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The Twelve Kingdoms #3.6
The Crown of the Queen
Dafne Mailloux, librarian and temporary babysitter to the heirs to the High Throne of the Twelve – now Thirteen – Kingdoms, finds it difficult to leave the paradise of Annfwn behind. Particularly that trove of rare books in temptingly unfamiliar languages. But duty calls, and hers is to the crown. It’s not like her heart belongs elsewhere. But how can she crown a queen who hesitates to take the throne?
95 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2016
18 people are currently reading
275 people want to read
About the author
Jeffe Kennedy
98 books1,338 followers💙She/her💙 Award-winning Bestselling Author of epic fantasy romance. Taoist. Swiftie. Santa Fean. Cat lady @sfwa_inc Past-President. Rep by @seyitsme
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 16, 2024
My Review:
The Crown of the Queen, is a good filler book to get you to transfer from the Twelve Kingdoms to the Uncharted Realms series. This is a story where we get to see more background on Dafne, which I do wish I had read this before I had read "Pages of the Mind" which is her book where she meets and falls in love with her islander king. But in this one, we see the process by which Ursula become the official queen and the ceremony of her coronation. It was so refreshing to get back to this world and these couples and see them come together and get Ursual to face her fears and embracing her destiny. It had me in my hearts and feels so easily and Jeffe Kennedy really tugged me in so easily with this one here.
If you loved the Twelve Kingdoms series and are curious about the Uncharted Realms, this is a great novella to give you a good introduction. Simple a blast of fantasy good times.
The Crown of the Queen, is a good filler book to get you to transfer from the Twelve Kingdoms to the Uncharted Realms series. This is a story where we get to see more background on Dafne, which I do wish I had read this before I had read "Pages of the Mind" which is her book where she meets and falls in love with her islander king. But in this one, we see the process by which Ursula become the official queen and the ceremony of her coronation. It was so refreshing to get back to this world and these couples and see them come together and get Ursual to face her fears and embracing her destiny. It had me in my hearts and feels so easily and Jeffe Kennedy really tugged me in so easily with this one here.
If you loved the Twelve Kingdoms series and are curious about the Uncharted Realms, this is a great novella to give you a good introduction. Simple a blast of fantasy good times.
May 13, 2016
Originally published at Reading Reality
Jeffe Kennedy’s The Talon of the Hawk made my “Best of 2015” list. I have adored every entry in her Twelve Kingdoms series, and was just a bit sad to see this epic fantasy series conclude last year, no matter how much I loved that conclusion. So I was pleased as punch when I was contacted to review The Crown of the Queen, a bridge novella between The Twelve Kingdoms and their continuation in The Uncharted Realms, which begins with The Pages of the Mind later this month.
When last we left our heroines, the war had just ended in a rather spectacular fashion. Princess Ursula had defeated the tyrant king Uorsin in single-combat, and the crown of the Twelve Kingdoms had just become hers. But Ursula, while she is picking up the reins of leadership, is unwilling to officially pick up the crown that she fought so hard for.
Uorsin was mad, ensorcelled and an utter bastard. Also tyrannical in a way that would fit right into Game of Thrones, complete with the bloody banquets. But he was also Ursula’s father, and she can’t seem to manage to forgive herself for killing him, no matter how utterly necessary his killing might have been.
And it was, after all, in single combat. It could easily have gone the other way, and Ursula was certainly fighting for her life, as well as the lives of everyone in the Twelve Kingdoms. A court of law would certainly call it self-defense.
But guilt is never logical, and Ursula is wallowing in it.
The heroine of this tale is Dafne Mailloux, the official and often disregarded librarian of the Twelve Kingdoms. Dafne, the daughter of a defeated kingdom, retreated to the library as a place of safety, in the hopes that the increasingly mad Uorsin would forget she existed.
His late queen entrusted the raising of her daughters, especially the future queen Ursula, to the young recluse. It was Queen Salena’s plan that Dafne would become her daughter’s high councilor in the future that she sacrificed herself to bring to pass. Now it is Dafne’s duty to bring some common-sense order out of the chaos that followed the death of the mad king.
And to, if necessary, shake some sense into his daughter. Dafne must take up her mantle, and deliver some unwelcome truths to the woman who must become High Queen – before the restless factions of the Twelve Kingdoms manage to shatter the kingdom back into its constituent parts.
Uorsin conquered the Twelve by ruthless war. The warrior-princess Ursula must learn to rule them with justice and law – before they get ahead of her and start ruling her.
