The original Black Jewels trilogy is an all-time favorite of mine, particularly because of its powerful, kick-ass women and its themes of female dominance and sadomasochism. Yes, it was dark and problematic, and hardly what one would call a feel-good fantasy, but the gender dynamic was important to me, a significant shift from most of the fantasy I was reading.

The Queen's Bargain marked a significant departure from that subject matter and those themes, but I didn't realize how much of a departure until I was about halfway through The Queen's Weapons. Anne Bishop has gender-flipped and subverted her own work, not only restoring the traditional fantasy patriarchy, but reducing women to being defined as the daughters and wives of men, making them powerless in the face of uncontrollable male sexual heat, and demonstrating deplorable cruelty towards them - including rape and psychological assault.

Sadly, for a book that should be exploring the larger threats of a taint in the Blood and the source of a familiar evil, this is mostly relegated to emotional wounds - it's basically Mean Girls with magic, focused on a bunch of spoiled brat teenagers who are obsessed with their social standing. It's soap operaish to the extreme, and there's such a massive shift in personalities and motives from the first half to the second that I really began to wonder if my book was a misprint that was missing something significant. Add to that some absolutely deplorable decisions made regarding family dynamics, the brutal breaking of bonds between mothers and daughters, and I began to wonder why I was still reading at all.

The Queen's Weapons isn't necessarily a bad book, if it's what you're looking for (or willing to settle for), it's just not up to the standards of earlier in the series.

The Black Jewels series by Anna Bishop has always been one of those series that has intrigued me. Dark and mysterious, it’s chockfull of interesting characters and a shadowy world.

Bishop’s writing turns much more sinister with this series, which I think is a nice touch and it’s very fitting for the Fantasy series. Because it can be so dark, it may be a little too much for some readers. I know in the past, this series has definitely pushed me toward my boundaries, but I always feel intrigued to read the next book in the series when it comes out.

With the darker tone of the series, you do get a lot of the darker characters. I enjoy that but wish there was a little more variation in the characters. Instead of only focusing on the plot, Bishop does a great job with characterization. But if all the characters have that dark secret or tortured past, it can feel slightly repetitive or old sometimes.

Nevertheless, this book is very well written and detailed. I’m sure fans will have no trouble falling deep into this world that Bishop has created and it’s definitely one of the more engaging Fantasy series that I’m reading. I can’t wait to see what Anne Bishop has in store for the Black Jewels series next!

What's not to love about The Queen's Weapons? Anne Bishop established herself with a beautiful written series and this extension within the same world is cementing her as one of the greats of her genre.

I loved this new installment in the series. I liked the story line, I liked how the author unfolded the plot with so many twists. I loved the character of Daemonar Yaslana, I was able to connect with him.
Overall it was an enjoyable read which I recommend.

What I Loved:

Daemonar. I am a sucker for Lucivar’s oldest son. He is the best of Lucivar and Daemon combined, with a dash of Saetan mixed in. Daemonar is the equivalent of what I feel is probably the equivalent of 17 to 20ish, but he is a great balance of young man and sweet boy. Also, his relationship with “Auntie J” and then also as a Warlord Prince to his Queen is so wonderful to see. I love that Bishop brought back the Triangle, even if I still miss Saetan. Some of my favorite scenes are Lucivar and Daemon both guiding Daemonar in the ways of being a Warlord Prince, while also deciding how he “fits” in the Triangle.

Zoey and Titian. It’s about time this series has some more overtly gay characters. The Black Jewels books are very strongly character driven, and Zoey and Titian bring an adorably sweet element that is sometimes missing in this fairly dark fantasy world. Zoey sending reports to Daemon is literally the best thing ever, fight me. I also loved watching Zoey’s budding court as she develops into a young Queen. Titian featured well in the Queen’s Bargain, but here, she had a chance to shine. Titian and Zoey serve as the moral compass for young Witches, and set the stage for the next book better than any of the other characters do (that’s the end of my spoilers… all I can say is YAY!)

The Premise of “History Repeating Itself.” I know this is a less popular opinion. A lot of other reviewers noted that it feels ingenuine that Witch cleansed the realm of taint only three ish generations ago. However, in this realm that is hundreds of years. I liked how Bishop showed fetishist “memorabilia” collecting from the evil times – it reminded me of people who collect Nazi memorabilia and reminisce about Nazi Germany. Evil will always idolize evil, and the weak will always be led astray.

What Didn’t Work For Me:

The Pacing. Call me old fashioned, but the giant decades jumps in time drove me crazy. The beginning of Queen’s Weapons was slow, and was very much a reintroduction of the characters. The second half, which takes places decades/centuries later, felt like a mad dash by contrast. While I understand that all of the remaining characters in the book are long-lived (as compared to the original Black Jewels trilogy, when Jaenelle and most of her friends were short lived), but it was frustrating seeing these adolescents remain in adolescence for as long as they did. It makes me grateful we met Lucivar and Daemon when they were essentially in their 20s.

Jaenelle Saetien. The little witch (and not in a good way!) has become more insufferable in this installation, with deadly consequences. While I can sympathize with feeling like you are in standing in someone’s shadow, her behavior is frankly inexcusable. I really can’t fathom this being two of my favorite characters’ daughter. It was also unfair that she never really got to meet her namesake Witch during her formative years, when she could have potentially been a better person/witch.

The “Youngness” of it all. Honestly, the fact that the taint in Kaeleer is all from bored and evil teenagers, Mean Girls on steroids, makes Queen’s Weapons feel like a tamer installation than anything prior in the Black Jewels world. The teens are certainly evil, and they resemble everything wrong with the world before Witch cleansed everything, but I never felt like they were as much of a threat as the adults and systematic taint from the prior books. In one way, I liked it – I am a sucker for a good coming of age tale, and this is just that for Daemonar, Titian, Zoey, and Jaenelle Saetien. However, it isn’t quite what I search for in a Black Jewels book.

5 stars

A different book from the rest of the series, and one that is sure to upset some with its pacing and plot. This is a slow burn, a fast burn, and a character-driven exploration all at the same time. And yet. For those of us who have been waiting...this was a healing.

(I have a LOT to say, so strap in!)

Writing: ★★★★★
Plot: ★★★★★
Pacing: ★★ 1/2
Character decisions: ★★★★

Disclaimer: This is the 11th book in the Black Jewels world and the direct sequel to The Queen's Bargain. While I do not spoil anything for this particular book, there ARE spoilers for the other books in the world and for The Queen's Bargain. Please do not read if you do not want to be spoiled for previous books.

This is not an entry point novel for the series.

I really don't know where to start. For those of us who have been with Anne Bishop since Daughter of the Blood, we've been through some things. In particular, Twilight's Dawn imparted some shocking new developments for the plot and its characters and then left us to hang with that for several years—i.e., discovering that Daemon and Surreal decide to get married and have a daughter named Jaenelle Saetien. (There's other stuff too, obviously, but that was the mic drop.)

Then the The Queen's Bargain entered the scene in 2020 when we followed Lucivar Yaslana and Daemon Sadi as they embarked on the new frontier: parenthood. In particular, we got to watch Jaenelle Saetien grow up and Daemon's internal chalice crumble once again as his true nature as the Sadist fell apart with Surreal's fear and distrust. It was a painful journey, there's no mistaking that. But it ended on a hopeful tendril: Witch intervened.

Following the events of The Queen's Bargain, Lucivar and Daemon are now older, wiser, and soothed by the fact that their one true Queen, Witch, is not as lost to them as they had previously assumed. She's not back—not really—but her core remains sentient and she can speak with them in the Keep of Ebon Askavi. And for the two sides of the triangle, that is enough. For the Sadist, who needed the oversight and the acceptance, that is enough.

And for Daemonar, who is now old enough to be considered a young man, that is enough. His Auntie J is raising Daemonar to be the new third side to the triangle with his Uncle Daemon and his father. And a new storm is brewing in Kaleer. Before long, Daemonar will be needed. The queen will have need of her weapons.

For the long-lived races, several hundred years is not enough to forget the memory of Witch and the sacrifices made for the Blood of the realms. But for the shorter-lived races, that lesson has become a distant memory. When history becomes a distant memory, some decide to conveniently forget its teachings...

A new taint is darkening the pages. And Daemon, Lucivar, and Daemonar need to be ready.

This was... a journey. First off, I have to admit that the pacing of this book was difficult. The first 100 pages were a lot of recap and character interactions that I enjoyed as a Black Jewels mega-fan but did become tedious, even for me. So the plot itself took its sweet time to arrive.

But when it did, it really kicked off. To avoid spoilers, let's just say that while Kaleer might have forgotten that Saetan's sons have claws... the sons themselves have not. If peace isn't an option, they're happy to pick the other road. Whew boy, the boys are BACK.

The Queen's Weapons follows quite a few points of view. Daemonar is one of the main ones, along with Daemon and Lucivar. But we're also along for the ride with Surreal—who finally finds her backbone that was mysteriously absent for all of The Queen's Bargain—and with Jaenelle Saetien. (And a few others, but those are the main ones.)

Let's talk about Jaenelle Saetien. I mean, I really can't due to spoilers, but I want to. Desperately. This was an intense novel that Jaenelle Saetien made much more difficult to get through for us readers. But the pain and agony of dealing with her—there's no other way to put it, it felt like a chore to experience her behavior—was made worth it by the climax of the novel.

