The Queen of the Tearling

A Novel

By: Erika Johansen

Narrated by: Katherine Kellgren

Length: 14 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

Magic, adventure, mystery, and romance combine in this epic debut in which a young princess must reclaim her dead mother’s throne, learn to be a ruler - and defeat the Red Queen, a powerful and malevolent sorceress determined to destroy her.

On her 19th birthday, Princess Kelsea Raleigh Glynn, raised in exile, sets out on a perilous journey back to the castle of her birth to ascend her rightful throne. Plain and serious, a girl who loves books and learning, Kelsea bears little resemblance to her mother, the vain and frivolous Queen Elyssa. But though she may be inexperienced and sheltered, Kelsea is not defenseless: Around her neck hangs the Tearling sapphire, a jewel of immense magical power; and accompanying her is the Queen’s Guard, a cadre of brave knights led by the enigmatic and dedicated Lazarus. Kelsea will need them all to survive a cabal of enemies who will use every weapon - from crimson-caped assassins to the darkest blood magic - to prevent her from wearing the crown.

Despite her royal blood, Kelsea feels like nothing so much as an insecure girl, a child called upon to lead a people and a kingdom about which she knows almost nothing. But what she discovers in the capital will change everything, confronting her with horrors she never imagined. An act of singular daring will throw Kelsea’s kingdom into tumult, unleashing the vengeance of the tyrannical ruler of neighboring Mortmesne: the Red Queen, a sorceress possessed of the darkest magic. Now Kelsea will begin to discover whom among the servants, aristocracy, and her own guard she can trust.

But the quest to save her kingdom and meet her destiny has only just begun - a wondrous journey of self-discovery and a trial by fire that will make her a legend...if she can survive.

©2014 Erika Johansen (P)2014 HarperCollinsPublishers

Could not stop listening !

This story has captivated me. I got it to listen to on a long drive but had to finish once I got home. Now on to the next book. I hope this gets made into a movie.

Secrets, lies, betrayal all behind the crown !!

i couldnt put this down the story kept me asking for more and wanting to discover about the secrets behind the crown jewels and its power!

Not a bad start to a series.

Not a bad start to a series. Definitely written for a younger audience, but had some nice twists and turns.

AMAZING story & performance

This is a beautiful story, & I was utterly hooked in the first 5 minutes. Additionally it is not only voiced but brought to vivid life by Katherine Kellgren. I’m sure I’ll listen again!

I laughed, I cried.... development abounds.

I loved it. Both the plot and character development are beautiful and well written. Katherine Kellgren is one of my all time favorite audible narrators.

Great story of a young woman coming into herself and becoming a true queen in the process.

One person, many voices

The narrator did a good job differentiating between the many characters in this fantasy series starter. There were times the audio did seem to change in volume, but not too many. This is marketed as a YA book, but I think it is better for older teens rather than younger, some of the sexual language (in reference to acts only mentioned rather than part of the plot) may make some a bit uncomfortable. Adult fans of fantasy will enjoy this, too. Romance in not a factor, but world building, changes in society, and adventure take the main stage.

Original story. Amazing performance.

Which character – as performed by Katherine Kellgren – was your favorite?

All her characters are unique, easily identified, and perfectly toned for the story.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely.

Any additional comments?

If you are a fan of fantasy like the Abhorsen series (if you haven't read it, you should), the Hobbit, and Lord of the Rings, you will love this book. The performance is top-notch. The writing is fresh and the characters have dimension. Love this book!

Brilliant!!

Such an original story. Amazing performance by Katherine Kellgren. Fascinating and action-packed. Can't wait to read the sequel.

Excellent

Not my usual genre, but so glad I gave it a try! Really enjoyed all aspects. Great characters & the narrator by far does this book justice! I'm not sure I could have read the printed version, but the narrator brings the story, characters & setting to absolute life!

Wonderful

I was expecting a slow start from the previous reviews but I thought the start was rich in details and emotion that kept me listening. This story is great and Katherine Kellgren only enhanced it, at some points giving me goosebumps with the emotion she depicted through Erika Johansen’s words. I am glad I bought the second book in my original purchase because I will be listening to that immediately.