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Tales of the Kingdom #4
The Tale of Elske (4)
Newbery Medalist Cynthia Voigt depicts the parallel quests of two extraordinary young women with power and compassion in this fourth and final book in the Tales of the Kingdom series.
Elske is a girl with no future—until her grandmother’s sacrifice saves her from certain death. Beriel is an imperious princess, determined to claim the kingdom that is her birthright. Fate brings them together, both exiles, one servant to the other. Elske offers Beriel steadfast loyalty and courage, precious qualities in a dangerous quest to regain the throne she has been denied by treachery. And for Elske, the handmaiden, Beriel’s proud example provides a perhaps even more precious gift—the strength to look within. As Elske seeks to find her true self and Beriel battles to reclaim what is rightfully hers, both discover the value, and the price, of reaching the journey’s end.
Previously published as Elske , this classic tale features a new look and a new title.
Elske is a girl with no future—until her grandmother’s sacrifice saves her from certain death. Beriel is an imperious princess, determined to claim the kingdom that is her birthright. Fate brings them together, both exiles, one servant to the other. Elske offers Beriel steadfast loyalty and courage, precious qualities in a dangerous quest to regain the throne she has been denied by treachery. And for Elske, the handmaiden, Beriel’s proud example provides a perhaps even more precious gift—the strength to look within. As Elske seeks to find her true self and Beriel battles to reclaim what is rightfully hers, both discover the value, and the price, of reaching the journey’s end.
Previously published as Elske , this classic tale features a new look and a new title.
384 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1999
21 people are currently reading
1093 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Voigt
87 books1,028 followersCynthia Voigt is an American author of books for young adults dealing with various topics such as adventure, mystery, racism and child abuse.
Awards:
Angus and Sadie: the Sequoyah Book Award (given by readers in Oklahoma), 2008
The Katahdin Award, for lifetime achievement, 2003
The Anne V. Zarrow Award, for lifetime achievement, 2003
The Margaret Edwards Award, for a body of work, 1995
Jackaroo: Rattenfanger-Literatur Preis (ratcatcher prize, awarded by the town of Hamlin in Germany), 1990
Izzy, Willy-Nilly: the Young Reader Award (California), 1990
The Runner: Deutscher Jungenliteraturpreis (German young people's literature prize), 1988
Zilverengriffel (Silver Pen, a Dutch prize), 1988
Come a Stranger: the Judy Lopez Medal (given by readers in California), 1987
A Solitary Blue: a Newbery Honor Book, 1984
The Callender Papers: The Edgar (given by the Mystery Writers of America), 1984
Dicey's Song: the Newbery Medal, 1983
Awards:
Angus and Sadie: the Sequoyah Book Award (given by readers in Oklahoma), 2008
The Katahdin Award, for lifetime achievement, 2003
The Anne V. Zarrow Award, for lifetime achievement, 2003
The Margaret Edwards Award, for a body of work, 1995
Jackaroo: Rattenfanger-Literatur Preis (ratcatcher prize, awarded by the town of Hamlin in Germany), 1990
Izzy, Willy-Nilly: the Young Reader Award (California), 1990
The Runner: Deutscher Jungenliteraturpreis (German young people's literature prize), 1988
Zilverengriffel (Silver Pen, a Dutch prize), 1988
Come a Stranger: the Judy Lopez Medal (given by readers in California), 1987
A Solitary Blue: a Newbery Honor Book, 1984
The Callender Papers: The Edgar (given by the Mystery Writers of America), 1984
Dicey's Song: the Newbery Medal, 1983
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
June 8, 2016
This was one of the first books I read when I "rediscovered" fantasy in high school.
It follows a maid who escapes from the fantasy-Vikings and acts as a fixer and spy for a pregnant princess in fantasy-Netherlands' Season.
It's also a fine example of a fantasy world that handles itself just fine without the addition of magic. See also: my tendency to pick up books in the middle of a series instead of the start - it still works as a standalone.
It's held up to several rereads, but I'm about due for another.
It follows a maid who escapes from the fantasy-Vikings and acts as a fixer and spy for a pregnant princess in fantasy-Netherlands' Season.
It's also a fine example of a fantasy world that handles itself just fine without the addition of magic. See also: my tendency to pick up books in the middle of a series instead of the start - it still works as a standalone.
It's held up to several rereads, but I'm about due for another.
November 28, 2016
I think this is Voigt's best book. It's like a beautiful fairy tale.
