Queen of Myth and Monsters (Adrian X Isolde Book 2)

Product Information

They enjoy hearing people cry and beg. She is the first queen of Lara, and she desires more than just Lara. Isolde likewise wanted Vela. She planned to reclaim the land her mother once called home from King Gheorghe and set her people free while watching his face wither away in triumph. The corners of Adrian’s lips curled, and he learned closer, his breath on my lips as he spoke. “If that is your wish, I shall build it myself.”

The Content Warning in the very beginning of the book, which includes several phone numbers to reach to if you need them. Absolutely love that idea, and I think more authors should implement it - especially in books dealing with TWs as severe as these ones. Isolde was renowned for her brutality, the queen of myth and monsters. She does not have any compassion or forgiveness in her heart for those who would do harm to her kingdom. With their blood dripping helplessly, howls of beg are invading the ground.

My Book Notes

This chapter of Queen of Myth and Monsters was written from Adrian’s point of view. Like Isolde, he was constantly yearning for a brutal battle that would endanger the kingdom. He was currently on the witch’s territory, but their spells couldn’t touch him because he had been trained to kill. In the end, he was successful, and as he turned to go after casting one last glance, a grin appeared on his lips. ALSO the fact it’s mentioned 2x max about her shade shifting or actually changing is so stupid. I’m mad at Scarlett just added the most random shit to just add it.

Adrian, on the other hand, had gotten worse because he loves Isolde so much that he lets her walk all over him. You see slimmers of anger but never times where he defends himself. He’s been the king for 200 years and has done fairly well hence the 200 years. Isolde thinks she knows better than him. Might I add, she’s gotten more people killed in the past 1.5 books than probably he ruled in those 200 years. Since this is the second book in the series, I came into this reading blind. The plot was easy to follow even though I hadn't read the first book. There is something delicious about the love story between Adrian and Isodle. If you love spice, this audiobook definitely has plenty, but it is so much more. Scarlett St. Clair's writing is atmospheric and captivating.

Part 1: The Plot Summary of Queens of Myth and Monsters

Thank you so much to Bloom Books & Netgalley for providing an advanced copy of this. All thoughts and opinions are still my own. Such a great instalment. And after reading the author’s note I feel like we share the same opinions. If you’ve read any works about matriarchal societies, the rise of patriarchy, or the witch hunts - this fantasy romance is such an inspiration of that. It’s obvious in the first book the author had done some research into this and the second one even more so. RTC!

I did read the first book and loved it, and it took me a while to notice the themes I wasn't a fan of. I know I am not comfortable with the idea enslaved island used a a plot devise to create an argument or conflict between Adrian and Isolde. Isolde's need or want for Nalani's freedom is mentioned in almost every chapter by her. She did not flinch when she saw those traitors. That was merely a message indicating that nobody should proceed on their path. Isolde and her husband Adrian fought for control of their kingdom. They seemed to enjoy their horrific deaths even as they looked at them. Now for the witches and monsters. Nothing made my dark witch heart sing more than this book. The research I know that went into it, the planning, and the love that went into presenting a supernatural world and the witches in such a true/real way is AMAZING. I felt as though I was pulled into a new reality. One wrapped in intricate magic, untrusting gods, and monsters you can’t help but fall in love with. This witch approves of what went into the details.However, Adrian, her husband was also there consoling her using her touch and kisses. After their heated love-making, Isolde stood up emotionless and get dressed like it wasn’t a big deal at all. Her mind was succumbed with pressure and wants to immediately sit on her throne. Chapter 4 of Queen of Myth and Monsters Queen of Myth and Monsters was just as good as King of Battle and Blood. While it felt similar to the first one in terms of a third act betrayal, I liked this instalment for delivering the MC chemistry. Things I like? I always love Isolde and her murder-y ways and vibes. She's an antiheroine who is very confused by her new life and is trying to find a way to adapt but stuff keep happening. I always want heroines like her where they're not afraid to dirty their hands and love doing it. Isolde has a bit of a saviour complex to her that comes out full-force here. *She* wants to save everyone. Her father's kingdom. Her mother's kingdom (even though she's never set foot there 😭). The fact that three chapters have done nothing apart from making me want to re-read the entire first book (again) and devour this one the second it’s out!

You do not have to have lived a hundred years, or even twenty. If your soul is tired, you will be tired.” This is the second book in the Adrian x Isolde series, and I was so excited to get my hands on it once I finished King of Battle and Blood. I wished I was kidding when I said that everything that could have gone wrong with this book, went wrong. This series might be based on a love story, but I'd hardly call this book a romance. Compared to the first instalment in the series, where the characters have such depth of feeling and tenderness for each other with great spice; and so many side characters were introduced and readied for their moment to shine… It seems that the author decided that, instead of shinning, they are all to be plummeted into darkness. Including the MCs. Things I already love about this book even though I’ve only read the first three chapters because Net Galley rules, and it’s available in the Read Now section so… I’m not saying run to get them, but I sure did. And it wasn't even new fights. But reworded iterations the same fights. And after awhile I was just annoyed. Rather than push through and give this a low rating, when I know I won't be continuing with the series anyways, I just decided to put it down.He is a perfect example of a madman. In Queen of Myth and Monsters, his persona is rife with violence and hatred. His terrible past had sharpened him to anger. Peace is not in his vocabulary. You are the daughter of witches, as all women are […] Magic is in our blood and bone; it is in the earth at our feet; it is in the very air we breathe.” And the book truly does grow darker with each chapter. By the end the characters are so completely different to what they were in the first book that it almost feels like an entirely different story. Those who were painted as antagonistic, kind of selfish, and entitled in the first book are now the most loyal and kind, whilst the ones appointed as the inner circle seem to grow wary, angry and tired of their position, on the prowl for the most convenient time to reveal that they were never all that loyal to begin with. And most of all, this book truly feels like the story of how two once beloved protagonists turn into villains trying to keep power for themselves, no matter how many suffer for it. I will read book #3 when it comes out because I’m too curious not to, but I don’t really know how the messes made in this book can be righted in the next… Thank you NetGalley, Tantor Audio and Recorded Books for sharing this audiobook with me. This is a story you don't want to miss.