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storytimewithlily's review against another edition
2.75
It wasn't bad per se, but it definitely wasn't for me.
thelibraryofklee's review
5.0
“… I ruined you. Raised you as a son and now you speak like a king.”
…”Perhaps we shouldn’t attribute certain characteristics to men and women. We should allow each person to decide how they’d like to speak. Then we wouldn’t analyse what is proper.”
This book had me swooning at all these kick ass feminist quotes. Part high fantasy, part fem-lit, part good ole smut (with a whole heap of CW needed).
Almira is raised to be a Queen. At the death of her husband, she enters a bargain with a warring faction, which will put her at the helm next to an aggressive, complicated King. What she didn't bargain for was the treachery, the complexity of rulership, and the love in multiple places she would find along the way. Almira struggles with keeping the peace with enemies at her back, but with her warrior women, the Red Guard, at her side, I knew I was in for something good.
This would have to be one of the best indie authors I have read. The finesse of the story telling, the beautiful complexity of the language and editing, the characterisation and world-building - this truly has all the best parts of authorship on view. I loved it so much I immediately went on Kindle and brought the prequel novellas because I am so enamoured by the cast of characters, I must know more. Highly recommend, check this authors work out asap.
“Men will never be ready for women like us, and it is not our job to ready them.”
…”Perhaps we shouldn’t attribute certain characteristics to men and women. We should allow each person to decide how they’d like to speak. Then we wouldn’t analyse what is proper.”
This book had me swooning at all these kick ass feminist quotes. Part high fantasy, part fem-lit, part good ole smut (with a whole heap of CW needed).
Almira is raised to be a Queen. At the death of her husband, she enters a bargain with a warring faction, which will put her at the helm next to an aggressive, complicated King. What she didn't bargain for was the treachery, the complexity of rulership, and the love in multiple places she would find along the way. Almira struggles with keeping the peace with enemies at her back, but with her warrior women, the Red Guard, at her side, I knew I was in for something good.
This would have to be one of the best indie authors I have read. The finesse of the story telling, the beautiful complexity of the language and editing, the characterisation and world-building - this truly has all the best parts of authorship on view. I loved it so much I immediately went on Kindle and brought the prequel novellas because I am so enamoured by the cast of characters, I must know more. Highly recommend, check this authors work out asap.
“Men will never be ready for women like us, and it is not our job to ready them.”
chele96's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
anniesreading's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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? Yes
5.0
b0redn0w's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
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? Yes
5.0
Idk what Ms Isabelle put in this book but I COULD. NOT. PUT. IT. DOWN. I loved every character in this book. The prose was beautiful but still straightforward. The world /could/ be explored more (especially that part about witches???) but I felt like each nation is dintinct and developed.
All in all, I devoured this in 2.5 days - starting the sequel immediately.
All in all, I devoured this in 2.5 days - starting the sequel immediately.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Vomit, Sexual content, Blood, Xenophobia, Homophobia, Hate crime, War, Cursing, Gore, and Death of parent
Moderate: Incest
myralovesbooks's review
dark
emotional
sad
slow-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? No
4.0
alexga's review against another edition
emotional
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? No
5.0
I have no words. This book is magnificent. Heartbreaking.
Almira is the definition of strong female character. So beautifully written. So intricate.
Queen & Conqueror also depicts the most gut-wrenching and heartwarming relationship between father and daughter. It broke me.
The book lacks worldbuilding and magic. But honestly, I don't care.
Almira is the definition of strong female character. So beautifully written. So intricate.
Queen & Conqueror also depicts the most gut-wrenching and heartwarming relationship between father and daughter. It broke me.
The book lacks worldbuilding and magic. But honestly, I don't care.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Torture, War, and Violence
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Incest, Rape, Adult/minor relationship, and Sexual harassment
laura_devouring_books_crumpets's review
5.0
Wow.... Just wow!!!!
I read the Precis for this and thought ok lets give it a go.... Very rarely do i read an Arc and boost them to to a favorite Author....
World Building: We are thrown into a world of war Loss Where a High lady takes it upon herself to bring peace!
Characters: The red Guard the King and Almira were so Multi dimensional, each having a background the book has Maybe not quiet uncovered yet!
As Almira sets off to Marry the Man that was the reason for her husbands passing, she finds King Alton to be quiet unexpected, with surprises from the past and snakes wrapped around the nobility! Luckily she has her red guard a group of women hand selected to protect her!
i could not put this down have just brought the prequel and am eagerly awaiting the next book!!!!
I read the Precis for this and thought ok lets give it a go.... Very rarely do i read an Arc and boost them to to a favorite Author....
World Building: We are thrown into a world of war Loss Where a High lady takes it upon herself to bring peace!
Characters: The red Guard the King and Almira were so Multi dimensional, each having a background the book has Maybe not quiet uncovered yet!
As Almira sets off to Marry the Man that was the reason for her husbands passing, she finds King Alton to be quiet unexpected, with surprises from the past and snakes wrapped around the nobility! Luckily she has her red guard a group of women hand selected to protect her!
i could not put this down have just brought the prequel and am eagerly awaiting the next book!!!!
laura0815's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5