The Poison Daughter
Sheila Masterson
by Danielle L. Jensen
Exiled and branded a traitor, Lara finds her world shattered after her actions lead to the catastrophic conquest of Ithicana. When she discovers that her husband, King Aren, is being held captive by her own father, she realizes he is merely a lure designed to bring her back into her father’s reach. Despite the betrayal that severed their bond, Lara refuses to abandon the man she once sought to destroy.
Driven by a desperate need for redemption, Lara embarks on a perilous mission across the treacherous Tempest Seas. Her goal is clear: infiltrate the impenetrable palace, liberate Aren, and reclaim the kingdom she helped dismantle. However, the political landscape is shifting, and she must navigate a web of hidden agendas where allies and enemies are indistinguishable.
The greatest hurdle remains the man she betrayed; Aren’s survival is not guaranteed, and his trust is even harder to salvage. As the fate of the Bridge Kingdom hangs in the balance, Lara faces a brutal choice between her duty to her people, her quest for vengeance, and the possibility of a love she once thought was a lie. In a race against time, she must decide what truly matters before both her throne and her heart are lost forever.
Amazon CustomerIt was ALMOST SO GOOD.
"So, I LOVED the first one. Loved. Immediately after finishing it, I pre-bought this one and waited for it to arrive. It did, and it started out fantastic. I loved both points of view, I loved the relationship with the sisters we met of Lara's and I thought Aren's point of view where he was taken and held captive was really interesting. Everything in the story up until his escape was just as detailed and intense as the writing was in book 1. After the escape, it honestly just began to seem like the author knew how she wanted the book to end and she was just filling the last half with events. When they reconnect after Lara is taken in the desert, and the kiss happens, it happens out of NO WHERE. There's barely any lead up, no tension. We know he's conflicted the whole first half of the story and still actually in love with Lara, but the desert kiss was.... It was underwhelming. And that's exactly the feel of their connection for the rest of the book up until the very end climax scene. And it seemed so SHORT. The climax came and passed and the book was over so quickly. I wanted more to tie it up, especially since the story isn't going to be continued from their point of view after this... We got barely any of the story where they're together heart and soul, it's all defeated kisses and last looks and begrudged love. I wanted to read some of them happy and in love after everything they went through. A bit more of what the islanders are going to be putting Lara through after her deceit, maybe something about what Anna feels after everything and where she's going next, to see if those who felt betrayed by Lara in the first place warm and welcome her, more about what her relationship with her sisters are going to be like now that she's found a home but they're still on the run. But no, IT JUST ENDS. What the heck. I love these characters and the world and what COULD HAVE BEEN with the story, I feel like I was stabbed in the back with the ending. Well, the last third and the ending. Yeah. Four stars because it should have been five but the author sucked with the ending. ["
September 12, 2020 Verified Purchase
Angie Cox5 ⭐ Enjoyed it even more than the first book!
""There is only one Queen of Ithicana. Just as there is only one King. And if any of our enemies dare come for our kingdom, we will bring them to their knees." You know those books that keep you up late at night because it has you so emotionally invested? Yeah, well, this is that book. I devoured The Traitor Queen in one evening, and even as I'm writing this the next morning, I can't stop thinking about it! I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK, except for one thing (which I'll get to later). But right now, let me give you reasons to read The Traitor Queen. *Book 1 spoilers ahead* Here's what I liked: • From the beginning to the end, there is non-stop action. Not the kind where there are so many details it bores you to tears. No, it was quick-paced, heart-pounding, and sometimes stressful. I gaped at the page more than once because of the action unfolding. We finally get to see Lara use her deadly training from the compound and realize just how badass she really is! • Lara and Aren's character development and struggles. By changing pov's, we can see how anguished both are at their past choices and how they try to live with themselves and the outcome. I really felt for these two as they sunk deep into desperation, hopelessness, regret, and self-loathing, and wanted nothing more than for them to forgive either themselves or each other. • Lara and Aren's romantic storyline. Lara completely betrayed Aren's trust yet in The Bridge Kingdom, yet no matter the past, Aren can't help but love her - this woman who destroyed his kingdom. Lara spends the entirety of the book trying to make up for her mistake, knowing that even if Aren could forgive her treachery, Ithicana would never accept a traitorous queen back on the throne. It broke my heart to see Lara fighting for a future she can never have. Just FYI, the romance was slow-burn due to the previous betrayal, and there aren't many romantic scenes (only one true sex scene). The focus is more on Lara and Aren rebuilding their relationship and their emotional struggles, which I found to be more realistic and endearing. Even with everything that happened, they can't help but protect each other • Meeting Lara's sisters! This group of badass women was a great addition to the storyline and added more background and understanding to Lara's character. • The world development. While in The Bridge Kingdom, we only saw Ithicana and Vencia, in this book we are taken on a journey through most of Maridrina (including the Red Desert and Kresteck Mountains) and Valcotta. I loved the different landscapes and learning more about this fictional world. • The last 100 pages. Seriously, I can't remember the last time I felt so anxious while reading a book. So much happens - some of it will make you smile, some of it will break your heart. It's these last few pages that got me extremely emotional and wishing I could live this book. So damn good! Here's what I didn't like : • The ending wrecked me (in the best way possible), but I needed more! The characters go through such an ordeal, and then it just sort of ends. No epilogue either. It felt rushed when what I wanted and needed was a few more chapters about the aftermath. I thought this would maybe come in the third book, but I've learned it follows the path of two secondary characters from The Traitor Queen. However, I'm hopeful Danielle L. Jensen will figure something out and won't leave us readers emotionally hanging. Overall, this series has easily become one of my favorites! Danielle L Jensen created such a wonderful world with loveable characters, and storylines. ["
January 17, 2021 Verified Purchase
Shannon Farley:)
"Ok, Ya that was really good! ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 🌶️ The plot in this was so well done! Action pack all the way though with super high stacks! I even shaded a tear a few different times! It was giving all the feels. 🥰Betrayal and forbidden romance done so well. 😃It was so easy to fall in love with these characters and their story. I wish we would have gotten a little more romance but with the fast pacing and all the action and impossible love dynamic it seemed to be realistic and fit with the storyline. I said it a few times and I'll say it again. I could have read a slower paced 4-5 book series about these two with added depth and detail. I am becoming a big fan of Danielle's worlds and characters! 🥰 Luckily we get to continue in this world with a new couple. 😉 ["
April 6, 2026 Verified Purchase
Ashe R.Solid Continuation
"There are moments in this book that are very satisfying and worthwhile, and the setting and overarching plot is still incredibly good. That being said, the end is very abrupt and unsatisfying. Thankfully there is a short story at the end of Book 3 for the sense of closure that works rather nicely. ["
January 1, 2026 Verified Purchase