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Full disclosure, I went into this book thinking it was a standalone, and I spent the majority of my reading time still thinking that, so that affected my view of the book. I later learnt that The Queen’s Rising is the first in a series, so now my feelings are a bit off.
The beginning was incredibly slow, but something about it drew me in. Ross’ writing style made this book a very easy read, so while I wasn’t loving the slow plot, I was enjoying it all the same.
The concept isn’t all that original. The main character chooses to study a passion while she is being hidden from her father. Then there’s talk of overthrowing a king, and it’s all very standard YA fantasy. That said, it was still an enjoyable read.
One thing I really didn’t like about The Queen’s Rising was the student/teacher relationship that was brewing from the beginning. It made me so incredibly uncomfortable because this guy had known Brienna from a young age, and he had been teaching her for the past three years. It really didn’t sit well with me, especially as he was so much older.
I would really have preferred this book to stay a standalone, because that’s one of the things that really made it stand out from the YA fantasy crowd at the moment. There are so many series that really could have been condensed into a single longer book, and I really thought The Queen’s Rising worked well as a standalone. The story wrapped up really well and I’m not sure where it could or would go from here.
I think there needs to be more standalone fantasy books! I’m tired of reading series because I feel like the first book is so slow! I think i would feel the same way as you do about this book.
I agree! I love series, but sometimes you need a decent standalone to mix things up.
I’ve heard a couple of people say they weren’t comfortable with the student/teacher relationship when it comes to this book. It’s put me off a little bit. I did like the premise of the book, though, and I knew it was part of a series. I might give it a read but it may have to be a library borrow just in case.
I’d be interested in seeing what you think of it! I’m sure some people won’t mind the romance but it left such a bad taste in my mouth.