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The Pale Court Duet #2
Queen of Rot and Pain
Worse than a god in rage... is a god in love.
I punish lies and deceit,
An eternal damnation of agony and pain.
Yet, when it is my wife whose deception plagues me,
I know what I must do.
Shackle her soul to the lying, cold corpse that she is,
Ensuring that she never escapes me.
My wrath,
My torture,
My pain,
And my pleasure.
I am the King of Flesh and Bone,
Every part of her I possess and own.
She is mine,
Death shall never do us part.
Welcome home, my queen.
Queen of Rot and Pain is a full-length dark fantasy novel, and book two in The Pale Court duet. The two-part story features a ruthless man, the woman who can't escape his love, and a HEA. This world contains dark themes, violence, loss, and elements of horror some may find disturbing. What this book doesn't contain is a hero - because villains do it better.
I punish lies and deceit,
An eternal damnation of agony and pain.
Yet, when it is my wife whose deception plagues me,
I know what I must do.
Shackle her soul to the lying, cold corpse that she is,
Ensuring that she never escapes me.
My wrath,
My torture,
My pain,
And my pleasure.
I am the King of Flesh and Bone,
Every part of her I possess and own.
She is mine,
Death shall never do us part.
Welcome home, my queen.
Queen of Rot and Pain is a full-length dark fantasy novel, and book two in The Pale Court duet. The two-part story features a ruthless man, the woman who can't escape his love, and a HEA. This world contains dark themes, violence, loss, and elements of horror some may find disturbing. What this book doesn't contain is a hero - because villains do it better.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2022
1312 people are currently reading
7326 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,010 reviews
August 8, 2022
“We are all monsters in someone’s story, little one,” he said, then finally gave his nod of approval, “except in our own.”
Was Enosh a monster? At his worst, he could be. And perhaps falling for such a man was wicked and corrupted—but so were the mortals out there. I’d suffered their cruelties, their judgment, their violence. The world was full of monsters. But this one was mine. “Yes, I was growing feelings for you.” For this god whose love hurt as much as it healed. “Of all the bastards, devils, and monsters in this world, you are the one I chose.”
This book was magnificent !!!!! Liv Zander is fucking amazing!!! Queen of Rot and Pain so lived up to hype! This book has been talked about because of its darkness and its main character Enoch! I will say that I fell in love with this arrogant god from the beginning!! Is he a monster at times? Fucking right he is! After all the humans took from him and the lies and the torture he went through all because of love! So when he thinks Ada has done the same he becomes cold and cruel with holding not only the warmth of his love but going as far as to bury her alive but even though he goes through the motions his heart is breaking. When he realizes Ada is telling the truth he crumbles and the heartless monster becomes broken and will do anything to make her love him again. Ada isn't who she once was after being killed and losing her and Enoch's baby she is lost and confused and doesn't know how she got back to the pale court and when her memories return she tries to tell Enoch but he won't listen and she starts to think she's losing her mind. I love how Liv Zander created a new Ada from the ashes! She is more then fit to rule with Enoch! In fact she becomes I think even more blood thirsty and I loved it!!! Don't get me wrong this book is so dark and at times bloody and maybe over the top but I can guarantee you won't forget it. Its dark romance at its darkest and more of a horror dark romance and not for the weak! Their is adult language and lots of graphic sex! But their is a love story no matter how fucked up it is! Until next time Luv's💞💋
Was Enosh a monster? At his worst, he could be. And perhaps falling for such a man was wicked and corrupted—but so were the mortals out there. I’d suffered their cruelties, their judgment, their violence. The world was full of monsters. But this one was mine. “Yes, I was growing feelings for you.” For this god whose love hurt as much as it healed. “Of all the bastards, devils, and monsters in this world, you are the one I chose.”
This book was magnificent !!!!! Liv Zander is fucking amazing!!! Queen of Rot and Pain so lived up to hype! This book has been talked about because of its darkness and its main character Enoch! I will say that I fell in love with this arrogant god from the beginning!! Is he a monster at times? Fucking right he is! After all the humans took from him and the lies and the torture he went through all because of love! So when he thinks Ada has done the same he becomes cold and cruel with holding not only the warmth of his love but going as far as to bury her alive but even though he goes through the motions his heart is breaking. When he realizes Ada is telling the truth he crumbles and the heartless monster becomes broken and will do anything to make her love him again. Ada isn't who she once was after being killed and losing her and Enoch's baby she is lost and confused and doesn't know how she got back to the pale court and when her memories return she tries to tell Enoch but he won't listen and she starts to think she's losing her mind. I love how Liv Zander created a new Ada from the ashes! She is more then fit to rule with Enoch! In fact she becomes I think even more blood thirsty and I loved it!!! Don't get me wrong this book is so dark and at times bloody and maybe over the top but I can guarantee you won't forget it. Its dark romance at its darkest and more of a horror dark romance and not for the weak! Their is adult language and lots of graphic sex! But their is a love story no matter how fucked up it is! Until next time Luv's💞💋
June 23, 2022
This was bloody…and BRILLIANT. I loved Enosh and Ada’s journey and HEA so hard. I don’t give 5 stars often but this conclusion deserves it. Hands down one of the best books I've read this year. Dark and depraved, gritty and violent...it was everything I've come to love in my romance. Ada and Enosh were twisted and morally grey but they were real. I think anyone that reads this story can relate to their pain and hardships, as well as their victories and desires.
