Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Queen of the Tearling By Erika Johansen ~ Book Review




Series: The Queen of the Tearling #1

Published: July 17, 2014

Hardcover, 434 pages 

Goodreads Summary:

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.







Thoughts:

First, I have to talk about the cover and details of this book. My book is a library copy so it is a little used. The details of this book are stunning.   


This is not the greatest picture to see all the beauty. It is so hard to take a picture of a library book with that glossy library book jacket. 

I love a book with maps! It makes the world come to life and makes it seem more important and special.



Look at this inside cover! I thought it was incredible!


It also has a red silk ribbon bookmark. Why don't more publishers create books like this??



My favorite detail of this book has to be the deckle edging. It makes the book so timeless and beautiful! 

Thoughts:

I think I have seen this book everywhere! It is an adult high fantasy story but it is also very popular in YA fantasy, Kelsea, the main character is a teenager. This book is in the works to become a movie. Emma Watson is supposed to star in and produce the movie.

This book was really wonderful! It was not perfect, but I really enjoyed the characters and the plot line. Kelsea the main character is so strong and has such amazing qualities for a Queen. The supporting characters are very intriguing and likable. I loved Mace and The Fetch! 

The story is supposed to take place in the future, but the tone is very medieval. The world building was a little lacking. This was the most disappointing thing about the book. I just wanted more information about the world and how society became that way. I feel like in high fantasy you should get everything! Great characters, plot, setting, lots of action, and amazing world building. Hopefully I will get more in book 2! 

This was definitely a character driven fantasy book. I think the author spent a lot of time developing her characters, especially Kelsea and her villain, the Red Queen. This made the book for me. I hope the next book will be more action and lots of answers to the world. I do recommend this book, especially if you enjoy fantasy books!

Things I Loved About This Book: 
  • The characters were definitely the highlight of this book. 
  • I loved all the political intrigue. I loved the decision making and power struggle elements. 
  • The appearance of books in the story! Kelsea loves books and they play a huge role in the story. Loved this!
  • I love Kelsea, the main character.
    • She is strong
    • Has great values
    • Thrives to be an amazing queen
  • The supporting characters are awesome! They are so intriguing. I cannot wait to see what happens next with all the characters. 
  • The plot was very interesting. I wish there was more action but the plot really drove the story forward. 
  • All the questions you have about the characters! The author has created so much intrigue. 
  • I loved all the references to our pop-culture, especially about modern-day authors. They mention JK Rowling and The Hobbit!
Things I did NOT Love About This Book:

  • The world was confusing. It was our world in the future, very dystopian and medieval tone. It just did not have a lot of explanation of why the world was that way. 
  • The book was slow at times. It did not bother me a lot, but I know this would bother a lot of people. I am hoping the second book has a faster pace. 
  • It needed more action. Even the action scenes needed more intensity. I was not on the edge of my seat, terrified for the characters. I NEED that in high fantasy!
  • The magic system was so vague. I wanted to see more magic throughout the book. 
  • I wanted more romance in this book. Sometimes it is refreshing not to see romance on the front burner of a fantasy. But I felt like this story needed more romance. 
My Favorite Quotes:

“We don't always choose, Majesty. We simply make the best choices we can once the deed is done” 

Shit," she muttered. She'd heard the word from her guard many times, but only now did she understand the real use of profanity. That one word said exactly what she was feeling, said it better than a hundred other words could have done.” 

"The mark of the true hero is that the most heroic of his deeds is done in secret. We never hear of it. And yet somehow, my friends, we know."



Have you read this book? I would love to hear your thoughts! Do you plan to read it soon? Thanks for visiting!

Happy Reading!!






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