Escape Rating A: I seldom give novellas an A rating. Not because I don’t enjoy them, but because the short length usually leaves me wanting something. The Crown of the Queen is an exception. Much as I might want to spend more time in the Twelve Kingdoms, this interlude does not need a full-length novel to tell its necessary tale. It would probably feel bloated if it were stretched to novel-length.
Dafne provides an excellent perspective on these events. She is at the center, but yet she stands a bit to one side. Her job is to provide advice and counsel, which requires that she keep a level head and a slightly outside point of view to do her job well. While she has been at the center of the court all her life, she is not a member of the royal family. Her job is to do the best she can for the kingdom and its people, often by telling the High Queen and the royal family things that they do not want to hear, no matter how much they might need to hear them.
We also have hints that Dafne’s own story will be bigger and more important some time later, but this is not her story. It is the story of Ursula’s coronation and the cementing of her place on the throne of the Twelve Kingdoms as they become Thirteen Kingdoms and probably Fourteen.
As Dafne herself says, they need a name that doesn’t involve numbers.
What we see in this story is Dafne negotiating events. It is up to her to get Ursula out of her funk and get her royal butt officially on the throne. With a lot of tough love, and help from Ursula’s partner Harlan, Dafne sets Ursula on the course to her coronation and all of the pomp and circumstance that must follow in order for Ursula’s reign to be seen as legitimate.
Dafne does a great job of making the machinations of politics seem not just interesting, but actually exciting. As a faithful reader of the series, I had tears in my own eyes during Ursula’s coronation ceremony.
Dafne’s deep knowledge of all the players in this drama helps her achieve her goals, and gives readers a great refresher on previous events at the same time. It marvelously whets the appetite for the epic story that is to come.
Jeffe Kennedy’s The Talon of the Hawk made my “Best of 2015” list. I have adored every entry in her Twelve Kingdoms series, and was just a bit sad to see this epic fantasy series conclude last year, no matter how much I loved that conclusion. So I was pleased as punch when I was contacted to review The Crown of the Queen, a bridge novella between The Twelve Kingdoms and their continuation in The Uncharted Realms, which begins with The Pages of the Mind later this month.
When last we left our heroines, the war had just ended in a rather spectacular fashion. Princess Ursula had defeated the tyrant king Uorsin in single-combat, and the crown of the Twelve Kingdoms had just become hers. But Ursula, while she is picking up the reins of leadership, is unwilling to officially pick up the crown that she fought so hard for.
Uorsin was mad, ensorcelled and an utter bastard. Also tyrannical in a way that would fit right into Game of Thrones, complete with the bloody banquets. But he was also Ursula’s father, and she can’t seem to manage to forgive herself for killing him, no matter how utterly necessary his killing might have been.
And it was, after all, in single combat. It could easily have gone the other way, and Ursula was certainly fighting for her life, as well as the lives of everyone in the Twelve Kingdoms. A court of law would certainly call it self-defense.
But guilt is never logical, and Ursula is wallowing in it.
The heroine of this tale is Dafne Mailloux, the official and often disregarded librarian of the Twelve Kingdoms. Dafne, the daughter of a defeated kingdom, retreated to the library as a place of safety, in the hopes that the increasingly mad Uorsin would forget she existed.
His late queen entrusted the raising of her daughters, especially the future queen Ursula, to the young recluse. It was Queen Salena’s plan that Dafne would become her daughter’s high councilor in the future that she sacrificed herself to bring to pass. Now it is Dafne’s duty to bring some common-sense order out of the chaos that followed the death of the mad king.
And to, if necessary, shake some sense into his daughter. Dafne must take up her mantle, and deliver some unwelcome truths to the woman who must become High Queen – before the restless factions of the Twelve Kingdoms manage to shatter the kingdom back into its constituent parts.
Uorsin conquered the Twelve by ruthless war. The warrior-princess Ursula must learn to rule them with justice and law – before they get ahead of her and start ruling her.
Escape Rating A: I seldom give novellas an A rating. Not because I don’t enjoy them, but because the short length usually leaves me wanting something. The Crown of the Queen is an exception. Much as I might want to spend more time in the Twelve Kingdoms, this interlude does not need a full-length novel to tell its necessary tale. It would probably feel bloated if it were stretched to novel-length.
Dafne provides an excellent perspective on these events. She is at the center, but yet she stands a bit to one side. Her job is to provide advice and counsel, which requires that she keep a level head and a slightly outside point of view to do her job well. While she has been at the center of the court all her life, she is not a member of the royal family. Her job is to do the best she can for the kingdom and its people, often by telling the High Queen and the royal family things that they do not want to hear, no matter how much they might need to hear them.
We also have hints that Dafne’s own story will be bigger and more important some time later, but this is not her story. It is the story of Ursula’s coronation and the cementing of her place on the throne of the Twelve Kingdoms as they become Thirteen Kingdoms and probably Fourteen.
As Dafne herself says, they need a name that doesn’t involve numbers.
What we see in this story is Dafne negotiating events. It is up to her to get Ursula out of her funk and get her royal butt officially on the throne. With a lot of tough love, and help from Ursula’s partner Harlan, Dafne sets Ursula on the course to her coronation and all of the pomp and circumstance that must follow in order for Ursula’s reign to be seen as legitimate.
Dafne does a great job of making the machinations of politics seem not just interesting, but actually exciting. As a faithful reader of the series, I had tears in my own eyes during Ursula’s coronation ceremony.
Dafne’s deep knowledge of all the players in this drama helps her achieve her goals, and gives readers a great refresher on previous events at the same time. It marvelously whets the appetite for the epic story that is to come.
May 7, 2016
The Crown of the Queen is a short novella in the Twelve Kingdoms series that is bridging the original series with the upcoming spinoff series, The Uncharted Realms. The first book of the new series, The Pages of the Mind, is scheduled for release May 31, 2016. (It appears The Twelve Kingdoms series will continue instead of spinning off.)
This novella is the story of High Queen Ursula's coronation, and is told by Dafne Mallouix. You may recall Dafne from other books as the librarian who advised all three girls during the series. Ursula now needs Dafne to return to Ordnung to act as councilor and historian. So Dafne leaves Annfwn and returns home to plan Ursula's coronation. While this story was not action-packed or romance-driven, it was nice to return to the Twelve Kingdoms and see what everyone was up to after the three princesses sacrificed their power-hungry father to the land. It also helped refresh my memory as to the characters and prior events so I can start The Pages of the Mind without having to do a re-read of the series. This novella also had a bit of foreshadowing as to what we can expect in the next book, in which Dafne will be the heroine.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 4 stars / No heat.
Full review posted at Bambi Unbridled on May 9, 2016.
This novella is the story of High Queen Ursula's coronation, and is told by Dafne Mallouix. You may recall Dafne from other books as the librarian who advised all three girls during the series. Ursula now needs Dafne to return to Ordnung to act as councilor and historian. So Dafne leaves Annfwn and returns home to plan Ursula's coronation. While this story was not action-packed or romance-driven, it was nice to return to the Twelve Kingdoms and see what everyone was up to after the three princesses sacrificed their power-hungry father to the land. It also helped refresh my memory as to the characters and prior events so I can start The Pages of the Mind without having to do a re-read of the series. This novella also had a bit of foreshadowing as to what we can expect in the next book, in which Dafne will be the heroine.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 4 stars / No heat.
Full review posted at Bambi Unbridled on May 9, 2016.
May 30, 2016
Well stories like this make it hard for a reviewer to rate.
What we have here is an excellent story that bridges the gap between the last of the Twelve Kingdoms (almost as an epilogue) and setting the groundwork for book #1 The Pages of the Mind of the new Uncharted Realms follow-on series.
Basically this is mostly a combination of setting up the scenario for the new series and putting finishing touches on the Twelve Kingdoms with the coronation of High Queen Ursula.
We get a bit of all the 3 couples from the 3 main novels plus a bit of political intrigue but no romance or fighting.
4 Stars because I enjoyed the trip but for anyone not read into the Twelve Kingdoms it would be of dubious enjoyment. Since I have read them all I obviously loved it.
What we have here is an excellent story that bridges the gap between the last of the Twelve Kingdoms (almost as an epilogue) and setting the groundwork for book #1 The Pages of the Mind of the new Uncharted Realms follow-on series.
Basically this is mostly a combination of setting up the scenario for the new series and putting finishing touches on the Twelve Kingdoms with the coronation of High Queen Ursula.
We get a bit of all the 3 couples from the 3 main novels plus a bit of political intrigue but no romance or fighting.
4 Stars because I enjoyed the trip but for anyone not read into the Twelve Kingdoms it would be of dubious enjoyment. Since I have read them all I obviously loved it.
July 9, 2020
Reread July 2020 - Since I just finished reading the trilogy (finally!) of the Twelve Kingdoms, this novella is a nice summation of what has come before, and though I didn't have any issues reading it the first time, it's nice to know the background that let to this story, plus to have Dafne's POV.
