It’s official, I’m obsessed with Sarah Henning’s books. I adored The Princess Will Save You, it was an exciting and thrilling adventure I couldn’t put down. In its sequel, I was blown away by the swoonworthy romance and political machinations happening by lots of powerful women determined not to be swayed by the whims of the patriarchy. Luca and Ama’s romance continues to make me melt, and of course, lovers of The Princess Bride will continue to recognise some of the iconic moments retold into a new and creative way. I don’t think this is one that readers will forget, and it will leave them aching for the next book.
You might want to navigate away from this review if you haven’t yet read The Princess Will Save You, because there will be spoilers! However, I highly encourage you to add it to your TBR because it’s an amazing read!
After a brief reunion with her love, Amarande must again leave Luca’s side in order for her to reclaim her kingdom from usurpers and Luca must also claim his own birthright. However, key players in this game for the throne have moved into place and are waiting to attack. They’ll both face unspeakable betrayal, enemies in the shadows, and as the odds seem insurmountable, their only hope is the power of their true love.
This story picks up pretty soon after The Princess Will Save You ends, and let me just say that if you’re worried about second book syndrome here, there’s absolutely no need to fear. If anything, Henning creates an even bigger world, where the political machinations of queens are starting to come to light, and everyone has some skeletons in their closet to hide. Amarande and Luca are separated again, and are facing some pretty harsh betrayals. They’re both pushed to their limits, but they’re not going to go down without a fight. These two continue to experience some pretty intense character growth, with Amarande having to learn how to put her faith in the person who least deserves it in her eyes. Luca must move past his own insecurities about leading in order to reclaim his throne.
After the events of the last book, there is definitely some trauma that both Luca and Amarande have to work through. It adds a level of dimension to the book that makes them both incredibly relatable. I’ve always seen Amarande as a very headstrong young woman that will charge headfirst and think about the consequences afterward. Unfortunately those same actions have some pretty significant consequences as she’s learned, and there’s definitely a lot more second guessing in this story. These were some of my favourite moments of the story, because you get to see Amarande’s mind at work.
So we’re introduced to a couple new characters in this story, and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what was going to happen with them. We also get a bit of background to a couple of the fierce queens that propels this story into the ultimate battle for control of the kingdom. Objectively, every character feels like they have right on their side, and if you reason with it long enough, you can understand how each thread has become twisted and warped into something more. It’s not always about villainy. Sometimes fighting the patriarchy twists even the best of hearts.
Of course, I can’t continue this review without talking about the love story within it. Truly, there’s something so pure about best friends that become lovers. It’s sweet and the most honest of love stories. There’s no question as to how well they know each other, and it creates a bond and trust that transcends so many other types of romances. Luca and Amarande’s love definitely make my little heart go pitter-pat.
This sequel will make you run the gamut of emotions; bone chilling terror for our two lovebirds, to exhilaration as they battle their enemies and make it through some pretty intense nail-biting situations. You’ll be on the edge of your seat the entire time, and though the ending is pretty solid, the title for the next book will have you feeling that something ominous is coming this way. All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves thrilling fantasy adventures, and you should absolutely add it to your TBR.
The Queen Will Betray You is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of
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Synopsis | Goodreads
The breathtaking sequel to The Princess Will Save You in the Kingdoms of Sand and Sky duology — a brilliantly-executed YA fantasy homage to The Princess Bride
To stay together forever, Princess Amarande and her stableboy love, Luca, must part: Amarande to reclaim her kingdom from usurpers, and Luca to raise a rebellion and find his destiny. Arrayed against them are all the players in the game of thrones for control over the continent of The Sand and Sky. Facing unspeakable betrayals, enemies hidden in the shadows, and insurmountable odds, their only hope is the power of true love…
