Friday, February 3, 2017

Review - Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

The Queen of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling, #1)
Series: Queen of the Tearling #1
Genre: High Fantasy
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: Overdrive Borrow
Published: July 2014
Audiobook 
Add it // Buy it

Rating 5/5 

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.

This story was incredible. It totally took me by surprise since I had started this book several times but failed to read beyond 50 pages. This time I borrowed the audiobook from my local library and fell into the story. The narrator was one of the most dynamic and engaging readers I've come across. She made the story come alive and had my heart racing at many intense points.

Throughout the novel the story was a delightful mix of action and political strategy. Kelsea grew on me throughout the book and I am very very attached to her. She made tough decisions. She was impulsive at times and made mistakes. However, she acted and ruled like a sheltered nineteen-year-old which was exactly what she was. I loved it. Her story felt authentic and realistic. I was glued to this audiobook.

Mace and the other side characters were also very interesting and I can't wait to find out more of the background of this kingdom. Of course, I am very interested to see who Kelsea's father is and more about the history of the other kingdoms. Johansen built a very interesting world and I am dying with curiosity to discover more of its secrets.

Overall, this was well written and well read. I have already borrowed book two and am glad all three books are available for me to devour.

Happy Reading

No comments:

Post a Comment