A review by annevivliohomme
The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

1.0

I'm pretty sure this was written by a man. It's sexist, unnecessary violent, and mentions nipples at moments that don't need them to be mentioned. The way the main character instantly falls in love with a pretty guy makes her seem very shallow. Considering her 'bravery', it's very much tell don't show, because she doesn't make the impactful decisions herself. Her power solely lies in accidentally befriending the right man, putting on a pretty necklace, and having a unknown but powerful father. Her parentage is one of the biggest mysteries in the book, because her intellect has to come from her father right? It couldn't be because of the woman who raised her, or because of her own insightfullness. Why does her one good quality have to originate from yet another man? Furthermore, additional male characters are introduced who play a crucial part to the plot, but they are too single-minded and underdeveloped to deserve all the words dedicated to them. And the attitude towards women?? It sucks. In the midst of a war, a central worry of the main character that she eats too much... The constant self deprivation was really bugging me. I personally believe that every person has beauty to them, and the constant tearing down of women (they're stupid, they're old, they're ugly, they're vain) irritated me to no end. Where is the woman hyping up other women? Why, when a queen rescues other women, are the pages full of jealousy and fear, and comparing yourself? I wish the author would realise that weight does not determine your beauty, and that women can be strong while still supporting those around them, and that a man does not determine your value. 
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