Original review:
This fantasy novella is an interlude of sorts, a bridge between the first three full novels of the Twelve Kingdoms series, and those yet to come. It's told by Dafne - librarian, archivist and counselor to Ursula, one of three sisters who rule in the twelve kingdoms. For a new reader to the series (like myself), or for a longtime fan, it's an excellent review of what has happened to date, while moving the overall story arc forward. Each of the three full novels has featured a complete couple romance, and all the main characters from those are here, as Ursula is made aware by Dafne that she can no longer hesitate in taking her rightful place as Queen. I thought it was a very interesting and well done snapshot of the kingdoms as they are now, with some hints of what's to come in the next story, where Dafne will get a chance at her own happy ending. The worldbuilding is definitely complex but not overwhelming. The reasons for Ursula's hesitation to take her place on the throne are understandable, yet Dafne is able to convince her with her logic and forthrightness of the necessity of acting sooner rather than later. The coronation scene is the finale to this short tale, and the whole story is a delightfully entertaining read. I look forward to the next chapter! 4 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
Original review:
This fantasy novella is an interlude of sorts, a bridge between the first three full novels of the Twelve Kingdoms series, and those yet to come. It's told by Dafne - librarian, archivist and counselor to Ursula, one of three sisters who rule in the twelve kingdoms. For a new reader to the series (like myself), or for a longtime fan, it's an excellent review of what has happened to date, while moving the overall story arc forward. Each of the three full novels has featured a complete couple romance, and all the main characters from those are here, as Ursula is made aware by Dafne that she can no longer hesitate in taking her rightful place as Queen. I thought it was a very interesting and well done snapshot of the kingdoms as they are now, with some hints of what's to come in the next story, where Dafne will get a chance at her own happy ending. The worldbuilding is definitely complex but not overwhelming. The reasons for Ursula's hesitation to take her place on the throne are understandable, yet Dafne is able to convince her with her logic and forthrightness of the necessity of acting sooner rather than later. The coronation scene is the finale to this short tale, and the whole story is a delightfully entertaining read. I look forward to the next chapter! 4 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
August 18, 2016
This review originally appeared on my blog, Books Without Any Pictures:
http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/20...
The Crown of the Queen by Jeffe Kennedy is a novella that takes place in between two fantasy romance trilogies in the Twelve Kingdoms world. You can find it in the For Crown and Kingdom duo with another novella by Grace Draven.
Actually, a novella isn’t quite the right word for it. I prefer to think of For Crown and Kingdom as an interlude rather than it’s own story. Daphne Mailloux is the royal librarian in Ordnung. She’s returning home, and everything has changed. The mad king Uorsin is dead. His daughter Ursula is next in line to the throne, but she’s having an existential crisis because she killed her father, and is putting off her own coronation. It’s up to Daphne to subtly advise the new queen and put all of the pieces in place for a coronation worthy of Ursula’s new reign.
It’s a relatively short book, and I enjoyed reading it, but it feels more like a teaser than an actual story. It’s a departure from Jeffe Kennedy’s usual work (even her short work) in that it doesn’t have a romance arc. We see hints of the fact that Daphne will have a future romance and some of what troubles may come to the kingdoms, but this story is really about the coronation and Daphne accepting her role as a royal adviser.
This book was a bit of an experiment for me, in the “my Kindle is dying so I’m going to try reading on the Kindle app on my phone” kind of way. That experiment taught me that while I can handle short ebooks on my phone, I much prefer a dedicated e-reader.
http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/20...
The Crown of the Queen by Jeffe Kennedy is a novella that takes place in between two fantasy romance trilogies in the Twelve Kingdoms world. You can find it in the For Crown and Kingdom duo with another novella by Grace Draven.
Actually, a novella isn’t quite the right word for it. I prefer to think of For Crown and Kingdom as an interlude rather than it’s own story. Daphne Mailloux is the royal librarian in Ordnung. She’s returning home, and everything has changed. The mad king Uorsin is dead. His daughter Ursula is next in line to the throne, but she’s having an existential crisis because she killed her father, and is putting off her own coronation. It’s up to Daphne to subtly advise the new queen and put all of the pieces in place for a coronation worthy of Ursula’s new reign.
It’s a relatively short book, and I enjoyed reading it, but it feels more like a teaser than an actual story. It’s a departure from Jeffe Kennedy’s usual work (even her short work) in that it doesn’t have a romance arc. We see hints of the fact that Daphne will have a future romance and some of what troubles may come to the kingdoms, but this story is really about the coronation and Daphne accepting her role as a royal adviser.
This book was a bit of an experiment for me, in the “my Kindle is dying so I’m going to try reading on the Kindle app on my phone” kind of way. That experiment taught me that while I can handle short ebooks on my phone, I much prefer a dedicated e-reader.
March 6, 2020
An epilogue to the trilogy showing Ursula's coronation. Great read.
