Review of Betrayal: Book One: Reluctant Queen.

[john works]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Betrayal: Book One: Reluctant Queen." by Tony Jaehrling.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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The richly detailed realm of Lorynthia serves as the setting for Tony Jaehrling's complex novel, Betrayal: Book One: Reluctant Queen. Tamyr, the protagonist of the tale, must contend with strong enemies, betrayals on a personal level, and political intrigue. While Washington weaves her way through this web of lies, her strength, loyalty, and leadership are put to the test. Tamyr must fight adversaries both inside and outside of her own country in order to defend it, making for an intense read that is emotionally charged from beginning to end. 

What I liked most about this book was that it covered so many different levels. One of these aspects is Tamyr's characterization as a very strong and yet relatable heroine. She seems to show outstanding will and resilience in the face of trouble, which is characteristic of a real heroine. For instance, the fact that she stands against all the manipulations that go on within the palace shows her indomitable spirit. The built world is also very vibrant—like the depictions of Lorynthia—and is fully entrenched in the story.

I couldn't find anything disliking in this book. The action, emotion, and political intrigue are balanced by the author, so there wasn't a single moment when the story lagged. All of the characters have highly fleshed-out voices and personalities that drag the reader into their interactions and conflicts. Thoughtfully executed, the plot in every turn and twist increases the level of tension and, thus, the effect of the story. It seems to be elegant and readable in style. I have no complaints about this book because it was quite balanced with fantasy, drama, and character development—a read that kept me up to the very end. 

I gave this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars intricate storytelling, well-developed characters, and a really fantastic creation of a fantasy world. Tamyr has obviously been fleshed out with care to the quality that espouses her character to be both formidable yet deeply human, showing just the caliber one would want to impart her journey to a reader like me who loves a good, strong feminine lead. 

The action, emotional depth, and political maneuvering all work well in this book; nothing drags at any time. I strongly recommend this book to all readers who enjoy epic fantasy with intricate world-building and character-driven scenarios. The book was exceptionally well-edited and error-free.

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Betrayal: Book One: Reluctant Queen.
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[NetMassimo]

This seems like a terrific start of an epic fantasy saga with a great world-building and memorable characters who will stay with the reader throughout the story. Thank you for your great review!