The Queen of Blood (The Queens of Renthia, #1) in SpecFic Buddy Reads

Dec 11, 2019 Niki Hawkes - The Obsessive Bookseller rated it really liked it

Shelves: series-i-d-have-to-restart

Queen of the Blood hooked me from the first page. Which is saying something, considering how hard I’ve been on YA lately (update: it’s not YA... that would explain things, lol).

It had an excellent start – surprising me right out of the gate with a few plot decisions that I really appreciated because I’m well past the point of feeling most YA novels are repetitive. It has been many moons since one defied my straightforward predictions so well. It maintained a level of distinction from other books Queen of the Blood hooked me from the first page. Which is saying something, considering how hard I’ve been on YA lately (update: it’s not YA... that would explain things, lol).

It had an excellent start – surprising me right out of the gate with a few plot decisions that I really appreciated because I’m well past the point of feeling most YA novels are repetitive. It has been many moons since one defied my straightforward predictions so well. It maintained a level of distinction from other books in the genre the whole way through. Nice.

Although not expanded on, there were some really neat world-building attributes to the story that gave it a unique flair. Setting: settlements and towns nestled in rich, forested areas. Atmosphere: the ever-present threat from looming spirits. Leadership structure: one woman selected by the spirits to control them (what could go wrong here?). School systems: fun training exercises to teach young women how to harness spirits (in case they become queen). All of these components are what made the novel so successful for me.

What knocked it back down a notch or two was that I don’t think some of these things were expanded on enough… most specifically the school system. It’s the main selling point of the story, but I think there were many missed opportunities to provide a true moment of training for the reader. Obstacle course tests were really brief and lacked detail. Coursework was mentioned, but the reader rarely got to learn anything from it. At least it did incorporate a lot of spirit-harnessing work outside of the academy, so that saved it to a degree. Even so, I wish there had been more.

The characters were good. They reminded me a bit of those in the Lunar Chronicles from a dynamic standpoint. There could’ve been more connection with the side characters, however. They all blended together to the point where, when something happened to one of them, it didn’t have an impact because they were interchangeable. A huge gripe of mine (the biggest hit to my rating) was how ignorant the main characters remained to what was really going on, despite having clues that a grade schooler could pick up on (the reader knows all along… I’m not a fan of dramatic irony, either). You could rationalize a few explanations, but it came off to me as a craft issue – the author needed the characters not to know something to keep the story going, so she lessened their ability to reason through evidence instead of reworking how it was presented. It drove me crazy because it was an inconsistency of character (beings who were capable, careful, thoughtful, intuitive… all thrown out for convenience). I don’t normally rant in my reviews, but this issue tested my patience. Queen of Blood was still a fun read… just be prepared to “go with it” to a degree.

Overall, I’m thrilled at how often the book surprised me. The writing was engaging and fluid, making it easy to devour. There were a few things I thought could’ve been developed more, but hopefully they’ll get expanded on in the next book.

Recommendations: this YA fantasy offers a lot of fun and creativity. It would be a great rec for people who liked the feel of the fae in the “Wicked Lovely” series, and those who appreciated the unique atmosphere of the “Lunar Chronicles.” I had some minor personal gripes with it, but comparably it’s still a very strong recommend if you like the genre. :)

Via The Obsessive Bookseller at www.NikiHawkes.com

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47 likes · Like · see review

Feb 24, 2017 Justine rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2017-read

I'm a sucker for the magic/training school trope, I'm not going to lie about that. However, because I like it, I want it done well.

This book has a nice balance of depth and action with a touch of darkness. Well, it is called The Queen of Blood so a bit of darkness is obviously expected. I liked how the main character was not the strongest in ability or the most naturally talented. She ultimately exceeds because of her strength of character. The idea of a whole culture based in a forest and inti ...more

39 likes · Like · see review

Feb 26, 2017 Lindsay rated it it was amazing

In this world everything has an elemental spirit, each ruled by contradictory impulses, to create and to destroy. For the world to survive there must be a human Queen to rule over the spirits and temper their impulses.

In Renthia, a young determined woman trains to become an heir to the current Queen and forms a partnership with a Champion who is in disgrace after questioning the current Queen. Daleina's origin and struggle to become an heir is against the background of a horrible betrayal and a ...more

22 likes · Like · see review

Feb 14, 2017 Robyn rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2017

4.5, I think. This was engrossing, inventive, heart-breaking, lovely.

14 likes · Like · see review

Mar 20, 2017 Lata rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: sf-f-h, x2017-read, auth-f

Though this is a supposed to be a fantasy for adults, this book totally read like YA fantasy.
First half of book:
-I know that a lot of reviews have said that the main character isn't special, she had to work really hard when she was in wizard--oops! queen school, so that was good. Daleina has innate talent, but has to work her butt off to meet school requirements and doesn't just sail through her classes with ease.
-The other girls at the school were mostly indistinguishable from one another. I c ...more

7 likes · Like · see review

Sep 14, 2017 Helen rated it liked it

Great works building, interesting magic. The pronunciation in my audio was a little strange at times Eg is the sister really called Arran?

Young girl goes to magic school, struggles, becomes chosen......

3 likes · Like · see review