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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Torture, Injury/Injury detail
...
...
Okay, I see why you all love these books so much now.
Also, Megan Whalen Turner really looked at yall yellin' around enemies-to-lovers is just coworkers pulling pranks on each other, laughed in your faces, and said "hold my beer", and that's all I can say about this book without spoiling.
4.5 stars.
...
Okay, I see why you all love these books so much now.
Also, Megan Whalen Turner really looked at yall yellin' around enemies-to-lovers is just coworkers pulling pranks on each other, laughed in your faces, and said "hold my beer", and that's all I can say about this book without spoiling.
4.5 stars.
I didn’t like this book. There was so much potential with the fascinating mythology of this world, but the majority of the book was a political play-by-play with not much action. With not much insight into the individual characters beyond a surface level, it was hard to connect and understand them. I wish more of the book had been devoted to developing them and their relationships.
Also, the “romance” was forced. They kind of explained it at the very end of the book, but it wasn’t organic or deep or believable. The political marriage makes sense, and I could even see them growing to love each other later (enemies to lovers is always a fun trope), but having them fall in love suddenly with no build-up was too far-fetched for me.
I’m a bit bummed out because people really like this series, but it just isn’t doing anything for me. Maybe the next books will be better!
Also, the “romance” was forced. They kind of explained it at the very end of the book, but it wasn’t organic or deep or believable. The political marriage makes sense, and I could even see them growing to love each other later (enemies to lovers is always a fun trope), but having them fall in love suddenly with no build-up was too far-fetched for me.
I’m a bit bummed out because people really like this series, but it just isn’t doing anything for me. Maybe the next books will be better!
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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:
Yes
A few weeks ago, I read Megan Whalen Turner's The Thief, the first book in her Queen's Thief series. I found that one to be pretty darn boring, except for the end where she pulled it all together with a surprise reveal that was fun and made me interested enough to move on to the next book. And then everyone said that the later books were better anyways, so I figured it was worth a shot.
Well, I'll admit, I found the beginning of The Queen of Attolia a little slow. Not the absolute beginning--as in, the first thirty pages or so--because that was great. There was just this lull for about 100 pages after that where our main character becomes (fairly enough) very depressed and lethargic. The story picks up once it's revealed that that depression was (mostly) feigned in one of the book's countless political tricks, but I was a little let down because I did find those parts of the book more boring than people had promised.
Once I got a little past halfway, I couldn't put the book down. I think I read the last third of it in one night. I couldn't really keep up with all the politics, but all the reveals (such as X was working with Y all along!) were still fun and exciting to read.
I loved the romance too. I saw a reviewer on Goodreads say the romance felt like it came out of nowhere, and why do they really even like each other, and I get that. I really do. But I just felt it, especially once Attolia and Eugenides met in person again. I loved Attolia's hesitance and insecurity, her disbelief and hope. She's a great character in this book-- the real star. I'm looking forward to reading more about her.
Ultimately, he Queen of Attolia is better than its predecessor The Thief, though it has some dull parts at the beginning that are making me dock a star. Based on my knowledge of these two books, Megan Whalen Turner might just be one of those authors who's really good at wrapping things up and you have to be patient with her books.
As a final note, the female characters are much better developed in this one too--way less commentary on their beauty, which is greatly appreciated. I remember in The Thief both human female characters were first described in terms of their beauty or lack thereof, which rubbed me the wrong way. There's much more focus here on who Attolia and Eddis are as rulers and as people. I liked when Attolia and Eddis got to speak face to face at the end here. Nothing so interesting as the dynamic between two regnant queens.
Well, I'll admit, I found the beginning of The Queen of Attolia a little slow. Not the absolute beginning--as in, the first thirty pages or so--because that was great. There was just this lull for about 100 pages after that where our main character becomes (fairly enough) very depressed and lethargic. The story picks up once it's revealed that that depression was (mostly) feigned in one of the book's countless political tricks, but I was a little let down because I did find those parts of the book more boring than people had promised.
Once I got a little past halfway, I couldn't put the book down. I think I read the last third of it in one night. I couldn't really keep up with all the politics, but all the reveals (such as X was working with Y all along!) were still fun and exciting to read.
I loved the romance too. I saw a reviewer on Goodreads say the romance felt like it came out of nowhere, and why do they really even like each other, and I get that. I really do. But I just felt it, especially once Attolia and Eugenides met in person again. I loved Attolia's hesitance and insecurity, her disbelief and hope. She's a great character in this book-- the real star. I'm looking forward to reading more about her.
Ultimately, he Queen of Attolia is better than its predecessor The Thief, though it has some dull parts at the beginning that are making me dock a star. Based on my knowledge of these two books, Megan Whalen Turner might just be one of those authors who's really good at wrapping things up and you have to be patient with her books.
As a final note, the female characters are much better developed in this one too--way less commentary on their beauty, which is greatly appreciated. I remember in The Thief both human female characters were first described in terms of their beauty or lack thereof, which rubbed me the wrong way. There's much more focus here on who Attolia and Eddis are as rulers and as people. I liked when Attolia and Eddis got to speak face to face at the end here. Nothing so interesting as the dynamic between two regnant queens.
Me showing up ten years late to the Queen's Thief fandom:
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture
Moderate: Violence
March 2017 re-read
There are two things I feel compelled to say about this novel after the re-read. Things I didn't consider the first time around.
First, this is not young adult, although the main character is rather young (unspecified, but believed the be around 17 or eighteen). It could also not be described as new adult. This is a book aimed at adult. Younger readers will enjoy it for sure, but they may find themselves struggling with the unique representations of both love and war in this novel.
When you think of it, it's only fitting that this novel discuss both these topics in such a unique way, as all is fair in love and war.
Secondly, this is a <i>romance</i>, and I've realized lately that some of my favorite romance novels out there are the ones that you don't realize are romances until the very last chapters (like in Howl's Moving Castle). So both the romantics among you and the anti-romance can relax, this book is both... at the very same time. And I enjoy every second of it.
Third... this book is such a raw examination of pain. Gen's reactions to everything that happen to him are so genuine. He is not a fierce, brave hero, unafraid and unwilling to let thing hinder him. He feels. He reacts. He is sometimes rush in his desire to rid himself of these emotions. He sulks and he takes his anger and frustration and fear on those closest to him. He is so human, and so relate-able, and his pain is palatable.
If any of those things sound appealing to you, as they are to me... pick up this series.
P.S - I find Turner to be such a unique author, because she knows which POV will benefit her novels the most and is unafraid to shake things up, even though she must know her reader expect a certain thing. Delightful.
There are two things I feel compelled to say about this novel after the re-read. Things I didn't consider the first time around.
First, this is not young adult, although the main character is rather young (unspecified, but believed the be around 17 or eighteen). It could also not be described as new adult. This is a book aimed at adult. Younger readers will enjoy it for sure, but they may find themselves struggling with the unique representations of both love and war in this novel.
When you think of it, it's only fitting that this novel discuss both these topics in such a unique way, as all is fair in love and war.
Secondly, this is a <i>romance</i>, and I've realized lately that some of my favorite romance novels out there are the ones that you don't realize are romances until the very last chapters (like in Howl's Moving Castle). So both the romantics among you and the anti-romance can relax, this book is both... at the very same time. And I enjoy every second of it.
Third... this book is such a raw examination of pain. Gen's reactions to everything that happen to him are so genuine. He is not a fierce, brave hero, unafraid and unwilling to let thing hinder him. He feels. He reacts. He is sometimes rush in his desire to rid himself of these emotions. He sulks and he takes his anger and frustration and fear on those closest to him. He is so human, and so relate-able, and his pain is palatable.
If any of those things sound appealing to you, as they are to me... pick up this series.
