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Queens are Wild
Margeaux Quigley has it all: the eyes of every guy in her senior class, a full scholarship to Stanford thanks to her soccer skills … and a future role as the first female commander-in-chief of the United States?! Margeaux gets dragged through a deadly chess game from 1984 to 2036, when her presidential self is kidnapped by a tycoon who wants to rule the world. She must checkmate him in order to save herself and her country.
250 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
47 people want to read
About the author
Jack Chaucer
10 books169 followersJack penned the four-book Nikki Janicek novel series, a genre-bending, unpredictable ride from Lakes of the Clouds Hut in the White Mountains of New Hampshire ("Streaks of Blue," 2013) all the way to deep space ("Mars Colony Agatha: Nikki Red," 2019), with many interesting stops along the way ("Nikki Blue: Source of Trouble," 2015, and "Nikki White: Polar Extremes," 2017). Chaucer also has written the mythological tale "Revenge to the Tennth Power" (2018), the children's book "The Password Is Wishpers" (2017), the political sci-fi thriller "Queens are Wild" (2012) and the rock 'n roll novella "Freeway and the Vin Numbers" (2010), as well as the short stories "Afterlife University" (2023) and "heroinE" (2016). He lives in Litchfield, Connecticut, USA, with his wife and twin 14-year-olds.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 2, 2013
Queens are wild was a quick and fun read. Not knowing what to expect from one minute to the next, left me anxious to finish each chapter, and unable to put the book down. Without giving too much away, the book is about a 17-year old girl named Margeaux, who unknowingly gets dragged into helping take down a traitor to America. A girl in the 1980's with no special abilities, other than her beauty, Margeaux finds herself in a different time with some pretty special powers and the ability to kick ass with no prior training. The book was fast paced and pretty smooth in the transition from one scene to another. Chaucer also did a good job with reiterating the chess theme throughout the book without it coming off as trite or overdone.
There were only a couple of minor things that stood out to me. The first thing was, towards the end of the story, there were a few scenes that would probably be considered rated R even though technically there was no sex in them, only the talking about sex. This wouldn't be a problem, if either the rest of the book was raunchy or at least gave hints of the raunchiness to come. It seemed to come out of nowhere and didn't really fit with how the book was written thus far.
The other thing was the length of the book. It was too short not only because I really liked the story and wanted more of it, but also because it felt like it should be a novel and not a novella. There were areas that were only brushed upon and were significant opportunities to add some more flavor and depth to the novel, such as the "virtual-type" chess game (don't want to give too much away) or when the deck of cards, all queens, showed up outside Margeaux's door. Both fantastic ideas, just too brief to really absorb. I wanted so much more.
Overall, I still really enjoyed this book. The characters were well thought out and described nicely, the plot progressed at a wonderful pace, and I was never for a second let down or bored. This story had a surprise at every turn, and made for a great suspense and drama-filled book all in one. I highly recommend it and look forward to more of Chaucer's work.
ClassicsDefined.com
There were only a couple of minor things that stood out to me. The first thing was, towards the end of the story, there were a few scenes that would probably be considered rated R even though technically there was no sex in them, only the talking about sex. This wouldn't be a problem, if either the rest of the book was raunchy or at least gave hints of the raunchiness to come. It seemed to come out of nowhere and didn't really fit with how the book was written thus far.
The other thing was the length of the book. It was too short not only because I really liked the story and wanted more of it, but also because it felt like it should be a novel and not a novella. There were areas that were only brushed upon and were significant opportunities to add some more flavor and depth to the novel, such as the "virtual-type" chess game (don't want to give too much away) or when the deck of cards, all queens, showed up outside Margeaux's door. Both fantastic ideas, just too brief to really absorb. I wanted so much more.
Overall, I still really enjoyed this book. The characters were well thought out and described nicely, the plot progressed at a wonderful pace, and I was never for a second let down or bored. This story had a surprise at every turn, and made for a great suspense and drama-filled book all in one. I highly recommend it and look forward to more of Chaucer's work.
ClassicsDefined.com
April 10, 2013
Queens are wild was a quick and fun read. Not knowing what to expect from one minute to the next, left me anxious to finish each chapter, and unable to put the book down. Without giving too much away, the book is about a 17-year old girl named Margeaux, who unknowingly gets dragged into helping take down a traitor to America. A girl in the 1980's with no special abilities, other than her beauty, Margeaux finds herself in a different time with some pretty special powers and the ability to kick ass with no prior training. The book was fast paced and pretty smooth in the transition from one scene to another. Chaucer also did a good job with reiterating the chess theme throughout the book without it coming off as trite or overdone.
There were only a couple of minor things that stood out to me. The first thing was, towards the end of the story, there were a few scenes that would probably be considered rated R even though technically there was no sex in them, only the talking about sex. This wouldn't be a problem, if either the rest of the book was raunchy or at least gave hints of the raunchiness to come. It seemed to come out of nowhere and didn't really fit with how the book was written thus far.
The other thing was the length of the book. It was too short not only because I really liked the story and wanted more of it, but also because it felt like it should be a novel and not a novella. There were areas that were only brushed upon and were significant opportunities to add some more flavor and depth to the novel, such as the "virtual-type" chess game (don't want to give too much away) or when the deck of cards, all queens, showed up outside Margeaux's door. Both fantastic ideas, just too brief to really absorb. I wanted so much more.
Overall, I still really enjoyed this book. The characters were well thought out and described nicely, the plot progressed at a wonderful pace, and I was never for a second let down or bored. This story had a surprise at every turn, and made for a great suspense and drama-filled book all in one. I highly recommend it and look forward to more of Chaucer's work.
ClassicsDefined.com
There were only a couple of minor things that stood out to me. The first thing was, towards the end of the story, there were a few scenes that would probably be considered rated R even though technically there was no sex in them, only the talking about sex. This wouldn't be a problem, if either the rest of the book was raunchy or at least gave hints of the raunchiness to come. It seemed to come out of nowhere and didn't really fit with how the book was written thus far.
The other thing was the length of the book. It was too short not only because I really liked the story and wanted more of it, but also because it felt like it should be a novel and not a novella. There were areas that were only brushed upon and were significant opportunities to add some more flavor and depth to the novel, such as the "virtual-type" chess game (don't want to give too much away) or when the deck of cards, all queens, showed up outside Margeaux's door. Both fantastic ideas, just too brief to really absorb. I wanted so much more.
Overall, I still really enjoyed this book. The characters were well thought out and described nicely, the plot progressed at a wonderful pace, and I was never for a second let down or bored. This story had a surprise at every turn, and made for a great suspense and drama-filled book all in one. I highly recommend it and look forward to more of Chaucer's work.
ClassicsDefined.com
March 22, 2013
I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Queens are Wild by Jack Chaucer stars young 17 year old Margeaux, who gets stuck in detention one lovely Saturday afternoon. Suddenly, in a crazy turn of events, she and her classmates are sucked into time travel and a wacky sort of chess game. Her goal: to save the world from world domination. Will Margeaux be able to overcome all odds and defeat a Pirate King at his own game?
I have to admit it is very difficult to try to summarize this book into any sort of description without giving away some big plot details. I really enjoyed this book and as you can see, I read it in one sitting. I like to think of this novel as an R-rated Nancy Drew science fiction novel. Margeaux is a spunky female protagonist, and the plot twists are fun to unveil. The pacing is good, and I stayed interested the whole time.
My issues: there is always a paradox with time travel. If you go into the future and meet your older self, how does this work out? The way it ends does not convince me that it would. This is a big puzzle that I wish were explained better. Also, be warned that this is not really a young adult novel. I would recommend this book to 18 years and up for mature language and adult situations.
Overall, an entertaining first novel with a great protagonist--I'm sure Chaucer will only get better with each book.
Queens are Wild by Jack Chaucer stars young 17 year old Margeaux, who gets stuck in detention one lovely Saturday afternoon. Suddenly, in a crazy turn of events, she and her classmates are sucked into time travel and a wacky sort of chess game. Her goal: to save the world from world domination. Will Margeaux be able to overcome all odds and defeat a Pirate King at his own game?
I have to admit it is very difficult to try to summarize this book into any sort of description without giving away some big plot details. I really enjoyed this book and as you can see, I read it in one sitting. I like to think of this novel as an R-rated Nancy Drew science fiction novel. Margeaux is a spunky female protagonist, and the plot twists are fun to unveil. The pacing is good, and I stayed interested the whole time.
My issues: there is always a paradox with time travel. If you go into the future and meet your older self, how does this work out? The way it ends does not convince me that it would. This is a big puzzle that I wish were explained better. Also, be warned that this is not really a young adult novel. I would recommend this book to 18 years and up for mature language and adult situations.
Overall, an entertaining first novel with a great protagonist--I'm sure Chaucer will only get better with each book.
March 26, 2013
Fast paced and full of energy!
Not a bad book though I did tend to have a bit of (bad) language problem with it.
Some of the characters used words and sentences that ,in my opinion didn't do them just.
They kind of didn't match the image i got of them.
So in times i was thinking:"What? He said that? No way.."
or "Common,how can she talk like that..that's so out of her character.."
Then there was the sf problem,i just think it wasn't explained good enough,
the jump in the future and a few other things that made no sense for me
or at least didn't have a good enough reason to be developing like they where.
Beside that it was a fast and light read
i finished it just in two days,a page turner it is :)
Recommended for those who like action with a bit of sf,
kind of a female James Bond with a sf twist.
Not a bad book though I did tend to have a bit of (bad) language problem with it.
Some of the characters used words and sentences that ,in my opinion didn't do them just.
They kind of didn't match the image i got of them.
So in times i was thinking:"What? He said that? No way.."
or "Common,how can she talk like that..that's so out of her character.."
Then there was the sf problem,i just think it wasn't explained good enough,
the jump in the future and a few other things that made no sense for me
or at least didn't have a good enough reason to be developing like they where.
Beside that it was a fast and light read
i finished it just in two days,a page turner it is :)
Recommended for those who like action with a bit of sf,
kind of a female James Bond with a sf twist.
July 9, 2013
A very thrilling, chilling, unpredictable, exciting and original read by Jack Chaucer. Expect the unexpected with this one. It’s what you’re going to get and it’s AWESOME! Any fan of the genre or any readers out there looking for something new & different will enjoy their time spent with Queens are Wild!
Margeaux is a 17 years old female whose world gets turned upside down, inside out and sideways one day while in school. Finding herself in trouble for no other reason than being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Then having to attend the most unusual detention ever. She eventually finds herself in quite a few sticky situations. Oh and in a complete different time!
While this story does not contain any actual sexual acts. It does contain mature language and situations best suited for those over 17. All in all it’s a great story for a first put out there by Jack! I look forward to more from this author. I have a feeling he’s going to create some greats!
Margeaux is a 17 years old female whose world gets turned upside down, inside out and sideways one day while in school. Finding herself in trouble for no other reason than being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Then having to attend the most unusual detention ever. She eventually finds herself in quite a few sticky situations. Oh and in a complete different time!
While this story does not contain any actual sexual acts. It does contain mature language and situations best suited for those over 17. All in all it’s a great story for a first put out there by Jack! I look forward to more from this author. I have a feeling he’s going to create some greats!
December 19, 2012
Rated 4.5: Jack Chaucer’s “Queens are Wild” is fast-paced, well-written and utterly gripping! The idea behind the invention is creative; a unique twist to the game of chess, making the plot compelling and action-packed. The only criticism I have, and the one and only reason I didn’t give 5 stars to it, was the feeling I got from the female character in the very beginning. I felt the narrator skimmed the surface of a typical female stereotype, but as the story progressed I became more invested.
I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone with an interest in action sci-fi. Thank you, Jack, for the thrilling read!
I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone with an interest in action sci-fi. Thank you, Jack, for the thrilling read!
January 10, 2013
I feel like the blurb for this book only scratches the surface. Queens are Wild is led by spunky, level-headed teen Margeaux Quigley, who is dragged fifty-two years into the future to save her presidential self from a crazy billionaire who wants to be king of the world.
Queens are Wild brings a fine balance between politics and thrilling action, creating a stunning plot unlike anything I've ever seen. It was definitely a fun read.
My only complaint is that, in some spots, there was a bit too much detail and telling. However, Jack Chaucer demonstrated spectacular pacing, keeping me reading and eager to find out how it all ended.
Queens are Wild brings a fine balance between politics and thrilling action, creating a stunning plot unlike anything I've ever seen. It was definitely a fun read.
My only complaint is that, in some spots, there was a bit too much detail and telling. However, Jack Chaucer demonstrated spectacular pacing, keeping me reading and eager to find out how it all ended.
December 13, 2012
A Titan brought low.
The intricate moves of the ancient game of chess are now set in a time shift filled with doppelgangers. What at first seems just another pawn in an ego-driven king's game of power, makes her way deep into the enemy house and 'queens' herself, again and again.
This is a story full of surprises; one that moves with pace from a 20th century schoolroom with the usual belligerent pupils, through a human, but surreal, chess matrix, into a future where a brash rich man plots to found a new dynasty.
Innovative and entertaining.
The intricate moves of the ancient game of chess are now set in a time shift filled with doppelgangers. What at first seems just another pawn in an ego-driven king's game of power, makes her way deep into the enemy house and 'queens' herself, again and again.
This is a story full of surprises; one that moves with pace from a 20th century schoolroom with the usual belligerent pupils, through a human, but surreal, chess matrix, into a future where a brash rich man plots to found a new dynasty.
Innovative and entertaining.
August 27, 2012
This is the book I would choose on a rainy day!! Hot coffee and plenty of it!! Once you start reading this tale, with its characters and twisting plot, you cannot put it down!!! I would love to see this on the big screen!!
April 28, 2013
** I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **
“Queens are Wild” is gripping from the start and holds you hostage until the very end.
Jack Chaucer delivers an intriguing idea of time travel and follows it up with a side of female kick ass action.
There are things that work well for this story and Margeaux Quigley the female protagonist is at the top of the list. She is self confident, athletic, intelligent and always ready to defend herself as well as her country. Much to the chagrin of those who are trying to help her she also speaks her mind.
Second would be the rapid paced narrative which leaves no lag time. The idea of jumping into the future from playing a living version of chess is also captivating and unquestionably original.
However no story is without its flaws and “Queens are Wild” is no exception. The biggest problem was weak dialogue and poor descriptions. There is also a slight conundrum with the time travel and the ending but all in all this was an exhilarating chronicle and worth the few hours to read.
“Queens are Wild” is gripping from the start and holds you hostage until the very end.
Jack Chaucer delivers an intriguing idea of time travel and follows it up with a side of female kick ass action.
There are things that work well for this story and Margeaux Quigley the female protagonist is at the top of the list. She is self confident, athletic, intelligent and always ready to defend herself as well as her country. Much to the chagrin of those who are trying to help her she also speaks her mind.
Second would be the rapid paced narrative which leaves no lag time. The idea of jumping into the future from playing a living version of chess is also captivating and unquestionably original.
However no story is without its flaws and “Queens are Wild” is no exception. The biggest problem was weak dialogue and poor descriptions. There is also a slight conundrum with the time travel and the ending but all in all this was an exhilarating chronicle and worth the few hours to read.
January 15, 2013
I just finished the book by Jack Chaucer called "Queens are Wild". He is offering it free to NOOK owners at the following: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/... Use the following code to get it FREE KH84W.
The story of a 17 year old girl transported 52 years into the future to 2036. The adventures of sci-fi, attitude, and courage with a twist of some of our current events thrown in. My only time of confusion was what she saw on deck while standing at the railing with King Ballantine.
A knowledge of the game of chess is a plus. Would love to see a sequel with more depth given to the dentention teacher. A solid 4 stars.
July 26, 2012
This is a great read. I couldn't put it down.
I've never seen a concept with this idea before, very original.
A good story that kept me interested from start to finish.
I've never seen a concept with this idea before, very original.
A good story that kept me interested from start to finish.
September 6, 2016
This was a fast paced and enjoyable read. There was a disconnect for me between the character’s personalities and their overall actions. I didn’t find that the character flow worked in the novel for me. I also found a lot of the sci-fi aspects to be under explained and developed, I wanted more to the story.
Note: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Note: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews