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Talia
Teenage queen, Talia, struggles with her own self-destructive ways, while trying to be a compassionate and fair ruler in a land of magic, werewolves, and vampires. Within her lies a darkness – one that will endanger the very people of her kingdom. In an attempt to protect them, she makes a pact with the vampires in a bid for peace. In the end, the trust she offers may be the very thing that leads to her own demise.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2013
2 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Christy King
4 books25 followersChristy King is a Fantasy author who writes about supernatural elements and how they impact lives. The characters have power, but pay a heavy price.
Christy King has been a marine biologist/biochemist, a bookseller, an administrative assistant, and a veterinary technician. But the most important role to her happiness and well-being has been as a writer and author.
She lives in a pine forest with her husband of more than 22 years, three cats and two dogs.
Christy King has been a marine biologist/biochemist, a bookseller, an administrative assistant, and a veterinary technician. But the most important role to her happiness and well-being has been as a writer and author.
She lives in a pine forest with her husband of more than 22 years, three cats and two dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 19, 2025
I loved Talia. Never reading a YA Dark Fantasy novel I initially imagined it to be a simple plot, but the book opens with an innocent feel soon exploding into a complex plot for the more mature young adult.
The Author built a story around much thought and preparation. One that weaves through many difficulties in real life.. Bravo…..
The young queen, Talia is born to a life of pain. She succeeds her parents at a dangerously young age. She now must rule the kingdom of Areie against warring vampires and werewolves. All want to possess her. At times I wanted to scream into the book. “Run Talia run…” She though, is obsessed with bringing the opposing forces together and places herself in danger constantly.
Between betrayal, the huge burden of responsibility, vampire and human treaty meetings, the queen’s obvious love interests, and tragedy at every turn, the young queen holds it together for her people, but not always for herself. She at times abuses herself as if she seeks help in the saddest ways, which was a real surprise, but not unbelievable for a highly emotional dark/horror fantasy. In fact it’s more of a reality than most fantasy books portray. If anything she shows a young woman dedicated not only to her people, but as well vampires and werewolves over herself. That’s something one can interpret so many ways.
Also, cheers to the impressive level of writing. The author has taken pride in her work and it’s obvious. I give it thumbs up and shall read book two.
The Author built a story around much thought and preparation. One that weaves through many difficulties in real life.. Bravo…..
The young queen, Talia is born to a life of pain. She succeeds her parents at a dangerously young age. She now must rule the kingdom of Areie against warring vampires and werewolves. All want to possess her. At times I wanted to scream into the book. “Run Talia run…” She though, is obsessed with bringing the opposing forces together and places herself in danger constantly.
Between betrayal, the huge burden of responsibility, vampire and human treaty meetings, the queen’s obvious love interests, and tragedy at every turn, the young queen holds it together for her people, but not always for herself. She at times abuses herself as if she seeks help in the saddest ways, which was a real surprise, but not unbelievable for a highly emotional dark/horror fantasy. In fact it’s more of a reality than most fantasy books portray. If anything she shows a young woman dedicated not only to her people, but as well vampires and werewolves over herself. That’s something one can interpret so many ways.
Also, cheers to the impressive level of writing. The author has taken pride in her work and it’s obvious. I give it thumbs up and shall read book two.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2014
PLOT TWISTS. And lots of them. This book is far more than it appears. I'm still grappling with some of the worldbuilding -- it is very interesting and I can't wait for the sequel to show me a bit more of it. Medical technology is advanced far beyond weapons and political/societal development, but it seems as if it is magically based.
Talia herself is as full of contrasts as the plot. Profoundly depressed and alienated, yet raised to privilege and royal charisma, she presents a picture that is at first confused and muddied, much like her mental state, but comes into sharper focus as the book progresses. I hope the worldbuild comes out more strongly in the sequel, which I am looking forward to reading. The writing is in a straightforward, personable style which fans of YA fiction will appreciate, and though the plot is largely driven by vampires, I feel it is worth a try even for those who, like me, are not vampire lovers. The living dead are beautiful, but traitorous monsters. The content is a little strong, especially sexual content, but older teens and adults should find this a fun read.
Talia herself is as full of contrasts as the plot. Profoundly depressed and alienated, yet raised to privilege and royal charisma, she presents a picture that is at first confused and muddied, much like her mental state, but comes into sharper focus as the book progresses. I hope the worldbuild comes out more strongly in the sequel, which I am looking forward to reading. The writing is in a straightforward, personable style which fans of YA fiction will appreciate, and though the plot is largely driven by vampires, I feel it is worth a try even for those who, like me, are not vampire lovers. The living dead are beautiful, but traitorous monsters. The content is a little strong, especially sexual content, but older teens and adults should find this a fun read.
January 8, 2014
Every now and then I like to give new authors a try, so I settled on Talia. Good job too! I don't normally read books about vampires and werewolves, but found this one a thoroughly entertaining read from start to finish!
Take my advice, give this one a try. You won't be disappointed. Looking forward to the next book now...
Take my advice, give this one a try. You won't be disappointed. Looking forward to the next book now...
March 20, 2021
Talia by Christy King is a suspenseful fantasy with flawed characters. Lots of supernatural elements are blended with the protagonist’s own personal journey, so if you enjoy vampires and werewolves, this novel is for you!
The themes have a lot of depth and bring a sense of realism to this supernatural world. I enjoyed the romance angle as well.
The strong female lead faces loss and pressure, making the obstacles in her path immense enough without the fantasy ones. Imagine trying to deal with the loss of a parent in such a world! I enjoy stories in which the characters have to prove themselves though self-growth, so the challenges she faces were enjoyable for me.
The story-telling is fast-paced and I loved the adventure. You will be entertained and love the description.
The themes have a lot of depth and bring a sense of realism to this supernatural world. I enjoyed the romance angle as well.
The strong female lead faces loss and pressure, making the obstacles in her path immense enough without the fantasy ones. Imagine trying to deal with the loss of a parent in such a world! I enjoy stories in which the characters have to prove themselves though self-growth, so the challenges she faces were enjoyable for me.
The story-telling is fast-paced and I loved the adventure. You will be entertained and love the description.
March 29, 2014
TALIA is an invitation to the fantasy world that Christy King has created. Aerie is a small kingdom rich in natural resources wedged between two powerful and ambitious neighbors. Quite unexpectedly, Aerie's king dies and his teenage daughter Talia inherits both a war and a serious werewolf and vampire problem. The young orphaned queen has her own problems, however. She has self-destructive habits and in her younger years was always trying to slip away from the castle. She surrounds herself with a tight-knit group of advisers, guards, and servants who share a devotion to her and her kingdom.
Where the novel shines is in character development. Each member of Queen Talia's inner circle has his or her own motives made clear through his or her actions. There is a great deal of palace intrigue, but Talia insists to chart her own course, for good or for bad, in a world where men hold almost all the cards. She plays to her own strengths and takes calculated risks in her dealings with vampires, rival kings, and those seeking her hand.
King does a good job establishing her own world. The vampires, werewolves, and normal humans are portrayed a bit differently than in much of fantasy. Readers will find some things are also rather different from many fantasy worlds based on medieval Europe, which at first can seem anachronistic, but King works these details to her advantage--and Talia's.
On the downside, the novel is a bit rough when it comes to exploring how Talia feels about certain members of her inner circle, especially early on in the story, but this may have been intentional, to relate to the reader Talia's on confusion as she dealt simultaneously with the sudden loss of her parents, seeking love on her own terms, and ruling a kingdom beset with problems. Heavy is the head that wears the crown, but she grows into it after facing many trials. It is well worth sharing the journey with her.
Where the novel shines is in character development. Each member of Queen Talia's inner circle has his or her own motives made clear through his or her actions. There is a great deal of palace intrigue, but Talia insists to chart her own course, for good or for bad, in a world where men hold almost all the cards. She plays to her own strengths and takes calculated risks in her dealings with vampires, rival kings, and those seeking her hand.
King does a good job establishing her own world. The vampires, werewolves, and normal humans are portrayed a bit differently than in much of fantasy. Readers will find some things are also rather different from many fantasy worlds based on medieval Europe, which at first can seem anachronistic, but King works these details to her advantage--and Talia's.
On the downside, the novel is a bit rough when it comes to exploring how Talia feels about certain members of her inner circle, especially early on in the story, but this may have been intentional, to relate to the reader Talia's on confusion as she dealt simultaneously with the sudden loss of her parents, seeking love on her own terms, and ruling a kingdom beset with problems. Heavy is the head that wears the crown, but she grows into it after facing many trials. It is well worth sharing the journey with her.
June 17, 2014
I think that stood out to me as I read this book. Pain was the theme and the unifying element of this story. From our first moments with Talia to the last chapter, pain both splintered and made greater the main character.
I enjoyed the building of the character. She had flaws, there were parts of her I didn't like and I think that made her development more realistic for me. I love a character I can root for all the way through a story but sometimes it's a joy to not agree with everything a character does and yet care what happens to her anyway.
I wished the author had done more showing and less telling in terms of the characters' emotions. At times I felt like she didn't trust me to figure it out and sometimes it was obtrusive to the narrative.
This is an enjoyable read and if you like damaged characters, characters who won't always do the thing you expect them to do, then I believe you will love this story. It's dark and moody and plays with mythological creatures in interesting ways. Its strength is the thematic weaving of pain throughout and how it effects and changes those it touches.
I enjoyed the building of the character. She had flaws, there were parts of her I didn't like and I think that made her development more realistic for me. I love a character I can root for all the way through a story but sometimes it's a joy to not agree with everything a character does and yet care what happens to her anyway.
I wished the author had done more showing and less telling in terms of the characters' emotions. At times I felt like she didn't trust me to figure it out and sometimes it was obtrusive to the narrative.
This is an enjoyable read and if you like damaged characters, characters who won't always do the thing you expect them to do, then I believe you will love this story. It's dark and moody and plays with mythological creatures in interesting ways. Its strength is the thematic weaving of pain throughout and how it effects and changes those it touches.
March 25, 2015
In a land besieged by vampires and werewolves, a young princess (who starts as a bright and clever adventurer) endures loss after loss until she submits to her station in life. Even after the few joys of her youth are a distant memory, Talia is determined to protect her subjects–who rely on her to protect them. Made queen just as she turns eighteen, her burdens are weighty; her inexperience with life outside her castle’s walls has made her a pawn on the real power-players’ game board. Unprepared, she enters a world far more dangerous for her than for the average commoners she longs to protect.
This is a world of blood and passion, with only brief respites from the onslaught. Emotions run high; betrayals and reversals of fortune are constant. Christy King’s world is neither a tidy nor a bright-future fantasy world. I consider it a perfect setting for Talia‘s scheming power-brokers and nightmare predators.
A young-adult novel teetering at the top-most edge of the YA age range, Talia fits comfortably into the new-adult novel category. Talia is a grim and gritty horror fantasy fiction novel thick with intrigue, sensuality, and emotional intensity.
This is a world of blood and passion, with only brief respites from the onslaught. Emotions run high; betrayals and reversals of fortune are constant. Christy King’s world is neither a tidy nor a bright-future fantasy world. I consider it a perfect setting for Talia‘s scheming power-brokers and nightmare predators.
A young-adult novel teetering at the top-most edge of the YA age range, Talia fits comfortably into the new-adult novel category. Talia is a grim and gritty horror fantasy fiction novel thick with intrigue, sensuality, and emotional intensity.
August 4, 2017
Queen Talia has strong feelings of self-doubt that play well throughout this well-told paranormal fantasy. Talia plays a strong female lead in a male dominated world of humans, werewolves, and vampires. She is constantly struggling with her conscience and what is the right course to take, often faltering due to the obstacles placed in her path, challenging her time and again throughout this emotional tale, of which romance plays a major roll. Fantasy and intrigue kept this reader turning the pages. Elegance, beauty, and the tarnished edges of raw emotion play well in this dark fantasy world as the author, Christy King captivates the reader in vivid and realistic dialogue that carries this tale, leaving you wanting more long after this story ends.
May 27, 2015
Excellent book, very well written and very dramatic.
