“Call it The Hunger Games of Thrones. Erika Johansen’s debut novel is a genre mashup: medieval fantasy meets dystopian future. . . . The setting, combined with Johansen’s deft hand with character and plotting, really does work. . . . An addictive and enjoyable adventure. . . . The Tear is just as easy to get sucked into as Westeros or Hogwarts or Panem.” —USA Today
Magic, adventure, mystery, and … Today
Magic, adventure, mystery, and romance combine in this epic debut in which a young princess must reclaim her dead mother’s throne, learn to be a ruler—and defeat the Red Queen, a powerful and malevolent sorceress determined to destroy her.
On her nineteenth birthday, Princess Kelsea Raleigh Glynn, raised in exile, sets out on a perilous journey back to the castle of her birth to ascend her rightful throne. Plain and serious, a girl who loves books and learning, Kelsea bears little resemblance to her mother, the vain and frivolous Queen Elyssa. But though she may be inexperienced and sheltered, Kelsea is not defenseless: Around her neck hangs the Tearling sapphire, a jewel of immense magical power; and accompanying her is the Queen’s Guard, a cadre of brave knights led by the enigmatic and dedicated Lazarus. Kelsea will need them all to survive a cabal of enemies who will use every weapon—from crimson-caped assassins to the darkest blood magic—to prevent her from wearing the crown.
Despite her royal blood, Kelsea feels like nothing so much as an insecure girl, a child called upon to lead a people and a kingdom about which she knows almost nothing. But what she discovers in the capital will change everything, confronting her with horrors she never imagined. An act of singular daring will throw Kelsea’s kingdom into tumult, unleashing the vengeance of the tyrannical ruler of neighboring Mortmesne: the Red Queen, a sorceress possessed of the darkest magic. Now Kelsea will begin to discover whom among the servants, aristocracy, and her own guard she can trust.
But the quest to save her kingdom and meet her destiny has only just begun—a wondrous journey of self-discovery and a trial by fire that will make her a legend . . . if she can survive.
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I absolutely loved this book. It left me wanting more and wanting to read the next book in the series. It takes you into a whole new world. Really a great read.
This series has a compelling lead character and story line that separates itself from other YA series. This futuristic novel contains a likable heroine named Kelsea who is average in appearance but spunky and willing to fight for the kingdom she inherits. She’s no damsel in distress and she wants to get in the thick of the action. Start reading …
*** Top 5 YA Epic Fantasy Series in Progress***
These are the YA series that I am following the most closely right now….
1) The Queen of the Tearling Series by Erika Johansen
2) Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas
3) The Warrior Chronicles (starts with Chosen (Warrior Chronicles, Book 1) by KF Breene
4) The Malediction Trilogy (starts with …
This story was too gritty (a bit too much detail on war crimes, heads on spikes etc), but the quality of the characterisation and the intricate plot make this is an excellent read. My only gripes were the too well-trodden trope of a girl who is raised without the knowledge she will need to survive when she takes up her crown (never explained …
Amazing world-building and political intrigue, the pace is only a bit slow.
After reading the whole series, it is very hard to write a short review. 16 year old Princess Kelsea Glynn has been in exile. It is now time to take her birthright. Not welcomed my Queen mother, things are difficult but she is protected by Lazarus and the Kings guards.
As she takes her rightful place, she becomes a great, powerful monarch. She …
His was an original plot with 2 more books to follow.
Great start and I can’t wait to read the next one!!
The Queen of the Tearling is the first book in a young adult fantasy trilogy. Upon coming of age Kelsea must claim her mothers throne from her uncle. She has been in hiding for the majority of her life so that one day she can take the throne.
This book has been sitting on my shelf for a few years and I actually moved it to a stack of not sure if …
What a stunning book. This is one of those books that enraptures you. I never wanted it to end. Kelsey’s character is enchanting and inspiring. A young girl who fully embraces her role as queen with the will to do right by her people. She is strong willed and enduring. I love her as a female heroine and I am excited to read more about her quest to …
A good trilogy with all the ingredients that makes you turn page after page
This is one of my very favorite fantasy books of all time. It’s gripping, surprising and delicious. Fans of the Grishaverse, take note!
This is by far one of the best books I have ever read everyone wants to change the world I just love the characters I don’t know how anyone could not love them all
Fantastic and original!
I have been eyeing this book for a while now, but just kept sliding it down in my TBR pile. After being left hanging by several YA fantasy series, I decided I needed to read one that was complete, and so I grabbed The Queen of the Tearling.
This book had me hooked from the beginning. The plot, the characters, the pace; it was all perfect for me. …
Before you read further, understand that I am going to do this review on the whole Tearling trilogy.
Kealsea is not an ordinary young woman. She was secreted away as an infant to be raised by foster parents until the day she is to ascend to the throne. The cards are stacked against her at every turn. A kingdom in ruin with corruption; illness; …
I liked this book. Its was engaging and the story moved along briskly – though if it were possible, I would give it 3.5 stars instead of 4 stars. In this case I rounded up because I really did enjoy the story. I thought it was a competently written, straight forward heroic fantasy and I will probably read the next book in the series. I did have …
I absolutely love this book, the whole trilogy really. The premise is so original and thought-provoking. There is magic and monarchies, strong female characters and the value of intelligence. Kelsea quickly became one of my top favorite book characters!
The Queen of the Tearling has fantastic world-building and the history is fascinating as each …