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A review by la5
Queen & Conqueror by Isabelle Olmo
5.0
This book is everything classic epic fantasy should be: interesting world, intricate politics, relationship drama, and grit. This is a multi-point of view story with a heavy focus on the female characters. I wouldn't call it a feminist fantasy -- it follows the classic epic fantasy trope where women are generally subordinated & the women who have power are upper class -- but it puts women front and center in the narrative. The story focuses on Almira, heir to a seafaring political dynasty, whose first husband dies in battle and she inherits his throne. Trained to be a good ruler (putting her people first), she strategizes to end the senseless battles that have plagued their world by proposing a marriage of equals to her beloved husband's killer. The romance in the novel is believable and does not overshadow the political drama. Of course, peacemaking efforts fail and the world plunges back into war, but Almira and her female Red Guard salvage the situation.
There's not a ton of magic (non-high ranking women are powerful because of unusual strength/swordplay as opposed to being sorceresses) or religion, though both play minor supporting roles. This is a plot-driven novel that hangs together well, includes enough world-building to make it interesting, as well as minor culture clashes and romantic drama (both lesbian and heterosexual).
This is clearly part of a series, but the ending is satisfying enough that you don't have to wait until the next book is out to buy and enjoy this one. This is a fast-paced story that is every bit the equal of any big budget, traditionally published epic fantasy I've read. It is NOT a YA novel, a clean & wholesome romance, or erotica. There are scenes of violence & sex, but the author steered clear of the graphic, blow-by-blow narration that sometimes infects adult fantasy. I've been looking for a female-focused classic fantasy series for a LONG while, and this fits the bill in every way. I'm actually kind of shocked I found it for free on Book Sirens (an advance review copy (ARC) website where you get books for free in exchange for honest reviews). This is hands-down the BEST ARC I have ever read. I don't like subscribing to reader lists, but I'm going to for this author because the book filled the void out there in terms of commercial epic fantasy that doesn't marginalize female characters (or make them male fantasies in disguise), includes the right balance of gore/sex to be tasteful, and has a compelling plot.
There's not a ton of magic (non-high ranking women are powerful because of unusual strength/swordplay as opposed to being sorceresses) or religion, though both play minor supporting roles. This is a plot-driven novel that hangs together well, includes enough world-building to make it interesting, as well as minor culture clashes and romantic drama (both lesbian and heterosexual).
This is clearly part of a series, but the ending is satisfying enough that you don't have to wait until the next book is out to buy and enjoy this one. This is a fast-paced story that is every bit the equal of any big budget, traditionally published epic fantasy I've read. It is NOT a YA novel, a clean & wholesome romance, or erotica. There are scenes of violence & sex, but the author steered clear of the graphic, blow-by-blow narration that sometimes infects adult fantasy. I've been looking for a female-focused classic fantasy series for a LONG while, and this fits the bill in every way. I'm actually kind of shocked I found it for free on Book Sirens (an advance review copy (ARC) website where you get books for free in exchange for honest reviews). This is hands-down the BEST ARC I have ever read. I don't like subscribing to reader lists, but I'm going to for this author because the book filled the void out there in terms of commercial epic fantasy that doesn't marginalize female characters (or make them male fantasies in disguise), includes the right balance of gore/sex to be tasteful, and has a compelling plot.