Simona B's Reviews > The Queen of the Tearling

"We don't always choose, Majesty. We simply make the best choices we can once the deed is done."

•I'll start with the bad because yes, I am that obnoxious. The book is set in this kingdom, the Tearling, which, along with other kingdoms and empires, was born and grew on a previously unknown land after the so-called Crossing. We are told very little about this event: we only know, basically, that said Crossing was made by the Americans, and that some bits of the late America's culture still last. My problem is, how on earth is it possible that in the world before the Crossing (which, from very numerous hints, we assume is ours) there still was some undiscovered continent? Maybe all the talking about seas and waters was metaphorical and the ships that made this Crossing were spaceships? It is imperative that I be granted further explanation on this point because really, I have no idea what went on there and it's driving me nuts. Especially since this post-apocalyptic medieval world, for me, works. It definitely does. I'm just feeling the need to know how it came to be.

•A big, colossal no to the lack of communication and basic information that went on throughout Kelsea's childhood and adolescence because I definitely do not see the point, if not that of adding some drama to the plot upon her finding out what is actually going on in her country. Seriously. No point. This is the kind of things that make me go ballistic.

•Anything else, I pretty much loved. Finally we have a strong-willed, tenacious and steadfast heroine, one who won't apologize for her straightforwardness, one who won't back off when faced with the need to prioritize and make sacrifices, one who is not scared to really get her hands dirty and shoulder her responsibilities. I am extremely, extremely pleased with her and her characterization, even though at the very beginning, just for a little while, it seemed to be rather tentative and half-hearted -which, now it's perfectly clear, was all planned to make her following development stand out even more. Her greatest asset is her mind. I second that.
And a special mention should also be given to her foster family: I came to fully appreciate their role only at the end, thanks to the episode Mace told Kelsea, and that will forever be remembered as the moment when I nearly choked on the lump that had formed in my throat.

•Speaking of whom, Mace aka Lazarus. Four words, and they'd better do because otherwise I'd be at a loss for what to say: Love. Him. To. Pieces. I want him to get to the end of this journey safe and sound and happy. (view spoiler)[And how cute would it be if he were the father? Be still, my heart. (hide spoiler)]

•My fear regarding this book was that I would be bored. Well, I was not. Never, not even for a moment. As you may know, often action-packed books tire me more than stories revolving about politics and mind-games and such. The Queen of the Tearling is of the latter kind, and I loved that it was (though I see why others would find it slow and uneventful).

➽ I am itching to get my hands on the second instalment (all the better if I'm provided the info I need about the Crossing, but mainly I want to see Kelsea kick the Red Queen's ass). I did not expect to enjoy this book so much, and far be it from me to complain -though I'll postpone the reading of the sequels because I need to pass my exams, and this story is so engaging, if I start them now I won't even touch my textbooks.
As far as I'm concerned, The Queen of the Tearling is absolutely, wholeheartedly recommended.