The Queen of the Tearling: A Novel (Queen of the Tearling, The) (urspr publ 2014; utgåvan 2015)

The audiobook definitely held my attention more than when I tried to read the ebook. This says a lot about the fantastic narration by Katherine Kellgren. Far from being bored, I would catch myself thinking about the story eager to get back to it when I had to do mundane life things like work or other errands. I enjoyed that this had a much darker feel to it similar to Half Bad and Shadow and Bone. Queen of the Tearling read like a high fantasy novel but referred to America several times so I guess it was supposed to be post-apoc or dystopic? I'm not sure - but I liked the high fantasy aspect - the magic - good vs evil - etc. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel and I'm hoping to connect more with the characters as the story continues. That lack of connection is what kept me from rating this a five. ( )

The audiobook definitely held my attention more than when I tried to read the ebook. This says a lot about the fantastic narration by Katherine Kellgren. Far from being bored, I would catch myself thinking about the story eager to get back to it when I had to do mundane life things like work or other errands. I enjoyed that this had a much darker feel to it similar to Half Bad and Shadow and Bone. Queen of the Tearling read like a high fantasy novel but referred to America several times so I guess it was supposed to be post-apoc or dystopic? I'm not sure - but I liked the high fantasy aspect - the magic - good vs evil - etc. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel and I'm hoping to connect more with the characters as the story continues. That lack of connection is what kept me from rating this a five. ( )

I'm enraged both by how good this book is AND how it's not actually out till JULY, so the sequel is EVEN FURTHER AWAY. regardless: amazing. buy a hundred copies. ( )

This book is a mix of dystopian and fantasy, but I’d label it fantasy first. Technology was lost in The Crossing, along with most doctors, nurses, and all the medical equipment. I'm not sure what has happened, to make everything go back to the dark ages, but things are bleak, now. I listened to this on audio and can’t seem to find a map online, but I think this takes place in a ravaged European like country.

Kelsea has survived to her nineteenth birthday and will be Queen, if she can survive the journey to her throne. Magic jewels, adventure, loyalty, respect, and all the things that make a good fantasy are here. There is very little, to no romance; Kelsea is plain, not a beauty, but she’s strong-willed, educated, and willing to take responsibility for her actions and country.

I'm not really sure that this is a YA a novel. Teens who love fantasy will like it, but there are just enough adult comments and issues to make it more for the adult market, I think. I'll read the sequel, but I'm waiting for it to go on sale or borrow it from the library, the Kindle cost is pretty pricy at the moment. ( )

I have questions, most of them unflattering. ( )