This was an interesting take on a Malian fairytale (still trying to figure out which it is), and while the plot twist and ending was a great inclusion to the story itself, the first half of the book felt rushed with some decisions that overall, were’nt working for it. 😐

The story follows Amie, a 17-year-old who finds herself disinherited and cast out by her parents for something that she didn’t do. She finds herself the maid of the Princess Mariama, the daughter of Emperor Suleyman. Amie is a bit of a weird case for me. While I do feel bad for her situation and liked that she was proactive in attempting everything she can to escape with her lover and former fiancee, Kader, I found her pretty pessimistic and whiny here and there. I also felt like the attraction between her, Kader, and the Princess felt superficial and not really well explained. 🫤

Speaking of the Princess, Mariama just came off as the average spoiled princess that is used to everything working out for her. While I get that her relationship with her father isn’t the best at times, the ending and plot twist verified my feelings at the end, and it just felt weird. 😕

Speaking of that plot twist, that came literally out of nowhere. While I liked that it explained a few things that left me scratching my head at in the first half of the book, it still felt like it just punched you in the face. That and the ending felt too nicely wrapped up and also weirdly ends on a cliffhanger. I’m not sure if this is set to be the start of a new duology or series, but I’ve not seen nor heard of any sequel coming out so it really leaves me wondering, “why that ending in the first place?” 🤔

All in all, I think this could’ve done very well if it had at least 50 extra pages just to help with the pacing and character development. Because of that ending, I am interested to see where the sequel would go (if there is going to be one), but I would really like to see a shift in narration style because it just felt younger than the character’s age. 🫢

Big thank you goes out to Flatiron Books and NetGalley for accepting my request to read this in exchange for an honest review. ❤️

Publication date: January 28!

Overall: 2.5/5 ⭐️

Amazing book will definitely recommend to friends and family love the characters development. Love the plot line

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.