Wednesday, January 17, 2018

The Young Queens

The Young Queens (Three Dark Crowns, #0.5)

The Young Queens is a prequel novella to Three Dark Crowns, showing the first few years of life for Mirabella, Arsinoe and Kat. As a big fan of the series I knew I needed to pick this one up, and I was not disappointed. We start out right after their birth, and learn a little about their mother Queen Camille. The novella gives background on Fennbirn and the whole queens thing without being an infodump, and the writing is as poised and smooth as ever. This prequel blends seamlessly into the previous two books and my only complaint was when it was over. 

I'm a little ambivalent about prequel novellas and 0.5 stories, but in this case it was a nice addition to the story. I thought Kendare Blake did a great job showing us the past, and giving us clues, without giving away the farm. And the story cemented my already formed opinions of the three protagonists- I still like Mirabella (maybe the most) but Arsinoe is awesome too, and I feel sorry for Katharine. I liked her in the first book, and she had a rough start being housed with the Arrons. Speaking of whom, the supporting players are here too- we get glimpses at Natalia and Genevieve at a much younger age, as well as Sara Westwood and High Priestess Luca. The scene with Mirabella and Luca meeting for the first time was particularly well executed, I thought. 

We get a few hints as to the island being separated from the mainland as well as the fact that the queens' gifts seem to be declining in general (although Mirabella seems to buck that trend). And Jules and Joseph are part of the story as well. In fact those who think Jules will play an important role going forward will probably enjoy this very much. We see the appearance of Madrigal, and Jules gets her cat! So all in all if you're a fan of the series I would recommend this one- it's good stuff. 

28 comments:

  1. Yay for wonderful novellas! I always love stories like this, where we get just enough detail and info to really want more and sometimes even info that we wouldn't of gotten otherwise. Great review!

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    1. This one was perfect, just enough information and it was a quick read too!

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  2. I would consider reading this because I feel like the two books in the series didn't do enough world-building, and this seems to fill in some gaps.

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    1. This definitely adds to the world building?

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  3. I have yet to read Three Dark Crowns. It's been on my 'to read' list since it came out. I'll keep this one in the back of my mind for when I do get to the series. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. It's a nice addition to the story, but I'd read it after the first two books, it'll make more sense then. :)

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  4. I'm glad you enjoyed this! I was debating reading it after One Dark Throne disappointed me, but you might have just convinced me to give it a try! I think some context about the island would assist the world-building of the series overall, too.
    claire @ clairefy

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    1. I hope so. :) I definitely want to know more about the island.

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  5. Oh how awesome! I still haven't read this series, but I hope to soon!

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    1. You should try it Erica, I think you might like it?

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  6. I still need to read Three Dark Crowns. Sounds like this one is good.

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    1. I liked it, would love to see what you think of TDC.

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  7. Do you think this could work as a starting point? (since its a prequel?)

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    1. It could be a good start, you'd get a good introduction to (most) characters, but I still think it might be better to read the first two books and then this one? But either way

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  8. *saunters off to buy a copy* I want to get in on this series! This seems like a great way -- and time -- to do it.

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  9. I also normally stay away from novellas, but this one filled in some gaps and got me excited for the next book. Two words: blue queen.

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  10. I've only read the first one, but loved it, so I need to get this one! Thanks for alerting me to the fact that it is out there!

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  11. I cannot wait to read this! I think the history of this world would be fascinating enough to warrant a novella or two for sure- this is the kind I don't mind, either. Like if Suzanne Collins were to grant my wishes and write some prequels about Haymitch's games or something. It would fit! Glad you enjoyed this, I am really excited to read it!

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  12. I don't read a lot of novellas, but I'm so glad this one was fabulous! Katharine's my favorite, personally. I really liked Natalia and Genevieve in the first book, too, so I might just read this one to learn a bit more about them. Glad you enjoyed this, Greg!

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  13. I tend to try prequel novellas to get a sense of the characters and author writing style before plunging into a full book in the series. They are a bit hit and miss though!

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  14. Fantastic review, my friend. Thanks for sharing. I bought this book when it was on sale. I’d read great feedbacks for the series. Glad that you enjoyed it. I’m planning to read it soon. 😁❤️👍🏻

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  15. I have to start the Three Dark Crowns series soon! These 0.5 novellas are a hit or miss for me too!

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  16. I'm usually hesitant about extra novellas too, so it's great when you find one that does actually add something to the story!

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  17. I have Three Dark Crowns on my TBR and love the concept of the books. This novella sounds like it adds a bit more substance to the story.

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  18. I haven't tried this series, but I have been thinking about it. I like novellas for some things, but those extra ones sometimes seem more for the purpose of making money than filling out a series. I am glad this one was good!

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