The Queen's Rising
(The Queen's Rising #1)
by Rebecca Ross
February 6, 2018
464 pages
Goodreads Summary:
When her seventeenth summer solstice arrives, Brienna desires only two things: to master her passion and to be chosen by a patron.
Growing up in the southern Kingdom of Valenia at the renowned Magnalia House should have prepared her for such a life. While some are born with an innate talent for one of the five passions—art, music, dramatics, wit, and knowledge—Brienna struggled to find hers until she belatedly chose to study knowledge. However, despite all her preparations, Brienna’s greatest fear comes true—the solstice does not go according to plan and she is left without a patron.
Months later, her life takes an unexpected turn when a disgraced lord offers her patronage. Suspicious of his intent, and with no other choices, she accepts. But there is much more to his story, and Brienna soon discovers that he has sought her out for his own vengeful gain. For there is a dangerous plot being planned to overthrow the king of Maevana—the archrival kingdom of Valenia—and restore the rightful queen, and her magic, to the northern throne. And others are involved—some closer to Brienna than she realizes.
With war brewing between the two lands, Brienna must choose whose side she will remain loyal to—passion or blood. Because a queen is destined to rise and lead the battle to reclaim the crown. The ultimate decision Brienna must determine is: Who will be that queen?
Growing up in the southern Kingdom of Valenia at the renowned Magnalia House should have prepared her for such a life. While some are born with an innate talent for one of the five passions—art, music, dramatics, wit, and knowledge—Brienna struggled to find hers until she belatedly chose to study knowledge. However, despite all her preparations, Brienna’s greatest fear comes true—the solstice does not go according to plan and she is left without a patron.
Months later, her life takes an unexpected turn when a disgraced lord offers her patronage. Suspicious of his intent, and with no other choices, she accepts. But there is much more to his story, and Brienna soon discovers that he has sought her out for his own vengeful gain. For there is a dangerous plot being planned to overthrow the king of Maevana—the archrival kingdom of Valenia—and restore the rightful queen, and her magic, to the northern throne. And others are involved—some closer to Brienna than she realizes.
With war brewing between the two lands, Brienna must choose whose side she will remain loyal to—passion or blood. Because a queen is destined to rise and lead the battle to reclaim the crown. The ultimate decision Brienna must determine is: Who will be that queen?
Review
The Queen's Rising was such an enthralling read with an immense world and sophisticated characters. I was not at all prepared for the complexity of the story but it was welcomed.
When I first opened up The Queen's Rising I noticed all the extra contents: maps, character list and family trees. I was instantly wary of how convoluted the story might be. I shouldn't have worried. I must have looked at those pages no less than 20 times. They clued me into things and I was able to figure out a few plot twists myself ;)
The writing in The Queen's Rising was beautiful. The words just flowed. The story moved at a perfect pace as twists and turns were introduced. From mastering passions to leading rebellions I loved how Ms. Ross kept expanding the story. There was so much to know and I was eager to learn it all. Though one twist was predictable and obvious, it was seamlessly incorporated into the storyline.
Brienna grew up with her arden-sisters and it more than shaped who she was. It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows with them. Due to the nature of their studies there was a bit of a competition. I like that Ms. Ross showed us this common reality. Even in the face of animosity Brienna's affection for her sisters never diminished. Her loyalty and faith to the right cause also never wavered. Her strength helped goodness prevail.
When I first opened up The Queen's Rising I noticed all the extra contents: maps, character list and family trees. I was instantly wary of how convoluted the story might be. I shouldn't have worried. I must have looked at those pages no less than 20 times. They clued me into things and I was able to figure out a few plot twists myself ;)
The writing in The Queen's Rising was beautiful. The words just flowed. The story moved at a perfect pace as twists and turns were introduced. From mastering passions to leading rebellions I loved how Ms. Ross kept expanding the story. There was so much to know and I was eager to learn it all. Though one twist was predictable and obvious, it was seamlessly incorporated into the storyline.
Brienna grew up with her arden-sisters and it more than shaped who she was. It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows with them. Due to the nature of their studies there was a bit of a competition. I like that Ms. Ross showed us this common reality. Even in the face of animosity Brienna's affection for her sisters never diminished. Her loyalty and faith to the right cause also never wavered. Her strength helped goodness prevail.
Romance played a small part in The Queen's Rising- a relationship that was never expressly forbidden but felt like it nonetheless. Given their initial relationship the couple will surely face some scrutinizing from readers but I personally really enjoyed the development of their relationship. Their ever-changing statuses only made me love them together more.
The Queen's Rising is marked as the first in a series and I'm excited to see what will come next. With a brilliant cast of characters and a vast world ripe for exploration, Ms. Ross's debut fantasy novel is definitely one to look out for this year!
The Queen's Rising is marked as the first in a series and I'm excited to see what will come next. With a brilliant cast of characters and a vast world ripe for exploration, Ms. Ross's debut fantasy novel is definitely one to look out for this year!
*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinion are my own and not affected in any way.
I have this to review, and this post just reminds how much I am already falling behind on reviews! I'm glad to hear it was good, at least I have that to look forward to--when I finally get to it.
ReplyDeleteYou're def not alone, I have tons to read and review too XD Hope you do pick this one up soon!
DeleteOoh nice! This was one I was curious about but hesitant to just buy right away! Also, I'm *trying* to limit how many books I continue to allow myself to buy! Lol! But this is definitely sounding like one I will need to buy pretty soon! Nice review!
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean by limiting yourself on buying books. I share the same problem lol! But this one's definitely worth checking out ;)
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