Title: The Traitor Queen
Author: Danielle L. Jensen
First published September 1, 2020
10 pages, Audible Audio
Rating: 4.27
Overview
When Lara’s husband is taken prisoner, she makes a vow to do whatever it takes to set him free. Having been exiled as a traitor queen and watching her own father conquer Ithicana, Lara feels helpless to stop the destruction.
But when she learns that her husband is being kept alive as bait for his traitorous wife, she knows she must act. Risking her life, Lara returns to Ithicana with a plan not only to free its king but to liberate the entire kingdom from her father’s control.
However, as Lara and her companions formulate a plan to free her husband from the palace, they soon discover they’re not alone in the game; there are more players than she ever realized, with enemies and allies switching sides in the fight for crowns, kingdoms, and bridges. Lara’s greatest adversary might be the very man she’s trying to free – the husband she betrayed.
With everything she loves at stake, Lara must decide who – and what – she is fighting for: her kingdom, her husband, or herself.
About the Author
Meet Danielle L. Jensen, a talented author whose books have captured the hearts of readers worldwide.
Her captivating novels include The Malediction Trilogy (published by Angry Robot), Dark Shores series (published by Tor Teen), and The Bridge Kingdom series (published by Audible Originals). Danielle resides in the beautiful city of Calgary, Alberta with her loved ones.
Editoral Review
Danielle L. Jensens latest release, The Traitor Queen, is a stunning addition to the young adult high fantasy genre.
Known for her powerful and complex heroines, Jensen delivers yet again with the character of Queen Johanna, whose fierce determination and loyalty are tested to the limit in this epic conclusion to the trilogy that began with The Bridge Kingdom. Set in a world of warring kingdoms and political intrigue, The Traitor Queen picks up where The Bridge Kingdom left off, with Johanna struggling to secure her place as queen and navigate the treacherous waters of international diplomacy.
Meanwhile, her husband, the enigmatic and ruthless Prince Ilias, is fighting to protect their kingdom from invaders and internal factions who seek to overthrow them. As the plot unfolds, we see Johanna and Ilias grappling with their own demons and doubts, as well as with external threats that force them into impossible choices.
Jensens prose is masterful in its ability to convey the emotional depth and complexity of her characters, as they navigate the morally gray landscape of power and politics. One of the strengths of this book is the way in which Jensen weaves together elements of romance, action, and political intrigue, without ever sacrificing the individuality and agency of her female characters.
Johanna is a powerful and complex heroine, whose decisions and actions have far-reaching consequences that resonate throughout the story. At the same time, Jensen is not afraid to tackle difficult themes such as betrayal, sacrifice, and loss, and she handles these with sensitivity and nuance.
The Traitor Queen also touches on issues of gender and power, and the way in which society can limit or empower individuals based on their gender identity. Overall, The Traitor Queen is a powerful and compelling conclusion to this trilogy, and it will undoubtedly leave fans of the series satisfied.
However, it is also a standalone work, and newcomers to the series will be able to enjoy it without feeling lost or confused. While the book is not without its flaws, such as a slow start and some predictability in the plot, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise accomplished and engaging work.
Fans of young adult fantasy, as well as those interested in political intrigue and strong female characters, will find much to enjoy in this richly realized world. In conclusion, Danielle L.
Jensens The Traitor Queen is a must-read for fans of high fantasy and complex female characters. With its masterful prose, nuanced themes, and unforgettable characters, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.
The Washington Post highly recommends this book, and we give it a solid 4.5 stars out of 5.