Queen and Conqueror, the first installment in The Queen’s Red Guard series by Isabelle Olmo, is an engaging and sharply written feminist fantasy that blends political intrigue, tense alliances, and character-driven drama with a refreshing dose of sarcasm—especially when it comes to dismantling the fragile egos of men who believe themselves superior. One of the earliest things that stood out to me was the author’s use of humor and irony. Whenever male characters attempt to assert dominance, the women—particularly the elite Red Guard—quickly and efficiently remind them that the battlefield of strength, strategy, and leadership is not one men own by default. Those scenes were not only satisfying, but sometimes downright funny.

Through BookSirens I received an advance review copy (ARC) for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

How does one conquer a kingdom without spilling blood? You offer your hand in marriage to the king who killed your husband.

Almira was raised by a calculating father who forged her in political cunning. She’s prepared for this moment since childhood. Like pieces on a board, she lays out the players one by one.

One. King Alton, the brother-killer. The spare heir who killed his brother for lust of throne.

Two. The perfect seamstress. The people must admire a queen and welcome her with open arms. Even with a deadly armada behind her.

Three. The Queen’s Red Guard. The group of warrior women who have one purpose; to protect the queen at all costs. Even from her husband. Even from herself.

Queen & Conqueror is the first book in an epic feminist fantasy series told from the perspective of the women who rule and shape the future.

“Men will never be ready for women like us and it is not our job to ready them.”

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Opinion

At the center of the story is Almira, a clever, emotionally layered, and politically astute protagonist who became one of the main reasons I enjoyed the book as much as I did. She never feels like a token strong female character whose strength exists only in physical form; her power is rooted in intellect, restraint, and sacrifice. Rather than manipulating politics for personal gain, Almira makes strategic moves for the greater good, always thinking of the people who will be affected by war or instability. Her decision to offer herself in marriage to King Alton, in order to end the conflict that cost her first husband’s life, says everything about her priorities—and the heartbreak she quietly carries.

One of the most compelling narrative choices is the shifting point of view. While Almira initially believes Alton to be a ruthless, power-hungry tyrant, the reader quickly discovers that the truth is far more complicated. Alton is not the unhinged villain she assumes, and watching the slow evolution of their dynamic—from hostility, to reluctant curiosity, to something neither of them wants to admit—was one of the story’s most rewarding threads. Olmo does not rush their relationship, nor does she rely on cliché enemies-to-lovers shortcuts. Instead, tension builds through verbal sparring, political maneuvering, and a growing recognition that both characters might be wrong about each other.

Structurally, the novel is divided into four parts, which helped ground the pacing and gave the story a clear sense of progression. The writing style itself is smooth and incredibly easy to read. Despite the book being nearly 550 pages, I found myself flying through chapters, thanks to a balance of plot, character introspection, and intrigue. The suspense remains consistent throughout, whether through the emotional chess match between Almira and Alton or the carefully timed appearances of the enigmatic Lord Arrigo.

The supporting cast is equally well-developed. General Hestian, Lord Beltran, and several members of Almira’s family all contribute meaningfully to the shifting alliances at court. But the standout—at least for me—was Sanaa, captain of the Red Guard. Her stoicism, fierce loyalty, and dry humor made her one of the most entertaining presences in the book. The other five members of the Red Guard, each from different cultural backgrounds, felt distinct and thoughtfully written, adding richness and representation to the world building. Their unwavering loyalty to the queen—not the crown, and certainly not the king—makes them one of the story’s most compelling elements.

So why four stars instead of five? Simply put, several plot developments and twists were predictable. That doesn’t mean the journey wasn’t enjoyable, but I did occasionally feel a step ahead of the narrative, especially when it came to political reveals or character motivations. The tension never fully disappeared, but some moments lacked the surprise I hoped for.

Conclusion

Even so, this small flaw won’t keep me from picking up the second book. Queen and Conqueror delivers exactly what it promises: a feminist epic told from the perspective of the women who shape the world, protect the throne, and refuse to apologize for their strength. I’m invested in Almira’s future, the expanding threat of war, and the shifting loyalties surrounding the crown. If the next book deepens the stakes and complicates the characters even further, it has every chance of being a five-star read.

About Isabelle Olmo

Isabelle Olmo was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and was raised on a diet of 1980s fantasy films and Sweet Valley High. She began writing stories and poetry at the age of six.

She graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in English Literature and a minor in Political Science. After working in politics and government for years, she decided to merge modern politics into fantasy and sci-fi settings. One thing is always certain; her stories are about women and their inherent power.

She is the author of The Queen's Red Guard, a feminist epic fantasy series with a diverse cast of characters.<(p>

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