Title: The Reluctant Queen
Author: Sarah Beth Durst
First published July 4, 2017
358 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780062413352 (ISBN10: 006241335X)
Rating: 4.02
Overview
In the land of Renthia, everything has a spirit, and they all want to kill you. Daleina, the queen, has kept the peace and protected her people from these malevolent spirits.
But now, she is dying, and the only way to prevent her beloved realm from being destroyed is to find a new heir. Naelin, a mother living in a remote village, has the power to control these spirits, but she denies it for fear of the consequences.
When Ven, the Queen’s champion, arrives in her village, he believes Naelin is the best candidate to protect the people of Aratay. However, Naelin’s duty is to her children first and foremost.
As the Queen’s power wanes and the spirits become emboldened, Naelin realizes the only way to keep her family safe is to risk everything. In this thrilling sequel to The Queen of Blood, Sarah Beth Durst raises the stakes even higher as the threat to the Queen and her people grows both from within and beyond the borders of Aratay.
About the Author
Sarah Beth Durst has authored more than twenty fantasy books for readers of all ages, including the popular titles Spark, Drink Slay Love, and The Queens of Renthia series. Her work has been recognized with a variety of literary accolades, such as the ALA Alex Award and the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award.
Additionally, she has been a finalist for the SFWA’s Andre Norton Award on three separate occasions. Sarah is a proud alumna of Princeton University and resides in Stony Brook, New York, with her family and a rather impolite feline companion.
To learn more about Sarah and her writing, please visit sarahbethdurst.com.
Editoral Review
The Reluctant Queen by Sarah Beth Durst is a compelling addition to the epic fantasy genre. First published on July 4, 2017, this book follows the journey of a young queen who must navigate the treacherous political landscape of her kingdom, while also discovering her own strength and agency.
Durst’s writing is evocative and imaginative, with lush world-building and fully-realized characters that create a rich and immersive reading experience. Set in the mythical kingdom of Aratay, the story begins with the reluctant ascent of Queen Daleina to the throne.
Having lost her mother and father to the deadly spirits that haunt the forest surrounding Aratay, Daleina is determined to use her power as queen to eradicate the spirits once and for all. However, as she begins to learn the true nature of her power, and the consequences of her actions, she is forced to confront the realities of ruling a kingdom in turmoil, and the sacrifices she must make to save her people.
One of the strengths of The Reluctant Queen is its complex and nuanced portrayal of power, morality, and leadership. Daleina’s journey from a hesitant and unsure queen to a compassionate and confident leader is both inspiring and thought-provoking, offering a refreshing subversion of traditional gender roles in fantasy fiction.
Durst also weaves in themes of environmentalism and colonialism, exploring the power dynamics between humans and the spirits who inhabit their world. At times, the pacing of the book can be slow, and some of the secondary characters feel underdeveloped.
However, these minor flaws are outweighed by the intricacy and depth of the world-building, as well as Durst’s skillful handling of complex themes and ideas. Readers who enjoy epic fantasy with strong female protagonists and a focus on political intrigue and power dynamics will find much to love in The Reluctant Queen.
The book is well-crafted and emotionally resonant, with a satisfying and thought-provoking conclusion that sets the stage for the next installment. Highly recommended for fans of N.K. Jemisin, Naomi Novik, and Tamora Pierce.
Rating: 4/5 stars. Durst’s vivid and imaginative storytelling pulls readers into a rich and fully-realized world, with complex characters and intriguing themes.
While there are some minor flaws in pacing and character development, the book’s strengths far outweigh its limitations. Recommended for fans of the epic fantasy genre, particularly those who appreciate strong female protagonists and nuanced explorations of power and morality.