(NOTE: you do not have to read the other Kingdom books to read this - it stands alone)
I've found that some of Voigt's other books tend to drag on and cause me to lose interest in the characters and their challenges. I think her writing can sometimes be a bit too removed when what I really want to know is how the characters feel and what they are thinking. This book is more focused. From cover to cover it is a joy to read. Elske is a captivating character and one of my all-time favorites. She is everything that is easy to love: a determined heroine whose very loyalty, honesty and steady purpose achieve miracles. The writing is beautiful, the plot is solid and the characters are intriguing.
I love that the story focuses on friendship and loyalty while the characters face impossible odds together, and yet their relationships (according to status and situation) remain realistic.
And, of course, the touch of romance at the end is beautifully done. Overall, I think this book is nearly perfect. Five stars!
(NOTE: you do not have to read the other Kingdom books to read this - it stands alone)
I've found that some of Voigt's other books tend to drag on and cause me to lose interest in the characters and their challenges. I think her writing can sometimes be a bit too removed when what I really want to know is how the characters feel and what they are thinking. This book is more focused. From cover to cover it is a joy to read. Elske is a captivating character and one of my all-time favorites. She is everything that is easy to love: a determined heroine whose very loyalty, honesty and steady purpose achieve miracles. The writing is beautiful, the plot is solid and the characters are intriguing.
I love that the story focuses on friendship and loyalty while the characters face impossible odds together, and yet their relationships (according to status and situation) remain realistic.
And, of course, the touch of romance at the end is beautifully done. Overall, I think this book is nearly perfect. Five stars!
December 9, 2024
Having escaped her village where women and girls are possessions to be owned and used at will, Elske makes her own way as an outsider into the city. Hard working and stoic, Elske's connections soon lead her to a girl-who-would-be-queen, Beriel. Berield is determined and fiery, insistent that she will do whatever it takes to claim her throne.
This is a reread for me, maybe the fourth of fifth time. I love that it is a story of two strong young women who have such different strengths. I like the political intrigue, the world it takes place in, the swoon-worthy romantic ending. It isn't super fast paced but Elske is an intriguing character, raised as a compassionate person amongst a tribe of Viking-like warriors, and I like how her knowledge of that terrifying people and their language becomes an asset in the political world she slowly becomes a part of. Just a good story.
Sensitivity warning: rape is a topic often discussed
This is a reread for me, maybe the fourth of fifth time. I love that it is a story of two strong young women who have such different strengths. I like the political intrigue, the world it takes place in, the swoon-worthy romantic ending. It isn't super fast paced but Elske is an intriguing character, raised as a compassionate person amongst a tribe of Viking-like warriors, and I like how her knowledge of that terrifying people and their language becomes an asset in the political world she slowly becomes a part of. Just a good story.
Sensitivity warning: rape is a topic often discussed
September 6, 2009
Really Elske you are just dull. Yes your earing is enchanting but you're just dull. Maybe in another time, another place. But not today. I'm sorry.
Elske is the story of a girl who grows up in a barbaric wolf man society. She officially belongs to the king and when he dies, she will be sent into his tomb and will be abused by wild men, then burned alive with the dead kings body. It's put in more tactfully in the book but that's basically the deal. Ya I know. Yuck. So her grandmother takes her place as she runs away and she makes a new life in a world where people looke at her differently for her honey skin, grey eyes, and over all good looks. It's a society where women fear men and are clearly unsuperior. But then this girl comes along, claming she's a queen and pregnant. Elske gets caught in her messeses and eventually must protect and return this girl to her kindom and her crown.
Loved the cover but the story lacked a lot. It was a simple tale but it was spread out to thin in a many paged, tightly printed book that took forever to get through. Some of the themes were not of my taste. The book was littlered with comments about rape and pregnancy. Abortion is considered and just an over all defiling of mother hood in my opinion, unitill the girl begins to want to see her child but Elske already swore not to tell her the wereabouts of the girl. It does go to a good home for you consilation.
Just a dull book. It didn't really arouse any feelings except guilt at reading a book about this stuff. Then there was all this other stuff. It was basically about the vulnrability of a strong girl and I don't really recomend it to any one just because you'll drown in tears of boredome and if people thought they should read it from this review, then I've caused several drownings that I don't want to be accountable for.
