The Impostor Queen by Sarah Fine

Series: The Impostor Queen #1
336 p.
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Published: 1/5/16
Source: Edelweiss and publisher for review

Sixteen-year-old Elli was a small child when the Elders of Kupari chose her to succeed the Valtia, the queen who wields infinitely powerful ice and fire magic. Since then, Elli has lived in the temple, surrounded by luxury and tutored by magical priests, as she prepares for the day when the Valtia perishes and the magic finds a new home in her. Elli is destined to be the most powerful Valtia to ever rule. 

But when the queen dies defending the kingdom from invading warriors, the magic doesn’t enter Elli. It’s nowhere to be found. 

Disgraced, Elli flees to the outlands, the home of banished criminals—some who would love to see the temple burn with all its priests inside. As she finds her footing in this new world, Elli uncovers devastating new information about the Kupari magic, those who wield it, and the prophecy that foretold her destiny. Torn between the love she has for her people and her growing loyalty to the banished, Elli struggles to understand the true role she was meant to play. But as war looms, she must align with the right side—before the kingdom and its magic are completely destroyed.

My thoughts:

I was totally captivated by this book from the beginning. I had yet to read anything by this author, but I'm telling you now, this will not be the last. The worldbuilding here is supurb and I cared a lot for Elli our main character. I was on the edge of my seat wondering each time how she would survive and I was not disappointed. I loved the way here character grew into a member of her new found family and I did enjoy the slight romance that was budding. The second half of the book really takes off and will probably please more people than the first half. It was not that way for me. I was into the book from the start.

I'd say my biggest complaint was the secrecy. While there were reasons given for it, there were also salient reasons to have things more out in the open much sooner than later. It was frustrating and I didn't think it had to be quite so frustrating. I was not completely satisfied with the romance, but that was intentional since you see things looming for our couple that is not all light and sweetness. I would have liked to have a better conclusion there in this book, but I do understand it is a series so I will impatiently wait. ;) The ending is not a cliffie, but questions are raised to give the series it's arc.

I give this book 4 1/2 stars. I will have to go and read the rest of Sarah Fine's work since I'm now very curious as to what other worlds I need to explore. I recommend this book to those that enjoy PNR with a girl who is learning who she is and her place as a leader in this world.