Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Teens search for conspirators in so-so romantic fantasy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
At 19, Cal Hoyt is THE QUEEN'S ASSASSIN, bound by a magical, unbreakable vow to serve the queen of Renovia and restore to her a set of ancient scrolls. The scrolls have been missing for generations, but now signs and rumors indicate that a deadly faction may have discovered them and try to use them to seize power in Renovia. Shadow's dream has been to join the Guild as a secret spy and assassin for the queen, longing to be just like Cal. Now that she's 18, she's been called away from the farm where she grew up to take up a stifling life at the royal court. Unable to bear the idea, she runs away the night before she's supposed to leave, determined to rescue Cal from his unjust prison sentence and become his apprentice. As Cal and Shadow try to unravel the plot against the queen, they find their feelings for each other changing and growing stronger. When the time comes for them to fulfill their duties, will it bring them together, or tear them apart?
Is It Any Good?
This duology start by Melissa de la Cruz is sure to be enjoyed by fans who like a nice dose of adventure and fantasy along with their romance. Unfortunately, The Queen's Assassin is too predictable, full of plot holes, and leaves too many dangling threads to appeal to a wider audience. Most aspects of the book, like the setting, plot, and characters, are serviceable but not very imaginative or original. Fans can hope that the planned second volume will offer some surprises, fill in the holes, and weave in the threads. But if your teen just can't get enough of romantic fantasy, this one will certainly give them enough to tide them over for a little while.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in The Queen's Assassin. How much is too much? Do you react differently when you read it from when you see it in movies, games, videos, etc.? Why?
Why are romantic fantasies so popular? What do we love about them?
Have you read any other books by Melissa de la Cruz? If you have, which was your favorite? If you haven't, would you like to now?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : G.P. Putnam's Sons
- Publication date : February 4, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 17
- Number of pages : 384
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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