Reviews

Queen Among the Dead by Lesley Livingston

cat_universe's review against another edition

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

4.0

4/5 stars not gay enough 

nite0wl29's review against another edition

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2.0

DNF’ed at 20%

I can’t even tell you of all I read because I stumbled and tripped over words that I would love to see a young teen pronounce—or try to, anyway! This book is supposed to be YA. High praise to the 14-year-old who actually makes it through this book. O.o

This book had so much potential yet the unique (and stupidly complicated) word use made it harder to focus on the story.

The beginning felt a bit clunky. I didn’t understand the conflict between the two MCs and even afterwards it seemed whatever issues they had were resolved fairly quickly…

kellysreads's review against another edition

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I shouldn’t still be confused about the world and the politics at this point, especially in a ~400 page standalone. There’s something there, but I’m just not enjoying it enough to keep forging on.

s8snicks's review against another edition

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4.0

Queen among the dead

Based on the legends surrounding Irelands first Queen, Queen Among the Dead takes us into the ancient Celtic kingdom of Eire. It is a story of druids, magic, kings and queens, court intrigue, thieves, succession and power.

The world building is stunning. There is SO MUCH going on but it’s crafted so carefully that it all just works. I will say, in the front flap there is a glossary of terms, specifically related to the different people groups, and it’s definitely helpful. I read this as an e arc and found myself wishing for the paper copy (I heard someone refer hard copy as a tree copy the other day and may forever use that) so I could refer to it a few times for clarification.

I loved the characters too, especially Neve, the King’s youngest daughter, and Rowan, an ex Druid turned thief. Neve is strong, courageous and feisty; she deserves her place in this story.

I’m not sure if there will be a second installment but I sure do hope so.

Thank you @netgalley and @zando for this e arc in exchange for my honest review.

cosplinette's review against another edition

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medium-paced
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

mommybookwyrmm's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional 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

3.5

ratnix's review against another edition

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2.0

received a copy from netgalley

DNF at 64%

I was very excited to dive into this book since I've never read anything regarding Celtic mythology and this would be my first try in coming in contact with it. I felt that there was so much focus into the worldbuilding of this story that the plot and the characters were both forgotten.

Regarding the worldbuilding, I think the author did a great job in creating and giving life into a new (fantasy) world. It really made you believe that this particular world existed and, honestly, I could sense the author's love and appreciation for this story through their writing. But both the plot and the characters seem to be lacking. More than halfway through the story and nothing in particular is happenning. There are no "major" events that can be seen as plot nor do the characters have any goal. The two main characters have zero chemistry and, to be honest, their IQ levels reach the earth's core when they're in the same scene. I wish we could have got to know them as individuals with developed personalities before they got thrown into the same "adventure".

marni's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

3.75

entry_level's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

bookheathens's review against another edition

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Simultaneously too much info dumping while not being enough