queen of deception (empire of shattered crowns #1)
Winner of Gold Book Award – Literary Titan
Winner 1st Place in Sci-Fi/Fantasy 2023 – Royal Dragonfly
If you were offered a second life, would you take it?
Emilia died. She thought it was all over but then she opens her eyes and realizes she’s a child with all the memories of her past life and her eidetic memory intact.
Not just that. She’s now living in a medieval world that resembles her favourite fantasy novel—The Cruel Empire. Instead of being a main character, she’s reborn into the role of a princess fated to die before the age of eighteen.
As years go by, and she realises she’s not waking from a dream, she settles into her new life with only a goal in mind—survival.
Having years ahead of her before her new life is cut short, Emilia pulls the strings and builds a network of friends that will help her with her goal—stop Prince Thessian from killing her with the rest of her despicable family and make him her ally.
If she can do this, she can rule to improve her kingdom’s conditions and support Thessian’s goal to become emperor of the neighbouring empire.
But when a side character messes with the main plot, what will happen to Emilia’s future now that she has no idea of what other events she has set in motion?
Find out in Queen of Deception, a thrilling Fantasy Novel by May Freighter.
Prince Thessian needs to strengthen the bonds with his allies in the Dante Kingdom, especially if he plans to protect his strong-willed regent. Life would be much simpler if his subordinates could stay out of trouble, and the criminal he’s after didn’t make him doubt his family.
Meanwhile, Emilia is plagued with nightmares and feels she can’t go on if she loses any of her dear friends. In a game of chess, pawns need to be sacrificed, but Emilia isn’t used to others giving their lives for her.
With powerful mages crawling out of the woodwork and well-kept secrets that could shake the foundation of the continent, Emilia is certain she has deviated the main plot.
What will she and Thessian sacrifice for the greater good?
With each passing day, life in Dante becomes more complicated.
The duke is on trial, Emilia’s capital is slowly recovering from The Great Fire, and the treasury is almost depleted. To make matters worse, her servants keep misunderstanding her relationship with Prince Thessian. Add an attractive Pope with a smile to die for, and it’s a recipe for disaster waiting to happen.
What doesn’t help is that the dragon is still missing, and Sir Laurence seems to be a trouble magnet no matter where he goes.
As the side quests keep piling up, Emilia is forced to put her dream life on hold and possibly explore her feelings for a man who’s willing to do anything for her.
Yet, the enemies of the Crown never sit still. With new sinister plans in motion, the lives of Emilia’s subjects are at stake, and when Thessian falls into grave danger, the young queen is forced to make a choice that could bring about the destruction of her kingdom.
After Emilia awakens from her brush with death with a divine message and a newfound determination to take the reins of her destiny, her allies uncover shocking betrayals and treachery within her court. Despite the challenges, and with the Pope seemingly on her side, the date for her coronation is set.
Meanwhile, Thessian embarks on a dangerous mission to quell the budding rebellion in the South. His journey is fraught with distractions and unexpected obstacles, including an old flame who may be his downfall.
The fate of Dante hangs in the balance. With spies within their midst, lies at every turn, and new revelations that shake their resolves, Emilia and Thessian must go above and beyond to protect their loved ones.
“I could easily see this made into a Prime Series… Absolutely loved it and would recommend this read to anyone that enjoyed G.O.T. (Without the debauchery of course)”
– USAT Author Melissa Bell
“I have to say it blew my mind, and I can’t rave about it enough.”
– USAT Author Anna Santos
“Freighter’s story is a love letter to every bookworm who’s ever wanted to live inside a fantasy novel but with a dark twist. It’s a pulse-pounding, edge-of-your-seat experience as Emilia employs her wit and cunning to rewrite her fate. One misstep and it could all be over. As every author knows, once you change a story, anything can happen.”
– RK Close, Bestselling Author of The Vampire Files Trilogy
“If you want an intelligent and strong female lead you have got to read this book! I absolutely loved all three of the main characters and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for them next!”
– Amazon Reviewer
“Great world building and character development. The premise of the book has me thinking non stop which of the many books that I have read would I want to be reincarnated into!!”
– Amazon Reviewer
“Just emerged from the captivating world of Queen of Deception by May Freighter, and WOW, what an exhilarating journey it has been! “
– Amazon Reviewer
“I really love books with multiple POVs, and these characters are distinct and memorable. I can’t wait to read the next book!”
– Amazon Reviewer
“If they make this into a movie it would be a blockbuster.”
– ARC Reviewer
Character Illustration Gallery
Princess Emilia Valeria DantePrince Thessian Alexey Hellios / Duke of DarkgateSir Laurence OswaldAmbrose BlancDame Calithea (Cali) LouberteSir Malcolm RowellLionhartSallyErnesto (alias: Estina)Jehan WellsRime – Guild’s info gathererRenne and RonnePrince Cain and Lady Vivienne Hellios / Duke & Duchess of HelliosPrince Kyros Hellios / Duke of SpioraCount Edmund Augustine BaudelaireViscount Clayton ArmelLady Isobelle ArmelLady Riga FournierDuke Anatole Ferdinand MaletteMarchioness Lucienne Durand and her youngest daughterKhaja – beastwoman (adult)Countess Estelle FournierCount Edgar FournierMarquess CarrellSir Ian BlackGalia Every – MaidSir Leo and Dame Verena
Author May Freighter 