*****
Epilogue to “The Talon of the Hawk” and prologue for “The Pages of the Mind”. Dafne who is in Annfwn with Ami’s twins is summoned to Ordnung for Ursula’s coronation. We get Zynda drawing Dafne out to a going away party and Zyr flirting (& dancing) with Dafne all night.
Love Zyr’s quote:
“Some people share themselves easily, like the bushes that produce clusters of berries, plenty for all to have and enjoy.” He flashed a grin at that. “A few are like the kalpa tree, which bears a single fruit after many years, and is all the more precious for that. It can’t be easy to wander the world searching for that other self.”
Zyr too is looking for his kalpa tree, but in shapeshifter fashion is mimicking a bush full of berries in the meantime.
****
Conversation between Dafne & Harlan:
“I am no warrior.” The thought made me smile at the absurdity. “Only a librarian.”
“We are all warriors in our own lives—fighting the battle to become who we most long to be.”
****
*****
Epilogue to “The Talon of the Hawk” and prologue for “The Pages of the Mind”. Dafne who is in Annfwn with Ami’s twins is summoned to Ordnung for Ursula’s coronation. We get Zynda drawing Dafne out to a going away party and Zyr flirting (& dancing) with Dafne all night.
Love Zyr’s quote:
“Some people share themselves easily, like the bushes that produce clusters of berries, plenty for all to have and enjoy.” He flashed a grin at that. “A few are like the kalpa tree, which bears a single fruit after many years, and is all the more precious for that. It can’t be easy to wander the world searching for that other self.”
Zyr too is looking for his kalpa tree, but in shapeshifter fashion is mimicking a bush full of berries in the meantime.
****
Conversation between Dafne & Harlan:
“I am no warrior.” The thought made me smile at the absurdity. “Only a librarian.”
“We are all warriors in our own lives—fighting the battle to become who we most long to be.”
****
May 3, 2016
I know this was your story Dafne, but I was all about the rest and the whole omg, will they never be able to marry? No one is having babies!
Saaaaaaaaaaaaaadness! And since the next book is about Dafne, that is just, sad you know. No one gets to share their love, well except for Andi. No one is having babies, except for Ami. Now I am sad.
Now when I have that off my chest. This is about Ursula having doubts, others having doubts about her taking the High Crown (to me it would be better if everyone took care of their own business and cut the high stuff.) And it's about who will take over after her.
And it is about seers making hints that maybe Dafne has a future too. Yay, I can not wait. Especially since book 4s blurb sure seems interesting. No, it has nothing to do with that premise that I love, fine, yes it has everything to do with that premise.
This is mostly a talking and thinking story. Trying to put the kingdom back together. I just want everyone to be happy though.
Saaaaaaaaaaaaaadness! And since the next book is about Dafne, that is just, sad you know. No one gets to share their love, well except for Andi. No one is having babies, except for Ami. Now I am sad.
Now when I have that off my chest. This is about Ursula having doubts, others having doubts about her taking the High Crown (to me it would be better if everyone took care of their own business and cut the high stuff.) And it's about who will take over after her.
And it is about seers making hints that maybe Dafne has a future too. Yay, I can not wait. Especially since book 4s blurb sure seems interesting. No, it has nothing to do with that premise that I love, fine, yes it has everything to do with that premise.
This is mostly a talking and thinking story. Trying to put the kingdom back together. I just want everyone to be happy though.
December 4, 2016
In For Crown and Kingdom duology
January 5, 2026
👑💙 The Crown of the Queen Review 💙👑
Thank you so much to Jeffe Kennedy for the opportunity to read and review this short story!
The Crown of the Queen is a standalone fantasy novella in the Twelve Kingdoms universe. After having her life changed forever by a tyrant king, librarian Dafne is now studying the history of the Tala. When she’s summoned back to the kingdom to be an advisor to the high Queen Ursula, she soon finds herself advising royalty in the midst of political chaos as the fight for the crown needs to be solidified
This was a fun novella. I enjoyed learning more about Dafne after meeting her in previous Twelve Kingdoms books. I liked the cameos and check ins from characters we’ve met before. This story covered a lot of the political aspects of removing the tyrant king from the throne and establishing stability of the kingdoms with the coronation of a new queen
This was a solid four star read! I enjoyed learning more about Dafne, the wrap up of stories from previous novels and the set up for more in the future. This novella does have some darker elements, so please check triggers if you’re sensitive. This short story did not have a romantic subplot and no rating will be given for spice
If you’re a fan of fantasy romance with strong characters, unique magic and interesting lore, then absolutely check out this series.
Thank you so much to Jeffe Kennedy for the opportunity to read and review this short story!
