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The Lost Queen of Althea #1
Shrouded Kingdom
Once a human. Now a fae princess, destined to be queen.
Layanna Fairling has never belonged to her village, and yet, when it’s threatened by a tyrant who wants her dead, she knows she has to protect it.
Three mysterious strangers who claim Layanna is a changeling and future ruler of the Seelie Court arrive to aid her. They also claim that the only way of saving her village is by overthrowing the Unseelie tyrant who inherited the throne from his evil father when he slayed her real parents, the Fae King and Queen of Althea.
The tyrant's greed and violence threaten to tear apart the kingdom she never knew existed, leaving Layanna with a simple choice. Overthrow the handsome and powerful tyrant, or lose everyone and everything she loves.
Layanna Fairling has never belonged to her village, and yet, when it’s threatened by a tyrant who wants her dead, she knows she has to protect it.
Three mysterious strangers who claim Layanna is a changeling and future ruler of the Seelie Court arrive to aid her. They also claim that the only way of saving her village is by overthrowing the Unseelie tyrant who inherited the throne from his evil father when he slayed her real parents, the Fae King and Queen of Althea.
The tyrant's greed and violence threaten to tear apart the kingdom she never knew existed, leaving Layanna with a simple choice. Overthrow the handsome and powerful tyrant, or lose everyone and everything she loves.
333 pages, Paperback
Published January 7, 2019
251 people are currently reading
646 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Medhurst
112 books482 followersRachel Medhurst grew up in a small village in Surrey, England. She writes to inspire and heal. She lives in the British countryside with her dog. If she’s not writing, she can be found walking in nature and reading. For more information about current projects, including her short story dystopian series, Avoidables, please check out her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 16, 2020
This book was one of my #SPFBO6 books and it was a story that had a fast pace and fae-based story. Personally, it didn't work as well as it could have for me, largely because it tells a lot rather than showing a lot, and that made it feel a littlebit simplisticand predictable.
The narrative takes place around two characters:
1. Layanna - a young woman with a hidden past which even she doesn't know about.
2. Jordeek - a ruler of a land which doesn't want him as ruler on a quest to vanquish the enemy.
The story felt to me like it never truly got going. Although the pacing is quick and Layanna is rushed from place to place, in hiding and in vengeance, I felt as thoughshe never truly knew which way she was heading and she just followed everyone else's instructions without a care for her past life and the emotional ties to that. To me, she felt unrealistic in the way she just did as she was instructed, and I felt as though her character needed some additional spotlight and development before I could have really related to her.
Jordeek is a little more interesting as he claims to care for all his subjects, even those who don't want him. However, I did find his fairly flat 'kill the enemy' a bit repetitive. I think if he'd had a few more complex layers and more development too then he could have been more morally grey and therefore more enticing.
The magic is used in this world, but considering it's a far story I don't feel like it's used as much as it couldhave been. There's mind-to-mind communication, witches and supposedly dragons in the world, but again it's more of a 'tell' than a 'show' for lots of these bits. I would have enjoyed more magic to come into play throughout and to give a reason for Layanna to be as quickly enticed into her new life as she was...
Overall, this one fell a but flat and missed the mark for me in a few spots, butit was very easy to read being a fast-paced story and having a short page count. If you're looking for something which is a very light adventure then you may enjoy this more than I did. 2.5*s which is 5/10 for #SPFBO.
The narrative takes place around two characters:
1. Layanna - a young woman with a hidden past which even she doesn't know about.
2. Jordeek - a ruler of a land which doesn't want him as ruler on a quest to vanquish the enemy.
The story felt to me like it never truly got going. Although the pacing is quick and Layanna is rushed from place to place, in hiding and in vengeance, I felt as thoughshe never truly knew which way she was heading and she just followed everyone else's instructions without a care for her past life and the emotional ties to that. To me, she felt unrealistic in the way she just did as she was instructed, and I felt as though her character needed some additional spotlight and development before I could have really related to her.
Jordeek is a little more interesting as he claims to care for all his subjects, even those who don't want him. However, I did find his fairly flat 'kill the enemy' a bit repetitive. I think if he'd had a few more complex layers and more development too then he could have been more morally grey and therefore more enticing.
