‘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 sone rest in her hands.
Long ago, Keslea’s forefathers sailed away from a decaying world to establish a new land free of modern technology. Three hundred years later, this fuedal 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 intruging outlaw known simply known 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.‘
When it comes down to it, Kelsea’s kingdom needs her to be a ruthless leader, and she shapes up to that role perfectly.
You may think that the cover is pretty by seeing it online, but the cover in person is gorgeous.
When I first read The Queen of the Tearling, I was really blown away. A high fantasy in which the main character isn’t praised like a god and she isn’t described as someone with alabaster skin. Nor is Kelsea described as a skinny, thin-as-a-stick girl. She’s described as someone who actually has meat on her bones.. Kelsea is described as someone who has a realistic appearance and I really appreciate that. I find this to be one of the great things about the novel.
The story building in this book is great. I mean, you read descriptions that we don’t really think about in this day and age. The setting of this story is truly unique. The story has characters who are actually realistic. It’s like Johansen has taken these characters from real life, and have managed to get them down on paper.
Kelsea is a great protagonist in my opinion. She’s fair in her ruling and she’s to the point. She doesn’t deal with anyone’s bullshit. And Kelsea is tough as nails!!
I’ve seen a lot of mixed reviews about The Queen of the Tearling, and I gotta say, this book is either a hit or a miss. People have either loved it, or have hated it. I loved it. There are so many tags I put into the book!!
If you’ve read The Queen of the Tearling, what did you think??
Thanks for reading! Until next time,
Adele
Adele Is Reading 