Reviews

The Shadow Queen by C.J. Redwine

annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review

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5.0

Some people don't believe it exists, but I know from experience that it's possible. I fell in love with this book. I want to marry it. I want to cuddle with it. I want to kiss it. I want to have it with me for the rest of my life. I'm so glad that I stumbled upon the traitor prince in a bookstore in London and decided to read the other two books first!

This book has literally everything I want in a book: Dragons, a handsome and charming prince being honourable and trying to do the right thing, a layered evil queen with emotions and a motivation that's even somehow understandable, a fierce young princess who fights with her heart for those she loves and the country she sees withering away and magic in all it's blasting and devastating glory.

And all of that is combined with the elements of the wonderful fairytale of Snow White, recognisable as such but twisted in such a way that the story still feels interesting, new and refreshing. On top of that the writing style is just as enchanting as a fairytale should be. And to make it even more perfect, the story is incredibly addictive. So much is happening and it's written in a great and compelling way. It was almost impossible to stop reading!

I really hope the second book arrives here soon. I NEED IT!

babs_reviews's review

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5.0

Ever read a book that you loved every aspect of? A book that was so good you are at a loss for words and all you can say is; "Book good. Go. Read."? That's me with The Shadow Queen.

For the whole book I was torn between wanting to devour it as quickly as I could and slowing down to savor it. I'm a complete and utter sucker for fairytale retellings. All the reviews that I see saying, "it's familiar" - just, duh! It's a retelling of a popular fairytale...

This retelling had edge and creativity. I liked that the huntsman was a somebody, and not only that but a different race too. Very original and I loved how their relationship was so tainted by magic . . . it made for electricity and stunning dynamics between Lorelai and Kol.

While many things pleased me I also experienced much heart break too. I had tears bubbling and threatening in several places.

Love the cover.
Love the characters.
Love the plot.

Can't wait for another one!

marieintheraw's review

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3.0

Overall, this book was pretty average. While it was a retelling, it lack anything new that makes retellings compelling to read.

ambeesbookishpages's review

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5.0

The full review + more can be found at The Book Bratz

This is such a complicated and intricate book to talk about. There is much that I want to talk about, but I can't because I don't do spoiler heavy reviews. But, Oh my God, this book was fantastic. When I first saw the cover for The Shadow Queen when Epicreads released it, I knew I had to get me hands on this book (But that was just a serious case of cover lust.) Later when I downloaded this book onto my kindle from Edelweiss, I was intimated that it was 400 pages. (Long books intimidate me and I never tend to finish them.) But I finished this book in two sittings, and was so disappointed that it was over.

The Shadow Queen is split up into three POVs: Lorelai (The princess), Kol (Dragon/huntsman), and Irina (The wicked queen of Ravenspire)

Lorelai: I seriously love Lorelai. In most YA herione's they are terrified of dying. They do everything possible, to keep them from that fate. Lorelai is willing to loose her life in order to save her kingdom, and because of that I can't help but respect her. She is incredibly fierce, and loyal to the people she loves. She is a natural born leader, and it really showed through out the novel.

Kol: Oh, how I love Kole. First off, he is a dragon. How freaking cool is that!? After the Orge war kills his family, Kol has to step up and be king. A role he takes reluctantly. How Lorelai is dedicated to her kingdom Kol is dedicated to Eldr and keeping his people alive and safe from the war. With striking a deal with Irina to save his kingdom, he has to find Lorelai. Only he doesn't know its the girl who saved his life days before.

Irina: I really enjoyed being in the head of our villain. I don't think she was always a horrible person. But I pity her, for what she thought she needed to do to run Ravenspire or how she killed hundreds of people to keep her magic.

I've always enjoyed the world building in Redwine's books. It is unique, especially with the aspects of magic. Though I have a little bit of confusion surrounding the magic and how it worked, it was an interesting twist to see who was capable of it. The Dragoni were also a cool aspects, I don't know about you but I don't recall dragons in Snow White.

Overall I can't wait for the next book in the Ravespire series. It is a companion novel, so there won't be more or Lorelai's story but Redwine did a great job at wrapping The Shadow Queen.

psych8's review

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4.0

AMAZING! A great retelling of a beautiful, classic tale. One of the best retelling stories I have read.

dlewis85's review

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

hobbiesofstefs's review against another edition

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3.0

Good book

Overall a good book. Although only 3 stars I will read the next book in the series. She is a fantastic writer.
This book seemed like a fairy tale rewritten which I love!! Huge fan of the genre.
I have not read a characters like the dragons before. It was interesting and a part I really liked. The themes in the book is timeless.

traumatic_cacti's review

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4.0

3.75 stars

reading_robyn's review against another edition

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adventurous

4.25