The Queen's Rising, Book 1
By Andrea Beach,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Romantic fantasy-adventure has strong women, dash of magic.
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What's the Story?
In THE QUEEN'S RISING we meet Brienna, now about to turn 17 and graduate from the prestigious Magnalia House, where she's been educated for the past seven years. But she chose her specialty later than most, and is worried that she hasn't had time to master her chosen passion -- knowledge -- and be selected by a patron to move on. Her worst fears are realized when none of the potential patrons choose her, and she spends a lonely summer at Magnalia wondering what the future holds. Although she doesn't realize it at the time, a great future arrives in the form of a mysterious lord who agrees to adopt her into his own family. It's quickly obvious that Jourdain is more than he appears to be, and soon Brienna's caught up in his intrigues. Intrigues that will eventually take her across the sea to a ruthless kingdom with inextricable ties to her own mysterious past, and the keys to her future.
Is It Any Good?
Romantic fantasy fans will enjoy following Brienna as she's swept up into adventure in a richly imagined, deeply realized world of secrets, a dash of magic, sisterhood, and royal intrigue. Two kingdoms in The Queen's Rising, both full of well-drawn characters, are easier to keep track of and envision thanks to maps and family trees in the front, but beware that the family trees reveal some spoilers. Teens will relate to Brienna as she struggles to find her path and longs to know what life has in store for her.
Debut author Rebecca Ross is at her best creating vivid descriptions of the world and the people in it. Some of the dialogue is a bit melodramatic, and sometimes the language comes across as trying too hard to reinforce the time and place. But teens who like their fantasy worlds with a sweet romance, a dash of adventure, and plenty of girl power will enjoy it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about romantic fantasies like The Queen's Rising. Which ones are your favorites? How does this one compare?
What are Brienna's character strengths? What makes her a good role model?
So many fantasies are series. Would you like to see this story continue, or does it stand on its own? Why?
Book Details
- Author: Rebecca Ross
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy , Adventures , Friendship
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: HarperTeen
- Publication date: February 6, 2018
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 14 - 17
- Number of pages: 464
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: February 26, 2019
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