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Death slays me, and I let him...


Kingdoms are broken.
The world has shifted.
We are not the same as we once were.
The queen is no longer the queen, but I am expected to take her place. The tricky part is I’m not sure I want that responsibility. My heart screams for Death while he stays as far away as possible, believing in the prophecy, whereas I believe in us.
But sometimes, that simply isn’t enough.
The real question now is… what do I do?


Cruel Queen is the second installment in the Crystal Castle series.

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 27, 2022

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About the author

T.L. Smith

63 books5,136 followers
USA Today Best Selling Author T.L. Smith loves to write her characters with flaws so beautiful and dark that you can’t turn away from. Her books have been translated into several languages. If you don’t find her in her home town of Queensland, Australia you can usually find her travelling around the world to sitting on a beach in Bali, to exploring Alcatraz in San Francisco or walking the streets of New York.



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5 stars
102 (45%)
4 stars
80 (35%)
3 stars
24 (10%)
2 stars
11 (4%)
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8 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
Profile Image for NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books}.
1,415 reviews85 followers
December 27, 2022
***4 "Little fighter!!!" stars***



"I will happily wait a million lifetimes for you..."

I love this crazy and very complicated world that T.L. Smith has created in here!!!
Magical creatures, portals that lead you to the other side, powers that have the ability to ruin you, a Death that you would love to take you with him and a true queen that refuses to take her throne!!!
What else could you ask to have an incredible journey full of twists and intriguing paths that can lead you to the unknown???
I really loved this story, even though it made me question many things in it!!!

The story was fast paced and the second book started some time after the events of the first book...
Talia is living with the wolves and her sisters now and another man have taken the power that belongs to her...
Grim is putting distance between them and that is not something that she likes and can accept!!!
But the new king wants her gone cause she is a true danger to his throne, so a new adventure is starting for Talia!!!
An adventure that leads her body, her mind and heart in so many different directions!!!

"Death slays me, and I let him..."

I loved that we saw old friends in here, but we also met new people that had the ability to steal your heart!!!
I won't lie that I wasn't frustrated as hell sometimes and I really got mad with some people in here and honestly, I couldn't accept their behavior, even though I could understand their reasons why they were acting like that!!!
Grim is still my favorite one, even though I wanted him to fight a little bit more for what he really wanted and of course, my heart had broken so many times while reading this story!!!
Loss and fury had turned Talia to a cruel queen, an unreachable creature and I was feeling very sorry for her...

Yep, this book frustrated me so much, but it was a hell of a ride!!!
Yes, there were too many paranormal creatures in here, but I loved every single one of them...
I loved that T.L. Smith took me to a place out of here, away from my reality, and I would love to take more rides into this world!!!

**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
Profile Image for Melissa J (Book Addicts Reviews).
1,076 reviews90 followers
December 26, 2022
5 amazing stars!

This is book two of the “Crystal Castle” and can not be read as a stand alone.



I absolutely love this series thus far!! Book two was great from the very beginning. I was hooked immediately. I’m back in love with the paranormal reads.

Just like the first book I LOVE these characters. I am so against love triangles unless done just right. And this (to me at least) was definitely a love triangle. But it was done great. I did get my heart broke and become angry as sin but I ate it up.

This is a great book. Grab a copy tomorrow when it drops and tell me what you think.

**I received this book as an ARC and in return gave my honest review**




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Profile Image for Mandyloves2read.
1,514 reviews165 followers
December 29, 2022
It’s no secret that I absolutely love anything this author writes from her descriptive worlds to her strong characters and this book was no different! I love the paranormal romance genre and this story has captivated me right from the start I loved all the different characters and the descriptive writing made it so much easier to see what and who this author was writing about. This was such a magical experience and I hope we get more from this world! Definitely recommend! Simply amazing!
Profile Image for Joyffree.
3,154 reviews56 followers
December 20, 2022
This is the second book in the series and I am absolutely torn about how I feel - I can't share a lot because I am not going to spoil the spiral down the abyss that this episode was
I felt like it should have been spread out into another book - I know it could just be that I wanted more time with certain characters but IDK ...
As with book one, this was a fast-paced, high-heat read with twists and turns that quite literally caught me unawares -
Cruising along thinking we were okay then
BAM!!
everything was shot to hades -
Speaking of Hades
This has some major OMG you have got to be kidding me reveals as well as some pretty tough-to-swallow losses/challenges
We get to meet some new characters as well as spend time with old favorites
Some of Talia's past is revealed which put a spin on what was up with her "powers"
I am dying to see where we go from here
I am a bit mad at the sisters and don't see myself forgiving them anytime soon - I understand why doesn't mean I agree
Profile Image for Lita Thomas.
1,450 reviews23 followers
December 26, 2022
Cruel Queen (Crystal Castle #2) by T.L Smith picks up with Tatiana trying to  not only reconcile herself with all that has happened but reconcile herself in regards to the prophecy. In her quest it seems to be one thing after another. I can say the story might not have been as strong as others I have read in this genre but where the story is lacking I am loving everything else about this story. I love the characters especially the dynamics between Tatiana and Grim. Then we get introduced to Max and the story takes another turn. Then when Tatiana starts learning more about who she is and her powers, we are treated to another aspect of this story. I am looking forward to this author's growth in this genre. I always enjoy her stories and her characters. The author is definitely one of my authors who I will always read and review. This was a 4 star read for me. A real page turner.
Profile Image for Michelle .
2,054 reviews290 followers
December 28, 2022
This series was a blast. I binge read books one and two and if you are looking for a paranormal fantasy then I would highly suggest the crystal castle series. This is a series that needs to be read in order, so you need to start with book 1- Unlikely Queen first, but I was able to read both of the books super quick because I easily fell into this world.

Here we meet Tatiana and Talia, two sisters that start out on a quest to save their third sister when they find themselves wrapped up in a prophecy involving evil queens. There is a bit of a love triangle going on between the two books and I enjoyed it. If you are a fan of an adventure style paranormal with a side helping of romance, this is the perfect series for you to check out. Im interested to see where it is going to go from here.
Profile Image for Basak.
739 reviews36 followers
December 29, 2022
Gahhh! Cruel Queen frustrated me to no end. It was angsty and in your face kind of brutal in terms of emotional fluctuations. Too many twists and betrayals but was it worth it? Yes, it certainly was. The heat level was simply explosive and almost melt my kindle into a puddle. With this series, T.L. Smith had me right back onto the paranormal romance train where I can broaden my book boyfriend horizon😊. If you are in the mood for an intriguing and complex story with many mind-boggling facets, Cruel Queen might be what you’re looking for.
Profile Image for Shannon.
875 reviews30 followers
December 28, 2022
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Stand-alone: No*
Author: TL Smith
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Spiciness Rating: 2/5 🌶
POV: First Person Perspective
Trope(s): PNR Suspense

Cruel Queen is Book Two in the Crystal Castle Series. T.L is going down the Paranormal rabbithole and I am along for this ride. T.L. set us up with all the background information in Unlikely Queen. I thought she kept us edged with information in that book- man do we take the plunge in Cruel Queen. The plot twists had my head spinning, my heart in my throat, and me on a mission to read all the words. I completely devoured this book. Book is mainly in Talia’s POV, but we get chapters from Tatiana, Tanya, and Grim. My review may seem vague, but I do not want to have spoilers because the layers to this story just keep peeling back with every word read. What I will say- go 1 click this read. Settle in. And, be prepared for an onset of emotions. We get a bit more sexiness in this book, but the concentration is on building this story. I want more, so much more!

Cruel Queen picks up where Unlikely Queen left us. Talia, her sisters, and the wolves existing together.

Talia does not want the throne. Viper has taken over the Castle. Mayhem is ensuing.

There is much more beyond their world than is known. Deals with demons, portals to other worlds, mythical beings to discover.

Talia has much more power than she knows. She finds herself torn and pulled in multiple directions. And, when she is pushed beyond her limits she breaks. And, the Cruel Queen comes out with vengeance on her agenda.
Profile Image for Karin.
2,171 reviews
December 28, 2022
Talia and Grims story continues with a lot more revelations and insight and was a great addition to the story
Profile Image for Dark and Angsty.
109 reviews11 followers
December 28, 2022
4.5/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶

“They said to rule, I had to be cruel. I didn’t believe them. I do now.”

The Cruel Queen is just as gripping as book 1, Unlikely Queen. It is very fast paced, and full of action with romance sprinkled in. It has multiple POV’s from the MC’s, and side characters, which was nice. I loved how much Talia grew in this book, and seeing her proving people wrong when they underestimated her or thought they could contain, manipulate, and control her. The author created a world you will love getting lost in, while creating characters you can relate to. The story has witches, vampires, wolves, Gods, demons, and more.

This book had me feeling a lot of different emotions. Once I started reading, I did not want Talia’s story to end. We discover a lot about Talia, and how she is so powerful. She still has no interest in becoming queen, she struggles with her feelings for Grim while trying understand how she can be in love with two people at the same time, and then being forced to step into the roll of queen while losing herself in grief and revenge. There were times I was heartbrokenly devastated to down right giddy. Everyone loves a MMC that would burn the world down for the one he loves, but there is also something about a FMC loving someone so fiercely that she will literally do the same, and being strong enough that no one can get in her way. You will fall in love with everything that is King Maxilliam. I mean, if Death himself refuses to be with you what better way to move on then with a king, am I right? Through it all, the one consistent thing in Talia’s life is that no matter what Grim will always be there for her, selflessly protecting her from others and herself. I loved seeing Talia get her HEA, but selfishly wished there was an extended epilogue. Trust me, you will not regret getting lost in this unforgettable story.
Profile Image for Neeru Rana.
872 reviews9 followers
December 28, 2022
🤯❤️

As I have mentioned in the first books review I am absolutely in love with this world. I was eager to know how thing would continue to transpire in this world after how things ended in the previous book.

Talia continues her journey and Grim isn't by her side. She meets new people and comes across different scenarios where she has to make choices. Max was a good addition but I couldn't get myself to fall for him as I'm fiercely loyal to Grim which made my heart break for him. There was Grim's POV as well which increased my hearbreak understanding his pain.

There were some chapters from Tatiyana and Tanya's POV which gave an insight on there feelings and what they are going through. I was happy that both of them found mates who loved them and kept them above everyone else.

The additional mystery about Talia's past and the answers that were uncovered blew my mind. Which also gave an insight into knowing why Grim was staying away.

When Grim finally makes a decision I was ecstatic. And I wanted to push Talia to move forward. The only issue was I found the ending a bit rushed. I wanted more of Grim and Talia but maybe we will get to know more about there future in the other books as this is just the beginning.

Thanks to the author and Wordsmith Publicity for the advanced copy.
Profile Image for Renee.
4,188 reviews55 followers
January 2, 2023
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

Kingdom's are broken. The world has shifted. We are not the same as we once were. The queen is no longer the queen, but I'm expected to take her place. The tricky part is I'm not sure I want that responsibility. My heart screams for Death while he stays as far away as possible, believing in the prophecy, whereas I believe in us. But sometimes, that simply isn't enough. The real question now is...what do I do?

