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3.48 AVERAGE
3.48 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Beautiful, complex, layered, heartbreaking, riveting.
Modern retelling of Vietnamese Mythology.
This was so interesting, I enjoyed this book a lot. I look forward to future books in this series.
I now want to read even more Vietnamese mythological books.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
Modern retelling of Vietnamese Mythology.
This was so interesting, I enjoyed this book a lot. I look forward to future books in this series.
I now want to read even more Vietnamese mythological books.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The Lost Queen is hard to define in a good way. Aimee Phan weaves a complex narrative between Vietnamese mythology and the modern world, not a retelling, not inspired by, and not a remix. A unique story for those who enjoy mythology and fantasy.
This is a Trung sisters retelling that ended up leaving me confused.
The book started strong. We meet Jolie, who had a freak swimming competition accident one year ago and her previous best friends are now mean girls who leave her miserable. Then at another swim meet, she saves a popular girl Huong and this starts a series of events where Jolie discovers more about her past. There are memories regained, reincarnation, true identities revealed, and time travel.
This book started off strong but then just fell apart. The second half was just a jumble of rushed action, decisions that didn’t make sense, reconciliations, betrayals, giving and receiving of magical elements with no explanation, and family dynamics filled with resentment but no depth. It felt rushed and completely confusing.
*Thank you to Netgalley for providing an ARC for an honest review. All opinions are my own*
Jolie Lam comes from a long line of Thây Bói—Vietnamese fortune tellers—and she has always respected her grandfather’s gift for the craft. The Thây Bói ability passes down the male line in families, which prompted Jolie’s father to leave her in her grandparents’ care eight years earlier. Strange things have been happening in Jolie’s midst lately, though—things that can only be properly explained by supernatural means. And with each new revelation, the truth and the life Jolie has always known are called into question, and Jolie must sort through all the facts in order to realize her own destiny. This compelling young adult novel blends Vietnamese folklore and culture with contemporary American society in a way that stands out from similar novels in this genre. Brief chapters lay out succinct, intentional scenes that often generate more questions than answers. As the novel progresses, readers learn about Vietnamese folklore through the lens of an American girl with Vietnamese roots, effectively enriching the reader’s understanding, especially when these stories are unfamiliar. Alongside the supernatural elements are the conflicting emotions Jolie is feeling, including her ostracization from her friend group at school, her grandfather’s descent into dementia, and her own existence being raised by Vietnamese grandparents in the United States. Readers who identify with more than one culture will especially empathize with Jolie’s story, while others will observe the circumstances of Jolie’s reality in a compelling and unique light. Best for young adult readers due to the intensity of the plot, this novel is approachable and engaging for a range of teen readers. The first in its series, this book sets the stage for a sequel and is a memorable addition to library collections for young adult readers and up, especially those with an interest in global folklore and magic realism.
As someone who loves learning about new cultures, this book was a definite yes when I read the blurb, especially after seeing that beautiful cover. Weaving Vietnamese mythology with modern elements, The Lost Queen follows Jolie’s journey as she goes from being bullied and isolated by her friends, to saving the most popular girl and in the process unexpectedly unlocks an unknown heritage she could have never imagined.
An interesting concept that fell flat and didn’t live up to expectations, this book wasn’t for me but if it sounds like something you’d like, definitely check it out.
An interesting concept that fell flat and didn’t live up to expectations, this book wasn’t for me but if it sounds like something you’d like, definitely check it out.
The beginning is very slow in my opinion. I had suspicions of what was happening but there was little to no advancement of the characters for a while. The pace picks up after the halfway mark and keeps going until the end. The end left a bit to be desired and quite a few questions. I do like the lore behind everything and the use of power. I don’t like that the only closure we get are for Jolie and Huang, we don’t know what happens to any of the minor characters.
I received a copy of The Lost Queen via NetGalley to read and review.
I received a copy of The Lost Queen via NetGalley to read and review.
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
“The last few weeks, I’d been suppressing and wishing away these visions, but they kept coming, infringing upon my reality.”
I loved that part, when we don’t know what is a dream, a true event, hallucinations, or the rising of fantasy elements. Our reality wobbled at the same time as the MFC’s, and adding the challenges her grandfather had to deal with at the same time just increased that feeling, making the reading truly engaging. These blurry lines, moving all the time, and the helping hand that emerges from that fog constituted my favorite parts of the book.
The WB made me discover some Vietnamese folklore, which was new to me. I loved that it first happened through her grandfather and his book (that book is something!) as it made the MC get back in touch with her roots and her cultural legacy, as much as it introduced the information to the reader in a very progressive –and not overwhelming– way. It helped to keep some mystery too, and honestly I could never say which character could be trusted, and which couldn’t. I loved that uncertainty, just as much as I loved the Sisterhood motif, pictured in all its beauty –and “ugliness”. In the end, Joli Lam has to face many twists and turns and to learn how one can take responsibilities, and that making choices isn’t always easy –and certainly never black or white. I loved that she had to do that without having all information in hands, as its probably the best way to picture how life works, and made of this story a great initiatic journey, with an end that completely left me hanging, (im)patiently waiting for book 2.
Thank you to the author, ColoredPages PR and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group | G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
I loved that part, when we don’t know what is a dream, a true event, hallucinations, or the rising of fantasy elements. Our reality wobbled at the same time as the MFC’s, and adding the challenges her grandfather had to deal with at the same time just increased that feeling, making the reading truly engaging. These blurry lines, moving all the time, and the helping hand that emerges from that fog constituted my favorite parts of the book.
The WB made me discover some Vietnamese folklore, which was new to me. I loved that it first happened through her grandfather and his book (that book is something!) as it made the MC get back in touch with her roots and her cultural legacy, as much as it introduced the information to the reader in a very progressive –and not overwhelming– way. It helped to keep some mystery too, and honestly I could never say which character could be trusted, and which couldn’t. I loved that uncertainty, just as much as I loved the Sisterhood motif, pictured in all its beauty –and “ugliness”. In the end, Joli Lam has to face many twists and turns and to learn how one can take responsibilities, and that making choices isn’t always easy –and certainly never black or white. I loved that she had to do that without having all information in hands, as its probably the best way to picture how life works, and made of this story a great initiatic journey, with an end that completely left me hanging, (im)patiently waiting for book 2.
Thank you to the author, ColoredPages PR and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group | G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
If you’re looking for a YA fantasy packed with ancient magic, reincarnation, self-discovery, dragons, friendship, and sisterhood—then you can give this one a try!
The Lost Queen instantly caught my eye—the premise and cover drew me in, and I was excited to dive into a story inspired by Vietnamese lore, which I haven’t explored much before.
I loved how the book brought Vietnamese culture and mythology to life. The dragons, the legendary Trưng sisters, and even the Thai boy—everything was beautifully woven together and fascinating to follow!
Jolie’s journey of self-discovery was really engaging. Watching her unravel the memories of her past lives and search for her true identity kept me hooked. I also liked seeing her reconnect with her old friends, though, honestly, they were kind of frustrating—too mean and annoying at times.
There’s a twist that genuinely surprised me, but aside from that, the pacing felt a bit off. Some parts, especially the dreams and flashbacks, were confusing. The last 30% of the book was probably the hardest to follow—it felt rushed, with no time to process one major event before another unfolded.
It wrapped up with a small cliffhanger, setting up the final book in the duology.
I might continue reading, but I’m hoping things will be more developed and explored in the next installment!
Thank you to Colored Pages Book Tour, author and publisher for giving me an e-ARC of the book. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Toxic friendship
Moderate: Death, Violence
Minor: Blood, Murder, War
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
"What can a lost Queen do?" And I am equally lost as said Queen in the quote. I was very excited for this book. Well, I just finished the book and all I can remember is how rushed the end felt. I wanted more and I wasn't given almost anything.
It is sad that I don't have more to say.
It is sad that I don't have more to say.