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thepeachmartini 's review for:
Rebel Queen
by Michelle Moran
Received as Goodreads Giveaway - read my complete review here: http://www.thepeachmartini.com/?p=731
You know the old adage “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover?” I fully admit that I am guilty of this. All. The. Time. This is especially true when I’m perusing the giveaways listed on Goodreads – if the cover catches my attention, and the title is intriguing, I’ll read the description and then decide to add it to my “To Read” shelf. That is what happened with this book, “The Rebel Queen”. I was delighted to find out I won, and shortly after I was notified, I received my ARC in the mail.
Let’s get to the story, shall we?
The story is a little slow to get off the ground, if I’m honest. It doesn’t jump right into the action; instead if follows Sita and her struggles of fitting in to her own family, her tense and somewhat abusive relationship with her Grandmother (who loathes the fact that she’s a girl, and will never marry suitably for her position). We learn about Sita’s father, and her sister who plays an important role in Sita’s life. Once certain events transpire, it is determined the only option Sita has in prospering in life and assisting her poor family is by training to become a candidate for the rani’s all-female guard. She trained day and night – both mentally and physically – and the day finally came when she was able to try out.
It’s not really a spoiler, though it kind of feels that way – Sita was accepted into the rani’s guard. The next section details her acclimation to life in the palace. It’s an interesting look into palace life, and the traditions and culture of the day. And as can be expected with that many girls in close quarters (literally!) there is girl drama! We also experience the birth of a child, a few deaths, and some traitorous behavior!
Overall, the story was VERY interesting to me, and I am definitely interested in learning more about Maharani Lakshmi Bai and that period of the East India Company. I liked the characters, and felt they were relatable and even found myself caring about them at pivotal moments throughout. The writing, I have to say, was a bit painful. While I realize there were explanations needed as a lot of this world is unfamiliar to most, I felt the language flitted between formal and informal in an awkward way. Again, I realize this is the ARC, and is an uncorrected proof, so I’m sure the final copy will be much more polished.
I’m very grateful for the opportunity to read this, and I’d say if you’re interested in 19th century history, Indian culture, strong female leads, and a good tale of love, intrigue, and action it’s work checking out.
You know the old adage “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover?” I fully admit that I am guilty of this. All. The. Time. This is especially true when I’m perusing the giveaways listed on Goodreads – if the cover catches my attention, and the title is intriguing, I’ll read the description and then decide to add it to my “To Read” shelf. That is what happened with this book, “The Rebel Queen”. I was delighted to find out I won, and shortly after I was notified, I received my ARC in the mail.
Let’s get to the story, shall we?
The story is a little slow to get off the ground, if I’m honest. It doesn’t jump right into the action; instead if follows Sita and her struggles of fitting in to her own family, her tense and somewhat abusive relationship with her Grandmother (who loathes the fact that she’s a girl, and will never marry suitably for her position). We learn about Sita’s father, and her sister who plays an important role in Sita’s life. Once certain events transpire, it is determined the only option Sita has in prospering in life and assisting her poor family is by training to become a candidate for the rani’s all-female guard. She trained day and night – both mentally and physically – and the day finally came when she was able to try out.
It’s not really a spoiler, though it kind of feels that way – Sita was accepted into the rani’s guard. The next section details her acclimation to life in the palace. It’s an interesting look into palace life, and the traditions and culture of the day. And as can be expected with that many girls in close quarters (literally!) there is girl drama! We also experience the birth of a child, a few deaths, and some traitorous behavior!
Overall, the story was VERY interesting to me, and I am definitely interested in learning more about Maharani Lakshmi Bai and that period of the East India Company. I liked the characters, and felt they were relatable and even found myself caring about them at pivotal moments throughout. The writing, I have to say, was a bit painful. While I realize there were explanations needed as a lot of this world is unfamiliar to most, I felt the language flitted between formal and informal in an awkward way. Again, I realize this is the ARC, and is an uncorrected proof, so I’m sure the final copy will be much more polished.
I’m very grateful for the opportunity to read this, and I’d say if you’re interested in 19th century history, Indian culture, strong female leads, and a good tale of love, intrigue, and action it’s work checking out.