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?
I loved The Ravens, it was one of those books that took me by surprise with how much I enjoyed it. The Monarchs therefore had a lot to live up to. On balance I think it did manage it and this was a good continuation of the story.
Like The Ravens, we see the story through the dual POV of Vivi and Scarlett with alternating chapters. The descriptions of magic use in this book are superb, from the big showy parties to the mundane ‘being able to walk in heels without it hurting’ that of course teenage girls would do.
I think that is part of what make these books so readable – the girls of Kappa Rho Nu act exactly like you would expect a group of teenage girls to do. They fight with each other, support each other, glamour their appearances, have boyfriend crises, and make some sometimes questionable decisions – in short they may have magic but they are definitely teenagers and young adults.
Vivi and Scarlett are trying to move on and deal with the events of The Ravens while (in Scarlett’s case) attempting to meet or better the expectations of her family felt right for this follow up – of course they have to deal with a new ‘big bad’ too because our Kappa’s can’t have an easy life can they!
I enjoyed spending more time with Scarlett, Vivi and their sorority sisters and I’d definitely read another if one becomes available.
The Monarchs is available now.
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