Bunny's Reviews: Queen and Conqueror Review Spotlight

Welcome to the book tour for Queen and Conqueror by Isabelle Olmo! Read more about this stunner below!

Queen and Conqueror, this book is going to grab you and say in no uncertain terms - "Clear your schedule, because once you pick me up and open me - you're not doing anything else until you turn the last page." Sound like your kind of story? Then grab this book! It is insanely good!

At first glance, this book's cover will draw your attention. You could be standing in the most disgusting dump (God forbid this book ever be THERE!), but you'd see this cover and immediately want to know what lies beneath it's covers. Prepare for amazing storytelling, dynamic characters, and a plot line that will keep you on your toes!

Almira's father raised her to be politically cunning. He has no idea that him raising her this way is about to throw everything and anything he might have planned for her future...out the window. When her husband falls in a senseless war, Almira decides that it's time to change the rules of the game. Instead of following what others want her to she makes her own path and forges ahead. Her youth and sex make those (primarily the men) question her actions and choices, but she will not bend and do what they expect of her.

Queen and Conqueror is one of those books that long after you have finished reading it you will not be soon forgetting it. This novel is packed with strong female characters who have no qualms letting men make fools of themselves. You will absolutely LOVE this aspect. Some are strong in visible ways, while others will let you believe that what you see is all that meets the eye.

You're going to love not only the fact that there are many strong female characters in this novel, but you will also love the diversity in them. There are characters of a variety of races and colors. It's absolutely fantastic. Each character brings something unique and needed to the storyline and to each other. They bring a beauty of balance and connection. It's enthralling how well written this story is.

Isabelle Olmo alternates chapters with a variety of the characters. Each chapter indicates which character will be the primary focus of that moment. The story alternates between Almira, her trusted guard and cousin, the king that she proposes to marry, and another family member just to name a few. They each bring a different facet to the story to truly help it shine.

This book is HUGE, but that doesn't mean that you are also getting large and cumbersome chapters. The chapters are nice bite sizes that are absolutely perfect to keep you engaged and eager for the next chapter to find out what will next unfold. Page by page the story will unfold you will find out just how amazing and dynamic these characters truly are.

If you're not sold on this book by this point I don't know what to tell you. LOL! Other than you're truly missing out. Now, if you're curious as to whether there is magic in this book...yes there is! It comes in subtle ways and then in not so subtle ways as well. There are "trigger warnings" at the beginning of this book. It is a long list, but honestly, it just made me drool. LOL! This is not a story for the faint of heart. This book is for those who love the darkness, and come back begging for more. I love a good story that holds nothing back and that is exactly what this author aspired to do.

There will be a cliff hanger at the end of this book. Is it a huge one? Well, I don't think it was, but not everyone is me. LOL! But it definitely leaves you eager for what is to come later this year - which I will be highly anticipating. Readers who enjoy dark fantasy novels, and strong female characters, this book is 100% for you.

I am rating this book an outstanding 5 out of 5 stars. Absolutely going in my top 10 favorites of 2023.

Thank you to the author, Isabelle Olmo, and R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book. I look forward to what comes next!

Queen and Conqueror (The Queen’s Guard #1)

Publication Date: August 2022

Genre: Fantasy/ Romantic Fantasy

How does one conquer a kingdom without spilling blood? You offer your hand in marriage to the king who killed your husband.

Almira’s father raised her in political cunning. Since childhood, she’s prepared for this moment. She lays out the players one by one like pieces on a board.

One. King Alton, the brother-killer. The spare heir who killed his brother for the throne.

Two. The perfect seamstress. The people must admire a queen and welcome her with open arms even when she arrives with a deadly armada behind her.

Three. The Queen’s Red Guard. These warrior women have one purpose; to protect the queen at all costs. Even from her husband. Even from herself.

Queen & Conqueror is the first book in an epic feminist fantasy series told from the perspective of the women who rule and shape the future.

“Men will never be ready for women like us and it is not our job to ready them.”

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Excerpt

He cleared his throat. “The High Lord seeks aid from Istok. Your native country hasn’t been plagued with war like we have. Perhaps if your father–“

“Istok did not begin a war. My father will not risk Istokian lives because my husband has a vendetta against a king that toys with our Suidian forces. We should retreat and regroup. Sit with King Alton and negotiate,” she said with a steady voice.

She surprised herself. She’d never challenged a messenger as such. But she was damn tired of sitting like a protected porcelain plate, while the world crumbled.

He looked at her incredulously. “My lady, forgive me, but shouldn’t you let your father decide that?”

His words filled Almira with sudden anger, but she controlled and subdued it. She moved slowly as she stood and faced the captain. He was a large man, and she was small even for a woman. That mattered little.

“Captain, your job is to deliver news of the front. You’ve done that. But to presume I would take advice on state matters from you is insulting.”

He stepped forward and opened his mouth.

“Apology accepted,” she said and raked him over in disapproval. “You didn’t mean to insinuate anything. You have, after all, the utmost respect for my house. However, you will deliver a message from me, captain. Each day I sit in this room while my husband fights a war that drags on and continues killing our soldiers. Each day more lives are lost. At first it was fifty. Now, you tell me 2,000. Inform High Lord Edgar that I want the number.”

He blustered. “The number?”

“Yes. I want the number.” She pressed her index finger against the map. “I want the exact number of deaths we must reach to determine this cause is folly. It’ll give me something to look forward to while I practice my half-stitch.”

She sat and pushed her dinner plate away with disgust. The time had finally come for her value to be placed on the table. Even at a young age she knew he married her because of her connections to Istok. Her father wisely kept their country out of the squabbles and in the years since the war started, her home country grew rich with trade.

“That means you’re dismissed, captain,” Sanaa said.

Clearly astounded at being addressed in such a manner, he left. Not before his helmet slipped and rolled about on the stone floor. It caused a great deal of noise. He rushed after it, while the women watched the display.

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About the Author

Isabelle Olmo was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and was raised on a steady diet of 80’s fantasy films and Sweet Valley High. Her love of literature was developed at an early age when her grandmother gifted her a poetry collection. Queen & Conqueror will be her first published novel.

She graduated with a degree in English Literature and a minor in Political Science from the University of Central Florida.

When she’s not writing she loves to travel, cook, and drink wine. One day she hopes to live in Barcelona, her favorite city in the world.

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