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a_collection_of_my_loves's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
darklaix's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
ruthie_narrates_books's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
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
5.0
Queen and Conqueror by Isabelle Olmo was AMAZING! So many things I didn't see coming!
I can't believe I took so long to read this book, but after meeting Isabelle at Imaginarium, I knew I needed to make it happen.
Surprise, surprise, Queen Almira is a mixed-race woman, and I didn't know exactly how much that was going to mean to me until I read it.
Most often, I've read about mixed people not usually written by other racialized people, so that meant a lot to me to spontaneously see. ❤️❤️❤️
I can't believe I took so long to read this book, but after meeting Isabelle at Imaginarium, I knew I needed to make it happen.
Surprise, surprise, Queen Almira is a mixed-race woman, and I didn't know exactly how much that was going to mean to me until I read it.
Most often, I've read about mixed people not usually written by other racialized people, so that meant a lot to me to spontaneously see. ❤️❤️❤️
bonko's review against another edition
adventurous
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
4.5
kmartbooks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I'm rating it 4.5/5 stars and rounding up.
This is everything that I want in an enemies-to-lovers political fantasy. You know those books where you're just fully engrossed in and you're convinced that it was written for you specifically? This is one of those.
Almira was a phenomenal, fierce, smart, vulnerable, and unyielding character. Her portrayal as a strong-willed and flawed woman was masterfully executed, making her one of the most well-written female characters I have encountered. I found myself wholeheartedly cheering for her throughout the entire journey. The book skillfully portrays her unapologetic female rage and her unwavering determination to accomplish her goals. The evolving and varied relationships in the story were a delight, particularly the surprising tenderness displayed by Alton, a character who exceeded my initial expectations. I adored her Red Guard and the family ties and loved that there was LGBTQ+ representation. I hope that will be explored more in the next book.
While the later part of the book suffered from some pacing issues and some decision-making lacked logical consistency, the epic ending more than compensated for these minor flaws. The story concluded with a breathtaking climax and I was quite emotionally invested in the turmoil. This is an exceptional book that has left me thoroughly engrossed and eager for more. Thank goodness the next book will be out soon.
This is everything that I want in an enemies-to-lovers political fantasy. You know those books where you're just fully engrossed in and you're convinced that it was written for you specifically? This is one of those.
Almira was a phenomenal, fierce, smart, vulnerable, and unyielding character. Her portrayal as a strong-willed and flawed woman was masterfully executed, making her one of the most well-written female characters I have encountered. I found myself wholeheartedly cheering for her throughout the entire journey. The book skillfully portrays her unapologetic female rage and her unwavering determination to accomplish her goals. The evolving and varied relationships in the story were a delight, particularly the surprising tenderness displayed by Alton, a character who exceeded my initial expectations. I adored her Red Guard and the family ties and loved that there was LGBTQ+ representation. I hope that will be explored more in the next book.
While the later part of the book suffered from some pacing issues and some decision-making lacked logical consistency, the epic ending more than compensated for these minor flaws. The story concluded with a breathtaking climax and I was quite emotionally invested in the turmoil. This is an exceptional book that has left me thoroughly engrossed and eager for more. Thank goodness the next book will be out soon.
aerinw's review
5.0
Great book with fantastic world building. I can't say enough good things about this book. Everything in the world is so well thought out and the politics of the regions are fantastic. The characters have such depth by the end. I really enjoyed seeing the relationships develop and I hope that the next book adds to it more. One thing I felt towards the end of the book, is the plot is a little bit like a high fantasy version of pride and prejudice. It works in the BEST way with this book.
Some things that I know some people are picky about: this is a plot that is definitely character driven rather than action driven, so if you don't like hearing about politics or plot driven by character dialog, I wouldn't recommend. It is also written in 3rd person, and has multiple POV's. It is clear the cast of characters is large, the title "the queen's red guard" should point out that it isn't necessarily all about Amira and future books will reflect that more.
One thing I thought I disliked in the beginning, was the references to sexism that felt too contemporary for a high fantasy novel. It really took me out of my focus on the story, I think it took me a little longer to read the book because of it. For example when Almira and Alton first meet he says something to her about smiling more because it would make her prettier. While it isn't said in a contemporary way, it is still something from modern society, the US in general and is seen as a sexist microaggression. There were a couple other things like that, a white person who wasn't used to seasoning in food, or other similar comments that felt too contemporary for the book. However once I got into it, I kind of think it enhanced the book a little because the character saying these things is meant to come across as one dimensional and stereotypical. It helps when it turns out he is nothing like that in actuality and the FMC made assumptions based on rumor or only partial information.
Some things that I know some people are picky about: this is a plot that is definitely character driven rather than action driven, so if you don't like hearing about politics or plot driven by character dialog, I wouldn't recommend. It is also written in 3rd person, and has multiple POV's. It is clear the cast of characters is large, the title "the queen's red guard" should point out that it isn't necessarily all about Amira and future books will reflect that more.
One thing I thought I disliked in the beginning, was the references to sexism that felt too contemporary for a high fantasy novel. It really took me out of my focus on the story, I think it took me a little longer to read the book because of it. For example when Almira and Alton first meet he says something to her about smiling more because it would make her prettier. While it isn't said in a contemporary way, it is still something from modern society, the US in general and is seen as a sexist microaggression. There were a couple other things like that, a white person who wasn't used to seasoning in food, or other similar comments that felt too contemporary for the book. However once I got into it, I kind of think it enhanced the book a little because the character saying these things is meant to come across as one dimensional and stereotypical. It helps when it turns out he is nothing like that in actuality and the FMC made assumptions based on rumor or only partial information.
rosaelvira's review
5.0
A Must Read!
We are introduced to an interesting and elaborate world. It is beautiful to see women trying to fix the broken world or men. The characters are unique and have such depth that makes you care deeply for them. The inclusion in the book is amazing. Olmo does a great job starting this epic story, can’t wait for the next book!
We are introduced to an interesting and elaborate world. It is beautiful to see women trying to fix the broken world or men. The characters are unique and have such depth that makes you care deeply for them. The inclusion in the book is amazing. Olmo does a great job starting this epic story, can’t wait for the next book!
genhuggins's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
margiebythebookcase's review
5.0
{Men will never be ready for women like us and it is not our job to ready them.}
piggy65556's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0