Review: Long Live the Queen by Kate Locke

Title: Long Live the Queen 

Author:  Kate Locke
Publisher: Orbit
Publishing Date:  November 12th, 2013

Pages: 320
Genre: Adult Paranormal Fantasy 

Series:  The Immortal Empire #3
Source:  Audio

 

Xandra Vardan thought life would be simpler when she accepted the goblin crown and became their queen, but life has only become more complicated. Everyone -- vampires, werewolves and humans -- wants the goblins on their side, because whoever has the goblins -- wins.

Queen Victoria wants her head, Alpha wolf Vex wants her heart, and she still doesn't know the identity of the person who wanted her blood. What she does know is that a project from one of the 'secret' aristocrat labs has gotten free and she's the only one who can stop the perfect killing machine -- a sixteen year-old girl. With human zealots intent on ridding the world of anyone with plagued blood and supernatural politics taking Britain to the verge of civil war, Xandra's finding out that being queen isn't all it's cracked up to be, and if she doesn't do something fast, hers will be the shortest reign in history.
The fantastic conclusion to the series that started with the spectacular undead steampunk debut, God Save the Queen and The Queen is Dead

I was finally able to get to this last book in the Immortal Empires series. It was an amazing finale. I really didn't know this series could get any better but it did. I truly wish it was not over. I enjoyed this world and these characters immensely. Sad it's over, but happy with ending. 

Xandra feels she is the secret weapon in an all out war between all the supernatural factions. They all want her on their side so they can have the strength of the goblins. She is attempting to find a way to survive, a new threat comes to town. One that threatens every one, humans and supernaturals... even the Queen. Xandra and her friends and family give it all they got to save their queen and their country... without dying themselves that is. 

This book was freaking amazing guys. The best one. There was so much story and action and secrets and betrayals and goodness in this book. I think I was getting whiplash. I didn't know who to trust and I didn't know who was the actual bad guy. I just knew that Xandra and Vex must survive.... because well they are Xandra and Vex. 

Speaking of Xandra and Vex, their relationship continues to blossom and they are so just ugh great together. They are one of my favorite book couples. So much chemistry, so much banter, so much nauseating love. I do just adore them. Their story is so wonderful..... I will miss it. **tears**

The story continues form where the last book left off. Not much time is between the two but so much happens in that time and in this book. There is so much that goes on. I mean it was bam bam bam from beginning to end. I love where the story went, I loved the shocking plot moments and the intensity of the story. I was literally on the edge of my seat for most of the book. It had a great beginning, middle and end. 

Xandra really steps up in my book. She is one hell of a fighter and she is just crazy. I love that she is strong and feminine. She is a take charge kind of girl but she also knows how to let the man she loves into her life. She is extreme but in all the good ways. Very lovable, very loyal, very much a kick ass heroine. 

One of the things I loved about this series was all the characters. So many but I felt I had a good handle on them all.They are all introduced at different times and so I was able to really get to know each and every one.... I love that they are just all in it together in this finale. 

It really was a fantastic finale and I wish there was more but there is not so I will treasure the ending and keep the books for future rereads... on audio and in hardcover. YAY!  

A wonderfully fantastic end to an equally wonderfully fantastic series.

Kate Locke has always enjoyed making things up — a trait that often got her into trouble as a child, but by which she enjoys making a living. Before writing fiction full time she worked as cook, a journalist and in a photo finishing lab where she saw enough pictures of naked people to rival Hugh Hefner. A guy once asked her out after giving her a roll of film that he expressly requested she develop and print. The entire roll was images of him stark naked in the woods. And no, that’s the kind of thing you just don’t make up.

In her late 20s Kate sold her first book and enjoyed a 10 year career writing under a different name. Her love of fantasy and the paranormal refused to leave her alone, and one day, while sitting on the couch thinking of making a very scary career move, she started jotting down notes for a book she wanted to write just for the pure enjoyment of it; a book just for herself. That book became God Save the Queen. Her agent thought they could sell it — Kate wasn’t certain. Then, the day after having her gall bladder removed (again, can’t make this stuff up), Kate got the call that Orbit books — her dream publisher for God Save the Queen — had made an offer. And it’s been more exciting than she ever imagined.

Like Xandra Vardan, the heroine in God Save the Queen, Kate values those she loves above all else, and has hair a color not typically found in nature. Unfortunately, Kate’s comes from a bottle. She’s married to a fabulous man who doesn’t seem to care what she does to her hair, puts up with her occasional* craziness, helps her plot, and treats her like she’s the best thing since lipgloss.