Week 26 Review: The Queen of Tearling

From Goodreads:

An untested young princess must claim her throne, learn to become a queen, and combat a malevolent sorceress in an epic battle between light and darkness in this spectacular debut—the first novel in a trilogy.

Young Kelsea Raleigh was raised in hiding after the death of her mother, Queen Elyssa, far from the intrigues of the royal Keep and in the care of two devoted servants who pledged their lives to protect her. Growing up in a cottage deep in the woods, Kelsea knows little of her kingdom's haunted past . . . or that its fate will soon rest in her hands.

Long ago, Kelsea's forefathers sailed away from a decaying world to establish a new land free of modern technology. Three hundred years later, this feudal society has divided into three fearful nations who pay duties to a fourth: the powerful Mortmesne, ruled by the cunning Red Queen. Now, on Kelsea's nineteenth birthday, the tattered remnants of the Queen's Guard—loyal soldiers who protect the throne—have appeared to escort the princess on a perilous journey to the capital to ascend to her rightful place as the new Queen of the Tearling.

Though born of royal blood and in possession of the Tear sapphire, a jewel of immense power and magic, Kelsea has never felt more uncertain of her ability to rule. But the shocking evil she discovers in the heart of her realm will precipitate an act of immense daring, throwing the entire kingdom into turmoil—and unleashing the Red Queen's vengeance. A cabal of enemies with an array of deadly weapons, from crimson-caped assassins to the darkest blood magic, plots to destroy her. But Kelsea is growing in strength and stealth, her steely resolve earning her loyal allies, including the Queen's Guard, led by the enigmatic Lazarus, and the intriguing outlaw known simply as "the Fetch."

Kelsea's quest to save her kingdom and meet her destiny has only just begun. Riddled with mysteries, betrayals, and treacherous battles, Kelsea's journey is a trial by fire that will either forge a legend . . . or destroy her. 

My first review of The Queen of Tearling

My Review:
Oh, I loved reading this book again! I love this series so much, and now that we have a prequel novel, I had to reread this whole series! I love Kelsea and her story, and watching everything unfold, knowing what's coming, I couldn't put it down!

So it was interesting going in, knowing that this kingdom was built by refugees from our future, to this land that they got to by magic. There were a few details dropped that I picked up on this time, knowing what they meant, and that was really great! 

Kelsea has come in at a difficult time. Her mom agreed to send their citizens to the Red Queen to be slaves, nobody knows who Kelsea is since she was raised in hiding, and she has to enter this complicated world of politics. Really enjoyed how she rose to the challenge!

This book sets up a lot of the future plot lines, with the Red Queen, with The Fetch, with her guards, and with the church. I'm so excited to continue on with her journey, as she learns more about her kingdom and its history, and finds her way to saving it all! 

This was a really great read, and I can't wait to continue my reread! 

Author: Erika Johansen
Series: The Queen of Tearling #1
First Read: February 21st, 2016

Read: June 30th, 2021
Source: Own
Reason Why: Rereading, and it's a 2021 Dystopia Book, DAC Book and Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2021 Book!
Publisher: Harper
Published: July 8th 2014

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars