In an attempt to stave off the degradation memory has on my ability to write these reviews, I’m going to try doing a better job at making notes for myself while I read them. I haven’t been doing a very good job of that lately. Last year, I discovered the novels of Brent Weeks. Soon thereafter, I abandoned what I had thought was going to be an interesting series because I couldn’t stomach the depiction of the women in the books. They were all beautiful […]
Utopian ideas in a dystopian space
On its face, The Queen of the Tearling is your standard young adult fare – a young queen, a handsome and mysterious love interest, emerging magic, a kingdom that must be saved. I’m not dismissing YA novels when I say this, but the Tearling series is so much more. These books are suitable for high schoolers, but also eminently rereadable and enjoyable for those of us celebrating our ten+ year reunions. Think late Harry Potter range. But the good ones. Kelsea Raleigh has known her whole life […]
Less moaning about your looks, more sorting out your country, young Queen
3.5 stars Kelsea knows that when she turns nineteen, it is time for her to take her rightful place as Queen, like her mother (who died when she was a baby) and grandmother before her. She has been raised far from civilisation, by two loyal servants, who did their best to prepare her in every way they could for the duty she would be facing. What they have not done is socialise her in any way, she’s barely seen another living soul since she was […]
History has its eyes on you
I dug this book. I wasn’t sure at first, because it was another novel where the heroine is forced into a new situation because of DESTINY and has to learn how to deal, etc. But guys, there is so much to like here. For instance: This heroine (Kelsea) has her shit together. She’s smart, stubborn, and brave, and does what she thinks is right, even if it’s not easy. She’s not beautiful. The heroines in these novels are always the most (understated) beautiful women the […]