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The Exiled Queen (Seven Realms #2)

by Cinda Williams Chima (Goodreads Author)

4.38 of 5 stars 4.38 · rating details · 11,772 ratings · 905 reviews

Haunted by the loss of his mother and sister, hunted by the powerful Bayar family, Han Alister makes a devil’s bargain with the clans. If they sponsor his schooling at Mystwerk Academy at Oden’s Ford, he will become their magical sell-sword against the power-hungry Wizard Council.

Han and his clan friend Fire Dancer undertake the dangerous journey south through war-torn Ard...more Haunted by the loss of his mother and sister, hunted by the powerful Bayar family, Han Alister makes a devil’s bargain with the clans. If they sponsor his schooling at Mystwerk Academy at Oden’s Ford, he will become their magical sell-sword against the power-hungry Wizard Council.

Han and his clan friend Fire Dancer undertake the dangerous journey south through war-torn Arden. Once in Oden’s Ford, it doesn’t take long for the smoldering feud between Han and Micah Bayar to kindle into flame. After several attempts on his life, Han knows he has to find a way to defend himself.

In the magical dream world of Aediion, Han meets the mysterious Crow, a wizard with a long-standing grudge against the Bayars. Crow offers to tutor Han in wizardry in exchange for his help. Han agrees, once again forced into a bargain he hopes he won’t regret.

Meanwhile, Han’s friends Fire Dancer and Cat Tyburn struggle with their own demons. Dancer is determined to become a clan flashcrafter, despite his charmcaster status. Cat carries a load of guilt, as the only survivor of the slaughter of the gangs in Ragmarket and Southbridge.

Resuming her disguise as gently-born Rebecca Morley, Princess Raisa ana’Marianna travels with her friend Amon Byrne and his triple of cadets to Wien House, the military academy at Oden’s Ford. There she hopes she will find both temporary sanctuary from a forced marriage and the education she needs to succeed as the next Gray Wolf queen.

Much of Raisa’s education takes place outside of the classroom. As she mingles with students of all classes from throughout the Seven Realms, she forges the kind of friendships that don’t happen amid the cut-throat politics of the Gray Wolf Court. She also struggles to deal with her attraction to Amon—an attraction he seems determined to discourage.

When Han Alister asks the girl he knows as Rebecca to tutor him, she agrees. The streetlord turned wizard with the complicated past fascinates her, and he makes it clear the interest is mutual. But Han blames Queen Marianna and the Bayars for the loss of his family. As their relationship deepens, Raisa suspects that if Han knew her true identity, he wouldn’t want anything to do with her.(less)

Hardcover, 586 pages

Published September 24th 2010 by Hyperion Books

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May 03, 2013 Stacia ~ Mistress of Mediocrity rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult

Yay! I love fantasy again!!!

Yet, I still hate reviewing fantasy - with an added emphasis on the word hate.

Most books = Point A to point b.

Fantasy books = Point A intersects with person C on the way to meeting person F at point Y.

How the heck do you review that?

I'll reiterate what I've loved about Seven Realms so far. These books meet the criteria for what I'd like to see more of in YA fantasy. There is action and adventure. There are plenty of varied characters from all walks of life. There i...more

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Feb 20, 2012 Amelia, the pragmatic idealist rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, all-kinds-of-fantasy, disney-hyperion, disappointing, annoying-protagonist, mc-girl, mc-guy

Ahh, what can I say about this series? It's like George Martin fantasy for younger audiences. Boo. I don't recommend this series, and I won't be continuing with it.

Longer review of the overall series
Here's the thing...this series really frustrates me. This is the kind of series that screams 'READ ME AMELIA! You're going to LOVE ME!' Because, see...I lovelovelove high fantasy, probably more so than any other genre/subgenres. Most books that deal with magical and/or fantastical elements are set i...more

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Nov 06, 2011 Kristi (The Story Siren) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: own-arc, books-i-own, signed-books

I absolutely adore this series. I don't know why I waited so long to read this book! Although I'm glad that I have a copy of the next book at hand...which now I hear is book three in the four book series!

It has been a while since I read The Demon King but it wasn't hard to get caught up in the incredible world that Chima created and remember the fantastic characters that seemed like long lost friends! It's been amazing watching these characters grow, just in these first two novels.... especially...more

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Apr 17, 2013 Chivitouille rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

Absolutamente maravilloso!

Si la primera parte la adoré esta la amé, es un gran gusto poder tener la oportunidad de leer una segunda parte que supere con creces la primera.
Aunque el principio es bastante prometedor por alguna razón no pude conectar de inmediato con la historia, pero en cuanto lo hice fue una cuestión de no querer parar de leer.
Páginas en las que mi corazón se entristeció para inmediatamente reír con las siguientes, era una vaivén de emociones que me hicieron desvelarme porque ten...more
Absolutamente maravilloso!

Si la primera parte la adoré esta la amé, es un gran gusto poder tener la oportunidad de leer una segunda parte que supere con creces la primera.
Aunque el principio es bastante prometedor por alguna razón no pude conectar de inmediato con la historia, pero en cuanto lo hice fue una cuestión de no querer parar de leer.
Páginas en las que mi corazón se entristeció para inmediatamente reír con las siguientes, era una vaivén de emociones que me hicieron desvelarme porque tenía que saber que sucedería a continuación.
La trama transcurre donde termino El rey demonio, cuando Han y Raisa emprenden sus caminos hacia Vado de Oden.
Vamos conociendo un poco más del reino donde se desarrolla la historia y como afecta la guerra que acontece en Arden a los lugares que se encuentran en derredor.
De igual manera conforme van avanzando en su recorrido vamos conociendo más a Han y Raisa, junto con Amón y Bailarín, cada uno de estos personajes me resultan increíbles, se nota que la autora se esmeró en hacer un desarrollo muy concienzudo de ellos, puesto que cada uno tiene una personalidad que va complementando a los otros.
Uno de los puntos que me encanta es que la autora separa los caminos para luego hacer que los personajes de reencuentren y esta es una de las partes que más esperaba del libro, puesto que marca el punto en que la vida de los personajes se complicara más de lo que ya se encuentra y generara un sin fin de situaciones que como ya mencione anteriormente provocarán un vaivén constante de emociones en tu persona.
Otro punto es la vida en Vado de Oden, las clases, como se separan los soldados y los magos, los maestros; debo de admitir que me hizo recordar El nombre del viento, pero la comparación resulta muy superficial.
Todas las cosas por las que pasa Han me hicieron sentir una gran empatía por él, vemos un gran crecimiento y desarrollo durante todo el libro, convirtiéndose al final en un personaje maravilloso. Se esmera mucho por mejorar a pesar de que algunos acontecimientos y personajes le quieren poner trabas, al final es su empeño por lograr ciertos objetivos en su futuro que no se deja vencer y sigue adelante.
Raisa es un personaje fuerte y de gran carácter, es de esos personajes femeninos que deberían de abundar más, tiene muy bien puestos los pantalones pero al mismo tiempo tiene un gran corazón, es aquí cuando demuestra que tiene la actitud y las capacidades de sobra para convertirse en una mejor persona para sacar adelante a su reino y hacerlo lo mejor posible con las enseñanzas que adquiera y claro, sufre como cualquier personaje femenino cuando se encuentra ante el amor.

De igual manera vamos conociendo más a Mica y Fiona Bayar, descubrimos algunas de sus ambiciones y deseos que los impulsan a actuar de la manera en que lo hacen.
Hay personajes nuevos algunos que son importantes durante la estancia de los personajes principales en Vado de Oden y otros que lo serán mas adelante, algunos interesantes, otros malvados, los que están para apoyar, aconsejar, interferir...cada uno de ellos a mi parecer indispensables para el desarrollo de los protagonistas.

Y hablando de amor...este es genial! Si, que la autora te hace sufrir, si, que te hace desear que sucedan cosas, si, que las cosas suceden, si, que te vuelve hacer sufrir...pero al final todo tiene una razón de ser y a pesar de saberlo de antemano no dejas de sentir que se estremece tu corazón.
Hablo de algunas de las cosas que me hizo sentir este libro, porque es realmente difícil hablar de puntos concretos sin soltar algún spoiler, pero hablo sinceramente al decir que esta segunda parte vale mucho la pena y que no defraudara en ningún momento, tal vez quisieras que alguna u otra cosa sucedieran de manera diferente pero una de las cosas buenas que tiene la autora es que todo esta bien pensado y justificado, y a pesar de ello nos concede algunas treguas en algunos momentos del libro, las cuales me hicieron emocionar enormemente.
Sólo me resta decir que sin duda encontrarás una lectura que no te dejara para nada indiferente. Ampliamente recomendable.(less)

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Aug 21, 2010 Chantele Sedgwick rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: own

raved about book one in this series. The Demon King. It was a LONG book, but I couldn't stop thinking about the characters when I was finished reading. The same goes for this one. Although, I think I liked The Demon King just a tad better. The first half of this book was sort of slow going for me. Usually I devour a book in two days or so, and this one took me almost a week to get through. Now, don't get me wrong, I did really like it. The author just puts so much detail and things in the book,...more

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May 08, 2010 Kathleen Houlihan rated it 3 of 5 stars

The Exiled Queen is the second (I stand corrected!) in the Seven Realms trilogy, and while I found it a great read, I didn't find it as gripping as Demon King, primarily because the characters seemed less firey and vivid -- more like water-color versions of themselves.

