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Reviews
Queen of Extinction: A Dark Sleeping Beauty Fairytale Retelling by Erin St Pierre, Gwynn White
fmcfranny's review
5.0
Let me just start off by saying that I find it impossible to believe that I have never heard of Gwynn White before today! I picked this up and couldn't put it down skipping meals to finish it!
The book flows with ease from character to character and developing them as they face trials and hardships and learn from one another an their experiences. They push their way through opposition making your love for them that much more fulfilling. Aurora had me from the first page. It seems her life has been all hardship and sorrow and more pours in within a few chapters. Her life from then on is complicated. A harsh reality stalks her. To be honest I didn't much like Jorah at the beginning. I admired his loyalty but at the same i wanted to punch him in the face for oh so many things. And despite Raith being a villain he was the kind i felt pity for. He let others rule his decisions and in the end it cost him all redeemable traits. I would say he fell prey to greed and lust rather than starting out evil. Even at the end as he was starting to be overcome all I could think was how much I pitied him. As you can tell these characters pull you in and grab hold of the places in your mind and heart most books cannot hope to reach. The story itself is interesting as well. building to point at more to come and deeper development as you go. this being a series does not shock me. one book could not possibly do justice to this plot. I am in suspense waiting for the next book!
The book flows with ease from character to character and developing them as they face trials and hardships and learn from one another an their experiences. They push their way through opposition making your love for them that much more fulfilling. Aurora had me from the first page. It seems her life has been all hardship and sorrow and more pours in within a few chapters. Her life from then on is complicated. A harsh reality stalks her. To be honest I didn't much like Jorah at the beginning. I admired his loyalty but at the same i wanted to punch him in the face for oh so many things. And despite Raith being a villain he was the kind i felt pity for. He let others rule his decisions and in the end it cost him all redeemable traits. I would say he fell prey to greed and lust rather than starting out evil. Even at the end as he was starting to be overcome all I could think was how much I pitied him. As you can tell these characters pull you in and grab hold of the places in your mind and heart most books cannot hope to reach. The story itself is interesting as well. building to point at more to come and deeper development as you go. this being a series does not shock me. one book could not possibly do justice to this plot. I am in suspense waiting for the next book!
emmirosereads's review
3.0
*3.5*
I ended up enjoying this book, and found it really interesting! The last few chapters definitely had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was next and how they would get out of the mess they were in.
I will be honest with you though, as I began reading this book I was pretty confused at what was going on but as I continued reading I began getting excited as things started connecting and really making sense. I found the world really interesting and I thought it was a really cool aspect that the disabled or infirm were actually made that way because of suppressed magic in them being held in because of the Guardians put in place long ago. At the same time finding out Princess Aurora is a Magical, and a very powerful one at that. I was left wanting to know so much more about this world these characters lived in, not just Aurora's own country. I'm not sure if that's a good or a bad thing. I'm hoping we get a little more depth into this world in the next book, but discovering what we did in this first book got me really interested.
I thought the character of Princess Aurora was really well done. We saw a really imperfect character, that grows and discovers who she really is and I think that's extremely important. I found myself connecting and sympathizing with her for her physical weakness, her brothers death, her abusive uncle, and her struggle to gain her rightful place on the throne. I really enjoyed and related to her fiery personality in standing up for herself and fighting for what she believes. Especially for the justice for the infirm in her country, but at the same time peace. She doesn't want to power over the Able, she wants equality for all her countrymen and I think that's a really important character quality. I really enjoyed seeing her stick up for that belief, even when her potential betrothed believed the Untalented belonged at their feet.
This story is told from three different third person limited point of views and I'm conflicted on how I felt about it. On one hand if the story was done in such a way just through the POV of just Aurora, a lot of suspense and drama would be added to the story as she discovers what her and her friends really are (at the same time we as the readers discover it for the first time.) On the other hand a lot of questions were easily answered and figured out as we see the story from the two other perspectives. Despite all of that I think all of the POVs were really well done, and the story flowed quite nicely. It was interesting to seeing Aurora through the eyes of a man who hated her and simply wants to use her, and seeing herd through the eyes of a man who is beginning to fall in love with her.
Overall this book was pretty great, and I enjoyed it! I'm excited to read more about this world and these characters, and see what happens.
I ended up enjoying this book, and found it really interesting! The last few chapters definitely had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was next and how they would get out of the mess they were in.
I will be honest with you though, as I began reading this book I was pretty confused at what was going on but as I continued reading I began getting excited as things started connecting and really making sense. I found the world really interesting and I thought it was a really cool aspect that the disabled or infirm were actually made that way because of suppressed magic in them being held in because of the Guardians put in place long ago. At the same time finding out Princess Aurora is a Magical, and a very powerful one at that. I was left wanting to know so much more about this world these characters lived in, not just Aurora's own country. I'm not sure if that's a good or a bad thing. I'm hoping we get a little more depth into this world in the next book, but discovering what we did in this first book got me really interested.
I thought the character of Princess Aurora was really well done. We saw a really imperfect character, that grows and discovers who she really is and I think that's extremely important. I found myself connecting and sympathizing with her for her physical weakness, her brothers death, her abusive uncle, and her struggle to gain her rightful place on the throne. I really enjoyed and related to her fiery personality in standing up for herself and fighting for what she believes. Especially for the justice for the infirm in her country, but at the same time peace. She doesn't want to power over the Able, she wants equality for all her countrymen and I think that's a really important character quality. I really enjoyed seeing her stick up for that belief, even when her potential betrothed believed the Untalented belonged at their feet.
This story is told from three different third person limited point of views and I'm conflicted on how I felt about it. On one hand if the story was done in such a way just through the POV of just Aurora, a lot of suspense and drama would be added to the story as she discovers what her and her friends really are (at the same time we as the readers discover it for the first time.) On the other hand a lot of questions were easily answered and figured out as we see the story from the two other perspectives. Despite all of that I think all of the POVs were really well done, and the story flowed quite nicely. It was interesting to seeing Aurora through the eyes of a man who hated her and simply wants to use her, and seeing herd through the eyes of a man who is beginning to fall in love with her.
Overall this book was pretty great, and I enjoyed it! I'm excited to read more about this world and these characters, and see what happens.
mcoppadge07's review
3.0
This was a long book that took me way too long to read but in the end it was worth it. 3 stars because of length. Very original story. I'd recommend it.
kimily's review
5.0
This book was provided to me free of charge, in exchange for an honest review.
What a nice surprise! It has been a long time since a book has surprised me with its originality. The Guardians, the unconventional protagonist, the access to the antagonist's thoughts, and so many other things work together to create a story that I couldn't wait to return to each time I had to put it down. I look forward to reading the sequel.
What a nice surprise! It has been a long time since a book has surprised me with its originality. The Guardians, the unconventional protagonist, the access to the antagonist's thoughts, and so many other things work together to create a story that I couldn't wait to return to each time I had to put it down. I look forward to reading the sequel.
whit2ney's review
4.0
Princess Aurora—through no fault of her own—was born Infirm among a court of Able people. Despite her physical limitations, she’s known for her quick wit and skills with plants and potions. None of her wits come to her rescue when her brother is murdered and she is next in line to rule Ryferia.
She knows what must come next: she must be married within a month, or her cruel uncle gets to take the throne as his own, and she knows he will show no empathy for the Infirm. Despite the jeering of the Able, Aurora plans the most elaborate set of deadly marriage trials to allow eligible princes to fight for her hand.
Several princes jump at the opportunity to take the kingdom and Aurora’s—despite her looks. Aurora, however, hopes to find someone willing to marry her for love. Out of the group, two noble men stand out as being extra gifted, extra cunning, and extra handsome.
Little does Aurora know that magical societies are battling under the surface to unleash magic back where it belongs—and take power for themselves. It’s up to Aurora to determine who really has her best interests at heart, and it’s up to her allies to ensure she lives to do so.
Even though I’m not a fan of the “ugly duckling” protagonist (more on that later), I was overall happy with Aurora’s character. She’s touted as infirm and unsightly, but she gets lots of opportunities to tell people off and has some great one-liners. She’s got great skills and is no wise ashamed of them. This goes against a lot of tropes I hate where the main character can’t do anything and has below average self-esteem. Aurora is someone the reader can look up to.
I also liked the world building that is consistent and fascinating throughout the novel. You’ve got the Infirm versus the Able—and no one can tell for sure why the Infirm are the way they are. About halfway through the novel, you discover that there is a lot more it, and you anticipate the moment Aurora is caught up and starts to plot how to help both sides without being bitter towards the Able who have treated her cruelly her whole life.
