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The Song and the Sorceress #2
The Northern Queen
"Action-filled." -BOOKLIST. The Northern Queen: The sequel to Kim Vandervort's critically-acclaimed first novel, The Song and the Sorceress. Two short years have passed since Princess Ki'leah Alrhiane Del'Sivahr solved the ancient riddle that prevented Lyarra Val'rahimir from gaining a dangerous foothold on Si'vad-hardly enough time to prepare for the responsibilities of ruling a kingdom. Nevertheless, with her mother ailing from the same illness that felled her father, Ki'leah must assume her birthright as Queen of Si'vad. When evidence reaches her of an ancient threat gathering on her southern border, Ki'leah is forced to make a difficult and dangerous choice: one that could irrevocably alter the futures of everything-and everyone-she holds dear.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2010
140 people want to read
About the author
Kim Vandervort
9 books31 followersKim Vandervort began writing at the age of eleven as an outlet for her overactive imagination. Since then, she has written a variety of mostly-unpublished pieces that will never see the light of day. After attending Viable Paradise XI in 2007 her writing and marketing skills improved, enabling her to transition into publication. Her first short story, "The Librarian of Talimbourne," appeared in the anthology Ruins Metropolis in 2008. Since then, she has published a Renaissance Faire fantasy novella entitled "Faire Aria" and the first two novels in an ongoing fantasy series: The Song and the Sorceress and The Northern Queen. Chrono Mechanics, a collaborative departure from more traditional fantasy settings into the bold new worlds of time and space, is her third novel, and will be released later this year.
She currently lives in Southern California, where she spends a great deal of her spare time operating a taxi service for her two beautiful daughters. When not writing, she teaches English Composition at California State University, Fullerton, where she earned a Master’s degree in Medieval Literature in 1999.
She currently lives in Southern California, where she spends a great deal of her spare time operating a taxi service for her two beautiful daughters. When not writing, she teaches English Composition at California State University, Fullerton, where she earned a Master’s degree in Medieval Literature in 1999.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 30, 2011
For readers who came to know and love Ki'leah, Britta, Erich and Breyveran in Vandervort's debut novel The Song and the Sorceress this is a satisfying return to the rich world of Si'vad.
The story opens with Ki'leah's coronation and follows this remarkable young woman as she takes on the challenging task of ruling a kingdom. Intrigues and deceptions abound, and tension builds as a net of death and treachery closes in on the new queen.
Some readers may find the first half of the novel a little slow and introspective as Ki'leah struggles to understand the complexities of her own court, and the mystery surrounding a strange prophecy that may determine her fate and that of her kingdom. The last half of the novel is a gripping page turner, as Britta and Erich confront the dark magic of a rising enemy, and Ki'leah assumes the full responsibilities and dangerous burdens of her crown. The ending leaves the reader wanting more, and I truly hope Vandervort will not leave us waiting for long.
The story opens with Ki'leah's coronation and follows this remarkable young woman as she takes on the challenging task of ruling a kingdom. Intrigues and deceptions abound, and tension builds as a net of death and treachery closes in on the new queen.
Some readers may find the first half of the novel a little slow and introspective as Ki'leah struggles to understand the complexities of her own court, and the mystery surrounding a strange prophecy that may determine her fate and that of her kingdom. The last half of the novel is a gripping page turner, as Britta and Erich confront the dark magic of a rising enemy, and Ki'leah assumes the full responsibilities and dangerous burdens of her crown. The ending leaves the reader wanting more, and I truly hope Vandervort will not leave us waiting for long.
April 21, 2012
I actually screamed when this book ended because I knew I would have to wait for some time to find out what happens next! After I calmed down, I decided I would do my best to wait patiently to see what happens in the next book. :)
Down to the book itself, I will say this book is quite a bit different from The Song and the Sorceress. I feel like our characters are learning more about strategy and relationships than ever before! In the end, it works though given where the story appears to be going in the next installment, and I loved every minute of it. Learning more about the history of the continent, introducing Breyveran's brother, and exploring court intrigue added some great new dimensions to the story! :)
My only complaint (which is incredibly nitpicky & minor) is that of the hard copy's cover. I bought this on Kindle because I don't like the cover at all and people can see what books I read on the bus. I know it is silly, but I just could not bear the thought of someone seeing me with it.
