Book Review: The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

The Queen of the Tearling
The Queen of the Tearling #1
Author: Erika Johansen
Reading Level: New Adult
Genre: Fantasy | Magic
Released: July 8th 2014
Review Source: HarperCollins

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.

The Queen of the Tearling introduces readers to a world as fully imagined and terrifying as that of The Hunger Games, with characters as vivid and intriguing as those of The Game of Thrones, and a wholly original heroine. Combining thrilling action and twisting plot turns, it is a magnificent debut from the talented Erika Johansen.

I love Emma Watson. I do. When I read she is set to star in The Queen of the Tearling I jumped on board. It was a satisfying read. A book filled with magic and adventure. A great debut and perfect for the big screen. I can definitely see Emma as Queen Kelsea!

The Queen of the Tearling is about a young princess who has been hidden all her life for her own protection. As her ninetieth birthday approach and the fact that her mother, the queen is dead, Princess Kelsea Raleigh Glynn is set on a journey to return to the land that she is to reign. Ready or not, Princess Kelsea will soon be queen and will learn that ruling takes dedication and willingness to fight and die for a nation.

The Queen of the Tearling took me a while to read. Not because it wasn’t good, but at times I asked myself many questions. I was confused at times and I had to re-read previous chapters. During her journey, Princess Kelsea confronted many controversies and faced danger. I learned to respect her and even though she thought she was not ready to be queen, Princess Kelsea was well raised by her foster parents. She was ready to rule her nation.

The story reminded me so much of one of my favorite series, Fire and Thorn. It was enjoyable reading a book similar. I understand why Emma would sign up for such role and honestly, I cannot wait for the movie. A must read novel of magic, adventure but also a book of destiny and survival. I recommend this book to all fantasy lovers along with Alice of Wonderland and Fire and Thorn fans.