Sahte Kraliçe

The Impostor Queen #1

by Sarah Fine, Derya İmer Aydınlık (Translator)

ONU KRALİÇELERİ SEÇTİLER. YANLIŞ SEÇİM YAPTILAR.
Daha küçücük bir çocukken Kupari’nin İhtiyarları tarafından, ateş ve buz büyüsünü ustalıkla kullanan kraliçe Valtia’nın varisi olarak seçilen Elli artık on altı yaşındadır. Kehanete göre gelmiş geçmiş en güçlü Valtia olacak olan Elli bütün hayatını tapınakta lüks içinde, büyücü rahipler tarafından eğitilip tahta çıkacağı güne hazırlanarak geçirmiştir. Ve o büyük gün gelip çatmış, büyücü kraliçe ülkesinin işgal edilmesini önlemeye çalışırken hayatını kaybetmiştir. Tahta çıkma sırası artık Elli’dedir. Elli yeni Valtia olarak halka takdim edilir ama ortada büyük bir yanlışlık vardır. Ölen Valtia’nın büyüsü Elli’ye geçmemiştir. O gerçek bir kraliçe değildir. Büyünün ortaya çıkması için onu türlü işkencelerden geçiren İhtiyarların elinden kaçan Elli bir anda kendini sürgün edilmiş suçluların arasında bulur. Kimliğini gizleyerek bu yeni dünyada kendine bir yer edinmeye çalışırken hakkındaki kehanet ve Kupari büyüsüne dair acı gerçekleri öğrenir. Halkına duyduğu sevgi ve yeni dostlarına duyduğu sadakat arasında kalan Elli büyük bir savaşın eşiğinde, krallığı ve büyüsü tamamen ortadan kalkmadan doğru tarafı seçmek zorundadır.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Magic, Young Adult Fantasy, Fiction, High Fantasy

449 pages, Paperback

First published January 5, 2016

About the author

When I'm not writing, I'm psychologizing (really, I even get a paycheck for it). Sometimes I do both at the same time. The results are unpredictable.

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Reviews

[Emily May · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Our lives aren't ours, darling," she murmured. "We are only the caretakers of this magic. We don't use it to protect ourselves - we use it only to protect the Kupari. They call us queens, but what we really are is servants."

3 1/2 stars. The Impostor Queen occasionally suffers from uneven pacing, but it more than makes up for it with a bloody, well-written combination of fire and ice.

This book, while brimming with magic, prophecies, friendship and betrayal, is really about what it's like to have a destiny, to be the "chosen one" your whole life, to prepare yourself to be queen and one of the strongest magic wielders that ever lived... and suddenly have that destiny ripped out from underneath you.

This book is about what it's like to discover that you are not what you thought you were - and that people want to kill you for it. This is Elli's story.

The pacing issues are really my only criticism for this book. 430 pages is fairly average for a YA fantasy and yet it feels longer at times, moving from fast-paced "oh my god, what's going to happen?" scenes to long, slow, character-driven chapters. Thankfully, the mystery of the prophecies surrounding Elli, plus the different characters and relationships that come into the story, are enough to keep you reading through the novel's slower parts.

Elli is a likable, flawed heroine. Perhaps a little too self-sacrificing for my usual tastes, but this is explained in the context of the story (she has been brought up to dedicate and sacrifice her life for the Kupari). I especially liked the touch of LGBT romance - something we rarely see in YA fantasy - and only wish it had been explored further.

It's an enjoyable, gritty tale, and when the action arrives, it makes for some seriously heart-pounding scenes. It's hard not to be caught up in Elli's life, emotions and struggles - to feel for her, pity her, panic for her and root for her.

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[Alienor ✘ French Frowner ✘ · Rating 3 out of 5]

The only one that matters is : Would I've liked this novel more if Ellie had stopped ONE FUCKING SECOND with her endless inner questions? Because it drove me nuts? But I guess we'll never know? Yet again, I seem to be the only one who was bothered by this? Perhaps because once I first noticed it I couldn't unsee it? Finally, why do her questions always come by pair?

Let's write this review that way because apparently that's a thing?


What's better than discovering who you are when everything you knew was a lie?
Does the wonderful fact that she's flawed can make up for the annoyance?


What IS it with all the growling lately?
I'm sorry because you're nice and all but - After promising first impressions you were such a bore and I'm already starting to forget you? (such a long question which isn't really a question, sorry?)


Can we have more of this -

"The fire wielder has a wide grin on his face. "Can you see it? Can you feel it?" He lets out a shaky chuckle. "Chaos," he mouths."

PLEASE? I am NOT happy about the way he was discarded. I get why they would want to save the little girl because I'm not a monster but REALLY? Abandon him like that?!


Can we savor the fact that there's neither love triangle nor instalove?
Can I shed a tear because I didn't really care for it?
(Why is lust always referred as "this low pull in her belly"? ← Can I unsee that word once and for all?)


Why is Ellie so easily and conveniently saved every freaking time she needs it?
Can we stop using that annoying I Know Things But I Won't Tell device to bring more angst in the story? yes, I'm talking about the cliché "you will regret that love" (but I Won't Say Why)


Why was it so hard to get through the beginning?
Is it me or the pacing is a little off, jumping from rushed scenes to dragged out ones?


How something that seems so detailed at first glance can be so very vague at the same time?
Are we going to learn more about the villains and the rest of the world at some point?


What's up with the generic (and roll eyes worthy) romantic lines as "and though he is made of ice, he sets me on fire" (wow, didn't see that one coming) or "when you look at me, I'm suddenly warm"?
WHAT'S UP WITH ALL THE QUESTIONS?

Don't get me wrong, I still think that the premise was interesting but in the end, The Impostor Queen - while entertaining - is pretty generic and I felt meh about it?

*buddy-read with my favorite Hufflepuff, Chelsea*

For more of my reviews, please visit:

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This CANNOT be a standalone. Absolutely not.

(20 minutes later)

OH THANK GOODNESS, IT ISN'T.


***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

The Impostor Queen by Sarah Fine
Book One of The Impostor Queen series
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: January 5, 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from Edelweiss

Summary (from Goodreads):

Sixteen-year-old Elli was a small child when the Elders of Kupari chose her to succeed the Valtia, the queen who wields infinitely powerful ice and fire magic. Since then, Elli has lived in the temple, surrounded by luxury and tutored by magical priests, as she prepares for the day when the Valtia perishes and the magic finds a new home in her. Elli is destined to be the most powerful Valtia to ever rule.

But when the queen dies defending the kingdom from invading warriors, the magic doesn’t enter Elli. It’s nowhere to be found.

Disgraced, Elli flees to the outlands, the home of banished criminals—some who would love to see the temple burn with all its priests inside. As she finds her footing in this new world, Elli uncovers devastating new information about the Kupari magic, those who wield it, and the prophecy that foretold her destiny. Torn between the love she has for her people and her growing loyalty to the banished, Elli struggles to understand the true role she was meant to play. But as war looms, she must align with the right side—before the kingdom and its magic are completely destroyed.

What I Liked:

Let me tell you all about the state of PANIC that I was in when I finished this book. At this present moment, Goodreads has this book listed as a standalone (no information about a sequel or anything) So I freaked out because there is NO way the book could end the way it did and NOT have at least one book to follow. Thank goodness for Publishers Weekly Rights Report - I dug up the one from the week of November 3, 2014, which stated that there would be TWO books in this series. Win!

Elli is the Saadela, the girl who will succeed the Valtia of the Kupari when the magic leaves the Valtia and enters Elli. She's been made ready since she was a small child; when the time comes, the Valtia dies, and the magic leaves her... but it doesn't enter Elli. Elli is forced to leave the temple, and she flees to the outlands. A young man finds her almost dead, and takes her to a cavern full of thieves; strangely, a lot of them are wielders of fire, which is strange because any wielders are taken to the temple at a young age. The more Elli learns, the less certain she is of her life at the temple. One thing is for sure - the war is coming now, and Elli will play a decisive role.

I am a huge fan of Sarah Fine's books - I've read ten of her eleven published books (Burn is the odd one out, but I have it for review!). This is book ten for me, and I absolutely loved it. The ending is satisfying but left me wanting so much more (as did book one of her other YA duology - Of Metal and Wishes).

Elli is ignorant and naive at the beginning of this story - she has no idea what the true nature of anyone around her. She is wrapped up in the love of the Valtia, and her handmaiden, Mim. She has people who care about her, and she likes her life. When the Valtia dies, Elli is devastated, and when the magic doesn't enter Elli, she is crushed. She ends up half-dead in the outlands, and a young man helps her. I LOVE Elli's determination to learn the skills she never knew - for example, dressing herself by herself. Elli doesn't ever stop trying to learn, to do more, to earn her keep.

Oskar, the young man who takes her in to his family (his mother Maarika, and little sister, Freya). is stern and compassionate and almost withdrawn. Everyone in the cavern has their secrets, and Oskar is no exception. Elli has her own too. Oskar struggles with his, and Elli wants to help him in any way she can. He's distant, but she never stops trying to help those who are helping her.

As always, Sarah Fine does an amazing job with the characterization of the protagonists and secondary characters. Elli really grew on me (I wasn't sure what to think of her at first), and I loved Oskar from the moment we meet him. Maarika and Freya are easy to like in their own ways. Sig, a young man and former friend of Oskar's, is hot-tempered and difficult to handle, but even he is such a well-constructed character. The "villains", whom I will not disclose, are malicious but we can see why they are the way they are.

I love the world-building of this fantasy novel. The idea of a Valtia (queen who has both ice and fire magic) and a Saadela (empty vessel who will be filled with that power when the current Valtia dies) is an interesting one, fairly original and definitely intriguing. I loved the setting of the outlands the most - it's like Iceland or one of those gorgeous wintry European countries (check out the character names, too!). When the secrets and prophecies and magic unravel, everything starts to make sense. I really like how the magic unfolds in this book, and how big a role it plays.

There is romance! The author had me guessing for a part of the book because I was sure that Elli would fall for this boy in the temple, but it was way too early in the book. You can probably already tell - the love interest is Oskar, and we are introduced to him in the outlands. As soon as he emerges in the story, you KNOW he's the love interest. I like him a lot! He's like a lumberjack. The romance doesn't start as soon as they meet - it's a slow-burn romance, the kind that Fine is really good at writing. I love the romance! No love triangle.

The ending isn't a cliffhanger (not really), but it isn't quite wrapped up, and there is so much more to be discovered in the next book. I wish for a smidgen more of a happy ending in some areas, but then, other areas are happy ish. Basically I want the sequel. Which is also the conclusion novel. I want it!

What I Did Not Like:

Ehhh. I can't think of anything specific that comes to mind. Maybe more romantic scenes. There were a good amount, and given that Elli was raised like a nun, I understand why Fine held back a bit. Perhaps there will be more in book two (but I doubt it, given something that the author told me about the setup of book two). Still, this book was great! It's getting four stars not because of anything "bad", but because it doesn't feel quite like a five-star read.

Would I Recommend It:

I sooo recommend this novel to any fantasy lover out there! Also anyone who loves a swoony slow-burn romance. Oskar is probably everything I like in a guy (minus the beard, I hate beards. Stubble, maybe). An epic story that will continue in 2017 - don't miss it!

Rating:

4.5 stars -> rounded down to 4 stars (maybe I'm still a tad bit mopey over the ending). No cliffhanger but... the sequel couldn't come fast enough!

[Chelsea ✨Arielle’s Nebular Ally and Team Acrux✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

He smiles, one of those rare smiles that makes his eyes crinkle. "When I first found you, I wasn't affected by it, but every day, its hold on me grew stronger. And nowadays, your laugh makes me feel like I'm falling. When you look at me, I'm suddenly warm. The sight of you makes my heart speed. Do you really think the only magic in this world comes from fire and ice?"

DAWWWWW

Anddddd here we are again-middle ground. I can't say this was on the lower end of that middle ground, but I still wanted something....more. Is it too much to ask for excellence?? Or have I just become a spoiled brat? I think it's the latter, to be perfectly honest, since everyone ADORED this story from beginning to end. And I must say this story had a lot of wonderful things that made me very happy.....but I'll give you one guess as to what the common theme was in these parts.

That's right-my favorite thing, and what had me coming back for more, about this story was Oskar. Again, it all comes down to a boy. What is it with these stories that don't touch my soul...yet the male leads make a mark on my heart? I know I'm an easy target when it comes to male leads, but I like to think that I don't easily forget that there is supposed to be a story that surrounds said male lead. Come on now...just because my multiple (MULTIPLE x a TRILLION) 5 stars this year have had a lot of gushing about boys does NOT mean it's ONLY about the new bbf meat. Hot male lead does not a 5 star make...but it certainly doesn't hurt ;).

"To be honest, even if it didn't, there was no way I was letting you go."
"Why?"
He lets out a hard, hollow bark of laughter. "Why did you leave?"
"Why are you answering a question with a question?"

No, for those mistakenly thinking that I have fallen head over heels for all my favorites this year only because of who I've fallen in love with (Glass Sword being a wonderful example-I ADORE MY CAL BOY and he certainly would have raised the rating had I hated it, but I LOVED that book even though everyone hated it and NOT ONLY because of Cal. He merely enhanced it. I can see the confusion there, though), you would be wrong. And I have been saying this a lot lately and stressing the importance, because I feel like I have went from people seeing all 5 stars on my feed to a very drastic, sudden, and out of nowhere turn where I have blasted everyone's feeds with a string of 2 and 3 stars....so unlike me.

"Elli," Raimo whispers, "what did you do to Oskar?"
I glance over to see Oskar standing next to the roan, looking at me in a way I feel low in my belly like a long, slow pull. "You told me to stick close to him."
"I never told you to take the boy's heart-or to offer him yours."

And the novelty of my low ratings will wear off shortly, I'm sure, seeing as the happy train couldn't last all year-that's impossible. But I still feel I need to preface all my reviews in this way because it feels so foreign to be bashing book after book just because they weren't for me. *Shrugs* I guess there just isn't anything I can do about it....so I will make this short and sweet with a few paragraphs about what I liked, didn't like, and only mildly liked.

The story: Ehhhh....Super good idea??? Just kind of...blah. Now, I will say this story had many spurts where my heart beat faster and my eyes became glued to the page, but they were few and far between and not as drawn out as I'd like them to be. The beginning, to me, wasn't boring like people said, more just...hard to connect to. Not because the idea wasn't cool, but because I didn't connect to Elli much...or her struggles. So, great ideas and nuggets of epic lost in a sea of could-be's and 'I wish's (how the hell should that be spelled because wishes isn't right...).

The writing: Addicting, flowed well, not a problem at all. I really enjoyed this author's style of writing. I just wish there were more perilous scenes...or like my Snake said-That they were a little longer.

The main character, Elli: I did like her-really. I really did. But I didn't FIGHT for her in my head. I didn't OBSESS about what was to come for her. All I really cared about concerning Elli....was when Oskar would be coming back. And I think that applies in the 'story' category, as well. Oops.

Oskar: Annnnnnd another wonderful, tortured, self-sacrificing male lead who stole my heart, slowly but surely. I loved him from the moment I met him....but it wasn't until a certain, ahem, moment that I was all heart eye emojis and screaming his name in caps to anyone that would listen (I lie, I text it anyway). He was fierce, loyal, protective, and totally worth this read. And hey, I can't say my slump is completely gone, but he did a WONDERFUL job of making me squee and taking my breath away. His love for Elli was absolutely ADORABLE (little blusher, he be) and his determination to keep his family and her safe was something to behold...I just wish there had been more of it. I would have had a lot more to say about this whole book, had there been.