Down to the book itself, I will say this book is quite a bit different from The Song and the Sorceress. I feel like our characters are learning more about strategy and relationships than ever before! In the end, it works though given where the story appears to be going in the next installment, and I loved every minute of it. Learning more about the history of the continent, introducing Breyveran's brother, and exploring court intrigue added some great new dimensions to the story! :)
My only complaint (which is incredibly nitpicky & minor) is that of the hard copy's cover. I bought this on Kindle because I don't like the cover at all and people can see what books I read on the bus. I know it is silly, but I just could not bear the thought of someone seeing me with it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2012
I just finished The Song and the Sorceress, and loved it. I was impressed that you included a map so I could follow the journey from North to South. I wish I had a glossary for some of the words or a description of how you pronounce them. I was carried away by the tale and look forward to reading the Northern Queen.
Please keep writing Kim, I will read everything you put to paper. All my best.
Carol L. Hyland
Please keep writing Kim, I will read everything you put to paper. All my best.
Carol L. Hyland
April 24, 2011
Reviewed by Marta Morrison for TeensReadToo.com
I had to read this book after reading the first in the series, THE SONG AND THE SORCERESS.
It has been two years since Ki'leah has returned from defeating Lyarra, the ancient evil sorceress, and two years since she has seen the man she loves, Breyveran, the King of Sahtamor. Her father has died, and she is to be crowned Queen of Si'vad.
She is very excited to see her love again, since many monarchs are coming to her coronation. Breyveran doesn't come but her brother, Delveran, does. Ki'leah is disappointed, but not for long, because she soon finds out that she and her country are in danger.
THE NORTHERN QUEEN has a lot of adventure with Britta and Erich having to fight fires and the coming of another Rahar, who is waking in the south of Si'vad. There are some new characters, who again are very interesting, and Ki'leah must use every bit of wisdom and cunning that she has. There is political intrigue, and you don't know who is evil and who is good.
I enjoyed this book, and since the story left you hanging, I can't wait until the third one comes out. This is too good of a series to miss, so read these books right away!
I had to read this book after reading the first in the series, THE SONG AND THE SORCERESS.
It has been two years since Ki'leah has returned from defeating Lyarra, the ancient evil sorceress, and two years since she has seen the man she loves, Breyveran, the King of Sahtamor. Her father has died, and she is to be crowned Queen of Si'vad.
She is very excited to see her love again, since many monarchs are coming to her coronation. Breyveran doesn't come but her brother, Delveran, does. Ki'leah is disappointed, but not for long, because she soon finds out that she and her country are in danger.
THE NORTHERN QUEEN has a lot of adventure with Britta and Erich having to fight fires and the coming of another Rahar, who is waking in the south of Si'vad. There are some new characters, who again are very interesting, and Ki'leah must use every bit of wisdom and cunning that she has. There is political intrigue, and you don't know who is evil and who is good.
I enjoyed this book, and since the story left you hanging, I can't wait until the third one comes out. This is too good of a series to miss, so read these books right away!
February 7, 2015
I liked this and will read the 3rd when it is published. But I didn't like it as much as the first one. Since I read it back to back with the first one, I found some of the differences between the end of the first and the beginning of the second jarring. For example, in the first book, the previous king is portrayed as a fairly bad, out of touch king. Then in the beginning of this one it's all about how he was such a great king.
I liked some of the palace politics, but Ki'leah was just too oblivious to the undercurrents. She's new to the throne, yes. But she had two years of knowing her father was dying to train for this but doesn't seem to have put it to good use learning how to rule. Over and over again, she notes something is strange and then doesn't follow up on it. It makes it hard to root for her.
It's a good set up for the third book, though. It puts Ki'leah in an interesting and uncomfortable position.
I liked some of the palace politics, but Ki'leah was just too oblivious to the undercurrents. She's new to the throne, yes. But she had two years of knowing her father was dying to train for this but doesn't seem to have put it to good use learning how to rule. Over and over again, she notes something is strange and then doesn't follow up on it. It makes it hard to root for her.
It's a good set up for the third book, though. It puts Ki'leah in an interesting and uncomfortable position.
December 10, 2010
The stakes are higher, the costs are dearer, and if you thought "The Song and the Sorceress" was full of action, it was a walk in a moonlit garden compared to "Northern Queen." Kim Vandervort succeeds in doing what only the best series novels do--she's pulled her readers in all over again with new elements that raise the action and suspense to a higher level. And like really good second novels, it makes you want a third, and a fourth, and as many as she can keep writing.
No damsels in distress here! The characters we came to love in Song are back here. Older, wiser, grittier, and vulnerable in ways you might not expect. An excellent read whether snuggled under a blanket on your couch in winter, or on the beach in the surf during the summer.
No damsels in distress here! The characters we came to love in Song are back here. Older, wiser, grittier, and vulnerable in ways you might not expect. An excellent read whether snuggled under a blanket on your couch in winter, or on the beach in the surf during the summer.
January 4, 2011
I don't normally read fantasy novels, but I am loving this series. The characters are fantastic. Vandervort paints a vivid and detailed picture of her world, causing you to get lost in the pages, not wanting to find your way out. The Northern Queen leaves you yearning for more once the last page has been turned. I can't wait to read the next book! Write faster :)
June 10, 2016
3.5 stars. I really enjoyed The Northern Queen, but am frustrated with where it ends. After reading the author's blog it sounds like she is in the process of writing the next book in the series which I'm really happy about because there are way too many loose ends left at the end of this one. As with The Song and the Sorceress, what I enjoyed the most about the book were the characters.
February 3, 2011
this was a disappointing book as compared to the first. princess ki'leah came off as too whiny and there were contradictions in her character.
plus i felt that not a whole lot happened.
plus i felt that not a whole lot happened.
February 12, 2011
This series is amazing! I love the characters and Vandervort's prose is just fantastic. I can't wait for the next installment... give me more of Ki'leah and her world!
July 10, 2017
I thought Ki'leah was a bit annoying in this one although I did feel sorry for her because she had literally no help and her allies in the palace either left or got killed. I liked the Plainsmen parts the best with Erich and Britta. Breyveran ... he wasn't even there half the time and when he was, he wasn't any help at all, so I was annoyed with him as well.
I enjoyed reading it until I realized that it ended on a bit of a cliffhanger and the next book hasn't even been written (this one was in 2010 ... so it's been 7 years). I'm dying to know what happens. I think it's pretty obvious that I wish the author would continue this series!
I enjoyed reading it until I realized that it ended on a bit of a cliffhanger and the next book hasn't even been written (this one was in 2010 ... so it's been 7 years). I'm dying to know what happens. I think it's pretty obvious that I wish the author would continue this series!
June 21, 2019
took me a tiny bit to get into because it's been so long since I read the first book. Plus I really don't like stereotypical fantasy naming. (let's name every character, country, scepter, crown, book, etc. something that no one will be able to pronounce)
But I really enjoyed it. Not quite as much as the first one and it is one of those epic fantasies that can spend a lot of time in one place. The MC never leaves her palace for the entire book but I still find her story super interesting. Plus they show other pov characters going out and about.
I'm not sure why I've liked the series so far but I just enjoy it. Not much of a sales pitch, but if you like light epic fantasy with lovers so star-crossed you're basically getting very little romance(and a nice cast of characters who are unique and don't get easy outs for everything) then you might enjoy this.
I'm a little sad that 9 years have gone by and still no book 3. I think this series is great and I fear it won't be finished, though I understand the work that goes into a book and not wanting to take a lot of time on something that so few people have discovered and enjoyed.
But I really enjoyed it. Not quite as much as the first one and it is one of those epic fantasies that can spend a lot of time in one place. The MC never leaves her palace for the entire book but I still find her story super interesting. Plus they show other pov characters going out and about.
I'm not sure why I've liked the series so far but I just enjoy it. Not much of a sales pitch, but if you like light epic fantasy with lovers so star-crossed you're basically getting very little romance(and a nice cast of characters who are unique and don't get easy outs for everything) then you might enjoy this.
I'm a little sad that 9 years have gone by and still no book 3. I think this series is great and I fear it won't be finished, though I understand the work that goes into a book and not wanting to take a lot of time on something that so few people have discovered and enjoyed.
October 11, 2012
Second in the series - and definitely a place holder waiting for the 3rd. Lots of pages with not much happening. I'll probably finish the series (hoping that there are just 3) to see how it resolves, but the first book was the best of the two so far.
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August 3, 2016In which a newly-minted queen discovers that ruling and leadership require a different kind of strength.
June 1, 2013
Better than the first, largely since the central character had grown up and stopped whining so much (and when she did, it was legitimate complaints!)
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews