The Mortal Queen weaves political intrigue, magic, lies, monsters, and personal growth to provide a captivating tale. The story centers on Aisling, a mortal princess thrust into an arranged marriage with Lir, the enigmatic fae king, to secure peace between their warring species.
Aisling's character development is a highlight. Her journey of self-discovery is both authentic and compelling, capturing her internal struggles as she confronts long-held prejudices about the fae and navigates the complexities of her new reality.
The romance between Aisling and Lir is the slowest of burns, their relationship evolves naturally as the story progresses with tension and chemistry simmering beneath the surface.
The novel’s strength is its world-building. We experience the fae world through Aisling’s naive POV and so every inch is meticulously described and immersive, drawing inspiration from Celtic folklore to create a vivid landscape filled with mythical creatures and complex societies. There’s magic, curses, & enchanted beasts!

Wow! This is a wonderful read that sweeps you away into another world. The back story involves issues of inequality between different races. The story focuses on Tanwen and her family, who are trying to remain hidden from the King. Tanwen’s father is a Volari and use to be the Kings in inventor/engineer. Her mother is Sura and was a meddyg (healer). Unfortunately, relationships between Sura and Volari are forbidden as their children, called mutras are considered abominations under the kings rule. Often, couples are sentenced to death and Mutra are executed when found. Tanwen’s father and mother managed to narrowly escape the death sentence & were clever enough to realise that they were never safe if they stayed put in one area. Tanwen & her twin brother are considered to be mutras. Mutras seem to inherit talents that are unpredictable. For example, Tanwen can speak to animals, which is unique to her & makes her powerful.

Unfortunately, the handsome Volari prince discovers them and takes Tanwn brother and father away. In heartbreak and desperation, Tanwen makes a pact with the low gods and attempts to rescue her brother and father. Tanwen character development is well done and development in her relationship between herself and prince is heated. The story is fast paced & at some points a bit rushed. I wished we were allowed to see the perspectives of other characters, like Huw and Lady Esme. Overall, an enjoyable read!

I'm beginning to believe that Romantasy may not be the genre for me, which is extremely disappointing, as it would generally be something I would love. It could be the books I'm reading, though, which is also disappointing. Scorched Skies was one such disappointment that I ended up DNFing around a fifth of the way in.

Unfortunately, I was bored. The world was interesting, as were the dynamics between the two races of people, but nothing else held my attention. The characters were bland, and the plot felt like it was going nowhere. Every scene felt like it dragged on and on, which it probably did, as the plot had barely started moving by the time I DNFed.

I know Romantasy is supposed to be romance-heavy, and I do go into these books with that knowledge, but the heavy-handed, almost forceful way some of the romances are introduced takes all of the fun out of the romance for me. I know that the characters will end up together, but you don't need to inform me in the first chapter that they've only met once, but are super duper attracted to each other, even though they're enemies, and "How could I be attracted to them. Stop thinking about it, ugh." I want a bit of mystery, a bit of tension, that even though I know they'll be together, how in the world are we going to get there?

Scorched Skies didn't grip me the way I hoped it would. There is definitely an audience out there for it (as is evidenced by the mostly positive reviews I've seen), but it wasn't for me.

I received an advanced copy of Scorched Skies from Netgalley and the publisher and am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book started off really strong. Since it’s the first in a series, I expected a good amount of world-building, so the slower start didn’t bother me too much. What didn’t quite work for me was the romance between Tanwen and Zolya. It felt a bit underdeveloped, and there wasn’t much interaction between them early on, so their attraction seemed more like curiosity at first. I did appreciate that their connection eventually grew through shared interests and values instead of just physical attraction.

The last third of the book is where things kind of fell apart for me. Zolya started acting really out of character—honestly, kind of cowardly—and his actions went against everything he supposedly believed in. The ending was the biggest letdown and definitely dropped my rating.

That said, the story was still unique with some really solid world-building. I just didn’t vibe with the characters as much as I’d hoped.