So, yeah, I'd say this book was a predominant win mostly because of my dear Oskar, and that's honestly okay with me. Sometimes it bothers me, but other times it is just what I need-and here?? A hot male lead to obsess and highlight and obsess (twice. I said this TWO times) about is just what I needed to start my week off right. So....onto the next book. It's a finale of a favorite series of all time. And we all know how THAT has been going this year. Lord, help me.



For more of my reviews, please visit:



************

Another book where my only love stems from the male lead....though, Oskar was hard not to raise a star for. I ADORED HIM AGHHHHHHH OSKAR <3

RTC!!!!

*******



Part three... with other Hufflepuff motherfuckers, as well :D

[Fafa's Book Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review posted on Fafa's Book Corner !

Beware spoilers ahead!

This book was recommended to me by my GR friend Alyssa! Out of all the anticipated January releases this book (based on the synopsis) sounded the best in my opinion. I had come across this book through Alyssa. When she added it I was instantly drawn by her excitement and the title of the book. By the time I was done reading the synopsis chills went down my back. Of course I added it that day. Then as time went by I realized that I wasn't excited for it anymore. I thought I lost interest and took it off my shelf. But I still went back to this book. Whenever I saw a giveaway featuring Passenger, Truthwitch, and The Impostor Queen, I would enter in hopes of winning The Impostor Queen. It was then that I realized that I was still interested in this book and bought it. I am happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading it!

The book begins with prologue written in third person. In the point of view of the former Valtia. The Valtia is dying. She didn't use her powers properly (there has to be a balance of ice and fire) and it has affected her body. She really does not want to die. She still has so much more to do as a Queen. But alas her time has come. Before she dies she sees a little girl with copper hair and pale blue eyes. And she knows what that little girls destiny will be.

We are then taken to Elli who is having a lesson on the human body. You find out that Elli is excited to be the next Valtia. She's quite passionate about her role. She's also very curious so she tends to ask a lot of questions.

The next day is the harvest ceremony. During the ceremony the Valtia (the Queen) and her Saadela (Elli) will greet their people. Things have been a bit rough on the Valtia as they are being threatened with the possibility of war. Elli has been looking forward to the ceremony because she gets to see The Valtia and her people.

The ceremony is interrupted by some men claiming they saw enemy war ships. The Valtia leaves to fight them. She promises Elli that she will return for their dinner at night. Elli spends the reminder of the day panicking and pacing back and forth. Her handmaiden Mim comforts her as best as she can. Before their dinner Elli gets word through Mim that the Valtia has returned but this will be her last night.

Elli demands to be taken to the Valtia so she can see her for the last time. The Valtia is a mess. Some parts of her body are on fire while others are frozen. Regardless Elli remains with her until her last moments.

The Elders explain Elli that once the magic enters her body she has to be willing to use it and become a Valtia. Their words don't sink in at first because she is consumed by her grief for Sophia (the Valtia). After listening to the Elders Elli allows the magic to enter her.

Once the magic has entered her body the Elders make her swear to be a Valtia. She does so and is meet with cheers. Elder Kauko asks her to demonstrate her power by lighting a candle. She concentrates on the task but finds herself unable to do so. Elder Kauko assumes that this is because she has to rest. And that tomorrow she should be able to perform her magic. Elli agrees seeing no other reason.

Elder Kauko tells Elli that apart of having the magic she will experience terrible dreams. Mim has been instructed to stay with Elli and keep an eye on her. Despite what the Elders told her she has no dreams at night.

I honestly did not think this book would be so good! I'm surprised that I have never heard of this author until the end of last year. I loved the world! It was so interesting to read about the ice and fire magic as well as the way Elli has been raised.

Unlike most fantasy books Elli's destiny was revealed in this book. I assumed that it would buildup over the course of this series. But the author surprised me by revealing it in a first book. And the best part was that it all made sense! It didn't read like something the author came up with in the last minute. This was a very well planned book.

I loved Elli! She is so unique and unlike a lot of YA heroines. She was so compassionate about being Valtia and helping her people. She learned as much as she could so that she would be a good Valtia. After finding out that she's not the Valtia her world was turned upside down. She didn't know who she was and what she is meant to do with her life. But she didn't let that stop her. When she is rescued by Oskar she decides to learn about survival and doing tasks on her own. With the way Elli was raised she couldn't even put on her clothes, walk for too long, and etc. She was determined to learn to do all of these things and she did so. It was really impressive.

Oskar was so sweet! I loved his sister and mother. He is also different from most YA heroes. While he did keep secrets he wasn't rude. He was actually quite sweet. And really happy. I loved reading about his interactions with Elli! His mother and sister were nice when they took Elli in. By the end of the book they consider Elli family. Which was absolutely adorable!

I liked how this book was about finding yourself and choices. It was cool that the author weaved those themes in. The revelation of Elli's destiny and how it was tied with a few characters was well done! I found that I could relate to all the characters in a way. Especially Elli. I know what it's like to have your world turned upside down and I simply adored how she handled everything!

When I started reading this book I didn't like the writing style. As the book progressed I found myself enjoying it and found that I got used to the writing style. While I definitely loved the plot of the series I did not love this book. Hence the rating.

Overall this was a really good book! I recommend it to fantasy fans, the authors fans, and anyone looking to start a unique series.

[Giselle · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Electronic Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.

A kingdom where magic is held in the most powerful Queen known as a Valtia.  Eli is supposed to succeed the current Queen, but when the magic never comes, she ends up fleeing and finding out more about the outsiders that border her kingdom's lands.

I am now one of the biggest Sarah Fine fans around. Her books just grab my attention and they never seem to let me go. Loved her other books and when I realized she's publishing another I knew I had to read it. This one was right up my alley. Fantasy book with magic, mystery and adventure? Sign me up! I couldn't put this down, even reading this to the very end at three in the morning!! It was that epic!

Elli was such a likeable character. Not only for her determination, but for the sheer tenacity she had for doing the right thing. I like that she was bisexual having her like both genders because love knows no borders. It also helps that I like both of her love interests. Then there's the mystery of where her magic went and how she's in the dark for most of the book like we were. I enjoyed all the magic sequences the most! Loving all the various magical powers that the citizens wielded. It felt like this whole new world where I dropped in and wanted to be a part of.

I kid you not, this book has me singing its high praises and I'm now adding Sarah Fine as an auto-buy author!!! She also writes diverse characters so that's just a huge bonus for me!

RATING 5/5

QUOTES

"You may doubt anything in this world, but never doubt yourself."

[Norah Una Sumner · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This felt like a 400 pages long prequel. Elli is definitely an interesting character - she's been sheltered all her life so she has to grow up and meet the world pretty fast if she wants to survive. There are many harsh scenes, but I liked how real they are and they made this story feel raw and captivating. Supporting characters are quite interesting as well, but I didn't really connect with any of them. I did like Sig,though and I hope that he won't become the enemy. I just want them all to be friends. *cries* However, this book is quite unique when it comes to pacing - it's slow,then it's super action-packed,then it's super slow and a bit boring again,and all of the sudden there are million things happening and so on. I want to read the sequel for sure because I'm wondering how the author's going to develop this story. I loved that balcony scene, I just have to mention it.



The magic aspect is really great and I loved finding out about their abilities and prophecies.



Overall,a good trilogy (I hope) starter with a lot of potential.

[Stacee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was absolutely stunning. The world building, the magic, the characters. All of it.

I loved Elli. I love her loyalty and her quiet fierceness. She has so much responsibility resting on her shoulders, it was interesting to see her growth and how things shifted. There are a lot of great characters: some good and some deliciously horrid. I couldn't even begin to explain why I loved them.

I wasn't lost in any part of the explanation. There aren't eleventy billion names that look the same or multiple POVs {although I would cut a bitch to be in Oskar's head for just one chapter}. For me, it was a perfect high fantasy.

I was absolutely captivated by the very first page and I loved every single word. The ending is sort of cliffhangery, but satisfying and has an excellent set up for the next book. I can't wait to see what's next.

**Huge thanks to Simon and Schuster for the invitation to read**

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never read anything by Sarah before (though I do have a copy of Of Metal and Wishes), and after seeing all the glowing reviews for The Impostor Queen, I decided to treat myself after Christmas and buy a copy. It was wonderful to read to relax in between a mass of revision for my university exams.

The Impostor Queen is about Elli, who is heir apparent to the throne of Kupari. She is preparing to learn under her queen, the Valtia, the art of magic, to protect her home from the ravages of dreadful winters, and from impeding invasions. Unfortunately, her mentor dies unexpectedly, and she's expected to ascend to the throne. The magic of the Valtia should be flowing through her veins from the moment her predecessor died, but it's not manifesting. She's faced with the realisation that she could be the downfall of the Kupari nation, and so are the Elders.

When it becomes evident that they are planning on killing her, in the hopes that a new Valtia will manifest, with powers, she escapes and is found by an exile. At first, she is basically useless - having had no skills at all, due to her upbringing intending for her to be a puppet queen. Over time, Elli grows into a truly fantastic character, losing all of her naivete, and realising her destiny may not be to be queen, but she can still exact change as she is.

The world building of this book is one of the best I've ever seen. Fine has constructed an amazing fantasy world, full of intrigue, and deception, with a bit of magic thrown in. It wasn't overly complicated in the geography, like many a fantasy novel I've read in the past - the map was just a nice addition, not something necessary to understand how the book worked.

There was a nice bit of romance, and it didn't feel forced or out of nowhere. I liked the smooth progression to friendship, and then to love. Oskar and Elli and a rough beginning, and were hit from angst at different intervals, but the way they were left at the end was just what I wanted. I'm really looking forward to seeing how they are in book 2!

The Impostor Queen was a perfect fantasy novel. Not too similar to any others, and had a nice pacing to the plot. Fine's writing was spectacular, and I'll definitely be picking up Of Metal and Wishes when I have a gap in my TBR. If fantasy books are your kind of thing, and you haven't picked up this book, I'd definitely recommend you get a copy when you can!

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You could be either their most powerful asset―or their worst enemy.”


The Impostor Queen pulled me in and didn't let go till the end. It managed to tear me up more than a few times. *And it's quite hard for a book to manage to make me cry.* But this story was such a beautiful and epic ride full of magic, mayhem, adventure, self discovery, friendship and love. It warmed my heart, it made me cry and laugh and ship, root for the heroine and be proud of her.

My (kind of) summary:
When the priests found Elli at four years old, they recognized her as the Saadella (similar term to princess) and the next in line to be Valtia - Queen who is a vessel for unimaginable power of ice and fire at a complete balance. She was raised by old, secretive priests and spent twelve years of her young life at the temple, training to become the next queen of the mighty nation Kupari. But nothing developes quite as Elli and everyone else in the temple expects and her once certain future of serving and protecting her people turns completely upside down. She is forced to reconsider everything she believed in, everything she has been told by the priests, for they are not who they seemed to be, but she might not be as well.





❝ Our lives aren't ours, darling," she murmured. "We are only the caretakers of this magic. We don't use it to protect ourselves - we use it only to protect the Kupari. They call us queens, but what we really are is servants. ❞


I knew before I started this, that Sarah Fine wouldn't dissapoint me and boy, I was still surprised by how much I adore it. I kind of had a clear picture of how this book would go in my head, but the author managed to set my little picture on fire and scatter the ashes. That much I was surprised by the events and how this book turned out.
If you have read some other works from Sarah Fine and loved, or at least was intrigued by them, then I definitely recommend to read this book as well.

I have one warning for those who haven't yet read the Goodread annotation - If you hate to be spoiled or to know too much about where the story would go and are interested in this book, I'd rather recommend not to read the annotation. It reveals a lot of things about the plot. I'm really glad I didn't read it before the book!


❝ For a moment I recall Mim's pity and think perhaps I understand it perfectly. I'll never know what it feels like to be loved by one, because I must be loved by all. I'll never feel the touch of a lover, because my body is a vessel for magic. It only bothers me sometimes, like when I glance at Mim sitting by the fire on winter evenings. Her secret smile, meant just for me, leaves a pit in my stomach every time. ❞





There is a Queendom. Powerful magic which comes from one female chosen, who is able to wield it, to the next.
The storyline takes some surprising twists and turns, the never boring plot left me on the edge of my seat wondering what will happen next, until I devoured the whole book. There was no dull moment for me.
Heroine who changes and slowly developes throughout the book, who has her strengths and faults. And is in love with her maidservant. - Yes! Finally a main heroine who is bisexual. And finally a book where the character's sexuality is not all she is. It's stated there rather matter of factly, because it doesn't define her whole character. But I kind of wished it could've been explored further. More fantasy authors should write about lesbian and bi main heroines in my opinion.
The magic is a wonderful combination of fire and ice. It's a lot more complicated though, and it's very different from any other magic system I have encountered, so it takes some time to understand all the aspects of it, to get used to it. But as the story progresses, reader and the heroine for the matter, gets to understand and love it much more.


❝ You're strong enough to bear anything, Elli. That's why the stars chose you. ❞





It's also a standalone fantasy, from what I understand, the next book will be about a different heroine. *But I'm not going to read the annotation for that book, because - too-much-informations.*
And I guess I know who it will be and am excited, but also sad because I will miss Elli and Oskar so much, and even the crazy, old Raimo. And I have a feeling (but it's just a guess), that the new main heroine will meet a certain dark, tortured and power-hungry fire wielder, Sig.
I kind of hope that the book will be told from both the new heroine and Elli's pov actually, but if not, I'm certain that Elli's story is not over just yet. *It can't be, because the ending.. The ending guys! *cries*
And that she and other characters will make an important appearances in the final book.


❝ But I learn to endure the pain as well. I am scarred, and I will never be what I was before, but I'm growing stronger. ❞


How I imagined the main heroine Elli:



My song for this book: John Dreamer - Becoming a Legend.

Overall: I don't have much, if anything, bad to say about this book. It definitely deserves higher rating than it gets, just like Sarah Fine deserves far more praise and attention for her books.
Loved it, Loved it, Loved it!


“All that friendly patience, all that mercy, hiding so much evil.”

[Viktoria Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was sent an ARC of The Impostor Queen by McElderry publishing. This in no way effected my opinion of the book or this review.

"You could be either their most powerful asset―or their worst enemy."

Elli was chosen by the Elders of Kupari to become the next Valtia, the queen who wields both ice and fire magic. All her life she was raised to rule, but when the time comes to ascend her throne…the magic doesn't present itself. It’s simply gone where before it never was. Disgraced, Elli puts herself through a series of harrowing trials in hope of extracting the magic within her through agonizing tasks. When nothing works, she is left to face the brutal truth. Elli is barren of magic. Realizing this, the priests decide to take drastic measures. Mim, Elli’s beloved handmaiden, overhears the Elder’s plans, and rushes to inform the Valtia that she needs to flee or face sudden death. But Elli isn't fit for civilization outside the palace walls, and she is quickly banished to the Outlands after being dubbed a thief. While there, she uncovers devastating news about the Kupari people and who truly rules them. Torn between two worlds, Elli must lead the banished into a revolution while keeping her mislead people safe from the corruption of their Elders. As war looms off the coast of the Motherlake, and inner turmoil threatens to destroy the city she loves, Elli must choose a side before her kingdom and all it’s magic are reduced to ashes.

Where to even begin? This book was fast paced and kept me entertained from start to finish. The prologue was dark and manipulatively tantalizing, instantly catching my attention. At times, however, I found the writing to be a bit bland. There was so many directions it could have been taken, but Fine left it to-the-point and firmly dedicated to telling the plot. I wasn't too upset by this because the plot, as you might have gathered by now, was INCREDIBLE. Elli and her companion of misfits made up for the lack of heavily poetic-induced literature (which I guess wouldn't bother some people, but I happen to prefer my stories a bit lyrical…oh well, sue me).


One of the best things by far was the characters. Elli isn't only the powerless Valtia to a people of the brink of war, but she’s also a bisexual warrior with a will of steel. Yes, you read that right! Elli is bisexual. This unexpected tidbit of information made me like this book even more, especially because I myself am bisexual and I’m certainly not used to reading about characters who share my identity. Diversity is always welcome in the YA community. We need it. Fine delivered, but if I’m being painfully honest…I just wish she delved into this subject more. It was mentioned in the beginning, touched upon in the middle, but then Elli became enraptured by a boy in the Outlands and her love for her handmaiden, Mim, becomes secondary to her instant-adoration for Oskar. Maybe I’m just bitter, but I felt like a child who smelled cookies from far away and was denied that sugary goodness.

I am so lost and desperate for comfort that I almost ask her to lie next to me, to allow me to press my face to her neck and coil my arms around her. But I remember that moment on the balcony earlier, when I realized she only remained close because I commanded it. So I shut my eyes as she withdrew, readying myself for what comes next.

The concept of this book was intriguing because it focused on the main protagonist’s “fatal flaw” and how she goes through a metamorphoses and tames that weakness into a power of its own making. Elli is strong in her own right, and that made me very happy. She doesn't need to have a special ability to be able to siege a kingdom. And boy, did she persevere. However, I feel it necessary to add that I also wanted Elli to have a stronger voice. She had the potential as well as the perfect build up, but she was constantly being used by people and often times allowing them to use her.

Elli, c’mon girl. Enough is enough.



The ending left me a little baffled because it didn't feel like a commencement. Rather, it felt more like a preview to the sequel where all the unanswered questions in this book will remain unanswered because there’s just so much freaking going on. The action was intense, and the descriptions of fire wielders going against their counterparts ice were oh so very vivid and delicious (aka “brain candy”). One scene in particular includes a naked Elli storming through the White Plaza on the warpath to save her Saadella. It gave me chills. That was unquestionably my favorite scene in the entire book because it truly showed how far the character had come from being unfamiliar with walking on her own two feet to feeling confident without clothing in a crowd bristling with enemy forces. I may have been squealing.



So the question is…did I thoroughly enjoy this book? Would I recommend it? What about reading the sequel? The answer to all those questions…is yes. Although making me want to tear my hair out at times, The Impostor Queen is a story of finding oneself when no one else has faith in you. It was raw and daring and it left me breathless in moments. I will be reading the sequel once it comes out, and I recommend anyone who is a fan of fantasy and romance to check out this debut!

Honestly, I’m giving it 3.5/5 stars, but I have to round up. Also, that cover can be counted as the extra .5 because it SLAYS.

[Rashika (is tired) · Rating 5 out of 5]

***This review has also been posted on The Social Potato

Sarah Fine is one of my favorite authors and so far, I’ve read 5 books by her (and need to read a bunch more to complete series but I am not ready to say goodbye because that’s how I roll.) The Impostor Queen is hands down my favorite book that Sarah Fine has ever written. This book is AMAZING and shows how much Sarah has grown as a writer. She always crafted amazing worlds and fantastic characters but she goes above and beyond with this book. The Impostor Queen, simply put, blew my fucking mind. This book has magic, diversity and awesomeness. What else could I want?

Elli is our wonderful, clueless, naive female lead. Or at least that is what she is at the beginning of the novel. She has blindly followed the Elders of Kupari, and never questioned them. That is, until her powers don’t manifest when the Valtia dies. She is forced to flee (or die) when this happens and leave her first love, Mim behind. She has no skills though and no way to fend for herself and there are consequences for this (which is great because I am so tired of clueless MCs magically surviving the wild without any injuries.)

Over the course of the novel, Elli blooms and develops as a character. She steps outside of the privileged world she was raised in and adapts to the new world she finds herself in. Her transition is so fantastic and I LOVED seeing her try to figure out her place in this new world.

The world of this novel is beautifully built. Sometimes, with fantasy, it feels like you are re-entering different variations of a similar world but I never felt that way with The Impostor Queen. Sarah took the world and made it her own. The way magic works in this world, the prophecies, the hierarchies, EVERYTHING.

You might know me as the kid who is impatient and tends to like fast paced action but Fine is just fabulous (I feel like a broken record right now since I’ve said this so many times.) The way she paces the novel is wonderful. The plot develops nicely and there are enough things going on at any given point, enough mysteries to figure out that the book pretty much had my full attention from the start until I turned the last page with my emotions overflowing.

Also, because I love diversity, I AM JUST SO HAPPY that this book features it. Fine has always done a fantastic job of featuring diverse characters in her books (which is also why she is amazeballs) but this is the first fantasy I’ve read that featured an MC that wasn’t straight (I have read fantasies that feature lgbtqia+ characters but never the main character...unless of course, I am forgetting a book in which case, oops?) I know there are a bunch more out there but it is SO important to have all sorts of diversity across all genres and I am glad that diversity is starting to show itself in fantasy. The only real qualm I have is that I wish Elli’s relationship with Mim was explored a little bit more.

That said, the romance in this book is wonderful. Oscar is a cute little gruff and I have feels. He is a little rough around the edges but he cares deeply for those that matter to him and he is never an asshole. Yes, we do have a winner here.

If you are a fan of fantasy, this book is 100% worth checking out when it comes out next month. It is well written, well developed, and remarkable. It’s definitely a favorite book of the year and one I won’t fail to recommend and push at people’s faces.

Note that I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

'The Impostor Queen' was my very last read of 2015, and it was on that 365th day of reading in 2015, that I discovered one of my favorite books of the year! This one totally snuck up on me too. I had heard great things from a couple of people I trust and admire, but I guess I didn't fully expect to love it THIS MUCH!

First things first, I absolutely adored Elli as the main character. Her arc is phenomenal and the growth she goes through is truly inspiring. I was IN IT with her for the entire book...cheering for her, hurting for her and being completely engrossed in her epic journey to discover what her true destiny is. We meet Elli when she is a pawn in a game she knows nothing about, blissfully unaware of the deception that is happening around her. When all of a sudden her life is completely changed and she's thrust into a frightening and overwhelming life she is wholly unprepared for. Elli comes to a turning point in her life and makes a decision that is drastic and in turn, starts her on the road to her ultimate destiny. What I loved most about this book was Elli's determination and focus on not only doing what was right for her, but also what was right for the greater good.

This book is full of strong characters, who each bring so much to the table. It's an eclectic mix of people who make up this story and I appreciated the dynamics and intricacies of each and every person. Besides Elli, my absolute favorite character was Oskar. Oh, Oskar! Not going to lie friends, this guy made me SWOON! He's the latest addition to my book boyfriends list and I have a feeling he's a new favorite for a lot of readers. His quiet strength and dedication to those he loves immediately endeared me to him. and I spent the rest of the book falling for him deeper and deeper. So, not only is 'The Impostor Queen'  an amazing fantasy story, but it's also got a good dose of swoon thrown in their for good measure. My favorite combination!

“Sometimes small magic is the most difficult."
The Impostor Queen, Sarah Fine

The mythology and magic of 'The Impostor Queen' is all-consuming, and the threads of magic that Sarah Fine masterfully created weave themselves effortlessly throughout the book. I was so engrossed in the mythology of the literary world Fine built, the detail and history was rich and vivid and became its own character within the book.I love me some epic world-building and 'The Impostor Queen' has plenty of it. From deep forests to seaside cliffs, and barren lands to exquisite temples...the land of Kupari has it all.

'The Impostor Queen' is a master class epic  fantasy writing! I consider this one of my favorite reads of 2015 and cannot wait for the next installment in what is sure to be an amazing series!

This review was originally posted on what sarah read...

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, this was a really great fantasy. I was so impressed by the believable world building and a plot I could actually become invested in.

I really liked Elli, our feisty heroine. Elli was brought up pampered and used to having everything done for her, but when she was thrown in the outlands, half crazy with hunger and desperate to survive, did she wilt like a flower in the desert? Heck no. She stood up for herself, fought for her life, and learned to adjust to the unfamiliar, harsh conditions.

“You don’t want to see this, my Saadella.”
“Don’t tell me what I want.”

Elli was confined all her life with her only company being her maidservant, Mim, the Valtia, and the Elders. She waited all her life for the day when she would take the Valtia's place and magic would awaken inside her, but when that day finally came Elli found that she couldn't possess magic.

I wasn't too keen on the romance. I loved Elli and really liked Oskar, the love interest, but I didn't care for them together. I would have preferred if they had stayed friends. It's not that their romance was instalove, they just didn't seem to fit. I actually found Sig a more attractive character with his wild, passionate streak next to the calm and subdued Oskar.

I feel like a lot of YA fantasy focus more on the plot or romance than the fantasy aspect. Where did magic come from? How do people use it? What is the nature of the evil magicians ruling over the land? Thankfully, all these questions were answered. Sarah Fine painted a vivid picture of villagers suffering for their magic—thieves and outcasts who were killed when they were only trying to survive.

I appreciated all the detail about the magic system which felt real in a world where everyone was accustomed to it. Each character had at least the smallest flicker of fire or ice inside them and the strongest wielders had an abundance of both.

Fast paced writing, a strong fantasy foundation, and a fantastic female lead. This book satisfied my craving for a good fantasy.

[Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Fine is my go to author when I want something completely original, entertaining, well written, and imaginative.

She has yet to let me down and Impostor Queen was not an exception to her talent nor her ability.

Beautifully written, masterfully detailed and laid out, this was hard to put down and even harder to walk away from.

Sarah has a away of describing details and her worlds that not only captive but are also so seamless that you hardly know they are happening and before you know it, not only can you picture the world she created but you feel as if you are in the very heart of it, right there with the characters that are every bit as believable as the world in which they live.

This was such a fun and exciting read and I'm truly craving more and can't wait to see what will happen next. I predict this will be another outstanding, standout series from Sarah that will be sure to enthrall us all.


*ARC Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

[nick (the infinite limits of love) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

At this point, I sincerely doubt there's going to be a Sarah Fine book I don't love. With every release, she continues to impress the heck out of me with her creativity and ability to create new and fresh characters. The Impostor Queen, like all of Sarah Fine's works, was utterly striking as a fantasy novel and even though it's only the second 2016 novel that I have read, I know that it will be topping my best of 2016 lists.

Elli was an unconventional heroine for a fantasy story, a fact that I delighted over. She was unlike the typical physically strong, badass and brave heroine who knew all the secrets of her world. No, Elli was honestly, in the beginning, completely clueless and naive as to what the Elders of Kupari around her were doing with their nefarious goals. She was what you would call a follower, not really questioning their lies and bullshit because of her devotion to them and her queen, the Valtia. That, however, in no way means she was a docile heroine. Undoubtedly, her sheltered life made it hard for her to truly show her inner strength until quite a bit later in The Impostor Queen, after she finds out that she didn't have the magical abilities that she was prophesied to have.

Finding out that she didn't have that much power and that the Elders were going to kill her for it came as a complete shock to her and her core - after all, she had spent her whole life training for it. I thought Sarah Fine captured Elli's dilemma so well. I felt for her and experienced her struggles together with her. Throughout The Impostor Queen, Elli underwent a whole lot of growth, and while she still didn't become a physical heroine (which I loved BTW), by the end, she had a quiet strength to her, having finally learned about who she was and where she stood in her world. Another thing that made Elli stand out among other YA fantasy heroines? Her bisexuality. Sarah Fine always tackles diversity meticulously and Elli's bisexuality was handled no differently. I loved that it was never the focus of the story and that she just was someone who loved not based on gender, but on the other person's personality. Her love interest in The Impostor Queen was a boy, but her feelings for her old handmaiden were alluded to. That's not to say that the romance was a love triangle however. Hers and Oskar's romance was one of the best parts of the book for me - it was slow, swoony and full of delicious tension.

As always, the secondary characters in The Impostor Queen were also excellent. Oskar, especially, was so crush-worthy. This author's ability to craft these love interests that sweep you off your feet and hold a place in your heart repeatedly will never cease to amaze. What I love more than anything is how these are all good boys - fiercely loyal, kindhearted, selfless and compassionate. Oskar was a character that completely took my breath away. The boy was charming, funny, gruffy and with a dash of intensity. I feel like I could go on and on about him, but the main thing you should take away is that I LOVED him! I also adored Oskar's family and the relationship they grew with Elli. Not to mention, Sig, an impulsive, fire user who I mostly wanted to throttle throughout the book, but who I also loved. The whole crew of The Impostor Queen was fantastic, even the twisted villains!

As for the story itself, it was as riveting as the characters were. It took a short while to get deep into the plot, but once it did, it was so hard to put down. The Impostor Queen wasn't a fast-paced, action-packed kind of story. Instead, it was a book that slowly culminated into a terrific ending, with magic, betrayals and twists along the way. It's the sort of book that truly hooks you in and immerses you in its world and characters. The world building? Phenomenal! I struggle with YA fantasy books sometimes because of the complexities they present. Some authors know how to explore those details without confusing me and Sarah Fine is one of those authors for me. I loved how the world building came slowly and by the end, I had such a clear and vivid image of the setting.

The Impostor Queen is a must-read if you enjoy fantasy stories with unique story-lines, great world building, beautiful writing and characters that are memorable. Sarah Fine is a queen when it comes to YA and with The Impostor Queen, she showed just how versatile she is as an author. If you have yet to read a book by her, do yourself a favor, and pick up one of her books because she deserves so much more love. In the meantime, I'll be dwindling my thumbs, waiting for the sequel.

Check out more of my reviews at:

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A YA Fantasy that can't quite decide how YA it wants to be and is a bit hampered by a first person PoV.

Elli is the Saadela, the heir-presumptive of the current Valtia, the Sorcerer-Queen of the Kupari. When the Valtia dies, used up by her magic, the magic will pass to Elli and she will become the new Valtia. Except, she doesn't. And suddenly, she's being accused of being an impostor by the people she has trusted all her life and her life is now at risk. So Elli goes from being a sheltered princess to being on the run without even the life-skills to dress herself.

Having the PoV character be so appallingly naive and childlike makes for a frustrating experience throughout the book. The elders are so clearly evil that they should all have big twirling mustaches, and having everyone just accept the really obvious inconsistencies of the temple is just weird. Elli's sheltered status leaves her quite innocent for much of the book, which makes elements like brutal torture and maiming feel really out of place.

Additionally there are several plot points that are just left hanging from very early in the book, notably that Elli appears to be bisexual (?) but there's almost no time given to that at all, or any indication whether that's something that is accepted in this society. And of course, because it's all from Elli's PoV we get such a narrow version of her world it makes it hard to put everything in context.

All that being said, this is a competently done Chosen One secondary world fantasy, where we have a prophecy and several possible chosen ones whose actions are meaningfully opposed. For the first volume of a fantasy series, the ending makes this a complete novel as well, albeit with obvious through-lines to the next book. That's more than you get with a lot of first books in series at the moment, so that low bar is cleared.

[Tandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Imposter Queen was so awesome that I need to do some thinking and write a decent review. Until then, this picture must represent my book feels.

[Suzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Yalan olmasın başta ne oluyor dedim saçma geldi hikayeyi anlamadım nasıl ki Oscar dahil oldu hikayede oturdu yerine distopya aşkla birleşince tadından yenmedi kıyıda köşede kalan bu kitap için cok üzülüyorum 😤

[Wren (fablesandwren) · Rating 2 out of 5]

A buddy read with my dear friend Brittney ~ Her Bookish Things! Love that girl.

So this book...

EHHHH.

I would say that I did not get into this book until maybe the last third. I was interested enough to keep going and curious enough to know what was going to happen next, but did I really care a lot about Elli? Not really, sadly.

ICE and FIRE.

This magic is super cool.

That is the power in this land. Everyone has a little of both and some can heal with it or control things with it. Like I said, it's magic. There is one person who has a lot of BOTH, which is unusual, and that is the queen, or the Valtia. One girl carries the world on her shoulder with this power to keep the people safe. They usually die super young, but with the help of their long-lived priest they will do what they can in the time they are given.

Elli is () and she is next in line to be the Valtia. When the unexpected happens, she is thrown into the role she has been training for her whole life. She was taken from her family and had the mark to be just this. So when it doesn't happen...

The most interesting character in my opinion doesn't really get into the story until about a fourth through. Oskar was your typical tormented guy doing the right thing by everyone he loves. Elli was your typical thrown-into-it girl who comes out swinging. Both not people that I found with any interesting and unique traits or voice.

And then the next book's description doesn't even have the characters introduced in this book in them? I'm not sure about this.

I would say I am happy I read this book and I will probably read the next one. But would I read this series over again? Probably not. It was Fine.

It was such an awesome idea of a book. But the deliverance of it was kind of... meh. It was enough to keep me interested but not enough for me to fan girl over.

[Ezgi T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sahte Kraliçe okumak için oldukça heyecanlı olduğum ve aylarca bekledikten sonra beklentimin tavan yaptığı bir kitaptı. Hakkında çok güzel şeyler okumuştum ve GO! Kitap'ın yakın zamanda çıkartacağını duyduğumda da heyecandan havalara uçtum. Ne yazık ki beklentimi tam anlamıyla karşılayamadı. (İşte bu yüzden kitapları heyecanla beklememeye çalışıyorum.) (Başaramadı.)

Kitap oldukça akıcıydı ve İstanbul Kitap Fuarı'ndan bu yana pek de kitap okuyamamış ben için ilaç gibiydi. 449 sayfayı iki günden az bir zamanda okudum ki bir YGS-LYS öğrencisi olarak vaktimin büyük bir çoğunluğu konu çalışmaya veya test çözmeye gidiyor. Tabii bunda GO! Kitap'ın yazı karakterini büyük tutmasının da etkisi var ama işte, insan iyi hissediyor.

Kitabın en başından en sonuna kadar bir kere bile kafa karışıklığı hissetmedim. Bence bu önemli bir şey çünkü yepyeni bir dünyayı - bu dünya (bize gösterilen kadarı yani) sadece iki ırktan ve bir krallıktan ibaret de olsa - ve bir de bu dünyanın büyü sistemini okuyucuya düzgün bir şekilde aktaramadığı zaman yazar, işler arapsaçına dönebiliyor. Sahte Kraliçe'de böyle bir sıkıntı hiç yaşamadım.

Sanırım kitaptan umduğum kadar hoşlanmayışım, karakterlere dayanıyor. Ana karakter Elli oldukça silik bir tipti. Evet, Valtia olması gerektiği için belli bir otoritesi bir noktada vardı fakat bütün bunlar bir kenara bırakıldığında ve karakterin büyü yapamadığı dikkate alındığında, kişilik açısından öne çıkan pek de bir yanı yoktu bence. Çalışkan, azimli, dürüst biriydi, bu açılardan Elli'den adil bir kraliçe olurdu kesinlikle ama benim gözümde Elli'nin diğer karakterlerden hiçbir farkı yoktu ki hikayeyi Elli anlatıyor. İç dünyası insanın içine işleyen türden değildi yani.

Ayrıca Elli ve Oskar arasındaki ilişki pek iyi yazılmamıştı bence. Birkaç kere öpüştüler ve birkaç uzun konuşmaları oldu evet ama birlikte olmayı istedikleri için değil de, şartlar onları yan yana getirdiği için birlikte olan iki karakter gibilerdi. Normalde bu hiç sorun yaratmazdı bende fakat yazar (ve Elli'yle Oskar) kitap boyunca bunun aksini iddia ediyorlardı. Ama ben aralarındaki çekimi göremedim ya da neden birlikte bu kadar uyumlu olduklarını anlamadım. Bence sahneler iyi işlenmemişti ve işlenebilirlikleri yüksekti.

Yazar eğer kitapta birçok kısmı "Zaman öyle geçip gitti" diye atlamasaymış, belki Elli ve Oskar'ın yavaş ilerleyen ilişkileri benim gözümde bu kadar eğreti durmazdı. Belki de dururdu, bilemiyorum. Oskar'ı sevmeme rağmen onları bir çift olarak görmeyi pek başaramadım. Beraber oldukları, aşık ve mutlu oldukları sahneler içimi sevgiyle doldurmadı.

Elli Oskar'dan ne zaman "buz büyücüm" diye bahsetse yüzümü buruşturmam var bir de tabii...

Aynı zamanda kitapta sonsuz bir aksiyon vardı fakat hiçbir sahne karakterler için heyecanlandırmadı beni. "Şimdi ne olacak?" ya da "İyi olacaklar mı?" endişesine hiç düşmedim. O açıdan da eksik buldum kitabı. Soluksuz okuduğum sahne pek yoktu açıkçası.

Kitaptaki büyü sistemi hoşuma gitti, büyünün bir şeylere bağlı olması ve bir halka yüzyıllar boyu işlenmesi, kitaptaki görece daha sağlam bulduğum fikirlerdendi. (Yeni olduğu için değil ama güzel düşünüldüğü için.) Büyünün kuralları ve kontrol edilmezse insanların sonunu getirebiliyor olması, sadece kullanıcısının düşmanına değil de kendisine de tehlikeli olması güzel dokunuşlardı.

Sonuç olarak, eğer okuyacak büyülü kraliçeli eğlenceli bir kitap arıyorsanız, Sahte Kraliçe tam da aradığınız kitap olabilir ya da kitaptan beklentileriniz yüksek değilse epey sevebilirsiniz. (Belki de yüksekse bile seversiniz.) Demek istediğim, ben sevdim ama bayılarak okumadım, okuduğum için pişman değilim ama devam kitaplarını özellikle bekleyeceğim bir seri olamadı. Güzeldi, eğlenceliydi, akıcıydı ve keyifli zaman geçirtti bana.

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[Maria Angelica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eu gostei desse livro. Ele é adequado em todos as coisas que um YA deve ter. Ele só não inova muito.
O grande plus é a autora ter feito a personagem principal ser bissexual, mas obviamente que a atração dela por uma mulher é apenas transitória no livro e eventualmente ela conhece um garoto.
Outra parte boa é o sistema de magia. Ele é baseado apenas em fogo e gelo, e tem algo a ver com cobre, mas nesse livro ainda não fica muito bem explicado.
Não há partes ruins, na minha opinião, ele apenas não me impressionou e nenhum dos personagens foi especialmente cativante.

[Lily (Night Owl Book Cafe) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I am in love with Sarah Fine's writing and I have Ali @ My Guilty Obsession  to thank for that. The Impostor Queen by Sarah Fine ended up being a buddy read with Ali, to whom I am thankful for introducing me to Fine's writing.

I loved The Impostor Queen, a well crafted story about a sixteen-year-old girl named Elli who is a Saadela and the next in line to take over when the Valtia of the Kupari passes and leaves her magic to be passed on to the Saadela. When Elli's Valtia suffers a terrible tragedy and the young girl ends up witnessing the horrid moment of her Valtia's final breath, the Elders blame Elli for rejecting the magic when it does not enter her. With a help of her handmaiden, Mim, Elli escapes the temple and the cruel fate that awaits her and disappears beyond the village walls where she is rescued by a boy named Oskar.

Now Elli is living among the very people the Elder's have been trying to force out of the mines, while trying to learn about her own ability that she is asked to keep a secret by the mysterious old healer.

I won't lie. The story started out kind of slow, but this is a high fantasy, and it is kind of expected. When the story finally picked up, and boy did it pick up, not only was it impossible to put down but I found myself wanting to savor it. I admit, I was a little disappointed and sad that the book has ended. I went through a book withdrawal and it's been a long while since any book has caused such a reaction out of me.

Fine's writing is brilliant, her imagination runs wild in the beautifully crafted magical world. I love that there are two forces that make up the magic, fire and ice, and how the two effect the Valtia as well as the magic wielders.

The plot itself was amazing and interesting. It had me so hooked, I wanted and needed to know how it was all going to turn out, what was going to happen next and how Fine was going to leave us at the end of the book. I was so glad to learn that this is part of the series, though as of right now Goodreads lists the series as the Untitled. I also loved that the ending did NOT feel like a cliffhanger.

Let's talk about Elli for a second. Elli lived a sheltered life in the temple because she was being molded to do what the Elder's wanted her to do. The only knowledge she really had about anything was what the Elder's wanted to tell her, so she comes off very naive. Boy does she learns her lessons quickly when she is forced out of the shelter of the home she knew forever and onto the streets and into the winter cold. I really enjoyed watching Elli develop as a character. Her struggles when she is brought to the camp are real. The fact that she suffers a physical "disfiguration" maker her character appear flawed, but at the same time very human.

Though the book is listed under glbt genre under Goodreads, and does have references to it (Elli's love for her handmaiden) the book mainly follows the romance between a boy and a girl.

Oskar was amazing. Brownie points to him for taking Elli in. Their meeting in an unusual circumstance ended up being quite entertaining. I loved their interaction and the slow simmering romance that had me holding my breath more than once.

The world-building in this book was remarkable, original and very interesting. It is one of those fantasy novels that you cannot help but fall in love with everything, the writing, the world-building, the well fleshed out characters, it just keeps you wanting more. It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time and I cannot wait to see where this story goes from here, because the ending totally blew me away.

If you enjoy a high fantasy novel with an incredible world, with talented writing, what are you waiting for? I strongly recommend this book.This review was originally posted on Night Owl Book Café

[Crystal | decorating.reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’M SO EXTREMELY HAPPY RIGHT NOW BECAUSE I READ A BOOK I LOVE AND ITS BEEN WAY TOO LONG MY FRIENDS!!!!!!

This book has it all…magic, intensity, twists, intrigue, splash of romance, people standing up for what they feel is right, just basically everything you really want in a good fantasy AND it didn’t feel like just any other fantasy out there. This book has a little twist to the main character, Elli, that I really liked. It’s a shame I can’t be more detailed about what I mean by this because, in my opinion, it’s kind of spoilery, so you will just have to trust me on that. ;P

I really like how detailed the story is without feeling like there were a lot of info dump happenings, Fine did a really good job weaving in all the details I needed to know about the world and the way the Valtia and Elders worked. I also found the whole system of the inner workings to be pretty unique, as far as fantasies go.

There are several secondary characters that are important to this story and Oskar and Sig are two of them. I really like Oskar, he’s definitely written to be that like-able guy that everyone is probably going to get all swoony eyed over, I mean he is rather awesome, but I also really like Sig. (NO THERE IS NO TRIANGLE, I JUST LIKE MY BOOK BOYS.) I think they are pretty opposite personalities but I’m really curious to see what Fine does with Sig’s character. I’m always a sucker for what will probably be the less like-able guy to most readers.

The book doesn’t end with a huge cliffhanger, which makes it so much easier while waiting on this sequel! I’m definitely going to recommend adding this one to your TBR and going ahead and pre-ordering it! YOU WANT THIS ON YOUR SHELVES!

[Emma Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

uhm, what the heck?? That was so flipping good! I went into this book pretty much clueless but I really really REALLY enjoyed this! Also, our main girl ISN'T the most powerful/important person as it usually is (OK she's like the 2nd or equal or however you want to interpret it. BUT she's not the only one in the sole spotlight).
When it turns out that she doesn't have a flick of magic I was curious on how this would go. Because doesn't our main character ALWAYS have something magical about them in fantasy? I absolutely love how things turned out and I can't wait for the next book!!!

[Jessie Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This took me three tries and about 100 pages, but damn if it doesn't get really, really good.

[Gillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow start, epic finish. If you don't love the slow beginning, I still recommend sticking with it, because once the ball gets rolling, I was fully on board. It's all about complicated ice and fire magic, lore, destiny, and a passive, reactive girl learning to become a heroine with her own will. Which leads to slow start and epic finish, basically. And I think I know what's coming in the conclusion next year, and I'm amped for it.

Edited to add: oh, right, and the MC is explicitly, canonically bi! Woooot

[Dahlia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

Sorry I have fever that's all I got right now but I liked it

[Ava · Rating 4 out of 5]

QUEER REP IN FANTASY YES PLEASE. READ THE BOOK.

[Brittany S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Initial Impressions 12/30/15: 4 - 4.25 stars
I will say that the ending was totally captivating! The action, excitement, romance, and emotions were all running high and I loved it! I had theories abound, questions galore, and feels really starting to take hold.
I had some hesitations in the beginning, I'll admit. I kept going back and forth between being really interested and then waiting for something to happen. I think the time spent developing the relationships in the middle was necessary for the rest of the book but at the same time, it felt a bit tedious when THINGS weren't happening and we weren't getting much more insight on magical abilities, world-building, etc. When they did happen (which truly was quite a decent amount -- I just had small lulls), they were pretty freakin' awesome and I was so excited to find out more!
I really adored the ending, how everything wrapped up, and all of the things I was left pondering when the story concluded. I cannot wait to see what happens next! Sarah Fine did a fantastic job of bringing everything together and yet leaving things out there for the next book. I can't wait! (Which is always a sad thing to say when you finish a book before it's even published!!!)

Full review originally posted HERE on The Book Addict's Guide 1/27/16: I’m always up for new fantasy and THE IMPOSTOR QUEEN seemed right up my alley! THE IMPOSTOR QUEEN was sort of the opposite of the hero/heroine who discovers they have powers and come into glory so that was really, really neat to see! There is a bigger story in there about what Elli can and can’t do but I won’t get into spoilers there!! Once you read so many books, things can start to feel too reminiscent of a different story so it’s always refreshing to find a new take on a common theme. I totally had thoughts and feelings reminiscent of SHADOW AND BONE meets Frozen but they were just little pieces because THE IMPOSTOR QUEEN really stood on its own!

Admittedly, the beginning started off a bit slowly for me. The very first chapter or two, I was definitely intrigued but then I found myself wanting to know more about the world and about the characters and feeling like I wasn’t getting there quickly enough. I really waffled back and forth between feeling like the pacing was a bit slow to finding something that totally hooked me and then back again. I’m not sure if it was because this really did have a such a different feel or if it was more of a personal thing but I had a bit of a hard time really getting in sync with THE IMPOSTOR QUEEN until about halfway through.

Once I reached the point where things started picking up, though, I was absolutely hooked! The character development really started to take off. I got to learn more about Elli, her history, and her ability. The romance really started to blossom into something utterly beautiful and it made my heart ache. I absolutely adored the platonic and familial relationships as well and I was so impressed with Sarah Fine’s ability to craft such beautiful non-romantic relationships to evoke such strong feelings. There were so many layers to these relationships and I loved to learn about the history behind them. The romantic relationship also really grew on me as well! I liked Oskar from the start and I really loved what he brought out in Elli and how she softened him. The two characters really blended together well and their relationship ended up being totally swoon-worthy.

The ending of the book was utterly captivating. I mentioned that the book started to pick up for me about halfway through and things really just continued to escalate all the way until the end. The world-building picked up and the plot really started to take off as well! Action and adventure really took over and my worries about any lulls were totally gone. I ended up seeing tons of potential for the rest of the series (and by rest I mean I think it’s only a two book series?) and any doubts that I had about any character or plot point had totally vanished. THE IMPOSTOR QUEEN finished off so strongly and left me dying for more!