The Traitor Queen (The Bridge Kingdom Book 2)

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The limitation of this 4.5 star book is its focus on the teen characters, some of which are downright petulant and self-centered. They live within a society that contains all ages but their older mentors and family members are more shadowlike, their characters are not very developed. They seem to be props on a stage. Willful Thalamika, irresistibly drawn to the Mycenean Prince, disdains the earnest advice of her friends, as Andrios tries desperately to uncover the truth behind flying rumors of disaster.

Lastly, I have to take a moment to discuss Jensen’s writing style. It is engaging, descriptive, and easy to follow. Her use of a dual point of view enhances the book’s overall enjoyability, as it not only provides insight into the two lead characters but also helps to move the story along. She knows how to write and spin a captivating tale. The not so good Although resolved to inflict vengeance on their enemies, the Pentadrians seek for alternative means aside from direct conflict. He dropped the old woman's arm, feeling Lara's gaze on him. Knowing she was listening. "she doesn't know what love is." While living among the Sachakan rebels, Lorkin does his best to learn about their very nature and rare magic.Lara's sisters were something I anticipated when I read the synopsis of this book, and I'm so glad they didn't disappoint. It was wonderful seeing how they all worked together despite Lara leaving them behind. The satisfaction of their coup was worth the setup of adding them in. Then, there are the characters. In large part, The Traitor Queen is a story about Lara’s redemption. Plagued by guilt and shame for her role in the deaths of countless Ithicanians, she is determined to do everything in her power to right things – to the extent that they can be righted. She is not the same person she was in The Bridge Kingdom, nor is Aren. They have understandably grown apart, and consequently, their love story is less fiery and more heartbreaking than it was in The Bridge Kingdom. They still love one another, but for Aren, that love is buried beneath layers of betrayal and hurt. The outcome of their relationship is not made known until the tail end of the book, which is to the story’s benefit. The book is allowed time to explore the intricacies of their relationship and examine how or if Aren might forgive Lara.

This one was darker in both brutality and deaths of characters, but it balanced well with the story overall. I think with the higher risks, it was a necessary evil, and the author presented it well. But while treating a patient one day at the house of local magician Lord Dakon, Tessia uses magic to protect herself from the advances of a visiting Sachakan mage, something that changes her life completely. Lara and Aren's character development and struggles. By changing pov's, we can see how anguished both are at their past choices and how they try to live with themselves and the outcome. I really felt for these two as they sunk deep into desperation, hopelessness, regret, and self-loathing, and wanted nothing more than for them to forgive either themselves or each other. Despite being the biggest advocate for peace, being the protector of the Siyee, Auraya still finds herself in the middle of a simmering conflict. I put this off for a while because I did struggle a little with the first book, but this one was so much better for me. I enjoyed everything about this one. Lots of action from the start. Lara being even more of a badass fmc. I loved seeing her more with her sisters.Just FYI, the romance was slow-burn due to the previous betrayal, and there aren't many romantic scenes (only one true sex scene). The focus is more on Lara and Aren rebuilding their relationship and their emotional struggles, which I found to be more realistic and endearing. Even with everything that happened, they can't help but protect each other The brilliant writing style, the pure angst and heartache; lust and longing - wow!' 5***** READER REVIEW Being more than a 2 book series, and after the cliffy ending of The Bridge Kingdom, I was a little worried I was going to be left waiting months in anticipation for book 3, but was pleasantly surprised that The Traitor Queen had a satisfactory ending (no nail biting cliffhanger). I am definitely looking forward to the continuation of the series (the direction the series is going for book 3 is provided at the end of The Traitor Queen). My heart really hurt for Lara in this one. As I just wanted everyone to forgive her but I obviously knew it wouldn’t be that easy. I did really enjoy how everything came together in the end. Lara and Aren together were perfect and I hope we still still a little more of them in further books. The Ashaki’s shift their focus on the new Elyne Ambassador, a man Dannyl knows like the palm of his hand.

Sonea has now earned the reluctant admiration of novices thanks to the knowledge she has acquired at the Magicians’ Guild. Sometimes, I wondered just how much Lara would have to repent for actions that I felt she had shown wasn't from her true nature as queen of Ithicana.Having evaded capture by the Guild, the Rogue knows only Cery is capable of thwarting his ambition to rule the underworld. There are some vivid nail biting battle scenes that will keep keeping you on the edge of your seat, and you really get to see the wonderous defence systems and war machines, that have kept Ithicana safe over the centuries, in action. Welcoming Lorkin to the Traitors has however come at a cost to Dannyl, who has now lost the respect of the Sachakan elite. She is constantly tormented by the dead and the only one who can help her has mysteriously disappeared.

I greedily wanted more of Lara and Aren’s story. I would have liked an epilogue that gave us a glimpse into their lives after the events of the book, but perhaps their story will continue in an indirect way in the next book. Overall But in his heart, he knew that even if he never saw her again for the rest of his life, it would never be over. She would always be his queen. ▪ She was right, and he knew it. But in his heart, he knew that even if he never saw her again for the rest of his life, it would never be over. She would always be his queen.” Tessia serves as assistant to her father, the Healer of the distant village of Mandryn. Although women are hardly ever accepted by the Guild of Healers, that doesn't deter the resolved Tessia.You know those books that keep you up late at night because it has you so emotionally invested? Yeah, well, this is that book. I devoured The Traitor Queen in one evening, and even as I'm writing this the next morning, I can't stop thinking about it! Crete at the height of its brilliant civilization is the stage for an unparalleled story of mystery, deceit, and romance. The palace of Minos at Knossos seethes with an undercurrent of intrigue and hatred as the foreign Queen entertains her armed countrymen from Mycenae. Now an apprentice of Lord Dakon, Tessia is presented with a life of endless opportunities beyond her wildest imagination. Equally, I enjoyed that Lara wasn't immediately forgiven for her wrongdoings. I think this is one of the few fantasy novels I've read where punishment, albeit sometimes harsh, played an important role for Lara to overcome and show her loyalty. All that however changes when someone starts spreading spiteful rumors about her, forcing the High Lord Akkarin to intervene.