The magic is used in this world, but considering it's a far story I don't feel like it's used as much as it couldhave been. There's mind-to-mind communication, witches and supposedly dragons in the world, but again it's more of a 'tell' than a 'show' for lots of these bits. I would have enjoyed more magic to come into play throughout and to give a reason for Layanna to be as quickly enticed into her new life as she was...
Overall, this one fell a but flat and missed the mark for me in a few spots, butit was very easy to read being a fast-paced story and having a short page count. If you're looking for something which is a very light adventure then you may enjoy this more than I did. 2.5*s which is 5/10 for #SPFBO.
November 20, 2019
I thought I would enjoy Shrouded Kingdom, but no, I found myself thoroughly disappointed.
I am an absolute sucker for royalty and court politics and Shrouded Kingdom not only had that but also faeries. So me, being the sucker that I am, said hell to the yes, and promptly downloaded this from Kindle Unlimited. (I was also in desperate need of more court politics and faeries after reading The Wicked King , so that may have contributed.)
Thought Flows with Sophia:
Wow, what a way to start Shrouded Kingdom! The writing flow, however, isn't fun to deal with. It feels choppy and plain awkward, but maybe it's just my personal preferences. But I'll continue because it's only the first page and I'm a firm believer it's not fair to judge a book that quickly.
Layanna, we are officially friends in the fictional world. You are a badass, and I enjoy badass females. Especially ones that put people in their place when they're touching without consent. (Probably also a personal preference, but personal bubbles exist, and I will die on this hill forever.)
I don't like how "thrusting" is being used in this book; it feels awkward and each time it feels like an innuendo each time? I'll keep badass Layanna in mind and continue.
Okay, this seems a little too easy and from the first few chapters, Layanna doesn't seem to be the type to believe everything so easily. Yet... we have easy belief happening here.
Oh dear, we're traveling. This could be bad or good. Instinct says bad.
"You're the lost queen" is beginning to sound awfully repetitive, and Layanna now sounds like a very special snowflake.
For a faerie kingdom, the king and queen seemed to have been defeated easily and this does not bode well for the book at all. Also, Jordeek can go choke in a bucket.
We're still traveling and traipsing across to the kingdom. Instinct continues to be correct, and I'm feeling awfully bored. But since there are a lot of books lately that feels painfully slow due to the focus on world-building, I'm trying to give Shrouded Kingdom the benefit of a doubt.
I don't know how many times I've seen the phrase "you're the lost queen" or something similar and it's really just annoying at this point. Can we please get on with it? I get it, she's the lost queen.
I just really want a nap from this book.
Thoughts in a Nutshell
Shrouded Kingdom went from great start and potential to a flapping fail. All we're doing is spending a huge amount of time traveling and we're 60% of the way through. And we have companions crying about "YOU'RE REALLY THE LOST QUEEN" and honestly, that just annoys me to no end because it's extremely repetitive.
This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts
I am an absolute sucker for royalty and court politics and Shrouded Kingdom not only had that but also faeries. So me, being the sucker that I am, said hell to the yes, and promptly downloaded this from Kindle Unlimited. (I was also in desperate need of more court politics and faeries after reading The Wicked King , so that may have contributed.)
Thought Flows with Sophia:
Wow, what a way to start Shrouded Kingdom! The writing flow, however, isn't fun to deal with. It feels choppy and plain awkward, but maybe it's just my personal preferences. But I'll continue because it's only the first page and I'm a firm believer it's not fair to judge a book that quickly.
Layanna, we are officially friends in the fictional world. You are a badass, and I enjoy badass females. Especially ones that put people in their place when they're touching without consent. (Probably also a personal preference, but personal bubbles exist, and I will die on this hill forever.)
I don't like how "thrusting" is being used in this book; it feels awkward and each time it feels like an innuendo each time? I'll keep badass Layanna in mind and continue.
Okay, this seems a little too easy and from the first few chapters, Layanna doesn't seem to be the type to believe everything so easily. Yet... we have easy belief happening here.
Oh dear, we're traveling. This could be bad or good. Instinct says bad.
"You're the lost queen" is beginning to sound awfully repetitive, and Layanna now sounds like a very special snowflake.
For a faerie kingdom, the king and queen seemed to have been defeated easily and this does not bode well for the book at all. Also, Jordeek can go choke in a bucket.
