catbooklover's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
danadoesbooks's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
Thank you Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the eARC of Queen Wallis! All opinions in this review are my own.
While the sequel advances Rose's story, it felt like it was missing something crucial from the first book. Queen Wallis still had the feeling of the Alliance closing in on Rose but without the dramatic ending of the first one. However, based on the ending of this book, I would be curious to find out what happens next.
bargainsleuth's review against another edition
4.0
For this and other book reviews, visit www.bargain-sleuth.com
I’m constantly scouring for fiction and nonfiction books about the royal family, yet somehow, I missed Widowland, a dystopian novel of alternative history where Germany took over most of Europe and Great Britain instead of WWII. When I saw this sequel being advertised, I quickly requested it from NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark and was approved for an eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
It’s the mid-1950s, and the Nazis have taken over most of Europe and Great Britain. Edward VIII passed away about six months ago, and it’s been two years since The Leader was poisoned and killed. Queen Consort Wallis hasn’t been seen in public too much, and there are concerns about her mental well-being. Women in this society are subjugated and put into different castes; the most desirable caste is one made of Nordic beauties who are also breeders. All other women are seen as useless.
Part 1984, part The Handmaid’s Tale, Queen Wallis goes down the road of What Ifs and it’s truly frightening to think of what could have happened had Churchill not been Prime Minister. In Queen Wallis, Rose Ransom, hero of Widowland, is tasked with rewriting poetry because all poetry is deemed subversive because it can contain hidden meanings. This is seen as a very important position, and because Rose is highly regarded, she’s also been asked to interview Queen Wallis to determine her sanity. President Eisenhower and his wife are on their way to England to visit, and the Protectorate is concerned Wallis may say or do something to jeopardize diplomatic relations with the United States.
Make no mistake, this book is called Queen Wallis but the focus of the book is Rose. Wallis and Rose do meet and have a long discussion about 35% into the book, but Edward VIII’s wife is a supporting character in the book. I generally do not read speculative fiction, but given the subject matter, I found this book a compelling follow-up to Widowland. If you’re a fan of dystopian fiction and have an interest in world history, this series might be for you.
I’m constantly scouring for fiction and nonfiction books about the royal family, yet somehow, I missed Widowland, a dystopian novel of alternative history where Germany took over most of Europe and Great Britain instead of WWII. When I saw this sequel being advertised, I quickly requested it from NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark and was approved for an eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
It’s the mid-1950s, and the Nazis have taken over most of Europe and Great Britain. Edward VIII passed away about six months ago, and it’s been two years since The Leader was poisoned and killed. Queen Consort Wallis hasn’t been seen in public too much, and there are concerns about her mental well-being. Women in this society are subjugated and put into different castes; the most desirable caste is one made of Nordic beauties who are also breeders. All other women are seen as useless.
Part 1984, part The Handmaid’s Tale, Queen Wallis goes down the road of What Ifs and it’s truly frightening to think of what could have happened had Churchill not been Prime Minister. In Queen Wallis, Rose Ransom, hero of Widowland, is tasked with rewriting poetry because all poetry is deemed subversive because it can contain hidden meanings. This is seen as a very important position, and because Rose is highly regarded, she’s also been asked to interview Queen Wallis to determine her sanity. President Eisenhower and his wife are on their way to England to visit, and the Protectorate is concerned Wallis may say or do something to jeopardize diplomatic relations with the United States.
Make no mistake, this book is called Queen Wallis but the focus of the book is Rose. Wallis and Rose do meet and have a long discussion about 35% into the book, but Edward VIII’s wife is a supporting character in the book. I generally do not read speculative fiction, but given the subject matter, I found this book a compelling follow-up to Widowland. If you’re a fan of dystopian fiction and have an interest in world history, this series might be for you.
djwudi's review against another edition
3.0
A sequel to Widowland, one of this year's Philip K. Dick Award-nominated books, set in an alternate-history UK where Germany won WWII, and the UK is now an allied protectorate of Germany, under the nominal reign of Queen Wallace Simpson, entirely reduced to a figurehead. Following the events of Widowland, and in anticipation of the first diplomatic visit from the United States in years, England is under even tighter control. The importance of literature and poetry are important threads again, and the book does a good job of continuing the story after the climax of Widowland, picking up threads and quite believably ratcheting up the tension. I'll definitely be interested to see if the series continues on.
lediamond4's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
If I’m being honest I was a little fuzzy on the events that happened in the first book, “Widowland”. I did remember The Event as they call it however so o think I’m good.
I liked this book well enough. Rose was more likable than I remembered. The moments of tension were well paced and well written. The epilogue seemed a little abrupt and vague. But I liked this book more than I expected to since I was only lukewarm on the first one and didn’t remember all that much.
I liked this book well enough. Rose was more likable than I remembered. The moments of tension were well paced and well written. The epilogue seemed a little abrupt and vague. But I liked this book more than I expected to since I was only lukewarm on the first one and didn’t remember all that much.
missmelia's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
stlkatiek's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I enjoyed this alternate history, a sequel of another audiobook I liked. There were some aspects that irked me, specifically certain overly convenient plot points and some repetitive descriptions of the more bureaucratic elements of their society. Still, this was an enjoyable read, and if the series continues I'd certainly keep reading.
Read it because:
I previously listened to Widowland, the first book in this series
Read it because:
I previously listened to Widowland, the first book in this series
pagesandtealeavess's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
boiler_bookworm's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
bookitmik's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No