The Queen's Rising by Rebecca Ross Pages: 464
Published by HarperTeen on February 6, 2018
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy & Magic, Romance
Source: Signed Hardcover from author
When her seventeenth summer solstice arrives, desires only two things: to master her passion and to be chosen by a patron.
Growing up in the southern Kingdom of Valenia at the renowned Magnalia House should have prepared her for such a life. While some are born with an innate talent for one of the five passions—art, music, dramatics, wit, and knowledge—Brienna struggled to find hers until she belatedly chose to study knowledge. However, despite all her preparations, Brienna’s greatest fear comes true—the solstice does not go according to plan and she is left without a patron.
Months later, her life takes an unexpected turn when a disgraced lord offers her patronage. Suspicious of his intent, and with no other choices, she accepts. But there is much more to his story, and Brienna soon discovers that he has sought her out for his own vengeful gain. For there is a dangerous plot being planned to overthrow the king of Maevana—the archrival kingdom of Valenia—and restore the rightful queen, and her magic, to the northern throne. And others are involved—some closer to Brienna than she realizes.
With war brewing between the two lands, Brienna must choose whose side she will remain loyal to—passion or blood. Because a queen is destined to rise and lead the battle to reclaim the crown. The ultimate decision Brienna must determine is: Who will be that queen?
The Queen’s Rising is the first book in a new, Young Adult Fantasy series by the same name, from author Rebecca Ross. I was immediately drawn in to this book. The cover is stunning, and the summary really grabbed me. I love the idea of young adults studying one of five passions and getting a patron to help them learn their craft. It all felt very Renaissance to me, which is a time period I have always been fascinated by. Plus, I knew there was also going to be magic and politics and all of that fun stuff that I crave in fantasy worlds. And I have to say, The Queen’s Rising was excellent!
The Queen’s Rising focuses on our young main character, Brienna. She doesn’t have an immediately apparent aptitude for one of the passions and she doesn’t end up getting a patron until later in the game than most young adults her age. This, coupled with some other surprising things that happen to herView Spoiler », set her off on a journey of secrets and adventure. I was totally invested in Brienna’s story. It started off really strong and honestly, it just kept getting better and better as her adventure progressed and as we met more and more characters and were given more information. I will hold off my opinion on the romance until the next book. I liked it well enough, but more on that to come after I read book 2.
Rebecca Ross did a great job building out the world in The Queen’s Rising. There are several different countries, each with a different history and different political features to consider how they fit into the greater plot line. I loved learning about all the different countries and the different families in said countries. They all came together to form a very vivid world. One I can’t wait to visit again in the next book. Sometimes the characters are what calls me back to read more, and sometimes it is the world and the plot. Here, even though I really loved the characters, I do have to say the writing, the world and plot were the big winners for me. I can’t wait to find out where the next novel is going to take us. I hope this series is a long one!
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About Rebecca Ross
Rebecca Ross was born and raised in Georgia, where she continues to reside with her husband, her lively Australian Shepherd, and her endless piles of books. She loves coffee, the night sky, chalk art, maps, the mountains, and growing wildflowers in her yard. And a good story, of course.
Teresa Mary Rose
So glad to hear you enjoyed this one! I have it patiently waiting for me on my TBR. Great review!
Julie
I don’t know about fictional, but I love Queen Elizabeth since watching The Crown.
Linda Romer
The Red Queen from Through the Looking Glass and Queen Victoria. Thanks for the chance.
Jen
Ohhhh this sounds so good! And you have me interested in what happens to the romance……I need to know lol!
Adding it to my tbr!
Fee Roberts
I love Queen Bodicea Of Old England.
Abigail Gibson
My favorite fictional queen is Queen Cersei I Lannister from Game of Thrones.
My favorite non-fictional queen is Queen Elizabeth II.
Christina Gould
My favorite Queen in History was Queen Victoria. Thanks for the giveaway!