Thank you, NetGalley and Montlake, for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Well written world and characters. Loosely based on greek mythology with a mix of fantasy and romance genre. It was a very easy read and easy to get lost the story telling

Scorched Skies is based out of the myth of Icarus, but the author also added in some elements of fantasy and romance. Tanwen (the FMC) is a Mutra, a child of a forbidden relationship - in this case a winged Volari father and a horned Sura mother. Also, she has the ability to communicate with animals! Zolya is the Volari Crown Prince that was tasked to bring the king’s favored inventor, Gabreel (who happens to be Tanwen’s father), back to his kingdom to create a mine. When her father and her twin brother get caught by the Volari, Tanwen poses as a maid servant for Princess Azla, in the hopes of getting her father and brother back. It gets more interesting with the added forbidden romance between Wen and Zolya and the political intrigue between Zolya, his father (the King), and Princess Azla. The author did not hold back in the character development between Wen and Zolya - both of them had to go against (in a way) how they were brought up in order to do what was right. I admit it was a bit slow to get into at first, but it got more interesting a quarter of the way - there were many twists and turns that I did not see coming. The world building was fantastic and I appreciated the glossary of terms, photos, and maps in the beginning of the book. The book ended on a cliffhanger - Wen and Zolya are in some kind of romantic relationship, but also in the opposite sides of a war after what happened to the King. I’m curious how this would continue!

I honestly had such a good time reading this. There were some parts where I had to suspend my disbelief more than what’s generally called for in fantasy, but otherwise, I liked the book and I’m excited to read the sequel whenever it comes out.

While I enjoyed the premise and the plot itself, E.J. Mellow’s writing style is what really made this such an enjoyable read—her prose flows beautifully and she has a knack for really immersing the reader in the stories of her main characters. Her attention to their emotions and motivations makes them jump off the page, and leaves you utterly invested in their stories. That said, this attention to detail with the main characters made the secondary characters feel really underdeveloped in comparison. Obviously the story is told from a limited point of view, but our main character’s lack of attention to the people around her felt at odds with her characterization on the whole.

The world building was also immersive, but lacked consistency. I think the author’s ability to paint a scene really shone in the forest settings, while the more fantastical settings felt—to some degree—vague. I felt like I was being forced to constantly shift my mental picture as new details were being provided, which you typically don’t expect to be doing toward the end of a 500+ page book. I just wish we had gotten a bit more detail in the initial world building to prevent this.

Such a great story, very unique and unlike anything I have read before. I was hooked very quickly not only on the story itself but the characters as well!

It was the cover that drew me to this book, and the interior did not disappoint! The world building is so unique among a landscape of romantasy that is barely magical. E.J. Mellow creates an immersive experience where the fantasy thrives. I wish there were less made up words, it took time to really get immersed, but once it was familiar the story was a fantastic ride.

The enemies to lovers trope is well done and I loved seeing both sides. While the characters may not have acted in ways I wanted them to, it made for an interesting read and I can’t wait for the next installment!

I will admit that I judged this book by its cover. Something about the colours and the outline of Galia drew me in. I was so excited to have the opportunity to start Scorched Skies before release. I loved the feeling I got from reading it. With most high-fantasy reads the first portion of the novel is dedicated to world building and can feel like it drags until the plot picks up. I didn’t find that at all in this one, I thought the flow made it easy to follow and understand. While also keeping the interest really high, I wanted to know what was going to happen to the characters from the beginning.

E.J. Mellow wrote this in third person bouncing between three characters. I thought it added another layer to the understanding of the world and the characters by getting to witness events unfold from multiple perspectives. The author broke the book up into multiple parts, making each part unique and memorable in its own. I loved the writing style, and the progression of the story. One of my favourite things the author did was highlight quotes that were said in previous chapters/parts of the book, it felt like a nod to foreshadowing that was mentioned in previous chapters.

The evolution of the females in this novel was amazing. Being able to read about the women finding their worth in who they are and their abilities, while sticking up for themselves was beautiful. Tanwen’s growth and bold exterior was everything I look for in a FMC. E.J. Mellow writes a swoon worthy, falls first MMC. Zolya’s progression and drive to do better as the prince of Galia was to die for. I’m excited to see what happens in book 2!

It's been a long time since I read a romantasy that felt fresh and new. The world building in this series was absolutely amazing. I couldn't put the book down. Having a dual POV between both main characters made this book perfect. Seeing their different worlds collide and watch everything unfold was a work of art.

Scorched Skies is an interesting variation of the tale of Daedalus and Icarus filled with wings, horns, Gods, and of course cruel kings. The story does align fairly well with the myth, so if you are familiar then you will see certain events coming. That said, I do find this a refreshing take on mythology given that the story itself is different ans in a fantasy setting that has its own legs to stand on (or wings to spread).

For being 700 pages, I was delighted to find that it felt much shorter thanks to good pacing. There is a lot still to be explored, mainly anything with the Gods (both High and Low) and the Mütra. Seeing what they are all capable of is something I look forward to.

The world was interesting and I found myself curious as to how everthing came to be. Were there always islands in the sky? Is it some magic that makes them stay up? What does the world look like outside of Cādra? I would love to see the docüra ceremony of the Süra since it sounded like astral projection of a sorts. I would guess we will see it in the future with Gods (hopefully) more at play.

I can't decide if I really liked either Tanwen or Zolya. For Tanwen's part, it was just frustrating for her to be all "no one can know who or what I am, or why I am here" and then go around talking to a mouse as if no one is going to question that. For Zolya, his difference in opinion from his father feels less like his own thoughts and more like he just goes with whatever someone tells him to do. Also the ending... my guy you could've avoided this but instead you pulled a Batman and decided violence is always bad even though sometimes it REALLY is the answer. You aren't a better person for letting cruelty remain in the world.

As always, thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for providing an eARC of Scorched Skies by E.J. Mellow in exchange for this honest review.

OBSESSED! Could not put this down!! The slow burn. The tension. The devastation and masterful writing. Loved loved loved!!!

My sincerest gratitude to NetGalley and Montlake for this eARC of Scorched Skies. In exchange for the eARC, I leave my honest review.

High fantasy/epic fantasy stories have been lackluster lately, with little to no real valuable risks or characters with high stakes at risk. Fortunately, Scorched Skies doesn't fall into this category.

Before I begin, I think it’s very important to state that there are a number of trigger warnings I think everyone should read closely and thoroughly. Such as: mature language, violence, SA, substance abuse, death, animal cruelty, racism, classism, explicit content, grief. All of which are given at the beginning of the book.

Another element in the book that I appreciated is the glossary of terms at the beginning of the book, aswell. It helped me get comfortable with the story and the culture behind it. I loved that we got snippets of Greek mythology inside a completely original story. It elevated the experience for me, especially since Greek mythology was my hyperfixation when I was a teenager.

Also, it seems like Greek mythology is a theme many books are exploring as of late and I absolutely loved how this setting played out in this book. But what caught my attention immediately and kept me hooked is the political intrigue and of course the main characters. Tanwen and Zolya are such rich and complex characters and I felt genuine empathy for them. E.J. Mellow did not hold back regarding certain discussion points, such as classism, sexism, racism. Especially in regards to Zolya’s father and side of the story. The character development for Zolya is great to see, especially with who his father is and the way that he thinks. Zolya’s indecisiveness is very apparent and takes center stage in mind. Should he be who his father wants him to be? Or should he be his own person?

Also, I think another piece of the story that deserves recognition are the side characters. They have their own charm to them and I loved that they’re not filler characters. They have a purpose in the story and they push the stories forward without dragging it down. The side characters garner their own element that does not diminish the flow of the story, which I appreciated very much.

A final point I need to make for anyone who considers reading this book is, since this is a high fantasy/epic fantasy story, there is a lot, and I really mean A LOT, of world building and details that may seem slow paced at first. However, the conflict and the character arcs do shine through as the story develops. Which is something that I tend to keep a close eye on in any book. While the first half of the book is slow paced, I was so enthralled into the story and I wanted to learn more of the characters and the life they live. With that being said, the book may not be suitable for anyone dealing with a reading slump. However, if you want to try a high fantasy/epic fantasy book, I highly suggest Scorched Skies.

I really enjoyed Scorched Skies, and I cannot wait to see where we will travel to in the next book.

If you’re a fan of sweeping romantasy, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers, and a bit of mythological flair, Scorched Skies is going to hit all the right notes for you. As someone who adored E.J. Mellow’s Mousai series, I was already excited about her new duology, but this Icarus-inspired tale took things to a whole new level.

