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3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
3,5 stars!
This book has been on my TBR for quite a while and I finally got around to reading it. I'm a bit undecided about this book. I really did like the book, but I was having so much trouble getting through it. I usually read super quickly, but I somehow couldn't manage it with this book. This really took away a lot of the enjoyment for me, because I really had to force myself to keep reading. I called out most of the important plot twists.
All in all, this book was an okay read for me. I did think it was interesting and I will most likely continue with the series, but I had a hard time getting through it, so it might be a while before I pick up the next one.
This book has been on my TBR for quite a while and I finally got around to reading it. I'm a bit undecided about this book. I really did like the book, but I was having so much trouble getting through it. I usually read super quickly, but I somehow couldn't manage it with this book. This really took away a lot of the enjoyment for me, because I really had to force myself to keep reading. I called out most of the important plot twists.
All in all, this book was an okay read for me. I did think it was interesting and I will most likely continue with the series, but I had a hard time getting through it, so it might be a while before I pick up the next one.
worst book i have ever read. the first few chapters were TORTURE & i have not been more pleased with myself for putting this book down. dnf & proud !
For a couple of years I taught Gilgamesh and a bit about ancient Sumeria to fifth graders at Tucson Hebrew Academy. Interesting stuff. Emily R. King uses some of the ancient Sumerian religion as a basis for her fictional Tarachand Empire and its religion. Although there was battling and bloodines, tournaments and fighting, those parts were not belabored and kept my interest completely. Excellent characters and characterization. Some of the bad guys were really bad. Some of the bad guys weren't quite so bad. Lots of secrets. Cool setting. There's something about one guy with 100 wives and at least as many paramours that is very entertaining and though-provoking. There was nothing boring about this book, I looked forward to returning to it, and I'm disappointed that it's finished. I know there's a book two and wonder if there'll be more. Good read.
The cover is beautiful. I hated pretty much everything else about the book. It had potential. The story line could have been enthralling, but as it was it was a whole lot of gratuitous violence, slimy sexual (but not sex) scenes, and unbelievable character and relationship development.
I should not have finished it and I would not have if I had not needed a book with a Q in the title for a reading challenge.
I should not have finished it and I would not have if I had not needed a book with a Q in the title for a reading challenge.
This one took me quite a while to get into (months in fact, I read an entire series between when I started this and when i finished it). I was in the mood for something more exotic, something with a middle eastern flair. This has that, but it plays into so many tropes that I got bored with it only a few pages in and then again a chapter or two in. I switch over to The Star Touched Queen, which I loved and quickly read the Death and Night novella and the sequel/companion piece Crown of Wishes (and then preordered the short story collection). I decided to come back and give this a chance. I’m glad I did because I didn’t hate the story, it still wasn’t my favorite. I am going to read the second book in the series because I already bought it, in fact I accidentally bought it first. I won’t be buying Rogue Queen (book number 3) until after I read the second book however, I have a a horrible habit of buying the entire series at once before I actually start reading. That’s how I ended up with the first 3 Beautiful Creatures books, none of which I’ve read because I just couldn’t get past the first 20 pages and then I saw the movie and now I can’t be bothered to even try again.
I think this book was written with the ultimate hope that it gets picked up and made into a move a la Twilight or City of Bones or Beautiful Creature (all horrible movies btw), because it seems to be written for a more visual medium. It would be a stunning movie to see, as long as it’s treated well (and the elemental powers are not treated as they were in The Last Airbender film-I’m still bitter) and some of the gripes are dropped. The insta Love is a little much, there’s absolutely zero motivation behind Deven’s motivation to hide Kali’s sneaking around before the claiming. Especially when it’s firmly established that he’s, like, the most loyal of soldiers. Kali isn’t the most special snowflake of them all, but she also kind of is. The Raja, the bad guy is literally a bad guy just because he’s a bad guy. There’s no real explanation of why he’s such an awful person. The women are fleshed out, but there’s a lot of emphasis placed on the conflict between the women battling for their place with the Raja/their husband because yeah, this guy has 100 wives and around 200 mistresses/courtesans.
I think this book was written with the ultimate hope that it gets picked up and made into a move a la Twilight or City of Bones or Beautiful Creature (all horrible movies btw), because it seems to be written for a more visual medium. It would be a stunning movie to see, as long as it’s treated well (and the elemental powers are not treated as they were in The Last Airbender film-I’m still bitter) and some of the gripes are dropped. The insta Love is a little much, there’s absolutely zero motivation behind Deven’s motivation to hide Kali’s sneaking around before the claiming. Especially when it’s firmly established that he’s, like, the most loyal of soldiers. Kali isn’t the most special snowflake of them all, but she also kind of is. The Raja, the bad guy is literally a bad guy just because he’s a bad guy. There’s no real explanation of why he’s such an awful person. The women are fleshed out, but there’s a lot of emphasis placed on the conflict between the women battling for their place with the Raja/their husband because yeah, this guy has 100 wives and around 200 mistresses/courtesans.
I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Actual Rating: 3.5★
So I wasn’t overly impressed with The Hundredth Queen by Emily R. King like I thought I’d be. I thought I’d be fangirling over this book, writing a really enthusiastic review. But instead I feel meh about it. The Hundredth Queen had a lot of potential. It’s a high fantasy with elements of romance and rebellion. Sounds promising right? But in reality it was like all the other YA fantasy books out there where an unskilled, untrained young girl becomes the unwilling face of the rebellion…oh and she falls in love with the first boy she sees (literally!).
The orphaned Kalinda was raised by a Sisterhood (similar to a convent/nunnery) and at 18 she has never known the world outside it. She is timid, naive, and a social outcast even among the Sisterhood. Her illness growing up has left her slightly sickly and even now with the fevers under control she is surprised with the Rajah chooses her to be his last rani. I liked and disliked her. I liked that she was steadfast in her beliefs and always stood up for equality. Kali genuinely has a good heart. But I disliked her pining for the captain.
Deven is a great character, don’t get me wrong. But he is a flat character. And while Kali’s instant love for him can be explained away by the fact she’s never set eyes on a man let alone speak to one, Deven does not have that excuse. Their love just made no sense to me.
The story really revolves around the myth of the 100th rani and the god Enlil. While the author opens the story with a note that the mythology of the book is fiction, there are many similarities with the ancient Mesopotamian gods and goddesses. In fact, I was hoping for a fantasy mixed with mythology but was sorely disappointed. Though the mythology the author creates and the world-building is very similar to that of Mesopotamia.
Because of the myth, there is a rank tournament held prior to each rani’s wedding to the Rajah. The rank tournament allows any of the current ranis and courtesans to challenge the incoming rani for her place at the Rajah’s side. It is a fight to the death. Kali is no fighter so I was curious to see how this particular element would play out. Again there was a lot of build up and while I did enjoy how Kali handled it, the actual tournament was disappointing.
Then there was the rebellion and the supernatural/paranormal element of the bhuta. This was the book’s saving grace. While the rest of the book felt like a repeat of other YA fantasies, the bhuta were original. I won’t go into to much detail as I do not want to spoil the story. I’ll just say the bhuta present an interesting challenge as they hold the elements like fire, wind, earth, water (think Avatar) in their hands and are being hunted by the Rajah.
Overall I was underwhelmed by The Hundredth Queen. The instalove and cliché heroine made it difficult to read. The characters ran together and even now just a few days after finishing the book I can’t remember Kali’s best friend’s name or the bhuta who helps her. Despite that, I did enjoy the supernatural element of the bhuta and I’m curious after the ending to see what will become of the empire so I will attempt to read [b:The Fire Queen|34314702|The Fire Queen (The Hundredth Queen, #2)|Emily R. King|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1493340031s/34314702.jpg|55372029] when it releases. If you enjoy the standard YA fantasy tropes, you will probably enjoy this book. If you’re looking for more, I’d pass.
Actual Rating: 3.5★
So I wasn’t overly impressed with The Hundredth Queen by Emily R. King like I thought I’d be. I thought I’d be fangirling over this book, writing a really enthusiastic review. But instead I feel meh about it. The Hundredth Queen had a lot of potential. It’s a high fantasy with elements of romance and rebellion. Sounds promising right? But in reality it was like all the other YA fantasy books out there where an unskilled, untrained young girl becomes the unwilling face of the rebellion…oh and she falls in love with the first boy she sees (literally!).
The orphaned Kalinda was raised by a Sisterhood (similar to a convent/nunnery) and at 18 she has never known the world outside it. She is timid, naive, and a social outcast even among the Sisterhood. Her illness growing up has left her slightly sickly and even now with the fevers under control she is surprised with the Rajah chooses her to be his last rani. I liked and disliked her. I liked that she was steadfast in her beliefs and always stood up for equality. Kali genuinely has a good heart. But I disliked her pining for the captain.
Deven is a great character, don’t get me wrong. But he is a flat character. And while Kali’s instant love for him can be explained away by the fact she’s never set eyes on a man let alone speak to one, Deven does not have that excuse. Their love just made no sense to me.
The story really revolves around the myth of the 100th rani and the god Enlil. While the author opens the story with a note that the mythology of the book is fiction, there are many similarities with the ancient Mesopotamian gods and goddesses. In fact, I was hoping for a fantasy mixed with mythology but was sorely disappointed. Though the mythology the author creates and the world-building is very similar to that of Mesopotamia.
Because of the myth, there is a rank tournament held prior to each rani’s wedding to the Rajah. The rank tournament allows any of the current ranis and courtesans to challenge the incoming rani for her place at the Rajah’s side. It is a fight to the death. Kali is no fighter so I was curious to see how this particular element would play out. Again there was a lot of build up and while I did enjoy how Kali handled it, the actual tournament was disappointing.
Then there was the rebellion and the supernatural/paranormal element of the bhuta. This was the book’s saving grace. While the rest of the book felt like a repeat of other YA fantasies, the bhuta were original. I won’t go into to much detail as I do not want to spoil the story. I’ll just say the bhuta present an interesting challenge as they hold the elements like fire, wind, earth, water (think Avatar) in their hands and are being hunted by the Rajah.
