heathermiccolo 's review for:

The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

4.0

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I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book from Young to Publishing Group (YPG) "Word of Mouth" program, so thanks to YPG! I think the hype for this is well deserved--Warner Brothers already has the film rights, starring Emma Watson (not the best choice). There's a lot of missing information about "The Crossing," the utopian dream of a man named William Tear, which would have been useful in the first book, but I hope to understand more of in the rest of the series. Overall, I enjoyed this story, Kelsea is a great character. I am glad the author doesn't rely on stupid tropes, like a love triangle or having Kelsea be secretly beautiful if she gets a makeover. She's more complex than that and I could relate more to her decisions more as the queen. I am jealous that she knew what to say any time she made an address or gave an order; being a queen comes naturally. This book has a lot of great potential. Also, I did enjoy the more gritty parts of the story, bodies burning, heads on pikes, drug use, which is why it often is compared to Game of Thrones. It makes sense, but it's not quite at that level (not nearly as complex character/ plot structure). Another point I will be looking for in the next book: what will happen to The Mace?