Queen of the Tearling (Johansen) - Book Reviews

Book Reviews
[A]n addictive and enjoyable adventure. Once you accept that sword and sorcery will be intermingled with references to electronics and books from the 20th century, the Tear is just as easy to get sucked into as Westeros or Hogwarts or Panem. Johansen may have created a complex kingdom, but you'll never feel lost in it.
Kelly Lawler - USA Today


Johansen starts strongly, with a forceful, memorable heroine...forced to make dynamic, if overly idealistic, decisions. While the setting and backstory could stand further explanation..., and many elements fall apart under closer scrutiny, this trilogy launch is still an engaging page-turner.
Publishers Weekly


[A] solid fantasy that doesn't stray very far from the traditional playbook. Intriguing references to a "great crossing" that happened 2,000 years ago and led to the immigrants' civilization losing access to higher technology could.... The novel does have a strong heroine...[and a] movie is already in the works with Emma Watson set to star.
Library Journal


Following the death of her mother, the queen, when she was just a toddler, Princess Kelsea has been raised in exile by foster parents. On her nineteenth birthday, it is time for her to take her rightful place as ruler.... This is book one in a series and, as befits a series starter, there are a great many unanswered questions looming despite the moment of triumph upon which the book concludes (Ages 15 to 18). — Sherrie Williams
VOYA


(Starred review.) In an impressive start to a series, Johansen expertly incorporates magic necklaces, political intrigue, questions of honor, well-drawn characters, and a bit of mystery into a compelling and empowering story. As much is (understandably) left unexplained, it will be interesting to see where future installments take this series. —Kerri Price
Booklist


Chick lit meets swords and sorcery in the perfect commodity for a hot demographic. But is it art? Debut novelist Johansen turns in a fantasy novel that’s derivative of Tolkien, as so many books in the genre are—it’s got its merry band of warriors, its struggle for a throne that has a long and tangled history, its battle for good and evil.... A middling Middle Earth–ian yarn.
Kirkus Reviews