Tuesday, October 27, 2015

The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

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.
  
 
MY THOUGHTS:
4.5/5 Stars
 
There are some books that just capture you from page one and pull you deep within the pages. This one did just that. I was consumed by the regal world and caught up in the intense storyline.
 
It's about a new Queen that walks into a true mess. She learns that a treaty was made that honors a lottery where her people are sold and auctioned off for labor, sex, and more... Kelsea is destined to stop this process and in doing so she gains many enemies, but also earns the trust and loyalty of her people. It's a dangerous journey, but an honorable one at that. The suspense is edgy and the subtle romance will have you swooning. I was desperate for more of the Fetch and I hope in book 2 we get just that!
 
The overall concept was great and the writing was top of the line. I usually crave a more prominent romance, but with this book, less is more... rang true. I really enjoyed the characters and their connection to the throne. It was an intricate tale that was weaved with raw emotion, dark secrets, and passion. I loved it and definitely recommend it to all readers over 16. It didn't have too many graphic scenes, but there were some curse words and hints at non-consensual sex.

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