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A review by aerinw
Queen & Conqueror by Isabelle Olmo
5.0
Great book with fantastic world building. I can't say enough good things about this book. Everything in the world is so well thought out and the politics of the regions are fantastic. The characters have such depth by the end. I really enjoyed seeing the relationships develop and I hope that the next book adds to it more. One thing I felt towards the end of the book, is the plot is a little bit like a high fantasy version of pride and prejudice. It works in the BEST way with this book.
Some things that I know some people are picky about: this is a plot that is definitely character driven rather than action driven, so if you don't like hearing about politics or plot driven by character dialog, I wouldn't recommend. It is also written in 3rd person, and has multiple POV's. It is clear the cast of characters is large, the title "the queen's red guard" should point out that it isn't necessarily all about Amira and future books will reflect that more.
One thing I thought I disliked in the beginning, was the references to sexism that felt too contemporary for a high fantasy novel. It really took me out of my focus on the story, I think it took me a little longer to read the book because of it. For example when Almira and Alton first meet he says something to her about smiling more because it would make her prettier. While it isn't said in a contemporary way, it is still something from modern society, the US in general and is seen as a sexist microaggression. There were a couple other things like that, a white person who wasn't used to seasoning in food, or other similar comments that felt too contemporary for the book. However once I got into it, I kind of think it enhanced the book a little because the character saying these things is meant to come across as one dimensional and stereotypical. It helps when it turns out he is nothing like that in actuality and the FMC made assumptions based on rumor or only partial information.
Some things that I know some people are picky about: this is a plot that is definitely character driven rather than action driven, so if you don't like hearing about politics or plot driven by character dialog, I wouldn't recommend. It is also written in 3rd person, and has multiple POV's. It is clear the cast of characters is large, the title "the queen's red guard" should point out that it isn't necessarily all about Amira and future books will reflect that more.
One thing I thought I disliked in the beginning, was the references to sexism that felt too contemporary for a high fantasy novel. It really took me out of my focus on the story, I think it took me a little longer to read the book because of it. For example when Almira and Alton first meet he says something to her about smiling more because it would make her prettier. While it isn't said in a contemporary way, it is still something from modern society, the US in general and is seen as a sexist microaggression. There were a couple other things like that, a white person who wasn't used to seasoning in food, or other similar comments that felt too contemporary for the book. However once I got into it, I kind of think it enhanced the book a little because the character saying these things is meant to come across as one dimensional and stereotypical. It helps when it turns out he is nothing like that in actuality and the FMC made assumptions based on rumor or only partial information.