ARA Review by Balisa Mosisa Ejeta of The High Queem

[Balisa Mosisa Ejeta]

[Following is an OnlineBookClub.org ARA Review of the book, The High Queem.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Title: The High Queen
Author: Breann Thorne Stanzell
Year of publication: 2022
Publisher House: HarperCollins
Genre: Fantasy

Synopsis: The High Queen follows the journey of a young woman named Elara who discovers she is the long-lost heir to the throne of a mystical kingdom. As she navigates the challenges of her newfound royalty, Elara must confront betrayal, political intrigue, and dark magic threatening to destroy her kingdom. With the help of allies both old and new, she embarks on a quest to reclaim her rightful place as the High Queen and restore peace to the realm.

Plot: The plot of The High Queen is richly woven with elements of magic, adventure, and political intrigue. From Elara's initial discovery of her heritage to her epic battles against dark forces, each twist and turn propels the story forward, keeping the reader engaged and eager to uncover the next revelation. Stanzell masterfully balances moments of tension and action with quieter, introspective scenes, creating a dynamic and compelling narrative.

Character: The characters in The High Queen are vibrant and multifaceted, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. From Elara's fierce determination to her allies' unwavering loyalty, every character feels authentic and fully realized, adding depth and complexity to the story. Stanzell expertly explores the nuances of their relationships and the ways in which they grow and evolve over the course of the book.

Ideal audiences: This book is perfect for fans of epic fantasy who enjoy immersive world-building, complex characters, and high-stakes adventure. It will appeal to readers who appreciate strong female protagonists, intricate political intrigue, and magical realms filled with danger and wonder.

Writing Style: Breann Thorne Stanzell's writing style is lush and evocative, with vivid descriptions and rich imagery that bring the fantastical world of the story to life. Her prose is lyrical and immersive, drawing the reader into Elara's journey and capturing their imagination from the very first page.

Themes and Messages: The High Queen explores themes of destiny, power, sacrifice, and redemption. It delves into the complexities of leadership and the challenges of balancing duty to one's kingdom with personal desires and ambitions. At its core, the book is about the transformative power of love, friendship, and self-discovery in the face of adversity.

Originality: While the fantasy genre is filled with tales of lost heirs and epic quests, The High Queen stands out for its fresh and original take on familiar tropes. Stanzell infuses the story with unique elements of magic, mythology, and political intrigue, creating a world that feels both familiar and new.
Pacing: The pacing of The High Queen is brisk and engaging, with each chapter ending on a cliffhanger that keeps the reader eagerly turning the pages. Stanzell skillfully balances moments of action and suspense with quieter, character-driven scenes, ensuring that the story never feels rushed or stagnant.

Emotional Impact: This book packs an emotional punch, with moments of triumph, heartbreak, and self-discovery that resonate long after the final page is turned. Stanzell's vivid characters and richly drawn world evoke a range of emotions, from excitement to empathy, making The High Queen a deeply immersive and emotionally satisfying read.

Enjoyment: Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed The High Queen. It's a captivating and immersive fantasy adventure that kept me hooked from start to finish, with its rich world-building, compelling characters, and epic storyline. Stanzell is a talented storyteller, and I can't wait to see what she writes next.

Alternative books: Fans of The High Queen may also enjoy other fantasy novels such as Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, Graceling by Kristin Cashore, and The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon.

Overall Assessment: I give The High Queen 5 out of 5 stars. This book is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy, with its rich world-building, compelling characters, and gripping storyline making it a standout in the genre. Breann Thorne Stanzell has crafted a captivating and immersive tale that will keep readers eagerly turning the pages until the very end.

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