I wanted to love this book, because I've not read anything that has a Celtic background before. Unfortunately, I didn't love it. The book starts extremely slow and even once it picks up, it's just not my cup of tea.

I was really interested in this story as I was looking forward to reading the mythology aspects behind it. I did struggle to get through the first part of the book. There were a few contradictions within the story that I found it hard to move past.
The world building was fantastic but I found it a bit chunky and it took up a lot of the story, which I found took away from the characters and what was actually happening in the book.
The romance didn't really 'wow' me, it felt like it was there just because rather than actually adding anything to the story. I'm pretty sure the characters didn't even like each other (even when they were in a relationship).
The ending also felt very rushed, as though the book just needed to end at a certain word count.

Thanks to Zando Projects, Netgalley and the author for an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily. It's been a while since I dived into a YA Fantasy - I had forgotten how much I enjoyed them. I'm glad I picked this book to dive back into this wonderful genre.
When I was a teenager I was absolutely obsessed with all things mythological, but Celtic mythology was too complex and inconsistent for my undeveloped brain. When I first started this book I felt the same way - so much of Celtic mythology is tied up with political regimes and different names for beings with all different capabilities. It seemed easy to get confused by the number of factions in this book at first. But once I let myself just read and enjoy the story, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This book champions females - the protagonist Neve, is a formidable hero and I loved her (my other favourite being Cliona).
Ronan, the erstwhile Druid turned rogue, was also an absolute treat to read and his snarky inner and outer dialogue were some of my favourite parts of the book.
The ending is open so there may be more from this universe, but I hope if not, then I will read more from this author.

This book was a lot of fun. Nothing *new* but I enjoyed the plot and all the different creatures featured .I love celtic mythology and wished there was even more woven throughout. The romance felt a bit forced, I would have been happy with just the adventure part of it. I just wish I felt more of a connection to the characters.

Queen Among the Dead is marketed as a Celtic fantasy and adventure that takes place in an ancient Kingdom called Eire. Additionally, it is inspired by the legend of the first true Queen of Ireland. When we first are transported into Eire, we see that magic is outlawed by its King and on top of it, the King's Druid priests are jealous. We end up meeting the King's youngest daughter: Neve and an Druid apprentice that has turned thief: Ronan. Neve and Ronan have something in common: they both hate the Druids. On top of all of this, they have been marked by a dark magic to where they need each other.

I am all about fantasy and when books have kingdoms and royalty in them, then I just have to read them since I am a sucker for these type of books. Plus, I am really enjoying all the mythology/cultural inspirations that a lot of authors are weaving into their stories.

Lesley Livingston does a great job with interweaving this story with the Celtic mythology and the world building of this story/kingdom.

However, I was constantly struggling with this book and wanting to be done with it. I felt like there was a ton of telling instead of showing as well as huge info dumps. Then, on top of that I really found Neve and Ronan to be unlikeable.

I do wish this book would have worked out for me, but I feel like others will enjoy this book.

Wow! There is so much going on in this story.

The story is based in Celtic mythology, and there is magic, gods, curses, druids and so much more.

The characters were great, well written and able to create connections with the reader. I loved Neve and Una especially.

The prose was so so, as I found myself continually picking this up and then putting it back down. Some parts I’d get a bit confused about or feel like I missed something and have to reread.

Definitely a decent story, especially if you like mythology, strong female characters, and fantasy adventures!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Zando Projects for a copy!

