Title: The Invasion of the Tearling
Author: Erika Johansen
First published June 9, 2015
515 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780062290397 (ISBN10: 0062290398)
Rating: 4.1
Overview
The fate of the Tearling Kingdom is once again at stake, and Kelsea Glynn, the young queen, finds herself in the middle of a dangerous game of power. Her efforts to eradicate the cruel and inhuman trade practices have made her enemies, including the Red Queen, whose thirst for blood and magic is insatiable.
The Red Queen’s armies are now at the doorstep of the Tearling, and Kelsea is running out of options. However, a glimmer of hope arises from the past, and Kelsea sets out on a quest to find an unlikely ally.
But with time running out, will she be able to unlock the secrets of the past and save her kingdom? Erika Johansen’s epic tale of magic, adventure, and politics continues in this gripping sequel to The Queen of the Tearling.
Editoral Review
The Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen is a gripping fantasy novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. Published on June 9, 2015, Johansen weaves together an intricate story about a young queen who must navigate a dark and dangerous world while also confronting her own past and the challenges that come with her position of power.
Set in a distant future, the novel takes place in the fictional world of Tearling, a land that has been ravaged by war and famine. Queen Kelsea Raleigh is the ruler of Tearling, and she faces a daunting task as she tries to hold her kingdom together amid increasing threats from neighboring countries and powerful enemies within her own borders.
The novel is a remarkable blend of genres, incorporating elements of science fiction, fantasy, and political thriller. Johansens writing is masterful, and she creates a vividly imagined world that is both fascinating and terrifying.
Her characters are complex and well-developed, with Kelsea being a standout protagonist that readers will root for throughout the novel. Despite its fantastical elements, The Invasion of the Tearling touches on a number of important issues, including the impact of power and corruption, the struggle for freedom, and the importance of sacrifice.
These themes are woven into the story in a way that is both thought-provoking and emotionally impactful. While the novel is not without its flaws, including some uneven pacing and a few moments of clumsily executed exposition, overall it is an impressive work.
Johansens world-building is impressive, and the depth and complexity of her characters set the novel apart from others in the genre. Fans of epic fantasy will find much to enjoy in The Invasion of the Tearling, as will readers who enjoy stories with strong heroines and political intrigue.
With this novel, Johansen has firmly established herself as a writer to watch in the years to come. Rating: 4/5 stars.
