I really liked this book. I liked the way that the story was told. You hear from all the characters that surround Heracles but you never actually hear from him. I thought this was really cool. Every person had a different view of him. Parts of this book are heartbreaking. Hearing from his wives, lovers, and many other family members was very interesting. The reader gets to know Heracles through the stories of all those who lived by and with him. You get the story of Heracles and all of the things he did but you see that some people were hurt and/or killed because of him and nothing was done. You hear from the family member of the people that he has hurt and it really adds to the whole picture of who Heracles is.
This is a solid 4 STAR book!

By far the best in the queens council series! I adored this new story and can’t wait for the world to read it!

After the loss of her father, Jasmine has inherited the throne and is set to become the new Sultana, and new bride to Aladdin. But in the middle of her coronation someone new shows up claiming to be the rightful heir. While attempting to separate truth from lies trying to figure out if this man is a contender for the throne- they settle on a trial to determine who will rule the kingdom.

Jasmine finds herself locked in a battle made for a man, with all odds stacked against her. As the trials proceed, an evil threatens the land… a familiar evil targeting the people of Agrabah. Jasmine must find a way to prove herself worthy of becoming Sultana and save her people at the same time.

This story perfectly captures the characters we know and love from the original film! I look forward to reading more from this author 🥰

This book starts where Aladdin ends but also starts with the death of the Sultan. Plans to marry Alladin must be put on hold while Jasmine fights to take her rightful place as the first female Sultan. Using her fond memories that were actually subtle teachings of her father, advice from those who love her, as well as her love of stories to win her throne and save her people.

Eighteen-year-old Jasmine is counting down the days to her wedding to Aladdin and the future they have promised one another. But when the Sultan dies unexpectedly, Jasmine is suddenly launched into her role as heir to the throne even as she prepares for the funeral of her beloved father. As Jasmine mourns the loss of both her father and the woman she once was, she must decide what future she wishes to pursue and whether she can honor the needs of her heart and of her country. This fast-moving young adult novel is well-suited to fans of Disney’s Aladdin. Familiar characters and circumstances are included within the plot, which makes the narrative accessible while granting it a feeling of fan fiction. Good descriptions of Jasmine’s surroundings and feelings are incorporated into the novel and bring the land of Agrabah into clear view for readers of all ages. Readers will swoon over the challenges Jasmine and Aladdin face as they attempt to secure their love in the midst of the chaos surrounding them, and they will appreciate the opportunity to discover the true enemies threatening Jasmine’s promised rule. With conflict, betrayal, and an overwhelming need for Jasmine to prove herself as a worthy successor to the throne, this narrative will keep readers engaged until the very end. This is a nostalgic and approachable novel for those who enjoy imagining what happens to beloved characters after their initial stories come to an end. It is a cozy addition to library collections for young adult readers and up.

Realm of Wonders by author Alexandra Monir is the third book in Disney’s The Queen’s Council series. In this sweeping YA fantasy series, Disney’s Princesses grow up—and learn to rule—guided by the magical Queen’s Council.

This third installment follows Rebel Rose by Emma Theriault and Feather and Flame by Livia Blackburne. (You can check out my reviews of these predecessor books here and here.) Monir’s addition to the series is the perfect follow up novel and plants Jasmine firmly among Disney’s most admired princesses for reasons explored therein.

The Queen’s Council, as in the predecessor novels, keeps readers curious about how the Council manifests in each princess’s story. It is a magical and somewhat spiritual being or group, and in Feather and Flame readers learn that it “has no one true form. We have many faces and shapes. The next queen who needs our help may be in another time and place altogether, places far along and beyond the end of the silk road.” In more concrete terms, the Queen’s Council is a mystical group of women who advise queens throughout history. The Council is slightly less developed in Realm of Wonders but is present nonetheless and ties in nicely to the series overall.

Realm of Wonders is a great mystery YA novel. It jumps right into the action and discomfort of what Jasmine feels is a premature start to her reign as sultana of Agrabah. It catapults and expands the idea of Aladdin’s Cave of Wonders into a larger-than-life Realm of Wonders – in which Princess Jasmine faces countless dangers of both magical and non-magical ilk. As always, the thing I love most about this series – which is possibly my favorite Disney book series – is the creative blend of fairy-tale lore and real history with a Disney twist. Monir’s reimagining of Princess Jasmine blends the Aladdin universe with Persian history, making it a riveting tale for Disney fans and history buffs alike.

I did not read the blurb before starting this book so I had no idea what was in store. This proved to be a very fun approach as the tournament in particular caught me by surprise (and gave off some pretty intense Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire vibes). The reader works alongside Jasmine to uncover the mystery of the Sultan’s death, the illusive book and just what is going on behind closed doors in the Palace. The characters, including Aladdin, provide great support and intrigue for Jasmine along the way and help develop a story that is truly her own. The reader, like Jasmine, is not sure who to trust, and must brave the perils of royal court – and an enigmatic magic – to learn the truth.

While many of Disney’s original characters make an appearance, Monir makes this story her own with compelling original characters and plot. I enjoyed the scenes where the Magic Carpet scoops up Aladdin and Jasmine, reminiscent of the iconic A Whole New World scene and reprise from the Disney film, but the purposes for each journey are unique to this story. The relationship between Jasmine and Aladdin is also thoughtfully developed and readers see both characters mature dramatically in light of the dire circumstances. New friends and foes make this book hard to put down as the reader is curious to determine who is truly loyal to the princess and how they balance their support for Jasmine with the (sometimes conflicting) pursuit of their own motivations.

Another great addition to a great series, Realm of Wonders enhances and continues to propel The Queen’s Council series in an exciting, inspiring and spellbinding direction.

What a fun and empowering Princess novel! I highly recommend this book to Disney fans. I loved seeing Jasmine’s journey continue past the end of Aladdin.

Thank you to Disney Publishing, Disney Audiobooks, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!

This book is a continuation of the Aladdin movie we all know and love. In this book, the Sultan has recently died, and Jasmine must fight both for the throne that is rightfully hers as well as an unknown darkness threatening her kingdom.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I went back and forth between reading and listening to it, and the story worked well in both formats. What’s more, the story was narrated by the author, which I always love. I loved the deep dive into Jasmine’s inner thoughts as well as the feminist bent and the twist on Jasmine having to fight for her kingdom. Aladdin, Abu, and Raja are all in the story, but everything definitely centers on Jasmine. I loved her character (I mean, I’ve always loved Jasmine, but I really enjoyed the depth in this book) and learning more about her.

However, I would have liked more adventure and fewer politics in this story. The book heavily focuses on the political intrigues in the palace after Jasmine’s father dies, and I wanted more emphasis on the creepy darkness that Jasmine was exploring. I also felt like the pacing was off - the really interesting plot lines received less attention, while chapters were devoted to the scheming of royal and noble characters vying for power in the wake of the new power vacuum. And the ending - it gets wrapped up very quickly and feels very anti-climatic. Also part of the ending is just flat-out dumb, but I don’t want to spoil anything!

Even with the issues I had, I would still recommend this book to YA readers who love Disney, political intrigue, mystery, and dismantling the patriarchy!

This was a well-written story, and Jasmine was surprisingly nuanced (in my opinion), particularly compared to the animated Disney iteration of her character. Unfortunately it was not for me, so I had a difficult time getting through it. That being said, there is most definitely the right audience for this book, so I would recommend it to those who enjoy magic and fairy tales, royal stories, Disney, and romance.

Jasmine is challenged for the throne and she has a mystery to solve before she can claim it. She'll have to give up the future she wanted to make the future for her people better, as long as she stays alive.

Wow wow wow! Beautiful story written from the heart. Literally didn’t see the twists coming and loved every minute of it.

This series is just so interesting. I really enjoy looking at the princesses we know and love and continuing their stories outside the scope of the movies we grew up with. Jasmine's father has died, under mysterious circumstances. On top of that her cousin has come into the kingdom claiming that he is the sultans long lost son putting Jasmines reign in question. Can Jasmine figure out the mysterious clues that are being sent to her in time to save her kingdom?
Overall I liked this book. I think it is a very unique twist on Jasmine, and I appreciated that Jasmine gets to show that her time with Aladdin has made her more aware of how unfair some of laws of Agrabah are. She comes off as a very caring and compassionate ruler. I understand some of the choices she had to make, but I loved that she was able to grow and find strengths within herself to help her kingdom.
Thank you to Disney Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to have an advance copy of this book.

Jasmine always knew she would rule, but she didn’t expect it to be so soon. When the sultan dies unexpectedly Princess Jasmine is thrown into a role she thought she’d have more time to prepare for, and there are plenty hoping she’ll fail. Without a proper chance to grieve her father’s passing she is expected to handle all the funeral rites and a coronation all while maintaining her composure. As she quickly learns, her world may be collapsing, but life goes on. Surrounded by veteran politicians, Jasmine is struggling to convince them she’s an acceptable sultana, and a message from beyond the grave has her questioning her own sanity. Add a contender for the throne, and Jasmine finds her world falling apart.

Realm of Wonders is the third book in The Queen’s Council series, a reimagining of Disney heroines ascending to the throne with the odds stacked against them. Jasmine is in good company as she joins Belle and Mulan in this series. Realm of Wonders maintains the classic Disney characters we know and love, while expanding the universe to a more mature, historically focused setting. Monir does an excellent job balancing the supernatural suspense with the political power plays, all while maintaining intrigue and mystery around our beloved princess.

