Naming of the Queen

Return of the Ancestors, Book 2

By: JJ Makenzie

Narrated by: Shakira Shute, Will Watt

Length: 14 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

The princess always knew her name would come with a price, but she never knew how steep the cost would be. Falsely accused of killing her husband’s family, she’s on the run with the father she never knew. With his help and a band of outcasts, she’s learning just how much she might have to pay, not only to save herself but also all of Greatland. It’s up to her to learn who she truly is and restore the ways of the Ancestors. Yet what her heart yearns for most is to be reunited with the man she must speak her name to first—Rowan, King of Northrend.

Rowan vowed no woman would ever own the heart of the king of Northrend again. But the woman with no name captured not only his heart but also his soul. And despite the crimes she’s been accused of, he’s having a hard time believing he was wrong about her. Yet, with the balance of Northrend and Greatland in his hands, he has a choice to make: choose the woman he loves or save his kingdom from going to war.

It's a dangerous game they play—one where it’s hard to know who's a friend and who's a foe. But if they wish to win, the lovers must reunite and help their people choose love and freedom before a shadow overcomes the land. The people must name their queen before it’s too late.

©2023 JJ Makenzie (P)2023 Dreamscape Media

Thrilling conclusion!

Wow! This audiobook packs a wallop! I started listening thinking I could pick it up without having read the first book but soon found I was hopelessly lost. I went back and listened to the first book and was so glad I did. This is definitely one of those series you need to read in order. The premise is a sweeping fantasy with fierce battles, an all consuming fiery romance, and a woman destined to be queen and unite her kingdom.

This book picks up right where the first book left off so if you haven’t read it, stop reading this review and pick it up. You’ve been warned.

At the end of The Queen With No Name, Princess was kidnapped/rescued by her long lost father. At the beginning of this book, she’s taken to a magical underground world where she learns her history and destiny. Not knowing whom to believe and trust, she yearns for the opportunity to confront her husband. When she learns he’s in pursuit of her and in danger, she sets off with new found friends and family to warn him. As she discovers who she and her husband are meant to be, she must battle old enemies & fight to bring peace and unite her kingdom.

This book was so hard to put down. It gave me Remnant Chronicles and The Books of Pellinor vibes. There were so many emotions I experienced while reading with some definite surprises, suspicions, misunderstandings, betrayals, and reconciliations. I enjoyed Princess’ strong spirit and spunk. She’s been through a lot and though she’s generally a kind, loving person, she doesn’t let others walk all over her. She finally chooses her name and I have to say it was perfect.

I liked Rowan much better in this book. He’s had time to really examine his feelings and grow as a person. Though he’s suspicious of Princess at first, mainly because of a snake in his kingdom who likes to feed him lies, he soon figures out whom he can trust. He has a fierce almost obsessive love for Princess and that strong bond between them continues in this story.

The audiobook version is fantastic! I loved the narrators who really brought this story to life. I could hardly put the AirPods down because I had to know what happened next.

The story definitely drew me in & I loved the premise. While this book provides a satisfying ending, I’d love to see the story continue. Recommend to fantasy and fairytale fans, but please read the content warnings below. It’s not appropriate for teens, especially young teens or those who only enjoy clean reads.

Content warning: This book came highly recommended, but it’s definitely a PG-13 read. There’s some mild swearing, mostly biblical swears. There’s also moderate violence, and death. There’s a lot of sexual innuendo, descriptions of intimate touching, and fade to black scenes all between a married couple. I’d describe it as semi open door though not graphic.

A truly wonderful story

I was given a wonderful story with surprises throughout…..very enjoyable! Very highly recommend ed!

Such a FANTASTIC story! 😍

5+ Stars!

Oh my heart! Y'all. I don't even know where to begin to tell you how much I utterly adored this book! It was absolutely phenomenal! Here it is, days later, and I can't stop thinking about it. It's definitely one of those books that will be staying with me for a long, long time.

But, y'all. This book needed to come with some warnings!

1. If at all possible, read it with one of your bookish friends. I can attest that you are going to want to have someone to chat with throughout this entire book.
2. Make sure you have tissues at the ready. If you're anything like me, you'll definitely be crying. Some sad tears, but also happy tears.
3. Make sure you have cleared everything off your schedule before you even think about starting this book. I promise that zero things will get done once you start.
4. Be prepared for the biggest book hangover of your life! You will definitely be ruined for the foreseeable future.

Wow. Just WOW! I am completely blown away. I don't know where to begin with my review. If I'm being honest, I don't even want to leave one. Why, you ask? Because I don't want to take any chances of giving anything away. This is definitely a book that you need to experience yourself. Trust me. My advice would be to curl up in your comfy reading spot and enjoy the journey you're about to embark on.

Princess and Rowan hold a special place in my heart. Their journey is so heartachingly beautiful. There's just something about these two that make me want to hold their story close to my heart and protect it from the world. I honestly can't explain it. Their love story is just too special, too incomparable in beauty. My wish is that everyone loves them as much as I do.

Ms. Makenzie had me feeling all the feels in this book. I absolutely love when an author can literally make me feel the same way the characters are feeling. It makes the book more real to me, like I'm sitting right there with them experiencing everything they are. It's the best feeling in the world! I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next!

And I would be remiss f I didn't mention Ms. Shute and Mr. Watt. They did a PHENOMENAL job of bringing Princess and Rowan to life! I felt as if I was right there with our beloved characters feeling every single thing they were feeling. It was AMAZING!

Obsessed!

I could not put this down. The way Shakira Shute and Will Watt brought this book to life was amazing! The writing by Jennifer Peel is so beautiful and the narrators really did it justice. I will be listening again!

NOT AS GOOD AS BOOK 1

I loved book one it pulled me in, and I just had to read book 2. Such a letdown. The emotional pull left me wanting book 1. Book two felt rushed rather than gathering it all tied up with a pretty bow.