I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen Series: The Queen of the Tearling #1
Published by Bantam Press on July 17, 2014
Genres: Dystopia, Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult
Pages: 434
Format: E-Arc
Source: Netgalley
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Her throne awaits . . . if she can live long enough to take it.
It was on her nineteenth birthday that the soldiers came for Kelsea Glynn. They’d come to escort her back to the place of her birth – and to ensure she survives long enough to be able to take possession of what is rightfully hers.
But like many nineteen-year-olds, Kelsea is unruly, has high principles and believes she knows better than her elders. Unlike many nineteen-year-olds, she is about to inherit a kingdom that is on its knees – corrupt, debauched and dangerous.
Kelsea will either become the most fearsome ruler the kingdom has ever known . . . or be dead within the week.
Combining thrilling adventure and action, dark magic, mystery and romance, The Queen of the Tearling is the debut of a born storyteller blessed with a startling imagination.
I loved The Queen of the Tearling and could not wait to get backing reading this. The build up was fantastic. And I liked that there were chapters dedicated to the Red Queen, making her a more formidable antagonist (and I cannot wait to see how her role plays out in the next instalment!). Just everything besides the below issues made this a compelling read.
The two main issues I had with is book is what on earth is ‘the Crossing’? Obviously it was very important, but why did it happen, who crossed? I need more facts. And why is Kelsea constantly described as plain? She doesn’t need to be stunning, and I don’t care if she is not considered pretty. But why is it constantly mentioned, almost like it is some significant fault that needs to be altered. And if she didn’t interact really with anyone throughout her childhood, how come now she is all confident and able to interact? It makes no sense. Can’t she have a couple of blunders?
OK so this is not really an issue with the book (who am I kidding, this is an issue for me!) but, as a person who likes to read until the end of a chapter it is pretty frustrating when the chapters are sooooooo long. I quite like to dip in and out of books. Normally for ten mins at a time on busy days and with this book I couldn’t due to the long chapters. So for all you chapter readers out there you have been warned.
The Queen of the Tearling was a great, compelling read, and I was disappointed when it ended. I cannot believe how long it has been sitting in by TBR pile. This is a page-turner that should definitely be on your reading list!
[…] The Invasion of the Tearling is as good as the first novel and should have you gripped from start to finish (despite little grievances) and may make you […]