Series: The Queen of The Tearling #1
Author: Erika Johansen
Published by: Bantam Press on 17th July 20014
Genre: Fantasy
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Source: Publisher
Check it out on Goodreads
*I received a copy of this book free from the publisher via Netgalley for review consideration, this in no way affects my opinion of the book.*
Goodreads Synopsis: Kelsea Glynn is the sole heir to the throne of Tearling but has been raised in secret by foster parents after her mother - Queen Elyssa, as vain as she was stupid - was murdered for ruining her kingdom. For 18 years, the Tearling has been ruled by Kelsea's uncle in the role of Regent however he is but the debauched puppet of the Red Queen, the sorceress-tyrant of neighbouring realm of Mortmesme. On Kelsea's 19th birthday, the tattered remnants of her mother's guard - each pledged to defend the queen to the death - arrive to bring this most un-regal young woman out of hiding...
And so begins her journey back to her kingdom's heart, to claim the throne, earn the loyalty of her people, overturn her mother's legacy and redeem the Tearling from the forces of corruption and dark magic that are threatening to destroy it. But Kelsea's story is not just about her learning the true nature of her inheritance - it's about a heroine who must learn to acknowledge and live with the realities of coming of age in all its insecurities and attractions, alongside the ethical dilemmas of ruling justly and fairly while simply trying to stay alive...
*I received a copy of this book free from the publisher via Netgalley for review consideration, this in no way affects my opinion of the book.*
Goodreads Synopsis: Kelsea Glynn is the sole heir to the throne of Tearling but has been raised in secret by foster parents after her mother - Queen Elyssa, as vain as she was stupid - was murdered for ruining her kingdom. For 18 years, the Tearling has been ruled by Kelsea's uncle in the role of Regent however he is but the debauched puppet of the Red Queen, the sorceress-tyrant of neighbouring realm of Mortmesme. On Kelsea's 19th birthday, the tattered remnants of her mother's guard - each pledged to defend the queen to the death - arrive to bring this most un-regal young woman out of hiding...
And so begins her journey back to her kingdom's heart, to claim the throne, earn the loyalty of her people, overturn her mother's legacy and redeem the Tearling from the forces of corruption and dark magic that are threatening to destroy it. But Kelsea's story is not just about her learning the true nature of her inheritance - it's about a heroine who must learn to acknowledge and live with the realities of coming of age in all its insecurities and attractions, alongside the ethical dilemmas of ruling justly and fairly while simply trying to stay alive...
My Thoughts: This was such a fun read with some interesting characters.
The story seems to be set in the future of our world as there is mentionings of America and Europe and even real historical and fictional characters. It is set after 'The Crossing' (whatever that may be), thousands of years after the founder of this new world, William Tear who, with some followers left the 'old' world to start a new purely socialist one. As there were humans involved, that socialist dream didn't last and there was assasinations, new leaders and religious fascism. Even though this is set in the future, it is not futuristic with flying cars and other such technology, but the world in fact has regressed to a feudal society, with horses as transport and candles for lighting. As confusing as all this is in the first book, I am looking forward to it all being explained in the rest of the series
The narrator/main character Kelsea's obsession with appearence got a little annoying after awhile, it is nice to have a heroine who isn't stunningly beautiful, but Kelsea's plainness is hammered home a few too many times. Despite this, she is a likable character who grows a lot during the course of the book. She has strong morals and stands up for what is right, regardless of the consequences. She is also an avid book lover, so of course I like her ;-)
There are some great secondary characters, such as Kelsea's gruff guard The Mace, her maid Andalie and the Robin Hood figure The Fetch (on whom I already have somewhat of a crush). I look forward to getting to know these characters more in future books.
Overall, I liked this book and I am certain to read the rest in the series.
The story seems to be set in the future of our world as there is mentionings of America and Europe and even real historical and fictional characters. It is set after 'The Crossing' (whatever that may be), thousands of years after the founder of this new world, William Tear who, with some followers left the 'old' world to start a new purely socialist one. As there were humans involved, that socialist dream didn't last and there was assasinations, new leaders and religious fascism. Even though this is set in the future, it is not futuristic with flying cars and other such technology, but the world in fact has regressed to a feudal society, with horses as transport and candles for lighting. As confusing as all this is in the first book, I am looking forward to it all being explained in the rest of the series
The narrator/main character Kelsea's obsession with appearence got a little annoying after awhile, it is nice to have a heroine who isn't stunningly beautiful, but Kelsea's plainness is hammered home a few too many times. Despite this, she is a likable character who grows a lot during the course of the book. She has strong morals and stands up for what is right, regardless of the consequences. She is also an avid book lover, so of course I like her ;-)
There are some great secondary characters, such as Kelsea's gruff guard The Mace, her maid Andalie and the Robin Hood figure The Fetch (on whom I already have somewhat of a crush). I look forward to getting to know these characters more in future books.
Overall, I liked this book and I am certain to read the rest in the series.
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