Anne Bishop doesn't need to keep outdoing herself with masterful writing and emotionally complex characters, but man does it feel like she outdoes herself with each new book. This was another masterclass from the queen of dark fantasy. I know I'm the last person to provide an unbiased review, and y'all can call me out on that I don't even care, but I loved this. It's always a joy to walk the roads in the Realms with our favorite people.

And Witch, I'm glad you're with us again.

If you were upset with Twilight's Dawn, then let me promise you that this book is a healing. It's a painful, joyous ride—but the ending made me cry from happiness. We made it. The light at the end of the tunnel is glorious, and now I am unreservedly excited for whatever happens next.

Thank you to ACE/Berkley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Queen's Weapons was a great addition to the Black Jewels series!

A dark seed has had years to move around the realm and her tentacles are closing in around unsuspecting victims. The Queen's Weapons will need to stop this taint before another Dorothea emerges.

The kids have grown. What are they doing?

Titian has found the strength to request going to a new school to further her painting.

Daemonar just like his father (Lucivar) and his uncle (Sadi) is a Warlord Prince. He is loyal to Witch and to his family. He will protect and serve. As a child, he was always there to help Jaenelle. However, Jaenelle is not acting like her old self. He wants to keep an eye on her and his sister.

Jaenelle wants to forge her own path. She wants nothing to do with the name she was given. She believes her new friends at the school are guiding her into the right aristo ways.

Zoey, a Queen, who as a child befriended Daemon Sadi and later on became friends with Titian and Jaenelle will be attending the same school.

A line is drawn and each of them will pick up a side.

Who will survive the cold fury of the Lord of Hell?

~~

I was so happy to be back in this world. I love that Deamonar has become such a great warrior. He is ready to help and defend. He also listened and learned. He understood Sadi and he loves Witch. He was a great big brother too.

Jaenelle was such a disappointment. I don't think she really learned her lesson. She hurt everyone with her words and her actions. She was so spoiled and rotten. She knew what she was doing was wrong but she still did it. Her punishment was too small.

Other thoughts:

-I love how strong Jillian has become. Kiss Kiss.

-Surreal was less impressive in this one but I think it's because Witch is more prevalent in it.

-I liked Zoey but I didn't love her. She might be something better in the next book.

-My hats off to Mrs. Beale. She sure showed them what she could do in the kitchen🔪.

-Love all the Kindred in this installment.

-Daemon and Lucivar were vigilant and ready to pounce.

I'm still not sure how Jaenelle can redeem herself enough but I'm ready to read it.

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by Ace Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This series is a treasure to me. The black jewels series is one of the first dark adult romance fantasies that I picked up and devoured. Each book provides more layers to the characters we have known and the children that have been born into the series. This one provides us with more depth to the children of these characters. It is raw and emotional and is on point with what many children grow up with peer pressure and the very damaging consequences. Since this is a fantasy world, the results hit home with what can happen and does happen in the real world, and some, of course, are pure fiction with echoes of what we have all undoubtedly seen occur in the hallways of high schools and even colleges. The level of pressure young women and even young men have to fit in is intense. I don't know if we will get more books. I did not know at the end a few years back if we were getting more stories; if we do, I sure they will be just as impressive as they all have been. If we don't, the consequences served up for the characters in this one are oddly satisfying, but of course, we always want more.

