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  • Queen's Gambit

Queen's Gambit

Dorina Basarab #5 / 8
by Karen Chance
Queen's Gambit (Dorina Basarab #5) by Karen Chance
★ 10.00 / 1
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Dorina Basarab is a dhampir — the feared and hated cross between a vampire and a human — or so she has always believed. She spent most of her life on the fringes of her two worlds, yearning to belong to one or the other, but despised and distrusted by both. Recently, a war in the supernatural community allowed her to get a foothold into her vampire father’s world, one of danger, intrigue, glitz and glamour, where she found not only a home, but a lover, too.

For the first time in centuries, life seemed to be going her way. But now, a freak accident with a dangerous magical device has left her two natures separated into duplicate bodies, both fighting to survive while they search for the truth about her past, and the key to her future.

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FantasyUrban FantasyVampires
Release date: July 15, 2020

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Karen Chance

Karen Chance

Karen Chance has a rare gift for blending the supernatural with high-stakes action, creating worlds where magic pulses just beneath the surface and danger lurks in every shadow. Known for her Cassandra Palmer series and the Dory Basarab spin-offs, Chance has built a loyal following of readers who crave fast-paced urban fantasy with sharp characters, compelling plots, and an ever-present sense of intrigue.

Born with a fascination for the mystical and the unknown, Chance’s early love for fantasy and history shaped the worlds she would go on to create. From the very beginning, she was determined to write stories that felt both thrilling and deeply emotional, where characters weren’t just facing external challenges but battling their own inner demons as well. Her writing is marked by a distinctive blend of suspense, wit, and adventure that keeps readers hooked, page after page.

Read more ...

Chance’s Cassandra Palmer series is a cornerstone of the urban fantasy genre, weaving together elements of mythology, magic, and paranormal politics into a compelling narrative about a young woman struggling to accept her extraordinary powers while navigating a dangerous supernatural world. Through Cassandra’s journey, readers encounter not only vampires, warlocks, and gods but also a complex exploration of power, identity, and survival.

One of Chance's trademarks is her ability to create complex, nuanced characters who are far from perfect but entirely relatable. Her heroines are strong yet vulnerable, their growth mirrored by the magical and often violent worlds they inhabit. The pacing of her books reflects the breakneck pace of her characters’ lives—full of danger, twists, and emotional highs and lows that never let up.

Her writing doesn’t just stay within the lines of urban fantasy; it also plays with the boundaries between different genres, often blending elements of romance, mystery, and suspense into her plots. This makes her books not only perfect for fans of supernatural thrillers but also for those who crave a deep emotional connection with the characters they encounter.

Chance’s books are often recognized for their intricate world-building, rich mythology, and the layered dynamics between her characters, but it’s her ability to balance tension and humor that truly sets her apart. She writes with an understanding of the human condition that shines through, even in the most fantastical scenarios.

Through her work, Chance has carved out a niche for herself as a writer who isn’t afraid to push the boundaries of fantasy, tackling complex themes like destiny, free will, and the true cost of power, all while delivering a thrilling, action-packed narrative. Whether you’re lost in the pages of her books or eagerly awaiting the next installment, Karen Chance’s stories invite you to step into a world where the impossible feels just within reach—and where the next twist could change everything.

Photo: Karen Chance

Dorina Basarab

In the dark, seductive world of the Dorina Basarab series, danger is never far behind, and survival requires more than just strength—it demands the ability to navigate the treacherous web of supernatural politics, family loyalty, and the looming shadow of your own darkest instincts. The series follows Dorina Basarab, a half-vampire, half-human mercenary with a deadly past, as she wrestles with the curse of her heritage and the violent world that comes with it.

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Dorina is not your typical heroine. She’s a fierce, battle-hardened warrior who knows how to take down enemies with precision, but she’s also caught between the worlds of the living and the dead. With a lineage tied to the ancient and powerful Basarab family, she struggles with the constant pull of her vampire nature, a force that threatens to consume her and everything she loves. As she faces monstrous creatures, political intrigue, and the haunting echoes of her family's legacy, Dorina must fight not only for survival but for control over her own identity.

The Dorina Basarab books stand out for their intricate world-building, blending supernatural mythologies with the pulse-pounding action of an urban fantasy thriller. From shadowy underworlds to the seductive allure of ancient power, the series immerses readers in a vibrant, yet dangerous, world where nothing is ever quite what it seems. Each installment builds on a layered plot, delving deeper into Dorina’s past, her evolving relationships, and the relentless pursuit of those who seek to use her power for their own agendas.

Chance’s signature blend of intense action, dark humor, and emotional complexity shines throughout the series. Dorina’s journey is filled with twists and turns, and as she uncovers painful truths about herself and her family, readers are drawn into a narrative rich with betrayal, redemption, and the constant battle between light and dark. The stakes are high, and the choices Dorina makes will shape not just her future, but the fate of everyone around her.

For fans of urban fantasy with strong, morally complex heroines and a world where magic, danger, and intrigue collide at every turn, Dorina Basarab is a thrilling, immersive ride. With each page, the line between hero and villain blurs, and the true cost of power becomes painfully clear. Get ready to lose yourself in a series where the monsters are real, and so are the stakes.


Dorina Basarab consists of seven primary books, and includes five additional books that complement the series but are not considered mandatory reads and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

Main series Cassandra Palmer Universe

Midnight's Daughter (Dorina Basarab #1)
★ 7.30 / 10
Death's Mistress (Dorina Basarab #2)
★ 7.80 / 5
Fury's Kiss (Dorina Basarab #3)
★ 8.00 / 2
Shadow's Bane (Dorina Basarab #4)
Unrated
Queen's Gambit (Dorina Basarab #5)
★ 10.00 / 1
Time's Fool (Dorina Basarab #6)
Unrated
Fortune's Blade (Dorina Basarab #7)
★ 9.00 / 1
Dorina Basarab Book 8 (Dorina Basarab #8)
⧗ 8.00 / 1
Buying Trouble (Dorina Basarab)
Unrated
In Vino Veritas (Dorina Basarab)
Unrated
Lover's Knot (Dorina Basarab)
Unrated
Dragon’s Claw (Dorina Basarab)
Unrated
Siren's Song (Dorina Basarab)
Unrated


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