I think this book may not have been for me. It isn’t bad by any means, I just found myself uninterested, in every POV.
I appreciated the LGBTQ rep, and the world building was wonderful. I truly think it just wasn’t for me.

A dark‑academia fantasy that dazzles with identity, intrigue, and heart**

Petra Lord delivers an electrifying debut in *Queen of Faces*, weaving a world where bodies are bought, swapped, and discarded—a stunning metaphor for identity, power, and the trans experience. In the smog-choked alleys of Caimor, Anabelle “Ana” Gage is trapped in a deteriorating male chassis, facing decay both physical and existential. Denied entry to Paragon Academy and running out of time, she resorts to illusion magic to steal a new body—only to be caught and coerced into serving as a mercenary for the academy's headmaster.

What sets this story apart is its multiple POV structure, offering emotional depth and fresh perspectives—sometimes even from the "villain" . The fast‑paced plot races from illusion heists to deadly assignments, all while Ana forges unlikely bonds with a fierce found‑family of misfits. The magic system—rooted in intellect, growth, and illusions—feels *organic and essential* rather than gimmicky.

Yet beneath the action lies rich emotional terrain. Ana’s struggle resonates deeply—navigating themes of gender, race, corruption, and belonging. The body‑swap premise becomes profoundly poignant, especially through the lens of a trans protagonist feeling disconnected from her own form. The political unrest and brewing rebellion add a thrilling pulse, framed by Ana’s mission to dismantle tyranny alongside the enigmatic “Black Wraith.” There are powerful twists—kept sharp and surprising—and relationships that challenge everything you thought you knew.

If you crave a story that combines dark academia, high stakes, and social commentary, look no further. The magic system is tight, the characters are layered, and the narrative moves with a gripping momentum that rarely lets up. Above all, Ana’s voice—frail yet unyielding—carries the emotional weight of this world beautifully.

In short: Queen of Faces is an immersive, thought-provoking fantasy that dazzles with its inventive premise, taut action, and emotional core. Lovers of Leigh Bardugo and Brandon Sanderson will feel right at home—and still encounter something wholly original. I can’t wait to see where Petra Lord takes us next.

Queen of Faces had me thinking about the ways people feel in their bodies - how your chronic illness or gender presentation can be heartbreakingly painful, something you don't even want to face. But minds are beautiful incredible things that can give you pockets of safe space and growth.

One of my favorite magic aspects of this book was how knowing yourself lead to more power and expansion in your magic - there's is always room to dig deeper.

For me, the one draw back was the initial pacing of the book - it felt hard to get into the physical world of it. I'd say the pace drastically picks up about midway through and I was able to really dive in.

Thank you Petra for sharing this story!

What an absolutely descriptive and enthralling book! From the get go you are thrust in an environment where looks are essentially bartered and shed off like clothes, but our main character Ana has been dealt wit terrible cards and is stuck with a body that not only is falling apart but does not identify with who she is. I feel like this book will greatly resonate with other east asian trans people who feel trapped in their bodies and feels frustration with how everyone else can present themselves in whichever way easily, while they are stuck with 'Edgar'. But regardless this book is such a descriptive read with the setting being dystopian and the world being rather realistic with how bleak society would be. I highly highly recommend reading this as it not only has multi-POV, but also a riveting plot that truly keeps you at the edge of your seat.

What a ride! This story had all of my favorite things: multiple POV's, a found family of misfits, and a complex magic system that is integral to both the story and the individual characters. I loved the idea of switching chassis and how it played into identity expression while also creating a plot device to keep you guessing. There were so many heavy themes like corruption, poverty, racism, identity, and depression and they all blend perfectly into a truly action packed plot. It really did not let up and definitely leaves the door open for more. Thank you so much for the ARC, I absolutely cant wait to buy my own published copy upon release!

Queen of Faces is a gripping and insightful debut that pushes the limits of fantasy while delving deep into themes of identity. Petra Lord has a remarkable talent for examining what it means to be human—how we understand who we are and the forces that shape that understanding.

One of the standout elements is the evolving relationship between the main characters. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, it shifts in unexpected ways, prompting you to rethink your ideas about love, trust, and selfhood. At its core, the story is a powerful journey of self-discovery.

This dark and immersive fantasy blends emotional depth with high-stakes storytelling, weaving in betrayal, identity, and survival in a truly compelling way.

