Synopsis
After defying the king’s orders to save her people, Mer’s bravery comes at the steepest cost — she’s branded a traitor. Facing execution, she’s saved by her grandfather… but his mercy is far from kind. Her punishment? An arranged marriage to the man she loathes — the very monster who stole the love of her life.
But nothing is as it seems. The demon she’s forced to wed isn’t exactly the villain she imagined. In fact, he threatens the one thing Mer has left to protect — her heart.

Detailed Review
Frost Kay delivers another unforgettable installment in The Banished Queen Saga, and Traitor of the Tides might just be my favourite yet.
From the very first chapter, the stakes are sky-high. Mer’s defiance instantly puts you in her corner — she’s fierce, unapologetic, and willing to risk everything for those she loves. The tension between her and the demon husband-to-be crackles on the page, perfectly balancing rage with unexpected vulnerability.
Kay’s worldbuilding is lush and layered, with court intrigue, dangerous alliances, and an undercurrent of supernatural danger that keeps you turning the pages. I loved the way the romance unfolded — slow, tension-filled, and beautifully painful. The enemies-to-lovers arc here isn’t just about hate turning to love; it’s about learning to see beyond grief, betrayal, and prejudice.
Mer’s emotional journey is masterfully crafted — she’s battling loyalty to her past love, the reality of her new life, and the ever-present political dangers of the court. The stakes feel personal and global at the same time, and it’s this duality that makes the story so compelling.
For fans of political fantasy romance with teeth, Traitor of the Tides delivers everything — moral grayness, searing chemistry, and moments of shocking tenderness amid chaos. And the ending? Let’s just say… prepare yourself.
About the Author
Frost Kay is the USA Today bestselling author of romantic fantasy and fantasy romance series, known for delivering intense emotional stakes, immersive worlds, and heroines who refuse to bend to fate without a fight. If you like swoony, morally gray love interests and high-stakes adventures, Frost Kay’s books are your next obsession.
Books Similar to This One
If you enjoyed Traitor of the Tides, you might also love:
- The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
- From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
- A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen
- To Bleed a Crystal Bloom by Sarah A. Parker
- Heart of the Sun Warrior by Sue Lynn Tan
Spice Rating
🌶🌶🌶 – Moderate spice. Intense tension, heated moments, and a few ahem scenes that will leave you fanning yourself, but nothing overly graphic.
Why You Should Get a Copy
Because you deserve a fantasy romance that makes you FEEL. This isn’t just a love story — it’s a tale of betrayal, resilience, and finding unexpected hope in the wreckage of the past. Whether you’re here for the romance, the political intrigue, or the lush worldbuilding, this book will grab you by the heart and not let go.
📖 Support the Author – Grab your copy today and prepare for an emotional, unforgettable ride.
Interactive Section – Quiz: Which Banished Queen Saga Character Are You?
Question 1: How do you deal with betrayal?
A) Confront them head-on and demand answers.
B) Plot in silence until the perfect moment to strike.
C) Walk away and build a new life.
Question 2: What weapon would you choose?
A) A sword — swift and decisive.
B) Poison — subtle but deadly.
C) Words — sharper than any blade.
Question 3: Your greatest strength is:
A) Courage.
B) Patience.
C) Intelligence.
Results:
- Mostly A’s → You’re Mer: fierce, determined, and unwilling to let anyone decide your fate.
- Mostly B’s → You’re the Demon: dangerous but underestimated, with hidden depths.
- Mostly C’s → You’re the Mastermind: always playing the long game.
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