The Queen's Bane

A Stone Bearers Novel, Book 4

By: Jacque Stevens

Narrated by: John Pirhalla

Length: 11 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

Wizards and drow are set to ravage the world between them, just as they had in the past...

As Drynn travels back to the forest, rumors of drow haunt his steps. His brother may have killed a wizard, leading many, even among his friends, to demand his death in return. Desperate for another solution, Drynn is relieved to discover that another bearer has been called, Princess Josalene. She moves with a confidence Drynn lacks, calling an army to her side and making herself the Queen of Kalum.

She has a solution for the drow problem as well. Instead of killing them, she will pull enough magic together to recreate the dome and imprison the drow. But such a large source of magic must come from somewhere and Josalene seems ready to do anything to get what she wants.

Will this new bearer bring balance to the coming war or create even more chaos?

If you like epic quests, mythical creatures, and destined heroes, then you’ll love this coming-of-age fantasy series. Buy now to continue the magic, mystery, and heart-pounding adventure!

The Queen’s Bane is the direct sequel to The Queen’s Opal (2017), The Queen’s Gift (2018), and The Queen’s Heir (2018) in a new YA high fantasy adventure series set in the same magical and exotic world as The Stone Bearers (2016).

Clean listen. Fantasy violence, light innuendo, and a few darker themes. Recommended for young adults and teens 13 and up.

Other books by Jacque Stevens:

Stone Bearers:

• 0. The Stone Bearers (2016)
• 0.5. The Frog’s Princess (2016)
• 1. The Queen’s Opal (2017)
• 2. The Queen’s Gift (2018)
• 3. The Queen’s Heir (2018)
• 4. The Queen’s Bane (2019)
• 5. The Queen’s Rite (2019)

Please note: The Queen’s Opal is book one. The Stone Bearers is a stand-alone novel that can be listened before or after the full series.

The short story, The Frog’s Princess, can also be listened to in any order. Find it in The Fantastic Worlds Anthology (2016) or have a free digital copy delivered to you after signing up for my email list at sjacquebooks.com. Those on my email list will receive monthly emails with updates on deals, review opportunities for new releases, and other exclusive content.

Fairy Ring:

1. Shards of Janderelle (2017)
2. Changeling of Janderelle (2019)
3. Prince of Janderelle (2020)

HighTower Fairytales:

• Winter Falls: A Tale of the Snow Queen (2017)
• Cry Wolf: A Tale of Beauty and the Beast (2020)
• Depths: A Tale of the Little Mermaid (2020)
• Robin's Hood: A Tale of Sherwood Forest (2021)

©2019 Jacque Stevens (P)2021 Jacque Stevens

fourth installment

as this is the fourth installment of this series it really is a good series that will appeal to all ages. Worth reading and/or listening to.

The Queen and the Robe

Josalene believed the lies of Soren and she should have known better! She is proving every negative thing ever said about humans true! I am pretty confident that Sorens reputation proceeds him and she could have had Cole instead! Now Josalene has allowed Soren to imprison another. it is because of these things that I dont think she was meant to be a bearer at all and Cole is most like the only one who could manage Truth. Drynn needs to find his courage and find a way to heal the elves that have been forced to become Drow. This book has left me with so many questions and the answers can only be found in book 5.

Must Read Series for Fantasy Readers

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this series! Those who love fantasy, magic and adventure will not be disappointed.

The first book does start a little slow but it's so worth it because this author builds such depth and intrigue into the characters and the story. There is a little bit of recap in each book but you really need to read them in order. It is an elven adventure with humans, mages, drow, dragonettes, a phoenix, and many more fantasy creatures. This series is a bit reminiscent of Lord of the Rings but I would say they are more on level with Brandon Mull style and quality of books. Book four continues the adventure and there are so many twists, turns, ups, and downs that it really is a great ride. As with the others in the series it feels like it ends too quickly and leaves you on just enough of a cliff hanger that you really want the next book but not so extreme that it's upsetting. It's a clean read and I have let me 11 year old read them and he loves them too! These are meant for middle grade readers to adults. I am really looking forward to book five!

The narrator does an incredible job with the voice differentiations, accents and acting. He's really a lot of fun to listen to and definitely on my list of favorite narrators.

—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

This Installment has a Lot Going On.

With this latest book in the story, we have a whole bunch of things going on at once. As the penultimate book in the series, this seems to fit with the feeling of reading more like one big book I mentioned in the last volume's review. That would have this volume building the climax. There's more excitement, some very foolish character decisions, and more understanding of what got the world to where it is at the time of the story. Characters continue to show autonomy. Some that took a back seat before step up and some likeable characters do things to make themselves seem much less likeable. Major characters really don't seem to be locked onto rails, which is nice. They can and do act against their own self interest at times, for a variety of reasons. Overall, an enjoyable listen if you have enjoyed the series so far. If new to the series, you really should start with book 1.

Narration remains very well done, as it has in the previous books. He gives some nice flare to certain MCs and makes it easy to tell wo is speaking.

I was given a free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this honest review.

BANE OF THE QUEEN

THE SERIES IS GOING ON IN BOOK 4 .

THE SERIES IS LIVELY. FUN AND FILLED WITH ADVENTURE. AND SOME MAGIC. I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE ENDING OF THE SERIES!