The world of Cādra is richly layered, torn by class divisions, corruption, and the ever-looming presence of both high and low gods. It’s a setting that feels fresh yet rooted in familiar fantasy tension—and right in the middle of it are Tanwen and Zolya. She’s a commoner driven by desperation and fury, he’s a crown prince bound by his father’s cruelty. Their relationship unfolds with such compelling angst; it’s slow, messy, and deliciously complicated. You feel every barb, every glance, every shift in their dynamic—and you believe it.

Tanwen is such a strong and refreshingly different heroine. She’s not the typical blade-wielding fighter, but her strength lies in her determination, her fire, and her quiet rage. Honestly, I was right there beside her, fuming at the injustice, grieving her losses, and rooting for her even when things got heartbreakingly bleak. And yes—this book gets dark. It doesn’t shy away from pain, from tough choices, or from putting its characters through hell. (Trigger warnings are important here, especially for animal lovers.)

Zolya, meanwhile, is the kind of complex love interest who toes the line between enemy and ally, captor and protector. Watching him unravel, watching Tanwen fight the pull she feels toward someone who represents everything she’s come to hate—it’s that good kind of torture. The romance is both beautiful and tragic, full of longing, tension, and impossibility.

Also, can we talk about the emotional depth? There were a couple of scenes that truly got me misty-eyed, which almost never happens. The way Mellow captures grief, rage, and helplessness—it’s visceral. And the way the mythology weaves into it all? Subtle, but fascinating. There’s a creeping sense that the gods might be pulling more strings than anyone realizes, which adds a layer of fate vs. free will that I can’t wait to see explored further in book two.

This isn’t a fluffy fantasy. It’s raw, gutting, and filled with characters who bleed for what they love—but that’s what makes it so compelling. Scorched Skies is a phenomenal first entry in what promises to be a heart-wrenching, high-stakes duology. Just brace yourself: I have a feeling book two is going to hurt in the best way possible!

This book was way too long, maybe it could have benefited if it was a part of a series and not a duology. The only reason I requested this book was due to loving the Mousai Trilogy and loving the first book in particular but I struggled with this one so much, it was too slow for me, didn't really like the characters.

I liked this book, but I didn't feel as connected to the unfolding of the story, to some extent at first I felt a bit lost. I loved the characters, especially that it was a retelling of Icarus, you hardly see any of him. I look forward to reading the next books in the series.

I went through this title twice because I felt like I didn't give it a fair chance the first time. I'm glad I did. For a romantasy, this felt fairly fresh. Not so much so that it was trying too hard but it was a good, well-paced story. I liked the interactions between the FMC and MMC and it felt more like a "forbidden" romance than most with this trope.

I didn't really care for two small events that happened, I won't spoil it but they involved minor characters I didn't feel emotionally attached to. I am curious to see what happens in the next book.

I received this title as an ARC and attest that I am leaving my review voluntarily and honestly.

Scorched Skies had a strong start. EJ Mellow builds a rich, imaginative world with an elemental magic system that immediately drew me in. The setting and political dynamics were compelling, and I enjoyed getting to know the different factions.

That said, the story started to lose momentum around the halfway point. The pacing slowed, and I didn’t feel as connected to the characters or invested in where the plot was going. Some moments felt repetitive, and the tension just didn’t hold. Overall, I did like this, and I would read the next book!

I can barely read books due to busy life, but Scorched Skies made me read books again this year! I've outgrew YA but Fantasy books will always have a spot in my shelf. I loved this one and would do a re-read again together with the audiobook.

The romance is definitely a slow burn that will make you crave for more interactions of Tanwen and Zolya. The side characters are also lovable and really stands out on their own as well. Worldbuilding was good and while reading I can clearly see everything in my head.

This one is my favorite line and hopefully this will also make you read this wonderful novel!

"In all my years, I have never been so bewitched. You are the brightest constellation in my sky, and I forever find myself searching for a way home, to you.”

Thank you to Montlake, Net Galley and specially to E.J Mellow for letting me review this book. It was such a wonderful read and can't wait to do a reread soon. I am leaving this review voluntarily and happily. :)