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A review by speculativeshelves
The Traitor Queen by Danielle L. Jensen
adventurous
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
3.75
This sequel improved the small complaints I had with the first book. I was quite invested in the story and characters, I loved all of the angst involved with Lara and Aren's arc in this book, and the ending was satisfying.
I also appreciate Danielle L. Jensen's pacing throughout these two books both in terms of romantic pacing and the fantasy plot. While I find many romantasy books these days to be full of insta-love and have high page counts despite nothing happening, this story was the opposite. The romance was never rushed and the plot was never unnecessarily dragged out - every scene felt like it had a purpose.
I definitely recommend this series for anyone looking for excellent enemies to lovers romantasy (especially if you want something a bit more adult than YA - it's probably one of the best examples of New Adult Romantasy). The Bridge Kingdom and The Traitor Queen feel a bit more like parts one and two of a standalone novel rather than a true duology so be prepared to jump immediately to this installment after finishing the first one. You also don't have to feel like you're committed to reading a six book series when you start as this series works as a collection of three standalone duologies following different couples. The Traitor Queen has a satisfying end but leaves a few interesting seeds planted for the next two books following Keris and Zarrah (as well as Books 5 and 6 which follow Ahnna).
I also appreciate Danielle L. Jensen's pacing throughout these two books both in terms of romantic pacing and the fantasy plot. While I find many romantasy books these days to be full of insta-love and have high page counts despite nothing happening, this story was the opposite. The romance was never rushed and the plot was never unnecessarily dragged out - every scene felt like it had a purpose.
I definitely recommend this series for anyone looking for excellent enemies to lovers romantasy (especially if you want something a bit more adult than YA - it's probably one of the best examples of New Adult Romantasy). The Bridge Kingdom and The Traitor Queen feel a bit more like parts one and two of a standalone novel rather than a true duology so be prepared to jump immediately to this installment after finishing the first one. You also don't have to feel like you're committed to reading a six book series when you start as this series works as a collection of three standalone duologies following different couples. The Traitor Queen has a satisfying end but leaves a few interesting seeds planted for the next two books following Keris and Zarrah (as well as Books 5 and 6 which follow Ahnna).