I’m also incredibly happy with how it concluded. I truly loved every book in this series. This final installment was easy to read, beautifully paced, and packed with well-placed plot twists that kept me completely hooked—I honestly couldn’t put it down.
Elia and Allen are an amazing couple. From their first meeting in book one to this beautiful climax of their journey, watching their story unfold has been an absolute pleasure. As their connection deepens and their feelings grow, it becomes clear that they are undeniably meant for each other. Their chemistry is palpable, and their love story reaches such a satisfying and emotional conclusion.
I can’t write this review without mentioning N’guyerra, Hector, and Chen. Without these three, Elia likely wouldn’t have survived her many adventures across the series. Beyond that, their friendship was impeccable—full of loyalty, banter, and unforgettable one-liners. If we all had friends like these, the world would be a much happier place.
Lastly, thank you so much, Jas, for the opportunity to read this series and for sharing this journey with me. Talking through the world and characters you created has been such a joy, and the friendship formed through your incredible writing has meant so much. I’m beyond excited to see what comes next from you in the future.
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥 (one scene)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
What a fantastic end to a brilliant series. I’ve followed this story from beginning to end, and while I’m sad to see it finish, I’m also incredibly happy with how it concluded. I truly loved every book in this series. This final installment was easy to read, beautifully paced, and packed with well-placed plot twists that kept me completely hooked—I honestly couldn’t put it down.
Elia and Allen are an amazing couple. From their first meeting in book one to this beautiful climax of their journey, watching their story unfold has been an absolute pleasure. As their connection deepens and their feelings grow, it becomes clear that they are undeniably meant for each other. Their chemistry is palpable, and their love story reaches such a satisfying and emotional conclusion.
I can’t write this review without mentioning N’guyerra, Hector, and Chen. Without these three, Elia likely wouldn’t have survived her many adventures across the series. Beyond that, their friendship was impeccable—full of loyalty, banter, and unforgettable one-liners. If we all had friends like these, the world would be a much happier place.
Lastly, thank you so much, Jas, for the opportunity to read this series and for sharing this journey with me. Talking through the world and characters you created has been such a joy, and the friendship formed through your incredible writing has meant so much. I’m beyond excited to see what comes next from you in the future.
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥 (one scene)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Despite Deceit is the final installment of The Sword of the Queen series by Jasmin Joachims. It is everything I could have hoped for!
It is action-packed and immersive from the beginning, and the suspense had me on the edge of my seat. The romance is a series-long slow burn that pays off in the most delightful way. There were some twists I didn't see coming, and I love them. They really upped the stakes.
This entire series is fast-paced, creative, and engaging. The characters are diverse, complex, and develop organically over the course of the narrative. The bad guys are nasty, and the good guys are endearing. Elia and her team have such fun dynamics, and their banter is everything. They are fiercely loyal and highly competent. Elia and Haggarty's relationship is so lovely and satisfying. That epilogue!
At this point, I have read all of the books written by Jasmin Joachims, and I would read anything else she writes. This series goes on my favorites list, for sure. It is so good and I cannot recommend it enough.
Also, I adore the series cover art.
#scifi #spaceopera #sapphicromace #royalty #military #HEA #epilogue
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion.
It is action-packed and immersive from the beginning, and the suspense had me on the edge of my seat. The romance is a series-long slow burn that pays off in the most delightful way. There were some twists I didn't see coming, and I love them. They really upped the stakes.
This entire series is fast-paced, creative, and engaging. The characters are diverse, complex, and develop organically over the course of the narrative. The bad guys are nasty, and the good guys are endearing. Elia and her team have such fun dynamics, and their banter is everything. They are fiercely loyal and highly competent. Elia and Haggarty's relationship is so lovely and satisfying. That epilogue!
At this point, I have read all of the books written by Jasmin Joachims, and I would read anything else she writes. This series goes on my favorites list, for sure. It is so good and I cannot recommend it enough.
Also, I adore the series cover art.
#scifi #spaceopera #sapphicromace #royalty #military #HEA #epilogue
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This has been one heck of a series - compelling and enjoyable with edge of the seat tension - but this final book was a real stand out. Entertaining, full of action and incredibly satisfying, written in the accomplished, signature style delivered every time by this talented author. Ms Joachims never lets me down when I want a top shelf read.
I loved the tone and direction of Despite Deceit. It was more character driven than the previous books so I felt I had stronger connections to Elia and Allen, in particular. I appreciated that during several pivotal scenes because I was able to feel their reactions to some major shocks, then follow as acceptance and channelled resolution settled in.
Ms Joachims is an exceptional wordsmith and used those skills to great effect in worldbuilding, the battle scenes and conveying emotion. The strength in her sentences elevated my reading pleasure, whether it was a short one - "I was left staring after her, blasted by regrets, recriminations, and recycled air." - or something subtly crafting a character and the direction they were heading - "...the truth of the matter was that I was hiding, and it annoyed me, especially because sharing the same space with her and not being able to talk was akin to torture.".
Getting to know Elia's family was simultaneously fun and sad and something I'd been waiting for. There were situations that were heartwarming to observe and others that were quite poignant. Nothing was done for drama's sake though and no characters were thrown under buses to drive the narrative. Elia's revenge against her nemesis this time around was ...... definitely something I've never seen done before and another example of this author's off-the-charts creativity.
To tie it all up there was an Epilogue that looked in on the key characters at a future point in their lives - a 'what are they doing now' window. I think that was brilliant.
I hope this book, and series, find homes in many readers' libraries. They are worth every minute of reading time. Highly recommended.
I loved the tone and direction of Despite Deceit. It was more character driven than the previous books so I felt I had stronger connections to Elia and Allen, in particular. I appreciated that during several pivotal scenes because I was able to feel their reactions to some major shocks, then follow as acceptance and channelled resolution settled in.
Ms Joachims is an exceptional wordsmith and used those skills to great effect in worldbuilding, the battle scenes and conveying emotion. The strength in her sentences elevated my reading pleasure, whether it was a short one - "I was left staring after her, blasted by regrets, recriminations, and recycled air." - or something subtly crafting a character and the direction they were heading - "...the truth of the matter was that I was hiding, and it annoyed me, especially because sharing the same space with her and not being able to talk was akin to torture.".
Getting to know Elia's family was simultaneously fun and sad and something I'd been waiting for. There were situations that were heartwarming to observe and others that were quite poignant. Nothing was done for drama's sake though and no characters were thrown under buses to drive the narrative. Elia's revenge against her nemesis this time around was ...... definitely something I've never seen done before and another example of this author's off-the-charts creativity.
To tie it all up there was an Epilogue that looked in on the key characters at a future point in their lives - a 'what are they doing now' window. I think that was brilliant.
I hope this book, and series, find homes in many readers' libraries. They are worth every minute of reading time. Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Life does not always go how we expect it to, Elia. It does not ask our permission. Sometimes it breaks us before it gives us the chance to put ourselves back together. And sometimes it presents us with challenges, just so we can grow.”
“Despite Deceit” was an absolutely fantastic conclusion to the Sword of the Queen series. I am beyond grateful to have been given the opportunity to read it prior to its release on January 22! I am also thankful to have stumbled upon this series, as I have truly enjoyed it and have since read other sci-fi, space opera–style books because of it. I hope to one day buy physical copies and proudly display them on my bookshelf!
As stated above, this story concludes the adventures of Elianorra Salazar, her ragtag crew of misfits, and of course, Allen Haggerty. They all head back to Elia’s home planet, Dolor, but as usual, trouble winds up following them. An unexpected attack, a mysterious woman whose warships help dismantle the invasion, political drama because of this woman, reconnecting with family, finally figuring out her relationship with Haggerty, and a very, very unexpected surprise (no spoilers!)—Elia really has her work cut out for her!
As I’ve shared in my previous reviews, I truly enjoy Jas’ writing style! It sucks you straight into the story, and before you know it, five chapters have gone by. It’s relaxing, the pace is comfortable, and the details are just right. The character development is also phenomenal; you can really tell she put a lot of thought into everything.
If you love action-packed, found family, space opera–style sci-fi mixed with a bit of romance, and are in the mood for something that’s easy to get lost in (and have read books 1 and 2 in the Sword of the Queen series), then “Despite Deceit” is something you’ll likely enjoy! It will be available on January 22, so mark your calendars!
February 1, 2026
Just as good as the past two books, if not more so.
One of my favorite parts of these books has been the slow burn of Elia and Haggarty, and the conclusion of their story did not disappoint. Even though they've had less scenes together compared to Elia and some of the other characters (specifically in the first two books), their chemistry has always been great. So, it was nice to finally see them talk and get to know one another without so many secrets between them in this one. Haggarty has always been a bit of a mystery, so I particularly liked getting more of her backstory.
I also liked getting more information into Elia's world and her family. Her life on Dolor was quite different than that on The Despite, and it was interesting seeing her navigate her old world again, especially with her crew by her side. A crew I've greatly enjoyed during these books.
Before beginning these books, I had my doubts about whether or not I would like them. Thankfully, this turned out to be an enjoyable, interesting, and well written trilogy.
Below are my random thoughts while reading the book. Obvious spoilers.
One of my favorite parts of these books has been the slow burn of Elia and Haggarty, and the conclusion of their story did not disappoint. Even though they've had less scenes together compared to Elia and some of the other characters (specifically in the first two books), their chemistry has always been great. So, it was nice to finally see them talk and get to know one another without so many secrets between them in this one. Haggarty has always been a bit of a mystery, so I particularly liked getting more of her backstory.
I also liked getting more information into Elia's world and her family. Her life on Dolor was quite different than that on The Despite, and it was interesting seeing her navigate her old world again, especially with her crew by her side. A crew I've greatly enjoyed during these books.
Before beginning these books, I had my doubts about whether or not I would like them. Thankfully, this turned out to be an enjoyable, interesting, and well written trilogy.
Below are my random thoughts while reading the book. Obvious spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The conclusion to this epic space sapphic trilogy is both intimate and grand in equal measure.
Where Elia has been cool and composed in the past, here we see a stripped down Elia, forced to confront things from her entire past. There were times in which she feels helpless, but it never gets to the point where she isn't still an important player. I think this adds to the desperation she feels.
I was eager to find out how Elia's relationship with Haggerty would end, and also who the villain of the piece would be since Thono was defeated at the end of the prior book. It did not disappoint, with genuine and sparkling dialogue and scenes between the three leads, as well as plenty of sci-fi family drama. The villain is perhaps more grey and fallible than we've seen in the prior stories which was a really nice twist. And the way the story can switch between intimacy and high-octane space battles feels so smooth and poigniant.
The setting is beautifully realised as well. Now that we're set entirely on Elia's home world, I think that gives this entry a really grounded feel, and allowed me to imagine the palace, the gardens, ICN headquarters, and various districts in great detail.
This feels like a cinematic final entry and the whole trilogy is well worthy of your time!
Where Elia has been cool and composed in the past, here we see a stripped down Elia, forced to confront things from her entire past. There were times in which she feels helpless, but it never gets to the point where she isn't still an important player. I think this adds to the desperation she feels.
I was eager to find out how Elia's relationship with Haggerty would end, and also who the villain of the piece would be since Thono was defeated at the end of the prior book. It did not disappoint, with genuine and sparkling dialogue and scenes between the three leads, as well as plenty of sci-fi family drama. The villain is perhaps more grey and fallible than we've seen in the prior stories which was a really nice twist. And the way the story can switch between intimacy and high-octane space battles feels so smooth and poigniant.
The setting is beautifully realised as well. Now that we're set entirely on Elia's home world, I think that gives this entry a really grounded feel, and allowed me to imagine the palace, the gardens, ICN headquarters, and various districts in great detail.
This feels like a cinematic final entry and the whole trilogy is well worthy of your time!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a great end to this series.
Thanks ot Jasmin Joachims for the ARC.
I really enjoyed being on Dolor and seeing more of Elia's family.
Elia and Haggerty FINALLY get some time to talk truthfully (looking at you Elia). We learn of Thono's true ultimate plan and it's ramifications for everyone.
I'm happy to say the author stuck the landing. My only wish is that we get more from this world.
Big spoiler below, do not read. Giant spoiler but i have to say something lol
Thanks ot Jasmin Joachims for the ARC.
I really enjoyed being on Dolor and seeing more of Elia's family.
Elia and Haggerty FINALLY get some time to talk truthfully (looking at you Elia). We learn of Thono's true ultimate plan and it's ramifications for everyone.
I'm happy to say the author stuck the landing. My only wish is that we get more from this world.
Big spoiler below, do not read. Giant spoiler but i have to say something lol
Review of advance copy received from Author
4 stars. The second book is my favorite in the series but this was definitely my second favorite. This was a great conclusion to the series and I loved the way that everything wrapped up for Elia and Haggerty. I didn’t see that one thing coming but I loved it. The entire series is so worth the read, they’re a lot of fun, full of action, great humor and likable characters. I could definitely see myself reading these books again but they’re such a good time.
*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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fantastic end to the series. I loved Elia's character arc and where it leads at the end of the book. As always, her and Haggerty are swoon worthy and we get to see a lot more from them this time around. I finished this in a day and it did not disappoint!
Read
January 17, 2026I loved this series, and the last book was truly the icing on the cake. It has the right amount of kickass women, a believable and hard-fought romance, action, and quirky characters. The epilogue was the best!
Review of advance copy
Wonderful conclusion to this series! With a couple of unexpected twists, lots of action. Very satisfying. Series is fun enough to read again and again
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews