The Werewolf Queen (Wheel of Crowns Series Book #1) by Brandi Elledge – Review by Angela Hayes

The Werewolf Queen by Brandi Elledge
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Werewolf Queen is the first spellbinding instalment in the Wheel of Crowns Series by Brandi Elledge. WOW!!! What an amazing story!!! I was completely riveted from the very first page, so completely absorbed by the story, that I lost all sense of time and place. The ‘real’ world ceased to exist as I fell deeper and deeper under Ms. Elledge’s spell. This is one of those books that deserves to be read- it’s so fascinating, engrossing, and entirely unforgettable. Ms. Elledge is a new-to-me author and now I am kicking myself that I hadn’t discovered her and her books before now- but now that I have she has earned a spot on my ‘must read’/favourite authors list. I have already started on the next book in the series, and pre-ordered Book #3 (due out 25th April).
The Werewolf Queen is an action-packed paranormal fantasy, with werewolves, witches, warlocks, psychics, soothsayers, vampires, fairies, demons, ogres, succubi, magic, the supernatural, blood oaths, visions, fate, missing keys, different planes/realms, bloody battles, intensity, drama, and so much more.
We meet Sadie Grey, who comes from a long line of witches, and lives in a town of witches, even attending a school for witches- but she feels like a dud, and a real failure, because her ‘powers’ have failed to manifest, yet. But all that changes on the night of her 18th birthday, when 3 strangers arrive in town- turning life as she knows it upside-down. She is swept up on a quest to retrieve some very important keys, with the fate of the world resting in her hands- while meeting many new friends, and enemies, along the way. What part will the gorgeous, complicated, brooding, and protective werewolf play in this incredible story- you really must read the book to find out- you really won’t be disappointed!!!
OMG! Where do I even begin to do this book the justice it deserves! It is so funny, emotive, exciting, fast-paced, intense, touching, romantic, and just plain incredible. The story is told from Sadie’s perspective, which I loved- but I really wanted to hear from Camden and would love to have had his perspective too. I love Sadie, she was a fantastic female lead- I was completely invested in her, Camden, and the outcome of the story. Sadie learns so much about herself, her family, her ‘powers’, and the world she thought she knew. I loved Granny- she is hilarious. Jo is such a great character, too- a perfect best friend for Sadie, and a wonderful addition to the story. I also loved Lil (Lilly-Ana)- she was a hoot. I wanted to adopt Kong and bring him home- I really felt for what he’d been through. But he really added an extra element of interest and imagination to the story. I can’t wait to read Jameson’s story, and Stephen’s story- but would also love to read Jo’s story, as well as Austin’s- hint, hint Ms. Elledge.
Ms. Elledge is a gifted storyteller and excels at complex, vividly detailed world building- bringing the whole story to life, making it entirely realistic and believable. Truly masterful!
Without a doubt, one of my favourite reads of the year!!

Bravo, and thank you Ms. Elledge!

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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