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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
Decidí maratonear esta bilogía para sentir el impacto de la historia completa y la verdad es que no me voló la cabeza, pero tampoco la odie. Diría que estuvo bien. Son libros aceptables que se llevan una calificación de 3⭐ de mi parte.
Me resultaron ligeros y rápidos de leer. Creo que son ideales para lectores que se estan iniciando en la fantasía juvenil, ya que reunen varios aspectos clásicos del género, implementados de una forma liviana para el lector. Sin embargo, para los mas experientes en este tipo de libros, se lee como una historia que ya hemos visto antes sin agragarle nada particular que la haga destacar del resto.
El primer libro me resultó super introductorio y algo lento. Como gran parte de el esta dedicada a construir el mundo y la acción se concentra solo en las ultimas páginas, diría que el ritmo tal vez no fue el mejor. Sin embargo, el argumento igual tiene un buen cierre, a tal punto que me dejó preguntandome por qué ese no fue el verdadero final.
Entrando al segundo libro, seguía teniendo mis dudas sobre lo anterior pero para mi sorpresa, la cosa no decayó y creo que se mantuvo bastante el nivel de entretenimiento. En particular, disfruté mucho del aspecto mas político de la segunda parte aunque me quedé con ganas de un poco mas de magia.
En conclusión, desde los personajes hasta la construcción del mundo, la magia y los conflictos, se trata de una narrativa simple. Son libros algo lentos que igual se leen rápido y estan bien para pasar el rato pero no son particularmente memorables.
Me resultaron ligeros y rápidos de leer. Creo que son ideales para lectores que se estan iniciando en la fantasía juvenil, ya que reunen varios aspectos clásicos del género, implementados de una forma liviana para el lector. Sin embargo, para los mas experientes en este tipo de libros, se lee como una historia que ya hemos visto antes sin agragarle nada particular que la haga destacar del resto.
El primer libro me resultó super introductorio y algo lento. Como gran parte de el esta dedicada a construir el mundo y la acción se concentra solo en las ultimas páginas, diría que el ritmo tal vez no fue el mejor. Sin embargo, el argumento igual tiene un buen cierre, a tal punto que me dejó preguntandome por qué ese no fue el verdadero final.
Entrando al segundo libro, seguía teniendo mis dudas sobre lo anterior pero para mi sorpresa, la cosa no decayó y creo que se mantuvo bastante el nivel de entretenimiento. En particular, disfruté mucho del aspecto mas político de la segunda parte aunque me quedé con ganas de un poco mas de magia.
En conclusión, desde los personajes hasta la construcción del mundo, la magia y los conflictos, se trata de una narrativa simple. Son libros algo lentos que igual se leen rápido y estan bien para pasar el rato pero no son particularmente memorables.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
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:
Yes
adventurous
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I liked the first book, but this one not so much. I enjoyed it. It was fast-paced, but the characters were flat, and the ending was rushed.
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
4 stars
Overall: The Queen’s Resistance as a whole is of similar quality to its predecessor. I had some gripes about the lack of carry-over in terms of characterization from QR1, but I was generally satisfied with the plot, character arcs, and conclusion. Although both books were more or less predictable with their twists and reveals, the emotional payoff for the two main characters was worth reading to the end. Like QR1, QR2 is a page-turner. I read both books each within the span of roughly 2 days 😀 So congrats for consistency.
Cons:
- Lack of distinct characterization in the cast (until the ending chapters). This wasn't woven throughout the book rather than included as a glorious burst in the end. The character arcs were amazing, but I didn't get a feeling of "ah, this is who Cartier/Brienna is as a person" when they were off being separated for the majority of the book.
- Not enough Isolde to solidify the statements made about her relationships with Cartier and Brienna respectively. The payoff for the endings each character gets (esp. Brienna with her) feels too subdued.
- Payoffs for the main characters feel a little off - because one of the only times Queen's Resistance makes references to their arcs from Queen's Rising is to shove it in during the conclusion. The arcs in QR1 and QR2 are disjointed when you compare them, which is jarring because only like 5 months have passed in total?
Now that we have the cons out of the way, I only have positive things to say about QR2.
Pros:
- Survivor solidarity! In my YA fantasy?! Surprising as it sounds, yes it is HERE at no extra cost. Many of the houses are recovering after 25 years of Lannon tyranny and instead of having Brienna act like she *knows* all about it and fight on their behalf, we have Brienna learning what it was really like and having dialogue with these characters. She also experiences some traumatic events in the story too, which deepens her connection with some of the MacQuinns.
- The character arcs in QR2 amazing, but as I mentioned not the characterization, which is sorely missing.
- Inclusion of Cartier's discovering the secrets of his family. This is less of a "restore your house's honor" story as it is a story about actually finding your family and restoring balance after purging the country of corruption. Cartier in the end doesn't succumb to old game of hurting the loved ones of your enemies to get back at them, which is exactly what was integral to the Lannon vs. other houses conflict. Our boy studied history, and it shows because he ain't repeating it.
- Allegiance and identity being explored in Brienna's sections. I also love how Brienna and Lile were framed as parallels because of their split house bloodlines but in the end Brienna knows who she is and her allegiances are her choice and not thrust upon her because of her blood.
- Speaking of parallels, Cartier and Declan had one as well with regards to how they treat the women in their lives and Cartier shoved Declan's toxic masculinity off the balcony, let's just say.
Declan: See how I protec my women but it's their fault if they defy me but I still love them. Conditionally, you know. Because they only have value if I say so.
Cartier: Every woman is a queen, Declan! Especailly Brie-er I mean Isolde. BUT ALSO ESPECIALLY BRIENNA. Respect women!
But like it's also a battle that boils down to "yo momma," and you'll see if you read the book.
- The plot is predictable (as are many of the twists and reveals) but still very satisfying when everything is paid off.
- Orphans are adopted and cleared of guilt-by-association.
- This shit's like in the vein of Captive Prince but a lot less gay. Local noble youths fuck shit up, uncover family secrets and restore balance to the realm, you know?
- Those ending chapters added time to my life because that's where the Cartier and Brienna I know and love return to me (because they're actually together again without delay and interruptions finally!)
- Merei and Oriana come back! (but not Ciri because we don't claim her)
- Cartier's "call my name" kink confirmed.
Other notes: I reread my review for QR1, and I was reminded of how wholesome Cartier is when he thinks about Brienna. He’s still so supportive of Brienna and thinks she deserves the best and wants to help make her dreams come true and make something of herself. This is all still consistent here. I suppose the complaint I have about QR2 is that Brienna and Cartier are separated for what feels like even more time (page count) than in QR1. These two hit it off very well, but they get so few chances to shine together in QR2, that I was taken aback by how cute and lovey-dovey they are at Isolde’s coronaton. I forgot this is what they are like when they are together because they were almost never together. This is partly understandable because who has time to snuggle when a war-criminal is on the loose and there’s shit to be done, but I was starved of at least one extended tender moment between them during a large middle section of QR2.
If there had been (imo) a more sufficient amount of character moments where Brienna and/or Cartier felt distinct (besides being told they are both smart because they’re both knowledge passions), I would have bumped this up to a 5 for the conclusion and overall quality.
Overall: The Queen’s Resistance as a whole is of similar quality to its predecessor. I had some gripes about the lack of carry-over in terms of characterization from QR1, but I was generally satisfied with the plot, character arcs, and conclusion. Although both books were more or less predictable with their twists and reveals, the emotional payoff for the two main characters was worth reading to the end. Like QR1, QR2 is a page-turner. I read both books each within the span of roughly 2 days 😀 So congrats for consistency.
Cons:
- Lack of distinct characterization in the cast (until the ending chapters). This wasn't woven throughout the book rather than included as a glorious burst in the end. The character arcs were amazing, but I didn't get a feeling of "ah, this is who Cartier/Brienna is as a person" when they were off being separated for the majority of the book.
- Not enough Isolde to solidify the statements made about her relationships with Cartier and Brienna respectively. The payoff for the endings each character gets (esp. Brienna with her
Spoiler
becoming the Queen's Counsellor- Payoffs for the main characters feel a little off - because one of the only times Queen's Resistance makes references to their arcs from Queen's Rising is to shove it in during the conclusion. The arcs in QR1 and QR2 are disjointed when you compare them, which is jarring because only like 5 months have passed in total?
Now that we have the cons out of the way, I only have positive things to say about QR2.
Pros:
- Survivor solidarity! In my YA fantasy?! Surprising as it sounds, yes it is HERE at no extra cost. Many of the houses are recovering after 25 years of Lannon tyranny and instead of having Brienna act like she *knows* all about it and fight on their behalf, we have Brienna learning what it was really like and having dialogue with these characters. She also experiences some traumatic events in the story too, which deepens her connection with some of the MacQuinns.
- The character arcs in QR2 amazing, but as I mentioned not the characterization, which is sorely missing.
- Inclusion of Cartier's discovering the secrets of his family. This is less of a "restore your house's honor" story as it is a story about actually finding your family and restoring balance after purging the country of corruption. Cartier in the end doesn't succumb to old game of hurting the loved ones of your enemies to get back at them, which is exactly what was integral to the Lannon vs. other houses conflict. Our boy studied history, and it shows because he ain't repeating it.
- Allegiance and identity being explored in Brienna's sections. I also love how Brienna and Lile were framed as parallels because of their split house bloodlines but in the end Brienna knows who she is and her allegiances are her choice and not thrust upon her because of her blood.
- Speaking of parallels, Cartier and Declan had one as well with regards to how they treat the women in their lives and Cartier shoved Declan's toxic masculinity off the balcony, let's just say.
Declan: See how I protec my women but it's their fault if they defy me but I still love them. Conditionally, you know. Because they only have value if I say so.
Cartier: Every woman is a queen, Declan! Especailly Brie-er I mean Isolde. BUT ALSO ESPECIALLY BRIENNA. Respect women!
But like it's also a battle that boils down to "yo momma," and you'll see if you read the book.
- The plot is predictable (as are many of the twists and reveals) but still very satisfying when everything is paid off.
- Orphans are adopted and cleared of guilt-by-association.
- This shit's like in the vein of Captive Prince but a lot less gay. Local noble youths fuck shit up, uncover family secrets and restore balance to the realm, you know?
- Those ending chapters added time to my life because that's where the Cartier and Brienna I know and love return to me (because they're actually together again without delay and interruptions finally!)
- Merei and Oriana come back! (but not Ciri because we don't claim her)
- Cartier's "call my name" kink confirmed.
Other notes: I reread my review for QR1, and I was reminded of how wholesome Cartier is when he thinks about Brienna. He’s still so supportive of Brienna and thinks she deserves the best and wants to help make her dreams come true and make something of herself. This is all still consistent here. I suppose the complaint I have about QR2 is that Brienna and Cartier are separated for what feels like even more time (page count) than in QR1. These two hit it off very well, but they get so few chances to shine together in QR2, that I was taken aback by how cute and lovey-dovey they are at Isolde’s coronaton. I forgot this is what they are like when they are together because they were almost never together. This is partly understandable because who has time to snuggle when a war-criminal is on the loose and there’s shit to be done, but I was starved of at least one extended tender moment between them during a large middle section of QR2.
If there had been (imo) a more sufficient amount of character moments where Brienna and/or Cartier felt distinct (besides being told they are both smart because they’re both knowledge passions), I would have bumped this up to a 5 for the conclusion and overall quality.
I did not enjoy this book as much as the first one. This book moved quite slowly and it took me a while to get back into this world. I felt that there were a lot of characters introduced in this book which made it a little confusing and difficult to keep track of who was who.
One of the elements I loved in the first book was the passion school which obviously did not feature in this book and I probably should have known that I wasn't going to enjoy this book as much due to the change in the plot.
In the book, we get Cartier's POV which meant that we got to spend less time with the main character Brienna which meant I didn't feel as connected to her compared to the first book. If you were looking for the romance to develop in this book then you will be disappointed. I didn't think that the romance was developed at all in this book and the characters spent a lot of time separated.
For me, the ending felt a little rushed. Most of the book moved quite slowly and the pacing picked up near the end.
Overall this was an ok sequel but I didn't enjoy it as much as the first book.
One of the elements I loved in the first book was the passion school which obviously did not feature in this book and I probably should have known that I wasn't going to enjoy this book as much due to the change in the plot.
In the book, we get Cartier's POV which meant that we got to spend less time with the main character Brienna which meant I didn't feel as connected to her compared to the first book. If you were looking for the romance to develop in this book then you will be disappointed. I didn't think that the romance was developed at all in this book and the characters spent a lot of time separated.
For me, the ending felt a little rushed. Most of the book moved quite slowly and the pacing picked up near the end.
Overall this was an ok sequel but I didn't enjoy it as much as the first book.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
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This is the second book in The Queen's Rising duology. I swear these books are so under-hyped its ridiculous! The Queen's Rising was one of my favourite books of the year and its sequel did not disappoint. This book picks up almost immediately where the first book leaves us, and I loved seeing all my favourite characters again! I adored the found family Brienna has found and the sense of belonging she finally has. I was also so excited when there was a POV from Cartier as well as Brienna! I enjoyed how the main plot wasn't the romance between Cartier and Brienna and how the aftermath of the revolution was more of this focus. I also loved the introduction of the new characters such as Neeve and Ewan as well, I couldn't help falling in love with them like I had the original crew. Ewan and Cartier's relationship was adorable, and I loved seeing them interact.
I'm hoping another book in this world is on its way because I need MORE!
This is the second book in The Queen's Rising duology. I swear these books are so under-hyped its ridiculous! The Queen's Rising was one of my favourite books of the year and its sequel did not disappoint. This book picks up almost immediately where the first book leaves us, and I loved seeing all my favourite characters again! I adored the found family Brienna has found and the sense of belonging she finally has. I was also so excited when there was a POV from Cartier as well as Brienna! I enjoyed how the main plot wasn't the romance between Cartier and Brienna and how the aftermath of the revolution was more of this focus. I also loved the introduction of the new characters such as Neeve and Ewan as well, I couldn't help falling in love with them like I had the original crew. Ewan and Cartier's relationship was adorable, and I loved seeing them interact.
I'm hoping another book in this world is on its way because I need MORE!
Muy bueno!! Aunque me faltó más magia!! Y sentí que tenía varias páginas de más!!