Queen Among the Dead was a tough read for me and one I wasn’t able to finish past the 40% mark. I really wanted to enjoy it, but I picked it up and put it down over a dozen times from January through April, and found myself struggling to remain engaged in the story.
I very much enjoyed the first 20% of the story and found it interesting, riveting and exciting, but it then became a bit slower paced and I felt could have been edited down a bit. It likely was from the passing of time as well, but I found the various names and mythology I needed to know, difficult to remember which left me feeling I engaged.
Still it’s well written and I think many people will enjoy this one. Thank you NetGalley, Lesley Livingston and Zando Young Readers for the arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

An Irish tale of a girl grouping up as the ruler's second daughter with her mom gone. She learns to find herself and be a strong and fearless warrior just in time to save Erie from those who wish its demise. She looses her sister and father but finds her mother and her own strength and strong masculine ally along the way to taking her place in her kingdom. A strong and fierce female lead rich in setting and strong in conflict.

It's hard for me to write a review sometimes when I wanted to like a book but just didn't quite get to the excitement I was hoping to feel for it.

The story is a little slow, not enough action, and not enough romance. Could still be enjoyed by the right audience though.

I thought this book was entertaining and i definitely found myself invested in some parts. How ever The fantasy is just not my favourite- and this book solidified that. I thought i'd give it a try since i dont read much fantasy. But, this genre does not do it for me, personally. It was a good read, great even. But i did not find myself in love with any of the characters. Or caring to understand what was happening. It was a strong book, just not made for my liking.

Beautiful descriptions of world building in what is I have to guess is the first in a series. I will say that it felt like perhaps we were building to something as the story unfolded but it doesn't quite feel like we got there as the story wrapped up so quickly. I am wondering this primarily as so often the first book in a YA series is ultimately forced to do so much set up that it's own plot can be somewhat underwhelming. All of that to say, I would recommend this to fans of YA fantasy series with the expectation that you may not feel totally resolved as you reach the end of the story.

This was a solidly enjoyable story following 🐺Neve Arann Eriu🐺 the 2nd daughter to Dagda Ruad of the Tuath De!

I love Neve’s fiesty spirit, she speaks her mind, doesn’t mind getting dirty and fights for what she believes in!

💰Ronan a thief crosses paths with Neve and their lives forever become entwined. We get to see destiny’s plans for them and the path they must walk.

Again, a secondary but relevant character steals my heart in yet another book. 🐎Sakir a Prince in his own right is reserved, loyal, stable, fierce and anticipates needs! What isn’t there to love!

This world has ✨magic, an injustice that must be righted and a mysterious villain(s).

You will have to read to see what happens!

I did find myself getting lost while reading at times. I would get confused how one event or conversation would move into the next and sometimes would need to reread to make sure I was getting everything straight.

There was a gentle ease into the world building which really allowed the world that Livingston was creating to flourish.

This was a great read, with enjoyable characters and a great ease into the genre of fantasy!

Thank you to @netgalley and @zandoyr for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

I requested this on a whim and then kept putting it off. I'm glad I did finally read it, because it surprised me. I feel bad now, for feeling a bit 'meh' about going into the book because this was a lot of fun and really easy to get lost in. Once I was invested, I was utterly captivated. It felt like a sweeping multibook fantasy series, condensed down into one book, but it really didn't feel lacking. It was engaging and the characters were interesting. I could very easily read another book set in this world.

I was unable to read this book because it was an acsm file. I was able to purchase a copy and I absolutely adored the book. The plot was unique and the writing was incredible. I love everything the author puts out. Thank you!

I really enjoyed this book!! I loved the Celtic lore aspect to it and it was a great fantasy read. It wasn't perfect and there were some pacing issues as well as other elements that didn't meld cohesively for me, however, I found it really engaging. So whether it is just my mood or the type of book I needed right now or it is just a great book, I'm giving it a 5! I really enjoyed the main characters and hope they will be back for more fun in a follow up! There were definitely some unanswered questions that may be plot holes or poorly explained, but I'm hoping those things will just be explained in a next book as the end certainly set it up for a potential sequel.

Queen Among the Dead has given me some mixed feelings. The whole first half the of the book was mostly set up and you still didn't really know who the antagonist is or where it was going but I assumed there would be a battle somewhere. It just took almost the whole book to get there and then it felt underwhelming. I liked the characters and I think that is what kept me reading.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a way to embody Celtic fantasy. Eire is a beautifully described kingdom with equally brutal rulers. Magic is outlawed, but why? I read every page of this book like it was life support and I was desperate to stay alive.

In the land of Eire, water wights lurk in the rivers, and banshees chill the air. The monarch, however, forbids magic, which his Druid priests zealously guard. Neve is the eldest daughter of the king, and Ronan is a former Druid’s apprentice who now makes a fortune by stealing spells and selling them as stolen goods. They should be rivals, but instead, they find themselves uncomfortable partners due to their common hatred of Druids and the terrible magic that has stained them both. Neve must grab the opportunity to ascend to her family’s throne when Eire is threatened by a power struggle, with Ronan’s assistance and the kingdom’s most perilous misfits. They travel to the margins of Ireland where magic is still prevalent and an outlaw and a warrior princess may forge a future with spells and swords.

She has great skill, a powerful voice, and the capacity to make you think about magic in a world full of regulars, therefore I would gladly read something by her again. The names of the animals and clans were a little confusing, but that was only an issue for me because I am not familiar with Celtic mythology. After some time, you grow used to it, so naturally, it gets simpler to recall as you read more. Although I am aware that this isn’t the final version, the content had several mistakes and major formatting concerns. When it is finally published, this work will probably go through a few more rounds of editing.

The character of Neve was enjoyable. She may be a little disorganized, but her passion for her people and Eire is evident and wonderful. The underlying premise takes a while to emerge, but once it does, I was drawn into the narrative. The novel picks up quickly and there is a lot of action straight away. Notwithstanding the aforementioned faults, I immediately became completely engrossed in the plot. The novel has one of the finest fantasy stories I’ve ever read, in addition to a fantastic fantasy universe, fierce characters, and a terrific romance. If you’re looking for a fantastic adventure with a spice of politics and romance, this is something I highly suggest.

Queen Among the Dead – Lesley Livingston

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in order to provide an honest review.

Lesley Livingston is a Canadian author who was a principal performer in a Shakespearean theatre company for more than a decade. She is also the award-winning author of the Wondrous Strange trilogy.



Neve is the youngest daughter of the great Dagda – the troublesome daughter. Her older sister Una is the one that does as she is told, the one that knows about diplomacy and how to be a good queen. Neve knows how to fight, ride a chariot and escape the palace to roam among the common people with no one the wiser.

Her father, however, is lead along by his adviser, the powerful Druid known as Gofannon, who is more powerful than any people of the land know. But he is also much more than anyone could ever know or guess.

But now an old enemy that everyone was led to believe was long removed from this world is threatening to bring their downfall once again- then Una, Neve’s older sister, is suddenly found murdered on the eve of her wedding.

Now the troublesome daughter, the one no one ever wanted to see in a position of power or leadership, must make her father and his general see sense. It is up to her to become the rightful Dagda, protect the people of the land and vanquish the enemy coming unbidden to destroy them all.



“Queen Among the Dead” is a Celtic themed YA fantasy novel and is inspired by the legend of the first true Queen of Ireland. This story is beautifully written and is a unique and creative story. I have read a lot of fantasy stories, as it is my favourite genre, but I have read very few Celtic themed ones – so to read this was literally a breath of fresh air. A breath of fresh air that was a joy. The storyline was rich with details, the world and the characters – it all just came together so well. The author has a clear passion and equal talent for her work. I hope there is more to come in the tale of Neve.

Overall I really enjoyed this book! I loved the fact that is was set with a Celtic feel and the world building was on point! I liked the society make up within this universe and how our MC had to come together even though society told them they really shouldn't.

The one thing I wasn't very fond of was the romance aspect. It was suppose to be an enemies to lovers but they were never truley enemies. They might have mistrusted each other but that hatred that comes with enemies to lovers wasn't there for me.

Not a bad fantasy read!