The original Black Jewels trilogy had a deep impact on me and I was deeply disappointed when the author chose to stop writing in this world.  To me this return to the world is bittersweet.  Having watched Janelle and her court flourish and enjoyed all the antics of the kindred we return to a completely different world. Many of the original characters are whispers in the darkness and Janelle herself has a non corporal form which appears to those who swore life long service but is a story and a memory to others.  This is a coming of age story of the next generation. The values that were bred into the blood and the bone of the first generation are manifested differently in the second generation and evil no matter what is sacrificed to stamp it out never dies and finds the most unlikely ways to raise it's head and spread like a weed where it's allowed, perhaps closer to home than expected.
The Queen's Bargain gave us the first glimpse that Daemon's golden haired treasure might have feet of clay but the story ended without much fanfare.  This story begins on a hopeful and bright note as Janelle Satien and Daemonar unwittingly follow some of the same fun paths once trodden by Janelle Angeline and Lucivar.  But evil is rising insidiously and soon Daemonar will be called upon to serve and protect and act as the queen's weapons. His father and uncle will not be far behind called upon to play their own roles on this new killing field.
Surreal is the character who seems to have gone through the greatest transformation. Once the feared assassin who pulled out a weapon on anyone who deserved it regardless of who they might be failed to stand up for herself and lost Daemon, the man who was starting to open up his heart to another woman besides Witch. Now Daemon has figured out how to revert back to his old relationship with Surreal and bring Witch back into his life even if he can't touch her while giving Surreal all the courtesies of a spouse.  The daughter, Surreal once protected with a clawed weapon from the father who adored her will turn her back on the mother and deliver a heart wound that can never be mended. Will the series continue and what role will Surreal play as the story evolves is an interesting question left for the future.
It is hard to imagine that Janelle Satien the much awaited golden hearted treasure will be the character who fails the millennia of honor bred into the Sa Diablo blood line and betray all that she's been raised to defend.  It's  difficult to watch a lifetime of friendships and relationships destroyed as evil finds fertile ground to seed malice and insecurity. A girl who has been raised in the lap of luxury with the love that her parents never received throws it all away for an empty friendship. My heart goes out to Daemon who suffered so much for so many years, had Witch as wife for the shortest time only to have his ultimate reward will deliver the biggest heart blow of all? What will happen to Janelle Satien as the series evolves?
It's Daemonar who comes into his own in this book. He has watched and learned growing up in the shadow of Witch his beloved Auntie Janelle who has a tremendous impact on him. An impact that isn't truly felt until The Queen's Bargain.  His sensitivity and compassion towards his sister, when he brings her heart pain to his father, then his actions in the school as he stands as protector to his sister and his cousin and then when he goes into battle to protect all that is dear to his heart. Of course he is going to pay the price for not shielding properly and getting hurt.  Methinks there's quite a bit of coddling in Daemonar's future and I personally can't wait to see when he finds his soul mate. I hope the author gives us that story.
Like all of Ms. Bishop's books the story is thought provoking, making me reach into my own psyche for answers to the age old question about nature versus nurture. So many questions about where and how this series will evolve, can't wait to see where the author takes it.

4.5 stars

The 11th book in Anne Bishop's Black Jewels series picks up about 10 years after The Queen's Bargain leaves off with choice and consequence being the main theme. Using the past as a marker. Bishop continues to pay homage to family and family while addressing racism, bigotry, and classism with her usual evocative mixture of erotic humor and drama. Fans who have fallen off the wagon after Twilight Dawn may want to jump back on because Bishop, in her own way, is closing the circle. I am excited for book 12.

The Queen’s Weapons by Anne Bishop is the 11th book in her fantastic Black Jewels series. I am a huge fan of Anne Bishop, as I have read all her series. Black Jewels has always been one of my favorite all time series, and every time Anne gives us a new book, I cannot wait to savor it. The Queen’s Weapons was such a fantastic read, I could not put the book down, as this was a masterpiece similar to book 2 and 3 of the initial trilogy.
Daemonar Yaslana, Lucivar’s son, who is now old enough to join his father and uncle in protecting their family against any enemies. When he is approached by a young queen with threats of sexual obedience, a red flag arises and he tells his father, who in turn alerts Daemon. Hundreds of years have passed when the war against the evil female enemies from Terreille were destroyed, but some things are beginning to reappear, and they go on alert.

Jaenelle Saetien, Daemon and Surreal’s daughter, wants to go the same school that her cousin Titian is going to learn art; another young Queen (Zoey), very well liked, and has become close to Titian will also attend. In a short time, Jaenelle befriends some of the girls, who are not very nice, but she finds herself wanting to be part of their group, and keeps her distance from her cousin and Zoey. I will say that in this entire story, I did not like Jaenelle Saetien, as she became very much like her new friends, a b***h. Her treatment of her mother, Surreal was terrible, and Janelle thought nothing of being nasty, and pushing her mother away, and just about alienating everyone, accept her new friends. Daemonar, worried about his sister at the school, decides to enroll, so that he can protect her.

What follows is Daemon, Lucivar, Surreal and Daemonar begin to investigate what is happening, and become centered on Jaenelle’s friends, both girls and boys, and the danger escalates, especially after Jaenelle defends them as doing nothing wrong. Zoey, who is destined to become a major Queen, is very much in danger by this group that is called the Coven of Malice. But to get to Zoey, the coven push Jaenelle to have a party bringing everyone together, and be friends; which is far from the truth.

The last half of the book was sensational, exciting, intense, with heart shattering moments that do not allow you to put the book down, as you become totally enthralled. I will say I absolutely loved seeing our favorites come forth to fight a new battle, as it was great to not only have Daemon, Lucivar, Surreal, Tersa, Marian, but I also loved seeing Karla play a bigger part, especially Jaenelle (Witch) to help them, and of course, the return of kindred. It has always been a joy to spend time with these wonderful strong characters written by Bishop.
The battle to destroy the evil that is rising, was an amazing race to the finish that I held my breath throughout. They all join hands to stop the destruction, and it is Daemon, as the High Lord of Hell, who will make them pay their debts. How far will he go? To tell too much more would be spoilers, and I do not want to ruin it for you, as this is a must read. I loved that the last few chapters gave us a look at what happens to those who survived, and what the future holds for all of them.

