Review: Trickster's Queen

Novel: Trickster’s Queen (Daughter of the Lioness Quartet)
Author: Tamora Pierce
Pages: 496
Genre: YA (Fantasy)



In this sequel to the well-received Trickster's Choice (Random, 2003), Pierce deftly weaves an unforgettable story about Alianne (Aly) of Pirate's Swoop. As the novel opens, the wife and children of the late Duke Mequen Balitang return to the capital city of Rajmuat from their exile on their distant estate. Aly has become a maid to Lady Dovasary, daughter of the late duke, and, more importantly, she is now the spymaster of the raka rebellion that is determined to put Dovasary's sister on the throne in place of the four-year-old luarin king. The light-skinned luarin have oppressed the dark-skinned raka for centuries, and the luarin co-regents now in charge of the Copper Isles are losing their grip on reality as well as on their kingdom. With Aly in control, the raka rebellion is able to stir up enough unrest to cause the uprising to begin. Aly, who is the daughter of Alanna the Lioness of Tortall (from the "Lioness Quartet" series), is delightful in her deviousness. The teen is exceptionally brave, sassy, and diplomatic. She is surrounded by a large supporting cast, which is well developed and necessary to the story. The plot sweeps readers along in a whirlwind of court intrigue, deception, murder, and romance. The humor is wicked, and the plot twists will keep the pages turning to the supremely satisfying end. Teens will be inspired by Aly's determination, her resourcefulness, and her heart.
(By School Library Journal’s Anna M. Nelson)


(I will not be posting any spoilers! Only opinion for the sake of those of us who love to have our first look at a book be untainted by foreknowledge.)

There isn’t too much I can mention on this one without ruining the plot but I will say that again Tamora Pierce weaves an intricate web that all meets at the middle, with Aly at the heart of a massive rebellion, with the final conclusion of this two novel series. If you are just starting out reading Tamora Pierce then this might be a nice starting series for you to read to see if you enjoy her writing style. This novel leaves you with no doubt that the Trickster goddess has her eyes on Aly and more than that, needs her for this entire situation to work the way this goddess wants.

This novel has you glued to its pages no matter how many times you have read it before. For all you romance lovers you will enjoy reading as Aly’s relationship with Nawat grows to entirely new levels, along with herself growing as a character. Tamora must have been channeling the goddess of her own creation when she come up with some of the amazing plot twists that bring this novel to an entirely new height. The ending is absolutely unforgettable and you are not likely to forget these amazing characters any time soon. Don’t worry though, this is not the last of Tortall, Check in on my next review to find out a bit more about Aly and George’s heritage with the Beka Cooper Trilogy!





Would I suggest you read it:

Yes! If you read Trickster’s Choice you are sure to love Trickster’s Queen! Tamora Pierce once again manages to sweep you off your feet and into Tortall, on a new and heart racing adventure!