Reviews with content warning for Gore - La Reine sans royaume

I absolutely loved this series and this book. I was delaying reading this book because the start wasn't promising but when i forced myself to sit down and read, I did not regret it! The ending was absolutely lovely and the epilogue just made my heart happy.

I absolutely hated Jude not realising that she could've just come back to Elfhame because it was so obvious from the start. That is what put me off this book so much

Content Warnings

karambit's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

safety_pin's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful sad tense medium-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

3.0

Content Warnings

katreadswaytoomuch's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny tense fast-paced

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

4.5

I didn’t really feel surprised anymore with the series. I grew very accustomed to expecting the unexpected. And maybe this is just me, but I feel like no one in Fairy should ever trust a human given their ability to lie. I think that just a weird plot hole. Idk — talk me out of it?

Thinking back, there seems to be a lot of convenient plot devices a lot. I’m not a huge fan of frivolous characters, but I think the pace of the series makes up for it.

Other than all that, I really loved the direction the plot took. Jude’s role in

the reconciliation

was important and meaningful, and I like her reflections on

the importance of ruling.

I though Vivi’s and Heather’s relationship was great.

I always advocate for how important it is to continually try and re-win your significant other.

Content Warnings

mollyanne624's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

5aru's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I honestly have nothing to say other than I really, really enjoyed this book. The enemies-to-lovers trope is carried out masterfully to the end, and although I found the plot slightly less satisfying for the only slightly suspicious convenience of its resolutions, the relationship between Cardan and Jude was certainly a strong point — one that kept me going until I bit the entire trilogy off in four days. It’s rare to find a young adult book with such fleshed-out protagonists, whose flaws are so well developed and actually hinder their progress until they learn to weaponize them; who are cruel or pricks or at the very least morally grey, without rendering them unlikeable simply due to their ineffable charisma; characters who scheme and one-up each other constantly, drawn to one another because of the thrill of it. And it is even rarer, perhaps, to find a main relationship that remains gripping and engaging in spite of its predictability.

If I were truly objective, I suppose the writing isn’t the best and there are things that could be improved, but isn’t this the truth of anything? And with the way Cardan’s character gripped me, I would excuse far more in a YA-oriented novel than what Holly Black got away with. In short, read them.

Content Warnings

baexlee's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious 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

5.0

This is my first five star read of 2021 and it was a whirlwind. I devoured The Queen of Nothing and thought of nothing else when I wasn't able to read it. There was weight and intensity packed neatly into a well paced and unexpected thrill ride. Maybe I was just charmed by the character development and romance (because whew) but Jude's journey from her mortal exile to the conclusion of the novel really swept me away.

Black continues to explore the complicated dynamics of the Duarte sisters by

forcing Jude and Taryn's reunion in the mortal realm.

As I read this novel I realized how limited Jude's perceptions of herself had been in previous installments, despite the fact the Faerie cannot lie. As Jude begins to unravel the mystery that has been tangled at her feet it becomes clear the Jude doesn't truly see herself the way that other's see her.

There is a great balance of mystery and riddle weaved throughout and the magic of Faerieland is vivid and details in the descriptions of the environment. Now, I'll keep Cardan content to the spoilers.

"Come here," he says, voice rough. I do, crossing the floor obediently. I might be inexperienced in love, but I know a lot about provocation. I slide to my knees in front of him. "Is this what you imagined I'd be like, back in your rooms at Hollow Hall, when you thought of me and hated it? Is this how you pictured my eventual surrender?"

Oh my god. This fucking part killed me, this is so Jude and sometimes these character moments during sex can feel so awkward or just repetitive and basic but this is so distinct and so Cardan and Jude and honestly their entire relationship is just delightfully flawed and real.

"We have lived in our armor for so long, you and I. And now I am not sure if either of us knows how to remove it."

Cardan is really making my heart drop. We get to see a lot more of him in this novel, and we also get to see a lot less of him, and more of him, and we lose him, and get him back. It's complicated. But overall, I'm glad that the fates came to pass and Jude and Cardan made it out on the other side.

Content Warnings

More...