I truly hope this story gets all the hype it deserves upon release, such an enchanting fantasy tale. Two days of spending all my spare time engrossed in this audiobook and my biggest complaint is that I will never be able to experience this for the first time again! This was my first introduction to Samantha Norbury as a narrator, and she has done a phenomenal job at bringing all of these characters to life! A few name pronunciations could have been more accurate in my opinion, however, her performance of each character was so well executed, and the delivery honestly has me glad I was able to experience the audiobook over the physical words.

Adored how vivid the world-building throughout this story was, and how immersive a realm Metzler has created. The slow burn is just the right level of tension-building and satisfying moments. My opinions of Lir and Aisling aren't fully formed yet, but I think when we reach book 2 and hopefully dive further into what's to come for these characters I'll have my mind fully made.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Ashley Metzler, and Bookouture Audio for the chance to review this Audiobook ALC

Today, we're examining a newly re-released novel that has been repackaged under a different title and author and is now available as an audiobook. This fantasy story centers on Aisling, a mortal princess who is given to the fae king in marriage to end an eternal feud between their species. As the Queen of the Seelie, Aisling discovers that she may not have been told the whole truth about her enemies. As she learns more about the fae, she begins to question everything she has ever known, including her own identity. This is an adult fantasy novel characterized as a slow-burn romance; however, I must clarify that there is no substantial romance in this book. There are hints of potential romantic tension and the possibility of a love triangle, but ultimately, there is no real wooing or romance present. The focus is on world-building and Aisling's internal struggles. Although Aisling has the potential to be a remarkable character, she feels underdeveloped in this story. There is a sense of indifference, a lot of back-and-forth, and a pervasive self-doubt that diminishes the stakes. While there are battles to the death, the outcome feels predictable as it is foreshadowed from the very beginning. Despite these criticisms, this book still offers a decent reading experience with impressive world-building. The next book in the trilogy will determine whether it is worth continuing.

📚✨ Book Review: The Mortal Queen (The Aisling Trilogy, #1) by Ashley Metzler
Thank you to NetGalley, the author Ashley Metzler, and Bookouture Audio | Second Sky Books for the early access audiobook of The Mortal Queen, beautifully narrated by the incredibly talented Samantha Norbury! 🎧🌟

Now, let’s dive into this enchanting tale! 🌈

🌸 Synopsis
For as long as Aisling can remember, the fae and mortals have been locked in a bitter war. To protect her realm, she has made the ultimate sacrifice: marrying the savage fae king in a desperate bid for peace. But instead of an evil monster, she finds Lir – a king who is alluring, wild, and dangerously perfect. As the wedding approaches, Aisling grapples with her fate while navigating a world filled with magical beasts and deadly enchantments. However, with a brewing connection that feels more than physical, Aisling must ask herself: can she trust Lir, or will her heart's desires set their worlds ablaze? 🔥💔

🎡 My Thoughts
To be honest, this book had its moments. While the slow burn was excruciating at times, and honestly, sometimes felt like I was waiting for a kettle to boil, there was just enough enchantment to keep me flipping those virtual pages! 😂 Because let's be real, when it comes to fantasy, I typically crave a little more spice and romance! 🌶️💖

But here’s the thing: even without that sizzling romance I usually adore, The Mortal Queen still offered a unique and enjoyable experience. 💫 The first person vs. third person narrative switch made it a little tricky to settle into the flow, but once I adapted, I was fully immersed in Aisling's journey.

And can we just take a moment to acknowledge the comparison to authors like Sarah J. Maas? 🙊 That felt like a tall order! While I see the potential for this trilogy to resonate with many YA fantasy readers, it might not quite reach those heights just yet. 🚀

Nonetheless, I do recommend this book to all the fantasy lovers out there who thrive on tales of self-sacrifice, mysterious fae, and blooming transformations. If romance isn’t your top priority, you’ll find the complexities of Aisling's character arc and the moral dilemmas captivating enough! 🌌✨

Overall, I’d rate this a solid 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (rounded up from 3.75) for its engaging storytelling and fascinating characters, even if it didn’t quite meet all my preferences in the romance department. 💔

🌟 Final Thoughts
In conclusion, The Mortal Queen is worth a listen, especially for those who favor fantasy with a hint of enchantment rather than a steamy love affair. 🧙‍♀️💞 I can genuinely see this series becoming a favorite among readers who love young adult fantasy. Grab your headphones, and dive into Aisling's world – it just might surprise you! 🎧✨

Happy reading (or listening)! 📖💖

Wow just wow
This hooked me from the first chapter, although I listened to this slower then j normally would due to work. I was so excited when I got an extra 5 mins just to listen to a bit more.

Aisling is a mortal princess promised to the king of the fae Lir.
Asking finds out she’s been told lies her whole life about the fae and releases not all is what she thought it was.
Lie after being once married before realises his mother’s prophecy is tied to Aisling.

This is an extremely slow burn and I loved it. There isn’t a great deal of chemistry yet more curiosity.
They are an arranged marriage so it isn’t going to hit yet and I love that Ashley managed to show that in reality you don’t full that hard that quick.

This finished on a Cliff hanger and I’m gutted because I. Need the next audio book!

Thank you netgalley, Ashley metzler and bookouture audio for the audio arc in exchange for an honest review


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book had me hooked right from the beginning. And while I sometimes got a little lost, and the writing wasn’t necessarily the best I really enjoyed it. The characters were likable and I really was invested in their story. I really can’t wait to see where the story continues. I would definitely recommend this story to any romantasy readers. And the narration was very good.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC for an exchange of my honest opinion!

This book had me hooked right from the beginning. And while I sometimes got a little lost, and the writing wasn’t necessarily the best I really enjoyed it. The characters were likable and I really was invested in their story. I really can’t wait to see where the story continues. I would definitely recommend this story to any romantasy readers.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC for an exchange of my honest opinion!

Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC of The Mortal Queen. This is my honest review, these are only my opinions.

I was surprised that I didn't enjoy this story as much as I thought I would. There were so many 5 star review so I was expecting a book that I literally couldn't put down. But by 60% it felt like a bit of a slog to get to the end.

I enjoyed the world building (although they were traveling for most of the book), I liked that she was something unknown and liked watching that unfold. Ashling denying her feelings for Lir for most of the book really did start to get a little annoying though. I felt like she had more chemistry with some of her guards over her chemistry with Lir.

The use of Gaelic terminology was interesting, but a little confusing at times. But that might have just been because it took me a while to catch on!

We didn't find out what Ashling was until around 70% into the book, she's only had an afternoon worth of practice, but all of a sudden although she doesn't have, 'strength, muscle, or skill, at least she has magic'. Although she nearly burns herself out she is almost arrogant with her new found power which wasn't a vibe.

The narration of the audiobook was really excellent though, the different voices the narrator used were brilliant and brought the story to life more.

Oh wow!!! I am literally obsessed with this one and seriously can’t wait to read more!!! This author and narrator did phenomenal jobs of bringing this high fantasy to life! More often than not these days I find myself DNFing high fantasy because I just find myself not caring or enjoying the story. ABSOLUTELY NOT THE CASE HERE. This was a slow burn through and through! I lovedddd the little morsels we are fed of the main characters romance I can’t wait to see where this story goes and how everything unravels! Thank you to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

The world building was great, and I loved the depiction of the fae. I’m always a big fan of the darker interpretations of fae folk. However, the writing was very repetitive and I felt trapped in the limited and biased view of Aisling. Which was odd in a third person perspective. On top of this ignorance, she was surprisingly arrogant? It was a confusing combination. Also by about 60% in, I grew really tired of Aisling denying her obvious attraction to the king. It was so tiresome. Thank you very much for this ARC!

I have no words! This is the type of Romantasy book that makes me love this genre. I am still very new in this world and this book is it.

It took me a while to get into this book, mainly because when I get a chance to read my Kindle it's near on midnight and I've switched off. This book is so rich with detail, that I took some time to get into the flow, but when I did. Well, it was like fireworks and I devoured this book. I had to stop reading because of work and then I discovered that there was an audiobook and I managed to get my fix and finish it. That ending, I had my heart in my throat when the daggers started to fly. I was so worried that my favourite was hurt, but phew - they weren't. It was crazy once you see the betrayal on both sides. And yet it's Aisling I worried about and another character. She has no idea who she is or how powerful she is. The even better thing is, nor do we! I CAN'T WAIT TO FIND OUT!