Queen of Faces follows a girl named Anabelle who is stuck in a boy's body. In this fantastical world, people have souls called your 'Pith' that you can switch between bodies. She desperately wants to join the elite school for mages called Paragon but when she receives her third rejection letter, she turns to a life of crime. This book is a beautiful enemies-to-lovers story with an incredible plot centered around taking down the dark witch Khaiovhe. I thoroughly enjoyed the magic system and the world we were entrenched in. I'm very sad the book ended on a mild cliffhanger but I am so excited to read the next book and see where we go in this world. 5/5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

The book's premise is very unique, and I appreciate how Lord uses it to highlight the trans experience while seamlessly incorporating queer characters. The simple idea that someone's gender assigned at birth may not match their current gender expression is a concept that many people struggle with, including the American political system right now. Having a YA novel depict this while simultaneously building a creative magic system and world seems to be very difficult, but Lord is able to achieve this nearly effortlessly. Also, the racism that the other ethnicities face (the Shentens, Kshatrans, and the protagonist's experience as a mixed-race person) is interwoven throughout the narrative.
I also feel like the plot, especially the ending, is very well-executed. However, there were some parts in the beginning where it was a bit clunky. For instance, there was a scenario when the conversation was supposed to take at most three minutes, but it was very clear with the huge chunks dedicated to each character's dialogue that it took a lot more than that. Lord was trying to provide background information on the world, but it was clear it didn't belong in that instance. Furthermore, the fast-paced narrative worked well for the majority of the book, but for the first 15%, I was struggling to get a hold of the scenes and the characters.
All in all, I really enjoyed the book. The twists and turns were so shocking, and the characters were amazing and well-developed. I especially enjoyed Wes and reading his perspective. I also wasn't expecting to care for Ori as much as I did, and I am really looking forward to reading the next book! Lord is clearly a talented author, and I believe this book is going to be a bestseller.

WOOOOW! This is the MOST unique fantasy world concept I have ever read. The world building is fantastic, the characters are very deep and complex and multidimensional. There is t his one part where this character, Kaplan, is talking about how his depression and...ugh goodness gracious that rocked my world. I need a book two for this as soon as possible.


Ana is stuck with a body that doesn't match her soul. To make matters worse, it's also slowly dying. One night, after her school application gets rejected, she decides enough is enough and decides to steal a new body since she will never be able to afford one, let alone on time. But, when she gets caught she's given a choice: she can either die right there or secretly work for the headmaster of the school as a mercenary.


This was a such a deep and emotional read for me, it's so beautifully written. I highly recommend this book. It's so worth it

(I received this as a arc read)

The synopsis promised me a good and thrilling time, and did it deliver? Indeed, it did! I was swept off my feet from the very beginning. Great and complex characters to root for and so much at stake. It was an absolute nail-biter and I L-O-V-E-D. it. I need the next one right now, please.

Was I hooked? Yes.
Do I need more? Also yes.
This book has a more unique feel to me since I haven't red anything else like it, but it was an amazing read with lots of twists and turns

Queen of Faces is a powerful, emotional fantasy that hooked me from the start. Ana Gage’s fight for agency as a trans girl in a world where the wealthy can buy new bodies is raw, bold, and unforgettable. The magic system—tied to intelligence and growth—felt fresh and meaningful, and the world-building was sharp without ever slowing the pace.

Petra Lord blends action, dark academia vibes, and deep social commentary in a way that never feels preachy. Ana’s journey is messy, brave, and painfully real. It’s one of the most original and necessary YA fantasies I’ve read in a long time.

Highly recommend if you want a book that makes you feel and think.

Queen of Faces is a captivating and thought-provoking debut that reimagines the boundaries of fantasy and identity. Set in the decaying city of Caimor, where the elite can swap bodies at will, the story follows Anabelle Gage, a trans girl trapped in a deteriorating male form. With her last hope dashed after failing the entrance exam to Paragon Academy, she resorts to stealing a new body using her illusion magic. However, she's caught and given a stark choice: face execution or become a mercenary for the academy's headmaster. Choosing the latter, Ana is thrust into a rebellion led by the infamous Black Wraith, a dark witch challenging the societal order.

Petra Lord crafts a world rich in magic and moral complexity, where the lines between hero and villain blur. Ana's journey is one of self-discovery, resilience, and the quest for belonging. The narrative delves deep into themes of transformation and the human desire for authenticity, resonating with readers on a profound level.

With its intricate world-building, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes, Queen of Faces is a must-read for fans of fantasy that challenges conventions and explores the depths of identity.

Book Review for Goodreads

Queen of Faces by Petra Lord

What a beautifully unexpected read. At first, I thought I knew where the story would lead, but then it flipped the script in a way that was both surprising and deeply satisfying. Petra Lord has such a gift for exploring the human condition—how we come to know ourselves, and what shapes that knowing.

The relationship that unfolds between the main characters is a highlight. Just when you think you understand it, it shifts and challenges you, asking you to reconsider your assumptions about love, trust, and identity. At its heart, this story is about the discovery of self: who we are when no one is watching, where we feel most at home, and how the choices we make—consciously or unconsciously—define us.

Lord doesn’t shy away from the tough questions: Are we good? Are we evil? Or are we simply the sum of our choices, molded by circumstances and desires? She invites the reader to sit with the discomfort of not always having a clear answer.

I’m grateful to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. This is the kind of book that lingers long after you’ve finished it, and I can’t wait to see how others experience its magic.

This book is one of my favorite YA novels I have read. It is similar to a very popular series made by a wretched author (not naming names) however it is so much better. I love the focus on a corrupt system that the characters actively dislike. I like how complex all the characters, groups, and countries are. Everyone is capable of doing good or bad . All the characters are very complex, even the antagonists. The plot twists are INSANE and I was genuinely surprised multiple times. The magic system and world building are revealed naturally and I didn't feel like I was constantly missing something. There are also some tender moments in there as well that I really appreciated.
All in all, I am SO EXCITED for any future books set in this world, or any books by Petra Lord in general.
Thanks NetGalley for providing this awesome book!

I decided to request this book despite knowing it would be a very likely I wouldn't be the good reader for it. The concept sounded cool, and I hoped to be engrossed in the story.
Unfortunately, I wasn't. The concepts are still interesting but the execution didn't work for me. Things go quickly, I couldn't manage to have grip on any of the characters. Being a reader who feels the story like textures or tactile input, this one felt to oily, sliding away before I could really sink in it. Which is sad, because there is a good deal of complexity and good ideas in there. Somehow, The story is set in a grim world, but I couldn't see enough contrast, only making me want to not come back to the story (I got to the 25% mark).
Probably a case of the wrong book at the wrong time. I still salute the author's ideas and the mix of dark academia, rebellion and queerness. Maybe I'll come back to it at a more suitable time.

Petra Lord provides twist after twist in this dark academy fantasy novel. The setting feels gritty, and in my own imagination, slightly steam=punk. Her use of body-swapping (introducing chassis as a thing that can be traded, stolen, and or bought at a high price) creates a dynamic from the start of the haves-and the have=nots. So, aside from magic, we also have the very real pressure of an expiration date of decomposing bodies tied to some heavy-blackmail that prompts our main character (Anabelle Gage) into an assassin role, with the hopes of landing a new body and a place in a magical school that she has been unable to place into, despite numerous attempts via memory-wipe placement exams.

The use of body-swapping, illusion, and gender as very fluid throughout the book feels not only ingenious, but also like a tribute to transgender people who are fighting to survive in our own society. Lord's dedication at the end is striking, and deserves a read as well .

What I loved about the book: It feels action-packed and pulled me along (as if I was running beside the main characters to keep up). The twists just kept coming and every time I thought I knew where things were headed, she introduced a new idea, or totally pivoted, providing another POV that was worth exploring. The essence of the story boils down to: What makes a person? We also are called to question: What makes a hero, or a villain? Who do you choose to trust and why (examining their motivation).

Queen of Faces is worth a read; do yourself a favor and check it out!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and provide feedback on the advanced reader's copy. #QueenofFacesBook1 #NetGalley

Rating 3.25

Rating 3.25

A story of transition and self discovery.

Annabelle is trapped in an failing male body in a world where bodies can be swapped like changing your outfit if you can afford it. She needs a new one but she does not have the income. Paragon Academy provides new bodies if you can gain entrance. Annabelle does not so with nothing but self-determination, she does the only thing she can think to do. She will steal one.

This is a very unique story concept and the magic system is peculiar and fascinating. I enjoyed the ideas in this but thought the follow through needed more. There are plot holes too obvious to ignore and I am not one that looks for them. So they where that pronounced. Another issue I had was character interaction development. I want to see more emotional development between the characters. Maybe it was the pacing that through some of this off for me. IN some places the novel slows and I loose interest but then a plot twist will occur and I am back in.

Overall the ideas in this novel are amazing and unique so I will be giving book 2 a read but it needed more world building and character relationship development. Crafting more authentic and meaningful connections.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

A magical fantasy, dark-academia book with multiple PoV's, enemies-to-lovers, and strong LGBTQ+ themes? If I was a betting man, I'd put $10 that this is going to blow up. What a fascinating concept as well. Being able to physically change your identity by switching bodies keeps readers on their toes and the main character, Anabelle's power (being able to directly alter other character's senses) means you're always thinking "Who is this? Is this real?" In a very literal sense, what you see on the outside does not reflect the real person on the inside. It gives the platform to explore questions of gender identity, loyalty and betrayal.

Queen of Faces is a snappy, exciting, fast paced read that jumps from scene to scene - there isn't a dull moment while reading the story. Anabelle's personality and struggles with her own identity and self worth were the most compelling part of the novel for me. Where it falls somewhat flat was in the characterization of her other companions, namely her rival Wes. I was hoping for a more in-depth exploration of how being Ousted mentally effected him - the inner battle of enjoying his newfound freedom versus his comfortable life was mentioned multiple times, but I never got the feeling that I knew what he was thinking. Really any time the focus wasn't on Ana's PoV, I found myself less interested and waiting to get back to her and her struggles.

Overall, a fresh take on the dark academia genre and a win for trans representation. If the summary appeals to you, you're going to enjoy it!

I adored this book. It beautifully illustrates how our identity isn’t wrapped up in what we look like or our physical appearance. The books was engaging and such a fun read. I’m sad that now I have to wait so long for the rest of the series! I