ARA Review by Ankith Wanted of The High Queen

[Ankith Wanted]

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

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4 out of 5 stars

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The High Queen is a magical and empowering YA fantasy novel set in the richly imagined world of Ternaro, a realm ruled by queens and guided by the power of “Magix.” In this land, rulers follow a sacred law: “Help more than you hurt.” The story follows Princess Anna-Sophia (Sophie), who is forced into hiding after her sister, the High Queen, is murdered by the dark and ruthless Prince Mortrano.

For fourteen years, Sophie conceals her identity and powers, waiting for the right moment to step forward. As darkness spreads across Ternaro and Mortrano gains power, Sophie must choose between safety and her responsibility to reclaim the throne. The story blends royalty, magic, self-discovery, and inner strength, leading to an emotional and inspiring conclusion.


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Highlights of the Book:

Powerful Themes: The book explores kindness, duty, self-worth, and choosing love over fear. Sophie is not a typical "warrior" heroine—she is gentle but strong, and her strength lies in her compassion and intelligence.

Beautiful World-Building: Ternaro is described in rich detail, with different magical regions and customs. The idea of queens using Magix to heal and protect their people feels fresh and hopeful.

Strong Female Lead: Sophie’s journey from a scared girl in hiding to a confident leader is inspiring. Young readers, especially girls, will relate to her struggles with self-doubt and admire her growth.

Clean Writing: The writing is elegant and clear. The author’s voice is thoughtful and hopeful, and the book is professionally edited with very few errors.



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Things to Note:

The pacing is a bit slow in the middle, especially during the years Sophie is hiding. Some readers may find these chapters less exciting.

Not heavy on action — this book focuses more on emotions, character growth, and leadership than sword fights or big battles.

A few characters and subplots could have used more depth or time, but overall, the story wraps up well.



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Final Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars

The High Queen is a touching and hopeful fantasy that reminds us real power comes from kindness, love, and standing up for what’s right. It’s a great read for fans of character-driven fantasy with a positive message. Though a bit slow in the middle, the emotional payoff is worth it.

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