This book picks up right after book 1 with Ada dead and losing everything that is dear to her. Enosh believes the worst in Ada and treats her as if she’s the rot on his enemies bones (hate sex anyone?!). But things are not what they seem and Ada is determined to prove her loyalty and innocence to Enosh, as well as take back what she is rightfully owed in life as well as in death. Enosh is determined to hate but soon realizes that he has made a grave mistake.
Enosh and Ada have to go through the ringer to finally find that the two of them are halves to a whole but the angst, the tension and the steam between them was next level hot. They were a tornado of passion and desire and I loved every second of their push and pull. Enosh's grovel...had me swooning.
The action and suspense in this story and the raw power from both Enosh and Ada was so well written. I loved Ada and her tenacity and strength. She rose from the ashes like a phoenix and her fate was such a surprise. Her transformation into a bold and unapologetic goddess was magnificent.
Enosh was deliciously alpha, possessive and obsessive. He was the perfect mixture of hard and soft and his character development was exquisite. I fell for him so hard! Enosh and Ada were the ultimate power couple!
If you haven’t started this duet, DO IT. You won’t regret it. It was such a unique world and a well written dark fantasy romance. I hope she writes the brothers *wink wink.* IYKYK. Enosh and Ada's path to revenge and happiness ripped so many emotions from me that had me glued to the pages and immersed in their world. Now if you'll excuse me...I'm going to go cry because I already miss Enosh and Ada.
“The fourth one, one of the priests, stared up at me from tear-drowned eyes. “I cannot say, Adelaide, which one of you is worse. You or your husband.” “The answer to that is simple, mortal.” I leaned over and stabbed into his belly, placing my lips by his ear. “We’re equally terrible.”
This book picks up right after book 1 with Ada dead and losing everything that is dear to her. Enosh believes the worst in Ada and treats her as if she’s the rot on his enemies bones (hate sex anyone?!). But things are not what they seem and Ada is determined to prove her loyalty and innocence to Enosh, as well as take back what she is rightfully owed in life as well as in death. Enosh is determined to hate but soon realizes that he has made a grave mistake.
“I would rather have you hate me for eternity than not have you at all.” His lips brushed the corner of my mouth, kissing me as he brought one of my legs over his, positioning me astride him. “But at least allow me to love you.”
Enosh and Ada have to go through the ringer to finally find that the two of them are halves to a whole but the angst, the tension and the steam between them was next level hot. They were a tornado of passion and desire and I loved every second of their push and pull. Enosh's grovel...had me swooning.
“The scent of ash might be burnt into my skin, but you are forever branded into my heart. Precious and forever treasured, this I vow. I love you. I want nothing more than for you to love me back. That, and…” his hand slipped over my collarbone, down between my breasts, and settled against my belly, “this child.”
The action and suspense in this story and the raw power from both Enosh and Ada was so well written. I loved Ada and her tenacity and strength. She rose from the ashes like a phoenix and her fate was such a surprise. Her transformation into a bold and unapologetic goddess was magnificent.
“I am the Queen of Rot and Pain, beautiful and kind, terrible and cruel,” I murmured to myself and Rose, then stared down at Eilam, who still held his hand pressed to a wound already closed. “Now give me my baby.”
Enosh was deliciously alpha, possessive and obsessive. He was the perfect mixture of hard and soft and his character development was exquisite. I fell for him so hard! Enosh and Ada were the ultimate power couple!
“The world was full of monsters. But this one was mine.”
If you haven’t started this duet, DO IT. You won’t regret it. It was such a unique world and a well written dark fantasy romance. I hope she writes the brothers *wink wink.* IYKYK. Enosh and Ada's path to revenge and happiness ripped so many emotions from me that had me glued to the pages and immersed in their world. Now if you'll excuse me...I'm going to go cry because I already miss Enosh and Ada.
July 26, 2022
The conclusion of this duet ended perfectly in my opinion! I loved the beginning as much as I hated it in the best of ways. The way Enosh treated Ada in the beginning without letting her fully explain what happened was both parts frustrating and very fun to read. Although he had a valid reason to jump to conclusions without hearing her out, it was frustrating when time and time again he wouldn’t listen to her. I was worried that this part of the book would drag on for too long and just become annoying, but I think it was the perfect amount! I do wish she waited a bit longer to forgive him but the scene where he realizes how wrong he has been was very satisfying.
I really liked how the author decided to end the book. I liked how they fixed Ada’s issue and spent the end to seek revenge instead of adding another conflict just because. It was better getting to watch them heal and grow into who they are now instead of rushing that to get to the an ending conflict. Although it wasn’t the most exciting ending I still really enjoyed it. Plus the two epilogues were perfect!
I really liked how the author decided to end the book. I liked how they fixed Ada’s issue and spent the end to seek revenge instead of adding another conflict just because. It was better getting to watch them heal and grow into who they are now instead of rushing that to get to the an ending conflict. Although it wasn’t the most exciting ending I still really enjoyed it. Plus the two epilogues were perfect!
