Review: The Monarchs e-ARC

The Monarchs by Danielle Paige and Kass Morgan (The Ravens #2)
Expected Publication Date: 11th January 2022

Check out my review of The Ravens here!

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The sorority girls at Kappa Rho Nu—the Ravens—are determined to restore balance to the world. After destroying an ancient talisman and barely saving their sorority in the process, they’ll go to any lengths to keep their secret as Westerly’s most powerful coven of witches. Scarlett Winter, a legacy Raven, has finally gotten what she’s always wanted: the Kappa Rho Nu presidency. After the disaster that killed the sorority’s last president, Scarlett is determined that no sister will fall under the sway of wicked magic ever again. But the powers of the presidency have their own pitfalls—and Scarlett has big shoes to fill. Vivi Devereaux, a freshman, finally knows what it feels like to belong. For the first time ever, she’s got it all: her Kappa Rho Nu sisters and a sweet (and hot) boyfriend. When Scarlett assigns Vivi the coveted role of social chair, Vivi is determined to live up to her Big’s expectations—even if that means dabbling in a new form of magic. Unbeknownst to the Ravens, new rivals and ancient evils lurk on Westerly’s campus. With Kappa Rho Nu’s future on their shoulders and their pasts still haunting them, will Scarlett and Vivi be able to save their sisterhood once again?

Scarlett definitely sees character development in this book compared to the first. She’s more open and determined than before and clearly wants to do some good. Despite the pressure she’s put under to follow in her family’s footsteps, she does a good job. I liked getting to see a range of emotions from her character in the different scenarios, but also getting to see her struggle was refreshing. She could have just been some “strong” young woman who let nothing get to her but she was more realistic than that.

Vivi once again felt off to me compared to Scarlett’s character. I don’t entirely know what it was but I couldn’t gain a connection with her character as much. She was closed off to everyone – both the characters and the reader! – which made empathising and understanding her difficult.

The romance fell flat in this story which was a shame. It initially seemed promising but then became rather … meh. I’m a lover of romance being embedded into a story – doesn’t need to be in the forefront but I’m a sucker to see it – but it didn’t really do it for me in this story. Unlike it’s predecessor, the storyline felt rather all over the place. It wasn’t difficult to follow but it felt like moments popped up out of nowhere – as if to say SURPRISE! – but then wasn’t entirely addressed and I was left wondering whether there was any significance to what had happened or not. The twist at the end was nice but I did suspect it would happen so sadly didn’t feel like much of a surprise – I need a good plot twist in my life. Because of all this, I’d say it’s a 6.5 out of 10 overall but I do feel that may also be a little generous. Of course, this is my opinion and others may really love this book. Just not my cup of tea.

Overall, The Monarchs is a book that shows magic is not all that it seems.

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you again to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an advanced copy of this book.