Greetings, Champions! The King’s Queen, the final book in the Gate of Myth and Power series is finally out! How fast did you finish it? Have you started a second read through?
It’s time for another Spoiler Post for the end of this series! I want to give you blog-reading Champions a place to voice your reading thoughts during this initial book launch so please talk away.
Warning: If you haven’t finished this series yet then I’d suggest waiting before you check out the rest of the post or read the comments, or you’ll spoil the story for yourself!
Read King’s Captive now: Amazon.com | All other Amazon Stores
As usual, once King’s Queen passes the 100 reviews threshold, I have a short story to share in celebration of the book launch, so thank you in advance to everyone who takes the time to leave an honest review! (And that’s 100 reviews across Goodreads, and all Amazon stores!) I’m so grateful you’re willing to take the time to leave a review–it helps me a lot, but it’s also a huge help for future readers who are trying to figure out if Chloe and the Mystery Gang are their cup of tea. (Or, since we’re talking about Chloe, their glass of milk!)
But now, let’s talk spoilers! So, Champions, what was your favorite part? For me personally I really loved writing Noctus’ friend group – they are so fun together, they never hold back their zingers, and I enjoyed showing off the different sides of their personalities.
What was your favorite scene? There were parts of this book that I have picturing in my mind and waiting almost a YEAR to write into a book so I’m interested what scene you liked the best!
I love the Elves of Calor villa and how they were willing to risk so much for Chole, even though they barely know her! Oleander is my favorite character. I also think it would be fun to have a joint training session between the elves and the drakes/house Medeis.
Yes! Joint training session please!!
Oh goodness, yes! I officially request a short story about their joint training session.
I discovered this series a couple of weeks ago and have devoured them all. I started with this trilogy first, not realizing it was the most recent in the series. After reading the rest of the trilogies in order, it really made me appreciate the planning and foreshadowing that has gone into this series as things have been revealed. I don’t know if it’s because I read the Gates of Myth and Power first, but their trilogy is my favorite so far. I loved all the characters and interactions. I’m really looking forward to the next trilogy!
I’ve read almost everything Kitty has published: just waiting until the last book of her early series under another name. Of the Magiford books, this was my favourite so far. Of course I’m also waiting patiently for the last two book of Angelique‘s series: the last Elves of Lessa book, and of course any other books Kitty writes. I almost envy you exploring her writing for the first time.
My favorite is when Aphrodite gave the Paragon Calm the heck down tea!
Yes!!! That was the best!! Aphrodite is my hero :)))))
Random thoughts while doing another read through:
So Shiloh is thinking about apartments and then a new brownie dessert business (Indigo?) that used a fae lawyer (Dion?) is being opened up in a new apartment building.
I’m also curious which Drake vampire Chloe gave Charon’s dagger too assuming that the female vampire in a suit is a Drake family member. I was thinking it would be one of the ones who lives at House Medeis house.
Is Juggernaut from House Medeis since he was a sword wielding wizard or was he just a wizard who grabbed a sword? Since Pat says that Chloe has more skill with a sword then I couldn’t quite tell.
I really loved Aristide, Charon and Ker throughout the series, they were just so INCREDIBLE! Also I really like how Aphrodite abandoned the Paragon for Chloe😆. Speaking of the Paragon… any guesses what he’s hiding under his glamour? Maybe a sign of some secret race? Scars?
I see lots of hints that he’s actually much younger, perhaps too young to command the respect the Paragon must. Also wondering if he’ll end up a love interest for Shiloh.
I agree! Knowing the trend that goes in kitty’s books, I am REALLY hoping that we get her story (with the Paragon?) next. The foreshadowing seems to say so: the apartment she’s considering, and the fact that she is (spoiler) the Elf Princess the Paragon has been searching for. Plus, this book has really highlighted how the Paragon is struggling under the weight of his role a bit, despite the way he acts otherwise. I can totally see Shiloh and the Paragon’s story as one of those “man who’s desperate to save his race ends up falling for the person he needs to sacrifice” stories. At least, I am really, really, REALLY hoping that’s the case! 🤩🙏
Kitty has confirmed during sheacon that the paragon will not get a trillogy. I hate to burst your theory, but Shiloh will have a different love interest.
SO, I’m pretty sure you actually can see what’s under the Glamour in Pip’s series, when the red haired “viking” fae buys a baby onesie for a cat.
Yeah but it’s possible that it was another glamor. I don’t think the paragon would be that freaked out about Chloe seeing under his glamor if so many people already had.
I loved the scene when Chloe pulled Truck/Destruction out of the portal, and she broke the curse. Brilliant. I didn’t see that coming! And other great scenes were spin-offs from that – like how she bonded and interacted with the weapon, much to the nervous disdisquiet of the others. So funny.
An incompete list of awesomeness:
– Charon serving donuts to show he missed Chloe
– “Mouthwash!” “I’ll risk it”
– Elves sending Charon photos of black cats
– Truck
– Charon sitting down for the first time and being uncomfortable about it
– Mr. Ferryman
– COMMUNICATION
– The whole book
Loved the bookshop scenes, especially the Night Court tour, and French Fry force feeding Chloe. But my favorite was Noctus’ epilogue and the discussion about why he won’t tell Chloe about how heirloom weapons should work. And kudos to the Uncles (3 Fates) for Halloween.