The characters are all there, and we get to find out what happened to them, but I found some of the relationships less compelling this time around. In Demon King, the tension between Han and Micah was so fierce and real, and I fou...more The Exiled Queen is the second (I stand corrected!) in the Seven Realms trilogy, and while I found it a great read, I didn't find it as gripping as Demon King, primarily because the characters seemed less firey and vivid -- more like water-color versions of themselves.

The characters are all there, and we get to find out what happened to them, but I found some of the relationships less compelling this time around. In Demon King, the tension between Han and Micah was so fierce and real, and I found it somewhat stilted in this book, for no apparent reason. I would have thought it would be moreso, now that Han nearly killed Micah's father. I also disliked the Crow character -- a bit of mystery surrounding a character is intriguing, but because we only meet Crow in the Aediion dream-world, I found Crow completely flat and devoid of interest. The fact that he was using Han, and possessing him, seemed on the one hand completely obvious, but there were so many irritating loose ends (like why was he possessing him? where did he go during those lost hours?) -- I wanted a reckoning between them (and to find out who s/he was, and why they could teach magic, but not use it).

I still liked Raisa, and her fumbling around, trying to find love, first with Amon, then with Han, was compelling. I found Amon much flatter in Exiled Queen -- clearly, the binding has done much to him, but I don't know that it's improved him for the better. When their relationship ended, he didn't seem like much of a loss, so it was difficult to feel sympathy for Raisa's tears. She also kind of latched onto Han pretty quickly thereafter, so it made you wonder if she ever really felt anything for Amon at all -- or if Han will just be some serious rebound material.

I'm being nitpicky, and on the whole, I loved the story, and getting to see the characters relationships develop, and I'm on pins and needles for book three... I'm hoping that, for the fight for Raisa, the characters throw off their reticence and go out in a blaze of glory.(less)

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Jun 08, 2011 Brittany rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fantasy fans!

Recommended to Brittany by: Library

Shelves: favourites

HOLEY CRAP. I think this is seriously, like, my new favourite freaking series! Well one of them anyway. First off I have to -bow- to Cinda Williams Chima because she is an absolutely brilliant writer. Throughout this entire nearly-600 paged book I did not get bored once and that is saying something for me.

First off, every single one of her characters has an utterly intriguing story that kept me captivated. Even Micah who I think is a jerk (because he is!) and don't like.I really don't <.<...more

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Sep 13, 2011 Isamlq rated it 4 of 5 stars

Neither Han nor Raisa nor Dancer ended up where I expected them to. A good deal of EXILED QUEEN is them settling into a new unexpected stage... and it was fascinating.

OK, I'm still not completely sure about what i felt for the princess. I am not sure I like her, but I have to give it to her: she's tough and does what has to be done. Add the fact that she's out there and says what's on her mind. The best about her thing though is her not moping all the time. When she realizes she cannot have her...more

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Jul 20, 2010 Sam F rated it 5 of 5 stars

I like Cinda Wiliams Chima. Her previous books had her on my 'will watch with eagle eye' list. But the Seven Realm novels have landed her smack dab in the middle of my 'need to cyber stalk write like her' list.
See, I like huge fantasy books, but I do agree, some of them can get dull. I didn't have that problem with this one. Instead of focusing on ornate descriptions and oodles and bunches of fantastical creatures, The Exiled Queen is full of characters that I love. While the plot is great and t...more I like Cinda Wiliams Chima. Her previous books had her on my 'will watch with eagle eye' list. But the Seven Realm novels have landed her smack dab in the middle of my 'need to cyber stalk write like her' list.
See, I like huge fantasy books, but I do agree, some of them can get dull. I didn't have that problem with this one. Instead of focusing on ornate descriptions and oodles and bunches of fantastical creatures, The Exiled Queen is full of characters that I love. While the plot is great and the writing is superb, it was the characters that really made this novel.
Raisa, the princess, is not the typical fluff ball. However, she isn't the now-typical 'I am a warrior princess' either. She's brave and flawed and stubborn and smart. Oh, and she really has this issue with kissing boys she shouldn't be kissing.
And speaking of that . . .
Let's just talk about Han, the main male character. Because, generally, fantasy novels do have great guys. But they aren't always crush worthy.
Yeah . . .
Han is. A reformed thief who can cheat at cards or slit a throat, Han is now becoming a magician. And through the whole book, even when I wasn't busy thinking Why are there no reformed thief-now-magician boys in my high school? I just liked him.
The villians are believable. And the support characters are just as fleshed out as the main ones. You want to be the friend of Dancer, Han's closest comrade, and you laugh as Raisa's roommates try and set her up.
Sequels are not always so hot. But honestly, I liked The Exiled Queen more than the previous novel. (Oddly, a pattern that seems to be repeating itself -- I liked Linger more than Shiver, Catching Fire more than Hunger Games, and now The Exiled Queen more than The Demon King.)
Still, the first is definitely good. I'm not saying that it isn't. I'm just saying that I think the second falls more into the 'Fantabulous' category. Cinda Williams Chima took on a subject that many people totally couldn't. It would have been easy for this to fall flat, or to bore me, but it didn't. I was too busy falling in love with the characters.(less)

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Mar 06, 2013 melissa1lbr rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, young-adult, audio

Things I Liked:
This is epic high fantasy at its best. Chima has created a rich, detailed, and deep world here with customs, prejudices, cultures, and history so complete it is like an alternate reality. I love how intricate and complete every part of the story and the world is, even if it's only a passing reference. The slang and language of the characters also contribute to this feeling of completeness. I am just in awe of how much work and thought and creativity Chima has used to put this seri...more

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Oct 11, 2010 Linzy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Long winded. That is how I can describe this. Cinda gets around to the juice later, but a lot of things in this book I found boring. Sometimes the characters' relations were slightly confusing. I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that the Bayers and Han schooled together. Also, Cinda got on her soapbox a little in this book mixing in some opinions about political and religious issues. Some of these interspersed opinions could have been taken out without any detraction from the story. I still...more

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Oct 03, 2011 Ashley - Book Labyrinth rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fave-covers, favourites, my-books, gifts, signed-copy

Loved this one even more than the first. I just adore the characters, the magic, the politics, the struggles. Sometimes during the quieter moments I'm frustrated by the lengths of these books, but only because I'm used to reading a book in a day or two, and that just won't happen here unless you spend all day with it.

I've seen a lot of recommendations for these series and I'm actually having a hard time saying why those recs won me over and why they were so spot on. Sometimes you just really lik...more

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Mar 03, 2013 Jen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'll start by saying that The Exiled Queen (Seven Realms #2), despite being the second book in a series, does not suffer from the traditional second-book curse {you know, where the second book sucks ...}. Cinda Williams Chima did a great job keeping the story line going, the plot strong, and added amazing depth to characters that already seemed to have some depth to them.

I suppose it should speak well to the quality of this series that I finished THE DEMON KING less than a month before I finishe...more

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Mar 02, 2013 K.G. C.J. rated it 5 of 5 stars

C.J. from Book Nerd and Proud
http://booknerdandproud.blogspot.com

5/5 stars
The only thing that upsets me about this book is the fact there are only two more books in the series so far. What will I do with my life once the series is over?! I don't think I could ever give less than five stars to a book like this. The author is a brilliant writer, and again, the imagery and sensory details transport you into another world. The characters, no matter how put together they seem on the outside, all have...more C.J. from Book Nerd and Proud
http://booknerdandproud.blogspot.com

5/5 stars
The only thing that upsets me about this book is the fact there are only two more books in the series so far. What will I do with my life once the series is over?! I don't think I could ever give less than five stars to a book like this. The author is a brilliant writer, and again, the imagery and sensory details transport you into another world. The characters, no matter how put together they seem on the outside, all have their weaknesses. Also, each character has a interesting story that is captivating that Chima has gone to great lengths to develop. There was definitely more romance in this book than in the past book, which leaves the question of who she should choose. Han the dangerous former streetlord, or Amon the childhood best friend?

I still love Raisa, the princess who does what needs to be done. She would marry someone she doesn't love for the good of the kingdom, but she won't do it to help someone's plans. Although she wishes things were different and like any other girl, she could marry for love. I also like the fact that she can see through everybody's act and that she's very blunt. The princess finally gets the life she wants, to be able to learn things that will help her in her future rather than learning which fork to use. She accomplishes this by going to Oden's Ford, which is a military academy which took a long time to travel to. Their travels to the academy is actually what makes up most of the novel.

Again, Raisa's life is intertwined with Han's. He also travels to Oden's Ford for schooling with his best friend Dancer. Han gets to know Raisa by the name of Rebecca Morley (once you read the books you'll understand why). Han actually blames a lot of his life on the Queen and the princess heir, so we get a view of dramatic irony when we see Han ranting about the royal family. Han is actually a very clever guy, and whenever he feels threatened he doesn't back down. The Bayars are also Han's enemies, but no matter what opportunity he is given, he shows restraint in killing them...Well, at least Micah and Fiona, can't say the same about their father.

