Review: The Queen's Rising by Rebecca Ross

The Queen's Rising

Author: Rebecca Ross

Release Date: February 6, 2018

Publisher: HarperTeen

Untitled Trilogy Book #1

ISBN: 0062471341

ISBN13: 9780062471345

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Review Copy Source: Edelweiss

When her seventeenth summer solstice arrives, Brienna desires only two things: to master her passion and to be chosen by a patron.

Growing up in the southern Kingdom of Valenia at the renowned Magnalia House should have prepared her for such a life. While some are born with an innate talent for one of the five passions—art, music, dramatics, wit, and knowledge—Brienna struggled to find hers until she belatedly chose to study knowledge. However, despite all her preparations, Brienna’s greatest fear comes true—the solstice does not go according to plan and she is left without a patron.

Months later, her life takes an unexpected turn when a disgraced lord offers her patronage. Suspicious of his intent, and with no other choices, she accepts. But there is much more to his story, and Brienna soon discovers that he has sought her out for his own vengeful gain. For there is a dangerous plot being planned to overthrow the king of Maevana—the archrival kingdom of Valenia—and restore the rightful queen, and her magic, to the northern throne. And others are involved—some closer to Brienna than she realizes.

With war brewing between the two lands, Brienna must choose whose side she will remain loyal to—passion or blood. Because a queen is destined to rise and lead the battle to reclaim the crown. The ultimate decision Brienna must determine is: Who will be that queen?

I'm a little on the fence about THE QUEEN'S RISING. On one hand, I enjoyed the story as a whole. On the other hand, I had some issues.

What I enjoyed:
The characters. Brienna was really easy to like. I felt her frustration for answers, her anger at injustices and her heartbreak when she felt like all was lost. All the girls—for the most part—were really supportive of each other. I loved getting to know them and watching their friendships grow.

The world was well done and felt so big. The author really brought the different places to life. I liked learning about the different cultures, history and beliefs of each place.

What I didn't love:
The romance. It was just ehh for me. Not super exciting.

Some things happened a little too easily and other things happened a little too slowly. I would have loved to see some more tension and suspense in those moments. 

**START OF SPOILER**
My other big gripe is a SPOILER so read on with caution. I hated that Brienna wasn't the one fighting to be queen. I know, silly, but I kept waiting for that to change and I really wanted it to.
**SPOILER ENDS**

At the end after everything was said and done, I still wanted to read more. It felt complete, but I wanted more so I will defiantly keep a look out for book number two.

I gave it 3.5/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.