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Black Queen: Stray

(Shifters Among Us #1)

Lidiya Foxglove

3.69 · Rating details · 217 ratings · 37 reviews

Pets. Servants. Threats. That's all shifters have been to humans since they discovered our existence. A prophecy claims that three powerful shifter queens will bring peace and justice. It sounded pie in the sky to me…until I accidentally unleashed a crazy power and killed a group of Hunters with a mere thought when I was fourteen.

I’m a declawed cat shifter, nothing badass ...more

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Kindle Edition, 187 pages

Published February 28th 2021

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Feb 21, 2021 Lola rated it really liked it

I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

I've been excited to read this series since I first heard about. I love the concept for this series with 3 shifter queens and how each get their point of view told over 9 books. I can't wait for the rest of the series! This was an excellent start to the series and I really enjoyed it.

Dark Queen Stray mostly is told from the point of view of Frankie, but there are chapters from the point of views of some of the guys as well as Mi I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

I've been excited to read this series since I first heard about. I love the concept for this series with 3 shifter queens and how each get their point of view told over 9 books. I can't wait for the rest of the series! This was an excellent start to the series and I really enjoyed it.

Dark Queen Stray mostly is told from the point of view of Frankie, but there are chapters from the point of views of some of the guys as well as Mina too. I liked getting to know Frankie. I felt she acted realistically with how she didn't want the spotlight that comes with being a queen. She's used to being in the shadows and while her life isn't that good, she knows it can go worse. It feels like she gets a certain comfort from knowing what to expect from her life, even though as outsider it's easy to see how her life really isn't that good. I liked how she stands up for what she believes in, but is also smart enough to know when hiding and sneaking around works best. She seemed capable and like she knows what she wants.

The world in this book is dark and gritty, but the overall tone doesn't quite feel that dark most times, although there are definitely darker parts. This book is set in a sort of alternate history type of world, where lots of things are the same as they are now, except shifters exist and are treated as less than humans. In this book we get to see a wide range of bad things that can happen to shifters and how they are treated and it's appalling. Which is exactly why this prophecy of three shifter queens brings such hope to shifters. I liked the story and where it goes so far, it kept me guessing what would happen and if certain character where as they appear or not. And I am exciting to see where the story goes next.

In a sense this book feels very much as an introduction to the world and some of the characters, but I do mean that in a good way. I liked getting to know the characters and guessing which guys would end up with Frankie. We get a good feel for the world and I feel that the first few pieces for the larger storyline are in place. I am really excited to see where this goes next and I can't wait for the next book.

The romance is very much a slower burn here. There are guys who show interest in Frankie and I have some guesses who will end up with her and one guy I am fairly certain will end up with Frankie. It's still very much hints and setting the beginnings of her relationships with them. We also meet Mina, another girl who is probably a queen and I am guessing who might end up with her as well. I am looking forward to see how the relationships develop in future books and excited to learn more about the prophecy and what the queens can do.

I liked learning about the different types of shifters, there are cat, bird and wold shifters so far. As well as humans a half breeds. And there are some scenes where we see them shift as well, which was fun. It is sad to see how they are treated and I was glad to see how Frankie wouldn't stand for it, even though she isn't ready to claim her status as queen yet. I am curious to see how this will develop.

To summarize: This was an awesome start to this new series. I liked getting to know the characters and the world. Shifters are treated badly in this world and a prophecy of three shifter queens who will change their fate brings hope. I liked getting to know Frankie and I thought it made sense how she didn't want to let anyone know she was a queen, she doesn't have a good life, but that's what she knows and she realizes how much worse things could be. I liked getting to know some of the side characters and potential love interests. There are hints of who Frankie might end up with, but it's mostly the starts of possible relationships. I enjoyed the story and it kept me guessing and I am eager to read more books in this series and see how things continue. ...more

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Mar 01, 2021 Dani rated it really liked it

Shelves: multiple-pov, shifter, on-going-series, reverse-harem

I wasn't really sure what to expect when I stumbled across this book but the blurb caught my eye. I love that it's very shifter focused in that even though the humans know about them they don't hide and instead have their own country. Shifters are still treated horibbly and can be kept as pets and collared so they don't shift. It's a very unique dynamic in that the shifters and human side are separated by a bridge.

Onto the cons, which admittedly aren't many. The only thing I really wish I got ...more

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Jul 09, 2021 Christina rated it really liked it

Paranormal romance

This book held my interest enough to finish it but I don't know if I feel compelled to finish the series. I liked the characters and there was some action. The story switched pov a few times. It is slow burn. ...more

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Feb 24, 2021 Rachel rated it really liked it

It's all about the shifters. Lidiya Foxglove is another one of those authors who I know about but haven't yet read, that is until now. Black Queen: Stray is the first book in her Shifters Among Us series. This series is really shifter focus, they have their own history, society, problems, and magic. This reverse harem is a slow burn and told from multiple perspectives with interesting characters. It was a fun and entertaining read.

The story focuses on the injustices shifters (so far bird, cat, a It's all about the shifters. Lidiya Foxglove is another one of those authors who I know about but haven't yet read, that is until now. Black Queen: Stray is the first book in her Shifters Among Us series. This series is really shifter focus, they have their own history, society, problems, and magic. This reverse harem is a slow burn and told from multiple perspectives with interesting characters. It was a fun and entertaining read.

The story focuses on the injustices shifters (so far bird, cat, and wolf) in a world that is like our current one but where humans know about shifters. However they treat them less than second-class citizens, they are more like a commodity than humans think that they can own and do whatever they want to. They have their own territory (Istara) sure, but they live mostly in not the best situations, they are kept as pets, They are hindered where they are unable to shift into their animal forms, made to do hard labor, do humiliating jobs, becoming consorts, servants, put in fighting rings, and so many more horrible things. Worst yet it isn't just the humans who treat shifters with this sort of callousness it's other shifters as well, making a profit off of their own kind of pain.

However, there is a ray of hope in their world, a prophecy about three shifter queens who will bring peace to the shifters. Well let me tell you fate has a sense of humor, the two possible queens need a lot of work. Frankie, a cat shifter, is an orphan who had to work as a spy for a crime boss from a very young age. While she is street smart and has a toughness to her she also has a softer side that she didn't let her circumstances harden. Frankie cares about people, cares about the injustices shifters go through but she also knows reality and is terrified of her power of being a queen and becoming a pawn and I don't blame her. I like Frankie she is smart, witty, sassy, and brave. This is a slow-burn reverse harem, some of Frankie's guys have been introduced but nothing has happened and only one relationship is formed and sort of admitting feelings. Ansel is very interesting and there is something very open about him, Waylon is kinda a jerk but he has built himself up out of nothing, and Ian is the childhood crush who is just so kind and adorable. So I can't wait for everyone to come together and for the guys to finally admit their feelings and for Frankie to realize hers as well.

Then there is Mina, who so far seems shallow, she likes being a pet, having everything planned for her, bought for her, having her life decided for her. Then there is the really weird relationship she has with Allister, who "owned" her since he was a child. There is soothing really twisted about their relationship, he says he loves her and wants to give her rights. but they are playing this weird little game with each other and I don't even know what to think about them.

Stray was a pretty quick read, I like the characters, and the history and current situations of the shifters are very interesting. To see the different shifter races, how their personalities differ, how they treat each other, and how humans treat the different species. However, my favorite part is something I haven't encountered so directly, fate. At first, I couldn't see the strings coming together but then after a certain scene all the key players went where they needed to go, and were connected to everything in some kinda way, it was cool. I have a very serious question about Viktor Castella, he is a key player and it seems he knows a little too much and I don't know if he's friend or foe. Everything ended in kind of a mess and I am looking forward to seeing what's coming next.

...more

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Feb 19, 2021 Sharon rated it really liked it

***I received an early copy of this book in order to write this review.

I don't even know where to begin! Lidiya Foxglove is an amazing author and she doesn't disappoint with this book. As soon as I downloaded Stray, I started reading it and couldn't put it down, I finished it in one day.

So the FMC, Frankie, is a feisty little hellcat... literally, she is a cat shifter. She has had a less than ideal upbringing since she lost her mother when she was young. She was taken in by someone who is not ***I received an early copy of this book in order to write this review.

I don't even know where to begin! Lidiya Foxglove is an amazing author and she doesn't disappoint with this book. As soon as I downloaded Stray, I started reading it and couldn't put it down, I finished it in one day.

So the FMC, Frankie, is a feisty little hellcat... literally, she is a cat shifter. She has had a less than ideal upbringing since she lost her mother when she was young. She was taken in by someone who is not really on the right side of the law, but he does take good care of her and she lives with him and his family. She is everything you want in your lead, a badass with a sassy mouth who can take care of herself. Early on, Frankie is given a job to find a shifter that may have been kidnapped by hunters, spy on them, and bring the intel back to her boss. After she tracks them down and sees he was kidnapped, she finds herself in a position where she needs to decided if she is going to intervene in to help rescue him, or just walk away. Now, how much fun would it be if she just walked away? Exactly. So, during this fight to rescue her rival, Waylon, she discovers that she has powers that she never knew about, leading her to find out that she is actually one of the three shifter queens from a prophecy that will save them from the perils of being part of the human world and hunted for being shifters. Things end up getting messy and she ends up leaving Waylon there and reports back to her boss that she found him, but he was just drunk and left it at that. She doesn't tell anyone that that she has found out she has these powers, and keeps it to herself.
Fast forward a few years and she runs into Waylon again and he had figured out that she is one of the queens and he wants her to help fulfill the prophecy, which she wants nothing to do with. He ropes her into doing a job for him and her life is really about to change. I don't want to spoil it, so I will just tell you that this is where the story really takes off and I was glued to my Kindle.
As for the guys, we know that she will eventually have consorts, but we don't know who they are yet and I can't give you too much on the other characters without giving away the rest of the book. So potential consorts (in my opinion) are:
Ian - He is Frankie's childhood crush. She was taken in by his family when she lost her mom. He is sweet, but clueless and pretty soft. He is in and out of the story for a while.
Waylon - Frankie's rival. Total street kid that you can tell is always looking to score an easy buck - He comes off as an arrogant prick in the beginning of the book and pretty much stays that way, but he seems like he may be able to redeem himself.
Ansel - Waylon's business partner - He is my FAVORITE and I truly hope he becomes a consort. He is so fun and sassy, just a total wild card. Seems like a truly genuine guy who isn't afraid to let Frankie in, but also will keep things to himself so he isn't too vulnerable.

To sum it up, I think this is going to be a great series and I can't wait for the next book. I really connected with the characters already and can't wait to see where it goes. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because it did seem a little short. I would have like to see a little more action in there and a little more character development. Maybe more on what Waylon was up to while he was gone and more about the relationship between Waylon and Ansel.

...more

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May 12, 2021 Read With Ren rated it liked it

I have to admit, I was a little let down by this book. When I read the blurb, I was so excited and so ready to read it. I'm a big fan of shifter romances, and a big fan of reverse harem romances. Put them together and it's basically my dream book.

Now, I know that this is only the first book in the series and everyone knows the first book is the 'set up', but I just could not get over the amount of description. The majority of the book is telling you the story of how shifters came to be 'pets' or ...more

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Mar 29, 2021 Kaye rated it it was amazing

✴️✴️ONE DARK AND GRITTY ADVENTURE✴️✴️
Hatching harlots homer! Lydiya delivers one helluva tumultuous boot-stomping rock-my-world kickass rollercoaster with all the badassery and mettle you can handle, bringing the heat and busting down barnacles, launching this gem to new heights. A raging vortex chocked-full of dangerous struggles and formidable triumphs while attentive to the perilous twists and wicked turns unfolding as the riveting drama, gripping intrigue, callous acts, heinous atrocities, b ...more

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Mar 02, 2021 Marisa rated it really liked it

This is a great introductory book into a new shifter world. The reader is brought into a world that is much like it is now, except shifters and humans exist together. However, in most cases, shifters are treated as less than human. This book introduces the reader to some of the history, politics and every day lives of people within the book, as well as the shifter queens prophecy.

The story is told from multiple POVs, a good way to learn more about each character. Their inner monologues and impr ...more

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Mar 03, 2021 Rosalie rated it it was amazing

Black Queen Stray

Wow! Talk about a fast paced story that pulls you in and grabs your hand and plunges you into an exciting journey into a new world!

Frankie is a cat shifter who has been forced to raise herself and survive in a world where humans capture and use shifters as slaves, pets, or simply to torture.

Although Frankie has been lucky to survive thanks to her “uncle”, she is also placed in dangerous situations in order to earn her keep. One of those jobs she was sent on forced her to unlea ...more

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Mar 03, 2021 Dew rated it did not like it

Queens everywhere

Because this book is the first installment of a multi-book series, it reads as incomplete and ends on a cliffhanger. The prologue of the fmc at age 13 seems largely pointless. Meanwhile, the Ian character could easily be cut from the book. The thing about Aslen’s brother was a waste of time to try and make Ian relevant in one of the future books. The plot goes nowhere and there is no character development.

This is a great first pass of a book, but the story needs editing because ...more

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Feb 28, 2021 Sasha Cutright rated it it was amazing

I received an ARC copy of Black Queen and enjoyed being given a new world and dynamics to take in.
We are introduced to quite a few characters and their POVs in the book for being a fairly short read, though mostly it is Frankie's story. We get introduced to some world building in Istara, a country inside of the US, and a general understanding of the shifters and human interactions. We know from early on that Frankie is special but unwilling to take the risk to acknowledge it.
The characters all ...more

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Apr 15, 2021 Donna rated it it was amazing

Black Queen: Stray by Lidiya Foxglove is Book 1 in the Shifters Among Us series. This is my first experience reading this author. Lidiya has created a new world where shifters are not hidden. Frankie, the MFC, is a strong individual created by her background and decisions. She is interesting and well developed. There are a number of male characters introduced and it will be very interesting to see what role each will play as the story develops. The multiple POVs add so much as they allow you to ...more

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Feb 09, 2021 S rated it really liked it

Completely intrigued!

I have to say I am intrigued by this story. It is a great start to the lore of this world. We spent a lot of time meeting new character and learn in the ways of this world. I’m truly excited to see what happens next as we are just scratching the surface. Can’t wait to see where all this is going. Wherever it is it will sure to be dramatic.

Frankie and Mina are interesting main characters. I can’t wait to learn more about them and what kind of epic battle this is all leading ...more

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Mar 03, 2021 Jennifer Soppe rated it really liked it

An interesting alternate reality worth exploring

Frankie, a cat shifter and orphan, is rescued from a life on the streets but has a very heavy string tied to her. As the story progresses a prophecy comes into play, danger follows her around, and the next set of saviors may be the biggest threat to her safety. Lidiya Foxglove has created an interesting alternate reality worth exploring. There are shifters, sorcerers, and humans each in their own little pockets with conflict all over this one. Seei ...more

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Mar 15, 2021 Nadia rated it it was ok

This is a very different shifter book, that I have not come across before, and the angle is very clever!
Unfortunately I struggled with it. I had a hard time connecting with the characters and the story. I felt like I never really got to know any of the characters on a deeper level, and that made it harder to feel with them. Also a lot of meaningless things happen, that I feel doesn't do anything for the development of the story..

It does pick up at the end.. ...more

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Mar 22, 2021 Amanda rated it really liked it

Very dif intriguing read

I love dif POV’s in the stories I perfer to read. This one had it mostly for 1 fmc and near the end switched fo a dif one. I think if they had more POVs from the men it would make the story seem more seamless. The storyline was great, but shifting around to dif POVs at weird intervals is what made me rate it 4 stars. I think i would have rated it a 5 star if she gave more insight into the male leads...