I feel really bad for Amon, who loves Raisa, but can never be with her, so instead he is planning to marry another girl. He likes her, he would be a good husband to her, but he may never love her.
This book had even more drama, romance, action, and bravery than the last. I didn't believe it was possible! I hope to read the next book soon.
(less)

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Feb 23, 2013 05SarahP rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: book-reviews

The Exiled Queen by Cinda Williams Chima is an amazing adventure, all 586 pages! The intended audience of this book is Teens/Young Adults. The main issue this book addresses is that the Bayars are out to find Han, because of him stealing the serpent amulet, and Raisa for running away from the fells so she wouldn't have to be married to Micah and ruin the peace of the seven realms.
The setting is in the seven realms, and most of the book takes place at Odens Ford. Odens Ford is located on the Ta...more The Exiled Queen by Cinda Williams Chima is an amazing adventure, all 586 pages! The intended audience of this book is Teens/Young Adults. The main issue this book addresses is that the Bayars are out to find Han, because of him stealing the serpent amulet, and Raisa for running away from the fells so she wouldn't have to be married to Micah and ruin the peace of the seven realms.
The setting is in the seven realms, and most of the book takes place at Odens Ford. Odens Ford is located on the Tamron and Arden river. The protagonists of this book are Rasia-the princess heir of the fells. Hans Alister-former street lord, wanted for murder, and found out that he is a wizard. Antagonists: Micah Bayar-The high wizard's son, likes princess Raisa, is after Han. Fiona Bayar-Micah's twin sister, after the amulet, kind of likes Han.
Summary: Han is going to Odens Ford to study magic. Meanwhile, Princess Rasia has ran away from the Fells, and has gone south to go to Odens Ford for military school. She chops up her hair and goes by "Rebecca Morley." The Bayar twins are also at Odens Ford. Han and Rasia both have conflict with them. Han is trying not to get killed by them, and Rasia doesn't want to be seen because she is scared Micah will recognize her and take her back to the Fells. He is the reason she ran away. Han and "Rebecca Morley" meet up again, and fall in love. Micah finds Rasia, and he is journeying back to the Fells with her. She escapes them and keeps going north. Han is also going north because the clans want him to protect them. He goes searching for Rebecca.
What I liked about this book was how Rasia was brave and not afraid to do anything it took to learn, become a better future queen, and to be safe. Two quotes: "and doing the mending, and all the hundred little tasks she now had to do herself--and to military standards." p.182 "Early on, Rasia had asked Hallie to cut her hair, to alter her looks." p.39
Theme: The things you've done always come back to haunt you. I recommend this book to teens and young adults because there is action, adventure, and romance. The story line is complex, so it may be too much for a child to comprehend.
Something unique about this book is there are two different stories going on at the same time, within the different chapters. Then towards the middle of the book the two stories meet! This was an amazing book that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I can't wait to read the next one!
(less)

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Jan 12, 2013 Lucy rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I thought this was definitely an improvement on the previous book. I would give it 4/5 stars except when I got to the end I was fairly put off by the fact that it wasn't really a complete book. If I'd read it and known I'd have to wait years till the next book in the series I would have been very put off.

I enjoyed her physical descriptions. I didn't skip any parts with Raisa unlike the last book. I liked that Amon was seeing another girl, although I was put off by the whole "he doesn't love her,...more I thought this was definitely an improvement on the previous book. I would give it 4/5 stars except when I got to the end I was fairly put off by the fact that it wasn't really a complete book. If I'd read it and known I'd have to wait years till the next book in the series I would have been very put off.

I enjoyed her physical descriptions. I didn't skip any parts with Raisa unlike the last book. I liked that Amon was seeing another girl, although I was put off by the whole "he doesn't love her, still loves Raisa" thing. Is that necessary? Can we just have someone NOT like her (ditto for Han tbh) for once? It also seems like she's pretty much destined to get with Han - also felt this in 1st book - which is a bit depressing (what is the point of all this other romance stuff when it seems clear what will happen -- they are the 2 main characters, they will get together). She seems like the dumb girl who goes for the bad boy purely because he is a bad boy, but she's not meant to be dumb.

Characterisation: i wish a bit more time was spent with more interesting characters than dull Amon, the entire dull academy crew. Someone pointed out in another review (for the 3rd book) that Raisa has no female friends. This is pretty much true in this book. The other cadets come across as very much beneath her, not the sharpest (we have a very large stretch with no one guessing who she is, same with Han not guessing), people who just serve her and who she helps out. Aw poor little peasants, let's give them money.

Even Cat, who I liked, seems to be a bit of a fool in how she behaved. The author has clearly decided what she wants to happen, even if it stretches belief or turns her characters into irrational idiots. Hard for me to like said characters when this happens. There is also a lot of telling as opposed to showing (this character is bitter/angry/smart/ruthless, Micah Bayar is a mix of good and bad... mmk I don't see it). Often there is this telling even when she has adequately shown, maybe even in the previous paragraph, that said character is bitter/arrogant/etc.