The Crown of the Queen is a standalone fantasy novella in the Twelve Kingdoms universe. After having her life changed forever by a tyrant king, librarian Dafne is now studying the history of the Tala. When she’s summoned back to the kingdom to be an advisor to the high Queen Ursula, she soon finds herself advising royalty in the midst of political chaos as the fight for the crown needs to be solidified
This was a fun novella. I enjoyed learning more about Dafne after meeting her in previous Twelve Kingdoms books. I liked the cameos and check ins from characters we’ve met before. This story covered a lot of the political aspects of removing the tyrant king from the throne and establishing stability of the kingdoms with the coronation of a new queen
This was a solid four star read! I enjoyed learning more about Dafne, the wrap up of stories from previous novels and the set up for more in the future. This novella does have some darker elements, so please check triggers if you’re sensitive. This short story did not have a romantic subplot and no rating will be given for spice
If you’re a fan of fantasy romance with strong characters, unique magic and interesting lore, then absolutely check out this series.
June 24, 2017
Nothing objectionable (probably because the author didn't include any romance since I'm just not digging her vibe), a perfectly pleasant little read.
It was nice to focus on Dafne - quite a different character than the three sisters, and I'm looking forward to spending more time with her in the next book in the series.
I did think that this story could have been stronger if it were a story about Ursula (she went very quickly from "you should execute me and/or I should stand down" to "sure, coronation, yay!") OR Dafne (I thought there was scope for digging into her feelings about seeing a coronation she was happy about in a castle built on the ruins of her former home, of the daughter of the man who was responsible for the death of her family).
As it was, some of the emotional arcs were a bit short, but I suppose that's what you get with a novella. It did satisfyingly tidy up a few loose ends from the last series.
It was nice to focus on Dafne - quite a different character than the three sisters, and I'm looking forward to spending more time with her in the next book in the series.
I did think that this story could have been stronger if it were a story about Ursula (she went very quickly from "you should execute me and/or I should stand down" to "sure, coronation, yay!") OR Dafne (I thought there was scope for digging into her feelings about seeing a coronation she was happy about in a castle built on the ruins of her former home, of the daughter of the man who was responsible for the death of her family).
As it was, some of the emotional arcs were a bit short, but I suppose that's what you get with a novella. It did satisfyingly tidy up a few loose ends from the last series.
October 14, 2017
Great read and an excellent storyline ending
This book closed the chapter in the Twelve Kingdoms for Salene's daughters and Uorsin' rule. As is Ms. Kennedy's style, it was done with great attention to detail and a touch of magic.
I love this series for its apparent simplicity yet it's underlying lessons in power, loyalty and the bonds of love. So glad I was invited to see Ursula assume her rightful place.
The Twelve Kingdoms It might be fiction but it is grounded in history and the understanding of human nature and psychology.
Good job on this one too.
This book closed the chapter in the Twelve Kingdoms for Salene's daughters and Uorsin' rule. As is Ms. Kennedy's style, it was done with great attention to detail and a touch of magic.
I love this series for its apparent simplicity yet it's underlying lessons in power, loyalty and the bonds of love. So glad I was invited to see Ursula assume her rightful place.
The Twelve Kingdoms It might be fiction but it is grounded in history and the understanding of human nature and psychology.
Good job on this one too.
August 25, 2022
The follow up that should have been included in the 3rd Twelve Kingdoms book.
It was a good wrap up but not enough as a story in and of itself. Daphne’s POV is too much of an outsider after having been in the POV of the 3 sisters through the series. It would have been better written if it witches between their 3 POVs for this novella.
There’s also a lot alluded to that was left unanswered so I guess JK already had in mind her spin-off series when she left these loose ends but you can’t know that unless you read them so that’s unsatisfying as an ending to a series.
3 stars
It was a good wrap up but not enough as a story in and of itself. Daphne’s POV is too much of an outsider after having been in the POV of the 3 sisters through the series. It would have been better written if it witches between their 3 POVs for this novella.
There’s also a lot alluded to that was left unanswered so I guess JK already had in mind her spin-off series when she left these loose ends but you can’t know that unless you read them so that’s unsatisfying as an ending to a series.
3 stars
May 15, 2018
It's so easy for novelettes to be just little vignettes that are unsatisfying. Or conversely, embroider events that should have been mentioned in the main line. Jeffe Kennedy does a wonderful job of creating a short story worth reading - expounding on relationships and backstories - without putting in enough to make the next book confusing if you skip it.
September 22, 2020
I love Dafne. From the whole Twelve Kingdoms series, she is undoubtedly my favorite character and, lets be honest, the one who quietly pulls the strings behind the scenes. Always willing to read more about her.
This is a prequel novella to her own book The Pages Of The Mind which is one of my absolute favorite fantasy romances.
This is a prequel novella to her own book The Pages Of The Mind which is one of my absolute favorite fantasy romances.
October 6, 2019
Read after not before
This was first person narrative- which I dislike, but beyond that it doesn’t have any story....just a peek at characters that appeared in the three previous books after all the action.
If you’d enjoy revisiting characters you like, you may enjoy it
This was first person narrative- which I dislike, but beyond that it doesn’t have any story....just a peek at characters that appeared in the three previous books after all the action.
If you’d enjoy revisiting characters you like, you may enjoy it
April 17, 2020
'The Crown of the Queen' ties up the plot of the first Twelve Kingdoms books. It describes what happens to all the main protagonists next. It should definitely not be skipped, although it's not the most entertaining piece of this series.
July 19, 2017
Dafne organizes Ursula and gets her crowned High Queen.
November 10, 2020
Pretty good. Love this world and these characters
December 16, 2022
Lovely to see more of Daphne!
Read
July 7, 2023Cute novella
March 5, 2017
Dafne has been in Annfwn, relishing her time with their ancient scrolls, when she is called back to take her place as Ursula's adviser.
Ursula is wracked with guilt about her role in her father's death, and not taking the steps to consolidate her power. Dafne really comes into her own as adviser, and figuring out how to best navigate some tricky waters. Much of the story centers around her own longing for something and the feeling that love has passed her by, which serves as a prequel for her next story. Dafne was always a favorite so it's great to see her take control of what she is best at.
Ursula is wracked with guilt about her role in her father's death, and not taking the steps to consolidate her power. Dafne really comes into her own as adviser, and figuring out how to best navigate some tricky waters. Much of the story centers around her own longing for something and the feeling that love has passed her by, which serves as a prequel for her next story. Dafne was always a favorite so it's great to see her take control of what she is best at.
October 19, 2018
Originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
http://ramblingsfromthischick.blogspo...
I read The Crown of the Queen at the wrong time. Jeffe Kennedy started a series called The Twelve Kingdoms and I have yet to read it. I had the opportunity to read this little novella and thought it would be a great intro to this author. I had thought that this was a short love story to introduce a completely different series set in the same world. From what I've now researched and read, this new series is really just a continuation of the first three. I think I would have enjoyed this novella much more if I had read the first three books.
Dafne was apparently very helpful to the three leads in the first trilogy, and she is now called back to the palace to help the new queen. Ursula has been avoiding having a formal coronation and finalizing her ascension to the throne. Dafne basically gives her the kick in the butt Ursula needs to take care of business. For such a short book, the author went into a lot of detail to catch the reader up as to what happened in the first trilogy. This was hard to get through, very slow, and somewhat unnecessary for any reader. It picks up a bit later, but I felt it lacked a solid interesting plot.
That's basically all that really happens here. I've learned the full length book following this one, Pages of the Mind, is still about Dafne. I think there will be a better romance and fantasy plot in this new book. I don't know all the details of this world so maybe there was other important information revealed, but it was missed by me. I suggest reading this novella if you've read the first trilogy and want some bonus material to hold you over until Pages of the Mind is released. Otherwise, pass this one up.
**ARC provided by Author**
http://ramblingsfromthischick.blogspo...
I read The Crown of the Queen at the wrong time. Jeffe Kennedy started a series called The Twelve Kingdoms and I have yet to read it. I had the opportunity to read this little novella and thought it would be a great intro to this author. I had thought that this was a short love story to introduce a completely different series set in the same world. From what I've now researched and read, this new series is really just a continuation of the first three. I think I would have enjoyed this novella much more if I had read the first three books.
Dafne was apparently very helpful to the three leads in the first trilogy, and she is now called back to the palace to help the new queen. Ursula has been avoiding having a formal coronation and finalizing her ascension to the throne. Dafne basically gives her the kick in the butt Ursula needs to take care of business. For such a short book, the author went into a lot of detail to catch the reader up as to what happened in the first trilogy. This was hard to get through, very slow, and somewhat unnecessary for any reader. It picks up a bit later, but I felt it lacked a solid interesting plot.
That's basically all that really happens here. I've learned the full length book following this one, Pages of the Mind, is still about Dafne. I think there will be a better romance and fantasy plot in this new book. I don't know all the details of this world so maybe there was other important information revealed, but it was missed by me. I suggest reading this novella if you've read the first trilogy and want some bonus material to hold you over until Pages of the Mind is released. Otherwise, pass this one up.
**ARC provided by Author**
April 26, 2016
The Crown of the Queen (from the duology, For Crown and Kingdom) is a very enjoyable look behind the scenes, as it were, as the series transitions from the original Twelve Kingdoms trilogy to the upcoming series which will focus on the changes to the kingdoms after the fall of Uorsin and the reintroduction of the Tala magic to all the lands.
Told in the first person POV of the loyal historian/librarian, Dafne, the novella focuses on the coronation of Ursula to High Queen. I loved this short for a couple reasons. First, it helped me recall the events of the previous book and downfall of Uorsin prior to reading the upcoming title, The Pages of the Mind. Second, I like that things weren't magically "okay" after the bloody battle for control of the twelve kingdoms and death of Uorsin. The author does great justice to her series by not leaving the storyline as the proverbial "riding off into the sunset HEA". The entire transitional story adds emotional intensity and a bit of, dare I say, realism to the tale. Beloved characters all make necessary appearances, and we even get a brief glimpse into the romance of the upcoming book.
All-in-all, The Crown of the Queen is a must read for fans of the Twelve Kingdoms series, and due to the nature of the series, should not treated as a standalone. It's an entertaining look at life for the three princesses, now each a ruler by her own right.
My Rating: A-
review copy provided by the author
Told in the first person POV of the loyal historian/librarian, Dafne, the novella focuses on the coronation of Ursula to High Queen. I loved this short for a couple reasons. First, it helped me recall the events of the previous book and downfall of Uorsin prior to reading the upcoming title, The Pages of the Mind. Second, I like that things weren't magically "okay" after the bloody battle for control of the twelve kingdoms and death of Uorsin. The author does great justice to her series by not leaving the storyline as the proverbial "riding off into the sunset HEA". The entire transitional story adds emotional intensity and a bit of, dare I say, realism to the tale. Beloved characters all make necessary appearances, and we even get a brief glimpse into the romance of the upcoming book.
All-in-all, The Crown of the Queen is a must read for fans of the Twelve Kingdoms series, and due to the nature of the series, should not treated as a standalone. It's an entertaining look at life for the three princesses, now each a ruler by her own right.
My Rating: A-
review copy provided by the author
May 4, 2016
Initial Thoughts: Truly a novella for those that have been following the Twelve Kingdoms series. It is a must read for anyone that is going to read the new spin off, The Uncharted Realms or wants to experience Ursula’s coronation (and the events that led up to it). I really enjoyed being able to see all the sisters together, watching them interact free of the dark clouds that was Urosin. I enjoyed the pomp and circumstance of planning the coronation as well as Ursula’s reluctance to submit. It was a wonderful epilogue for the Twelve Kingdoms but also a lovely insight into Dafne (as she is the narrator) and prequel to her upcoming novel, The Pages of the Mind. Please click on the link to the full review by myself and my review partner, Gikany, posted at That's What I'm Talking About blog: http://twimom227.com/2016/05/review-t...
September 10, 2016
The story is from the perspective of the librarian Dafne. I really likeed her, intelligent with a strong character. Ursula, the eldest daughter of the former king of the Twelve now Thirteen Kingdoms should be crowned but because of circumstances in the prior books doesn't think now is the time. There are a lot of characters in the story but it doesn't get bogged down or confusing. Dafne was away and when she gets to the castle she finds that Ursula hasn't been crowned. Ursula's lover, her sister's and their spouses all leave it to Dafne to convince her now is the time before dissension starts. It has started already. Dafne ends up planning the coronation. Really well thought out and written. Ms. Kennedy is a master world builder.
January 18, 2022
This novella is a what happens after the "happily ever after" story. I enjoyed reading about Dafne who is easily overlooked. Seeing how Ursula struggles to take the high crowned position makes her more relatable. Ursula isn't perfect. Seeing the view from Dafne's eyes and also learning about how Dafne is much more than what she presents is great insight. I enjoyed this addition to the Twelve Kingdoms world.
* An Arc was provided by the author
* An Arc was provided by the author
June 29, 2016
I really enjoyed The Crown of the Queen. It does a great job of bridging the gap between The Talons of the Hawk and The Pages of the Mind. A lot happens between the two books…all of it needed and we get a great look at it going down. We get to see just how important Dafne’s role in court is. We get to see Ursula as she takes over ruling the Twelve…Thirteen Kingdoms.
This was a very satisfying novella and I highly recommend reading it.
This was a very satisfying novella and I highly recommend reading it.
July 20, 2016
Novella set between Talon of the Hawk and Pages of the Mind. A pleasant read for fans of the series like me, concerning Ursula's coronation and setting up things to come, but if you're looking to test drive the author's writing, I'd advise going for the same-world-but-complete-on-its-own novella Heart's Blood.
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