Elske is the story of a girl who grows up in a barbaric wolf man society. She officially belongs to the king and when he dies, she will be sent into his tomb and will be abused by wild men, then burned alive with the dead kings body. It's put in more tactfully in the book but that's basically the deal. Ya I know. Yuck. So her grandmother takes her place as she runs away and she makes a new life in a world where people looke at her differently for her honey skin, grey eyes, and over all good looks. It's a society where women fear men and are clearly unsuperior. But then this girl comes along, claming she's a queen and pregnant. Elske gets caught in her messeses and eventually must protect and return this girl to her kindom and her crown.
Loved the cover but the story lacked a lot. It was a simple tale but it was spread out to thin in a many paged, tightly printed book that took forever to get through. Some of the themes were not of my taste. The book was littlered with comments about rape and pregnancy. Abortion is considered and just an over all defiling of mother hood in my opinion, unitill the girl begins to want to see her child but Elske already swore not to tell her the wereabouts of the girl. It does go to a good home for you consilation.
Just a dull book. It didn't really arouse any feelings except guilt at reading a book about this stuff. Then there was all this other stuff. It was basically about the vulnrability of a strong girl and I don't really recomend it to any one just because you'll drown in tears of boredome and if people thought they should read it from this review, then I've caused several drownings that I don't want to be accountable for.
December 15, 2009
Yawn. Voigt is skillful, but this book felt like a combination of Redwall-esque obsessions (gowns and tankards of ale, kingdoms and guilds), wannabe girl-power, and a sort of steamy romance novel without the romance. Elske's character was both fearless and humorless, making her flat and unsympathetic. We're told that most of the male characters want to marry her or otherwise install her in their bed, maybe because she doesn't want them back? We're told that she's proud and skillful with babies. Also with killing babies when necessary. Then, we're told over and over again that she's willing to give everything she has and follow Lady Beriel to distant lands because...why?
I was baffled, and found Beriel a brat. Maybe there was some sort of Nietzchean protocol going on here, wherein she who acts haughtiest wins. If Beriel were a man, or if Voigt permitted Elske some overt same-sex attraction, this would be a potboiler complete with blood running hot. Elske's final het marriage didn't convince me. Without believing in this key relationship between mistress and maid, I couldn't sustain interest or willingly suspend disbelief in the rest of the tale.
I was baffled, and found Beriel a brat. Maybe there was some sort of Nietzchean protocol going on here, wherein she who acts haughtiest wins. If Beriel were a man, or if Voigt permitted Elske some overt same-sex attraction, this would be a potboiler complete with blood running hot. Elske's final het marriage didn't convince me. Without believing in this key relationship between mistress and maid, I couldn't sustain interest or willingly suspend disbelief in the rest of the tale.
July 8, 2020
Just really boring. I had high hopes but after 100 pages I just couldn't take the topics anymore. It's a highly sexist book which paints women as baby carriers only and it just didn't fill me with any emotion.
November 1, 2021
Although it had a very interesting premise it didn't quite deliver for me. Was equally parts underwhelmed and bored. Well written but not my cup of tea. Might be because I hadn't read any of the other books in the series
August 16, 2025
the start of the book lasted until the end
January 19, 2010
Ugh. Dry, dry, dry.
I found this and read it because I'd remembered liking Jackaroo (the first in the Kingdom books) so much as a kid. But either because my perceptions were a lot different then, or that was just a better book, Elske did not live up to my expectations.
The book does depict a cleverly imagined kingdom, and the various nations and people within peaked my interest. But almost everything else -- Elske, Beriel the future queen, their adventures (or lack thereof), and the brief descriptions of everything around them -- bored me. There just wasn't enough character development to make Elske relatable, or even likeable, and Beriel was far too aloof, in the author's efforts to make her noble, to be anyone you really felt like cheering for. Even the brief romance seemed thrown in, at the end, as a concession to readers.
I found this and read it because I'd remembered liking Jackaroo (the first in the Kingdom books) so much as a kid. But either because my perceptions were a lot different then, or that was just a better book, Elske did not live up to my expectations.
The book does depict a cleverly imagined kingdom, and the various nations and people within peaked my interest. But almost everything else -- Elske, Beriel the future queen, their adventures (or lack thereof), and the brief descriptions of everything around them -- bored me. There just wasn't enough character development to make Elske relatable, or even likeable, and Beriel was far too aloof, in the author's efforts to make her noble, to be anyone you really felt like cheering for. Even the brief romance seemed thrown in, at the end, as a concession to readers.
January 11, 2020
This is the final in the series and is set two generations after the first book. This is about an exiled Queen (who's brother is trying to take the throne) and a Wolfer Girl who betrays the King of the Wolfers by her grandmother pretending that she is the Death Maiden and taking her place at his funeral. The Grandmother is Tamara from the previous book so there is some explanation as to what happened to that character.
Being raised by Wolfers, Elske is a bit unconventional, and so is the Queen she ends up serving.
I liked this more than the previous book in the series, but not as much as the first two. I am glad I got to the end of the series and the epilogue offers some details about events long into the future.
Being raised by Wolfers, Elske is a bit unconventional, and so is the Queen she ends up serving.
I liked this more than the previous book in the series, but not as much as the first two. I am glad I got to the end of the series and the epilogue offers some details about events long into the future.
December 31, 2018
Minor character from previous book grows old and dies among the Wolfers. Her grand-daughter Elske runs away, meets some men, becomes a servant, becomes a better servant, and learns that she has honor.
Also from last page of Previous Book: The baby that was destined to be Earl had a granddaughter, who now has to marry. There are many many plot twists.
Elske and the Granddaughter learn to trust each other, for the most part, and to work around each other's egos.
Fun times.
Finished all four books and realize that there is no religion at all in any of them. Even though "Priests" are mentioned in the Kingdom, there are no ceremonies or rituals.
Also from last page of Previous Book: The baby that was destined to be Earl had a granddaughter, who now has to marry. There are many many plot twists.
Elske and the Granddaughter learn to trust each other, for the most part, and to work around each other's egos.
Fun times.
Finished all four books and realize that there is no religion at all in any of them. Even though "Priests" are mentioned in the Kingdom, there are no ceremonies or rituals.
June 16, 2023
Not to sound too harsh, but this was boring and cliche. With more adult themes than I was expecting, it felt very mashed together as a filler book in a series. It should have worked as a standalone book that thrills those who are following along with the series, but it didn’t seem to add value, whether as a standalone or as part of a series.
I had no affection for any of the characters, and Elske was herself the worst (Half the time I forgot which was which when it came to Elske and Beriel).
There was a thin glimmer of a growth arc for Elske towards the end of the book, but having no investment into her from the beginning, I didn’t care for her at the end.
All in all, I would say it’s more worth it to pass on this book.
I had no affection for any of the characters, and Elske was herself the worst (Half the time I forgot which was which when it came to Elske and Beriel).
There was a thin glimmer of a growth arc for Elske towards the end of the book, but having no investment into her from the beginning, I didn’t care for her at the end.
All in all, I would say it’s more worth it to pass on this book.
August 22, 2020
A wonderful written story that highlights the story of two strong young women, Elske, saved from being a burned as a sacrefice by the men in her tribe by her grandmothers sacrefice and Berial a first born young woman who is supposed to become queen. A jealous younger brother plots against her to do terrible act against her (g..g r,,e) by his friends) to secure the throne for himself. Both Elske and Berial are strong intelligent characters who live in a time when women are not normaly so. Great read and it's a keeper!
October 15, 2024
Another book off of the free shelf. I love Cynthia Voigt so I picked this book up. It's not a book meant for young readers at all but very good. Elske had a hard life in the kingdom where she was born. I'm glad her grandmother helped her escape. Some lock, some charm, and intelligence led her to a better life.
January 2, 2022
Captures culture shock, growing up, and finding yourself, with a heroine you'll miss when you're done.
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October 12, 2016This book is truly inspirational, and I love it so much. You love fantasy? You like romance? You like danger? Read it, I dare you, and you will never forget it. READ IT!
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June 3, 2012SPOILER WARNING!!!
Elske, the main character, appeared very one-dimensional and flat in the beginning. This may have been on purpose, so that later, as she developed emotions in her story life, her character developed depth too. (Oddly this flatness actually reminded me of the original girl with the pearl earring, who seemed very one-dimensional as well in her story, and who was made famous by use of the same Vermeer painting on the front cover of her book.)
I am a big fan of Voigt's Jackaroo, and even though I didn't like the violence in the next two books in the series, I did take a chance on reading this fourth book. It is dark, due to the extreme violence and disregard for human life displayed by the Wolfer culture, but was told in an unemotional way that was plain and matter-of-fact.
This book was interesting enough to keep me reading into the wee hours of the night, eager to find out what would happen next. I liked Beriel's character pretty well, on the surface. She was imperfect, and yet regal. However, much of the storyline around her didn't seem plausible - like marching into Pericol with just Elske at her side. I know it's historic fantasy, but I couldn't buy into all of it.
I also liked Elske, but wished she were more human, and more emotional. Voigt's brevity with her is one of the strengths of the book, but at the same time I wanted Elske to feel more, and I wanted to know what she was feeling. That said, I liked the understated relationship between Elske and Lord Dugal. It reminded me very much of Gwyn & Burl.
One thing I really enjoy about this series are the names of the characters. I think they are well-created, and not to flashy or contrived. When I read them, I wish I had thought them up for some of the characters in my own stories!
One more note - the relationship between Beriel and Elske put me in mind of two young women in Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale.
Elske, the main character, appeared very one-dimensional and flat in the beginning. This may have been on purpose, so that later, as she developed emotions in her story life, her character developed depth too. (Oddly this flatness actually reminded me of the original girl with the pearl earring, who seemed very one-dimensional as well in her story, and who was made famous by use of the same Vermeer painting on the front cover of her book.)
I am a big fan of Voigt's Jackaroo, and even though I didn't like the violence in the next two books in the series, I did take a chance on reading this fourth book. It is dark, due to the extreme violence and disregard for human life displayed by the Wolfer culture, but was told in an unemotional way that was plain and matter-of-fact.
This book was interesting enough to keep me reading into the wee hours of the night, eager to find out what would happen next. I liked Beriel's character pretty well, on the surface. She was imperfect, and yet regal. However, much of the storyline around her didn't seem plausible - like marching into Pericol with just Elske at her side. I know it's historic fantasy, but I couldn't buy into all of it.
I also liked Elske, but wished she were more human, and more emotional. Voigt's brevity with her is one of the strengths of the book, but at the same time I wanted Elske to feel more, and I wanted to know what she was feeling. That said, I liked the understated relationship between Elske and Lord Dugal. It reminded me very much of Gwyn & Burl.
One thing I really enjoy about this series are the names of the characters. I think they are well-created, and not to flashy or contrived. When I read them, I wish I had thought them up for some of the characters in my own stories!
One more note - the relationship between Beriel and Elske put me in mind of two young women in Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2018
Elske escapes the cruel, savage Wolfer society of her birth, and takes up a position as servant in a merchant town. There she is swept up in the world of a difficult and cold princess who is in desperate need.
I wanted to like this, because I do love Voigt, but ... it's not anything special. It's set in the same world as Jackaroo, On Fortune's Wheel and The Wings of a Falcon, and the protagonist's grandmother, Tamara, seems to have been a character in one of the other books, but I can't remember most of them well enough to know which. I hope she wasn't anybody I cared about, since her backstory here was that she was kidnapped and kept as a slave for the rest of her life by Wolfers. Her story is rape and violence and vengeance, basically.
Elske herself is a survivor and a heroine and so forth, all good things, and everybody around her sees her gentleness and purity and goodness, a sort of halo of honey-warmth. I can't see it, though. She didn't leave much of an impression on me at all. Her mistress, the Princess Beriel, is more interesting, but not any easier to connect to.
I wanted to like this, because I do love Voigt, but ... it's not anything special. It's set in the same world as Jackaroo, On Fortune's Wheel and The Wings of a Falcon, and the protagonist's grandmother, Tamara, seems to have been a character in one of the other books, but I can't remember most of them well enough to know which. I hope she wasn't anybody I cared about, since her backstory here was that she was kidnapped and kept as a slave for the rest of her life by Wolfers. Her story is rape and violence and vengeance, basically.
Elske herself is a survivor and a heroine and so forth, all good things, and everybody around her sees her gentleness and purity and goodness, a sort of halo of honey-warmth. I can't see it, though. She didn't leave much of an impression on me at all. Her mistress, the Princess Beriel, is more interesting, but not any easier to connect to.
October 3, 2010
I give two stars for the superb use of words and unique writing along with the world building. However, the story lacks heart and more importantly it lacks an ability to make me care about the characters. What Jackaroo had, this story doesn't. I thought the themes of abortion, poor taste, as well as the many times rape was mentioned as the cultures way of life. I understand that this is a barbaric society, I just don't want to read about it when I care nothing for the motives nor did I think it was necessary to what else was happening. There were times, when I would get a glimmer of a story that I thought the author should have told, especially when writing about The Kingdom's system of government, the description of the Kingdom and city, Volkaric warriors, and especially Lord Dugald, who I wish I could have read more of. However, this story was never told. So it left me disappointed.
November 15, 2011
I didn't realize this was the fourth book in a series, until I came to Goodreads to add it. So, I guess that means that, for the most part, the story stands by itself well enough. There were some references to Jackaroo at the end that rather puzzled me - and now that I know that the first book in the series was called Jackaroo, that makes a bit more sense.
The book drew me in with the character of Elske. Beriel, on the other hand, mostly annoyed me. In some ways, the story reminds me of the books by Tamora Pierce and other historical fantasy books. One of the things that especially intrigues me about books like this is that they are often accompanied by maps of the various lands. For some reason, I really enjoy this.
Maybe, if I ever try to write a story myself, I should start by drawing a map.
The book drew me in with the character of Elske. Beriel, on the other hand, mostly annoyed me. In some ways, the story reminds me of the books by Tamora Pierce and other historical fantasy books. One of the things that especially intrigues me about books like this is that they are often accompanied by maps of the various lands. For some reason, I really enjoy this.
Maybe, if I ever try to write a story myself, I should start by drawing a map.
October 21, 2009
Bah. I adore Cynthia Voigt on principle. But this one just didn't do it for me... dark and grim with a weirdly happy ending, it was full of stereotypical "ethnic" clans and mostly unlikeable characters. I couldn't muster up much emotional investment in anyone, not even Elske. Give me On Fortune's Wheel any day over this one.
July 30, 2025
The Tillerman Saga is my all time favorite Cynthia Voigt series, but this series, The Kingdom, is a very close second. I am planning to write a longer review detailing why this series is so good, but for now I will recommend this series to anyone who enjoys coming-of-age stories, historical fiction that has the lyricism of good fantasy, and authors who never waste words.
September 15, 2021
4.5 stars. This is how you do medieval adventures for teens. The writing style feels authentically historical, but still accessible and easy to devour in an couple of afternoons. Add not one but TWO badass ladies to pass the Bechdel Test and you've got a pretty great little book.
August 5, 2016
Another one I read of my daughter's. Enjoy young reader's selections very much. easy reads and well written.
July 10, 2019
I first read this book in 2008/2009, and it was quite memorable to me then. It has only been recently that I stumbled upon it again and decided to re-read, hoping it would stand up against my recollections of 10 or more years ago.
When younger, I must have had a higher shock tolerance as this book deals with, in a not too graphic way, rape, infanticide, amongst other things. I had forgotten this. 'Elske' is not your average run of the mill YA.
I love the name Elske, and I enjoyed her as a character coming into her own and navigating the line between servant, loyalty and self. Beriel wasn't as likeable, with her imperiousness, ambition and pride. Credit must be given to the author though, as we often get noble, kind and serene queens. So this is more realistic. The romance is subtle and only appears in the very last part of the book, but I liked Dugald and how he saw Elske. Furthermore, the earlier parts of the book were engaging enough on their own. I think the author gave us the right dosage of Elske and Dugald. I am not sure about Win and Beriel together though, as it seems like she would always override him with her will, and he a doormat with his blind devotion to her.
It would have been nice to have more background on the Wolvers/Volkarric (such a awesome name, though they are not awesome people) since Beriel's Kingdom and the Traedsters were so civilised in comparison.
Now, tangent time: I read a Goodreads review before I re-read this book again where it was mentioned that the Traedsters and their islands were reminiscent of the Dutch. I don't dispute this, but I found that the setting in my head was in Russia (can't pinpoint the period, but around the time of tsars, Peter the Great). Why? Interestingly enough, I recently read 'The Firebird' by Susanne Kearsely which is partially set in Russia in that era and involves the protagonist also travelling between households, across connected islands. Of course, these are two very different books, but during Elske's time with the Traedsters, there is a common thread. The voice and writing, I found was similar, and it is such a lovely style.
Last thoughts on this book:
I'll admit there were times when the character's thoughts and speech were a little hard to follow (definitely not your modern speech or slang) or it was difficult to discern the meaning e.g. when Elske and Beriel 'disagree' over Elske's word having been trumped by Beriel's will. I still can't parse the gist of it.
I also read the ebook version, and there were some typos. So be warned.
The epilogue was a bit flat, but appropriate. Once again, more realistic? Still, the things that made this book memorable on my first read still hold, and there is still magic which holds on subsequent re-read.
Overall, 3.75 stars for me.
