December 26, 2017

Mini Book Review: The Young Queens by Kendare Blake

Release Day December 26, 2017

They used to be together. Just three sisters. Alone in a glen. This is the story of the three queens—after they were born, before they were separated, during the time when they all lived together, loved each other, and protected each other. It’s also the story of the day they were torn apart, and the several years that follow.

Partial synopsis provided by Goodreads.

The three queens are always brought up in the Black Cottage, secluded from the rest of the world. While their lives are unique, they are still children and siblings who enjoy each other’s company.

They aren’t born hating one another–that hate is instilled in them. This devastating short story tells about the relationship between Mirabella, Arsinoe, and Katharine before politics tears them apart.

The Young Queens by Kendare Blake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Out today!

This prequel to the Three Dark Crowns series serves mainly as a detail-gap filler. While there are some moments of enlightenment as we peek into the past, there isn’t really any big reveal.

Despite that fact, I simply enjoyed being back on the island of Fennbirn whilst waiting for The Oracle Queen and the third book in the series to come out in 2018.

I loved how the point-of-view followed the same rhythm of the other books in this series. It switches between multiple (different) characters’ perspectives, to give an even further glimpse into the events that took place when the queens were young. I really liked this tactic

“I am doing it.” Camille lay her hand on her Midwife’s shoulder. “I know that I took my crown off and threw it at you. But I am still the queen.

If there is one thing that would be considered the big reveal, is that we find out how Arsinoe and Katharine are switched. The story opens in Queen Camille’s perspective, telling about the birth of the three young queens Maribella, Arsinoe and Katherine, and her leaving them at the black cottage. While it’s a sad part of the tale, the reader starts to see some of the injustices of the poisoner group being in power for such a long time.

Three dark queens are born in a glen. But only one will rule. Jules knows the thyme by heart. But in her young mind it is only a rhyme.

Jules is no stranger to the spotlight in this series. You could say it’s a must that her story is told as well. The reader meets Jules at a young age and sees how she and Arsinoe become acquainted, as well as when she discovered her familiar Camden.

“Have this, your last day as sweet girls,” she whispers. “For when you next meet, you will remember none of it.”

I’ve always wondered about the woman that raised the three queens until the time they left the black cottage and what she thought about their future doom. Willa’s story brings to light that several people recognize the injustice the girls must face.

There’s more, but I don’t want to reveal too much. Overall, I enjoyed this short read. It wasn’t anything ground-shaking, however, it helped to clear up some details that I had questions about. It’s worth taking the time to read if you are a fan of this series!

Vulgarity: None.
Sexual content: A brief and non-descriptive scene between Jules’ aunt and her love interest.
Violence: Naturally, this series features some violence between the sisters and different groups – especially when it comes to the poisoners.

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