Review: The Exiled Queen by Cinda Williams Chima

Haunted by the loss of his mother and sister, Han Alister journeys south to begin his schooling at Mystwerk House in Oden’s Ford.   But leaving the Fells doesn’t mean that danger isn’t far behind.  Han is hunted every step of the way by the Bayars, a powerful wizarding family set on reclaiming the amulet Han stole from them.  And Mystwerk House has dangers of its own.  There, Han meets Crow, a mysterious wizard who agrees to tutor Han in the darker parts of sorcery—but the bargain they make is one Han may regret.

Meanwhile, Princess Raisa ana’Marianna runs from a forced marriage in the Fells, accompanied by her friend Amon and his triple of cadets.  Now, the safest place for Raisa is Wein House, the military academy at Oden's Ford.  If Raisa can pass as a regular student, Wein House will offer both sanctuary and the education Raisa needs to succeed as the next Gray Wolf queen.   


Title: The Exiled Queen
Series: Seven Realms #2
Published: September 24th 2010 by Hyperion Books
ISBN: 1423118243 (ISBN13: 9781423118244)
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The only thing that upsets me about this book is the fact there are only two more books in the series so far. What will I do with my life once the series is over?! I don't think I could ever give less than five stars to a book like this. The author is a brilliant writer, and again, the imagery and sensory details transport you into another world. The characters, no matter how put together they seem on the outside, all have their weaknesses. Also, each character has a interesting story that is captivating that Chima has gone to great lengths to develop. There was definitely more romance in this book than in the past book, which leaves the question of who she should choose. Han the dangerous former streetlord, or Amon the childhood best friend?

I still love Raisa, the princess who does what needs to be done. She would marry someone she doesn't love for the good of the kingdom, but she won't do it to help someone's plans. Although she wishes things were different and like any other girl, she could marry for love. I also like the fact that she can see through everybody's act and that she's very blunt. The princess finally gets the life she wants, to be able to learn things that will help her in her future rather than learning which fork to use. She accomplishes this by going to Oden's Ford, which is a military academy which took a long time to travel to. Their travels to the academy is actually what makes up most of the novel. 

Again, Raisa's life is intertwined with Han's. He also travels to Oden's Ford for schooling with his best friend Dancer. Han gets to know Raisa by the name of Rebecca Morley (once you read the books you'll understand why). Han actually blames a lot of his life on the Queen and the princess heir, so we get a view of dramatic irony when we see Han ranting about the royal family. Han is actually a very clever guy, and whenever he feels threatened he doesn't back down. The Bayars are also Han's enemies, but no matter what opportunity he is given, he shows restraint in killing them...Well, at least Micah and Fiona, can't say the same about their father. 

I feel really bad for Amon, who loves Raisa, but can never be with her, so instead he is planning to marry another girl. He likes her, he would be a good husband to her, but he may never love her. 

This book had even more drama, romance, action, and bravery than the last. I didn't believe it was possible! I hope to read the next book soon.

Sorry for not posting last week!

Book Nerd and Proud,

C.J.