Reading Metrics
Description
In this epic fantasy set in a world inspired by Renaissance France, Brienna has spent her youth at a prestigious academy trying to discover her true passion among the five arts. When she's unexpectedly bound to a disgraced lord with dangerous ambitions, she becomes entangled in a plot to overthrow the current king as war threatens the realm. Now Brienna must navigate loyalty to her heart or her blood, facing impossible choices that could determine the fate of the kingdom. Book #1 in the series.
Quick Summary
The Queen's Rising drops you into a world where a teen's love for her art becomes tangled up in royal politics, and it does so in a way that feels fresh and immediate. Brienna spends her days at a magical academy honing her craft, navigating friendships and rivalries, while a looming war forces her to decide whether to follow her passion or stay loyal to her family. The story moves quickly, weaving together secret alliances, hidden courts, and personal stakes that make the pages turn almost on their own. If you enjoyed the mix of fantasy and intrigue in A Court of Thorns and Roses but prefer a more character-driven focus, this one hits a similar sweet spot. Parents should know there's some tension and battle scenes, but nothing overly graphic, and the emotional core of friendship, self-discovery, and duty keeps the tone heart-warming. Fans of The Girl Who Drank the Moon will also find a comparable sense of wonder mixed with political scheming, making The Queen's Rising a solid pick for older teens who like their fantasy layered with personal choice.