July 15, 2022
3.5 Stars
I liked it. She forgave him wayyyy too fast though. I feel like her personality and morals changed too much towards the end also, but it was still an enjoyable book.
Safety:
No ow/om drama
A few mentions of his dead ex
No sharing altho they do have sex in front of his brother (the non-sexual one)
No cheating
I liked it. She forgave him wayyyy too fast though. I feel like her personality and morals changed too much towards the end also, but it was still an enjoyable book.
Safety:
No ow/om drama
A few mentions of his dead ex
No sharing altho they do have sex in front of his brother (the non-sexual one)
No cheating
August 1, 2022
i hate myself for finishing this
July 2, 2022
idk why I do this to myself.
September 22, 2022
I was in the minority for this one: I preferred the first book. This one clearly has the falling-in-love arc, but it all happens so jerkily.
The book's first half proceeds at a good pace and has a nice setup. Then, Enosh does a complete 180. It's not gradual. Neither is Ada's acceptance of this change of heart.
The second half of the book comprises Ada's baby obsession (which I get but feels overdone) and her morality pains. Then we get to the end of the book, and it's another 180 with everything all buttoned up. I found it unsatisfying.
I listened to the audio version of this book, and I enjoyed the narrators: Auri Alden and Gregory Salinas.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an advance audio ARC.
The book's first half proceeds at a good pace and has a nice setup. Then, Enosh does a complete 180. It's not gradual. Neither is Ada's acceptance of this change of heart.
The second half of the book comprises Ada's baby obsession (which I get but feels overdone) and her morality pains. Then we get to the end of the book, and it's another 180 with everything all buttoned up. I found it unsatisfying.
I listened to the audio version of this book, and I enjoyed the narrators: Auri Alden and Gregory Salinas.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an advance audio ARC.
July 6, 2022
With the way the first book ended, I had no idea what was going to happen in this one. I could assume a lot, such as the fact that Ada dies and Enosh finally gets to keep her with him for eternity. But that's not what I wanted. I wished for them to fall in love, for her to gain immortality somehow, for a happy ending.
And honestly... I got everything I wanted and so much more!
Ada was dead, but no matter how cold she got, it never stopped their heat. Enosh was very creative in his ways of punishing her for what he believed was her betrayal and, through this horrific journey, Ada grew into a woman who deserved to stand by his side. He was a god after all.
The death had a life of its own in this book. The magic of the way Enosh wove flesh and bone into clothing, furniture, animals, etc... I'm truly awed by the way this author illustrated this strange world with her words. And the terrifying beauty that was created for Ada and Enosh was ugly and sexy and painful and real. So freaking real.
Dual POV - 1st person
Heat - 4 out of 5
Find more on the blog
And honestly... I got everything I wanted and so much more!
Ada was dead, but no matter how cold she got, it never stopped their heat. Enosh was very creative in his ways of punishing her for what he believed was her betrayal and, through this horrific journey, Ada grew into a woman who deserved to stand by his side. He was a god after all.
I loved Ada. Loved her like I had never before, with no precaution over the pain it had already caused me, nor the pain that was certainly yet to come. I loved her with a ferocity that was not safe for me or her. Certainly not for this world.
The death had a life of its own in this book. The magic of the way Enosh wove flesh and bone into clothing, furniture, animals, etc... I'm truly awed by the way this author illustrated this strange world with her words. And the terrifying beauty that was created for Ada and Enosh was ugly and sexy and painful and real. So freaking real.
Dual POV - 1st person
Heat - 4 out of 5
Find more on the blog
November 29, 2023
When I finished the first book in this series, I was incredibly hesitant to start this one (the 2nd and final book). The first book is super rapey, and honestly not even worth reading. But unfortunately for me, I did read it, and I like to complete series even if they’re absolutely terrible…so I read this book.
WOW YIKES lol. That sums this book up pretty much. Although I did enjoy the other characters that come into this story, there is a total misunderstanding that basically leads Enosh to do some horrible things to Ada, this “love” of his. I mean, it gets super ridiculous how badly he treats her all over a miscommunication.
I guess if you’re into super toxic relationships this would be your kind of book, but ummm I enjoy not abusing people so this is not my cup of tea. The writing itself is very *meh*. There was a lot of potential in this whole series and I cannot express how excited I was to pick it up and read, but man this is such a letdown.
If you’re looking for some dark, villainy type smut novels, I would skip these. The story is confusing and frustrating to say the least, the sex scenes are basically abuse and rape, and Enosh has nothing to love. Want a bad boy? Read about Valroy in The Unseelie Prince.
WOW YIKES lol. That sums this book up pretty much. Although I did enjoy the other characters that come into this story, there is a total misunderstanding that basically leads Enosh to do some horrible things to Ada, this “love” of his. I mean, it gets super ridiculous how badly he treats her all over a miscommunication.
I guess if you’re into super toxic relationships this would be your kind of book, but ummm I enjoy not abusing people so this is not my cup of tea. The writing itself is very *meh*. There was a lot of potential in this whole series and I cannot express how excited I was to pick it up and read, but man this is such a letdown.
If you’re looking for some dark, villainy type smut novels, I would skip these. The story is confusing and frustrating to say the least, the sex scenes are basically abuse and rape, and Enosh has nothing to love. Want a bad boy? Read about Valroy in The Unseelie Prince.
