In an alternate universe where America never declared independence, one young woman finds herself unwittingly becoming the de facto Commander-in-Chief for most of the free world in the aftermath of an apocalypse…
Despite being dismissed as a spoiled little rich girl all her life, twenty-four-year-old Lady Chelsea Georgiana Spence has been working hard to find her place in the world. To her, being one-hundred-and-fifteenth in the line of succession to the British throne is an abstract concept and doesn’t define who she is, as it’ll take an extinction-level event before she’s ever called to duty.
Then a group of strange monsters with a taste—literally—for designer items wipes out all the royals in line before Chelsea. Since America never declared independence, suddenly Chelsea doesn’t just become the new Queen of Great Britain, but also the Commander-in-Chief for America and the rest of the Commonwealth.
Now a power-hungry general wants to use her as his puppet, the civilians want to sacrifice her to their new monster overlords, and her hot new bodyguard thinks she’s a complete joke. Worse, Chelsea is developing abilities that are as dangerous as they are supernatural…
“Louisa Lo offers fans a delightful blend of urban fantasy and humor with her book Vengeance Be Mine…A Royal Apocalypse is both intriguing and entertaining.” —Judge, 25th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards
“A clever, funny romp that fans of urban fantasy will surely enjoy!” ~ Dima Zales, New York Times Bestselling Author
“Louisa Lo has an exciting new voice to bring to urban fantasy and a fun and breezy writing style that kept the pages quickly turning well into the night! I need more!” ~ Michelle Rowen, National Bestselling Author
“Urban Fantasy fans get ready for an exciting new obsession. Any book that starts out with a cheating husband having to experience labor pains is going to be a wild ride. Revenge demons are my new favorite kind of supernatural!” ~ Tina Gower, Multiple Award Winning Author
Louisa Lo lives in Toronto, Canada with her husband, an aristocratic cat, and more cardboard boxes than she cares to unpack. She decided to write about vigilantes, because it seems like a better life choice than trying to become one and landing herself in jail. She just has that kind of luck.
Please note: 1. The Vengeance Demons series was originally called the Cosmic Balance series. 2. Goodreads uses a different book numbering system than the online retailers. E.g. Vengeance Unclaimed is called Book 2 on Amazon, but Book 1.5 on Goodreads. It's still the same book :)
Recommended Reading Sequence
THE VENGEANCE DEMONS SERIES Vengeance 101 (exclusive to newsletter subscribers) Vengeance Be Mine Vengeance Work Kit (exclusive to newsletter subscribers) Before Vengeance Vengeance Unclaimed A Good Vengeance Vengeance For Hire Hell Hath No Vengeance Vengeance Delayed (Coming Soon) Note: Check out the Vengeance Demons Boxset—it’s an excellent deal!
THE LADY SLAYALOT SERIES A Royal Apocalypse The Slayer Queen (Coming Soon)
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I positively adore Louisa Lo’s Vengeance Demon series. I was pulled in from the very start, desperate to grab the next tale whenever I can. In fact, I’m having difficulty containing my excitement as I wait for the next book to be released.
When I heard Louisa Lo had a new book coming out I had the usual mix of emotions when it comes to authors I enjoy. I was super excited, intrigued as to what the next tale would bring. I was also a bit disappointed because it was not the next Vengeance Demon tale. I know, however, that when a story needs to be told, it will be told. Mostly, however, was the excitement. After all, A Royal Apocalypse sounded truly amazing.
To boot, it was truly amazing.
Alternate histories are wonderful. There are so many paths that can be taken in these kinds of novels. With the Lady Slayalot books, we have one big change in history with many of the other elements remaining the same. We come to terms with a very difficult world, but our everyday references are consistent with what we know and love. The two are merged wonderfully, allowing you to become fully invested in the world.
Not only do we have a wonderful alternative history, we also have a great paranormal element. It is something completely new, something wholly refreshing. Our paranormal element has a feel of something we all know well – zombies – without conforming to the tropes of the creature. It is a wonderful twist, allowing for so many possibilities. It allows for everything I’ve come to expect from Louisa Lo – the mystery, the humour, and the intrigue.
As with the Vengeance Demon series, I fear I’m a goner when it comes to Lady Slayalot. There were so many element introduced in this one. We start with a leading lady I wasn’t crazy about, a main character that developed so much throughout the book and left me thoroughly in love with her. We have side characters I cannot wait to find out more about. We have events that are super interesting, twists thrown in that will leave you begging for explanations. Mysteries and histories I cannot wait to unravel. Honestly, this book has so much.
My biggest disappointed is that I cannot jump into the next book. A Royal Apocalypse is a quick read, and by the end, I was so invested in the world I found myself disappointed that I could not jump straight into book two. As soon as book two is ready, I’m diving in it.
All in all, Louisa Lo has created another series that I’m going to be following with eager anticipation.
Entertaining fun and very original. I absolutely loved the concept! It was so different and had a touch of humor to it. The story flowed flawlessly leaving me hungry for more. The characters definitely grew on me as the story progressed and I can't wait to discover more about them. A definite must read! I voluntarily reviewed an arc from the author.
I don't know how I feel about this book. I can't say I was a big fan. I thought it started out weird with Lady Chelsea Georgian Spence, Lady Spendalot, being attacked in her pink Bentley by zombies who only want designer brands to eat. She comes across the mall only to find it destroyed and empty. She stumbles upon a little girl holding a designer shoe and waiting for her mom. This unlikely duo come across more people trying to find shelter and safety from the designer only zombies. At this point I thought it was a satirical comedy kind of poking fun at other zombie books. It wasn't pulling me in and I about declared it DNF. I stuck it out and it did begin to to get a bit better. The group of people who took shelter in an abandoned grocery store are suddenly rescued by the army and taken to a safe shelter. The commander of the facility has other ideas. He wants to use Lady Spence as a pawn to further his own career. What he doesn't count on is that Lady Spence is now the new commander in chief and in charge. But he has other thoughts about her position. No longer just the darling of the tabloids, Lady Spence starts to become stronger and sees through the general. It's now time for her to take control. The end of the book is what started to change my mind about the story. It no longer seemed to be a joke. I started to think this could turn into something better. I'll be curious to see what happens next. I'm glad I took the chance on a new to me author.
This is not my normal genre of books, but I have to say this one captured my interest from the start. Lady Spence (Spendalot) is way down the list to be on the throne, and is known more for her spending and liking good things, than anything else. She is a tabloid name. She first meets a pretty when she is driving her car and stops because she believes she hit something. The pretty likes her watch and insists on having it...so she gives it to them, and they promptly eat it. She gets in her car and hightails it to the mall where she is supposed to meet a friend. Needless to say, she is in for a huge surprise when she gets there, and finds the mall has had an explosion. She finds a little girl, and keeps her with her, and watches out for her. There are many twists and turns in this book. But the growth of Lady Spence in this book is amazing, and I am really rooting for her and Captain Day and Ruiz. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I've never really been a fan of zombie books, but I am really glad I gave this one a try.
What a great read!! This book pulled me in from the start, at first I was a little confused with the alternate history, but there were a lot of similarities as well. This is not your typical zombie apocalypse, it's so much better!! The characters draw you in and the storyline is on point!! I'm rooting for "Lady Spendalot" and also captain Day and Ruiz! I can't wait to get my hands on book 2! This is a must read!!
I must admit that this is not my normal genre and I only started reading this because of the begging of a friend. Imagine my surprise when I actually enjoyed the heck out of this book. It was a great escape and I want to read the next book when it comes out!
I enjoyed the originality of this one - it was a unique twist on an Apocalypse. This isn't my normal genre, but I am happy to say I took a chance with this book. I was entertained and found it hard to put down, even when I was like "really, that happened?!?!" The growth of Chelsea's character from beginning to end was perfectly executed, making me want to read more in the future ~ I need to know what happens.
Inderesting and unique parallel world. Nicely done on mixing different periods, realities, and your typical brat meet life and responsibility. Well done and good editing.
Very original concept resembling humorous zombie apocalypse with bizarre obsessions and spoiled heroine. Chelsea, or Lady Spendalot, is a tabloid darling with bad reputation as a rich, spoiled child of English nobility. Her celebrity image, not very pleasant and not utterly unreasoned, prevents her from having true friends. Except for Judith - but she now seems to be turned into Obsessed, a zombie-like monster creature with obsessive desire for all material things shiny and branded. In this apocalyptic events, she is forced to fight for her life together with other people. However, the much desired anonymity does not last long, and the biggest shock is only coming - with all the people in the royal line before her dead, she is now the Queen. But her life is giong to be anything but comfortable. After first two or three chapters, I was not sure I will like the book. I was not very excited with the heroine, in general do not much like zombie stories, and ever the plot introduction seemed flat. Nevertheless, I am glad that I read on and was forced to adjust my opinion. I am still not sure how to name the feelings I have for Chelsea, since not all of them are positive. But I learned to respect her and approve of her strategies, since she is an intelligent young woman, although I do not approve of certain character treats. On the other side, I very much liked Day since the first scene in which he appeared, although he too did have some darker moments. The plot went on fast, sometimes with very surprising twists, and I can guarantee you will not expect all the outcomes. Even the depth of the thoughts and themes behind is far from superficial as it seems in the beginning. Survival, betrayal, alliances and strategic unions, all that in a complex dystopian world with detailed political scene and some typical machinations that can be found in the game of power. I must admit I really liked the book and look forward to the next book in the series.
Taken from the book blurb: In an alternate universe where America never declared independence, an apocalyptic event finds Lady Chelsea Georgiana Spence, a young woman so far down in the line of succession she should never have become queen, not only becoming Queen of Great Britain but also de facto Commander-in-Chief for most of the free world.
Now Chelsea, who the tabloids call Lady Spendalot and is thought of pretty much as a useless example of the idle rich, finds herself called on to give her people hope and try to find a way to protect them from strange monsters with a literal taste for designer items.
Reading the book blurb this sounded like a book I really wanted to read. After downloading it I eagerly started reading but within a short period of time I was thinking " I don't know how I can read this." But I had to try as I had requested a review copy which the author had graciously provided me with. So I continued on. I can't really pinpoint what my issue was but by the time I started the 2nd chapter something grabbed my interest and before I knew it I was 10 chapters in, then 17 chapters and so on until I came to the end of the book.
After those first few pages I became so caught up in the story I thoroughly enjoyed it to the end. Chelsea turned out to have many redeeming qualities and I came to like her very much. She rose to the challenge and discovered qualities she didn't even know she had. In fact I liked the story so much I bought a copy of it so in future I can read it on whatever device I want.
This is the start of a series but I don't consider it a cliffhanger as I think a person could be satisfied with the ending. I am looking forward to the sequel as this was only the beginning of Chelsea's story and I really want to know the rest of it.
I received an ARC of this novella for an honest review.
Firstly, I love alternative history tales. They're full of what-ifs and possibilities. So, right away, I'm endeared to this one.
I wish this book had been full length because when it ended, I thought - dang it!
So, we start in a modern setting with a fairly flighty heroine who has more to her character than most realize. Chelsea fights off an Obsessed before she really knows the fit has hit the shan.
Upon re-entry to the city, Chelsea heads straight for the mall where she encounters a little girl in the rubble who has lost her mother in an attack of some sort. Things get stranger from there as through various life and death run-ins, Chelsea discovers her unerring, deadly aim when fighting off the Obsessed.
Eventually, after being rescued by what's left of the military, Chelsea finds her role in the world to have changed. She's given a hasty coronation and pronounced Queen of Brittania and Commander and Chief of the Commonwealth.
But all is not roses. Just how safe is she at this new base? The General in charge, and an old friend of her father's, is not all he seems. Being Queen means serving her people well, not letting them suffer. After an incident with a refugee camp and about five hundred Obsessed goes sour, Chelsea comes face to face with her turned father. I'm interested to see where the series goes from here and how it'll all work itself out.
Chelsea grew some moxy and developed a stronger sense of self. Hopefully, she can keep on keeping on in the next installment. (And get back together with the handsome Marcus Day.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Tabloid darling Lady Chelsea Georgiana Spence lives the extravagant life of the idle rich, coasting through university without a care. She’s only, like, one-hundred-and-fifteenth in the line of succession to the British throne, thank God. It’ll take an extinction level event before she’s ever called to duty. When the Obsessed takeover Chelsea has to become the Queen. It sounds like the beginning to a cheesy movie but Ms. Lo did a fantastic job of creating a story that will have you engrossed.
Our main character Chelsea made me grit my teeth many times. I hated her and then loved her. It was a pleasure to watch her grow and become more confident throughout the story. She really did have a heart of gold. The other characters will run you through many emotions also. I loved some and hated some. When we met Day I admit I swooned. I also loved Ruiz, he was a tough old guy.
I love Ms. Lo's writing as she always writes a plot that throws you for a loop. You may know what is coming but you don't. Her stories keep you engrossed until the end. Characters that are interesting, a story line that is unique and a world that is falling apart will keep you reading to the end. I can't wait to see what the future holds for our characters.
I voluntarily read a copy of this book for Kylie's Fiction Addiction.
What I love about Louisa's books is they are completely original. I haven't read anything even remotely like this one. I'm a big fan of alternate histories, and this one appealed to me because I've always wondered what the States would be like if they hadn't become independent. It made quite the statement about our obsession with obtaining brand name items that are completely useless to our survival. A fitting end to the superficial. Louisa writes with this twisted sense of humour that I appreciate. I've learned not to drink coffee while reading her books. Snorting coffee isn't pleasant, and.....well it's coffee. Dont waste the nectar of the Gods. I have become completely hooked on the characters. At the beginning of the book I wasn't sure I would like the main character because....well let's face it, she was a rich over indulged brat. Or so I thought. The people she gathers along the way grow on you. Excellent character development. This book was a very quick read - probably because I didn't want to put it down. The ending had me flipping the pages back and forth - wait! What? Now I have to wait for the next book! Here's hoping Louisa has already started the next one.......
I know it sounds a bit on the silly side. But although it does sound silly. It was actually quite a fun read. The world that Louisa created was pretty unique. I love the different spin on these “zombies” that she did. Now, It did take me a bit to get through. It is in third person and lately I’ve been having a hard time with third person. I just feel I can’t connect with the characters and then my brain is trying to switch it in first person. I know I’m weird. It could be, because of the number of books I do read through out the year.
Chelsea is this uber rich girl, that everyone has deemed as Lady Spendalot. Since these Zombies aka The Obsessed are all about pretty things. She does try to hide that, but she can only do that for so long. The character development was well done and there were enough nervous moments to keep you reading.
There are things that she learns throughout this story. So it will be interesting to see where the next book leads. If you’re looking for something fun and paranormal, this would be it!
The meek don't inherit the earth - the wise glam shopper does!
A more fun apocalypse - surely, not for its victims. The scourge that takes over th earth turns some people into the Obssessed, folks who must literally consume brand name or shiny goods. They'll do anything to get to the shiny pretties - even tear, maim and kill.
Our heroine Lady Spence is a kick butt gal who has a bad press rep, but enough smarts to know when to dump the shiny bits. She also has a strong enough sense of duty to stand up for the civilians and refugees- until the General who was her father's long time friend betrays her.
The costs of consumerism might be the Ultimate price: Life. If she's lucky, Lady Spence might be able to hold onto Love, Loyalty and Duty to the people. She might even begin to train to become Lady Slaysalot.
For now, she's stuck as a figurehead until the next book offers her the chance to realize a different choice.
I volunteered to review this book after reading an advance copy. I also pre-ordered the book. Biggest regret- having to wait for the as yet unpublished Book 2 to find out what happens next!
As a newer reader to this author I had no idea what to expected, but I was pleasantly surprised by the book. Set in a alternative universe in which it seems the Britain still rules most of the world, the apocalypse arrives in the form of jewellery and designer goods eating semi-zombies. The chain of command is gone, and left to rally the crowds is royalty, enter our 'heroine', known around the world as a designer following party girl, she is suddenly catapulted into a leadership role that she is ill prepared for.
It did seem a little short, and the ending was incredible abrupt, probably deigned as cliff hanger so to lure into the next book, I left me a little cold as an ending as it seemed to just stop with no real proper ending. The characters were good, and we got an insight into the main characters thoughts and emotions in a nice way, but at times it felt quite rushed as side characters appeared and disappeared quickly, with no real depths built to the relationships.
The book was well written, and engaging enough that I will give the next in the series a go when it comes out.
Absolutely stunning. A spoiled, pampered rich girl is suddenly faced with a zombified mob when she visits a mall. Why are they going after all bling that people covert? Being taken into military "care" doesn't really relieve her. Suddenly thrust into the role of "Queen" she seems to coast along with the new norm. Why have some people got infected? Is her role really just as a figurehead? Watch as she develops and grows as the book progresses. Her character is a mix of naive, gutsy, little girl lost and a fighting machine. The main male character is a wonderful hero type that really does want to protect all weaker then him. The other characters are a varied mix that show all the basic human flaws - greed, power-hungry but also the human strengths - love, trust. A wonderful plot that draws you in and won't release you until you finish the book. Get ready for a brand new epic that will take your breath away. Wonderful to see another strong female character in print. I got an ARC copy for a honest review
When I read Ms. Lo’s Vengeance Demons series, I instantly became a huge fan of this author. When I found out she was starting a new series, I jumped on the chance to read it. Boy, am I so very glad I did! The book showcases the author’s light, fun, and excellent writing style. Chelsea is a wonderful protagonist with a quirky sense of humor but still is serious when the situation calls for it. After an interesting twist of fate, she now is in charge of most of the world after a zombie apocalypse hits. She starts relying on those around her because she thinks they know best…but do they really? The interesting world-building, great writing, and wonderful cast of characters kept me reading, and the interesting plot makes me anxious to see what’s coming next. If you like light-hearted, fun, urban fantasy, give this series starter a try! You, too, will become a fan. Highly recommend! Thanks to the author for the e-copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
I really enjoyed this book. It was quick, well written and a joy to read. The story had me hooked from the beginning and I absolutely loved the concept of the Obsessed. I found it to be a poignant criticism directed against our materialistic society, a new kind of monsters that seem far too much like people you might meet in real life. I also really enjoyed following Chelsea, our lovable and oftentimes funny main character and her steady development into a strong leader. Another part I loved about this book was Chelsea and Emma’s interactions. (Not to mention a fine Love Interest). I am interested to see where this story goes and excited to explore more of this world that Louisa Lo has created.
If you like royalty, a great cast of characters and overall craziness you should absolutely read this book.
I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed
This is a brilliant take on the usual zombie apocalypse , this time they don't want brains they want bling & will stop at nothing to get it , shoes , clothes , jewellery they are all the same pretties to them . Lady Chelsea Spence , 115th in line to the throne & totally misunderstood by the worlds media , finds herself smack bang in the middle of it all when she accidentally runs one of the "zombies" over on her way to the mall , not only does she find grit she never knew she had , she also finds out family secrets she really didn't want to know . Not everyone is who they appear to be & not everyone's intentions are as honorable as they first seem . As with all Lousia Lo's book there is a great sense of irony & wit running through it & the cliff hanger at the end just keeps me wanting more .
Girl power at its finest. Move over, Buffy - Lady Spence has arrived.
This novel takes place at the dawn of an apocalypse. Socialite, diva, and fashionista extraordinaire, Lady Chelsea Spence emerges as an unlikely hero, defending the world from gnawing, gnashing monsters.
The reader is taken on a fun and fast ride through Chelsea's point of view as she navigates the new world in her new role as leader. Chelsea is faced with many challenges along the way as she struggles to be true to herself while doing what's best for the people she is trying to protect.
This book is full of fashion and fighting, villains and vixens, with a very interesting and surprising twist. A Royal Apocalypse does well as an independent tale, but is a great foundation for the series. I can't wait to see what Louisa Lo has in store for us next!
A Royal Apocalypse delivers some crazy mashup of "Clueless" and "Zombieland" in the light, airy, fun, and often hilarious writing style that is Louisa Lo . In an alternate, still English controlled America, Chelsea is so far down the list of heirs to the crown that her only claim to fame is being Lady Spendalot in the tabloids. Seen as shallow and ditzy, Chelsea finds her knowledge of fashion and beauty as an asset when the zombies only want to eat expensive, shiny things. The new queen discovers lots of secrets and deceptions as she strives to rule without being a puppet for the military. With enjoyable hints of romance and secret inheritances, I am hooked and cannot wait for book two. My voluntary review is based upon an advanced reviewer copy.
This new series of Louisa Lo's is one of the best I've read in a long time. I think I might like this series better than the Vengeance Demons series. Chelsea starts out as your typical spoiled rich kid. But as the story goes forward she actually grows a "backbone". The worst part about this book is that it ended and I have to wait until the next chapter comes out to find out what happens next. I was given a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review but believe me its worth the price. If you like zombie like monsters, a little love story on the side and a kickass. Female hero, you'll love the series
This book is definitely different for me but i really enjoyed it. Lady Chelsea first met a pretty when she is on her phone and she stops because she hit something. The person is acting funny but is attracted to her watch. He comes after her and she gets away after she give him her watch. Then he starts to eat it. Some how people were turned into weird zombies that love bling, high fashion and pretty things. I was sucked into the story and couldn't wait to see how it ends. There are twist and turns in the story you don't expect. It does leave you with a cliffhanger. I can't wait to read it.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Louise Lo never disappoints you. I love her style of writing. Her kiss ass heroine is wonderful I really like Chelsea. The world is turned upside down and Chelsea is made Queen but who can she trust? I recommend this book to everyone who loves zombie like books with a hitch. Where zombies like material goods and Generals are up to no good.
I wasn't sure about this book when I first started reading it. But as I got farther and farther into the story, I couldn't put it down. The idea is so original, and quirky I loved it, right up to the end. The character development is amazing. I was a bit put out to find it's continued in the next book, which isn't out yet. I want it right away. This is definitely a series I will continue to read.
An alternate universe, a sudden leadership, monsters: all the elements of an original and entertaining book! Everyone thinks Lady Chelsea Spence is just a spoiled bimbo, which is unfair because she’s nothing like that. Now she has to step up and be the queen. I read this book in one go and now I’m a bit sad that it’s over… for now at least.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and voluntarily posted an honest review.
I was blessed with a free copy of this book, and I have chosen of my own volition to share my review with you!
This is Ms. Lo's best book yet! The main character is so life-like that I could truly envision her going through the various scenarios she was placed within. The character development is outstanding. The story line has many twists and turns, but has an overall continuity that pulled it all together. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
4.5 stars This book is a lot different from the books I normally read, but that being said, being different is what held my interest while reading it. It has a very unique story line that I have never read before. The main character Lady Chelsea comes into her herself throughout the book and is a strong girl who takes charge. There are some twists and turns in this book that you don't expect at all and I can't wait until the next one to see how things play out.