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Mar 31, 2021 Anisha rated it it was amazing

Cat got my tongue and Watson's eyes

I love that Kid it's is diving into another universe that is going to tie characters in different storylines/books yet again. She did such a wonderful job of it in her Fairytale Heat novels. After reading this first book and already intro to characters that will have their own stories, I can't wait to find out who lands where, who the bad guys really are or not as bad as the other guys. ...more

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Feb 18, 2021 Anne rated it it was amazing

Wow! I just kept trying to turn the page but it was over. What a read.

Frankie is a small shifter cat in world that hates and oppresses shifters. Even other shifters. I was sucked into this world and really felt for all of the shifters. Their struggles and world really sucked me in and I am excited for more.

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Feb 28, 2021 Kerri Vogel rated it really liked it

I love the world that Lidiya Foxglove created in this story and I love Frankie and her take no crap attitude. She is a girl from the streets who has learned how to live the rough life and I found her to be extremely relatable. I can't wait to see what happens when she finally accepts her powers and steps into her own. ...more

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Mar 02, 2021 Kathy rated it it was amazing

A refreshing take on the genre!

I like the fact that the author is creating a new type of dynamic between characters/races with this series. It’s nice to not have the same or close to the same story when reading a RH. I’m excited to see where it goes when we get the other Queens stories.

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Apr 13, 2021 Dena rated it really liked it

Good gracious

This is a huge story with so many plots going on. I mean we have characters we do not like, characters we barely tolerate and then the characters we wished were dead. This is a good start because everything is so confusing and the other books should clear some stuff up.

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May 19, 2021 Sheila Johnston rated it liked it

Not sure

Basically a great spin on shifter/human world, but a powerful girl that cant save herself from being collared is unbelievable. Sure she escapes but she behaves weak when she thinks/says how she is a badass @ taking care of herself. She behaves too submissive for my taste, maybe.

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Oct 24, 2021 T. rated it liked it

Shelves: kindle-ultd

Black Queen: Stray, the first book of the Shifters Among Us series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). This was a good book, but I didn't care for the dynamics between characters. This is a series that may improve as it evolves, but I will stop here. I must say, the cliffhanger/reveal at the end was certainly a surprise--well done. ...more

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Nov 13, 2021 Galina Sulaiman rated it really liked it

Black Queen

New author and series for me, was recommended in a Facebook group to have pregnancy and not at the end of the series. This book had zero heat so no immaculate conception happened lol. It is a bit different. Interesting as well. The world building was believable. Definitely going to continue with the next book where hopefully more spice kicks in.

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Feb 25, 2021 Bianca Mittan rated it really liked it

The book confused me. Well written, original plot, a prophecy. I'm not sure any of the characters know what the word secret means. The ending was a surprise and I want to know where the story is going to go next because I have a lot of unanswered questions. ...more

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Feb 28, 2021 April rated it it was amazing

Great read

This was a great start to a new series. It has a really unique storyline that I haven't read anywhere else. I love the characters and can't wait to see what happens next. ...more

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Feb 28, 2021 Ryann Leasure rated it it was amazing

Very interesting take on shifters!!

Love the storyline of this series!! Shifters as pets is one I haven’t read before and makes for an interesting take on the shifter world. I can’t wait to see how the Queens come together and set shifters free!

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Mar 03, 2021 Melanie rated it it was amazing

Ohh can't wait for the next book,. This book has several charaters in it and it tells the story from each of them. Different things happened to different charaters at the same time.. I need to know what happens next.. ...more

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Mar 21, 2021 Celeste Anderson rated it it was amazing

Fast paced Reverse Harem

You may need a score card to keep up with the plot and characters, but it is worth it. The writing is funny and cultural references add to the humor. Looking forward to diving deeper into this series.

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Mar 25, 2021 Bre Senten rated it it was amazing

Purrrfection!

Loved this new take on the shifter world! Stray has a unique, action packed story and smexy characters! This is setting up to be a hot series and I can't wait to read the next book! ...more

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About Lidiya Foxglove

Lidiya Foxglove

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Lidiya Foxglove grew up on a steady diet of fairy tales, folklore and fantasy and also reads way too much manga. Fantasy romance is her favorite thing in the world, but she likes it steamy. She also loves cats and tea--it's cliche for a reason! ...more