June 25, 2022
I needed the second part of The Pale Court só bad….knowing where Ada was,hów she was….it was killing me!!
Getting the ARC of Queen of Rot and Pain was my salvation,even if reading it caused me even more pain….
Because it gave me what i needed in the end,what Ada deserved after all that she’d had to endure.
Ada is back with Enosh,but the way she is back is not what she expected.
One of his brothers took her life,the other bound her soul,and the one that matters most to her,thinks she’s betrayed him.
Is determined to make her pay for thinking of someone else while he was suffering.
If only she could make him see who she was thinking of….because it’s NOT what he thinks!
But how to make him see the truth he clearly can’t feel?
To do that,she needs to make sense of what happened in the past.
Before she crumbles under the punishments he doles….
Enosh is tired of women. Tired of being lied to,deceived and abandoned.
This time,he will make sure it never happens again.
Ada’s lies of being pregnant….with hís baby!…..those hurt,though!
So, in return he does the things to her that he knows will hurt her the most.
Only why does he start to feel guilty?
What is this hold she still has on him?
When Ada finds the truth,will she be in time?
Can she explain to him what really happened,and make him see she never left him?
Before he does the one thing she can never come back from?
Not only that,she’s going to need his brothers to reverse what they did to her,somehow.
And with one of them making a joke of everything in life,and the other hating Enosh,thát will be another hurdle that seems impossible to take….
Enosh may have been cruel to Ada,doing things to her that seem unforgivable.
But when he found out she wás telling the truth,that she never left him,he groveled.
He did his utmost to make up for what he put her through,and that made me love him.
Even if he still remained the cruel God he used to be to those that caused his and Ada’s suffering.
And it made me agree with Ada forgiving him…
Ada was só strong,só determined to get to the truth,to fight for their baby!
I admired her for hanging on,for fighting what she held dear.
And for making Enosh work for her forgiveness!
She deserved to be what she became in the end,thát’s for sure!!
Now,how to convince Liv to tell the stories of Yarin and Eilam…
Because Enosh’ brothers dó intrigue me,and i want to hear more of them!
Getting the ARC of Queen of Rot and Pain was my salvation,even if reading it caused me even more pain….
Because it gave me what i needed in the end,what Ada deserved after all that she’d had to endure.
Ada is back with Enosh,but the way she is back is not what she expected.
One of his brothers took her life,the other bound her soul,and the one that matters most to her,thinks she’s betrayed him.
Is determined to make her pay for thinking of someone else while he was suffering.
If only she could make him see who she was thinking of….because it’s NOT what he thinks!
But how to make him see the truth he clearly can’t feel?
To do that,she needs to make sense of what happened in the past.
Before she crumbles under the punishments he doles….
Enosh is tired of women. Tired of being lied to,deceived and abandoned.
This time,he will make sure it never happens again.
Ada’s lies of being pregnant….with hís baby!…..those hurt,though!
So, in return he does the things to her that he knows will hurt her the most.
Only why does he start to feel guilty?
What is this hold she still has on him?
When Ada finds the truth,will she be in time?
Can she explain to him what really happened,and make him see she never left him?
Before he does the one thing she can never come back from?
Not only that,she’s going to need his brothers to reverse what they did to her,somehow.
And with one of them making a joke of everything in life,and the other hating Enosh,thát will be another hurdle that seems impossible to take….
Enosh may have been cruel to Ada,doing things to her that seem unforgivable.
But when he found out she wás telling the truth,that she never left him,he groveled.
He did his utmost to make up for what he put her through,and that made me love him.
Even if he still remained the cruel God he used to be to those that caused his and Ada’s suffering.
And it made me agree with Ada forgiving him…
Ada was só strong,só determined to get to the truth,to fight for their baby!
I admired her for hanging on,for fighting what she held dear.
And for making Enosh work for her forgiveness!
She deserved to be what she became in the end,thát’s for sure!!
Now,how to convince Liv to tell the stories of Yarin and Eilam…
Because Enosh’ brothers dó intrigue me,and i want to hear more of them!
July 30, 2022
I loved this way more than book one!
I devoured it in one single night... but still somehow felt my expectations weren't fully satisfied since I read extremely positive reviews about this duet. I just felt something was... missing.
My main complaints: the writing was a little weird sometimes due to the ancient terms here and there (even tho it might be a me-problem since English is not my first language) and I had to stop and re-read some phrases a few times to make sense of what I was reading.
Out of all the characters I especially loved the heroine, she was a very brave, honest, determined woman with a strong personality. In the end, it was such a pity she didn't make the hero pay and grovel A LOT more than what he actually deserved. It felt quite out of character for her to give in that easily.
It was a pleasant read for sure, just not as good as I expected 💁🏻
3.5 stars
I devoured it in one single night... but still somehow felt my expectations weren't fully satisfied since I read extremely positive reviews about this duet. I just felt something was... missing.
My main complaints: the writing was a little weird sometimes due to the ancient terms here and there (even tho it might be a me-problem since English is not my first language) and I had to stop and re-read some phrases a few times to make sense of what I was reading.
Out of all the characters I especially loved the heroine, she was a very brave, honest, determined woman with a strong personality. In the end, it was such a pity she didn't make the hero pay and grovel A LOT more than what he actually deserved. It felt quite out of character for her to give in that easily.
