The Queen of the Tearling, Book 1
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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 Erika Johansen's The Queen of the Tearling is the first in a fantasy series about a 19-year-old queen who's inherited a corrupt kingdom on the brink of ruin. Violence is mostly in the real world using swords, knives, arrows, and maces. Blood and pain are described with mild gore, including a detailed description of gouging someone's eyes with thumbs. Nothing's directly narrated, but rape, including gang rape and child rape; pedophilia; and sex trafficking, including of children, are frequently mentioned. Enslaved people are forced or coerced to perform intercourse and oral sex. Rare fantasy violence includes people being killed by magic power and a fantasy being who drains a child's blood. Strong language includes "c--t," "c--k," "f--k," and "s--t." Sexual content includes a man mentioning a woman grabbing his penis like a toy and "entering" the woman, a woman tweaking her own nipple while panting in a public place, some nonsexual nudity, and mild romantic feelings. Adults sometimes drink alcohol to excess with drunken behavior shown and hangover consequences. A minor character often drinks whiskey to excess to forget emotional pain. A character smokes a cigarette.
What's the Story?
THE QUEEN OF THE TEARLING is 19-year-old Kelsea, whose mother died when Kelsea was still an infant. Hidden far from the capital and raised by two of her mother's courtiers in secret, the day has finally come when Kelsea must return to the place of her birth and take her rightful place on the throne. When she arrives she finds a corrupt and crumbling government led by her uncle as regent, and he'll stop at nothing to get rid of Kelsea and take the throne for his own, once and for all. Complicating matters is the dark witch who rules a neighboring kingdom, and who exacts an annual tribute from Tearling in the form of a shipment of people to be sold into slavery. Kelsea needs and wants to make a lot of changes to the way Tearling functions, but will she be able to inspire the loyalty and trust of the people she'll need to change things for the better?
Is It Any Good?
This is a promising and compelling start to a fantasy series set in a far future in which a lot of technology and knowledge has been lost, giving it a medieval feel. Author Erika Johansen has created a vivid, detailed, and richly imagined world that's easy to get to know and to picture in your mind. A real strength lies in the colorful characters and developing relationships, especially between Kelsea and the Mace. Funny banter, serious discussions, palace intrigue, and exciting adventure keep the pages turning. The open ending and the preview of the next installment will have fans eager to continue the story.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in The Queen of the Tearling. Is it too much? Does it make a difference if it's in the fantasy realm or the real world?
What about all the mentions of sexual violence? Do they have a point, like to advance the story or develop characters?
Is the use of strong language realistic? Is it a big deal?
Book Details
- Author: Erika Johansen
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Friendship, Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Courage, Curiosity, Humility, Perseverance
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Harper
- Publication date: April 14, 2015
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 18 - 18
- Number of pages: 464
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: January 25, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
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Forest of a Thousand Lanterns: Rise of the Empress, Book 1
Vivid dark-fantasy series off to a compelling start.
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The Lost Dreamer
Ancient Mesoamerican fantasy is compelling, lyrical.
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Bitter
Beautiful fantasy about girl's quest for safety, power.
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