Tuesday, January 26, 2016

The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen


Page Count: 464
Published on: April 14, 2015
Published by: Harper
Genre(s):  YA, Fantasy, Dystopia, High Fantasy
Source: Print: Paperback
Age Rating: PG-15

Where To Find ItGoodreads // Amazon

My Rating: 5 stars

Erika Johansen's Facebook Page: 
{click here}








Goodreads synopsis:

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.

Young Kelsea Raleigh was raised in hiding after the death of her mother, Queen Elyssa, far from the intrigues of the royal Keep and in the care of two devoted servants who pledged their lives to protect her. Growing up in a cottage deep in the woods, Kelsea knows little of her kingdom's haunted past . . . or that its fate will soon rest in her hands.

Long ago, Kelsea's forefathers sailed away from a decaying world to establish a new land free of modern technology. Three hundred years later, this feudal society has divided into three fearful nations who pay duties to a fourth: the powerful Mortmesne, ruled by the cunning Red Queen. Now, on Kelsea's nineteenth birthday, the tattered remnants of the Queen's Guard—loyal soldiers who protect the throne—have appeared to escort the princess on a perilous journey to the capital to ascend to her rightful place as the new Queen of the Tearling.

Though born of royal blood and in possession of the Tear sapphire, a jewel of immense power and magic, Kelsea has never felt more uncertain of her ability to rule. But the shocking evil she discovers in the heart of her realm will precipitate an act of immense daring, throwing the entire kingdom into turmoil—and unleashing the Red Queen's vengeance. A cabal of enemies with an array of deadly weapons, from crimson-caped assassins to the darkest blood magic, plots to destroy her. But Kelsea is growing in strength and stealth, her steely resolve earning her loyal allies, including the Queen's Guard, led by the enigmatic Lazarus, and the intriguing outlaw known simply as "the Fetch."

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.
 



~~~

Hey guys!

     I recieved The Queen of the Tearling from my awesome aunt and uncle for Christmas. This book was recommended to my uncle for me at Barnes & Noble, and I've been really interested in this book for the longest time. The book has been highly loved by some of my favorite BookTubers such as Regan from PeruseProject. I've wanted to read this book for the longest time. It reminds me of the Song of the Lioness quartet by Tamora Pierce, the Graceling trilogy by Kristin Cashore, and a bit like Red Queen. It has the apocolyptic/fantasy setting, the magic and kick butt heroine from the Song of the Lioness quartet and Graceling trilogy. 

      I felt like the beginning was kind of slow, and it was hard to get into fantasy world. That was the only thing I found wrong with it. I mean it's not like I was looking for something wrong, because I wasn't. That was the only problem I had with it when I was reading it. This book kept me on my toes, squealing like a little girl, and I really liked the backstory of the world, and the gradual history lesson that you received throughout the book. The history of the world, The Tearling, was really intriguing and I really wish I knew more about it. The characters were also really cool. I really loved Kelsea's character, she's an avid reader, a natural leader, and she's not afraid to get her hands dirty and stand up for what she believes in. There was also barely any kind romance which was an amazing change of pace. Lately, every YA book that I've read so far has at least a slight hint of a romantic subplot. That can get annoying and repetitive sometimes, so this book was a real treat. This book was full of action, assassins, political intrigue, magic, and an awesome world called the Tearling. 

      There were a couple things that I really really enjoyed in this book. I loved Kelsea's love of reading, and how highly she holds the power of literacy. She knows the power of knowledge, and she takes the lessons from what she reads to help her make decisions that would benefit her queendom. Another aspect that I loved about the book was her strong character. She was so badass. She had a personality that was so strong willed, so faithful to her queendom, and so understanding of the needs for others. She keeps her insecurities in check, and her personal feelings too in order to keep order and do what's best for her people. I could go on and on about this book, and the amazing qualities the characters and the plot has. Kelsea is such a fantastic character, and I highly recommend that if you love adult and YA high fantasy, then you should definitely pick this book up. 

If You Love ___#___, Then You Will Love The Queen of the Tearling!
  1. Graceling by Kristin Cashore {gr}
  2. Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce {gr}
  3. Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers {review}
  4. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard {review}   
      These aren't adult fiction, but they have some of the qualities that The Queen of the Tearling has that made me fall in love with it even more. I hope you all enjoyed this review, and I hope you all go out and pick this book up. This is such a gem, and it's just a fantastic addition to the fantasy genre. Erika Johansen should get all of the awards for this book. Such a great book. A+ writing...OK I'll stop rambling! 

Enjoy!
Happy reading!
Olivia
~livthebooknerd~



No comments:

Post a Comment