P.S - I find Turner to be such a unique author, because she knows which POV will benefit her novels the most and is unafraid to shake things up, even though she must know her reader expect a certain thing. Delightful.
Original Review
This book. OMG. Where do I begin. AHHH. I don't know. Geez, this book. THIS BOOK. I thought I knew what to expect from this book after reading the first. I DIDN'T. Oh my god. This book took me by surprise. I cannot believe the author did this. I am happy she did, cause I freakin' loved it. But... OMG. This book. I'm freakin' out. Okay, give me a sec. *takes a deep breaths* people, whether you read past this little attack of how-the-hell-do-I-talk-about-this-book-oh-my-the-feels or not.... READ THIS BOOK. Cause that'll be the bottom line of this review, and I don't want you to miss it.
As I said, and is clearly evident from the beginning, I did not expect this book. Rare are the times you find a series to be unique, in completely different ways, from book to book. I never thought I would have my heart broken in the first 70 pages. That I would be looking at the book with my eyes wide open, in denial, thinking "This can't be happening. It's a trick". And then crying a lot when I realized it wasn't.
Then there was the entire vibe of the book. It handled the subject of war in a way that I felt was unique and fresh. It didn't make the war the center of the book, it didn't let it confuse us or weight on us. It was important to the plot, and helped advance it, but we didn't see the fights or the battles and didn't spend too much time discussing them. Personally, I loved it.
Then there was the romance, which definitely surprised me as well. I knew with whom the love would be... an yet, Turner managed to completely shock me. I never thought it will go that way. I found it both utterly charming, and a bit unsatisfying at places at first... but the more I think about it, the more I get it. The more I understand them both. The more I think it's perfect for this story and these characters. And boy, am I looking forward to the next book, in which I'm hoping there will be more relationship and dare I hope for some adorableness?
And even Gen, who I thought I'd knew so well from book one, surprised me as well. Dare I swoon for him? Yes. Huge, big yes. His essence doesn't change; he is still quite a softie... but he earns a roughness in this book that ages him. Makes him less of a "boy" and more of a "man". And he is still as bloody brilliant as always. There's a really good reason he is feared... even if often it doesn't go as planned in this installment.
As for the namesake of this book, Attolia... I loved her (though I wish she'd stop slapping Gen, and... you know. What she did at first. Why??) She's just such a lost girl, but a strong and wise ruler, and I really felt sorry for her for a most of the read. Though at the beginning I might have... ahem... wished her dead. Just a tiny bit.
I want to read the next book so badly. Hopefully I'll manage to get it for next month cause I am HUNGRY to know what's next and what Turner will do in the next installment.
There are two things I feel compelled to say about this novel after the re-read. Things I didn't consider the first time around.
First, this is not young adult, although the main character is rather young (unspecified, but believed the be around 17 or eighteen). It could also not be described as new adult. This is a book aimed at adult. Younger readers will enjoy it for sure, but they may find themselves struggling with the unique representations of both love and war in this novel.
When you think of it, it's only fitting that this novel discuss both these topics in such a unique way, as all is fair in love and war.
Secondly, this is a <i>romance</i>, and I've realized lately that some of my favorite romance novels out there are the ones that you don't realize are romances until the very last chapters (like in Howl's Moving Castle). So both the romantics among you and the anti-romance can relax, this book is both... at the very same time. And I enjoy every second of it.
Third... this book is such a raw examination of pain. Gen's reactions to everything that happen to him are so genuine. He is not a fierce, brave hero, unafraid and unwilling to let thing hinder him. He feels. He reacts. He is sometimes rush in his desire to rid himself of these emotions. He sulks and he takes his anger and frustration and fear on those closest to him. He is so human, and so relate-able, and his pain is palatable.
If any of those things sound appealing to you, as they are to me... pick up this series.
P.S - I find Turner to be such a unique author, because she knows which POV will benefit her novels the most and is unafraid to shake things up, even though she must know her reader expect a certain thing. Delightful.
There are two things I feel compelled to say about this novel after the re-read. Things I didn't consider the first time around.
First, this is not young adult, although the main character is rather young (unspecified, but believed the be around 17 or eighteen). It could also not be described as new adult. This is a book aimed at adult. Younger readers will enjoy it for sure, but they may find themselves struggling with the unique representations of both love and war in this novel.
When you think of it, it's only fitting that this novel discuss both these topics in such a unique way, as all is fair in love and war.
Secondly, this is a <i>romance</i>, and I've realized lately that some of my favorite romance novels out there are the ones that you don't realize are romances until the very last chapters (like in Howl's Moving Castle). So both the romantics among you and the anti-romance can relax, this book is both... at the very same time. And I enjoy every second of it.
Third... this book is such a raw examination of pain. Gen's reactions to everything that happen to him are so genuine. He is not a fierce, brave hero, unafraid and unwilling to let thing hinder him. He feels. He reacts. He is sometimes rush in his desire to rid himself of these emotions. He sulks and he takes his anger and frustration and fear on those closest to him. He is so human, and so relate-able, and his pain is palatable.
If any of those things sound appealing to you, as they are to me... pick up this series.
P.S - I find Turner to be such a unique author, because she knows which POV will benefit her novels the most and is unafraid to shake things up, even though she must know her reader expect a certain thing. Delightful.
Original Review
This book. OMG. Where do I begin. AHHH. I don't know. Geez, this book. THIS BOOK. I thought I knew what to expect from this book after reading the first. I DIDN'T. Oh my god. This book took me by surprise. I cannot believe the author did this. I am happy she did, cause I freakin' loved it. But... OMG. This book. I'm freakin' out. Okay, give me a sec. *takes a deep breaths* people, whether you read past this little attack of how-the-hell-do-I-talk-about-this-book-oh-my-the-feels or not.... READ THIS BOOK. Cause that'll be the bottom line of this review, and I don't want you to miss it.
As I said, and is clearly evident from the beginning, I did not expect this book. Rare are the times you find a series to be unique, in completely different ways, from book to book. I never thought I would have my heart broken in the first 70 pages. That I would be looking at the book with my eyes wide open, in denial, thinking "This can't be happening. It's a trick". And then crying a lot when I realized it wasn't.
Then there was the entire vibe of the book. It handled the subject of war in a way that I felt was unique and fresh. It didn't make the war the center of the book, it didn't let it confuse us or weight on us. It was important to the plot, and helped advance it, but we didn't see the fights or the battles and didn't spend too much time discussing them. Personally, I loved it.
Then there was the romance, which definitely surprised me as well. I knew with whom the love would be... an yet, Turner managed to completely shock me. I never thought it will go that way. I found it both utterly charming, and a bit unsatisfying at places at first... but the more I think about it, the more I get it. The more I understand them both. The more I think it's perfect for this story and these characters. And boy, am I looking forward to the next book, in which I'm hoping there will be more relationship and dare I hope for some adorableness?
And even Gen, who I thought I'd knew so well from book one, surprised me as well. Dare I swoon for him? Yes. Huge, big yes. His essence doesn't change; he is still quite a softie... but he earns a roughness in this book that ages him. Makes him less of a "boy" and more of a "man". And he is still as bloody brilliant as always. There's a really good reason he is feared... even if often it doesn't go as planned in this installment.
As for the namesake of this book, Attolia... I loved her (though I wish she'd stop slapping Gen, and... you know. What she did at first. Why??) She's just such a lost girl, but a strong and wise ruler, and I really felt sorry for her for a most of the read. Though at the beginning I might have... ahem... wished her dead. Just a tiny bit.
I want to read the next book so badly. Hopefully I'll manage to get it for next month cause I am HUNGRY to know what's next and what Turner will do in the next installment.
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated