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worldsunlikeourown's review against another edition
3.0
Find this review and more on my blog at Worlds Unlike Our Own.
3.5 stars
“Some of the best things are Nameless.”
The city of Seriden consists of three classes: the Royals, who are like the aristocracy, the Legals, who make up the working class, and the Nameless, who basically don’t have names, and hence no legal rights. When the ruler of the city dies, they speak the name of their successor out loud and hence transfer the crown tattoo, which grants magical abilities to the heir. But when the tattoo shows up on the arm of a Nameless girl, who goes by Coin, people are outraged, and things quickly get dangerous for her. She understands soon enough that there is no way the Royal Council is actually going to let her reign, much less do something about the Nameless who have been disappearing off the streets of late, but Coin must figure out the secret of how she, a Nameless girl, could have possibly been Named by the late King as heir.
Generally speaking, I enjoyed the story. It was nice to see one of those rare YA fantasy novels with no element of romance in it, choosing instead to focus on the politics of the situation at hand and the disparity between the three social classes. I also really liked the way strong friendships were depicted in this story, and how the Nameless, despite having nothing and nobody of their own still stand by each other and choose their own families, signifying that family is not necessarily just what you are born into.
Sure, there were some new concepts to this tale, but in general it felt like a rinse-repeat scenario of learning to rule while uncovering a conspiracy that threatens the kingdom – so not all that original. Then there is the magic system and world-building where it felt like the story was just making up things as it went along. I also felt like the characters were very hard to connect to, even Coin. For someone who has such an interesting background, having grown up on the streets, thieving for a living, her arc in this story was rather bland, and none of her skills ever come into play. Then there’s Glenquartz, a guard at the court, who helps Coin and protects her, but unless I missed it, there’s really no reason given for it except for maybe that as a Legal, he can never rise above a certain rank.
Overall, Nameless Queen was fast paced and enjoyable – a solid debut, and a standalone that was a very satisfying read. As a pretty straightforward book, it also made for a good break since the next few books I have lined up on my TBR are all heavy fantasy or very highly anticipated novels. I’m looking forward to reading more of Rebecca McLaughlin’s works in the future.
3.5 stars
“Some of the best things are Nameless.”
The city of Seriden consists of three classes: the Royals, who are like the aristocracy, the Legals, who make up the working class, and the Nameless, who basically don’t have names, and hence no legal rights. When the ruler of the city dies, they speak the name of their successor out loud and hence transfer the crown tattoo, which grants magical abilities to the heir. But when the tattoo shows up on the arm of a Nameless girl, who goes by Coin, people are outraged, and things quickly get dangerous for her. She understands soon enough that there is no way the Royal Council is actually going to let her reign, much less do something about the Nameless who have been disappearing off the streets of late, but Coin must figure out the secret of how she, a Nameless girl, could have possibly been Named by the late King as heir.
Generally speaking, I enjoyed the story. It was nice to see one of those rare YA fantasy novels with no element of romance in it, choosing instead to focus on the politics of the situation at hand and the disparity between the three social classes. I also really liked the way strong friendships were depicted in this story, and how the Nameless, despite having nothing and nobody of their own still stand by each other and choose their own families, signifying that family is not necessarily just what you are born into.
Sure, there were some new concepts to this tale, but in general it felt like a rinse-repeat scenario of learning to rule while uncovering a conspiracy that threatens the kingdom – so not all that original. Then there is the magic system and world-building where it felt like the story was just making up things as it went along. I also felt like the characters were very hard to connect to, even Coin. For someone who has such an interesting background, having grown up on the streets, thieving for a living, her arc in this story was rather bland, and none of her skills ever come into play. Then there’s Glenquartz, a guard at the court, who helps Coin and protects her, but unless I missed it, there’s really no reason given for it except for maybe that as a Legal, he can never rise above a certain rank.
Overall, Nameless Queen was fast paced and enjoyable – a solid debut, and a standalone that was a very satisfying read. As a pretty straightforward book, it also made for a good break since the next few books I have lined up on my TBR are all heavy fantasy or very highly anticipated novels. I’m looking forward to reading more of Rebecca McLaughlin’s works in the future.
sherwoodreads's review against another edition
This is a fast-paced street-urchin-to queen wish fulfillment fantasy that should really please the teen audience it's intended for. First person present tense has become the new fashion in YA, but McLaughlin handles it more naturally than many, with verve, grace and sheer fun.
It's the voice that carries this story. Here's the opening line: I wake up the same way I fell asleep, knife in hand, boots for a pillow, and Nameless.
The Nameless thing is somewhat confusing as actually everyone has a name, it's just that the Nameless (the poor downtrodden peasants or commons) don't have family names. (Which is, if you look at human history, a fairly modern concept in many cultures.) There's a lot about law concerning names, in which magic is bound, and sumptuary laws, that adds to the confusion.
