Wednesday, May 16, 2018

The Queen of Sorrow by Sarah Beth Durst

Series: The Queens of Renthia #3 (end of a trilogy)
432 p.
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Published: 5/15/18
Source: From author for review

Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/2rLAqm9
The battle between vicious spirits and strong-willed queens that started in the award-winning The Queen of Blood and continued in the powerful The Reluctant Queen comes to a stunning conclusion in The Queen of Sorrow, the final volume of Sarah Beth Durst’s Queens of Renthia trilogy. 
Queen Daleina has yearned to bring peace and prosperity to her beloved forest home—a hope that seemed doomed when neighboring forces invaded Aratay. Now, with the powerful Queen Naelin ruling by her side, Daleina believes that her dream of ushering in a new era can be realized, even in a land plagued by malevolent nature spirits who thirst for the end of human life. 
And then Naelin’s children are kidnapped by spirits. 
Nothing is more important to her than her family, and Naelin would rather watch the world burn than see her children harmed. Blaming the defeated Queen Merecot of Semo for the kidnapping, Naelin is ready to start a war—and has the power to do it.
But Merecot has grander plans than a bloody battle with her southern neighbors. Taking the children is merely one step in a plot to change the future of all Renthia, either by ending the threat of spirits once and for all . . . or plunging the world into chaos.
My thoughts:

This is the last book in the Queens of Renthia trilogy. Like the other two, I really enjoyed my journey to it's conclusion. Often the last book in a series is usually not my favorite but with short series (trilogy, duology) that isn't a problem. It wasn't a problem here and while I was still sad to see it end, I did feel satisfied. Also, it is good to note that while I do see these as YA, there are adult characters that take center stage in the last two books in particular so adults who aren't as fond of YA should enjoy these as well.

This is also a story to read in order as the events build on the other as well as character growth. For me, it is the characters in the books that make me enjoy this trilogy so much. You get a varied bunch but it isn't overwhelming and there is no question who is who and everyone is easily followed.

I don't want to give too much away but I do have to say that I did enjoy the adventure and as soon as one problem is solved another crops up but in a way I didn't expect. I usually like this author's "bad guy(s)" as they aren't usually one dimensional but have their own motivations that aren't all inherently evil or egotistical. Don't get me wrong... they ARE evil and/or egotistical, but it is an aspect of their character and not the whole shebang.

In the end I liked how things were solved and I didn't guess how it would exactly end. My only complaint is that I would love to know the origin story of Bayn, the wolf, which would probably be the origin of Renthia. *hint* *crosses fingers* 😉 I give this story 4 stars and while this is the end of this adventure, I do understand that more may be on the horizon set in this world (Bayn origin story... just sayin'...). I highly recommend these books to those that enjoy magic, a slice of romance (it is not romance heavy at all but it is present) and a harrowing adventure.

🐺

61 comments:

  1. I really like this author, she always manages to create some interesting and usually, unique reads. I'll have to see if I have this one.

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    1. I agree! I love her unique take on fantasy. Oh you need to try this one. It is only a trilogy.

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  2. Still trying not to begin any books that form a series, surely this, a trilogy, couldn't hurt?

    Loving everything about this from its cover to the synopsis. Your review only convinced me that these are definitely for my wish list.

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    1. Most of her books are either standalones or short series (trilogy, duology) so I think you'll like her stuff. Hope you enjoy!

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  3. it's nice to hear you had a good conclusion there, I'm always anxious!

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  4. I haven't heard of this one. Sounds good though. Glad to hear it ended well.

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    1. Try her writing. I bet you'd find something you'd like.

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  5. The final book is already out? Well, at least I can binge read them now. :)

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    1. Yep. Sometimes it is good to find out later so you can binge! :D

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  6. I always wanted to try this series :D

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  7. An author I need to try. I like the sound of the bad guys, they sound complicated which is wonderful,

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    1. Heidi! You need to try her writing. I bet you'd find a story you like!

