Reviews

The Vanished Queen by Lisbeth Campbell

whatsmacksaid's review against another edition

4.0

The first quarter or so was kind of slow, but it picked up after that and became quite compelling. I really liked the ending and how everything tied up neatly, but not *too* neatly.

Thanks to the publisher for sending me an arc. This is an honest review, etc.

samanthabooks19's review against another edition

3.0

I was really highly anticipating this book, but sadly, it fell flat. I don’t have any definite feelings about this book. I don’t think there was necessarily anything majorly wrong with this book, it’s just that my overall enjoyment of the story was middle of the road. It could be just me, but I felt that the plot was not too exciting or engaging. My connection with the characters was also lacking. They didn’t intrigue me, and I felt that I didn’t care most of the time. Normally, I am a very active reader, so if something happens, I have a very outward expression of some type of emotion. There were very few times where this happened with this book. However, one thing that I did really enjoy was the twist. I didn’t see it coming at all.

Again, it’s not that I think this book is bad by any means; it was just very mediocre in most aspects.

alliethegator's review against another edition

adventurous dark hopeful tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

 Her stillness had a patient strength to it that was not supplication. She wasn't expecting anyone to help her, not even the gods. He envied the calm. 

 We follow two main POVs: Anza, a member of the resistance, and Esvar, the younger son of the king. 
There is a third minor one, mostly her entries are from a journal possessed by Anza. Her name is Mirantha. 

Karegg is already on the brink of war, between the ever growing resistance and the succession being so fragile. If the sickly king dies, war will surely destroy the country. While the resistance itself would gladly see the king dead, Esvar knows that his brother, the heir, will suffer for it. Anza is part of the resistance, due to the execution of her father by the king. 

 I found myself super surprised by the slew of negative reviews on this book, because I quite liked it. The prose was extremely well-written, even if the story is one that's been told in this genre before. The glaring flaw was primarily the pacing, both in story and romance. The characters, while interesting, were somewhat flat.

brandypainter's review against another edition

3.0

This was entertaining and engrossing in its way. The world building is excellent, but the characters left a lot to be desired for me. [a:Megan Whalen Turner|22542|Megan Whalen Turner|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1489507023p2/22542.jpg] and [a:Naomi Novik|8730|Naomi Novik|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1206646770p2/8730.jpg] are my personal standard for political intrigue fantasy, and this didn't quite make that mark. It was good thought, and I will definitely read more from this author.

emiodo's review against another edition

3.0

A complex and layered book about political struggles and revolution. This book felt timely to read during all of the sociopolitical strife currently ongoing in the USA. There are strong female characters whom I admired and a compelling tale of rising up to overthrow those who abuse their power. Although marketed as fantasy there is virtually no magic in the book, which surprised me. However it is a strong story and I would definitely read more in the world.

gaden35's review against another edition

4.0

I wish I could do 3.75 stars. I really liked parts of the book, as well as the overall story. However it was sometimes a little slow. In the end, I would recommend this book. It is in the realm of anti-fascist YA fantasy without some of the teen YA drama. (I heard the term “new adult” as the step up from YA and I think this book may qualify!)

motionlessinbooks's review

4.0

I loved every moment of this book! The politics of this book was so well done. The only thing I wish we had more of was Mirantha! Absolutely adored her chapters.

questionablechilli's review against another edition

will try again, this just isn't pulling me in rn

goldenluck's review against another edition

Oh my God was this boring. Boring and incredibly basic. The writing, the plot, the flat characters. None of it was particularly imaginative, nor did it capture my own interest. The plot hasn't even started yet and I'm 150 pages in. I'm giving up. 

makthewyrm's review against another edition

adventurous emotional inspiring slow-paced

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

4.0