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The Drowned Queen
Not yet published
Expected 1 May 26After a century of servitude in the Duskhold—a hellscape meant for eternal suffering—a woman seeks death in a mystical sea, but is instead reborn with cosmic powers. She’s thrown into a dazzling Fae court, and must reclaim her memories and her lost love while navigating political dangers and the looming, wicked goddess who wants her for her own. Her quest for a second chance will either redeem her or shatter the fragile balance between worlds entirely.
- GenresFae
448 pages, Paperback
Expected publication May 1, 2026
6 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Elspeth Gregorsdóttir
1 book7 followersElspeth Gregorsdóttir is a fantasy romance author whose work explores devotion, agency, and the consequences of love and fate. The Drowned Queen is her debut novel and the first installment in The Astral Queen series.
She lives in the United States with her husband, daughter, and their four animals.
Pre-order your signed copy of The Drowned Queen by visiting www.elspethgregorsdottir.com
She lives in the United States with her husband, daughter, and their four animals.
Pre-order your signed copy of The Drowned Queen by visiting www.elspethgregorsdottir.com
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 9, 2026
The writing in this fantasy is beautiful, laying out the story in detailed strokes of a pen. The love story inside is tragic.
I enjoyed reading this book, although there are still many important questions left unanswered such as the true source of her magic, why she was picked for it, and why the book is called the Drowned Queen when she is not even a princess. Please note the ending has a mild cliff hanger. I would love to read the next book, although this one has not even been officially published so I guess it will be a little while for some answers.
Thank you for the arc, this is a voluntary review.
I enjoyed reading this book, although there are still many important questions left unanswered such as the true source of her magic, why she was picked for it, and why the book is called the Drowned Queen when she is not even a princess. Please note the ending has a mild cliff hanger. I would love to read the next book, although this one has not even been officially published so I guess it will be a little while for some answers.
Thank you for the arc, this is a voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Drowned Queen captured me from the very beginning with the graphic descriptions and minute details - which are ever present throughout the book.
The journey from start to finish is breathtaking. The way the author weaves the story of the FMC discovering her magic, learning how to wield it and its power, leaves you breathless and wishing for more, more, more of those beautiful astral projections that feel like they’re in the room with you.
The slow burn of the soul breaking lost and then found again love is frustratingly delicious and beautifully sculpted. Just enough spice for the imagination to enjoy the scenes and cheer indulgently for the characters pinnacle moment of reconnection (insert fist pumps in the air for this scene finally occurring!).
The twists and turns of the plot are fantastically woven and catch you off guard at every turn. The plot twist cliffhanger ending had me screaming ”NO!!” and wanting to throw my kindle across the room.
This is an amazing read that I highly recommend and I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
The journey from start to finish is breathtaking. The way the author weaves the story of the FMC discovering her magic, learning how to wield it and its power, leaves you breathless and wishing for more, more, more of those beautiful astral projections that feel like they’re in the room with you.
The slow burn of the soul breaking lost and then found again love is frustratingly delicious and beautifully sculpted. Just enough spice for the imagination to enjoy the scenes and cheer indulgently for the characters pinnacle moment of reconnection (insert fist pumps in the air for this scene finally occurring!).
The twists and turns of the plot are fantastically woven and catch you off guard at every turn. The plot twist cliffhanger ending had me screaming ”NO!!” and wanting to throw my kindle across the room.
This is an amazing read that I highly recommend and I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
[ ARC REVIEW ]
First thoughts:
This was a good book. Unfortunately, I spent a good part of the book thinking/hoping it would eventually get better. It wasn’t that the story or the writing were bad. Not at all. That’s why I kept reading. This author is an amazing story-teller. But the main characters were not my favorite. I hate how the FMC doesn’t expect much from the MMC. I hate that he has all the power and she just lets it go. I very strongly disliked the MMC. I kept waiting for him to get better, but no luck. He had his long lost love back after all this time and he… is happy-ish(?) about it. But he doesn’t show real affection for her as a person. Hell, he hardly cared how she ended up there. But then he kept gaslighting her when she didn’t show up to his special hiding spot when he wanted her to. I was confused why the author would write an MMC this way, but I also hate the bully romance books some girls love.
I can’t say much without spoiling but I think the ending MIGHT have redeemed the series, and definitely redeemed the book. And by ending, I mean the VERY end. I can’t say for sure because we don’t get all the answers before the book ends, but I’m hopeful for the next one. I was actually super excited in the end. I might’ve stopped this series after book 1 if not for that ending. But now I can’t wait for book 2.
Huge thanks to this author for reaching out with the ARC! I’d love the opportunity to read the next one ASAP 💜
*SPOILERS*
*SPOILERS*
*SPOILERS*
*SPOILERS*
If Torian is Tamlin, I’ll love this series. If not, I’ll DNF the next book. Torian sucks and Daeran seems great so I’d much prefer to see a Tamlin/Rhysand type situation here. IYKYK
First thoughts:
This was a good book. Unfortunately, I spent a good part of the book thinking/hoping it would eventually get better. It wasn’t that the story or the writing were bad. Not at all. That’s why I kept reading. This author is an amazing story-teller. But the main characters were not my favorite. I hate how the FMC doesn’t expect much from the MMC. I hate that he has all the power and she just lets it go. I very strongly disliked the MMC. I kept waiting for him to get better, but no luck. He had his long lost love back after all this time and he… is happy-ish(?) about it. But he doesn’t show real affection for her as a person. Hell, he hardly cared how she ended up there. But then he kept gaslighting her when she didn’t show up to his special hiding spot when he wanted her to. I was confused why the author would write an MMC this way, but I also hate the bully romance books some girls love.
I can’t say much without spoiling but I think the ending MIGHT have redeemed the series, and definitely redeemed the book. And by ending, I mean the VERY end. I can’t say for sure because we don’t get all the answers before the book ends, but I’m hopeful for the next one. I was actually super excited in the end. I might’ve stopped this series after book 1 if not for that ending. But now I can’t wait for book 2.
Huge thanks to this author for reaching out with the ARC! I’d love the opportunity to read the next one ASAP 💜
*SPOILERS*
*SPOILERS*
*SPOILERS*
*SPOILERS*
If Torian is Tamlin, I’ll love this series. If not, I’ll DNF the next book. Torian sucks and Daeran seems great so I’d much prefer to see a Tamlin/Rhysand type situation here. IYKYK
Review of advance copy received from Autorin bzw. Autor
⭐ Star Rating: 4/5
An atmospheric story filled with strong emotions, an intense love story, and an ending full of twists that makes you curious for more.
📚 Reading Type & Length
Read as e-book ARC. It will be published on May 1, 2026. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 448 pages.
📝 Short Summary
The story moves between different worlds and follows a protagonist who sets out on a journey to find herself and uncover her past.
A king once separated her from the love of her life, but despite all obstacles they eventually find their way back to each other. Still, their path is far from easy, because their connection brings new problems and their future together seems anything but certain.
Especially toward the end, several unexpected twists increase the tension and definitely leave you wanting to read the next book. For me, it was a beautiful and emotional story filled with feeling and a journey of self-discovery.
🚨 Tropes Alert 🚨
💔 Separated Lovers
🔮 Fated Love
🌍 Journey of Self Discovery
👑 Power and Intrigue
✨ Fantasy Romance
🎯 Perfect for you if …
You love emotional fantasy stories, enjoy second chance romance, and like following characters on a personal journey.
⚠️ Probably not for you if …
You prefer fully standalone stories with everything resolved or have little patience for emotional relationship drama.
An atmospheric story filled with strong emotions, an intense love story, and an ending full of twists that makes you curious for more.
📚 Reading Type & Length
Read as e-book ARC. It will be published on May 1, 2026. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 448 pages.
📝 Short Summary
The story moves between different worlds and follows a protagonist who sets out on a journey to find herself and uncover her past.
A king once separated her from the love of her life, but despite all obstacles they eventually find their way back to each other. Still, their path is far from easy, because their connection brings new problems and their future together seems anything but certain.
Especially toward the end, several unexpected twists increase the tension and definitely leave you wanting to read the next book. For me, it was a beautiful and emotional story filled with feeling and a journey of self-discovery.
🚨 Tropes Alert 🚨
💔 Separated Lovers
🔮 Fated Love
🌍 Journey of Self Discovery
👑 Power and Intrigue
✨ Fantasy Romance
🎯 Perfect for you if …
You love emotional fantasy stories, enjoy second chance romance, and like following characters on a personal journey.
⚠️ Probably not for you if …
You prefer fully standalone stories with everything resolved or have little patience for emotional relationship drama.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book had me from the very beginning!
From the start of this book we find out that the FMC (Lyra/Aevra) has been serving a punishment for one hundred years for something that should have never been a crime to begin with. I found myself feeling completely immersed in this world due to the way the author seems to be able to write with such an elegant and descriptive manner. The love story between the FMC and the MMC is beautiful and tragic all at the same time. I did feel myself feeling a little irritated by the MMC (Prince Torian) because I felt he could have been stronger at times and he could have done more to protect and defend the FMC. And I had a very strong feeling of disgust and just out right anger towards King Oranth. He is truly a despicable character! I also found the side characters's stories to be interesting as well and liked them all for the most part.
The end of this book has a plot twist that I don't think anyone will see coming. It's a jawdropper! The book ends on a little bit of a cliffhanger that has me really excited to read the next book. The bad part is this one is not even published yet! When this book is out in the wild. do yourself a favor and grab it. It will not disappoint!
From the start of this book we find out that the FMC (Lyra/Aevra) has been serving a punishment for one hundred years for something that should have never been a crime to begin with. I found myself feeling completely immersed in this world due to the way the author seems to be able to write with such an elegant and descriptive manner. The love story between the FMC and the MMC is beautiful and tragic all at the same time. I did feel myself feeling a little irritated by the MMC (Prince Torian) because I felt he could have been stronger at times and he could have done more to protect and defend the FMC. And I had a very strong feeling of disgust and just out right anger towards King Oranth. He is truly a despicable character! I also found the side characters's stories to be interesting as well and liked them all for the most part.
The end of this book has a plot twist that I don't think anyone will see coming. It's a jawdropper! The book ends on a little bit of a cliffhanger that has me really excited to read the next book. The bad part is this one is not even published yet! When this book is out in the wild. do yourself a favor and grab it. It will not disappoint!
Review of advance copy
ARC Read - The Drowned Queen - Elspeth Gregorsdóttir
I was completely hooked from the very first page.
The opening is stunningly written. A woman condemned to one hundred years of servitude is such a powerful premise, and the prose is so elegant and immersive that I felt like I was right there beside her. The writing flows beautifully and immediately pulls you into the world.
The romance between the FMC and MMC is intense, tragic, and built on forbidden love. While their story was compelling, I did find myself wishing the FMC expected a little more — the MMC felt slightly weak at times, which made parts of their dynamic a bit frustrating for me.
But that ending… wow. The twist absolutely delivered and left me genuinely excited for what’s coming next.
Now I’m sitting here breathless and impatiently waiting for the next book — and this one hasn’t even been released yet.
This story had everything I love in a fantasy: beautiful writing, high emotion, and a twist that leaves you desperate for more. I couldn’t put it down.
I was completely hooked from the very first page.
The opening is stunningly written. A woman condemned to one hundred years of servitude is such a powerful premise, and the prose is so elegant and immersive that I felt like I was right there beside her. The writing flows beautifully and immediately pulls you into the world.
The romance between the FMC and MMC is intense, tragic, and built on forbidden love. While their story was compelling, I did find myself wishing the FMC expected a little more — the MMC felt slightly weak at times, which made parts of their dynamic a bit frustrating for me.
But that ending… wow. The twist absolutely delivered and left me genuinely excited for what’s coming next.
Now I’m sitting here breathless and impatiently waiting for the next book — and this one hasn’t even been released yet.
This story had everything I love in a fantasy: beautiful writing, high emotion, and a twist that leaves you desperate for more. I couldn’t put it down.
March 9, 2026
3.5 ⭐️.
The last fifty pages of this book HAD me in a hold. The first half of the book, while great with world building felt a little sloppily placed together. On more than one occasion I found myself asking “What just happened?”, not in a mind-blowing way, but in a way that felt something was skipped or skipped over.
The lovers story for the first half of the book felt very rushed, then it got spicy 🌶️, and then I was shocked. 😳
I feel like I will definitely read the second book in this series to see where it goes and see how the author matures in writing style.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to the author and Book Sirens for the ARC.
The last fifty pages of this book HAD me in a hold. The first half of the book, while great with world building felt a little sloppily placed together. On more than one occasion I found myself asking “What just happened?”, not in a mind-blowing way, but in a way that felt something was skipped or skipped over.
The lovers story for the first half of the book felt very rushed, then it got spicy 🌶️, and then I was shocked. 😳
I feel like I will definitely read the second book in this series to see where it goes and see how the author matures in writing style.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to the author and Book Sirens for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
God I need the second book now and as of writing this, THIS book hasn’t technically been released yet. I am so screwed. Here’s to sleepless nights dreaming of what could possibly happen next.
Also, a debut?!?! This is a debut???? It’s written as if by an author who has established the perfect romantasy formula from years of experience.
The Drowned Queen is for the ACOTAR lovers, but don’t get me wrong this is beautifully original, provoking, and entertaining. I am obsessed and I just know that the second will be even better. Elspeth has set up the next book PERFECTLY while avoiding any kind of boring info-dumping. Oh lord wish me luck for the wait
Also, a debut?!?! This is a debut???? It’s written as if by an author who has established the perfect romantasy formula from years of experience.
The Drowned Queen is for the ACOTAR lovers, but don’t get me wrong this is beautifully original, provoking, and entertaining. I am obsessed and I just know that the second will be even better. Elspeth has set up the next book PERFECTLY while avoiding any kind of boring info-dumping. Oh lord wish me luck for the wait
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
I loved the story line and the way the writing style was so descriptive continually throughout. The way you got into the back story right away but still have that understanding about her pain and emotion without needing an entire book to world build was a bonus.
The love story had such a tragic start from the start, and then that twist had the end had me locked in to the finish.
SPOILER**
I am hoping Torian becomes more of a villian, especially with the small glimpse we’ve already been given from Lord Daeran. I cannot wait to see how it continues to play out in the next book!
I loved the story line and the way the writing style was so descriptive continually throughout. The way you got into the back story right away but still have that understanding about her pain and emotion without needing an entire book to world build was a bonus.
The love story had such a tragic start from the start, and then that twist had the end had me locked in to the finish.
SPOILER**
I am hoping Torian becomes more of a villian, especially with the small glimpse we’ve already been given from Lord Daeran. I cannot wait to see how it continues to play out in the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all, thank you to Booksirens for allowing me to ARC read this debut book, also that ending!! I need book 2 now🤯 not the ending I was expecting at all! I genuinely wanted to throw my kindle with that ending!
I was captured from the very beginning with the graphic descriptions throughout the book, it was absolutely amazing from start to finish! The slow burn of the soul breaking lost & found love again was so beautiful🥹 I cannot wait for book 2!💜
I was captured from the very beginning with the graphic descriptions throughout the book, it was absolutely amazing from start to finish! The slow burn of the soul breaking lost & found love again was so beautiful🥹 I cannot wait for book 2!💜
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
a wonderful read! so well thought out and the writing was really nice! i love the perfect blend of lore and fantasy and love. the book completely caught me by surprise. I wanted to live in it. how long do i have to wait to find out what happens next?? *sigh* it was such a treat to sit in a corner and devour this gem!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews