Queen of Stars

The Starfolk #2

by Dave Duncan

While discovering the truth behind his half-human, half-elven parentage, master swordsman Rigel not only defeated the horrific monsters of the Starlands, but also thwarted Prince Vildiar’s dark designs to conquer the elven realms.

Now, despite his fate to die an early, violent death if he remains in the Starlands, Rigel refuses to return to Earth, consumed as he is by love for the newly crowned Queen Talitha. But this passion is perilous: Vildiar has hatched multiple conspiracies to usurp the throne, and a vision has revealed that if Rigel and Talitha ever consummate their love, it will only hasten Rigel’s inevitable demise.

Even under a pall of doom, Rigel never hesitates to defend the land and people he has taken on as his own. As traitors plot Talitha’s downfall, Rigel rescues one of Vildiar’s own half-breed offspring from Earth and offers her a new life in the Starlands. But will she embrace this gift without guile…or is she preparing to plunge a dagger into Rigel’s back?

Genres: Fantasy, Amazon

326 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 28, 2014

About the author

Originally from Scotland, Dave Duncan lived all his adult life in Western Canada, having enjoyed a long career as a petroleum geologist before taking up writing. Since discovering that imaginary worlds were more satisfying than the real one, he published more than 60 novels, mostly in the fantasy genre, but also young adult, science fiction, and historical.

He wrote at times under the pseudonym Sarah B. Franklin (but only for literary purposes) and Ken Hood (which is short for "D'ye Ken Whodunit?")

His most successful works were fantasy series: The Seventh Sword, A Man of His Word and its sequel, A Handful of Men, and seven books about The King’s Blades. His books have been translated into 15 languages, and of late have been appearing in audiobook format as well.

He and Janet were married in 1959. He is survived by her, one son and two daughters, as well as four grandchildren.

He was both a founding and honorary lifetime member of SFCanada, and a member of the CSFFA Hall of Fame.

Reviews

[Metaphorosis]

2.5 stars - Metaphorosis Reviews

Half-elf half-human Rigel is the elf-prince's bodyguard, but quarreling with the queen, and there's another elf-noble looking to kill them all and take over the kingdom. Rigel recruits another half-elf from Earth, which brings its own complications.

I was thoroughly bored by the prequel to Queen of Stars, King of Swords, and didn't open this book with much enthusiasm. For most of its length, my opinion didn't change. Rigel sells the elfin Starlands as 'better', but we have to assume that means 'despite the required servitude, second-class status, and people trying to kill you'. It's a lot to swallow.

Duncan spends a lot of the first quarter of the book providing an infodump about the prequel. It's well-handled, but it goes on for a long time. I'd actually have preferred a less-sophisticated but shorter lump of backstory. For those who start the series here, though, it should work well.

Much of the book is a continuation of the theme of the prequel - good-hearted, knows-his-place Rigel will do anything for the beautiful queen. It's so syrupy that it's hard to slog through. Much to my surprise, though, the book ends well - with some genuine pathos and a close that finally caught my interest. My copy contains an excerpt of the next book, Knave of Imps, which answered a key question, but still left me wanting to know more.

So, a slow book with a surprising upturn. It's a strange thing, but after pretty heartily disliking most of the first two books, I could see buying the next.

[Sally Antiri]

Following on from King of Swords this is not the usual fantasy genre I read but felt myself pulled in. Really engrossed with the characters and the plot, thoroughly enjoyed it!

[David]

It's an interesting read, but for some reason the Avior character was just annoying. She was not very well-developed at all, at least not enough to make her personality interesting.

Not to mention the fact that the ending of the book almost completely invalidates her entire storyline.

And the "end" of the book looks like the first two chapters of a new book, but it wraps up the storyline. Is there a third book coming?

Why the last two chapters were "chapter 1" and "chapter 2", I have no idea.

I like Dave Duncan's book, but this one just didn't do it for me.

[Drake]

I only started to read this book because the previous book (King of Swords) was incomplete.

I must admit, I'm beginning to tire of the wish fulfilment fantasies of writers with the emotional sophistication of pubescent boys (e.g., the Kingkiller Chronicles, although those had the benefit of an adult vocabulary, unlike the Starborn series).

[Aditya /]

the ending was not very good. 3/4 is not the same thing as one and there is no need to treat them as if they are equal in order to end the book with the same premise. So they should not have made them equal at the end. however that was not the reason that I give this book two stars. the reason that the book gets 2 stars is 1) Avior should have been doing a double or triple cross rather than treated as a shallow character. 2) the villain should have had some kind of pure motive for his atrocities 3) there was behavior by Scheppi that should not have been tolerated by Avior from the very first moment and the so-called very good characters apparently neglected Avior (their guest) And did not even check if she was in fact okay when a monster type of creature was discovered there. at minimum there should have been checking if she was really okay

[Vivian]

This was a wonderful book and it was very different than what I thought it would be. I like the fact that they author has stretched the reader's imagination on Elves and what we think it was and what it has been in the past to what he made it. I love the fact that everything in the book is imagined and there was a love interest that had to fight against social stigmas and casts. This was a very good book and I loved every minute of it!

[Russ Couprie]

Just like book 1 of the series... pretty shallow. Entertaining enough I suppose, and the ending had enough of a twist to be somewhat of a surprise, but I wouldn't recommend the series.

[Lissa]

The second book begins with Rigel having returned to earth to bring a halfling back to Starlands. His enemies are gathering and are plotting his death. Loved the twists and turns in the story and the end took me totally by surprise. Fantastic series.

[Joel Flank]

Queen of Stars picks up about 3 months after King of Swords. Rigel has helped his beloved elf princess Talitha take the throne despite the maneuverings of Prince Vildiar. However, the prince is still at large, and has an army of human/elf halfbreeds trained to kill at his disposal. While Rigel has the most powerful artifact sword known, and an arsenal of other powerful magics, they've proven insufficient in the past to defeat Vildiar in the past. Rigel is also woefully short on allies as most elves are either too scared of Vildiar, or disaprove of his association with the queen, who herself is far younger than a ruler typically is.

Rigel attempts to recruit allies by combing Earth for other orphaned halfbreeds like himself, and soon finds one who's unique artistic skills start to form the beginning of a desperate plan to trick Vildiar. However, political plots force the queen to take an elven mate to produce an heir, and Rigel's plans are slow to be effective, while his attention is split between guarding Talitha's son, Izar, and the only remaining heir to the throne other than Vildiar, and trying to eliminate the threat that Vildiar and his brood pose.

Eventually, Rigel is forced to take action, and sees a chance to strike, despite prophecy indicating that no matter what he does, his death is certain. As with many Dave Duncan adventures, the various twists and plots take a far greater role than brute force, and despite the best laid plans, things progress in a way the reader can't predict, culminating in a completely unexpected and delightful ending.

[Anne Monteith]

A few years ago I read “AGAINST THE LIGHT” and became a fan of the author. I was hoping that this book would become a series or at least have a sequel but it didn’t and since I wanted to read more by this author I had to find something else to read by Mr. Duncan. I chose “THE KING OF SWORDS and followed it up with “QUEEN OF STARS” and while the tales are different the writing is the same quality and entertainment that I’ve come to enjoy by this author. While it is not necessary to read the first book in the series I feel that to fully enjoy and understand this one you should. While there are some parts that drag a little, I was never tempted to not finish the book and it quickly picked up. I’m not sure that there will be a third book in the series but I am sure that we can expect more from Mr. Duncan.

[Sean Randall]

Well, now! This was Duncan on form and no mistake. I can't say that I was surprised at the marvelously twisted ending, in fact it's one of his strong points to dazzle us with a huge buildup to something nasty only to twitch the rug out from under your feet. It's more often done at the climax of a series, of course, and with only 2 books in you sort of come away disappointed, but then again the writing is as wonderful as ever and the politics and internal consistencies so cleverly set up and adhered to that it's a pleasure to read.

The whole Avior line felt a little underexplored, but then who am I to judge the worthwhileness of those bits there were? I just enjoyed the whole thing from start to finish, and that's grand enough for me.

[Nicole Luiken]

Book two in the Starfolk series. I always enjoy Dave Duncan's fantasy novels and was happy to pick this one up. Cool world-building, good pacing and a clever ending. By introducing a new-to-the-Starlands character Avior, the reader is smoothly reacquainted with the magical rules of the realm. Rigel is a great hero, both strong and clever, and I also have a soft spot for Imp Izar.
Important note: the Knave of Imps section at the end is part of the novel (its conclusion) despite starting with chapter one again. It is NOT a sample chapter from another novel, but the actual end of Queen of Stars.

[Khalia Hades]

While discovering the truth behind his half-human, half-elven parentage, master swordsman Rigel not only defeated the horrific monsters of the Starlands, but also thwarted Prince Vildiar’s dark designs to conquer the elven realms.

The fantasy in this story is not boring or just made up. It has a kin of history of its own. I love it. Can't wait to read more from Dave Duncan. The man is a writing God.

[Matthew]

A good popcorn read and very nice conclusion to the two part series.

This book, like the first one is just a very light, humorous read. It is campiness at its best. The characters aren't all that realistic or deep, nor do they have much growth (there is some though), but they are great to read about.

Eh, nothing really to say about this other than if you read the first, read this one, it's a fun read to kill time with. And it goes by quickly

[Lucy]

sequel to King of Swords in the Starfolk trilogy. Rigel continues to battle monsters in the realm of the Starfolk, also known as elves (but don't say it in their hearing). His own half-elven heritage continues to be important, and a prophecy predicts his demise, soon. A deposed prince plots the queen's ruin, also sending assassins against Rigel. Everybody knows who's doing it, but it can't be proved.
An always-interesting author.

[Brandon]

This was an enjoyable series and a very refreshing change of pace as the world, characters, and all the little details in between were actually quite unique. This book wasn't as good as the first. It had a couple of moments where I didn't feel like reading as much anymore. However, the author pulled through, delivered a solid final 100 pages, and wrapped up the story well. I would recommend this book for anyone.

[Samantha wickedshizuku Tolleson]

Why...?
Why does it stop there? Are there books to come?

[Rodrigo Jardim]

Excelente book closing the story, the author did not tried to make a third one just because everyone writes a trilogy nowadays
The end of the story was perfect, with a good dosage of adventure and some suspense at the end

I really liked both books, if you are going to read this start with king of swords, you will enjoy both

[Cindy]

*received for free though Goodreads First Reads

I found the fantasy world created to be interesting but the story was somewhat rambling and did not seem to take he time to get me engaged with the characters.

[Steve Markham]

Dave does it again. I only put it down once to make a cup of tea.

Brilliant fast paced plot from start to finish and brilliantly put together with just the right aount of humour as usual.
I can't recommend this book enough!

[Chris Fryar]

Great story!

This book, along with the first in the series, King of Swords, was a great story - They were definite page turners! I literally didn't want to put it down. I got through these books in record time - I hope to see more in this storyline.

[Jeff]

Thank you. I just won this book in a first reads giveaway. I will read and comment once I get the book.

[Randy Smith]

And this book series started so good! If the writing had been better the way this book ended would have been slightly bearable. But over all it sucks.

[Meg]

A fun sequel. The big reveal of the book certainly relies on a lot of pieces of logic, but somehow works.

[Tonya Durham]

Better than first one

The characters are not very three dimensional until this book where you get to know them a little better. It's a one time read

[Ron Judenberg]

read

[Teresa004]

Loved the ending.

As with the first story I found it hard going at times but loved the ending. Over all as great story.

[Kevin]

entertaining read but not one of his best.