OMG!!! Sooo good!!! Please DO NOT stop writing, your stories are incredible. I do hope that somewhere there is an idea for a story from all the (main) characters different points of views, so they can interact and we can see their awesomeness through each others eyes!! Like maybe a Big Bad that they would have to stop together? Anyway, can’t wait till the next books!!
I loved the series and I want the series to continue maybe beyond Magiford and out into more of the world someday! I don’t want it to end!! I also love how Landon is a regular feature in the Magiford series and I think a short from his point of view would be hilarious!
I was curious if we would get to know more about Auron but it seems that will probably be a mystery to be solved later.
I would love a short story featuring Trucks point of view of when he was trying to reach out to Chloe! I want to know why he decided to truncate his name and then also why he never talked before lol
I loved how Noctus announced his protection of the shadows and I want to know more about if Chloe ever finds any members of her biological family. I loved how Pat and Joy were able to protect Chloe and Calor Villa even though they were just human! I just loved all the relationships and the fun that everyone seemed to be having. Also Charon excluding Noctus from the tour of the city was such a funny part. I love how he’s become devoted to Chloe.
Thank you for all your hard work!
Yes to everything Tallyread said.
I feel like we have unanswered questions about Chloe’s bio family.
Truck and Landon shorts would be fun. Maybe a French Fry short?
And, I feel like we need to learn more about other shadows. This is your first trilogy that did wrap up the original problem buuut there is more to this story to tell. Book 4 or a branch off? I would buy it;)
Also, thanks for the literal laugh out louds—- sponsoring podcast ads? I died so hard!!!
I really, really enjoyed all of the cameos of characters we knew from prior books. I was NOT expecting Josh and Gavino and Juliette and Mr. Sour-face! I don’t have a favorite scene, but several. Definitely enjoyed the laugh-out-loud moments, of which there were several throughout the book. Re-read the first two again in anticipation of this one, and will probably read this one again soon. Thanks so much!
I’m betting that I missed it in my speed read, but I don’t remember the book addressing the difference between Chloe’s and Noctus’s expected lifespans. Would the bond take care of it?
What is the natural lifespan of a shadow, anyway? In any case, Noctus will find a way.
I also wondered this thing! Given shadows scare elves so much, maybe they also have a really long lifespan?
In the second book (chapter 6) Ker explains that “elves have the ability to share bits of their magic… channeling it into regeneration magic” so I imagine that Chloe will have the same lifespan. It is how Noctus and Aristide ensure that Ker has managed to live so long.
May I just say… aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!! That was soooooo satisfying!!!!!!!
I think we’ve already seen under the paragon’s glamour in Pip’s series. And did any one else love the part where he strangled a shadow monster with Aphrodite’s leash?
Also, did anyone else notice that Aphrodite is WEARING the onesie he got in timber Ridge!?
I totaly noticed that, and cackled so hard.
Yeah, I loved those, and so many other parts. Chloe’s encounter with Leila at Queen’s Court Cafe was another highlight.
Other parts that keep coming back today are how Chloe temporarily neutralized the amulet, and Noctus’s vow to the remaining shadows and the response of the elves.
Actually, the various but mostly positive reactions to Chloe have made me think that elves have learned a great deal during their isolation. Individuals vary, but the culture is very different from the time when elves were dominant. I’m surmising that many have become fond of humans after working among them for so long.
I’m going to enjoy rereading this with my wife. We read aloud (mostly me reading) before we go to sleep almost every night. We got through the first two chapters last night.
Have to admit, when I read “sad, wolfish eyes” I remembered “salad wof eyes” and burst out laughing. Anybody else?
Finished it! Spectacular work Kitty, I really liked how this book was different from the other Magiford books and how Chloe and Noctus spent their time loving each other rather than being angry. My favourite character has officially shifted to French Fry – I cannot believe that anyone would call him a Trash Pigeon, he’s probably smarter than me! Also, totally didn’t expect Shiloh to be the elven princess (I thought she was an oracle) but after the comment about Noctus treating her like one of his people, I immediately knew.
I’m thinking (hoping might be a better word) that the paragon could be her love interest (we now know for certain that he’s A LOT younger – I mean ‘toned muscles’!). I’m hoping her series is after Jade’s, or that might be a bit early since we’ve just had a series about elves.
Anyway, take a nice long rest Kitty (maybe with a pitcher of warm frothy milk and caramel sauce!) and I cannot wait to see which Magiford series you have planned for us – Jade you’re next!
Great point about the maturity of Noctus and Chloe.
Don’t know about Shiloh and the Paragon, interesting thought. We did see him through Pip’s eyes when he wasn’t wearing a glamour, so the muscles are adding to the description.
Sorry, but when was this? Would you mind sharing which book of Pip’s trilogy it’s in so I can try and find it? I NEED to read it now that I know about it.
Fated, p.97 is the start.
Thank you!!!
Loved it! Wonderful conclusion to the trilogy. Awesome work, Kitty.
Now considering if I am going to reread all 3 books or just the third one right away (I already have read the first two twice.)
I loved the book. What I appreciated was how heart-whole Chloe is and how dedicated she is to building a healthy relationship with Noctus. Very refreshing to have the two leads talk through their relationship like adults and not go into dramatics because their partner isn’t a mind reader.
Yeah, I really appreciated it too. I’d hate to have to make a choice like that, and I’m glad Chloe decided to keep trying to find a way to make it work.
Loved the book… loved the resolutions we saw, but…
Where was Hazel… she is all about protecting others and we are supposed to believe she let Chloe adrift when she was in danger? Heck – the whole council seemed not to care about Chloe and her danger until they assure themselves what she was and could be bait for the tracker and info they could get from him.
Tracker gets killed (and where is the appreciation for how many times Chloe tried to keep him alive, while also surviving) and main concern is lost info… again little regard for Chloe.
Fae that is part of the organization causing issues is captured… and that is it? No info on why? Nothing on the rest of the group?
Well, I’m sure we’ll learn more about the captured fae and the organization in the next trilogy.
I also hope that we will someday learn what’s behind the Paragon’s glamour. While I understand Chloe’s reason for not peeking, I am soooo curious!
Maybe not the next trilogy, since that will be about Jade, who will not be part of the paragon’s quest (and I think it’s set during Pip’s timeline), but I hope it will be the one after that!
Also super curious about what the paragon really looks like as well. He is clearly much younger than he looks and crazy smart too (maybe that’s why he disguises himself to look older…)
Someone else pointed out that Pip saw him without his glamour: Fated, p.97 is the start.
Joy, I did not catch that the French Fry turned into a magical beacon, I’m going to have to reread that part. I liked the part when Chloe had to confront Pat and Joy with their smothering ways and she stood up for herself and they backed off. Kittie must have siblings to write that part so well. I liked the ending and how Kittie managed to have Noctus and Chloe find a way to be together, I was wondering how that was going to happen. I am looking forward to the next series about Shiloh-I had her as an oracle and not an elf princess, so I was surprised by that.
I haven’t read book 3 yet, but I love A) every time in book 1 where Noctus acts like it’s perfectly normal for him to carry a cat everywhere, and B) all the banter between the group. Wonderful! I find it funny however that Chloe and I could be twins, down to beauty mark by the left eye. Crazy coincidence!!
I’m on page 6 and it’s Josh!
My favorite moment was when Chloe decided she was done running away and turned back to help. Her command to Truck stop dallying and chose her already was awesome. Also, I just love her developing relationship with Truck/Destruction.
I am very, very curious about how Shiloh will play into the plot moving forward. Since the next series is about Jade, the vampire hunter, I wonder if the two of them end up being roommates in that new supernatural apartment building. Either way, I think the trilogy after Jade’s will be Shiloh with maybe the Paragon.
sadly, that can’t happen, because Jade’s trillogy takes place around the same time as pip’s.
No way! How did you know that???
Kitty said that during the last sheacon
Oh, thanks!
Umm…I don’t know where to start. I haven’t been this excited for a book coming out in a really long time…something like time makes the heart grow fonder?😂 It took me a long time to read this one actually…I needed to reread a few things a few times. They were that fun!
I loved the “sibling” banter between the friend group (Dale Carnegie references for the win!). Also, Kitty, you nailed the hilarious awkwardness when the Paragon drags Chloe to Noctus’ house. I loved it all, especially when Leila showed up for more than just in passing. Also, French Fry and Charon have probably tied for my favorite characters ever.
I loved the dinner scene in chapter 24. I also started getting hungry at the variety of food mentioned. I haven’t been out for Brazilian barbecue for many years. It’s always all you can eat, and I can’t eat much now. Seriously, a Hungry Man frozen dinner fills me up. But the various conversations were great fun, especially Chloe and the chicken kebabs.
My favorite moments of the book are the scenes where we can see the group tease each other, their banter. One particular scene I have in mind is the one where Charon comes to take Chloe on a tour of the city and says to Noctus that he’s not here for him. I love how Arastride teases him. It’s just one of the scenes where we can see how tight a friend group they are.
Okay, who thinks the Paragon stole a book when he was being dramatic at the bookcase in chapter 21?
I didn’t catch that, I did note that he veery subtly threatened Chloe and pointed her as a Noctus’s weakness. Guess he didn’t know who he was calling weak!!
Or maybe he was saying Chloe is more malleable and will more easily follow with the Paragons, which if it is about the lost princess is going to be another disappointment to him
Oh totally the thought briefly occurred to me he was trying to pocket something
2 and a half hours! I also just realized that Joy and I share a name, which is funny. I’m so happy that Chloe and noctus got together. Also, did anyone catch that French fry turned into a magical beacon during the last fight with the tracker?
No, and now I’m going to reread that section.