It was a pleasant read for sure, just not as good as I expected 💁🏻
3.5 stars
June 8, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
Miscommunication trope = -1⭐️ because it’s one of my most despised tropes. The HEA was well done and very satisfying. Check the tw before reading
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
Miscommunication trope = -1⭐️ because it’s one of my most despised tropes. The HEA was well done and very satisfying. Check the tw before reading
September 5, 2022
The thrilling conclusion to Enosh and Ada’s story was chocked full of so much emotional turmoil. After the shocking finale of the previous book, our pair are further apart than they have ever been. The tentative stirrings Ada was experiencing threatened to be crushed under Enosh’s apathy and sense of betrayal. His prior baggage playing a part in convincing him of his wife’s disloyalty and he’s determined to punish her no matter how much his whole being rebels against hurting her.
Ada just wants to convince her husband of her innocence but whatever she tries only pushes him further away solidifying his apparent hatred. He’s hiding behind a wall of cold callous indifference and she doesn’t even recognise him anymore. When he goes too far things finally come to a head and Enosh then realises just what he has done. With the truth of Ada’s innocence now apparent comes deep guilt and recriminations and he longs for her forgiveness believing he may now have destroyed any chance for their future together.
This story really evolves Ada and in her vengeance, she starts to emerge as a whole new woman. It’s like they meet in the middle somewhere her tempering her husband slightly whilst his wickedness rubs off on her. I liked where this went and how things were eventually resolved. I especially appreciated that Ada didn’t just lay down and take all the abuse rising and growing and feeling justified in her reprisals. It’s refreshing to experience a female character embracing her bad side whilst still retaining her sense of self. I think Ada is now who she was always meant to be and she now compliments Enosh perfectly and he in turn is absolutely besotted with his wife.
I definitely recommend this duet I seriously devoured it in its entirety. Be aware that book two is much more graphic than its predecessor but it was such a thrilling imagination read that I’m now sad to finish I want more.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/63435390
June 5, 2024
If you love dark romance and aren't sure about dark fantasy, read this duet. It has a perfect amount of each and there aren't a bunch of confusing words and names to remember. I love a good revenge plot and Ada's character development was well done. Love how strong she became and how Enosh allowed her to become her own. Overall really enjoyed the series! Now I want an Uncle Yarin story 😭
June 23, 2022
Liv did not hold back ANY punches when she wrote the conclusion to Enosh and Ada’s story!!
With they way things were left at the end of KOFAB, it was safe to say that we were going to be in a great deal of suffering and heart ache. Sadly, that didn’t even come close to describing the pain that we were dealing with. Enosh put Ada through hell and back and then had the damn nerve to repeat the process! Even though Ada knew that she was up against centuries worth of trust issues and let alone a god feeling like he had been betrayed, Ada never once wavered or backed down!
I loved Ada before, but she became the woman of my dreams and my absolute hero in this book! No matter what Enosh said or did to her, even if there was a little doubt that creeped up in her, she bulldozed past it all! Fighting and believing in herself when there was no one else who would.
I thought that nothing could be worse then a god in love, well you haven’t seen anything until you’ve seen a woman who has lost the only thing she’s ever wanted. This book is going to have your jaw sweeping the floor from start to finish with all of the plot twists and secrets that will be revealed. From the very first chapter of KOFAB to the very last of QORAP, Liv captivates you and takes you for a ride with this story that is dark and riddled with pain. The type that doesn’t seem like it could be altered to reflect love, but by the end we get to see the deepest darkest love imaginable between Enosh and Ada. If this is what Liv gave us on her first attempt, I’d say we better buckle down because we will most definitely be in for it in the future.
With they way things were left at the end of KOFAB, it was safe to say that we were going to be in a great deal of suffering and heart ache. Sadly, that didn’t even come close to describing the pain that we were dealing with. Enosh put Ada through hell and back and then had the damn nerve to repeat the process! Even though Ada knew that she was up against centuries worth of trust issues and let alone a god feeling like he had been betrayed, Ada never once wavered or backed down!
I loved Ada before, but she became the woman of my dreams and my absolute hero in this book! No matter what Enosh said or did to her, even if there was a little doubt that creeped up in her, she bulldozed past it all! Fighting and believing in herself when there was no one else who would.
I thought that nothing could be worse then a god in love, well you haven’t seen anything until you’ve seen a woman who has lost the only thing she’s ever wanted. This book is going to have your jaw sweeping the floor from start to finish with all of the plot twists and secrets that will be revealed. From the very first chapter of KOFAB to the very last of QORAP, Liv captivates you and takes you for a ride with this story that is dark and riddled with pain. The type that doesn’t seem like it could be altered to reflect love, but by the end we get to see the deepest darkest love imaginable between Enosh and Ada. If this is what Liv gave us on her first attempt, I’d say we better buckle down because we will most definitely be in for it in the future.
January 1, 2023
I went straight into this book directly after finishing King of Flesh and Bone. No time wasted. I then proceeded to devour this book in a mere 4 hours time. And I still don’t feel like I’ve gotten enough of Enosh and Ada. An insatiable thirst that I will never be able to quench. I will 100% be revisiting this duet.
I will say- I was painfully frustrated for the first half of Queen of Rot and Pain. The suspense of waiting to see how things panned out between these two had me stress reading, longing for some semblance of restoration of their love. I almost could not handle all of the emotional damage I was enduring. Lol.
The character development is out of this world in book 2. And I dare say, the writing is even more beautiful in this book than the one before. Which says a lot, because King of Flesh and Bone has to be one of the best written stories I have ever indulged in. I cannot praise Liv enough for this series. My only disappointment is that there aren’t anymore books for Enosh and Ada.
I will say- I was painfully frustrated for the first half of Queen of Rot and Pain. The suspense of waiting to see how things panned out between these two had me stress reading, longing for some semblance of restoration of their love. I almost could not handle all of the emotional damage I was enduring. Lol.
The character development is out of this world in book 2. And I dare say, the writing is even more beautiful in this book than the one before. Which says a lot, because King of Flesh and Bone has to be one of the best written stories I have ever indulged in. I cannot praise Liv enough for this series. My only disappointment is that there aren’t anymore books for Enosh and Ada.
May 19, 2024
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Type: Book 2 of 2 from The Pale Court Duet
POV: First Person- Dual
Rating:
Just as Ada thought her life at the Pale Court was getting better, it was violently ripped away. With Enosh questioning her integrity, she must find a way to change her fate or risk losing everything she sacrificed for.
This book focuses more on the development of their relationship with a thicker and more exciting plot than the previous book. Both Ada and Enosh were put through the wringer, which tested their bond. I loved the direction they took, and it happened at an appropriate pace.
Queen of Rot and Pain is a story of redemption and ambition. It is the conclusion of the Pale Court duet.
Books in the series:
👑💀👑. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . .👑💀👑
For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:
For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
Type: Book 2 of 2 from The Pale Court Duet
POV: First Person- Dual
Rating:
Just as Ada thought her life at the Pale Court was getting better, it was violently ripped away. With Enosh questioning her integrity, she must find a way to change her fate or risk losing everything she sacrificed for.
This book focuses more on the development of their relationship with a thicker and more exciting plot than the previous book. Both Ada and Enosh were put through the wringer, which tested their bond. I loved the direction they took, and it happened at an appropriate pace.
Maybe a god’s love wasn’t gentle or kind… Maybe it was all-consuming, devastatingly painful, and destructive in its lack of moral restraints.
Queen of Rot and Pain is a story of redemption and ambition. It is the conclusion of the Pale Court duet.
Books in the series:
👑💀👑. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . .👑💀👑
For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:
For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
October 25, 2022
This book concludes the duet... and it's great! Dark and macabre, a fabulous Halloween read!
June 7, 2022
Let me start of by saying: I got the ARC for this book earlier today and I'm already done with it. 🤣 This alone should tell you how good it is! I won't be sharing the notes I took while reading until after release day, for obvious reasons.
The ending of the last book (and I am almost positive there was a teaser chapter for this one) leave us with Enosh escaping & finding Ada bleeding out. I'm not going to give to much away so I will talk mostly about our character growth, the continued world building and how damn good the spice was. These two go through complete hell, but still manage to find themselves so helplessly needy to the other. The way we see them deal with things has us question their sanity, but we wouldn't love them so much if they weren't as dark and demented as they are. Enosh has me homicidal in some parts of this and swooning in other 🤣 Ada has really glowed up with her role in everything and really starts to stand on her own two feet without fear. She isn't just defiant anymore... She is a force of nature who will demand your respect. We continue with elaborate and well planned designs of the castle, towns, etc. The spice is dirty here and has me questioning if I might be a sadist. Praise kinks have me 🤤 I really felt like I was an intruder during such intimate and dirty as hell scenes. I loved it 😍I can't wait for all of you to read this!
The ending of the last book (and I am almost positive there was a teaser chapter for this one) leave us with Enosh escaping & finding Ada bleeding out. I'm not going to give to much away so I will talk mostly about our character growth, the continued world building and how damn good the spice was. These two go through complete hell, but still manage to find themselves so helplessly needy to the other. The way we see them deal with things has us question their sanity, but we wouldn't love them so much if they weren't as dark and demented as they are. Enosh has me homicidal in some parts of this and swooning in other 🤣 Ada has really glowed up with her role in everything and really starts to stand on her own two feet without fear. She isn't just defiant anymore... She is a force of nature who will demand your respect. We continue with elaborate and well planned designs of the castle, towns, etc. The spice is dirty here and has me questioning if I might be a sadist. Praise kinks have me 🤤 I really felt like I was an intruder during such intimate and dirty as hell scenes. I loved it 😍I can't wait for all of you to read this!
September 6, 2022
4 stars
The miscommunication/violence between the FMC and MMC went on for a bit too long, which nearly made me dnf the book altogether. It was frustrating and the book just seemed to be stuck on the same conflict with no progress for a while. The HEA was worth the wait though and the dysfunctional relationship between the leads worked out in the end with most of their issues resolved (still major red flags, but you do you girl).
The miscommunication/violence between the FMC and MMC went on for a bit too long, which nearly made me dnf the book altogether. It was frustrating and the book just seemed to be stuck on the same conflict with no progress for a while. The HEA was worth the wait though and the dysfunctional relationship between the leads worked out in the end with most of their issues resolved (still major red flags, but you do you girl).
August 7, 2022
This got very dark, very quickly. I thought I'd read some dark books before, but wow.
June 5, 2025
Better than book 1, but not nearly as good as her Court of Ravens series. Here's why.
First, what I like about Liv Zander is her "there are no heroes because villains do it better" approach. I've been totally onboard with that since my teens, to my mother's chagrin. This first series of hers, The Pale Court, had the right elements, but as a duology with only about 250 pages each, there was not enough worldbuilding, much less character building. She also occasionally loses me when her writing gets unclear. Generally, there was not enough of anything required to make authentic characters, realistic friction, or believable reconciliation.
This series had a more-good-than-bad MMC in Enosh (terrible name, though). He needed to be a lot worse than he was to truly be a real villain. Mostly, I found him frustrating. Her best character was FMC Ada (another terrible name). She's wise about the world, but it hasn't tarnished the way she conducts herself, or the standards she lives up to. She draws Enosh like a moth to a flame.
This is the first place the storytelling falls down, and probably the worst: his instant "I must keep you forever," decided as soon as he met her. Over time, as they get to know each other, it makes better sense. Zander really should have created a necessary reason for her to stay in his court.
Other good things are Enosh's brothers, especially Yarin. Eilam is more of a mystery, but I'm intrigued. Liv Zander obviously set them up for books of their own in the future, but nothing's been published yet. I'm so glad her COR series showed how far she's come with her storytelling - honestly, I think if I'd read this series first, I wouldn't have given COR a try! As things stand, I'm cautiously optimistic to check out what she writes next.
First, what I like about Liv Zander is her "there are no heroes because villains do it better" approach. I've been totally onboard with that since my teens, to my mother's chagrin. This first series of hers, The Pale Court, had the right elements, but as a duology with only about 250 pages each, there was not enough worldbuilding, much less character building. She also occasionally loses me when her writing gets unclear. Generally, there was not enough of anything required to make authentic characters, realistic friction, or believable reconciliation.
This series had a more-good-than-bad MMC in Enosh (terrible name, though). He needed to be a lot worse than he was to truly be a real villain. Mostly, I found him frustrating. Her best character was FMC Ada (another terrible name). She's wise about the world, but it hasn't tarnished the way she conducts herself, or the standards she lives up to. She draws Enosh like a moth to a flame.
This is the first place the storytelling falls down, and probably the worst: his instant "I must keep you forever," decided as soon as he met her. Over time, as they get to know each other, it makes better sense. Zander really should have created a necessary reason for her to stay in his court.
Other good things are Enosh's brothers, especially Yarin. Eilam is more of a mystery, but I'm intrigued. Liv Zander obviously set them up for books of their own in the future, but nothing's been published yet. I'm so glad her COR series showed how far she's come with her storytelling - honestly, I think if I'd read this series first, I wouldn't have given COR a try! As things stand, I'm cautiously optimistic to check out what she writes next.
September 12, 2022
4.5⭐️ Queen of Rot and Pain by Liv Zander is a Dark Fantasy Romance. It’s book 2 of the series and sadly the end. I chose to listen to this book on audio and loved the narrators who were Auri Alden and Gregory Salinas. They were the same as in book one which I recommend reading first. The romance will take you on a roller coaster ride of pain, loss, regret and rage. And I did get my HEA but it didn’t come easily. This was one of my favorite antiheroes. I recommend this to anyone who loves dark romance.
Thanks Dreamscape Media via NetGalley.
Thanks Dreamscape Media via NetGalley.
June 27, 2022
warning: cursing and run-on sentences to follow because I’m passionate about how much I loved this duology and Ada’s transformation.
TKOFAB ends on a painful cliffy, but I wasn’t mad because I’m a sucker for a villain origin story and a morally grey FMC. I knew this set up a second book nicely.
Ada. Damn. Her character arc was exemplary - it was wrought with tension, indecision, and a winding trajectory. Ada was already a stand alone, multi-dimensional character but the way Liv Zander wrote her in this book gave her a level of humanity that is top quality fucking storytelling.
Enosh. The internal dialogue of this guy. Holy shit. His fuckery was absolutely on track with his backstory and need to be loved. He’s the slightly narcissistic, malevolent God who will go genocidal for his wife even if he’s edged her to near insanity as retribution for her transgressions. But oh this dude. His character became a lighter shade of grey because of Ada, but that did not stop him from reveling in her descent into a darker side of herself (after many chapters of punishment that pushed her along).
These brothers. The other Gods. Shit, even the side characters have growth, dimensionality, and voice - and I need spin-offs for those two assholes.
Writing. I was so immersed in the first book, I couldn’t comment on the writing the first time I read it. That’s a whole level of complement in itself, though. The writing was good enough to be invisible, as the story sucked me in. This time, though, I took care to notice. Here’s my deal about writing - there’s a basic threshold I expect from a professional but style can trump the rules of grammar. I am a little more flexible there. However, I highly value originality and how well an author can manipulate words. Places I expected some banal cliche like “my blood went cold”, I found replaced with impeccable word smithing. I highlighted many passages simply because I loved the way she put something into words.
Spice, setting, and triggers. I love that indie authors can push limits and explore stories that may not be open to a traditionally published author. I can’t imagine a traditional publisher letting an author go in some of the directions of these books, but damn if it isn’t right-on for the target audience, and these different details really set the duet apart from the books in this genre and make it unique.
TKOFAB ends on a painful cliffy, but I wasn’t mad because I’m a sucker for a villain origin story and a morally grey FMC. I knew this set up a second book nicely.
Ada. Damn. Her character arc was exemplary - it was wrought with tension, indecision, and a winding trajectory. Ada was already a stand alone, multi-dimensional character but the way Liv Zander wrote her in this book gave her a level of humanity that is top quality fucking storytelling.
Enosh. The internal dialogue of this guy. Holy shit. His fuckery was absolutely on track with his backstory and need to be loved. He’s the slightly narcissistic, malevolent God who will go genocidal for his wife even if he’s edged her to near insanity as retribution for her transgressions. But oh this dude. His character became a lighter shade of grey because of Ada, but that did not stop him from reveling in her descent into a darker side of herself (after many chapters of punishment that pushed her along).
These brothers. The other Gods. Shit, even the side characters have growth, dimensionality, and voice - and I need spin-offs for those two assholes.
Writing. I was so immersed in the first book, I couldn’t comment on the writing the first time I read it. That’s a whole level of complement in itself, though. The writing was good enough to be invisible, as the story sucked me in. This time, though, I took care to notice. Here’s my deal about writing - there’s a basic threshold I expect from a professional but style can trump the rules of grammar. I am a little more flexible there. However, I highly value originality and how well an author can manipulate words. Places I expected some banal cliche like “my blood went cold”, I found replaced with impeccable word smithing. I highlighted many passages simply because I loved the way she put something into words.
Spice, setting, and triggers. I love that indie authors can push limits and explore stories that may not be open to a traditionally published author. I can’t imagine a traditional publisher letting an author go in some of the directions of these books, but damn if it isn’t right-on for the target audience, and these different details really set the duet apart from the books in this genre and make it unique.
September 11, 2023
3.80 stars.
Worse than a God in rage..is a God in love.
Considering that the pregnancy trope is not my cup of tea, it didn't bother me as much as I expected.
It was, for me, the kind of series that really made me question my sanity more than I care to admit, something between Wattpad and I don’t even know what else, boh oh, how I liked it.
Every time Enosh showed us his malice and his possessiveness, I must say my heart did a pirouette. He can be a douchbag one moment and a total flirt the next, and the author made it all look so natural that I sometimes believed to be the center of his attention.
However, I expected the revenge arc to be more detailed and structured. It felt like it was too hasty, but good and satisfying nonetheless.
Not a masterpice, but I undoubtedly recommend this series to everyone.
Worse than a God in rage..is a God in love.
Considering that the pregnancy trope is not my cup of tea, it didn't bother me as much as I expected.
It was, for me, the kind of series that really made me question my sanity more than I care to admit, something between Wattpad and I don’t even know what else, boh oh, how I liked it.
Every time Enosh showed us his malice and his possessiveness, I must say my heart did a pirouette. He can be a douchbag one moment and a total flirt the next, and the author made it all look so natural that I sometimes believed to be the center of his attention.
However, I expected the revenge arc to be more detailed and structured. It felt like it was too hasty, but good and satisfying nonetheless.
Not a masterpice, but I undoubtedly recommend this series to everyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2022
The first book was intriguing and gripping because we didn’t know what to expect and the world building was unique. The villain main character was the right balance of brutal and lovable but this second book fell flat for me. The miss communication was irritating in that he didn’t try to find out more about what she was thinking to piece things together. It was all predictable and a bit monotonous after that. Trying to convince Eilam dragged - his reasoning and what happened to Ada in the end didn’t have an explanation. The way she had a shift in morals should’ve been explained more. It was all a bit random, vague and open ended with way too many loose threads and random plot points that weren’t explained or necessary.
May 19, 2023
Queen of Rot and Pain was basically a similar reading experience for me as book 1. While I enjoyed both stories, they never quite reached the level that I enjoy in my PNR.
June 21, 2022
At the end of King of Flesh and Bone, Ada is left to quite a precarious future. It's unsure exactly what has happened to her and to her unborn baby. Well, without giving too much away, let me assure you that everything will be answered within the pages of QORAP. However, in true Liv fashion, she doesn't give us those answers easily. Oh no, Ada must suffer greatly for them. In the end, she will truly come into and embrace her title of the Queen of Rot and Pain. With her king at her side. Leave your triggers at the door for this second installment. This series is not for the feint of heart, or stomach. Five delightfully gruesome stars!
March 6, 2024
I honestly don't know why I expected this book to be better when the first book was not good. Like it wasn't horrible, I've read much worse but it was just meh. I think the fact that I read the first book so long ago is the reason why I decided to pick this one up. Time dulled my feelings for the first one and gave me hope for the second one.
January 14, 2023
Ahh, book 2 has me torn, I really felt heart broken at times for the heroine.
And call me petty but I wanted HIM to grovel more, for her to get some revenge..🥲
Anyway, overall I really enjoyed their love story.
And call me petty but I wanted HIM to grovel more, for her to get some revenge..🥲
Anyway, overall I really enjoyed their love story.
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