A review by izzyjunghans
The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious reflective sad tense fast-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? It's complicated

5.0

I was in a reading slump so this took me a little to get through. I never expected it to be THAT good. All characters are so intricate, and there’s so much suspense. But what I love the most is the way women are written in this novel, in comparison to many other fantasy books (especially those written by men). The women aren’t just objects, they have facets and yes they struggle, but there’s more to them. 

I kind of feel for the red queen. To be fair I do not know much of her, but I lover her chapters. She has done cruel things, but since I do not have reasons for it yet I cannot hate her. I looooooveee the main character and her queen guard and generally everyone (except Thorne). I so badly want to know who her father is - I have so so so so many questions.