Overall I was underwhelmed by The Hundredth Queen. The instalove and cliché heroine made it difficult to read. The characters ran together and even now just a few days after finishing the book I can’t remember Kali’s best friend’s name or the bhuta who helps her. Despite that, I did enjoy the supernatural element of the bhuta and I’m curious after the ending to see what will become of the empire so I will attempt to read [b:The Fire Queen|34314702|The Fire Queen (The Hundredth Queen, #2)|Emily R. King|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1493340031s/34314702.jpg|55372029] when it releases. If you enjoy the standard YA fantasy tropes, you will probably enjoy this book. If you’re looking for more, I’d pass.
I honestly cannot understand some of the negative reviews. I proceeded with caution, book already in hand, and instantly had my fears vanish as I nearly read the whole book in a single night (sadly, my progress was stalled by having to work the following morning).
With knowing there might be minor spoilers, I still feel a vast need to review to try to give balance to the voices. One of the main complaints that I read dealt with the romance. Contrary to many opinions, for once, I found something refreshing with only a tinge of cliche. Yes, the protagonist is naive and her infatuation heavy in the beginning, but it is believable given the setting. Speak to anyone from a very religious family or taught in a religious school system before the days of the internet and they very well may tell you their errant thoughts, innocence, curiosity and maybe stupidity. Our protagonist was raised a very sheltered life; her curiosity sprang from it as well as some reverence for finally learning the previous unknowns (the big one being the opposing sex). Thankfully, she acknowledges her own naive behavior and learns from it.
There is also the wonderful fact that for once there is a strong female character (as well as diversity for once!). She is still originally described as the overused fiery, but unlike most depictions of "fiery" it does not come with being stubborn and stupid (nor does stubborn get confused with cunning, which she is). Better, even though there is romance in the story, the love interest does not dictate her actions or heavily cloud her thoughts. Far too many "strong" female leads are brought back down by relationships that hold them back or are (or at least borderline) abusive, whether emotional, mental, or physical. Absolutely none of that is evident. And, though the "he's the one" trope is still present, it is better veiled on being the will of the gods and fate, made much more believable as the majority of the book focuses on this imaginary religion and what and what not the gods want.
But, by far, what made me love this book most was the theme of sisterhood and how that is the true center of the book, even more prominent and more focal than the romance. The beginning has what you believe will be clichés, such as the typical mean girl, but you see that character grow. Do they become best friends? No. Nothing so happy and predicable, but they come to respect each other and realize how strong their sisterhood is.
So, I will say, don't be put off by the other reviews. Yes, maybe they will reflect your opinion. We don't all have to like the same thing, but give the book a chance. Maybe, like me, it will actually pleasantly surprise you.
With knowing there might be minor spoilers, I still feel a vast need to review to try to give balance to the voices. One of the main complaints that I read dealt with the romance. Contrary to many opinions, for once, I found something refreshing with only a tinge of cliche. Yes, the protagonist is naive and her infatuation heavy in the beginning, but it is believable given the setting. Speak to anyone from a very religious family or taught in a religious school system before the days of the internet and they very well may tell you their errant thoughts, innocence, curiosity and maybe stupidity. Our protagonist was raised a very sheltered life; her curiosity sprang from it as well as some reverence for finally learning the previous unknowns (the big one being the opposing sex). Thankfully, she acknowledges her own naive behavior and learns from it.
There is also the wonderful fact that for once there is a strong female character (as well as diversity for once!). She is still originally described as the overused fiery, but unlike most depictions of "fiery" it does not come with being stubborn and stupid (nor does stubborn get confused with cunning, which she is). Better, even though there is romance in the story, the love interest does not dictate her actions or heavily cloud her thoughts. Far too many "strong" female leads are brought back down by relationships that hold them back or are (or at least borderline) abusive, whether emotional, mental, or physical. Absolutely none of that is evident. And, though the "he's the one" trope is still present, it is better veiled on being the will of the gods and fate, made much more believable as the majority of the book focuses on this imaginary religion and what and what not the gods want.
But, by far, what made me love this book most was the theme of sisterhood and how that is the true center of the book, even more prominent and more focal than the romance. The beginning has what you believe will be clichés, such as the typical mean girl, but you see that character grow. Do they become best friends? No. Nothing so happy and predicable, but they come to respect each other and realize how strong their sisterhood is.
So, I will say, don't be put off by the other reviews. Yes, maybe they will reflect your opinion. We don't all have to like the same thing, but give the book a chance. Maybe, like me, it will actually pleasantly surprise you.
Dang it, I wanted to like it. The world building could have been so cool.
But if your life depends on the king thinking you’re a good little bride-to-be and being too friendly with soldiers will get you in trouble? Maybe pretend a little harder and stop making out in the curtains.
Love is grand and all, but so is not being dead.
But if your life depends on the king thinking you’re a good little bride-to-be and being too friendly with soldiers will get you in trouble? Maybe pretend a little harder and stop making out in the curtains.
Love is grand and all, but so is not being dead.