For a debut novel, I'd say the writing is up to par with a lot of already influential and established authors, who have taken an even longer time to get where they are. The fact that a film adaptation is in the works really says something when the novel hadn't even been released yet, so the studio have a lot of faith with this trilogy. I would definitely recommend The Queen Of The Tearling to the fans of Game Of Thrones and Throne Of Glass. Though I must point out that some of the material within the novel is explicit, so if your comfortable with reading about some heavy scenes and language then this book is for you!
Kelsea Raleigh has spent her entire life secluded in the forest, living in a little cottage with her foster parents Carlin and Barty Glynn. Both of her foster parents were selectively chosen for their individual skills to help mould Kelsea into a person who can wield these skills when she reaches her nineteenth birthday. When the day comes Kelsea will be escorted by the Queen's Guard, as she is the last living heir in Tearling fit for the royal throne, a throne she has known about her entire life which she has ultimately been training for. With a bounty on Kelsea's head since the day she was born she must reach her throne before her enemies come to end her.The beginning did seem rather slow but as usual I kept pushing myself until I got to the hundred page mark, which is where things got pretty interesting, so if you end up having the same problem just keep pushing on through.
I found that the more I read the more I was warming up to Kelsea, she always went through the many different scenarios that could play out if she made the wrong choice, a choice that could effectively ruin her kingdom. The fact that Kelsea stood by her decisions and forced them by any means necessary meant that she would not for a minute be told what to do, she didn't want to become her mother, Queen Elyssa, who ruined their kingdom into turmoil.
I also really liked that we had some historical passage at the beginning of each chapter, these passages reference to Kelsea's ruling. Thus meaning that she will make a great Queen, a True Queen, one that will forever change the ways of her kingdom.
I did find Kelsea's infatuation with The Fetch rather annoying because she really didn't know him at all and that she's constantly thinking over the conversation they had, but I won't say anymore or I'll ruin it for you. I really liked Kelsea's relationship with the Queen's Guard and of course Lazarus, however I had to remain weary of some characters because of a traitor that laid in their midst.
The character development in the first book alone was beautiful done, Kelsea went from being defenceless to becoming a warrior who tested her limits, a banished girl who became a leader. Kelsea gained everyone's trust and loyalty, the fact that Lazarus was amused by her since the moment they met but now totally respects her really says something.
At first I was confused with the P.O.V switchover but then as I kept reading it was easy to tell who's perspective I was reading from, the P.O.V's ranged from Kelsea, to the Red Queen, to The Fetch, to complete strangers. It was really interesting reading from the Red Queen's perspective as she is the neighbouring Queen who wrecks havoc among her kingdom that her own people are afraid of her. But to be honest she only seemed to be interested in the slave trade and how that would effect the economy and how it would reflect badly on her, not the makings of a true Queen.
Kelsea's decision to honour her foster parents really touched me when she announced to the public that she would now be referred as Queen Glynn, Kelsea Raleigh Glynn. So as you can expect I now cannot wait for such a long time for the as of yet untitled sequel.
SPOILERS below...
The question remains, who is Kelsea's father? It seems that everyone wants to know and the people who do know are either sworn to secrecy or dead. But I do have one theory and another outlandish theory, so I'll start with the more plausible one. I think it may be Lazarus the Mace, it just a feeling I have as his character is still quite a mystery, though my other theory is The Fetch, but when I did read through a particular scene I had to cross him off the list unless it was a red herring. Also we've learnt that The Fetch is someone who is dead but still among the living and we know Thomas knows him, so who is this other mysterious character?
****
________________________________________________________________________________You can get The Queen Of The Tearling online or at your nearest available bookstore.
I brought my copy from Amazon.
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