danireneewood's review against another edition
This was an ARC that I was excited to read, but one that unfortunately did not live up to excitement or expectations.
The concept was intriguing: a social hierarchy arranged around the power of names and family heritage, but in the sense that those without names, the Nameless, are completely without power and must steal and sleep on the streets to survive.
Above the Nameless are Legals, who can be considered to be the working class, and finally, at the peak, are the Royals. The land of Seriden is ruled by the crown - and when the current king or queen dies, they name their heir by saying their name. The individual who is to ascend to the crown is marked with a tattoo. The story supposedly gets interesting when a Nameless is named heir.
Coin, the nameless who finds herself wearing the crown tattoo, is smart. She's quick mentally and on her feet, and has survived as a petty thief on the streets of Seriden. Early on there's the feeling that she's worked for what she has, and is smart enough not to get too attached to the material. There's a feeling that she's grown over time.
That image is completely shattered the moment she gains the crown tattoo. After revealing herself to be the named ruler of Seriden, Coin is taken into custody, and it is while she is in custody that she immediately begins displaying control of magical powers - such as seeing and understanding auras, making things invisible and the like. What's interesting is that despite no prior mention of these powers or having them before, she is instantly adept at using them. It is an incredibly frustrating display, and one that we don't see a lot of personal growth from. Immediately Coin falls into the tropes of the Mary Sue, and it's an image not recovered from.
The big moments are rushed, and don't feel like the climax they deserve to be. Outside of structurally, the writing is decent - it conveys what it needs to, and nothing more. It often feels very tell rather than show.
Nameless Queen does break the YA Fantasy norm in that it focuses on the importance of family - of blood relation or not - rather than a romantic interest, and in that, I thought, it had it's big win.
I wanted so much more from this title, and maybe it's a case of expectation being the root of heartache for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. Receiving a copy did not impact my review.
The concept was intriguing: a social hierarchy arranged around the power of names and family heritage, but in the sense that those without names, the Nameless, are completely without power and must steal and sleep on the streets to survive.
Above the Nameless are Legals, who can be considered to be the working class, and finally, at the peak, are the Royals. The land of Seriden is ruled by the crown - and when the current king or queen dies, they name their heir by saying their name. The individual who is to ascend to the crown is marked with a tattoo. The story supposedly gets interesting when a Nameless is named heir.
Coin, the nameless who finds herself wearing the crown tattoo, is smart. She's quick mentally and on her feet, and has survived as a petty thief on the streets of Seriden. Early on there's the feeling that she's worked for what she has, and is smart enough not to get too attached to the material. There's a feeling that she's grown over time.
That image is completely shattered the moment she gains the crown tattoo. After revealing herself to be the named ruler of Seriden, Coin is taken into custody, and it is while she is in custody that she immediately begins displaying control of magical powers - such as seeing and understanding auras, making things invisible and the like. What's interesting is that despite no prior mention of these powers or having them before, she is instantly adept at using them. It is an incredibly frustrating display, and one that we don't see a lot of personal growth from. Immediately Coin falls into the tropes of the Mary Sue, and it's an image not recovered from.
The big moments are rushed, and don't feel like the climax they deserve to be. Outside of structurally, the writing is decent - it conveys what it needs to, and nothing more. It often feels very tell rather than show.
Nameless Queen does break the YA Fantasy norm in that it focuses on the importance of family - of blood relation or not - rather than a romantic interest, and in that, I thought, it had it's big win.
I wanted so much more from this title, and maybe it's a case of expectation being the root of heartache for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. Receiving a copy did not impact my review.
womanon's review against another edition
2.0
Unfortunately, this wasn't wholly to my taste. I really loved the premise, but the execution was a little boring. I read the Dutch translation, and although I haven't read the original, I do think the translation was done a bit poorly. I might have enjoyed it better in its original form.
alexperc_92's review against another edition
3.0
DNF 31%
I'm sorry I tried I really did but it didn't pull me. I have to comment though the protagonist and her sass. I liked her.
I'm sorry I tried I really did but it didn't pull me. I have to comment though the protagonist and her sass. I liked her.
marykherrera's review against another edition
4.0
This book was given to me by Random House Children’s Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I first heard about it on NetGalley and the title intrigued me.
I could not put the book down. Once I started reading, I immediately thought of Red Queen. I was worried that this was a knock off novel, but was pleasantly surprised to find it was not. Yes, it is about a low class member of caste system society who becomes queen. She does have special powers. But that is where the similarities end. I enjoyed this book much better than Red Queen.
Nameless Queen
by Rebecca McLaughlin
Release Date: Jan 7, 2020
Coin is a Nameless. The Nameless are born without a name, without family, without money, without food, and without rights. They can’t get jobs and if they are caught stealing, they get jailed or more likely, executed. It is a tough way to live, but Coin is good at surviving and taking care of herself.
That is, until one morning when she wakes up with a tattoo. The tattoo means that she is the new queen, but that is impossible because she doesn’t even have a name.
This is certain to be a death sentence for her.
To make matters worse, someone she feels responsible for is in terrible danger of being executed. So she has to figure out how to save not only herself, but her friend Hat as well. Perhaps in the process, she can do something that might help the Nameless.
It’s a story about survival, justice, and family.
The Writing
I thought Nameless Queen was well written. I love the author’s tone. Here is one example from the book:
I try not to be impressed. I try really, really hard.
Nameless Queen, Rebecca McLaughlin
I found the main character to be very relatable and she has a wry humor. The book had me in near stitches when Coin was arrested.
“I’m assuming my cell doesn’t have pillows?”… “I mean, that’s all right. I’d prefer having some, and proper blankets wouldn’t hurt either–but I’m not going to complain when you’re being so hospitable and giving me a place to sleep tonight.”
Nameless Queen , Rebecca McLaughlin
I found Coin to be a highly competent character, which I enjoy immensely. Coin was one of many highly competent female characters in this book, which was refreshing.
Coin has an excellent character arc. A few other characters in this story go through their own arc as well. One arc was a little abrupt in its about-face, but I forgave that because it kept the pace of the book quick. Plus it seemed minor, since this story is not really about them. I would have liked a little more about that character though to help the reader understand the change in position. (I want to say more here about it but…. read to the bottom of this post for an exciting announcement.)
Who will like this book?
If you liked Red Queen you are likely to enjoy this book. Unless you like Red Queen for the romance plotline. If that is the case, you’ll be disappointed. This book does not have a romance plotline, which suits me just fine.
Some books are very harsh… as in Game of Thrones, where every other page has a character killed off. Some are soft and fluffy. I prefer the more fluffy kind of story. I’m not saying that this story is all fluffy, but it leans a little softer than I could have, given the topics and themes in this book. If you like GOT or Young Elites (by Marie Lu) because of it’s darkness, you might find this book a bit on the soft side. Living on the streets, dealing with courtly politics, and assassins is very risky. Coin does suffer and loses much, but I kept fearing it would take a terribly dark turn and it never did go really dark. I like that about it.
If you like books about power struggles, politics, magic, strong women, survival, and daring plots, then you’ll love Nameless Queen.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Something NEW!
This book release date is January 7, 2020. I want to try something new by having a Book Club Discussion. So, a week or so after the release date, I’m going to post some discussion questions. I’ll include my own responses to the questions, but feel free to take the questions to your own group and see what your friends say. I would also LOVE to hear your opinions as well. Comment or email me!
These book club posts will contain spoilers if you haven’t read it, so I’ll put a BIG image at the top with a spoiler warning.
Once I post the Book Club Discussion post for this story, I’ll add a link here. Or sign up for emails, so you won’t miss it!
Sign up for email
& never miss a post!
Happy Reading
I could not put the book down. Once I started reading, I immediately thought of Red Queen. I was worried that this was a knock off novel, but was pleasantly surprised to find it was not. Yes, it is about a low class member of caste system society who becomes queen. She does have special powers. But that is where the similarities end. I enjoyed this book much better than Red Queen.
Nameless Queen
by Rebecca McLaughlin
Release Date: Jan 7, 2020
Coin is a Nameless. The Nameless are born without a name, without family, without money, without food, and without rights. They can’t get jobs and if they are caught stealing, they get jailed or more likely, executed. It is a tough way to live, but Coin is good at surviving and taking care of herself.
That is, until one morning when she wakes up with a tattoo. The tattoo means that she is the new queen, but that is impossible because she doesn’t even have a name.
