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lilcoppertop's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
restless's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fun and very readable sequel to [b:Sorcerer to the Crown|23943137|Sorcerer to the Crown (Sorcerer Royal, #1)|Zen Cho|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1430239646l/23943137._SY75_.jpg|43548024]. There was excellent rep from Janda Baik, and we get to revisit some of our favourite cast members from the previous novel.
That said, it felt like this book had less to say about racial relationships and oppression. I didn't come away feeling like I had learned as much as I did from the first novel. True, Cho makes several incisive observations about colonialism and power, but these weren't the central focus of the plot.
I will also add that this really didn't feel like an F-F story. True, but we didn't spend enough time in the head of either person to really understand what drew them together. I will contrast this with the relationship between , whom I definitely shipped towards the end of the novel.
In fairness, I think this may be a reflection of my changing standards as a reader. I am getting to a place where I would like my queer characters to have a meaningful relationship with their identity. And while
This isn't to say that the queer rep isn't well done. There is a moment towards the end of the book where - but I suppose I was just hoping for more.
That said, it felt like this book had less to say about racial relationships and oppression. I didn't come away feeling like I had learned as much as I did from the first novel. True, Cho makes several incisive observations about colonialism and power, but these weren't the central focus of the plot.
I will also add that this really didn't feel like an F-F story. True,
Spoiler
Henrietta and Muna eventually fall in loveSpoiler
Prunella and Zacharias in the first bookIn fairness, I think this may be a reflection of my changing standards as a reader. I am getting to a place where I would like my queer characters to have a meaningful relationship with their identity. And while
Spoiler
Cho does a good job of implying this conflict with Henrietta, we don't spend enough time in her head to really witness it.This isn't to say that the queer rep isn't well done. There is a moment towards the end of the book where
Spoiler
Aunt Georgina has a heart-to-heart with Damerell and it left me absolutely giddy with joykarenholmes's review against another edition
5.0
Regency fantasy with cozy undertones but the mischievous sparks give it lots of life. I love how Zen Cho writes and will forever read her stories set in Regency world. I hope we get more books set in this time as the way she built this story is perfect to keep in touch with the main characters from Sorceror to the Crown (Zahary and Prunella White) but at the same time give enough space to Sakti and specially Muna the sister without magic to shine on her own.
Muna and Sakti appear in Jandra Baik without memories and are taken care of by Mak Genggang but once she undestands what happens to them, she sends them off to her friend Prunella in England to search for a cure for their hex. But only magicless Muna will reach British shores and she'll have to navigate the British society on her own, even though she makes friends quickly.
Lovely story, wonderful style, perfect mix of humour and story. Loved everything in it!
Muna and Sakti appear in Jandra Baik without memories and are taken care of by Mak Genggang but once she undestands what happens to them, she sends them off to her friend Prunella in England to search for a cure for their hex. But only magicless Muna will reach British shores and she'll have to navigate the British society on her own, even though she makes friends quickly.
Lovely story, wonderful style, perfect mix of humour and story. Loved everything in it!
bibliophilebookclub's review against another edition
The True Queen is a beautifully-imagined fantasy, rich in detail and imagery and with a really diverse cast of characters. Its an absorbing and engaging read, and it almost reminds me of The Invisible Library series of books by Genevieve Cogman. If you enjoy fantasy with stunning descriptive writing, then definitely add The True Queen to your TBR.
adoto's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This is such a delightful series and a delightful world and I hope the author writes more. As much as I like the first book, I like this follow-up more. I didn't find the writing style as tiresome as I thought I would from the first book, and I would often read way longer than the time I'd set myself before bed. The world-building shines in this book. I would have loved to see more of Prunella and Zacharias, but this is not their story and they remained charming in every scene they were in.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Racism, and Sexism
Moderate: Violence
sherwoodreads's review
The short version is, if you enjoyed the first book in this series, there is every reason to expect that you will love this one equally.
We open with Muna and her sister Sakti waking bewildered on a beach in Janda Bail. Mal Genggang takes them in, training Sakti while Muna helps in the kitchen. Unfortunately both of them are cursed, and end up having to travel to England, via the Unseen Realm, to get help.
Only Sakti disappears, leaving Muna to cope with England's new Sorceress Royal, as well as finding her sister, on her own.
Prunella is back (with glimpses of Zacharias), and just as much fun as she was in the first book. Henrietta is wonderful, and watching her relationship with Muna was such a joy--that was the strength of an otherwise fairly predictable plot. Not that predictable is a bad thing. Sometimes it's fun to watch everything unfold as expected, especially if you enjoy the relationships building along the way, as here.
In short, a light-hearted, fun and diverse, gay-friendly Regency fantasy romance.
Copy provided by NetGalley
We open with Muna and her sister Sakti waking bewildered on a beach in Janda Bail. Mal Genggang takes them in, training Sakti while Muna helps in the kitchen. Unfortunately both of them are cursed, and end up having to travel to England, via the Unseen Realm, to get help.
Only Sakti disappears, leaving Muna to cope with England's new Sorceress Royal, as well as finding her sister, on her own.
Prunella is back (with glimpses of Zacharias), and just as much fun as she was in the first book. Henrietta is wonderful, and watching her relationship with Muna was such a joy--that was the strength of an otherwise fairly predictable plot. Not that predictable is a bad thing. Sometimes it's fun to watch everything unfold as expected, especially if you enjoy the relationships building along the way, as here.
In short, a light-hearted, fun and diverse, gay-friendly Regency fantasy romance.
Copy provided by NetGalley
gavinsteyn's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25