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A review by jenpaul13
Nameless Queen by Rebecca McLaughlin
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.