This book had me hooked right from the beginning. And while I sometimes got a little lost, and the writing wasn’t necessarily the best I really enjoyed it. The characters were likable and I really was invested in their story. I really can’t wait to see where the story continues. I would definitely recommend this story to any romantasy readers.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC for an exchange of my honest opinion!

Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC of The Mortal Queen. This is my honest review, these are only my opinions.

I was surprised that I didn't enjoy this story as much as I thought I would. There were so many 5 star review so I was expecting a book that I literally couldn't put down. But by 60% it felt like a bit of a slog to get to the end.

I enjoyed the world building (although they were traveling for most of the book), I liked that she was something unknown and liked watching that unfold. Ashling denying her feelings for Lir for most of the book really did start to get a little annoying though. I felt like she had more chemistry with some of her guards over her chemistry with Lir.

The use of Gaelic terminology was interesting, but a little confusing at times. But that might have just been because it took me a while to catch on!

We didn't find out what Ashling was until around 70% into the book, she's only had an afternoon worth of practice, but all of a sudden although she doesn't have, 'strength, muscle, or skill, at least she has magic'. Although she nearly burns herself out she is almost arrogant with her new found power which wasn't a vibe.

The narration of the audiobook was really excellent though, the different voices the narrator used were brilliant and brought the story to life more.

Oh wow!!! I am literally obsessed with this one and seriously can’t wait to read more!!! This author and narrator did phenomenal jobs of bringing this high fantasy to life! More often than not these days I find myself DNFing high fantasy because I just find myself not caring or enjoying the story. ABSOLUTELY NOT THE CASE HERE. This was a slow burn through and through! I lovedddd the little morsels we are fed of the main characters romance I can’t wait to see where this story goes and how everything unravels! Thank you to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

The world building was great, and I loved the depiction of the fae. I’m always a big fan of the darker interpretations of fae folk. However, the writing was very repetitive and I felt trapped in the limited and biased view of Aisling. Which was odd in a third person perspective. On top of this ignorance, she was surprisingly arrogant? It was a confusing combination. Also by about 60% in, I grew really tired of Aisling denying her obvious attraction to the king. It was so tiresome. Thank you very much for this ARC!

I have no words! This is the type of Romantasy book that makes me love this genre. I am still very new in this world and this book is it.

It took me a while to get into this book, mainly because when I get a chance to read my Kindle it's near on midnight and I've switched off. This book is so rich with detail, that I took some time to get into the flow, but when I did. Well, it was like fireworks and I devoured this book. I had to stop reading because of work and then I discovered that there was an audiobook and I managed to get my fix and finish it. That ending, I had my heart in my throat when the daggers started to fly. I was so worried that my favourite was hurt, but phew - they weren't. It was crazy once you see the betrayal on both sides. And yet it's Aisling I worried about and another character. She has no idea who she is or how powerful she is. The even better thing is, nor do we! I CAN'T WAIT TO FIND OUT!

I absolutely loved this twist on what the humans and Seelie knew. Aisling is so naive in the world, that everything is kept hidden from her. The lies that she had been spun! She didn't even know what a dragon was! Crazy! And these lies were so clear to be seen, and unlike most other books we were not in the mortal world. We spent time with the Seelie, the Unseelie, we learned about them, their culture and their ways and you care. You care so much about what will happen to them, sod the mortals. The evil men destroying their homes and forests!

But as we drew nearer to the end, I realised, Aisling was just a pawn between two worlds. She is being played, and I have no idea who I can trust for her. Secrets and betrayals and love. A love that is not " natural " but it darn well feels it to me. I loved that it was an instant-love, and it's not even love that either has admitted to, but it's a love that is there. That kiss *sigh*

Metzler has created something so special, and I can't wait to find out why the Mortal Queen becomes the Savage Queen!

The mortal queen is an electrifying fantasy novel with a propulsive fast-paced storyline and filled with buried secrets, deadly threats, tangled curses and magic.

Aisling is suddenly ordered to be in an union with the ruthless fae king. Fae and mortals need to forge a peace. And this arranged marriage might just be that. However Aisling is scared but she won't show it because fae gained satisfaction and fed on her fear. Crawling and creeping she turned it to her survival but what awaited her was far from what she had anticipated.

There are creatures who apparently lurk in the forests, colossal magic and wicked beasts whom she has never heard of. A desperate storm is brewing and Aisling is tethering on the blurred line of survival and her destiny.

I really loved this book. It's far better than what has been advertised as fantasy nowadays. There's an engaging story and fetching twists and turns. The romance is although not a main aspect but was weaved in seamlessly. The kingdom and political bets and pursuits of betrayal, the double edged sharped knife of believing who she was and who was about to become. Her reality is shattered into mere shards as she truly sees everything. Rooted in spinned lies and ploys, Aisling would navigate a path of magic and unfamiliarity. The fae king has definitely made it to my favourites.

I would highly recommend this book to fantasy readers.

This book is absolute fire! 😉 I originally picked this book to listen to based on the description and it did not disappoint! Would recommend this book for listening too or reading it. I love a good enemies to lovers story and a true slow burn romance. If you are looking for a good fantasy book this is a must read!

This book had me on the edge of my seat not truly knowing which direction we were going. I’m going to need the next book!

The Mortal Queen deserves way more hype! I listened to the audiobook, and it was completely addictive—so immersive that I couldn’t stop listening.

Aisling, our morally grey main character, is everything. She’s torn between ambition and morality, and her journey is so compelling. You’re constantly wondering whether she’ll rise to power or fall into corruption. She’s stubborn (sometimes frustratingly so), but given her upbringing, it makes total sense.

The slow-burn romance was, in my opinion, perfectly done. Aisling and Lir start off despising each other, and by the end, while they don’t fully trust one another, they’re undeniably connected. And Lir? Absolutely obsessed. He’s the definition of a perfect book boyfriend—every scene with him was breathtaking.

The world-building is stunning, deeply rooted in Celtic mythology, with a rich, almost old-world writing style. The Fae realm is magical, dangerous, and completely immersive. The first few chapters can be a lot, but once you settle in, it’s so worth it.

Can I also say, that ending?? Did not see it coming. It drove me crazy, but in the best way—I need the next book ASAP. If you love ACOTAR, you’ll love this (but honestly, it’s written even better). Highly recommend!

I think this story has a lot of potential. We have a human FMC who is in an arranged marriage to the fae MMC. The humans and far are at war and this marriage is to bring about an alliance. There is a lot of traveling and the FMC is learning more about the world and just how much information was kept from her. There is more than she ever thought going on in this world. We conclude the first book with some betrayal and intrigue into book 2. I would likely continue on in the series since book 2 is releasing in just a few weeks.

For a debut novel this is incredible and so refreshing! The magic is unique and fun. The characters have dimension and amazing stories. The enemy's to lovers feels like true enemys. The mmc is a little morally grey but he is also very caring for his people.

Yeaaahhhh! What a story!

Absolutely devoured this, I couldn’t stop listening, the story is fairly complicated in the beginning with lots of detail around the world, the family, the names to remember, but, stick with it and it unravels into a wonderful fantasy with very last minute romance addition, although the tension is there, it’s a slooooowburn.

Aisling is “sold” to the fae king, but unbeknown to her family, she’s actually a kind of fae as as she spends more time in the fae lands and with the king Lir, her powers develop.

The ending was unexpected, when Aisling fled Lir’s side to run away with Dagfin to find a way to break the curse, I didn’t expect Lir to let Aisling leave his side, let alone set off with the “enemy”.

The tension built and built as the story unraveled and it left you on the edge of your seat waiting for the second instalment to find out what happens next!

This was my first book but Ashley and I really enjoyed the story and the narration. Fantasy, Fae, action, drama, adventure and great storytelling. I can't wait for the next installment.

I love this book. I was hooked from the second I picked it up. The narrator was brilliant and I think it was really well red and such a beautiful story. I’m really intrigued to see where book 2 takes us although the ending did annoy me a little bit because Yeah this is very enemies to lovers which I was not expecting but I’m very glad it was. I was annoyed though that Aisling went back to her brothers despite knowing that they had betrayed her.

An arranged marriage between two mortal enemy species, what could go wrong?

Aisling is being sacrificed in the name of duty. The only highborn princess of the mortal realm, she is being made to marry the king of the fae in a treaty for peace between the two species. Aisling had been taught her whole life that the fae are evil barbaric monsters who invaded and stole the land they now occupy from man. Though she doesn't wish to, she will uphold her duty and marry this fae so that there may be peace between them. During the ceremony Aisling pasts the test that exposes her and the king as soulmates in the eyes of the fae, if that wasn't already a surprise to Aisling, her world and views are about to be shattered as the truth to everything is revealed while she lives with the fae.

I enjoyed this book for the most part. It was a bit hard to get into but once we get to the location where the marriage will take place I understood it a lot better. The writer tended to get a bit flowery with her words and a lot of the names and fae words were a bit hard to understand but the plot is easy to follow and towards the halfway mark you don't want to put it down.

The secondary characters were easy to follow and I really enjoyed the character of Gilrel (an animal handmaiden) and her relationship with Aisling. To put it bluntly, Aisling is a bit of snooty aristocratic bitch at the beginning. She feels like the animal fae are beneath her and thinks the other fae are highly improper...it was off putting but it was the way she was raised and all she knows. Slowly throughout the book she and Gilrel's relationships changes to one of true friendship I feel, and it was nice to see Aisling overcome her upbringing and come to appreciate and care for all the species around her.

This is a real and true slowburn, so if you're looking for spice you'll be left wanting. There is only one kiss (and it's at the end) but the tension between Aisling and Lir the last half of the book is very intriguing. I can't say how the next book will be, I've never read this author, but I have hopes we can get a bit more from Lir and Aisling since they are supposed to have this all consuming dangerous true love thing going on.

I listened to most of this one thanks to an ALC and I really have to commend the narrator, Samantha Norbury. With so many fae conversations that occur throughout the book it was really amazing she made the language and the pronunciations seem so easy. And it was way better hearing how it was supposed to be said than what I would've made up in my mind if I was reading it. I would've butchered the hell out of it lol. Samantha's pacing was great too and her voice was pleasing as well. She did a good job of mixing up the voices for different characters too. I will be keeping an eye out for future narrations done by her.

I will most likely continue on in this series as I want to see how Lir will find Aisling after she took off like she did and I'd like to see if the author tones the flowery stuff down a bit. Thank you so much to Second Sky Books for gifting me an eARC and to Bookouture Audio for gifting me an ALC of this title in exchange for an honest review!

I had high hopes for the book and series, however, I was left really disappointed. The book strives to paint an intricate world between the mortal woman Aisling and the fae king Lir, in the realm of another ACOTAR or Fourth Wing. However, this book fails to deliver. After 500 pages, the MMC Lir had little to no character growth. Also the writing mentioning “the fae king”, “the mortal queen” and the inside thoughts of Aisling over and over again got really tiring. I feel as if I would have been playing the game of where someone took a drink every time, I would have been wasted after fifty pages.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the audiobook ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Mortal Queen is a really well written fantasy. Aisling is a naïve, young princess to be wed to the Fae King. She is torn from believing her father and her husband. They both claim the other to be the monsters that tear the world apart. All she wants is peace and to figure out who she has become.

The Mortal Queen (The Aisling Trilogy Book 1)
🌟 An Absolutely Addictive Fae Romance 🌟
By Ashley Metzler | Narrated by Samantha Norbury

Samantha Norbury’s narration was phenomenal, truly bringing the story to life with rich emotion and depth.

This book is a thrilling rollercoaster—packed with unexpected twists and turns that kept me hooked from start to finish. Just when you think you know what’s coming, the story takes a sharp turn, making it impossible to put down.

Aisling’s character arc is empowering—watching her evolve from powerless to a total badass was incredibly satisfying. I can’t wait to see how her strength and determination continue to grow in book two!

The romance is a slow burn, and while I loved the tension, I’m really hoping book two brings the heat and delivers some well-earned spice.

Ashley Metzler’s exquisite world-building is pure magic. The lush descriptions and attention to detail truly immerse you in the world of the fae, making every scene feel vivid and real. The folklore elements are woven in beautifully, adding layers of depth and intrigue.

The characters are complex, dynamic, and wonderfully developed—each with their own unique struggles and strengths.

I need book two right now! If you love fae romance with strong heroines, rich fantasy worlds, and captivating storytelling, this book is a must-read.

Thank you Bookouture Audio for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

4 Stars

Y’all, this was GOOD. We got a savage fae king, a forced marriage, and all the slow-burn tension you could ask for. Aisling and Lir’s dynamic? Absolutely addicting. He’s got that dangerous, morally grey, fiercely loyal energy, and she’s trying so hard not to fall for him—but we all know how that goes.

The world-building was solid, the magic system was interesting, and the pacing kept me hooked. It definitely gave Sarah J. Maas meets Holly Black, which I’m never mad about. The only thing keeping this from being a 5-star read for me was that some parts felt a little predictable, and I wanted just a bit more depth in certain areas. But overall? A super entertaining fantasy romance that I devoured.

If you love fae, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers, and a broody, obsessed love interest, this one’s for you!

The Mortal Queen is a phenomenal read that captivated me from start to finish with its perfect balance of high-stakes drama, intense romance, and masterful world-building. The slow, smoldering burn between the characters is exquisite, drawing you deeper into their intricate relationships—whether they are enemies, soulmates, lovers, or bound by an arranged marriage. The action sequences are breathtaking, and each twist and turn keeps you on the edge of your seat. The author's world-building in The Mortal Queen is marvelous—it's richly imaginative yet never feels overwhelming. The simmering hatred and fierce rivalry serve as the perfect backdrop for the characters' development, while the meticulous uncovering of secrets keeps you guessing until the very last page.

4.5 stars. I read this book in one sitting and as fast as possible. Already requested book 2 (though sad it isn’t in audiobook format). The fairy clans in this book felt so similar to the elves in LOTR (I.e. powerful, unworldly, warriors, etc) which I loved. Really just ended up liking everything about this one other than a too slow of a burn happening between the MC’s.