Reviews

The True Queen by Zen Cho

mackle13's review against another edition

lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

I went into this book not really remembering much about the prior one.  It was a bit of a disadvantage at the start, but I don't think it was that detrimental, because the main characters of this story are newly introduced, and we get enough reminders of the characters from the prior story that I was easily able to follow what was going on - even though I didn't have any prior buy-in to them, which often comes from continuing stories.

So, anyway - that aside... 

I struggled with this book, especially in the beginning of the story.  Muna and Sitka were interesting enough, I suppose, but once we got to London the story seemed to come to a halt for awhile, as Muna was introduced to London society.  And, like, I love a good story of magical ton, and Regency feminists and all, but this just dragged... 

Also, the whole thing was just so bloody obvious.  Like, as soon as

Sitkamuna was mentioned, and it was kind of early on, I knew that these girls without their memories were this celestial being - or, well, dragon fey thing, but I had originally assumed celestial being - and then it gets mentioned and Muna never is like, hey, that's me and my sister's name?  And then it gets mentioned later, and it's like they heard it for the first time?

That actually happened a few times, where I'd read something and was like, wait, didn't we go over this already?

The story did pick up about halfway through, but I can't say I ever became overly invested.

belovedsnail's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Clever and sweet. Wish there was a third.

shonaholmes's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

momotack's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful informative medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

The pacing at the beginning was a little slow but that's partly because its so atmosphere and character based and I was reading it in dribs and drabs. Zen Cho is such and incredible writer and this book does what Sorceror did (examines British society from the perspective of a colonial nation and without accepting it as the baseline) even better. Muna is such a fascinating character and the themes of sisterhood and women running through the novel are incredible - I loved both Muna's knowledge that her and Sakti are sisters regardless of whether they're actually related, and also was really moved by her mourning the discovery that her and Sakti were two halves of a whole because it meant she had recognised her other half and longed for it rather than loved a sister - it was a beautiful place to take that realisation. Also, Henrietta was so well developed from book one (and the parallels between magic and queer love between Henny and Muna were beautifully drawn) amazing 👏

moh's review against another edition

5.0

If you like brilliantly imaginative fantasy that's layered with commentary about colonialism, misogyny, and racism and has a quiet sense of humor that never lets up and occasionally rises to epic farce and, just as you get used to all the fun, the mood shifts, and it's startlingly moving, you need to read this book.

Sorry for the breathlessly long sentence, but I just loved this book way too much to be coherent about it. Other pluses: queer and PoC main characters, setting divided among Malaysia, England, and fantastical spots, unique and wonderful mix of mythical creatures, and a delightful take on Regency novels. I liked Sorcerer to the Crown a lot, but I adored The True Queen.

Jenny Sterlin's narration of the audiobook is excellent.

estanceveyrac's review against another edition

5.0

What a delightful book! I liked it even better than the first one! How talented is Zen Cho! Very talented!

khardan's review against another edition

adventurous emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

b00kh0arder's review

4.0

The True Queen is a sort of sequel/companion novel to The Sorcerer to the Crown but you don't necessarily HAVE to have read Sorcerer first, told, as it is, mostly, from the point of view of entirely new characters. A delightful mash-up of fantasy & Regency/Austen-esque comedy of manners/domestic intrigue, told from angles and perspectives you wouldn't normally hear from. (Also, can Rollo and Dammerell have their own book? Please! XD)

ezalos's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

deannawalton's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25