I absolutely loved this twist on what the humans and Seelie knew. Aisling is so naive in the world, that everything is kept hidden from her. The lies that she had been spun! She didn't even know what a dragon was! Crazy! And these lies were so clear to be seen, and unlike most other books we were not in the mortal world. We spent time with the Seelie, the Unseelie, we learned about them, their culture and their ways and you care. You care so much about what will happen to them, sod the mortals. The evil men destroying their homes and forests!

But as we drew nearer to the end, I realised, Aisling was just a pawn between two worlds. She is being played, and I have no idea who I can trust for her. Secrets and betrayals and love. A love that is not " natural " but it darn well feels it to me. I loved that it was an instant-love, and it's not even love that either has admitted to, but it's a love that is there. That kiss *sigh*

Metzler has created something so special, and I can't wait to find out why the Mortal Queen becomes the Savage Queen!

The mortal queen is an electrifying fantasy novel with a propulsive fast-paced storyline and filled with buried secrets, deadly threats, tangled curses and magic.

Aisling is suddenly ordered to be in an union with the ruthless fae king. Fae and mortals need to forge a peace. And this arranged marriage might just be that. However Aisling is scared but she won't show it because fae gained satisfaction and fed on her fear. Crawling and creeping she turned it to her survival but what awaited her was far from what she had anticipated.

There are creatures who apparently lurk in the forests, colossal magic and wicked beasts whom she has never heard of. A desperate storm is brewing and Aisling is tethering on the blurred line of survival and her destiny.

I really loved this book. It's far better than what has been advertised as fantasy nowadays. There's an engaging story and fetching twists and turns. The romance is although not a main aspect but was weaved in seamlessly. The kingdom and political bets and pursuits of betrayal, the double edged sharped knife of believing who she was and who was about to become. Her reality is shattered into mere shards as she truly sees everything. Rooted in spinned lies and ploys, Aisling would navigate a path of magic and unfamiliarity. The fae king has definitely made it to my favourites.

I would highly recommend this book to fantasy readers.

This book is absolute fire! 😉 I originally picked this book to listen to based on the description and it did not disappoint! Would recommend this book for listening too or reading it. I love a good enemies to lovers story and a true slow burn romance. If you are looking for a good fantasy book this is a must read!

This book had me on the edge of my seat not truly knowing which direction we were going. I’m going to need the next book!

The Mortal Queen deserves way more hype! I listened to the audiobook, and it was completely addictive—so immersive that I couldn’t stop listening.

Aisling, our morally grey main character, is everything. She’s torn between ambition and morality, and her journey is so compelling. You’re constantly wondering whether she’ll rise to power or fall into corruption. She’s stubborn (sometimes frustratingly so), but given her upbringing, it makes total sense.

The slow-burn romance was, in my opinion, perfectly done. Aisling and Lir start off despising each other, and by the end, while they don’t fully trust one another, they’re undeniably connected. And Lir? Absolutely obsessed. He’s the definition of a perfect book boyfriend—every scene with him was breathtaking.

The world-building is stunning, deeply rooted in Celtic mythology, with a rich, almost old-world writing style. The Fae realm is magical, dangerous, and completely immersive. The first few chapters can be a lot, but once you settle in, it’s so worth it.

Can I also say, that ending?? Did not see it coming. It drove me crazy, but in the best way—I need the next book ASAP. If you love ACOTAR, you’ll love this (but honestly, it’s written even better). Highly recommend!

I think this story has a lot of potential. We have a human FMC who is in an arranged marriage to the fae MMC. The humans and far are at war and this marriage is to bring about an alliance. There is a lot of traveling and the FMC is learning more about the world and just how much information was kept from her. There is more than she ever thought going on in this world. We conclude the first book with some betrayal and intrigue into book 2. I would likely continue on in the series since book 2 is releasing in just a few weeks.

For a debut novel this is incredible and so refreshing! The magic is unique and fun. The characters have dimension and amazing stories. The enemy's to lovers feels like true enemys. The mmc is a little morally grey but he is also very caring for his people.

Yeaaahhhh! What a story!

Absolutely devoured this, I couldn’t stop listening, the story is fairly complicated in the beginning with lots of detail around the world, the family, the names to remember, but, stick with it and it unravels into a wonderful fantasy with very last minute romance addition, although the tension is there, it’s a slooooowburn.

Aisling is “sold” to the fae king, but unbeknown to her family, she’s actually a kind of fae as as she spends more time in the fae lands and with the king Lir, her powers develop.

The ending was unexpected, when Aisling fled Lir’s side to run away with Dagfin to find a way to break the curse, I didn’t expect Lir to let Aisling leave his side, let alone set off with the “enemy”.

The tension built and built as the story unraveled and it left you on the edge of your seat waiting for the second instalment to find out what happens next!

This was my first book but Ashley and I really enjoyed the story and the narration. Fantasy, Fae, action, drama, adventure and great storytelling. I can't wait for the next installment.

I love this book. I was hooked from the second I picked it up. The narrator was brilliant and I think it was really well red and such a beautiful story. I’m really intrigued to see where book 2 takes us although the ending did annoy me a little bit because Yeah this is very enemies to lovers which I was not expecting but I’m very glad it was. I was annoyed though that Aisling went back to her brothers despite knowing that they had betrayed her.

An arranged marriage between two mortal enemy species, what could go wrong?

Aisling is being sacrificed in the name of duty. The only highborn princess of the mortal realm, she is being made to marry the king of the fae in a treaty for peace between the two species. Aisling had been taught her whole life that the fae are evil barbaric monsters who invaded and stole the land they now occupy from man. Though she doesn't wish to, she will uphold her duty and marry this fae so that there may be peace between them. During the ceremony Aisling pasts the test that exposes her and the king as soulmates in the eyes of the fae, if that wasn't already a surprise to Aisling, her world and views are about to be shattered as the truth to everything is revealed while she lives with the fae.

I enjoyed this book for the most part. It was a bit hard to get into but once we get to the location where the marriage will take place I understood it a lot better. The writer tended to get a bit flowery with her words and a lot of the names and fae words were a bit hard to understand but the plot is easy to follow and towards the halfway mark you don't want to put it down.

The secondary characters were easy to follow and I really enjoyed the character of Gilrel (an animal handmaiden) and her relationship with Aisling. To put it bluntly, Aisling is a bit of snooty aristocratic bitch at the beginning. She feels like the animal fae are beneath her and thinks the other fae are highly improper...it was off putting but it was the way she was raised and all she knows. Slowly throughout the book she and Gilrel's relationships changes to one of true friendship I feel, and it was nice to see Aisling overcome her upbringing and come to appreciate and care for all the species around her.

This is a real and true slowburn, so if you're looking for spice you'll be left wanting. There is only one kiss (and it's at the end) but the tension between Aisling and Lir the last half of the book is very intriguing. I can't say how the next book will be, I've never read this author, but I have hopes we can get a bit more from Lir and Aisling since they are supposed to have this all consuming dangerous true love thing going on.

I listened to most of this one thanks to an ALC and I really have to commend the narrator, Samantha Norbury. With so many fae conversations that occur throughout the book it was really amazing she made the language and the pronunciations seem so easy. And it was way better hearing how it was supposed to be said than what I would've made up in my mind if I was reading it. I would've butchered the hell out of it lol. Samantha's pacing was great too and her voice was pleasing as well. She did a good job of mixing up the voices for different characters too. I will be keeping an eye out for future narrations done by her.

I will most likely continue on in this series as I want to see how Lir will find Aisling after she took off like she did and I'd like to see if the author tones the flowery stuff down a bit. Thank you so much to Second Sky Books for gifting me an eARC and to Bookouture Audio for gifting me an ALC of this title in exchange for an honest review!

I had high hopes for the book and series, however, I was left really disappointed. The book strives to paint an intricate world between the mortal woman Aisling and the fae king Lir, in the realm of another ACOTAR or Fourth Wing. However, this book fails to deliver. After 500 pages, the MMC Lir had little to no character growth. Also the writing mentioning “the fae king”, “the mortal queen” and the inside thoughts of Aisling over and over again got really tiring. I feel as if I would have been playing the game of where someone took a drink every time, I would have been wasted after fifty pages.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the audiobook ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.