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A review by n_asyikin_
The True Queen by Zen Cho
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-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
In the follow up to the Sorcerer of the Crown, The True Queen followed two sisters, Muna & Sakti, who had woken up one day with no recollection of who they were & their past except for their names & the possibility that they had their magic stolen. With the help from the incredible Mak Genggang & Prunella, spanning from Janda Baik to England via the Unseen Realm, the two tried to solve the mystery revolving their state which may be rooted in a power struggle amongst powerful magical creatures.
The start of the story was aptly slow paced, reflecting the confusion the sisters went through with their amnesia. But the acerbic & sharp-witted nature of the casts of strong women made for a highly entertaining read; Sakti, Prunella & Mak Genggang, even the polong, have the tendency to quite literally took life by the horns. This was especially true when it came to shooting down any attempts by others to stifle them for their gender, "class", or race. I just loved how they either tried to bulldoze their way through the unjust system or play the system at its own game. But I also adore how we had the likes of Muna & Henrietta, though they were more subtle, they were just as revolutionary.
The series depicted the concept of culturally-different views & approaches to magic. I loved how there were contrasts being made between the Western & Eastern (i.e. Malay specifically) views on the magical system. If there is one thing that I adore most about Cho, it is how unapologetically Malaysian she is with her writings: in this story, she imbued Malay myths & beliefs into the plot to depict Muna, Sakti & Mak Genggang's background. Those familiar with the Malay culture may recognize the significance of "fine creatures" aside from the proverbs mentioned including references to mulut tempayan and nasi sudah menjadi bubur translated into English or mentioned in some form of Bahasa Rojak; as a Malay Malaysian, it was a joy to see.
The True Queen was a fun, light read in a fantasy that recognizes & celebrates magic beyond the Western world. Towards the climax of the story, Cho successfully evoked a sense of awe, quenching one's thirst for adventure as the mystery involving the sisters was resolved. But the characters' astute commentaries about the problems with elistism & feudalism were ever so relevant, & I found their sarcasms to be an exceptional balm especially in lieu with what's going on currently.
If you want to read a fantasy that provides a different approach/view to magic, I highly recommend you picking up The True Queen as well as its accompaniment, Sorceror to the Crown.
The start of the story was aptly slow paced, reflecting the confusion the sisters went through with their amnesia. But the acerbic & sharp-witted nature of the casts of strong women made for a highly entertaining read;
The series depicted the concept of culturally-different views & approaches to magic. I loved how there were contrasts being made between the Western & Eastern (i.e. Malay specifically) views on the magical system. If there is one thing that I adore most about Cho, it is how unapologetically Malaysian she is with her writings: in this story, she imbued Malay myths & beliefs into the plot to depict Muna, Sakti & Mak Genggang's background. Those familiar with the Malay culture may recognize the significance of "fine creatures" aside from the proverbs mentioned including references to mulut tempayan and nasi sudah menjadi bubur translated into English or mentioned in some form of Bahasa Rojak; as a Malay Malaysian, it was a joy to see.
The True Queen was a fun, light read in a fantasy that recognizes & celebrates magic beyond the Western world. Towards the climax of the story, Cho successfully evoked a sense of awe, quenching one's thirst for adventure as the mystery involving the sisters was resolved. But the characters' astute commentaries about the problems with elistism & feudalism were ever so relevant, & I found their sarcasms to be an exceptional balm especially in lieu with what's going on currently.
If you want to read a fantasy that provides a different approach/view to magic, I highly recommend you picking up The True Queen as well as its accompaniment, Sorceror to the Crown.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Racism and Colonisation