This being said it was still a good book. The dreamworld and Crow were interesting, the people on the wizarding side of the river were interesting, Raisa generally demonstrated herself to be a strong character, fighting off attackers instead of having a guy come to save her. (You know what would be nice though: a girl who actually does love "girly"/non-martial stuff, but who is smart enough to choose good followers and keep them around her. Esp since historically this is what successful queens have done.) (less)

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Nov 18, 2012 Lainey rated it 3 of 5 stars

An improvement on The Demon King overall. Han and Raisa and co. are finally moving around and doing things instead of just reacting. The Oden's Ford set-up might read at times like a more grown up Harry Potter (there are some very Potter-ish scenes with Han and Dancer sneaking about) but it's different and well-written enough that it's not too distracting. However there still some issues in this book that I just couldn't overlook and kept me from enjoying chunks of the story:

- First and foremost...more An improvement on The Demon King overall. Han and Raisa and co. are finally moving around and doing things instead of just reacting. The Oden's Ford set-up might read at times like a more grown up Harry Potter (there are some very Potter-ish scenes with Han and Dancer sneaking about) but it's different and well-written enough that it's not too distracting. However there still some issues in this book that I just couldn't overlook and kept me from enjoying chunks of the story:

- First and foremost is the dull and boring Amon Byrne. He manages to come off as a nice boy, correct and proper but as a result never does or says anything interesting. Sure, he's in a rather awkward position regarding Raisa and he has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders but would it kill him to show some sense of humor? That chapter where he and Raisa talk to the Waterwalkers? Longest.Chapter.Ever.

I think Raisa's character suffers as a result because in the first half they keep going back on forth over their relationship which we know won't ever happen and we know why so it's especially tiring to listen to their overwrought melodrama. It is even more tiring to listen to Raisa's inner monologue on Amon's qualities, it's like that friend you have who won't...just...shut...up about a boy she likes.

- Again with Amon. Since he couldn't be with Raisa he courts a girl named Annamaya and intends to marry her and tells Raisa about his plans. Raisa then realizes that Amon was willing to marry someone he doesn't love for the sake of duty. That's well and good but does Annamaya even have a say in this? I hated this part in the book because they treated Annamaya like her feelings didn't matter at all, like she wasn't ever a person, just someone who wasn't Raisa that Amon could one day marry (no doubt with a broken heart). Is he really such a catch that any girl would be willing to marry him regardless of his feelings (or lack of it)?

- This notion, expressed several times in the book, that "blood will out".

There is a line where Raisa thinks she and Amon feel the pressure of a dynasty of accomplishment. Excuse me, accomplishment? More like inherited privilege. Amon would not be where he is had he not been born a Byrne which comes attached with a prestigious job (thanks to Hanalea's binding). Raisa would not be where she is either nor would she have this "dynasty of accomplishment" to follow through had she not been born a princess.

There were also scenes where people would tell Han that "there was something about him" (what exactly?) and his teacher Abelard at one time even says there was something "aristocratic" about him. Granted, Abelard is a bigot, but this idea that Han somehow inherited some "aristocratic" quality from his many-times-great-grandfather Alger Waterlow is just ridiculous (magic he inherited, yeah, but nothing else). I mean if you trace anyone's family tree far enough you're bound to hit on someone rich and well-connected (and that's all the aristocracy is in a way, rich powerful people who make the rules on who can join their little circle).

- Lastly, why the lack of trustworthy female wizards (or witches)? The female wizards introduced so far, Fiona, Abelard and Mordra are all a bit dodgy. (less)

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Nov 17, 2012 Rachel rated it 5 of 5 stars

As the second book in the Seven Realms series, The Exiled Queen had a tough act to follow. The end of The Demon King leaves both Han and Raisa travelling to Oden's Ford for schooling. Each knows that the journey could be dangerous, through lands that are even less at peace than the Fells are. Once they make it, they will have to contend both with classes as well as with Micah Bayar, their teachers, and each other. Han finds himself balancing the political agendas of factions that would destroy h...more

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Sep 27, 2012 Jess rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-all, 2012-new, library-ebook, ya-fantasy, young-adult

I love Amon, or why everything is the WORST.

(view spoiler)...more

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Jun 20, 2012 Sarah rated it 3 of 5 stars

I think you need to have a certain taste for Chima’s novels to be able to get through them. I like them but I can see how someone would give up on reading them. As you may recall both our protagonist’s Han and Raisa were headed off to Oden’s Ford at the end of The Demon King. They don’t get there until around page 200 and they don’t run into each other until page 400; this book is 586 pages.

The first 200 pages are about each of their journey’s to Oden’s Ford (it’s far away, that’s why it takes...more

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Apr 03, 2012 Craig rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, youngadult

No real improvement from the first book. I realize that a lot of fiction (esp. fantasy or other adventure genres) relies on the occasional horror movie ploy of telling the teen stranded in a spooky house not to open the basement door and then that's the first thing they do, but man, it happens in these books every few pages. So much stupidity in those who are supposed to be heroes. It also uses one I haven't seen often before these books (probably because it's a really awful writing tactic and i...more

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Feb 13, 2012 Barb Middleton rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, ya

Princess Raisa has run away from an arranged marriage to a military academy with Amon and two other cadets who are meant to guard her. She’s taking more than a full class schedule in order to gain knowledge that will help her be a better ruler. This is the start to The Exiled Queen, the sequel of The Demon King, by Cinda Williams Chima. Princess Raisa is too small and slight to be a soldier but she’s tough and uses her brains to get out of difficult situations.

Han is at wizard school with Dancer...more

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Jan 08, 2012 Syahira Sharif rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: action, fictional-politics, fantasy, magic, witchcraft, young-adult

I'm reading the third book and this review is distracting but I still have ago.

Just a recap: Princess Raisa was forced to escape her queendom with Amon after nearly being force to marry the young wizard Micah Bayar. With dangerous wizards in pursue and with her decisions at the brink of war between her father's clan and her mother's queendom, she escaped to Oden's Ford.. a place where three schools lies; wizarding, bard and military.

Meanwhile, Hanson Cuff-less Alister with his newly unleashed p...more

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Sep 19, 2011 Tyler Carlson rated it 4 of 5 stars

Cinda Williams Chima does a great job with this second novel in the "A Seven Realms" series.

Han, a boy reeling from the loss of his mother and sister, travels to Oden's Ford with his good friend to hone magic he discovers has been slowly seeping from him but absorbed via magical cuffs. Meanwhile, Princess Raisa is traveling to Oden's Ford under the guise of the name Rebecca, running away from a marriage her mother is imposing upon her.

The two main characters have met before in the first novel,...more

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Aug 11, 2011 Irene rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, young-adult-fiction

This is the second book in the Seven Realms series. Han (short for Hanson) is a tough, handsome, former streetlord who has discovered he has magical powers and travels to Oden's Ford for school. His main rival, Micah Bayer, handsome but with a powerful and evil father, also attends the school. Micah is a "blueblood" while Han comes from the streets but Micah doesn't have any advantage over Han.

Princess Raisa, heir to the Gray Wolf Throne, had to flee her home in The Fells to avoid being forced...more

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Aug 04, 2011 Stacey O'Neale rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review was completed by Michael Cummings, staff reviewer with the YA Fantasy Guide.

The second volume of Chima's Seven Realms series begins right on the tail of volume one. Haunted by the loss of his mother and sister, Han heads south to study in Oden's Ford at Mystwerk House. But leaving the Fells doesn't mean leaving the danger behind, as Han quickly discovers when he learns that his fellow students include the Bayar twins, scions of the High Wizard.

Meanwhile, Princess Raisa has escaped t...more This review was completed by Michael Cummings, staff reviewer with the YA Fantasy Guide.

The second volume of Chima's Seven Realms series begins right on the tail of volume one. Haunted by the loss of his mother and sister, Han heads south to study in Oden's Ford at Mystwerk House. But leaving the Fells doesn't mean leaving the danger behind, as Han quickly discovers when he learns that his fellow students include the Bayar twins, scions of the High Wizard.

Meanwhile, Princess Raisa has escaped to Oden's Ford, looking to hide from those that would try and force her on a path that is not in her best interests. In Oden's Ford she lives an assumed identity, hiding from those that would force her into a marriage that would break the thousand year old laws that bind the Fells.

The Exiled Queen is a story of false pretenses and politics, framed within the lives of Han (17) and Raisa (16). This second volume of the series starts off much more strongly than the first, and could easily be broached by readers new to the series. Chima does a great job of refreshing our memory of the plot points without too much backtracking, letting the story carry us forward on its own merits.

The Exiled Queen is a solid volume in terms of story. The first book of the Seven Realms introduced us to these two characters, making it clear that they were going to be interlinked some day, but focussed largely on world building. This second volume explores their development as individuals, giving us more depth and intertwining their stories as individuals, focussing on character over scenery. Most of the time in Oden's Ford is glossed over with a few brush strokes, focussing instead on the characters thoughts and emotions. In each character we see the shade of the adults they will become developing, at the expense of the story at large moving along.

