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adventurous challenging emotional inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

The pacing of this book was faster than the first and so it held my interest a lot better. There were a lot of surprises and even though I could see some coming, it is a solid YA fantasy choice. The romance was more developed in this book and I was just more invested with the characters.  It is squeaky clean as far as romance goes and the violence never gets too crazy so I would absolutely recommend this to a younger teen. 

Content Notes: Discussions of torture and some gruesome violence, kisses 

4.5
Wow. And to think I almost didn't read this book. I absolutely love how Rebecca Ross does relationships and love stories.

Longer review to come.

This book was a very beautiful depiction of fantasy, love, hope, vengeance, and even war. Rebecca Ross always sweeps me into her stories and brings me to the other side feeling content and wildlife’s on the other side of them. The characters in this story develop so well and I felt like I knew them as my own friends. I enjoyed that this book could also be read as the second in a duology. But also as a stand alone; there was enough information to be read alone. Would recommend to those who like fantasy, war, slow-burn romance, adventures, and plot twists.

The Queen's Resistance: 4/5 stars

"If you were a storm, I would lie down and rest in your rain. If you were a river, I would drink from your currents. If you were a poem, I would never cease to read you."

Synopsis
Starting off immediately where The Queen's Rising ended... though they've successfully removed the Lannons from power, the revolution is merely just beginning. After all, Isolde's coronation still has to take place, and tons of things can go wrong between now and then.

Which, of course, they do. It's a fantasy book. It's inevitable.

There's not much to say here. The Lannon's are awaiting trial, Cartier, now Lord Morgane, is haunted by the death of his family, and a strange boy shows up in his manor one evening.

Meanwhile, Brienna struggles to gain the acceptance and trust of MacQuinn house, since everybody now knows who her father truly was.

People suck.

Writing and Plot
Unlike the first book, The Queen's Resistance is told in alternating perspectives from Brienna and Cartier, meaning we get to see more things. Honestly, I don't think the sequel was entirely necessary, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

The start was a bit slow, and I didn't become wholly invested until the Lannon trial. Still, I found the book to be quite predictable.

Still, at least some things went a bit wrong this time.

Characters
Like before, I wasn't utterly infatuated with any of the characters. They weren't very memorable.

Conclusion
I recommend this duology, since it's underrated and underappreciated. I haven't seen anybody else read it.

First Time Reading: July 2021

“…If you were a storm, I would lie down and rest in your rain. If you were a river, I would drink from your currents. If you were a poem, I would never cease to read you…” ~ Cartier

Ok, so book one was good; there were lots of things I loved about it, but lots of things I wanted more of. But book 2…book 2 was like WOW! The Queen’s Resistance was on steroids compared to The Queen’s Rising, a definite shot of adrenaline was administered. Everything was better! The plot was more complex, the conflict was much more personal for our main characters. I connected with them on a deeper level, I was affected by their trials and losses. There was so much more heart and feeling and grit. The stakes were higher for everyone involved. Several times I gasped from shock, beamed with surprise and happiness, or hung my head in despair. All that and we still were left with a genuinely appropriate YA novel, no language, clean subtle romance, some mild violence, but mature enough that this not so “young adult”loved it!

The Queen’s Resistance picks up where we left off in Rising. The MacQuinns, the Morganes, and the Kavanaghs are trying to navigate returning to their homeland, while dealing with the overturned tyrannical king and his followers. After the trial is held condemning the Lannons to death, Prince Declan escapes. He is a disturbed, tortured soul bent on surviving, rising again, and causing as much pain as possible to those who oppose him in the process.

All the world building, the plot groundwork, the waiting…be patient, you will be rewarded with an outstanding story filled with amazingly strong women, loyal friends, hidden enemies, stinging betrayals, and long lost family.

4.5/5
While this did take me a while to finish (got back into some other hobbies lol) I think I actually like this one better than the first! And that's tough to do with a sophomore novel!
I liked the split POV
However, one thing I didn't really know how to feel about was Brienna always called him "Cartier" and I know that's the name she was more familiar with, but *SPOILERS* his chapters were titled with it too, so did he consider himself "Cartier" or "Aodhan"? He answered to both, so IDK if he had a preference...
Anyways, I wish nothing but happiness for this land restored to Queendom and all the characters within. And (as usual lol) I'd love an update on how the author thinks the characters' lives played out as there isn't a time skip epilogue.
adventurous tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix

This was definitely an improvement on the first book. I was curious as to where the story would go, and it picks up immediately after the end of the last book. There is more politics intrigue as the victors now have to deal with ruling and what to do with the vanquished. There’s a surprising amount of action because of course things don’t go smoothly. The romance takes a back burner here as we really focus on the found family and chosen family aspect. 
I am glad to say I’ve read all her books now. Ross is now one of my favorite authors and it was fun to see the progression of her craft. 
adventurous challenging hopeful mysterious reflective tense 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
adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
adventurous dark emotional hopeful 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