The Queen's Blade by Evelyn Ward

THE QUEEN'S BLADE by Evelyn Ward is exactly what I was hoping for but did not get with Sarah J. Maas's HOUSE OF EARTH AND BLOOD. This fantasy story is unique in that it's set in a futuristic Earth rather than a pseudo-medieval or Victorian environment, and it features one of my favorite tropes: a tentative peace fractured by political unrest between dissenting factions of various races.

The heroine, Fey, is one part of a group of female enforcers known as The Queen's Blades. They are kind of like secret police crossed with assassins: when they are handed envelopes by their handler, delivered from the queen, they either gather information or kill. Things get complicated, however, when Fey discovers that the powers that be haven't been entirely truthful with them about some things, like a mysterious drug epidemic plaguing the city, and the mysterious death of one of their sisters-slash-friends, Alice.

It did take me a little while to get used to the writing style, but once I warmed up to it, I knew I was going to enjoy this book simply from the depth of characterization and the intricate plotting. The best problem as a reader is having to ask yourself, do I like this book? Or do I love it? After finally getting to the end, after being battered by twist after well-placed twist, I think I have to round up to a five star rating simply because this was such a great blend of action, mystery, and spice, and any book that made me gasp as many times as this one did deserves some extra credit. Speaking of extra credit, did I mention the hot vampire shadow daddy who goes both ways and is amenable to sharing? HOT.

I'm kicking myself for not getting on this train sooner with the rest of this author's deservedly rabid fanbase, but at least now I don't have to wait for the sequel like the rest of you suckers haha. If you liked-- or were disappointed by-- HOUSE OF EARTH AND BLOOD, this should absolutely be your next read. It's fantasy romance in the vein of some of the greats, like Maria V. Snyder and Mercedes Lackey, and definitely scratches that kickass heroine itch.

4.5 out of 5 stars