This is certain to be a death sentence for her.
To make matters worse, someone she feels responsible for is in terrible danger of being executed. So she has to figure out how to save not only herself, but her friend Hat as well. Perhaps in the process, she can do something that might help the Nameless.
It’s a story about survival, justice, and family.
The Writing
I thought Nameless Queen was well written. I love the author’s tone. Here is one example from the book:
I try not to be impressed. I try really, really hard.
Nameless Queen, Rebecca McLaughlin
I found the main character to be very relatable and she has a wry humor. The book had me in near stitches when Coin was arrested.
“I’m assuming my cell doesn’t have pillows?”… “I mean, that’s all right. I’d prefer having some, and proper blankets wouldn’t hurt either–but I’m not going to complain when you’re being so hospitable and giving me a place to sleep tonight.”
Nameless Queen , Rebecca McLaughlin
I found Coin to be a highly competent character, which I enjoy immensely. Coin was one of many highly competent female characters in this book, which was refreshing.
Coin has an excellent character arc. A few other characters in this story go through their own arc as well. One arc was a little abrupt in its about-face, but I forgave that because it kept the pace of the book quick. Plus it seemed minor, since this story is not really about them. I would have liked a little more about that character though to help the reader understand the change in position. (I want to say more here about it but…. read to the bottom of this post for an exciting announcement.)
Who will like this book?
If you liked Red Queen you are likely to enjoy this book. Unless you like Red Queen for the romance plotline. If that is the case, you’ll be disappointed. This book does not have a romance plotline, which suits me just fine.
Some books are very harsh… as in Game of Thrones, where every other page has a character killed off. Some are soft and fluffy. I prefer the more fluffy kind of story. I’m not saying that this story is all fluffy, but it leans a little softer than I could have, given the topics and themes in this book. If you like GOT or Young Elites (by Marie Lu) because of it’s darkness, you might find this book a bit on the soft side. Living on the streets, dealing with courtly politics, and assassins is very risky. Coin does suffer and loses much, but I kept fearing it would take a terribly dark turn and it never did go really dark. I like that about it.
If you like books about power struggles, politics, magic, strong women, survival, and daring plots, then you’ll love Nameless Queen.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Something NEW!
This book release date is January 7, 2020. I want to try something new by having a Book Club Discussion. So, a week or so after the release date, I’m going to post some discussion questions. I’ll include my own responses to the questions, but feel free to take the questions to your own group and see what your friends say. I would also LOVE to hear your opinions as well. Comment or email me!
These book club posts will contain spoilers if you haven’t read it, so I’ll put a BIG image at the top with a spoiler warning.
Once I post the Book Club Discussion post for this story, I’ll add a link here. Or sign up for emails, so you won’t miss it!
Sign up for email
& never miss a post!
Happy Reading
goerdt's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
lori_books's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
bernaburb's review against another edition
4.0
+ Beautiful, simple worldbuilding.
- The magic seemed unnecessairy to me. I wouzld have liked the book better if Coin survived through the trickery she learned on the streets.
U + Lovable characters. I've never liked a character as instantly as I did Esther and Glenquartz.
+ Gripping. The story's pacement is fast, but in a good way. There isn't a single chapter that feels like a drag.
- I kinda disliked it when Belrosa was finished at the end of the story. I see how Marcher is the bigger villain, but I liked the two in cahoots better.
+ A YA without romance, how refreshing.
- The magic seemed unnecessairy to me. I wouzld have liked the book better if Coin survived through the trickery she learned on the streets.
U + Lovable characters. I've never liked a character as instantly as I did Esther and Glenquartz.
+ Gripping. The story's pacement is fast, but in a good way. There isn't a single chapter that feels like a drag.
- I kinda disliked it when Belrosa was finished at the end of the story. I see how Marcher is the bigger villain, but I liked the two in cahoots better.
+ A YA without romance, how refreshing.
tiaharbingerofdeath's review against another edition
adventurous
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? Yes
3.0
ijill14's review against another edition
DNF @ 34%
This book is not for me. Maybe for a younger audience who is new to the fantasy genre, but it was missing too many things for me to want to pick this book up again and again.
This book is not for me. Maybe for a younger audience who is new to the fantasy genre, but it was missing too many things for me to want to pick this book up again and again.