Review by Kemunto lucy -- The Queen of Xana by Fred Pilcher
Posted: 03 Sep 2019, 16:31
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Queen of Xana" by Fred Pilcher.]
4 out of 4 stars
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One day, in the mystical land of Xana, a princess is born, daughter to the widowed Queen Julia. This birth unleashes a unique experience. It brings into existence a heroic being and an amazing tale of The Queen of Xana, written by Fred Pilcher.
Little Agatha's birth is accompanied by a prophecy from a fairy godmother and from this, we can tell that Agatha's life would be extraordinary. She grows with grace and health, and is loved by all. She's born with a silver spoon in her mouth and she doesn't take it for granted. This is unlikely for her since she lacks nothing, but she gains meaningful virtues by interacting with the people in her land, especially the poor. Her choice of company bothers her mother and it interferes with Agatha's participation with the law makers. She tends to side with the poor, a decision which the aristocrats hate.
Agatha grows into an intelligent and wise woman and she ssttles her people's disputes, atleast the few she can manage. On her twentieth birthday, an unfortunate thing happens. This has been the most awaited day. The day that her mother would proclaim her as the heiress. The day that she would take over Xana's leadership and make her most longed for changes for her people. The day that the sorcerer decided to pay them a visit. Will she be able to defeat the sorcerer and reinstate Xana's wealth? How things will turn out for Agatha will be determined on her lack and wisdom in choosing her life partner and this makes this book a must read.
There is a theme of bravery in this book. When Agatha is still young, way before she becomes queen, she does her best to protect her people from their powerful oppressors. She even goes an extra mile and suggests to the aristocrats council that she wants the poor, who have skills and ability, to be allocated the palace's resources so that they can overcome poverty. This suggestion isn't taken politely by the council members and, on one occasion they campaign for Agatha's removal from the council.
This is a flowing narrative with moments of tension and moments of ease. Romance has also been incorporated one instance being between Queen Agatha and Prince Olaf. There are witty dialogues which make the book politically fun. The dating has been done exemplary well. The author takes us through different generations accurately and without confusion.
I loved how Agatha identifies with her people. She dresses simply with no royal jewelry and visits the poor in their homes. She helps those in need and motivates them to help each other. She encourages them on self improvement and making better life decisions. She exercises outstanding leadership skills and is a champion for democracy which previously was unheard of. Agatha is an admirable character and generally Xana's pillar.
I loved the author's portrayal of women. The women in this book have been assigned positions of power starting from Queen Julia, Queen Agatha and later Queen Anya. These women are wise and make tough governing decisions.
This book contains some sentivive scenes involving rape and verbal abuse. Incase you are not comfortable with that, then this is not the book for you.
In conclusion, this book deserves a perfect rating and I happily gives it a 4 out of 4 stars. It is professionally edited and well-written. The Traveler tells the tale incredibly well. I recommend it to adult readers who enjoy political settings.
******
The Queen of Xana
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
One day, in the mystical land of Xana, a princess is born, daughter to the widowed Queen Julia. This birth unleashes a unique experience. It brings into existence a heroic being and an amazing tale of The Queen of Xana, written by Fred Pilcher.
Little Agatha's birth is accompanied by a prophecy from a fairy godmother and from this, we can tell that Agatha's life would be extraordinary. She grows with grace and health, and is loved by all. She's born with a silver spoon in her mouth and she doesn't take it for granted. This is unlikely for her since she lacks nothing, but she gains meaningful virtues by interacting with the people in her land, especially the poor. Her choice of company bothers her mother and it interferes with Agatha's participation with the law makers. She tends to side with the poor, a decision which the aristocrats hate.
Agatha grows into an intelligent and wise woman and she ssttles her people's disputes, atleast the few she can manage. On her twentieth birthday, an unfortunate thing happens. This has been the most awaited day. The day that her mother would proclaim her as the heiress. The day that she would take over Xana's leadership and make her most longed for changes for her people. The day that the sorcerer decided to pay them a visit. Will she be able to defeat the sorcerer and reinstate Xana's wealth? How things will turn out for Agatha will be determined on her lack and wisdom in choosing her life partner and this makes this book a must read.
There is a theme of bravery in this book. When Agatha is still young, way before she becomes queen, she does her best to protect her people from their powerful oppressors. She even goes an extra mile and suggests to the aristocrats council that she wants the poor, who have skills and ability, to be allocated the palace's resources so that they can overcome poverty. This suggestion isn't taken politely by the council members and, on one occasion they campaign for Agatha's removal from the council.
This is a flowing narrative with moments of tension and moments of ease. Romance has also been incorporated one instance being between Queen Agatha and Prince Olaf. There are witty dialogues which make the book politically fun. The dating has been done exemplary well. The author takes us through different generations accurately and without confusion.
I loved how Agatha identifies with her people. She dresses simply with no royal jewelry and visits the poor in their homes. She helps those in need and motivates them to help each other. She encourages them on self improvement and making better life decisions. She exercises outstanding leadership skills and is a champion for democracy which previously was unheard of. Agatha is an admirable character and generally Xana's pillar.
I loved the author's portrayal of women. The women in this book have been assigned positions of power starting from Queen Julia, Queen Agatha and later Queen Anya. These women are wise and make tough governing decisions.
This book contains some sentivive scenes involving rape and verbal abuse. Incase you are not comfortable with that, then this is not the book for you.
In conclusion, this book deserves a perfect rating and I happily gives it a 4 out of 4 stars. It is professionally edited and well-written. The Traveler tells the tale incredibly well. I recommend it to adult readers who enjoy political settings.
******
The Queen of Xana
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon