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jenpaul13's review against another edition
3.0
Putting a name on or to things tends to make it easier to manage them, as demonstrated through events in Rebecca McLaughlin's Nameless Queen.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
The power that comes with the throne is magical, but it's passed down through the utterance of the chosen successor's name and the appearance of a crown tattoo upon their arm, which is why the people of Seriden were wildly surprised that the king named one of the Nameless instead of his daughter, the heir apparent. Coin, the Nameless young woman chosen by the king to take up the crown after his death, is part of a class of citizens far below the notice of the Royals and Legals; having survived over the years through her cunning, ability to read people, and light fingers, Coin now faces an entirely new challenge behind the palace walls and in the wake of the indignation evident among Royals as she endeavors to secure a livable future for herself.
A fairly fast read, this fantasy story has some good potential in its premise and world-building and offers an opportunity to discuss some serious societal issues that are raised and addressed within the text. The trajectory of the story is quite predictable and is a rather slow burn toward more meaningful changes or action; it would be very interesting to get further context and background for the world than what was presented as the three social classes and trade between kingdoms were intriguing in their dynamics. Coin is a decently interesting character who exhibits smarts and strength as she grows throughout the trials she faces and the hampered power that is thrust upon her. There was a slight lack of refinement to the narrative with sections of jarring cuts between points of action or narration on the page that made it seem like you missed a chunk of story.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
The power that comes with the throne is magical, but it's passed down through the utterance of the chosen successor's name and the appearance of a crown tattoo upon their arm, which is why the people of Seriden were wildly surprised that the king named one of the Nameless instead of his daughter, the heir apparent. Coin, the Nameless young woman chosen by the king to take up the crown after his death, is part of a class of citizens far below the notice of the Royals and Legals; having survived over the years through her cunning, ability to read people, and light fingers, Coin now faces an entirely new challenge behind the palace walls and in the wake of the indignation evident among Royals as she endeavors to secure a livable future for herself.
A fairly fast read, this fantasy story has some good potential in its premise and world-building and offers an opportunity to discuss some serious societal issues that are raised and addressed within the text. The trajectory of the story is quite predictable and is a rather slow burn toward more meaningful changes or action; it would be very interesting to get further context and background for the world than what was presented as the three social classes and trade between kingdoms were intriguing in their dynamics. Coin is a decently interesting character who exhibits smarts and strength as she grows throughout the trials she faces and the hampered power that is thrust upon her. There was a slight lack of refinement to the narrative with sections of jarring cuts between points of action or narration on the page that made it seem like you missed a chunk of story.
rjradic's review against another edition
3.0
the plot was so good and so much potential...but needed further editing towards the end. In Chapter 20, the timeline until the duels went from 1 week to 6 days to tomorrow, all in the same scene. The ending was too rushed and two major plotlines weren't dealt with head on (the nameless army and Marcher). I loved the book but where it could've been great it didn't quite make it.
dia_arca_mina's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
mizzlroy's review against another edition
4.0
This book was really fun to read and I think fans of Red Queen will love it. I really enjoyed that it is a one and done. Sometimes I hesitate to start a fantasy book because I know it is a three book (minimum) commitment. My students will enjoy this one and I will definitely be recommending it!
sappyfire28's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
3.0
secondhandpages's review against another edition
4.0
Maybe the best things are nameless....
Ugh. My heart! Is this a stand alone? I need to know - I need to know what happens to Hat! PLEASE TELL ME!
Ya'll this book was SO GOOD! I literally did everything I could to continue reading. It took me longer than an audiobook usually takes me, but that was a me issue - not a book issue.
Coin, Hat, and Ester are perfection, and the villians are delightfully easy to hate!
Full review to come - but I tell you this - GO READ IT and come and gossip with me!
Ugh. My heart! Is this a stand alone? I need to know - I need to know what happens to Hat! PLEASE TELL ME!
Ya'll this book was SO GOOD! I literally did everything I could to continue reading. It took me longer than an audiobook usually takes me, but that was a me issue - not a book issue.
Coin, Hat, and Ester are perfection, and the villians are delightfully easy to hate!
Full review to come - but I tell you this - GO READ IT and come and gossip with me!
thewrittenadventure's review against another edition
3.0
Just a generic run of the mill YA fantasy with no real world building that established firm rules about magic.
The story was ok, the characters, except for Coin, were all pretty forgettable.
Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for giving me a copy in exchange for my review!
The story was ok, the characters, except for Coin, were all pretty forgettable.
Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for giving me a copy in exchange for my review!