Jasmine is a princess I grew up with, and one I loved for her intellect, kindness, and sense of adventure. I appreciated how her character was further expanded in the live action film, but Realm of Wonders really let Jasmine shine, focusing on her thoughts, her emotions, and her struggles. One such struggle is the blatant sexism in such a patriarchal society. There has never been a sultana before, and while it was clearly her father’s strongest desire to see her ascend to the throne those he trusted most have other ideas for a suitable leader. The gender gap is a large focus in Realm of Wonders, driving the plot when a potential usurper arrives claiming his right to the throne. However, Monir doesn’t focus solely on Jasmine for this issue, portraying other female characters in similar situations where they are limited purely by their gender. It should be noted: not all the male characters are villains. There are several who believe Jasmine is the right and worthy leader of Agrabah and go to great lengths to help her, but this is a very “girl power” focused book.

A note to Disney fans: this is classified as a young adult novel, and quite serious in tone. Jafar and Genie are mentioned, but not seen. The beloved sultan’s death is a prominent issue throughout the book. Abu, Raja, and Aladdin are featured, but the sole focus of the book is on Jasmine. Readers looking for a lighthearted read will not find it here; this is a strongly character driven narrative with rich detail, political themes, and supernatural elements.

I found Monir’s writing compelling, and I grew frustrated with any who interrupted my reading. I felt Monir took a lot of time and care weaving the political intrigue with the supernatural mystery only to have the ending feel rushed. Still, all the wants and hopes I had, save one, were met, and the surprise twist left me grinning. This is a solid four star read for me, and I suspect I will be pursuing Monir’s other work in the future.

This YA fantasy takes place after the Disney movie. The plot was interesting with some unexpected twists. Watching Jasmine persevere in the face of a classist patriarchy was empowering. The writing was solid.

Thanks to NetGalley for the DRC.

This was not it for me. I'm sure there are a lot of readers who will eat this up though. Therefore, it made the "to buy" list. I just wouldn't pick it up again.

I was glued to the story from page one all the way through and delighted at how the characters are exactly like their counterparts in the movie. It is a wonderful story, lots of beautiful cultural references, very well written with plenty of intrigue and excitement. Princess Jasmine is put to the test, actually several of them highly dependent on her strength of will and character. When her father suddenly passes away and she must deal with her grief while never showing any signs of weakness, being undermined at every turn by advisors who question her ability as a leader as she to be coronated the first Sultana of Agrabah, a ruling kingdom overseeing a number of other kingdoms. When her mysterious cousin appears and attempts to lay claim to the thrown, being a strong man proven in battle, half the kingdom including her captain of the guards, seems to switch sides and throw their support in with a more traditional male sultan to rule them. Thankfully her ever faithful diamond in the rough, Aladdin, is still as sweet, stout hearted, and supportive as ever, and introduces her to some new friends from his street days that help her to train for an elaborate and daunting set of challenges that put her against the would be usurper to prove her as a more capable leader. Abu is there to help, protective Rajah, and Magic Carpet, though Genie is sadly absent. I am always a little sad when the sequel movies aren’t used in anyway for regencies or the series but I can see how that would derail the storyline in this case. However I was confused why Rasoul, the original captain of the guards, is never mentioned. Also, taking into account that this is a YA targeted book, I understand it had to be shorter in length but I honestly feel the story would have flourished and been more compelling had the competitors completed all the challenges and Jasmine would have seemed to have lost…everything. Her place as a ruler, her chance to be happy with Aladdin by pushing him away, her friendship with Shirin who seemed to be in love with her cousin, all of it. And then, at the darkest of all hours, using the magic as a way to undo or set things right. I feel like the story would have been more intense and fun and made more sense this way. I’m not trying to hurt any feelings because the story was great as it was and I did truly love the use of Scheherazade as a character and a pivotal point to inspire Jasmine to move forward and protect those closest to her, but it seemed a bit too convenient and then rapidly resolving everything as it was all a test for Jasmine. There were so many new faces introduced and we didn’t get enough time to know any of them as well as it felt like we should and the villains had so little time after their revealing that they couldn’t be truly fantastically evil in proper Disney fashion, but this is all just my opinions and I hope it doesn’t upset anyone. Overall, I really loved the book and thought it was a great Aladdin/Jasmine tale.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This had some surpassing twists that I didn’t see coming. It also challenges the stereotype of girls can only do certain things. Anybody can rise to the challenge and people will surprise you.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This had some surpassing twists that I didn’t see coming. It also challenges the stereotype of girls can only do certain things. Anybody can rise to the challenge and people will surprise you.

I love this series. This one especially has the perfect blend of nostalgia and something new. Jasmine feels like exactly how she would be grown up as a young ruler.

This was a good read! My first of this type and I really enjoyed it. YA fantasy does the trick of eme and this was a good balance of engaging with a well balanced plot—definitely a good one for fans of Disney and fantasy.

I do feel at times the structure was a bit wonky and could have done with a bit more refinement.

Overall, good book!

I was given an ARC by Netgalley and Disney Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely adored this continuation of one of my favourite Disney movies! I was in awe watching Jasmine become Sultana and struggle with who she is and who she was. There were hard moments that broke my heart but beautiful moments of courage and strength! I loved the relationship between Aladdin and Jasmine! I enjoyed the side characters we got to meet for the first time and learn their story! I loved the action and the ending! Be sure to pick this up October 20,23.