For that, this book earns some criticisms. Where the first volume focussed on the world around the characters more than it did on the individuals within it, this second volume takes the exact opposite approach. As a consequence, the action is fairly predictable to anyone that's ever read a fantasy hero/heroine novel before. The state of affairs in the Seven Realms at the start of the book is the same as it is at the end of the book, with only a few pawns moving around on the outskirts of the story. The real story is about us watching Han and Raisa make the decisions that will affect the rest of their lives.(less)

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Jun 22, 2011 Maniac the Brainiac *Thing 7* D'Orange rated it 5 of 5 stars

It was an incredible story with Magic spilling out everywhere and 1/4 possible revelations revealed (Amon's binding to Raisa). But I had to read it over several times before I came to a the fourth revelation myself. Crow. HRMAW. His Royal Majesty Alger Waterlow. Crow is the DEMON KING! Crow/Alger reveals himself in a series of subtle hints including, "I hate Aerie house. They took everything from me." And they did. His life, his house, his wife, the chance to meat his unborn children. And to top...more It was an incredible story with Magic spilling out everywhere and 1/4 possible revelations revealed (Amon's binding to Raisa). But I had to read it over several times before I came to a the fourth revelation myself. Crow. HRMAW. His Royal Majesty Alger Waterlow. Crow is the DEMON KING! Crow/Alger reveals himself in a series of subtle hints including, "I hate Aerie house. They took everything from me." And they did. His life, his house, his wife, the chance to meat his unborn children. And to top it off, they made it look like it was all HIS fualt. Also, if the Bayars then were anything like Micah and Gavan, they probably killed more than one of the people he loved. But how is it possible, you ask? I have a possible theory. The Bayars took him alive so that they could interogate him painfully. The Byars, being arrogant as usual, would not take his amulet off of him, or he had it or another one hidden. Before the killing blow hit him, Alger spoke the Aediion charm and traveled to the world of dreams. There he (obviously) ran out of stored power over a thousand years, and even if he hadn't, his body would be dead, so he couldn't return anyway. But still, doomed to eternity in a world that you could shape to your will. Could be worse. But going for a thousand years with little or no human contact is sure to put a number on his nerves. If my theory is true, then Crow/Alger might have the same amulet as Han, illusion form. It also makes sense that he would know a lot of magic, as he was an incredible prodigy even by the Golden Age of Wizardry's standards. His Royal Majesty Alger Waterlow was also married to the Queen of the fells during the time of the Wizard Kings, so Technically he is a "Royal Majesty". When you put all the evidence together, there is no other possible explanation. As for Crow saying he was "Faculty" at Oden's ford, he probably was when he was, you know, alive. If not, he can still lie. Where do you think Han got his ability to be a "rum liar"? Crow is Alger Waterlow, and Han didn't know what he was dealing with when he accepted tutoring.(less)

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May 10, 2011 Monica rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed

I picked up this book last year sometime and I started to read it after an all night read-a-thon of The Demon King. I started this book and then put it away because I think I was on Seven Realms overload and the characters were making me angry. The other day I saw it at the library and gave it another shot and thoroughly loved it.

I love the intricacy of the entire word Ms. Chima built. I love the differences in the characters and the constant juxtaposition of Raisa and Han. I enjoyed the rival...more

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May 07, 2011 Catherine rated it 5 of 5 stars

Boy, do I love this book!

I never thought it was possible for a book to get better than THE DEMON KING. Well, it seems like THE EXILED QUEEN is up for the challenge.

In this book, both Han and Raisa journey toward Oden's Ford, an almost college-like place where people are taken into apprenticeship. Raisa enters the academy for soldiers, while Han attends Mystwerk for wizarding school. It takes over half the book for them to meet, but unless you are a huge fan of the two, the first half will not...more

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Apr 20, 2011 Cassie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, books-i-own, read-in-2011, cover-love, created-world, reviewed-on-blog

I was really excited for The Exiled Queen, after loving The Demon King so much. I have to say that it did a great job at entertaining me. It was until the very last few chapters that I started to get bored with the book. Don't get me wrong I am still greatly looking forward to reading The Gray Wolf Throne when it comes out in August. However, at the end of The Exiled Queen I just found myself disinterted in what was happening with the characters. I still love Han and Raisa, but I find it a littl...more

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About Cinda Williams Chima

New York Times bestselling author Cinda Williams Chima comes from a long line of fortune-tellers, musicians and spinners of tales. She began writing romance novels in middle school, which were often confiscated by her teachers.

The Warrior Heir was named to Voya’s Best Science Fiction and Fantasy 2005-2006, is a 2006 Booksense Summer Reading Pick, was named to the 2007-2008 Lone Star Reading List,...more

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Books by Cinda Williams Chima

The Warrior Heir (The Heir Chronicles, #1)

The Wizard Heir (The Heir Chronicles, #2)

The Dragon Heir (The Heir Chronicles, #3)

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“And it's not just a matter of you hurting me. I will hurt you too, even if I don't want to, I'm not the girl you think I am. And you will remember this conversation , and wish that you'd listened to me.” — 59 people liked it

“But it's not enough to know right from wrong. You need the strength to do what's right, even when what you want most in the world is the wrong thing.” — 55 people liked it

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