Title: Long May She Reign
Author: Rhiannon Thomas
First published February 21, 2017
422 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780062418685 (ISBN10: 0062418688)
Rating: 3.61
Overview
Kate Riordan’s captivating novel, The Girl in the Photograph, will transport readers to two different eras: the 1890s and 1930s. The book is an enthralling tale of two women whose lives are intertwined by fate.
If you are a fan of Daphne Du Maurier’s Rebecca or Kate Morton’s books, you will adore this dark, beautifully atmospheric story. When Alice Eveleigh arrives at Fiercombe Manor in 1933, she is seeking refuge from the world.
The housekeeper, Mrs. Jelphs, provides her with a sanctuary, but Alice soon realizes that something is amiss.
The manor house has secrets that it wants to keep hidden. Alice feels as though she is being watched and that tragedy is lurking around every corner.
As she explores the empty rooms of the manor, Alice discovers that the life of the previous occupant, Elizabeth Stanton, eerily mirrors her own. The Girl in the Photograph is a haunting and gripping novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
About the Author
Rhiannon Thomas graduated from Princeton University with a degree in English Literature. These days, she resides in York, England, where she’s surrounded by the stunning Gothic architecture of a 13th-century cathedral.
While she’s not engrossed in young adult fantasy novels, Rhiannon is passionate about advocating for feminism and examining the role of media in perpetuating societal norms. On her blog, FeministFiction.com, she shares her thoughts and insights on these important topics.
Editoral Review
Long May She Reign by Rhiannon Thomas is a captivating and thought-provoking young adult novel that takes readers on a thrilling adventure through a world of political intrigue, scientific discovery, and personal growth. Published on February 21st, 2017, this novel is both a unique exploration of the fantasy genre and a poignant commentary on power and responsibility.
Rhiannon Thomas is a renowned young adult author best known for her vivid characters, intricate world-building, and engaging storylines. In Long May She Reign, she once again proves her mastery of the craft by creating a rich, complex narrative that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant.
The novel is a perfect blend of science fiction, mystery, and political drama, and is sure to appeal to fans of both the fantasy and young adult genres. The novel follows the story of Freya, a young girl who is unexpectedly thrust into the role of queen after a catastrophic event wipes out the majority of the royal family.
As she struggles to navigate the dangerous world of politics and power that surrounds her, Freya discovers a talent for invention and science that she never knew she had. With the help of a talented group of advisors and friends, she uses her newfound knowledge to unravel the mystery of the royal family’s demise and uncover a complex web of deceit and betrayal at the heart of the kingdom.
One of the strengths of Long May She Reign is the character development. Freya is a compelling protagonist, one whose journey from a shy, introverted young girl to a confident and capable leader is both touching and inspiring.
The supporting cast of characters is equally well-drawn, with each member bringing their own unique strengths and weaknesses to the narrative. The novel is also beautifully written, with a rich and evocative style that brings the world of the novel to life.
From the intricate descriptions of the kingdom’s architecture to the lush, sensory descriptions of the natural world, Rhiannon Thomas has an eye for detail that is rare and impressive. The pacing of the novel is excellent as well, with the story moving along briskly and never dragging or becoming repetitive.
One of the most interesting aspects of Long May She Reign is its exploration of power and responsibility. Freya’s experiences as the queen of the kingdom underline the dangers of unchecked power, while also celebrating the positive force that leadership can be when used for the greater good.
The novel’s underlying messages are timely and important, offering readers a subtle and nuanced reflection on the world around them that is both thought-provoking and empowering. If I had any criticisms of Long May She Reign, it would be that the ending felt somewhat rushed and could have been given more room to breathe.
Additionally, some readers may find the world-building a bit dense at times, although I found it to be so well-written that I was easily able to immerse myself in the setting. Overall, I would highly recommend Long May She Reign to anyone looking for a compelling and emotionally resonant young adult novel.
Rhiannon Thomas has once again proven herself to be a master storyteller, and this novel is sure to appeal to fans of the genre as well as readers looking for a thought-provoking and engaging read. I would give this novel a score of 4.5 out of 5 stars, with the only caveat being that the ending felt a bit rushed.