Official Review: Chasing The Red Queen by Karen Glista

[NL Hartje]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Chasing The Red Queen" by Karen Glista.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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I think it’s a safe assumption that many women fantasize about being swept off their feet. Knocked around, sniffed, and “marked” though? Now that’s a horse of a different color. Karen Glista’s world of the supernatural reveals a new chapter in the ways of courtship, romance, and, dare I say, love in her teenage fantasy Chasing the Red Queen.

Readers are presented with an unfortunately common “tormented teenage girl gets tangled with otherworldly older man” scenario. Eighteen-year-old Donja is uncertain and rebellious after a forced family move. Using goth dress and glam, she hides herself from the world until her new step-sister surprisingly pulls her out of her funk and into the joys of being young, beautiful, and carefree.

When a dangerous looking man relentlessly pursues her after a nightclub brawl, Donja finds herself thrust into a world of creatures she never knew existed: Iridescents. A tumultuous maelstrom of past and present suddenly reveals family secrets intertwined with an alternate local history that she never dreamed of being true. As tends to happen in stories with a supernatural love interest, Donja is soon fleeing and fighting for her life and the lives of those she loves most.

What saves the would-be cringeworthy plot are Glista’s interesting characters and surprising inclusions setting it apart. A well-read fantasy buff, I am quite versed in the different types of “supernatural boyfriend” stories. I was pleasantly surprised by the new traits woven into the Iridescent characters. I liked their system of sexual betokening and the ritual behind declaring consorts. There were several places where detailed imagery made me smile and imagine her scenes with great detail.

Unfortunately for the author, her scene is set in Michigan, and she happened to draw a Michigander in this reviewer. I was sad to find inconsistencies with local spellings and references. These would have surely gone by the wayside for any reader not from the state but for me the smallest errors were like nails on a chalkboard. I was also disappointed by unimaginative word and sentence repetition throughout. There were times when I applauded her for an exciting phrase only to groan to see it used again a page later.

To Glista’s credit, I did waffle back and forth when choosing a star rating for this book. It was not a terrible read; indiscriminate and amateur fantasy readers will surely enjoy it. Considering however that is was woefully in need of an editor, (which calls for the removal of one star right from the start) I have chosen to rate this book 2 out of 4 stars. Chasing the Red Queen had a lot of fun scenes and characters that I enjoyed reading. With a more refined hand, some attention to detail, and a well-paid editor, Glista has the potential to take my breath away (pun intended).

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Chasing The Red Queen
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Like NL Hartje's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Rosemary Khathibe]

I really wanted to know how Donja got herself out of danger, so I'm dissapointed to learn the book is not professionally edited. Thanks for your helpful review.

[Rosemary Khathibe]

I really wanted to know how Donja got herself out of danger, so I'm dissapointed to learn the book is not professionally edited. Thanks for your helpful review.

[kandscreeley]

I know nothing about Michigan, so those details probably would have gone by the wayside for me. I do believe if someone is going to use a setting like that, it needs to be carefully researched, though. It's too bad it's not. Thanks for the review.

[Ugbusco]

The writer did Justice to the book... I love how the story was presented.

[Cecilia_L]

Unfortunately for the author, her scene is set in Michigan, and she happened to draw a Michigander in this reviewer. I was sad to find inconsistencies with local spellings and references. These would have surely gone by the wayside for any reader not from the state but for me the smallest errors were like nails on a chalkboard.

I know just what you mean. I'm from Texas, which is one of the most misrepresented and worse stereotyped states. It's a shame that the author didn't complete more thorough research. Excellent review!

[Amy+++]

I am a fan of supernatural reads as well and this sounds like something I would read.

[LV2R]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Chasing The Red Queen" by Karen Glista.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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Readers are presented with an unfortunately common “tormented teenage girl gets tangled with otherworldly older man” scenario. Eighteen-year-old Donja is uncertain and rebellious after a forced family move. Using goth dress and glam, she hides herself from the world until her new step-sister surprisingly pulls her out of her funk and into the joys of being young, beautiful, and carefree.

When a dangerous looking man relentlessly pursues her after a nightclub brawl, Donja finds herself thrust into a world of creatures she never knew existed: Iridescents. A tumultuous maelstrom of past and present suddenly reveals family secrets intertwined with an alternate local history that she never dreamed of being true. As tends to happen in stories with a supernatural love interest, Donja is soon fleeing and fighting for her life and the lives of those she loves most.

I enjoyed reading your review. You have a way with words. I like that her step-sister helps her out of her goth mode! I am curious as to what the "Iridescents" look and act like.

[Sahani Nimandra]

I have some questions to ask from you, was the guy in the club trying to make that teen girl a consort of his? Is this read more of a cat and mouse chase related because it sounds like that? Thank you for your detailed review!

[chelhack]

This sounds like a good book to read. Thanks for the great review. I like the idea of its thrill consisting of other unworldly creatures and things of that sort.

[Joy Boudreau]

Thanks for the heads up on the cringe-worthy sections. This does not sound like a book I would seek out!

[OloladeO]

Thanks for your review. I don't think I would be picking this one up after all you stated.

[NL Hartje]

I have some questions to ask from you, was the guy in the club trying to make that teen girl a consort of his? Is this read more of a cat and mouse chase related because it sounds like that? Thank you for your detailed review!

Sorry for the late response, it’s been quite the summer!

There is more than one man involved in the “chase” and yes, several of the men want her to be their consort. It is a chase for many of the men but one catches her heart

[Ruba Abu Ali]

The book needs a round of polishing before I come back to it. I certainly enjoyed your thorough and engaging review. Thanks.

[Fu Zaila]

What an engaging review. The book doesn't sound as engaging. But from your review, I think I might not have noticed the small inconsistencies in the book since I'm not native to Michigan. Thank you for your thoughts!