A review by thelibraryofklee
Lady of Istok by Isabelle Olmo

5.0

“You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone.” But Quent’s eyes narrowed. She could see his determination by the light of the moon. “Yes, I do. We all do, even you.”

Queen Almira forces her cousin Hira to return to Istok and lead her people. When Hira boards the Sea Wife, she doesn’t expect Commander Justan to be combative and surly. He questions her every decision and challenges her authority. He’s also clearly keeping his own secrets. It’s a journey fraught with complications which will either kill her or make her rise as the Great Dragon. Even when the High Seat is contested. Even when they’re at the brink of a war, Queen Almira might not win.

Blurghilborgilygahhhhhh this book, THIS BOOK, y'all ... Isabelle is one of my fave indie authors. Seriously. I am here for all the sweary, smutty, kick ass womaning that is this book. The world building is a VIBE. Like I want to visit but I am also scared because unless I am friends with Almira, I know life is going to be scarrry. I LOVED joining Hira on her journey. I wanted to just wrap Quent up in a big fluffy blanket and cuddle him for days. I literally messaged Isabelle at one point like nooooooo what have you done? The twists and turns are an absolute blast. Just everything about this series is fantastic. Obsessed. Come join me in my obsession.

"Like all the ancestors before me who worshiped the sky, every night away from you, I shall paint your name into the stars."