A Queen Comes To Power by Chloe C. Penaranda

Faythe: The main character, torn between duty and love, struggles with her moral compass and finds herself constantly in dangerous situations, unsure of the right path.

Nik: Faythe’s friend, whose loyalty is tested throughout the story. He grapples with his familial obligations, his feelings for Faythe, and his connection with Tauria.

Reylan: A mysterious fae general who enters Faythe’s life, challenging her perceptions of trust, loyalty, and attraction.

Tauria: A princess with her own motives, whose presence becomes pivotal in Nik’s journey and intensifies the challenges Faythe faces.

Jakon: Faythe’s friend who offers a different perspective on events, adding depth to the story, though his character lacks development.

Marlowe: An oracle with vital connections, whose presence adds layers to the plot, though her potential is underutilized.

Faythe faces immense pressure as she serves her king. Struggling to uphold her values while ensuring the safety of her friends, her loyalty is continuously stretched. She attempts to balance her duty with the moral compass she holds dear, but as the story unfolds, the lines blur. At the same time, Nik is confronting his father’s cruelty, grappling with his feelings of betrayal, and trying to redeem himself in Faythe’s eyes. Faythe, still hurt by Nik’s secrecy and the revelation of his royal identity, is torn between anger and the desire to rebuild their friendship. Despite her resentment, Nik remains hopeful that he can win her back, or at least restore their bond.

As tensions escalate, Faythe is forced to use her powers in the king’s court, leading to a series of increasingly dangerous situations. She’s pushed to the edge, ultimately being ordered to kill so-called ‘traitors.’ The weight of her actions eats away at her, and she begins to wither emotionally. Despite this, she earns some freedom and is allowed to visit Malowe and Jakon. Malowe, who has been growing closer to Jakon, is dealing with the loss of her father and her newfound powers. As an oracle, she is slowly discovering the extent of her abilities, and the journey of self-discovery adds another layer of complexity to the group’s dynamic. Meanwhile, Jakon feels the strain of their fractured relationships, believing things could have been better. By the end of the book, though, the group begins to mend, and they find a way to restore their bond.

As the kingdoms attempt to unite, Faythe’s safety becomes more precarious. She finds herself hidden in plain sight, but the danger never quite dissipates. She begins to form an unexpected alliance with Tauria, a princess who has lost her kingdom and sought refuge in the castle. However, suspicions mount as Faythe grows closer to Reylan, a mysterious fae general whose loyalty is questioned. His presence poses a significant threat to the fragile alliance they’re trying to form, and as Faythe uncovers dangerous truths about him, she faces a gut-wrenching dilemma over who she can trust. The threat of evil looms ever closer, ready to disrupt everything they’re working to build. Faythe is pulled into a storm of danger and desire, and as she struggles to keep her heart safe, she realizes that the real threat may be far closer than she ever imagined.

Meanwhile, Faythe is told to search for the Ruin of Aurialis by a mysterious voice in her head. Defying the king’s orders, she embarks on this dangerous mission, only to be caught and thrown into prison. After enduring harsh conditions, Faythe is brought before the king for a final confrontation. In the chaos that ensues, the king is killed, and a beloved soldier who had befriended Faythe also dies. With Rhy’s return to aid her, Nik steps forward to take charge and assume the role of king. Faythe, now seeking answers, decides to leave with Rhy to his kingdom. Together, they plan to seek out the Ruins and uncover the secrets that will shape their futures.