The worldbuilding is pretty much fairy-tale kingdom with a dose of Hollywood backdrop, but that's going to be just fine for the audience the book is aimed at, because it keeps the focus on the action, with lots of daring escapades and duels.
Coin is smart, and it's fun to watch her get All The Powers, but at the heart this book is about family, which I found a refreshing contrast to some of the "angry girls gotta kill" dystopias out there.
McLaughlin is definitely a talent to watch.
Copy provided by NetGalley
It's the voice that carries this story. Here's the opening line: I wake up the same way I fell asleep, knife in hand, boots for a pillow, and Nameless.
The Nameless thing is somewhat confusing as actually everyone has a name, it's just that the Nameless (the poor downtrodden peasants or commons) don't have family names. (Which is, if you look at human history, a fairly modern concept in many cultures.) There's a lot about law concerning names, in which magic is bound, and sumptuary laws, that adds to the confusion.
The worldbuilding is pretty much fairy-tale kingdom with a dose of Hollywood backdrop, but that's going to be just fine for the audience the book is aimed at, because it keeps the focus on the action, with lots of daring escapades and duels.
Coin is smart, and it's fun to watch her get All The Powers, but at the heart this book is about family, which I found a refreshing contrast to some of the "angry girls gotta kill" dystopias out there.
McLaughlin is definitely a talent to watch.
Copy provided by NetGalley
hanamazing83's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
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
4.0
lpcoolgirl's review against another edition
5.0
This was such an amazing read, I loved the world, and I had to keep reading!
theeclecticreview's review against another edition
4.0
It’s been a while since I’ve read a good young adult fantasy and the Nameless Queen is a magical, fast-paced trek through the Kingdom of Seriden which holds three classes of people, the Royals, the Legals, and the Nameless. Coin is a Nameless… a thief… a grifter… and unfortunately a queen.
Coin grew up as a Nameless, the lowest of the classes in Seriden. No family, no friends, just trying to survive by thieving and grifting. When the royal crown tattoo appears on her arm, no one is as surprised as she. The tattoo only appears on the person who is named by the dying king and she was born with no name. Nameless have no homes, no rights, and are killed for just being who they are. How did this happen? Her journey is a dangerous one and the Royal Council has her fate in their hands.
The characters are well-balanced with a mixture of kindness and evil with some questionable ones in between. Coin’s friendships with Hat, Esther and Glenquartz are what give her the hope and drive to go on and fight for the rights of the Nameless.
This book is an enjoyable read with magic, danger, and hope all rolled into one. It’s a lesson in strength, integrity, and fighting for what you want while remaining true to yourself.
Thank you to Ms. McLaughlin for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Coin grew up as a Nameless, the lowest of the classes in Seriden. No family, no friends, just trying to survive by thieving and grifting. When the royal crown tattoo appears on her arm, no one is as surprised as she. The tattoo only appears on the person who is named by the dying king and she was born with no name. Nameless have no homes, no rights, and are killed for just being who they are. How did this happen? Her journey is a dangerous one and the Royal Council has her fate in their hands.
The characters are well-balanced with a mixture of kindness and evil with some questionable ones in between. Coin’s friendships with Hat, Esther and Glenquartz are what give her the hope and drive to go on and fight for the rights of the Nameless.
This book is an enjoyable read with magic, danger, and hope all rolled into one. It’s a lesson in strength, integrity, and fighting for what you want while remaining true to yourself.
Thank you to Ms. McLaughlin for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
sarahgraceyoung04's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bookwyrm76's review against another edition
5.0
McLaughlin created an interesting world. Power and duty are as often as curse as a blessing and this is especially true in McLaughlin's novel of a street rat who suddenly has a chance to be Queen. On the surface it sounds like it should be a dream, but when looked at in the light of day the reality is not so bright.
She explores issues of economic class and social justice in an accessible way. Her 'villains' are not the evil plotters seeking chaos or complete destruction as in most fantasy epics. Her 'villains' are much more realistic. They are mortals with their own motives and goals, but they are no less villainous to the story.
She explores issues of economic class and social justice in an accessible way. Her 'villains' are not the evil plotters seeking chaos or complete destruction as in most fantasy epics. Her 'villains' are much more realistic. They are mortals with their own motives and goals, but they are no less villainous to the story.
jonathandowney's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
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
5.0
This was a good quick read. Loved the story and the characters. Very imaginative and so many cliff hangers and things I did not see coming. Some parts of the book felt like it was too fast paced, but overall it was a good read. I feel like it could have been a duology or a trilogy with much more detail, but enjoyed it for what it was. I read this as a “palate cleanser” between reading massive books in two series I am reading and was perfect for that! Highly recommended.
cmitchell2781's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely adored this book. It grabbed me from the very beginning, and held onto me the whole time. The characters were so strong and well written, relatable and engaging. The story kept me guessing as to what was gonna happen next, how was it all going to end. Definitely a must read for those looking for a well paced YA fantasy with excellent character development.