Scan barcode
A review by booksandlemonsquash
The Hundredth Queen by Emily R. King
3.0
I think this was more of a three and a half stars for me, and more enjoyable than that implies. I will be looking out the sequel when that comes out at least :)
I liked the basic concept and the characters. What I didn't love was the fact that everything you're told about Kali isn't really true. She's not pretty, or like the others, but somehow gets two guys after her and others call her beautiful. She's not a good fighter, or at least not as well trained, but wins all her fights pretty much. Though I get that some is luck there. And then she's suddenly a bhuta and has powers. It just feels over done at this point. Having said all that, I think it's well done for what it is.
I sort of liked Jaya being brought in as the general's wife, and while I was sad to see her die it does feed the story. I do feel her escaping would have as well though! And on that note, I was sad to see Deven come back from the dead! That feels so mean to say, but I think it would have been a better story. His character is definitely the weakest, and I never like the whole "I saw you and immediately wanted you" BS.
I liked Natesa's development. And the backstory for Deven and his family.
I also think the story handled the complicated story of the courtesans, domestic violence and non consensual sexual fairly well. I'd have like to see it a bit more explicitly, but given it's a controversial topic the contempt Kali and other characters had for it, and discussions of how to weather it, was reasonably good.
Overall not the strongest, but very enjoyable and a very easy read.
I liked the basic concept and the characters. What I didn't love was the fact that everything you're told about Kali isn't really true. She's not pretty, or like the others, but somehow gets two guys after her and others call her beautiful. She's not a good fighter, or at least not as well trained, but wins all her fights pretty much. Though I get that some is luck there. And then she's suddenly a bhuta and has powers. It just feels over done at this point. Having said all that, I think it's well done for what it is.
I sort of liked Jaya being brought in as the general's wife, and while I was sad to see her die it does feed the story. I do feel her escaping would have as well though! And on that note, I was sad to see Deven come back from the dead! That feels so mean to say, but I think it would have been a better story. His character is definitely the weakest, and I never like the whole "I saw you and immediately wanted you" BS.
I liked Natesa's development. And the backstory for Deven and his family.
I also think the story handled the complicated story of the courtesans, domestic violence and non consensual sexual fairly well. I'd have like to see it a bit more explicitly, but given it's a controversial topic the contempt Kali and other characters had for it, and discussions of how to weather it, was reasonably good.
Overall not the strongest, but very enjoyable and a very easy read.