November 23, 2016
Good book, with Vampires and Werewolves trying to outwit humans. Fast-paced and keeps you reading
July 3, 2015
Great writing. Much drama.
The use of tropes in this book was a bit offputting, but the writer so quickly overturned the expectations that I was hooked. Bought the second one a bit ago, and I'm charging through it!
The use of tropes in this book was a bit offputting, but the writer so quickly overturned the expectations that I was hooked. Bought the second one a bit ago, and I'm charging through it!
May 15, 2018
Talia grabs your attention from the beginning, with the title character apparently dying from a wound that will not heal, with her companion unable to do anything to save her. I was hooked from the start.
Christy takes us back in time, to see Talia as a young girl, a princess in a kingdom filled with common people, werewolves, and vampires. All three races live in a precarious balance, with "dusters" - men and women who protect the citizens from the vampires and monsters - providing protection to the people. We get to watch Talia grow and eventually become queen while still a teenager. Wanting to do better for her people, Talia tries to create a truce among the vampires of her Kingdom, while fighting a war with a rival kingdom, surviving assassination attempts, and dubious marriage proposals from other royalty. All along we learn more about Talia, and a special gift that she has that makes her more than she seems.
Part romance, part high fantasy drama, I enjoyed Talia's story very much. As a young queen she is thrown into complex matters of state that she struggles to navigate. She has high ideals, wanting to make peace with monsters to better protect her people, and this leads her to be a bit gullible and naive about how monsters really behave. Talia is also flawed with a sense of self-destruction, a desire to do harm to herself. She is a complex character with many different facets that even Talia doesn't fully know. She falls in love with her Captain of the Guard, and then with an old friend from childhood returned to her life. Love and romance, and the various passions and feelings that follow, especially when one lover is dropped for another, fully round out Talia's character. She tries hard to please everybody, to be nice to everybody, to be a peacemaker and protector, and often this leads to pain, suffering, and death for those around her.
Talia grows through the story, though my one concern with the story and her character is that I think she doesn't grow enough. After being betrayed so many times by so many different people I would have expected her to not trust anybody ever again, yet she does, which shows that she continues to naively trust people whom she should not be trusting. That was a bit frustrating to me as a reader. But otherwise I enjoyed the book and learning about this complex character.
Christy King delivers a powerful story of romance and intrigue in a unique fantasy setting. I highly recommend Talia.
Christy takes us back in time, to see Talia as a young girl, a princess in a kingdom filled with common people, werewolves, and vampires. All three races live in a precarious balance, with "dusters" - men and women who protect the citizens from the vampires and monsters - providing protection to the people. We get to watch Talia grow and eventually become queen while still a teenager. Wanting to do better for her people, Talia tries to create a truce among the vampires of her Kingdom, while fighting a war with a rival kingdom, surviving assassination attempts, and dubious marriage proposals from other royalty. All along we learn more about Talia, and a special gift that she has that makes her more than she seems.
Part romance, part high fantasy drama, I enjoyed Talia's story very much. As a young queen she is thrown into complex matters of state that she struggles to navigate. She has high ideals, wanting to make peace with monsters to better protect her people, and this leads her to be a bit gullible and naive about how monsters really behave. Talia is also flawed with a sense of self-destruction, a desire to do harm to herself. She is a complex character with many different facets that even Talia doesn't fully know. She falls in love with her Captain of the Guard, and then with an old friend from childhood returned to her life. Love and romance, and the various passions and feelings that follow, especially when one lover is dropped for another, fully round out Talia's character. She tries hard to please everybody, to be nice to everybody, to be a peacemaker and protector, and often this leads to pain, suffering, and death for those around her.
Talia grows through the story, though my one concern with the story and her character is that I think she doesn't grow enough. After being betrayed so many times by so many different people I would have expected her to not trust anybody ever again, yet she does, which shows that she continues to naively trust people whom she should not be trusting. That was a bit frustrating to me as a reader. But otherwise I enjoyed the book and learning about this complex character.
Christy King delivers a powerful story of romance and intrigue in a unique fantasy setting. I highly recommend Talia.
April 23, 2014
You can read my full/honest review here: http://wp.me/p37Zro-1fw
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews