The Queen of the Tearling - Early Book Review

The Queen of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #1)
by Erika Johansen

What is it about:
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.

What did I think of it:
Yes, I know! The title on my copy is completely different from the actual book-title, but I got an ARC of this book and for some reason they put another title on the front.

Anyway...

This is a nice read.

I will confess I was annoyed from time to time by obvious flaws and gaps in the world building, but most of them didn't influence the main storyline, so I tried to let them slide.

Those flaws aside the story was interesting. Kelsea starts out as a character I didn't much care for, but there were other intriguing characters that kept me reading. Luckily Kelsea shapes up quickly, and I could start to root for her as well.

The events unfold in a calm, but steady pace, and you get taken along on Kelsea's journey from reluctant teenager to a queen who has to rule a country that's in trouble. I liked seeing the character growth, and how Kelsea and the people around her interact with each other.

There is some intrigue going on, but because there are several viewpoint characters, there's no surprise or suspense for the reader, apart from one event.

All in all this book is enjoyable because of the writing and the characters. I might give the next book in this series a chance if I come across it.

Why should you read it:
It's a pleasant Fantasy read.