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readerlatte's review
5.0
This was an amazing debut!! Man if you don't have this book on your TBR you need to add this one right now!!!! I really loved the snark that is in this title. It take a very serious topic and kind of makes it just a little lighter.
This story about a world where if you could be what is called Nameless and have no rights and no home, is one that I haven't encountered before and I have to say that it worked well. The twist kept me going and the reveal shocked me to no end.
I could not put this one down and I loved how it ended and just everything about it. It was a wonderful title about family, finding where you belong, and accepting those who are different. The pacing was well done for a debut and I can not wait to see what McLaughlin does next. A definite must read for 2020!!
This story about a world where if you could be what is called Nameless and have no rights and no home, is one that I haven't encountered before and I have to say that it worked well. The twist kept me going and the reveal shocked me to no end.
I could not put this one down and I loved how it ended and just everything about it. It was a wonderful title about family, finding where you belong, and accepting those who are different. The pacing was well done for a debut and I can not wait to see what McLaughlin does next. A definite must read for 2020!!
amybraunauthor's review
5.0
I bought this book on a whim and I have to be honest: I loved it. The story was way more intense and powerful than I expected, and given how insane 2020 has been, was exactly what I wanted. It carries a strong message with complicated characters and endearing growth.
Coin has great development throughout, and despite her early abrasiveness, became someone I rooted for. The side characters all had incredible moments and while there was no romance, I was still moved by this story of love and friendship in adversity.
The writing carried the story well, and there were some deeply emotional sections where the author’s passion and message shone through. I was invested the whole time.
Definitely a relevant book and one I recommend!
Coin has great development throughout, and despite her early abrasiveness, became someone I rooted for. The side characters all had incredible moments and while there was no romance, I was still moved by this story of love and friendship in adversity.
The writing carried the story well, and there were some deeply emotional sections where the author’s passion and message shone through. I was invested the whole time.
Definitely a relevant book and one I recommend!
armelle's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
3.5
yalestay's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
cadyly's review
5.0
This was an amazing read! It's been a while where I've read a book that was as engaging, interesting, and truly thoughtful. The characters were complex and genuine, and they really pondered the social issues presented in the book, instead of jumping to a superficial and ultimately unsatisfying conclusion.
There were many twists along the way, which kept you on your toes and never knowing what to expect next.
Perhaps what I love the most about this story was how quotable it is. There were so many lines throughout that just resonated with me and spoke so much wisdom and truth. It was a fun fantasy story, but it went beyond entertainment to make me stop and think about what it means to be a good citizen and a compassionate person. You can't ask more from a book than that.
NetGalley allowed me to read this book, but the review and opinions are entirely my own.
There were many twists along the way, which kept you on your toes and never knowing what to expect next.
Perhaps what I love the most about this story was how quotable it is. There were so many lines throughout that just resonated with me and spoke so much wisdom and truth. It was a fun fantasy story, but it went beyond entertainment to make me stop and think about what it means to be a good citizen and a compassionate person. You can't ask more from a book than that.
NetGalley allowed me to read this book, but the review and opinions are entirely my own.
ravvencloud's review
5.0
[MY RATING] 8.5/10
[PLOT, WRITING, WORLD-BUILDING & PACING]
- i dont actually remember much bc i read this a long time ago and never wrote a review until now but
- i remember that this was an extremely fun read which i really really loved!
- even tho i was quite confused by the magic system and also that coin could master skills so quickly (even tho she lived in the slums before and didnt know jackshit about the lives and skills of the higher ups) it was still super enjoyable and i recall being thrilled and excited for her journey!!
- would probably reread this again next time to write a better review AHAH
[PLOT, WRITING, WORLD-BUILDING & PACING]
- i dont actually remember much bc i read this a long time ago and never wrote a review until now but
- i remember that this was an extremely fun read which i really really loved!
- even tho i was quite confused by the magic system and also that coin could master skills so quickly (even tho she lived in the slums before and didnt know jackshit about the lives and skills of the higher ups) it was still super enjoyable and i recall being thrilled and excited for her journey!!
- would probably reread this again next time to write a better review AHAH
jasmine_elizabeth's review
4.0
I love the found family trope so when I realised that it would feature in this book I just knew I would love it.
I enjoyed the action and the lurking danger. There was no romance in this book, and I think that is something that drew me in, there is so much romance in books that to see none is refreshing.
I enjoyed the action and the lurking danger. There was no romance in this book, and I think that is something that drew me in, there is so much romance in books that to see none is refreshing.
ladynightwolf's review
3.0
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
In The Names Queen, the magic of the land is bound to the person who rules it. When the sovereign dies, they must name their heir. In doing so, they pass on the magical tattoo that marks the ruler along with all the magic it entails to the person chosen next to carry the crown. The King of Seriden has passed, and there is a mad hunt to find the next king or queen so they can take their rightful place. No one could have predicted who would be named…or how.
Coin is Nameless, a member of the lowest class in a city called Seriden, a class despised by both the Royal and Legal classes that run the city. They are called Nameless because they are just that, nameless, and because they have no legal name, they are not deemed as a part of the fabric of the city itself. They have no legal standing. They have no rights. They live on the edges of society in Seriden off its scraps and what they can scrounge and steal. So when she finds the tattoo on her arm marking her as the next heir to the throne, she fears that she has been marked for death. She doesn’t have a name, how could the King have named her as the next heir?
After the only person she cares for in the city, Hat, is taken to prison, Coin has no choice but to reveal herself as the next ruler of Seriden, much to the disbelief of the citizens of the city, Legal and Royal alike. She doesn’t even want the responsibility…but she’s not the only one who doesn’t want her to have it. However, until she can save Hat, she has no choice but to play their game. Maybe in doing so, she can try to make life slightly better for the Nameless as well, but it won’t be easy.
Between dodging assassination plots, stuffy etiquette lessons, and side eyed looks from the heir apparent, who may have secrets of her own, she certainly has her work cut out for her.
I liked the idea of the Nameless Queen, and it was honestly pretty good. I tend to be fascinated by worlds that are built on caste systems; it makes me root all the harder for the underdog to triumph! Coin was all rough edges, a fact that is unsurprising given where and how she grew up, which was easy to follow. Although not a character I can sympathize with, I could still empathize with what she was experiencing and it helped me keep up my pace. I found the plot twists to be somewhat unexpected, which is a rare occurrence in most YA books. However, there were other things that kind of fell flat.
Also, if you’re looking for romance, you won’t find it here. It’s nonetheless a great book featuring a strong female lead who has been thrust into a situation that she has to fight her way out of using her wits, strength, and street smarts. Sometimes you have to pick up a book where the only romantic piece is between the main character and them self.
In The Names Queen, the magic of the land is bound to the person who rules it. When the sovereign dies, they must name their heir. In doing so, they pass on the magical tattoo that marks the ruler along with all the magic it entails to the person chosen next to carry the crown. The King of Seriden has passed, and there is a mad hunt to find the next king or queen so they can take their rightful place. No one could have predicted who would be named…or how.
Coin is Nameless, a member of the lowest class in a city called Seriden, a class despised by both the Royal and Legal classes that run the city. They are called Nameless because they are just that, nameless, and because they have no legal name, they are not deemed as a part of the fabric of the city itself. They have no legal standing. They have no rights. They live on the edges of society in Seriden off its scraps and what they can scrounge and steal. So when she finds the tattoo on her arm marking her as the next heir to the throne, she fears that she has been marked for death. She doesn’t have a name, how could the King have named her as the next heir?
After the only person she cares for in the city, Hat, is taken to prison, Coin has no choice but to reveal herself as the next ruler of Seriden, much to the disbelief of the citizens of the city, Legal and Royal alike. She doesn’t even want the responsibility…but she’s not the only one who doesn’t want her to have it. However, until she can save Hat, she has no choice but to play their game. Maybe in doing so, she can try to make life slightly better for the Nameless as well, but it won’t be easy.
Between dodging assassination plots, stuffy etiquette lessons, and side eyed looks from the heir apparent, who may have secrets of her own, she certainly has her work cut out for her.
I liked the idea of the Nameless Queen, and it was honestly pretty good. I tend to be fascinated by worlds that are built on caste systems; it makes me root all the harder for the underdog to triumph! Coin was all rough edges, a fact that is unsurprising given where and how she grew up, which was easy to follow. Although not a character I can sympathize with, I could still empathize with what she was experiencing and it helped me keep up my pace. I found the plot twists to be somewhat unexpected, which is a rare occurrence in most YA books. However, there were other things that kind of fell flat.
Also, if you’re looking for romance, you won’t find it here. It’s nonetheless a great book featuring a strong female lead who has been thrust into a situation that she has to fight her way out of using her wits, strength, and street smarts. Sometimes you have to pick up a book where the only romantic piece is between the main character and them self.
brittrivera's review
4.0
I love a good story about found family and fierce girls and this one had both in spades. I was immediately drawn in to Coin's world and the everyday problems she faced. I like that the author didn't explain everything about the world up front, but lets us learn the rules as the story unfolds. I also enjoyed the real issues of class woven in to this magical fantasy world. Another refreshing part of this book was the lack of romance. In the beginning I kept waiting for The Love Interest to show up, but by the middle I was so engrossed in the story I forgot to care and that's saying something.
The ending of this book leaves just enough open that there could be a sequel, but I also like that it could exist as a standalone. I can imagine Seriden existing past the pages we read and the characters living on - like the end of a good TV series finale.
"But hope is a kind of fear, and that's what makes it dangerous."
"Keep your head down, they tell me. What they don't tell me is that I'm underwater and if I stay down long enough, I'll drown."
*Thanks to NetGalley & Random House Children's for the e-arc of this book*
The ending of this book leaves just enough open that there could be a sequel, but I also like that it could exist as a standalone. I can imagine Seriden existing past the pages we read and the characters living on - like the end of a good TV series finale.
"But hope is a kind of fear, and that's what makes it dangerous."
"Keep your head down, they tell me. What they don't tell me is that I'm underwater and if I stay down long enough, I'll drown."
*Thanks to NetGalley & Random House Children's for the e-arc of this book*