When younger, I must have had a higher shock tolerance as this book deals with, in a not too graphic way, rape, infanticide, amongst other things. I had forgotten this. 'Elske' is not your average run of the mill YA.
I love the name Elske, and I enjoyed her as a character coming into her own and navigating the line between servant, loyalty and self. Beriel wasn't as likeable, with her imperiousness, ambition and pride. Credit must be given to the author though, as we often get noble, kind and serene queens. So this is more realistic. The romance is subtle and only appears in the very last part of the book, but I liked Dugald and how he saw Elske. Furthermore, the earlier parts of the book were engaging enough on their own. I think the author gave us the right dosage of Elske and Dugald. I am not sure about Win and Beriel together though, as it seems like she would always override him with her will, and he a doormat with his blind devotion to her.
It would have been nice to have more background on the Wolvers/Volkarric (such a awesome name, though they are not awesome people) since Beriel's Kingdom and the Traedsters were so civilised in comparison.
Now, tangent time: I read a Goodreads review before I re-read this book again where it was mentioned that the Traedsters and their islands were reminiscent of the Dutch. I don't dispute this, but I found that the setting in my head was in Russia (can't pinpoint the period, but around the time of tsars, Peter the Great). Why? Interestingly enough, I recently read 'The Firebird' by Susanne Kearsely which is partially set in Russia in that era and involves the protagonist also travelling between households, across connected islands. Of course, these are two very different books, but during Elske's time with the Traedsters, there is a common thread. The voice and writing, I found was similar, and it is such a lovely style.
Last thoughts on this book:
I'll admit there were times when the character's thoughts and speech were a little hard to follow (definitely not your modern speech or slang) or it was difficult to discern the meaning e.g. when Elske and Beriel 'disagree' over Elske's word having been trumped by Beriel's will. I still can't parse the gist of it.
I also read the ebook version, and there were some typos. So be warned.
The epilogue was a bit flat, but appropriate. Once again, more realistic? Still, the things that made this book memorable on my first read still hold, and there is still magic which holds on subsequent re-read.
Overall, 3.75 stars for me.
October 11, 2022
This book had a tag from a local bookstore that closed a few years ago but I don't recall buying it so I may have grabbed it from the free library and forgot. Elske is the fourth book in a series but I would never have known that it read like a stand alone.
Wolfer born all Elske knows is fear and staying in her place but all that changes when her grandmother gives her a chance at a normal life. Fleeing the brutal Wolfters Elske makes her way to a northern town where she is thrust into servitude to survive. For some unknown reason all the men in the town are smitten with her and wish to wed or at least bed her. Not desiring the company of any man Elske holds out and is thus thrust into servitude for a disgruntled princess who claims she is a queen.
For a young adult book the story started out extremely violent and I almost did not keep reading past chapter one. Sadly after that the story calmed down and was rather boring. No real action, Elske had no personality at all. She was a Mary Jane and did not really seem to care what happened to her just the people around her. I kept waiting for her to have independent thoughts which never really happened. The princess she served had more personality but was also boring. While the story was boring it did flow smoothly and I never got characters confused. I will not be seeking more of The Kingdom series or more work by Cynthia Voigt.
Wolfer born all Elske knows is fear and staying in her place but all that changes when her grandmother gives her a chance at a normal life. Fleeing the brutal Wolfters Elske makes her way to a northern town where she is thrust into servitude to survive. For some unknown reason all the men in the town are smitten with her and wish to wed or at least bed her. Not desiring the company of any man Elske holds out and is thus thrust into servitude for a disgruntled princess who claims she is a queen.
For a young adult book the story started out extremely violent and I almost did not keep reading past chapter one. Sadly after that the story calmed down and was rather boring. No real action, Elske had no personality at all. She was a Mary Jane and did not really seem to care what happened to her just the people around her. I kept waiting for her to have independent thoughts which never really happened. The princess she served had more personality but was also boring. While the story was boring it did flow smoothly and I never got characters confused. I will not be seeking more of The Kingdom series or more work by Cynthia Voigt.
July 20, 2021
Phenomenal. An excellent conclusion to an unusually mature YA high fantasy series (still no magic!!). Elske & Beriel's strong temperaments play off of each other beautifully, a much more interesting contest of wills than in Book #3 with Oriel and Griff.
I love that Beriel was vain, jealous, suspicious -- with narrative reason but also strong character design -- and that Elske's perpetual outsider role means she refuses to let any of the cultures off the hook for its misogyny. The Death Maiden imagery is so spooky and vivid, but patriarchal violence is a constant thread. A sophisticated feminist counter to Game of Thrones-style of worldbuilding.
Also, Elske's romantic foil is the first male character who I felt was a true partner: recognizing and valuing her bravery as strength, not survival. The first ending I felt truly emotionally as well as narratively satisfied with.
This novel, like each of the series except perhaps #2, could stand well on its own, but it rewards the reader who goes in chronological order and sees how the Kingdom progresses in economic and cultural change over some 7 generations. I wonder what I'd have made of this book as a teen.
Warning for graphic violence and discussions of physical assault. Highly recommended.
I love that Beriel was vain, jealous, suspicious -- with narrative reason but also strong character design -- and that Elske's perpetual outsider role means she refuses to let any of the cultures off the hook for its misogyny. The Death Maiden imagery is so spooky and vivid, but patriarchal violence is a constant thread. A sophisticated feminist counter to Game of Thrones-style of worldbuilding.
Also, Elske's romantic foil is the first male character who I felt was a true partner: recognizing and valuing her bravery as strength, not survival. The first ending I felt truly emotionally as well as narratively satisfied with.
This novel, like each of the series except perhaps #2, could stand well on its own, but it rewards the reader who goes in chronological order and sees how the Kingdom progresses in economic and cultural change over some 7 generations. I wonder what I'd have made of this book as a teen.
Warning for graphic violence and discussions of physical assault. Highly recommended.
June 13, 2017
Every few years I read this book and out of the series this is my favorite. I can't say if it's because I read it first out of the 4-book series or not.
Maybe is it Elske and the way she is so open in her ways when everyone around her makes things so complicated. Not that her view point is so black and white but I think being born in a world that is so basic and straight to the point makes her so.
Why worry about which ground the wheat came from to make the bread when the only thing that matters is being able to buy the bread? An interesting thought.
And you sort of see this sort of thought process from Elske from the time she travels north and becomes a servant. From her time served in this form of employment until she goes south to the Kingdom where she finds her place. As for Beriel. She...is like a very strong brew of something. If you aren't ready for the taste you might very well spit it out. She takes headstrong to a level and makes you want to tell her to cool it. Not because she's a girl or wrong or anything but more from the fact that life isn't about her.
Maybe is it Elske and the way she is so open in her ways when everyone around her makes things so complicated. Not that her view point is so black and white but I think being born in a world that is so basic and straight to the point makes her so.
Why worry about which ground the wheat came from to make the bread when the only thing that matters is being able to buy the bread? An interesting thought.
And you sort of see this sort of thought process from Elske from the time she travels north and becomes a servant. From her time served in this form of employment until she goes south to the Kingdom where she finds her place. As for Beriel. She...is like a very strong brew of something. If you aren't ready for the taste you might very well spit it out. She takes headstrong to a level and makes you want to tell her to cool it. Not because she's a girl or wrong or anything but more from the fact that life isn't about her.
February 9, 2018
I don't really want to call this a likeable book, because rape is so much at the centre of it - for both the two main female characters - that it is at times a sickening read, but it's certainly a compelling one - though it's the most compelling when not dealing with the continual sexual assault. Instead it's the quiet character moments that stand out the most. This is especially true of Elske: her personality and especially her emotional growth were both aspects of this book that I found genuinely enjoyable. Voigt has created a memorable character here, even more so than Jackaroo's Gwyn.
Elske the book, on the other hand, doesn't reach the heights of Jackaroo, but then no other book in this series does either. (And why on earth the book's been covered with a Vermeer painting is beyond me.)
Elske the book, on the other hand, doesn't reach the heights of Jackaroo, but then no other book in this series does either. (And why on earth the book's been covered with a Vermeer painting is beyond me.)
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April 7, 2024 Elske is a delightful tale of two strong heroines, the title character and the queen she eventually serves, Beriel of the Kingdom. The travels Elske undertakes, first when she leaves the Volkaric and her fate as Death Maiden and walks to the city of Trastad, then as she sails with Beriel to the port of Pericol and thence to the Kingdom, highlight Voigt’s worldbuilding talent—she describes distinct cultures vividly as Elske encounters them. Elske herself is a fascinating character, with a brutal, calculating facet from her upbringing among the Volkaric uncommon to heroines, but also with the more typical caring and loving side. The story is well worth reading—Voigt is an author as talented as her writing is diverse.
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