Tuesday, January 12, 2016

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.

26 comments:

  1. Despite your obviously having some misgivings about various aspects of the story it sounds like this on the whole was a winner.

    A series I'm hoping will prove to be a trilogy. Selfish of me I know but I'm still unwilling to commit to any more long running series but would like to give this one a go.

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    1. Not really misgivings, just didn't love the romance... yet. :) I'll deal with the ending. :D I do get what you mean by long running series, and this one doesn't quite have that feel, so I'm thinking a short series if nothing else.

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  2. it's true that I heard a lot about this one and it's great to see you had a wonderful time as well! I want to try!

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  3. I'm reading and loving this one now Melissa! I do wish Elli had been bit more upfront sooner, but I understand how scared she was. And uninformed. Can't wait to see how things wrap up, I'm sure I'll be obsessing over book 2 as soon as I turn the last page:)

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    1. Sweet! I am glad you are enjoying it and I think you had the same frustrations I did. Understandable ones, but still frustration. LOL

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  4. Woo hoo! I'm so excited you finally tried Sarah's work, she is fabulous! Yay and you loved it. So happy!

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  5. This is your first Sarah book?! I liked this one but personally it wasn't my favorite of hers. I like some of her others more. But I am curious to see where things end up with this. When I looked it up I couldn't find anything about whether it was a series, which was weird. I really hope that it is because there's definitely a lot that hasn't been dealt with yet.

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    1. I've heard this isn't a fave so I'm looking forward to the rest of her work. I remember seeing something about a series, but I can't remember where. I think it was on her website, but don't quote me.

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  6. I've read one book co-authored by Fine. That experience plus your review makes me think I should try this one!

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    1. Oh sounds like I need to look at the co-authored work as well.

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  7. I am so glad you loved this one. I hope you have caught the Sarah Fine bug, she is amaazing!

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    1. Yep, totally need to read the whole of her work me thinks. :D

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    1. Well, I think it could be seen as adult and not YA. I keep hearing good things about her so you might try one of her other works.

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  9. I've only read a book of hers, loved it, I should try some more

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  10. Ooo. New author and series to me. I'll have to check it out. :)

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  11. I am only hearing wonderful things about this book. I will have to check it out.

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  12. This doesn't sound like my kind of book but I've heard good things about the author so I'll probably try something else by her.

    Karen @For What It's Worth

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  13. Heck yeah, we both need to read more Fine. I've read this and one of her other books, but need to grab another one soon.

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  14. I'm so glad you enjoyed this one! I am so looking forward to it and can't wait to pick it up. Despite the issues you had with secrecy I'm sure I'll still love this. Gorgeous review, Melissa!

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  15. Sounds intriguing! Glad you loved it.

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  16. You have me intrigued as to why there's so much secrecy! I think I'd like this a lot! Awesome review!

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