Fantasy Audiobook Review: The Queen's Price by Anne Bishop

 

The Queen's Price by Anne Bishop (The Black Jewels #12)

bought on audio

Synopsis from Goodreads

Enter the dark and sensual realms of the Black Jewels in this sweeping story in the New York Times bestselling fantasy saga of three young women who must navigate life within the powerful SaDiablo family--and come to terms with Witch, the Queen who is still the heart and will of that family.

The Queen's price is to stand against what you know is wrong. To stand and fight, no matter the cost to your court or to yourself. Especially to yourself.

Zoey, a young Queen-in-training at SaDiablo Hall, is wounded...and vulnerable to taunts and criticism. When an opportunity arises to befriend a stranger seeking sanctuary at the Hall, she puts herself and others in danger by ignoring Daemonar Yaslana's warning to back off.

Meanwhile, the witch Jillian's family prepares for her Virgin Night, the rite of passage that assures a woman will retain her power and her Jewels. The trouble is Jillian secretly went through the ceremony already. Now she has to explain the omission of that detail to her powerful and lethal family. And the High Lord of Hell's daughter, Saetien, travels to Scelt to find out about Jaenelle Angelline's sister--and perhaps to discover truths about herself.

With some guidance from Witch, these three young women will learn when to yield because it is right--and when to take a stand, even if they must pay the Queen's price.

8.5/10

* * *

I am so happy with this book! 

Mostly, because it was a much stronger delivery than the previous two books, but mainly, because we went back in time to Jaenelle's experiences during the war, and it was powerful. 

In the last two books, she was a secondary character as Witch which made her very distant and cold. This book brought her back as a human. I missed those days, because Daemon was much more alive with her at his side. These days he is a father and a ruler and pretty much nothing else which makes for a rigid character. 

I was also laughing very hard at Gillian's conundrum with the virgin night and her newfound friend Brenda who was a force to be reckoned with. A shame, Brenda didn't get more limelight.

The tiger girl side story didn't do anything for me, because she was barely outlined, but the trials in Daemon's Court and Saetien's transformation were very engaging to follow. Surprisingly, her story of redemption, growth and finding herself was gratifying and relatable. She went from a spoiled, lost child to a young, blossoming Queen.

As always, excellent narration on audio. If I misspelled names here, please forgive me, as I was listening to the story rather than reading.

What did you think of the story? Do you still follow this series?

Overall, excellent! Very much recommended!