Long May She Reign
Teen queen uses science to save kingdom in engaging fantasy.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Long May She Reign is a stand-alone historical fantasy about a girl who becomes queen after the royal court is decimated by a mass poisoning. Rather than use violence or magic, Queen Freya relies on science and logic to save herself and her kingdom. After the initial murders, there's little violence. Sexual content is limited to a couple of passionate kisses. Court members drink wine at a royal feast.
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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: Rhiannon Thomas
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Friendship, Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: HarperTeen
- Publication date: February 22, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 13 - 17
- Number of pages: 422
- Last updated: July 13, 2017
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