Book Review: The Exiled Queen by Cinda Williams Chima

The Exiled Queen
Seven Realms #2
Author: Cinda Williams Chima
Reading Level: YA
Genre: High Fantasy
Released: September 28th 2010
Review Source: Hyperion
Available: Amazon

Summary: (from goodreads) You can't always run from danger...

Haunted by the loss of his mother and sister, Han Alister journeys south to begin his schooling at Mystwerk House in Oden’s Ford. But leaving the Fells doesn’t mean danger isn’t far behind. Han is hunted every step of the way by the Bayars, a powerful wizarding family set on reclaiming the amulet Han stole from them. And Mystwerk House has dangers of its own. There, Han meets Crow, a mysterious wizard who agrees to tutor Han in the darker parts of sorcery—but the bargain they make is one Han may regret.

Meanwhile, Princess Raisa ana’Marianna runs from a forced marriage in the Fells, accompanied by her friend Amon and his triple of cadets. Now, the safest place for Raisa is Wein House, the military academy at Oden's Ford. If Raisa can pass as a regular student, Wein House will offer both sanctuary and the education Raisa needs to succeed as the next Gray Wolf queen.

The Exiled Queen is an epic tale of uncertain friendships, cut-throat politics, and the irresistible power of attraction.

A while back I had begun to read a series called the Seven Realms written by Cinda Williams Chima. I was well acquainted with her other series, so of course I had to read this one. The first book was fantastic and I became entranced by the fine world that the bestselling author had created. For some reason though, I never seemed to be able to keep up with next books in the series, always seeming to overlook the sequel at the bookstore. When I finally picked it up, I realized sadly what I had been missing. Just like the first book, Chima does an excellent job of displaying her world to the reader showing the rich cultures and landscapes. Her characters are also very deep and well rounded, crafting relationships that are so very human. Her flow of pace also makes the book more enjoyable, slowing down when she needs to and picking up the action when necessary. With many twists and surprises there is never a dull moment in her plot.

In the land of the Seven Realms turmoil and chaos threatens the realm of the Fells. Princess Raisa is on her way to Oden’s Ford after escaping a forced marriage to wizards. At Oden’s Ford, she hopes to learn about military and also find a way to keep her kingdom from falling apart. As she begins her journey, Han Alister a young man filled with grief and hatred at the loss of his family, also begins a quest to Oden’s Ford, to learn as much as he can about his wizardry to reap his revenge on his family’s murderers. Little do both of them know, is that their destinies will be intertwined so drastically that it will change their world. Cinda Chima does it again with a riveting sequel that showcases her many talents. So do your self a favor and go to your nearest book store to get introduced to this dramatic series.