Lara has only one thought when her husband is taken prisoner: I will do whatever it takes to set you free.

A queen now in exile as a traitor, Lara has watched Ithicana be conquered by her own father, helpless to do anything to stop the destruction. But when she learns her husband, Aren, has been captured in battle, Lara knows there is only one reason her father is keeping him alive: as bait for his traitorous daughter.

And it is bait she fully intends to take.

Risking her life to the Tempest Seas, Lara returns to Ithicana with a plan not only to free its king, but for liberating the Bridge Kingdom from her father’s clutches using his own weapons: the sisters whose lives she spared.

But as Lara and her companions formulate a plan to free Aren from her father’s palace, they soon discover that while it is easy to get in, it will be quite another thing to get Aren, and themselves, back out. Not only is the palace inescapable, there are more players in the game than Lara ever realized, enemies and allies switching sides in the fight for crowns, kingdoms, and bridges. But her greatest adversary of all might be the very man she’s trying to free – the husband she betrayed.

With everything she loves in jeopardy, Lara must decide who – and what – she is fighting for: her kingdom, her husband, or for herself.

My Review

We begin this story right where the previous book left off with Aren captured and imprisoned in Maridrina. He is furious with Lara over her proclamations and actions, while Lara finds herself locked away in Ithicana’s dungeon. Silas, Lara’s father, now wants more than just the Bridge. He wants all of Aren’s kingdom.

This story also brings Anna’s forced marriage into the mix. Things quickly become macabre as the Magpie soldiers torture noblewomen to force Aren into revealing secrets. Nothing says family reunion quite like spies, assassins, and deadly sisters. These women are fierce, ruthless, and incredibly skilled.

It truly becomes an epic family reunion as long-lost relatives, unexpected allies, and surprising connections all come together in an effort to rescue Aren from the clutches of the evil king. The twists, betrayals, and new revelations keep coming. I was especially intrigued by the Valcotta general and how she might be connected to Lara’s brother.

Lara and her sisters are absolutely incredible. Their concern for Valor, combined with the distrust surrounding his relationship, adds another emotional layer to the story. Aren still hasn’t forgiven Lara for her deception, creating even more tension between them. The sisters easily give the Ithicanian soldiers a run for their money with their unmatched skills, even the pregnant one.

As Aren spends more time with Lara and her sisters, he begins to understand them in ways he never could before. I loved that the rescue plans relied on many different characters, including Ana, Jor, and several others. The feminine rage throughout this book is incredibly satisfying.

I adore these heroines. The divided loyalties, impossible decisions, political intrigue, and brutal violence kept me completely invested. This book delivers action, adventure, fantasy, and an enemies-to-lovers romance. I listened to the audiobook, but I still had to buy the physical copies because the maps are gorgeous and this series deserves a permanent place on my shelves.

Lara continues to impress me. Her political strategies, difficult decisions, and determination to protect her people make her an exceptional heroine. Her plans are layered, intelligent, and incredibly ambitious, keeping the story moving at a relentless pace.

This installment has a very different atmosphere. The desert landscapes, endless travel, and harsh climate create a gritty, exhausting journey. From the coastal city of Maridrina to the remote outposts where Lara trained, everything feels hot, dry, and unforgiving. Much of the story focuses on the difficult journey to escape her father’s grasp and return Aren to the kingdom that desperately needs him.

The romance continues to shine through their equal strength, determination, and willingness to sacrifice for one another. Lara and Aren constantly take turns saving each other, proving they are true partners. These star-crossed lovers cannot seem to catch a break as they battle red desert sandstorms, enemies, and impossible odds before once again fighting for their lives in Ithicana.

Aren is torn between love and duty as he struggles to choose between his kingdom, his birthright, and the woman he loves. Lara is completely shattered during the later chapters. She is determined to fix her mistakes, but some consequences simply cannot be undone. Watching her fight to make things right made her an even stronger heroine.

The ending is absolutely edge-of-your-seat reading. Every chapter raises the stakes, leaving me wondering what could possibly happen next. Aren and Lara have come so far since their arranged marriage. They have survived betrayal, impossible choices, heartbreak, and war, becoming true star-crossed lovers along the way.

Lara’s return to the very kingdom she once betrayed gives her the opportunity to finally atone for her mistakes and become the queen Ithicana truly needs. I absolutely loved the way this story concluded. I cannot believe how much these characters have grown or how many incredible moments this series has delivered. Lara and Aren have become one of my favorite fantasy couples, and this is a series I know I will read again.

If you’re looking for a romantasy that captures the emotional tension I loved in Twilight, this series absolutely delivers. The angst, forbidden love, longing, sacrifice, and unforgettable romance all come together beautifully. Lara is a true heroine, a fearless warrior, and a queen worthy of every battle she fights.

I enjoyed listening to this book so much that I bought the hardback as well cause I wanted the maps and character art.

If you would like to read or listen to Traitor Queen by Danielle Jensen you can find this book on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn on qualifying purchases.

If you like this book you may also enjoy books with these age and categories: Star Crossed Lovers, Action/Adventure, and Heroine.