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  8. I wondered how this one was when I saw it!! :)

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  9. I somehow missed this series until now. I'm so glad to learn the end is as strong as the rest and the character, even the villains, are draw with some depth.

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    1. I do like everything I've read by this author. Hope you try this one!

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  10. Wow, I had book one on my wishlist...um time flies? LOL I do hope you get answers ..maybe a novella or spinoff?

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  11. I need to read these, especially now that they're all out. I remember being in Barnes & Noble a while back waiting for someone and I picked up the first book and before I knew it I was like 50 pages in, so it definitely hooked me! But I never got to it.

    I like it too when villains are nuanced and not just one dimensional- totally agree.

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    1. Oh do try these! I think you will enjoy especially since you were already hooked! :)

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  12. I'm glad you liked this one. It sounds like a great series.

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  13. That's great you liked this one! The last book in a series can be a bit hit or miss for most. I also love to hear that it's so character focused.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. And I do enjoy her writing. Try one of her books, I think you will enjoy some of her standalone ones.

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  14. I skimmed because I still need to read the first book - which I have - but I'm glad to hear that you like dhow it all turned out.

    Karen @ For What It's Worth

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  15. Nice review. I agree that sometimes the last story in a series isn't the favorite because of expectations, or the need to have it all come together can make it feel contrived or forced. Glad you enjoyed this one!

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  16. This is new to me (so skimming!), but I love the author! I'll have to see if my library has the first book in the series so I can give it a shot! I'm glad the series wrapped up well and didn't leave you disappointed. :)

    L @ Do You Dog-ear?

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  17. I believe I have book one and two, so awesome to see book three is out and that it wrapped up not bad. Maybe I'll get a chance to read it this winter, cause summer and fantasy just don't work for me :(

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    1. That is funny as I do love summer and fantasy. Hope when winter comes ;) you enjoy!

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    1. Whoops except this is a trilogy. I think I need coffee and will try again.

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  19. This isn't a genre I tend to read but it does sound like a good trilogy. Glad you enjoyed it.

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  20. I only read this first book and it kind of took me by surprise, I'm happy that this was a satisfying ending!

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  21. I love this cover! I need to add these to my wishlist and give them a read at some point soon.

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  22. I'm so happy the finale left you satisfied, Melissa. While it is sad to see a series end - especially one you enjoyed - it's always nice when it ends well. :) And this sounds like a YA series I'd like.

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    1. This is something I do think you will enjoy! Hope you give it a try.

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  23. It is sad to see one when when you've been enjoying it but awesome when it's done well :)

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    1. True. I do like that there will be more in this world though.

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  24. This trilogy is still on my TBR and from your review it sounds like just the books for me, so I hope to get to them soon. Thanks for the review!

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  25. Hmmm...I wonder if you'd be interested in a Bayn story. ;) I haven't read this author, but I've heard so many good things. I'm glad this one ended on a high note for you. Great review!

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    1. I think you are right about the Bayn.story. How did you guess? LOL

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  26. I haven't started this series yet, but I definitely love the way you described the villains! I do love myself some villain backstories with personality! Awesome review, Melissa. :)

    - Aimee @ Aimee, Always

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  27. This one sounds like a really good series. Haven't read from the author yet, but I think I already have an idea where to start ;)

    xx
    Vanessa
    Blushing Geek

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  28. I like the book cover and it's good that the villains have some depth. There have been books I've read where the bad guys had no real motives or personalities.

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    1. I know what you mean. I think you will like the way her writes!

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  29. Good to see that this was a satisfactory ending to the series. I like how the story has grown over all the books. Great review!

    Naomi @ Naomi’s Reading Palace

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    1. Oh do try her work! I think you will find one you will love. She has a lot of standalones.

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  30. I skimmed because I still need to read the first book. I have it so that's a start lol

    Happy to hear you enjoyed the way it ended.

    Karen @ For What It's Worth

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    1. Skimmed?! ;) I do hope you have fun with this one. I did enjoy it and I hope you do as well.

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