This is the second book in the Crystal Castle Series. You need the read the first book Unlikely Queen or you are going to be lost. I also don't have a clue how to review this book as I feel like anything I say is going to be a spoiler. I will tell you that you have to be ready to go down the rabbit hole with TL Smith on this one but I loved every second of it. Unlikely Queen was a great book and the reason you need to read it is because you get all the background for what is to come in that book. You also might want to buckle up for this one because it is go time from the second you pick up this book. It is filled with twists and turns that will keep you head spinning while one the edge of your seat trying to catch your breath. Told primarily from Talia's point of view you do get to get into the head of Tatiana, Tanya and Grim. It was great to see Talia, her sisters and the wolves all existing together. Talia absolutely does not want the throne and Viper has taken over the castle and absolute chaos is reigning supreme. This was such a good book. You will not be able to put it down.
Profile Image for Kathy Wideman.
2,423 reviews36 followers
December 27, 2022
This is the second book in the series and they must be read in order. Talia has killed the Queen and fulfilled the prophecy. Well kind of. She doesn’t want to be Queen. She just wants to live her life with her sisters. But things aren’t that simple. Viper has become King when she didn’t take over. He will continue to come after her till one of them in dead. Talia continues to learn about what she can do and what she is capable of. Plus, she will learn who her father is. Talia still struggles with Grim and convincing him they can make it work. Things take a turn when she is sent to another world through a portal by Viper. Can Talia find a way back to her world? Will she be able to face Viper the way she faced the Queen. Talia is destined to be Queen she must fulfill the prophecy. This was a great follow up book. It does have a very soft ending though. Talia meets more people in this book. She has faced to much lose. Will it turn her into the Cruel Queen some say she must be to be Queen or will she continue to be true to herself despite her loses and heartache? These characters are wonderful. I really enjoyed the story line. Great job T.L. Smith.
Profile Image for Sarah Dale.
2,908 reviews73 followers
December 27, 2022
This book is the second part to this phenomenal series and picks up after the last one left off.

I loved Talia and her sisters. From the title i was hoping she wasn't going to end up like the previous Queen but I was glad to see she didn't although her journey in this one was heartbreaking and one hell of a page turner.

The sisters are all changing as their lives change along with their priorities. We meet new characters and see some of the previous ones we loved/hated. Secrets and destinies are revealed. Questions are raised. How will the prophecy turn out? Will things change for the better and will they get to live in peace?

TL did an amazing job with this. She wrote it beautifully you can't help but feel all the emotions along with Talia, feel her pain and grief, her desire for vengeance and healing. This is most certainly one hell of a page turner.

If you haven't read the first book then do so before reading this one

I was gifted a copy of this book by the Author and this is my honest opinion

https://ilovebookreviewscom.wordpress...
December 28, 2022
Wow wow wow, what a way to end this duet. You need to read Unlikely queen to read Cruel Queen even though it doesn’t end as a cliffhanger the story continues. If you love paranormal romance with a dark twist to it this is the perfect series for you. Talia is the quintessential heroine that is strong, fearless, bad a$$ with so much heart and loves so deep. This series is full of vampires, wolves, witches, seers and a yummy grim reaper.

This book brings more dark hotties which are unexpected but are welcomed. Talia is coming to discover who she really is and her strength is more then anyone expected. There is a love triangle between the king max which I adored because he gives her what she needs adoring her and just listening to her and then there is Grim who has always been there guiding her.

There are alot of unexpected moments in the book that broke me but by the end I was left with a big smile.

Tl smith just knows how to bring real emotion out of of you. I highly recommend this series and love this side of tl smith. Looking forward to more paranormal from her.

I received an arc to give an honest opinion.
Profile Image for Shy Gawerecki.
1,630 reviews10 followers
December 28, 2022
This was such an unexpected story. And I thought I was prepared for just about anything after the way things went in book one. But this book was a whole adventure by itself. Sometimes it was action packed and you were awed right along with Talia at all the things she could do. Other moments you were heart broken right along with her at certain turn of events. She found out family secrets and had horrible instants that almost felt like déjà vu. But in my opinion, once everything was said and done, it ended exactly the way it should have. The hurt and revelations and moments of joy all lead to what I felt was a great ending. Even if it did feel a bit like an ending that was open to a new story at any moment. I’m not sure if the author is planning to stop here, and with the way this ended I could see that, but it also just kind of felt like things could be picked back up at any time. I’ll certainly be there to check it out if she does. And if not, then I’ll be checking out whatever she has in store for us readers next.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
546 reviews14 followers
December 29, 2022
Talia's journey continues in the second book of the Crystal Castle duet. Now that Queen Veronica is dead, Talia must defeat other enemies to take her place as the rightful queen.

Talia meets King Max when she is thrown into a portal by the Seer Viper. They have a connection, but she is still in love with Grim. She can't forget him even if they aren't destined to be together in the end.

Book 2 has a lot more steam and romance than Unlikely Queen did.

Told mainly in Talia's POV

Style: PNR
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Enjoyment: 4/5
Dark Level: 1/5
Sexual Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: no
Violence: Yes
Pacing: medium-fast
Series: book 2
Cliffhanger: No
HEA: Yes
🆓️ on KU

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
2,040 reviews76 followers
December 26, 2022
4 1/2 stars

This story basically continues on from the first book, Unlikely Queen, and the connection flows very smoothly. The title of this second book had me a little concerned because I absolutely loved Talia in the first book and hated the idea of her changing. But… the old saying ‘Being cruel to be kind’ fits here, so phew 😮‍💨 all is good.

Talia and her sisters are living with the wolves as Talia learns more about her powers. She misses Grim something fierce and he feels the same way. So much happens, once again, in this story that it almost feels like a reel of film on fast forward, not quite but you can be rest assured there isn’t a dull moment—especially the last 20-25% of the story.(hold onto your hats for that ride)

New characters are introduced, who are pivotal to the storyline, and old characters, of course, help to make this a memorable story. This is a fantastic story and a duet I can recommend—that says a lot seeing as I do not normally read paranormal books.
64 reviews
December 29, 2022
I loveee unlikely queen and cruel queen different to T normal kind of books but honestly the powerhouse can do anything!
Sooo well writen and the story just sucks you in
I had tears at one point but also understood why stuff had to happen i was gutted i was happy just allll the feels

I think this is one of my fave series from t.lsmith tbh which is saying alot because they are all incredible!!

Soo soo good

I like to keep my reviews shorts simply because im always scared of leaving spoilers and anything i have to say will be a spoiler soo just go read it
Profile Image for Wall to Wall Bookshelves.
518 reviews3 followers
December 29, 2022
T.L. Smith writing PNR - heck yeah!
I'd read more books in this world in a heartbeat.

I said after reading Unlikely Queen that it was phenomenally brilliant, I don't think there are words to describe just how brilliant I think this series is after reading Cruel Queen.

So many things happen throughout, making me wish I could read it quicker. Twists, revelations, shocks that all tied together to make for a very addictive read.

I am highly recommending this series!
Profile Image for Lisa.
73 reviews
December 28, 2022
Wow!
Let me start by saying that this is not my typical genre. I usually read spicy /contemporary romance.
However, I read this book in less than 24 hours. Turning page after page. This book had me needing to know what would happen next. So many unexpected twists and turns. When I didn't think there could be anymore surprises, TL surprised me with more.
This was definitely a nice change up from my normal go to and I highly recommend it. Just be sure to read Unlikely Queen first.

Profile Image for Kasey McCarthy.
1,311 reviews2 followers
December 28, 2022
Talia is trying to discover the life meant for her. While on that search, she discovers the truths her mother was keeping hidden. How will this affect her future? Talia has two different men who want her but who will she choose?
Profile Image for Nic Spears.
588 reviews41 followers
January 1, 2023
TL Smith has knocked this sequel out of the park!!!!

Picking right off from where Unlikely Queen finished, we are, again thrown back into Talia's world. A world where you don't want to leave.

Cruel Queen is one hell of emotional page turner. You feel all the anger, grief, thirst for revenge and love that Talia feels throughout this book, and believe me, the tears were flowing.

The relationship Talia has with her sisters, although a little more strained was amazing to see, and I loved the other relationships which were formed in this book. Especially Grim.

I absolutely loved it. And I really hope TL keeps dipping her toes in the pnr world. I wsnt to read more, and I'd love more from Talia and her sisters.
Profile Image for Cindy Fong.
1,743 reviews
December 26, 2022
Talia's life can be summed up in one word; chaos. As she fights against taking the throne, other responsibilities and choices are thrust upon her while Death is always a call away. Talia finds belief in her self as her truths are revealed and lives threatened. Sometimes "you need to be cruel to be queen." Love happens as it is supposed to and life takes us where it is destined.
Profile Image for Jolie.
402 reviews1 follower
December 31, 2022
I honestly believe that both books were written by completely different people. This felt very rushed and left a lot unanswered. That's the end for most powerful witch? Very much not appropriate by what the first book promised.
It's still enjoyable just in no way comparable by the first one.
Profile Image for Molly Insall.
167 reviews4 followers
December 29, 2022
I wanted to give this book 5 stars I really really did but there was the perfect moment to end the book as a savagely harsh cliffhanger and then made the last 25% into another book (Or just ended it as a non HEA.. yes okay I know I have issues). I just felt like the last part was rushed and we couldve had alot more, but for TL Smiths first fantasy book is was an extremely good duet ❤️

Talia really grows into herself this book and we find out some very interesting things about her family 😳 new characters are introduced and plot twists were thrown in left right and center!

Other than a slightly rushed ending I loved this story and I'm sad it's over :( maybe we can get more from the other sisters?
Profile Image for Darnell MR Hart.
433 reviews9 followers
December 27, 2022
Talia and Grim's story is an exciting mix of want and need.  The author takes us to a new dark world that I was not expecting. I couldn't put this book down. I can't wait for the next installment.
Profile Image for Kristen.
247 reviews13 followers
December 30, 2022
“They said to rule, I had to be cruel. I didn’t believe them. But I do now.”

Cruel Queen is book two of the Crystal Castle series and picks up where book one left off. I wasn’t sure it was possible, but I fell even more in love with this world and the characters. I literally read this book in just a few hours, it was so fast paced and I couldn’t get enough of it! The spice really hits in this one and I was all for it. Cruel Queen is action packed, emotional, spicy, and kept me hooked until the very end!

“I don’t think in this lifetime I will ever experience a kiss like ours, a touch like we share, or anything remotely like what we have.”

“You are mine, for now, and forever. And if Death thinks he has a chance, I’ll introduce him to his own untimely demise,” he says before his lips find mine. He kisses me passionately, and it takes my breath away.

“I want to feel your cunt milking my cock, and you will scream my fucking name when you come. Do you hear me? No one else’s will leave those pretty lips.”

“That mouth of yours got real dirty.”

Profile Image for Hopelessly Addicted To Books .
3,459 reviews140 followers
December 26, 2022
This is book two and Unlikely Queen must be read first. The story continues on from book one with Talia and her sisters living with the wolves as she comes to terms with who she is and the true depth of her powers. We see Talia grow throughout the book, she doesn't just accept her life she revels in her new world. There are lots of revelations that change things between her and Grim and honestly I wasn't sure how I felt about all of them. The introduction of new characters throws the direction of the story. The ending did feel slightly rushed but it may be that I just wanted more time with Grim and Talia.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
2,561 reviews43 followers
December 27, 2022
I have been dying to get my hands on the second installment of this series and I am just so in love with this story’s concept. Smith delivers with all the tension, spice and intrigue. I loved the growth of Tatiana throughout this story as well. Seeing her develop was amazing. Then you add Grim and things get really intense. You meet new characters which add to the depth of this story. This is book two so you hands down have to read Unlikely Queen prior but this series is 100% worth it. I found myself lost in this world that Smith has created for us. I adore her writing as it is on the dark and gritty side. With Cruel Queen, you get just that in a fantastical world that will blow your mind and have you begging for more!
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