Anne Bishop not only creates such wonderful leading characters, her secondary characters continue to be to be equally memorable. Black Jewels has always been one of my top favorites, especially all those people we loved, and Anne Bishop continues to bring joy to our lives with these fantastic characters. Bravo to Anne Bishop for giving us another masterpiece in this series. I want more.

It is always fun to visit the world of the Black Jewels. This has all the elements the series is famous for. The action fits the characters and the world they live in. There is not a lot of romance here, there is a lot about raising teens when their Father is the most powerful man alive. That drives the action and the tension if often over the top. I found myself wanting to yell just do what is right. Did not help.

I might be biased, because I love this series so much, but this felt like a homecoming. I wasn't as comfortable with The Queen's Bargain as I was with this book.

Anne Bishop creates such tension and a sense of foreboding in both the series I love, Black Jewels and The Others that you end up holding your breath and biting your nails a lot throughout her books.

The Queen's Weapons has the old school feel. Daemon is the most badass, vicious antihero along with Lucivar and Surreal, but baby Daemonar is all grown up here along with Lucivar's daughter Titian and Daemon and Surreal's daughter Jaenelle Saetien.

This book is about the younger generation growing up and meeting their share of new challenges. Jaenelle Angeline is a distant fairytale and people are slowly forgetting about her ways allowing the old corruption from Teureille to slowly creep back. The old guard is seeing all this, they are seeing the signs in tangled webs, but they need time to collect all the evidence, especially because their children are right in the center of it all and might not survive the storm.

Jaenelle is the problem child in this all. You could see the signs in the previous books, but she is worse as a teenager and both her parents are at a loss. She is being manipulated and distances herself from everyone but her new friends because she has been so spoiled and sheltered she can not see the wrongness of what she is doing until it's too late.

This is a fantastic read, majorly because all our beloved characters are returning to who they really are and draw their lines in the sand. Also, justice prevails in spectacular fashion! Loved it, recommended to all the fans.

If you want to know what the series is about, start with Daughter of The Blood, but beware, there are tons of triggers.

History has this strange habit of repeating itself. However, there are some who want to keep that from happening again.
The story centers on Daemonar Yaslana – Lucivar’s firstborn – transitioning into a Warlord Prince. He has the promise to be just as deadly as his father and uncle. However, the new taint in their world puts him to the test.
It also focuses on Jaenelle Saetien – Daemon and Surreal’s daughter. For most of the book, I really could not stand her, which disappointed me. I had such high hopes for her character because A) she’s Daemon’s daughter and B) She bears the name Jaenelle.
I understand some of her reasons for acting out. It is always difficult and stressful living in another’s shadow. She just wanted something only she stood out on. Unfortunately, Jaenelle the Second chose the wrong path. Though, my feelings towards her started to change when she reformed on her own.
I wish Witch would have interacted with the girl more. In some ways, I understand why she did not.
I really did not care for Zoey’s character. It just felt like she was a watered down Jaenelle Angelline. So it fell flat with me. She annoyed me just as much as Jaenelle the Second.
Daemon made the book for me. His behavior reminded me of the first trilogy. He is just as sensual and deadly as his younger years, with a little more bite. It still jarred me that he and Surreal are married. I could never back that pairing. I feel Surreal got the short end on that. She deserved someone to love her whole heartedly.
Asides the few nitpicks, the book really captured me. I stayed up long into the night to read more, even knowing I had work in the morning. I just had to find out what happened.

Although I may need to give this a second read to let it all sink deeper in, right now, I can say that this is a superb addition to the Black Jewels series. This book revolves mainly around Jaenelle Saetien’s life. She is now more than several centuries old but still a; well, let's say, a young adult. She has not yet made her offering, so she still has only her Twilights Dawn jewel. She has turned into a right little b*itch, and it gets worse as the book progresses. But you'll see why and it's a doozy of a plot twist!

If you've kept up with the whole series, don't do as I did and re-read The Queen's Bargain (The Black Jewels #10) by Anne Bishop since it will make the first, oh, maybe 10% of this book boring. There is a lot of repetition about Surreal and Daemons' marriage and 'the heat'. A conflict that does seem to get resolved in this book.

This book is definitely a must-read for those who love The Jewels series and will definitely be going on my comfort read shelf. You know the one I mean- the books that you just read for pure enjoyment when nothing else seems to suit!

*ARC supplied by the publisher, the author, and NetGalley. Thank you.

As the first book in the series, Daughter of the Blood, begins with a prologue from Tersa – the only point in any book in the series where Bishop uses first-person instead of third- – it is achingly poignant and appropriate that this, which is most likely the last Black Jewels book, starts with a prologue about Tersa as well. Both Daughter of the Blood and Queen’s Weapons begin with Tersa seeing Witch, but now we’ve come full circle from where we began, now, in Weapons, Witch is there to answer.

There’s just something…so beautiful, about that. The contrast between Tersa being the one to foretell Witch’s coming, thousands of years ago – and now, where Tersa speaks to Witch directly, witch to Witch, as maybe no one else can.

And that’s just the prologue.

I have so many thoughts about this book – thoughts that are difficult to write about without giving away too much of the story. But ultimately, this really is a book about coming full circle from where the Black Jewels series began. We started with Dorothea and Hekatah, and saw them brought down – and now the story cycles ’round again to find another twisted witch, rising but still hidden, spreading an old, familiar poison.

In choosing this particular plotline – in choosing to tell this story specifically – Bishop also manages to justify some aspects of her worldbuilding that always struck me as…not the best. The ridiculously long lives of her long-lived races are finally justified, as we see how important it is that there are those still living who have seen this kind of evil before – who are watchful for it. History repeats itself all too easily when you live maybe 100 years; it only takes a century or two for old travesties to be forgotten, or softened, or even idealised. And that’s where the long-lived races of the Blood step in, if they’re taking their responsibilities seriously, because it takes more than a few centuries for them to forget. So in this way, we see how the two kinds of peoples – long-lived and short- – balance each other; innovation and change comes faster from people who don’t live as long, while the long memories of those who live millennia keep the horrors of history from repeating themselves.

As a long-time fan, and someone who’s spent many hours analysing and debating the tiniest details of these books, I also feel like the things which affect or come out of the characters’ personal lives all reach a pretty logical conclusion. Probably the most important plotline of Queen’s Bargain was the breakdown of Daemon and Surreal’s marriage, which: yeah, saw that coming, honestly. I was never comfortable with the two of them being paired together; it felt so forced and out of character for them both. In Queen’s Weapons, their relationship changes into something far healthier, and which feels much more natural for them both. Equally, a major aspect of Queen’s Weapons is Jaenelle Saetian, Daemon and Surreal’s daughter, and the ways in which she moves from bratty child to genuinely toxic adolescent. At first I took this to just be the direction Bishop chose to take the story – but sitting down and thinking about it, it feels like a foregone conclusion to me that Daemon and Surreal wouldn’t be the best parents. What does either one of them know about children? And after the nightmares the two of them lived through, it’s extremely believable to me that they might go too far in the opposite direction and leave Jaenelle Saetian too sheltered to appreciate what she has. It’s not that they’re bad parents as such, so much as, in trying to give their daughter the perfect childhood – in protecting her from the truth of their own pasts – they accidentally give her a blind-spot when it comes to awful people.

And a pretty huge sense of entitlement.

I do struggle with this a bit, because it is hard to accept that an adolescence that lasts centuries is enough to justify bratty attitudes. It’s emphasised again and again that the long-lived races have short bursts of development and then long plateaus where they don’t grow physically or emotionally…but does that mean any kind of critique bounces off someone within one of those plateaus? Is Jaenelle Saetian biologically incapable of internalising the criticisms of her behaviour – critiques that have been coming for centuries – because she’s in one of those plateaus? Is personal growth impossible during the developmental plateaus? If that’s the case, surely the method of raising children would be drastically different than anything we human readers would recognise?

And I mean, change is clearly not impossible, because Jaenelle Saetian does change – it’s just that she changes for the worst. So…I have a bit of trouble with this.

I think it’s just one of those things you have to accept in a story, and move on. Especially when it would have been so easy, and so expected, to idealise Daemon and Surreal’s daughter – to have made her perfect – there is something to be said about Bishop choosing to go the other way with the character. It’s disappointing in the sense that I want all the characters to be happy forever, but it’s also more realistic.

Another thing that really has to be discussed is Bishop’s choice to put a F/F relationship front and center. I’m not going to talk about which characters turn out to be queer; you’ll have to wait and read the book yourself for that. But one of the things that has made me most unhappy about the Black Jewels series as a queer reader – besides the very, very rigid gender binary – is the fact that, until now, every openly queer character has ended up physically disabled. Have been, in fact, the only characters to come out of the various series of events with life-changing physical damage. (If they weren’t the only ones, it wouldn’t be an issue – bad things happen in wars, people get hurt, etc. But when it only happens to your queer characters? Hmm.) I doubt that Bishop is or was deliberately homophobic, but it’s hard not to read about Karla and Rainer and see unconscious, internalised homophobia. It’s a variety of the Bury Your Gays trope, for sure.

And I think that either Bishop realised that, or someone told her and she listened, because…she finally gives us openly, on-page queer characters who are not only happily in love, but make it through the final pages (physically) undamaged. I really wish the not-physical damage could have been aimed at another character, but at least it’s made clear that the character in question is going to be okay. And it’s just as clear that the characters we love and care about? Don’t give a damn whether someone is queer or not. (Which could be heavily inferred from Karla and Rainier, but we never saw either of them with a partner, and yes, knowing someone’s queer and seeing them in a queer relationship are two different things. Lucivar could have been okay with Karla, but still been weirded out if she dated another woman. But Bishop makes it very clear that no, Lucivar and Daemon and everyone else have no problem with queerness in any form.)

That’s a big deal. It is. Knowing that this world I’ve loved so much for so long has space in it for queer people? Getting a Black Jewels story where the narrative doesn’t punish someone for being gay? It is a big deal.

I had to put the book down and cry for a while. Happy tears! But still. It matters.

Family – its importance, it’s preciousness, all the various forms it can take – has always been a major theme of this series. And I have already seen, in a couple of other early reviews, critique about the way in which a particular family bond breaks in this book. I can only assume those reviewers came from wonderfully happy families; as for me, I’m grateful to Bishop for the case study in how family bonds can be shattered. It’s a relief to finally see someone say, when something is wrong, it is your responsibility to draw the line – even if there are people you love on the other side of it. I can’t be the only one to be sick and tired of seeing family relations idealised and gilded. Folx, sometimes they’re just not. We saw that books and books ago with Jaenelle’s blood-relatives, and as much as I love the SaDiablo family, I’m glad that they can still draw the line even when one of their own is on the other side. It was easy to hate Jaenelle’s relatives; naming them the enemy didn’t require a lot of soul-searching. Drawing the line against people you love, though? That’s harder. Sometimes it’s impossible.

But sometimes it’s necessary. And as someone who’s had to do that, as someone who loves plenty of other people who’ve had to do that… As painful as it is, I’m still happy to see it in one of my favourite series. I’m happy for the message that doing right is more important than who shares your blood – that it’s more important than love.

This isn’t the first time Bishop’s chosen to write that message – we saw it in Shalador’s Lady, in the decision Theran finally had to make about Kermilla: sometimes love and what’s right aren’t the same, aren’t in sync, and when that happens? You have to choose what’s right. Not love. And that’s not a message I can recall seeing in any other books, in any films or tv shows. More usually, love is what helps people to do the right thing; the ‘power of love’ is what gives them the strength to do what’s right but also hard. We’re very rarely shown instances where love and rightness are in conflict. And as I said, I can’t think of any other example where someone has to choose doing right over who they love; not in quite this way.

Painful as it is, I’m happy to see it. I want more people to think about it, and think hard. Because when push comes to shove, you do need to choose right over love.

…I didn’t mean for that to rhyme, but it’s not a bad little mantra, is it?

Perhaps just as importantly, even if it’s just as bittersweet, is the arc in Queen’s Weapons that explores the limits of familial love; the way in which parents are people too, who can be hurt like anyone else. I’m a very fierce proponent of parental responsibilities, but there’s a pretty significant difference between abandoning your child, and continuing to care and provide for them while no longer loving them the way you used to. Words wound, and hearts can break over familial love just as easily as they can be broken by romantic love – but I would argue that familial heartbreak is much harder to heal. It’s something I never see discussed, so again, I’m glad to see it showcased in this book, even if my heart broke for the characters involved.

All of this is wrapped up in a story that, typically of Bishop’s stories, hooks you in and keeps you. I didn’t put Queen’s Weapons down for two days, because Bishop’s signature addictive prose? Is here on full display. I’ve never been able to dissect and analyse her writing style, what it is about it that strikes just the right tone to completely hypnotise the reader – but she’s still got that X factor. There were moments that had me rolling around on the bed giggling, and others that made me tear up; scenes that gave me chills and lines that made me want to punch the air with triumph. One scene (and you’ll know it when you get to it) had me hugging my kitten very tightly indeed. Regardless, at no point could I tear my eyes away from the pages.

Not that I ever actually wanted to.

The Queen’s Weapons is not the book I expected it to be, but that’s because my expectations were set too low. Bishop surpasses herself in crafting, at last, the perfect happy ending: not some forced attempt at a white-picket-fence, but the strange, unconventional, heartwarming ending that fits these strange, unconventional, heartwarming characters. The Addams family wouldn’t know what to do with a white picket fence, and neither would the SaDiablos. They don’t need or want one, and Bishop doesn’t give it to them. This time, she gives them something perfect. Bittersweet, yes, but perfect.

This is not the book I expected. It’s definitely the one I didn’t know I wanted. But it is very much the book I, and these characters, needed.

Well, I love this series so much! I wasn't planning on reading any of these books, but then I was approved for The Queen's Weapons, and I loved it so much, and I was so nostalgic for the original trilogy, that I had to reread it again just over a year later! I did skip over parts, Surreal and Dorothea's mainly. I skipped the most from Blood, a bit from Shadows, and none from Darkness, because everything was gearing up for the ending!

The Queen's Weapons, oh, was it unexpected! I'm not sure if it's technically spoilers, but yeah, I wasn't expecting that! But it worked really well with the story, it's about the younger generation growing up, and of the taint coming back to the Blood. Of Jaenelle Saetien's struggle with being named after Jaenelle Angelline, and of never doing anything original.

I'm a bit conflicted on the ending, but not for the same reason that I've seen other people not totally love it. Because it's just a little sad, how everything wrapped up. And the implications of one discovery. So it's just a little sad, and I would love to have a 12th entry, at least after her 2022 Other's book!

One thing that I loved about rereading these books, is that one of the characters that Queen's Weapons deals with, is briefly mentioned in Darkness. So that automatically made it worth it, to see this character's first appearance! Because I'd totally forgotten about it, since it was so brief.

I have to say, I teared up at that one scene in Darkness, when the demon dead were going to the nets. Sure, they've been demon dead for so many years, but darn it, it still makes me a bit sad! Especially knowing how things continue in the series, well, of 11 books, they're only in 3, it's just a bit sad to me! But that is life, and death in this world!

I absolutely loved these books, and I just really need to read the rest of Anne Bishop's books!

When it comes to the Dark Jewels Series, the original trilogy is the best. Returning to this world is mixed because I love the characters, specifically Daemon and Lucivar. When Twilight's Dawn came out, I cried with loss and grief because it was the end of an era and it came to a beautiful closure. So it was surprising to see The Queen's Bargain come out and bring back a beloved character. It also foreshadowed the events in this book, the Queen's Weapons. This is not a standalone book. It is best to read at least the first 3 books in this series and the Queen's Bargain before reading this book.

I am mixed. I remember when Twilight's Dawn came out and there was an uproar of angry fans demanding to know how it is possible that Daemon and Surreal not only married but had a child. They were angry and felt this should never have happened. Whilst I was surprised by the turn of events, I thought it was beautifully done. In the last book and this book, it seems Ms. Bishop is catering to the loud, noisy fans that ranted about that turn of events and demanded a re-do. What is this, the Marvel Universe? I guess so.

What did I like about this story? I loved Daemon and his sexuality. No lie. I would be the embarrassing female trying to contain myself if he walked by with all his erotic and sensual masculinity. Plus his sadism is my type so I'd be all over that. I'd shove Surreal so hard to the side to jump at Daemon and unfortunately get him so pissed, he'd probably kill me. But what a way to go.

I loved the Scelties because they are the most adorable and I love how they herd humans. I am not sure I would want a special friend Sceltie, but it would be educational. Seeing Daemonar grow up into a fine and upstanding young man makes my heart sing. He was an ornery little boy now a strong and moral warrior.

I am surprised and liked how Ms. Bishop shows the dangers of helicopter parents and perhaps parents that overprotect their child. There must be some kind of balance. And oddly it is Lucivar and Marion who are the good balance. My theories as to why this couple is better than others is not going to be popular so I am going to abstain from vocalizing it. I am thrilled that there are consequences to actions and that Ms. Bishop clearly shows that there are debts owed and they will be paid in blood. The social commentaries of this story mirror quite a bit of today's society that it appeals to me. Unlike reality, in this book, those who are behaving badly are taken to task. I liked how it showed those who thought they are superior and above the law are not protected by money. I loved how the crappy teachers who only focused on their own agendas and greed were executed. This all appeases my thirst for vengeance.

I found it to be interesting that a name could impact a person so much. That a person gifted with a great name could become so petty, jealous and and epic failure. I am disappointed and I am not thrilled with this turn of events even though it was hinted at in the last book.

I am mixed how the taint of the Hayllian way comes back. I am pleased by how Ms. Bishop writes this so that it shows why and how history repeats itself. It is an excellent example of why our world today is acting the way it is and it also depresses and disappoints me. Not that it was written this way, that in reality we are falling in the same trap and blindly following Delora/Dorothea wanna-bes.

What bothers me about this story is the intentional break of Surreal and Daemon and the return of a Queen who was not to ever return. It is as if the angry vocal fans demanded it; Ms. Bishop caved and tried her best to write it in a way that made sense. What ended up happening is basically a Queen of Darkness reboot 2.0 book without the intensity, complexity, and sensuality. There is still emotion but instead of sadness and fear, it is more disgust and disappointment invoked.

I did love the characters in this book and I enjoyed it so much I ended reading it to the wee hours of the money and experienced a major book hangover. This fantasy is recommended to readers who enjoy sensual powerful men who are the quintessential renaissance man ... well read, thoughtful, strongly masculine, loyal, and able to cook and chivalrous to a fault.