Queens of Fennbirn {Book Review}
August 15, 2018
Recently, I got sent a book, Queens of Fennbirn, from Pan Macmillan and I thought….hmm…this is a bit too old for my kids and maybe a bit too young for me. I remembered that I have a 17yr old niece, Alyssa, that is as obsessed with reading as I was at 17. This book seemed perfect for her, so I contacted Alyssa and asked if she’d be keen to do book reviews. She said yes!! Alyssa is currently still at school so I appreciate her taking the time to do this for the blog! Hopefully if you have older kids (or you’re in the ‘young adult’ category yourself’, you will find them useful for future purchases in the young adult fiction category.
After reading this review, I am quite intrigued and keen to read this myself! I think the fact that this is a series of books and it focuses on sisters that need to fight to the death for a crown.…I don’t know…that sounds like riveting stuff!
One book, 2 stories….
Queens of Fennbirn contains two gripping stories from the New York Times bestselling Three Dark Crowns universe, written by Kendare Blake.
Alyssa says: This book is a prequel to the Three Dark Crowns series and is comprised of a set of novellas. This story gives us insight on how the queens were as children. It delves into their relationship with each other and how they came to be who they are. The second half of the book deals with the story of a previous queen…and what led to her ultimate demise.
Story 1
The Young Queens is the story of the three queens when they were born, before they were separated – it gives a short glimpse of the time when they all lived together, loved each other and protected one another. It’s also the story of the day they were torn apart and the immediate years that followed before the opening of Three Dark Crowns. Alyssa says: This was an interesting read to learn extra information about the queens, although the story tended to be slow and if you had read the first book, slightly repetitive. I would definitely recommend this book to someone who enjoys the series and wants to dive back into this world and gain some extra information along the way. You don’t have to read the first book of the series to read this book, but it does give additional insight into their lives.Story 2
The Oracle Queen – historically, baby queens born with the sight gift were drowned. This had been the practice for hundreds of years, so long that few were even born any more, as if the Goddess knew it would be a waste. It is a harsh sentence, but necessary, for it is well-known that in a queen the sight gift will run strong. Strong enough to drive her mad. This is the tale of the last sight-gift queen to be allowed to live. She was overcome by paranoia and false visions, driven past the brink by the phantom thoughts of others in her head, so she set upon the capital with bloody ruin, murdering whole houses, whole family lines, without trial. Or at least, that is how the tale is told. This is her story. Alyssa says: I found the story very interesting and enjoyable. It was refreshing to be introduced to such a willful character. I wished this was a little longer, but I enjoyed it overall despite the heart breaking ending. This story gets my pick as the top story out of the 2 in the book! This book is a prequel to Three Dark Crowns, and I believe it’s the 4th book in the series. Queens of Fennbirn was released in July, so is available at all leading book retailers. The book retails for around R150.Have you ever heard of this series or this author?
Thank you Alyssa for the review and I look forward to seeing more of your reviews in the future!
8 Comments
Rajshree rabikishoon toolse
Sounds interesting, something that I would read although I’m in my thirties, lol.
Rajshree rabikishoon toolsee
Interesting, sounds like something I would read although I’m in my thirties. Lol.
Simone
I think the genre initially threw me off. I don’t really read fantasy, but since the review I’m thinking this would be interesting for anybody to read!
Vee
Wow, this book really sounds interesting and agreed that this would be interesting for anyone. It sounds like such an intense story line especially if you have sisters of your own and understand the dynamic that comes with it. Lovely review! xx
Carmen
I think the combined background of the story and the review works well. Great job 😉
Lydine
Haven’t had much time to read these days, but I love fantasy and this sounds intriguing, so will definitely give it a try.
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Ciska
I LOVE fantasy books and this series is definitely on my tbr list🥰
I have started with the first, but couldnt quite get into it at first.
♡ Bonus entry for your competition