A Coming of Age Shifter Story Lies. Murder. Vengeance. For centuries, full-humans have descended on shifters’ lands, killing and claiming. Like sharks scenting blood in the water, they devoured all in their murderous path–gold, God, and glory their battle cries. From the flames of destruction, two nations emerged–the full-human territory of Vumaris and the feline nation of Shona. For … Shona. For eighteen-year-old Asha, traveling to Vumaris with her parents, lion alphas of the Kingdom of Shona, should’ve been a simple matter. Recommitting to an eighty-year-old peace treaty between their countries should’ve been easier still. Yet, greed and corruption know no boundaries of time and place, thus turning a family trip into the bloodiest night of Asha’s life.
Will Asha survive the night of terror? If so, will she forgive her enemies or seek divine retribution?
Ekon is a young bodyguard to the Shona princess. He also happens to be in love with Asha. When a group of mercenaries converges on Sanctum Hotel, hellbent on kidnapping Asha and slaughtering anyone who stands in their way, how can he save his beloved when the odds are stacked against him?
Safety. Protection. Love.
Asha and Ekon want all three, but none are guaranteed.
Warning: Gun violence and torture (non-sexual)
more
A tale of loss and empowerment
A Queen’s Pride is the very aptly titled story of a perfect princess whose charmed life was rudely smashed by forces in the world of power and politics. The death of her royal parents in a courageous last battle with their enemies leads to her own kidnapping and torture, and she elects to honor her parents’ example as the leaders of their people – she resists despite the damage inflicted on her. She bests her tormenters mentally, and after her escape she sets about the twin tasks of restoring her kingdom, and punishing those responsible its near-collapse. Writer N.D. Jones brings beautiful and terrible imagery to life: the conflict of cat shifter vs. human, the toxicity of entitlement, the thin line between justice and vengeance, the wisdom of invoking higher power while clearly understanding its limitations, and the stunning power of mentoring and parental example in determining a woman’s ability to rise to her destiny. There’s a romance, but it occupies a believable and supportive role in the princess’ growth from cherished daughter to wise and empowered ruler. I love what this book has to say about the lives of women, the choices they face, and the foundations for their success. This has been a voluntary ARC review.
This is not your typical shifter story! I was so entranced when reading it that I rushed through the book just to find out what came next. These last two days, I have taken my time reading it and allowed the story to immerse me in the feelings of the main characters and have my emotions brought to the surface by this author’s use of words and descriptions. I highly recommend this book for anyone that likes shifter tales and political plots as you will find both here.
I can’t wait for the next book to come out!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A Queen’s Pride is the first book in the Feline Nation series and we enter a world where humans are actually the anomalies. They don’t quite work properly which is why they can’t shift! Loved that. As history has shown though, there is always one side who wants a little bit more and, for our story, that’s the humans.
This is a story of grief and sorrow, as Asha gets lost in grief and the need for revenge but is that all she is supposed to be?
This story is one of hope, as Asha has to find herself after going through something no 18-year-old should have to. With the love and support of those closest to her, plus some spiritual guidance, Asha needs to find her balance.
I simply adored this story. All of it. I can’t really pinpoint one part that I thought was the best. All I can say is, if you are looking for a shifter book that is more matriarchal than chest-thumping grrrr, then this is probably the book for you.
Be warned though as it does deal with some ‘touchy’ subjects that some readers may not like. However, nothing is just for show. There is reason for it all.
A fantastic story that is complete by itself but leaves you with a little teaser for the next one that will definitely leave you wanting more. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian – I Dig Good Books!
What a timely read.
Asha is the Heir of the Kingdom of Shona. Her parents, Khalid Bambara and Sekham Zarina are the Alphas of the Kingdom. The protectors. They are who stand between their people and the corrupt humans of the Republic of Vumaris. These humans are willing to do anything to acquire more land and power, and shedding blood is only the start.
There are some massive concepts within these pages. N.D. Jones looks at the dynamics of family, race, class, politics, governmental overreaching, and self-sacrifice to start. The idea that humans will use brute force over cunning to acquire power is loud and clear.
There are many trigger alerts in this book due to the realism, despite the magical genre. I warn readers for torture, sexual content, brutal violence, and mental health issues resulting from PTSD. A Queen’s Pride isn’t a YA book.
But it is compelling and delicious, an addictive page-turner.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary advance copy of this book.