A review by moh
The True Queen by Zen Cho

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.