Review: The Queen of the Tearling

The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you like fantasy, politics, and/or history, you will probably enjoy this book. The story follows Kelsea, heir of the Tearling crown, as she learns what it means to be responsible for all the lives in her nation. She has been raised by adoptive parents far from the Keep, the castle and capital of Tear, and in seclusion from any other people. For nineteen years she only interacts with her cold adoptive mother, Carlin, and her warm adoptive father, Barty. In her nineteenth year, the time comes for the Queen's Guard to escort her back to the Keep, where she will be crowned queen. However, there are many dangers on the path from the cottage to the Keep, and even more once she becomes queen. This story is full of mystery, action, politics, magic, and girl power.
I loved everything about this story, but Kelsea is definitely one of my new favorite book characters ever. She is described as plain, taller than most girls, and appears to have always taken a second helping. It's not that she is modest and describes herself this way; men don't glance back at her, she is often told she is too plain, and she was once told that she would "never have a dancer's body". But Kelsea is more than her appearance. She is a fearsome leader who is unafraid of what men think of her, she is an intelligent politician who can garner respect from even her enemies, and she is an inspiring woman who makes sure that hers is always the most intelligent and powerful voice in the room.
I'd say this book is suitable both adults and young adults. It has a beautifully thought out text, every word seems deliberate and there are many gorgeous sentences, and there is no romance to distract from the story. It's not too graphic, but there are a few detailed scenes of violence, and darker themes throughout.

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