Queen of Ashes

Steamy Fairy Tale Retellings, Book 2

By: Denise Daye

Narrated by: M.K. Blackwood

Mina ascends the golden throne and stands atop a crumbling realm. With her enemies breathing down her neck and Alrick's life in danger, she is forced to venture on a dangerous path once more. One that means inviting "the Moniter” into her life....

Kalgar'sar's bastard son, Rune, cares for nothing and no one. But even he can't help but accept the invitation when the Rhine Queen sends for him to bargain for peace–and the life of her lover she intends to marry.

Rune swears the way her beautiful eyes awaken a passionate desire inside him has nothing to do with his willingness to consider her outrageous offer.

But when the price for peace is higher than some are willing to pay, people will get hurt.

Can the young queen save her kingdom and marry the love of her life?

This is the second book in a series. The series is complete.

©2022, 2023 Denise Daye (P)2023 Denise Daye

Great Story & Narration🎧Fascinating & Exciting!

This is an exciting sequel to “The Night Queen”, which was an imaginative retelling of the Brother Grimms’ “King Thrushbeard” fairytale. Denise Daye put her own spin on the tale and continues to build on it in this second book in the series. In the first book, we saw how much Princess Mina von Rhine’s character grew and this book picks up soon where that book left off. She wanted to make mends with her father, instead she has inherited the kingdom and faces many new challenges, including those trying to make power plays, some of whom are in her own castle. Alrick is by her side supporting her the entire way, but now she is in a position of having to think not about what is best for her but what is most beneficial for the people, how to keep the peace and without losing their power or land. She starts out as the Night Queen and transforms into the Queen of Ashes, not by choice but by necessity. My heart went out to her for her sacrifices and I am looking forward to seeing what happens next and what Rune may be hiding from her. The writing and plotting is fantastic, as is the world building. The drama is non-stop and there is never a dull moment in this book. Denise Daye, thank you for another amazing story and emotional roller coaster ride. 

🎧📚🎧 And for the wonderful narration, M.K. Blackwood continues to bring these characters and story to life. Her character voices have been consistent and I love how she takes each role and makes it her own, sounding believable and just as I picture the characters to sound. You could hear how much heart she puts into her work as she captures all the characters’ emotions and projects them into her performance, making you feel them all. This entertaining storyteller is a versatile voice artist and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another amazing listen.

night queen or queen of ashes

love how this book picks up right where it left off. this princess is quickly adjusting to her position as QUEEN. the love interests she has she yet to understand. that's something common we all go through.

Good!

I almost feel like the story is incomplete as it did not end how I was thinking it should. It looks like there is another one yet to come so I have high hopes. The story flows well and the characters are easily likable. This picks up right where the last one left off and we shoot forward with all kinds of difficulty and upheaval. I was surprised more than once at some things that happened.

I listened to this on audio. MK Blackwood does a wonderful job narrating. She is easy to listen to.

I do love the cover of this one!