Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Teen queen uses science to save kingdom in engaging fantasy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
At the beginning of LONG MAY SHE REIGN, teen Freya is 23rd in line to succeed the current king. But when he and most of the royal court die in a mass poisoning, Freya reluctantly dons the crown. Various factions inside and outside the castle walls want her to fail. Aided by three friends, she must solve the mystery of the murders before her enemies arrive to add her name to the death list.
Is It Any Good?
There's no hint of actual magic in the plot of this historical fantasy, but its emphasis on logic, reason, and science distinguishes the novel from the usual pseudo-medieval fare. Long May She Reign features a main character who wants to help people while staying true to her own beliefs, and author Rhiannon Thomas gives Freya plenty of opportunities to display her compassion and resourcefulness. The plot drags a bit in the middle, the budding romance doesn't generate much heat, and a few plot twists may be foreseeable, but the book still adds up to an engaging read.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the rule of royal succession in Long May She Reign. Why is the right to rule a society sometimes based solely on bloodlines? How has this rule become an important part of history?
Freya relies on physics and chemistry to solve her problems. Why is the scientific method useful? What are the dangers of ignoring science?
Freya doesn't know whom to trust after the murders. How do people build trust with each other? What kinds of behavior undermine trust?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperTeen
- Publication date : February 22, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 17
- Number of pages : 422
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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