Review Detail
Young Adult Fiction
373
Riveting and Original.
The Queen of the Tearling, by Erika Johansen
About the Story
An untested young princess must claim her throne, learn to become a queen, and combat a malevolent sorceress in an epic battle between light and darkness in this spectacular debut—the first novel in a trilogy.
Kelsea's quest to save her kingdom and meet her destiny has only just begun. Riddled with mysteries, betrayals, and treacherous battles, Kelsea's journey is a trial by fire that will either forge a legend . . . or destroy her
To do what is right, or to do what you're told?
The Story:
We meet 19-year-old Kelsea, who has been hidden away for her childhood, rigorously trained to become queen. The Queen of Tearlings has a excellent plotline - I had no idea what was coming, before it came - and the suspension of belief was absolute; with layers and layers of small clues dotted throughout the novel.
The Characters:
I was in love with Kelsea by the end of chapter one. She is strong, funny, commanding, and even better - she's not a hottie with a DD chest. We love her for who she is, and see glimpses of what she might become.
Fetch - uhmahguh - need more of this guy. I swear he was only in about two or three chapters, but I'm sold. Give us more, Johansen!
There were also some great protagonists in The Queen's Guard; Mace and Pen, in particular. The point being, I felt something for every character in this book. Whether it was hate for the Uncle and Red Queen, or friendship, or heartbreak.
The World:
The setting was crystal clear. I enjoyed a few references from the 'olden times', such as Rowling. A medieval vibe, with horses, swords, and rich Vs. poor. There was detail, without going overboard.
Readability:
Hooked from the start. The Author has managed to introduce us to new characters, a new fantasy world, and several different plot threads, without forsaking the flow of the story. This is rare to find, and I immensely enjoyed reading a story where I could be taken away, safe in the hands of Erika Johansen. A minor quibble is that there wasn't really a wrap up of what the Red Queen might do. There was a scene with her, where she was indecisive about waging war.
If the Authors intention was for us to wonder, then she has achieved it.
The copy is professional and well-crafted.
Final Verdict:
Ready for the sequel. This story ticked all the boxes for me.
Favourite Quote:
Kelsea narrowed her eyes. "What the hell did you think I was doing out there in the woods all these years?"
"Playing with dolls, Lady. Putting up your hair. Trying on dresses, perhaps."
"Do I look like a girl's girl to you, Lazarus?"
About the Story
An untested young princess must claim her throne, learn to become a queen, and combat a malevolent sorceress in an epic battle between light and darkness in this spectacular debut—the first novel in a trilogy.
Kelsea's quest to save her kingdom and meet her destiny has only just begun. Riddled with mysteries, betrayals, and treacherous battles, Kelsea's journey is a trial by fire that will either forge a legend . . . or destroy her
To do what is right, or to do what you're told?
The Story:
We meet 19-year-old Kelsea, who has been hidden away for her childhood, rigorously trained to become queen. The Queen of Tearlings has a excellent plotline - I had no idea what was coming, before it came - and the suspension of belief was absolute; with layers and layers of small clues dotted throughout the novel.
The Characters:
I was in love with Kelsea by the end of chapter one. She is strong, funny, commanding, and even better - she's not a hottie with a DD chest. We love her for who she is, and see glimpses of what she might become.
Fetch - uhmahguh - need more of this guy. I swear he was only in about two or three chapters, but I'm sold. Give us more, Johansen!
There were also some great protagonists in The Queen's Guard; Mace and Pen, in particular. The point being, I felt something for every character in this book. Whether it was hate for the Uncle and Red Queen, or friendship, or heartbreak.
The World:
The setting was crystal clear. I enjoyed a few references from the 'olden times', such as Rowling. A medieval vibe, with horses, swords, and rich Vs. poor. There was detail, without going overboard.
Readability:
Hooked from the start. The Author has managed to introduce us to new characters, a new fantasy world, and several different plot threads, without forsaking the flow of the story. This is rare to find, and I immensely enjoyed reading a story where I could be taken away, safe in the hands of Erika Johansen. A minor quibble is that there wasn't really a wrap up of what the Red Queen might do. There was a scene with her, where she was indecisive about waging war.
If the Authors intention was for us to wonder, then she has achieved it.
The copy is professional and well-crafted.
Final Verdict:
Ready for the sequel. This story ticked all the boxes for me.
Favourite Quote:
Kelsea narrowed her eyes. "What the hell did you think I was doing out there in the woods all these years?"
"Playing with dolls, Lady. Putting up your hair. Trying on dresses, perhaps."
"Do I look like a girl's girl to you, Lazarus?"
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