Overall: 5/5 Stars
Characters: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot and Themes: 5/5
Awesomeness Factor: 4.5/5
Review in a Nutshell: Did someone say enemies-to-friends-to-enemies-to-lovers? This book has all the delicious angst you would expect with that type of relationship at the forefront, but it also has so much more. From beautiful writing to beautifully complex characters, this is not a book, or series, you should miss.
“Once there was a girl who loved the sky almost as much as she loved her sister.”
[ Related: The Last Namsara (Iskari #1) by Kristen Ciccarelli – Review ]
// Content Warning: Violence, Death, Assault, Rape Mention, Sexual Harassment, Animal Abuse, War Themes, Murder //
Release Date: 9/25/2018
Publisher: HarperTeen
Page Count: 400
Premise:
Before I get into the plot of this book, I want to specify: This is not a true sequel. This book doesn’t follow Asha and Torwin, but instead follows Roa after the events of The Last Namsara. Also, you can technically read this book without having read The Last Namsara, but why would you do that when The Last Namsara is so amazing? However, if you plan to read The Last Namsara, please go do that right away because there will be major spoilers for it in this review (but don’t worry- no spoilers for The Caged Queen). Also, if you are interested in reading The Last Namsara, or just want your own copy, keep reading (or just scroll down to the bottom of the page to avoid spoilers) to learn about a giveaway I’m hosting!
Okay, let’s talk plot. Roa and her sister Essie were always together. However, tragedy struck when Essie died in a terrible accident. Years later, Essie’s spirit remains in the form of a hawk, but she grows weaker every year and won’t be able to stay with Roa much longer. Roa is desperate to keep Essie with her, but when she discovers a way to bring her back to life, she must decide how far she is willing to go. To save her sister, Roa must kill the one who should have died in her place, Dax, the new king of Firgaard and Roa’s husband. Roa and Dax may have only gotten married so she could save her people, and he could have the reinforcements he needed for his revolt, but is she capable of killing her new husband, even if he is her enemy?
“What are souls, but stars waiting to be born?”
Read more for all of my thoughts on The Caged Queen, plus information on my giveaway of The Last Namsara!
