A spectacular setting, deadly trials, political scheming and rebellion, and magic. A solid YA fantasy great for teen readers.

What I loved..
- The setting and world
- court politics and scheming
- twists and turns
- dark fairy tale
- really cool magic

What I didn’t love…
- slower pacing through the first half of the book
- lust that seemed to stem from looks more than substance and character

Thank you NetGalley and Flatiron for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

This book had twists and turns I could never have expected, in the best way possible. This book felt fun and fresh, mixing fairytale and fantasy in a way that I thoroughly enjoyed. I eagerly anticipate the next book in the series.

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

I absolutely loved The Scorpion Queen by Mina Fears! The dark, fairy-tale-inspired world set in the imperial palace of Timbuktu was captivating, filled with rich details that brought every scene to life. I was drawn in by Amie’s resilience and bravery as she navigated a dangerous court and formed an unexpected bond with Princess Mariama. The tension in the story was incredible, and I felt completely invested in Amie’s journey and the impossible choices she faced. This limited edition with sprayed edges also added something special—perfect for such a beautiful and intense story.I already preordered it and can't wait to have it on my shelf.I’d recommend it to anyone who loves atmospheric, character-driven fantasy with a dark twist.

*The Scorpion Queen* by Mina Fears brings a refreshing, dark twist to the fantasy genre, blending elements of *Uprooted* and *Children of Blood and Bone* with the allure of a Malian fairy tale. The story follows Amie, a girl who faces betrayal, loss, and the constant danger of the emperor’s deadly trials, which have claimed the lives of ninety-nine suitors.

Amie’s gradual connection to Princess Mariama, despite the princess’s erratic moods and volatile court, adds an emotional depth that feels both genuine and intense. The growing tension between Amie’s love for Kader and her unexpected bond with the princess creates a powerful, nuanced conflict, capturing the reader’s heart.

With stunning descriptions of Timbuktu’s imperial court, and a compelling journey through the desert, *The Scorpion Queen* is immersive and vividly original. Though a bit slow in parts, the story’s unique plot and Amie’s courageous journey make this a satisfying read for fans of dark fantasy.

I so sorely needed this. I've been deep in the trenches of particularly shitty fantasy for my dissertation, and this is exactly the opposite. A refreshing setting, both time and place. Fantasy storytelling tropes that are familiar but not tired and twists I didn't always see coming. It definitely has the telltale signs of a first-time author in that it occasionally tries to do a little too much and pack too many things into one volume, but still, I really loved it overall.