So a major theme throughout the novel is how ugly Aurora is. You can’t tell from the cover, but she has unruly red hair, lots of freckles, and a thin/sickly frame. She’s part of the Infirm class even though she’s the princess. And I guess it was really off-putting to see the major emphasis on her bad looks throughout the book. I understand the other characters find the hair and freckles unsightly, but it was kind of overkill for me, especially how the antagonists often call her the “ugly bitch.”
I could tell this idea was meant to be a stark contrast to how the good characters focus on her good qualities and don’t find her completely hideous—or they know she is fit for greatness no matter what people think of her looks. This was a point make really clear at the beginning and just wouldn’t die throughout the novel.
Another major issue I had was the fact this novel was touted as a Sleeping Beauty retelling. Besides the protagonist called Aurora, a dragon character, and mention of Maleficent as deity, this novel doesn’t follow the standard storyline you’d expect from a Sleepy Beauty retelling—no sleeping curse, for example.
I’m trying not to let it bug me too much because this novel is one of a trilogy, so perhaps the nods to the fairy tale are expertly sprinkled throughout the novel. Still, because I was expecting a retelling, it threw me off. My advice is to read this novel and pretend like I didn’t tell you this was a retelling and judge it by its own merits.
This novel boasts elements of fantasy, fairy tale, steampunk, romance, and magic—and I’d say that’s true. You’ll find a little bit of everything in this novel, which is why I gave it four stars despite some tropes I’m not a fan of. Overall, the characters are enjoyable, the plot moves at a great pace, and the story takes you on a couple of plot twists—what more could you want?
She knows what must come next: she must be married within a month, or her cruel uncle gets to take the throne as his own, and she knows he will show no empathy for the Infirm. Despite the jeering of the Able, Aurora plans the most elaborate set of deadly marriage trials to allow eligible princes to fight for her hand.
Several princes jump at the opportunity to take the kingdom and Aurora’s—despite her looks. Aurora, however, hopes to find someone willing to marry her for love. Out of the group, two noble men stand out as being extra gifted, extra cunning, and extra handsome.
Little does Aurora know that magical societies are battling under the surface to unleash magic back where it belongs—and take power for themselves. It’s up to Aurora to determine who really has her best interests at heart, and it’s up to her allies to ensure she lives to do so.
Even though I’m not a fan of the “ugly duckling” protagonist (more on that later), I was overall happy with Aurora’s character. She’s touted as infirm and unsightly, but she gets lots of opportunities to tell people off and has some great one-liners. She’s got great skills and is no wise ashamed of them. This goes against a lot of tropes I hate where the main character can’t do anything and has below average self-esteem. Aurora is someone the reader can look up to.
I also liked the world building that is consistent and fascinating throughout the novel. You’ve got the Infirm versus the Able—and no one can tell for sure why the Infirm are the way they are. About halfway through the novel, you discover that there is a lot more it, and you anticipate the moment Aurora is caught up and starts to plot how to help both sides without being bitter towards the Able who have treated her cruelly her whole life.
So a major theme throughout the novel is how ugly Aurora is. You can’t tell from the cover, but she has unruly red hair, lots of freckles, and a thin/sickly frame. She’s part of the Infirm class even though she’s the princess. And I guess it was really off-putting to see the major emphasis on her bad looks throughout the book. I understand the other characters find the hair and freckles unsightly, but it was kind of overkill for me, especially how the antagonists often call her the “ugly bitch.”
I could tell this idea was meant to be a stark contrast to how the good characters focus on her good qualities and don’t find her completely hideous—or they know she is fit for greatness no matter what people think of her looks. This was a point make really clear at the beginning and just wouldn’t die throughout the novel.
Another major issue I had was the fact this novel was touted as a Sleeping Beauty retelling. Besides the protagonist called Aurora, a dragon character, and mention of Maleficent as deity, this novel doesn’t follow the standard storyline you’d expect from a Sleepy Beauty retelling—no sleeping curse, for example.
I’m trying not to let it bug me too much because this novel is one of a trilogy, so perhaps the nods to the fairy tale are expertly sprinkled throughout the novel. Still, because I was expecting a retelling, it threw me off. My advice is to read this novel and pretend like I didn’t tell you this was a retelling and judge it by its own merits.
This novel boasts elements of fantasy, fairy tale, steampunk, romance, and magic—and I’d say that’s true. You’ll find a little bit of everything in this novel, which is why I gave it four stars despite some tropes I’m not a fan of. Overall, the characters are enjoyable, the plot moves at a great pace, and the story takes you on a couple of plot twists—what more could you want?
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