We're still traveling and traipsing across to the kingdom. Instinct continues to be correct, and I'm feeling awfully bored. But since there are a lot of books lately that feels painfully slow due to the focus on world-building, I'm trying to give Shrouded Kingdom the benefit of a doubt.
I don't know how many times I've seen the phrase "you're the lost queen" or something similar and it's really just annoying at this point. Can we please get on with it? I get it, she's the lost queen.
I just really want a nap from this book.
Thoughts in a Nutshell
Shrouded Kingdom went from great start and potential to a flapping fail. All we're doing is spending a huge amount of time traveling and we're 60% of the way through. And we have companions crying about "YOU'RE REALLY THE LOST QUEEN" and honestly, that just annoys me to no end because it's extremely repetitive.
This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts
January 3, 2019
Very enjoyable first installment. Enjoyed getting to meet our motley crew and learn about Layanna and her hidden past. Can't wait to see what else unfolds and to watch our crew as they grow personally and learn to trust each othe r.
May 23, 2019
a kindle unlimited book with a blurb that made me wary. i should have just trusted my gut and not bothered, but i was also bored and wanted to read something with fae creatures.
basically, what soured this book for me is that it was written very poorly. i truly mean that. it seems like it never passed through the hands of an editor who was even somewhat competent. everything that happened in the narrative felt like it was happening to layanna, the main character, and none of it felt earned. the characterization also felt loose and uneven.
basically, what soured this book for me is that it was written very poorly. i truly mean that. it seems like it never passed through the hands of an editor who was even somewhat competent. everything that happened in the narrative felt like it was happening to layanna, the main character, and none of it felt earned. the characterization also felt loose and uneven.
January 20, 2019
Surprisingly good read with an original storyline. Medhurst delivers on a new genre for her!
3 stars, because the level of writing felt poor and all over the place at time, very disjointed. But I've rated 3 stars on another first book in a series that she wrote and ended up rating 5 stars on the rest of that same series, so I expect the remaining books in this series to be a big hit and even better than the first.
Loved getting to know Layanna and watch her realize her true place in the world of Althea. I loved her heart and desire to love on and help people. I also felt that her skepticism about who she really is was believable (I'd definitely be so bewildered if I was her). The supporting characters were great, and I'm looking forward to seeing how their roles play out. I also LOVED that there were a few chapters from Jordeek's side of the story. His chapters really gave the story drama, especially since many of Layanna's chapters were simply about world building, getting to know the characters, and her trying to process all of this new information.
As I've stated before in many reviews, I may love these stories, but desperately wish books like these were longer because it would allow for a longer read and each scene would be relished more than if the scenes went by fast like they do in this book and books that are shorter. It makes me feel like I'm missing things, but this could just be my preference for longer stories.
3 stars, because the level of writing felt poor and all over the place at time, very disjointed. But I've rated 3 stars on another first book in a series that she wrote and ended up rating 5 stars on the rest of that same series, so I expect the remaining books in this series to be a big hit and even better than the first.
Loved getting to know Layanna and watch her realize her true place in the world of Althea. I loved her heart and desire to love on and help people. I also felt that her skepticism about who she really is was believable (I'd definitely be so bewildered if I was her). The supporting characters were great, and I'm looking forward to seeing how their roles play out. I also LOVED that there were a few chapters from Jordeek's side of the story. His chapters really gave the story drama, especially since many of Layanna's chapters were simply about world building, getting to know the characters, and her trying to process all of this new information.
As I've stated before in many reviews, I may love these stories, but desperately wish books like these were longer because it would allow for a longer read and each scene would be relished more than if the scenes went by fast like they do in this book and books that are shorter. It makes me feel like I'm missing things, but this could just be my preference for longer stories.
December 22, 2019
I was debating between 3.5 and 4.5. I'm not gonna lie, I'm easy to please, I love this cover, it was short, I finished in just one afternoon and I felt invested so that's all I'm asking.
Then I read the reviews and thought that they came from reviewers that are always willing to give a pass to books from the big five publishing houses and get all nitpicky with books written by authors that aren't mainstream. Everyone knows that fantasy books by Sarah J. Maas and Victoria Schwab contain plenty of typos and gramatical errors and poor choices of language. I found Again but Better at Target and perused through it and the grammar isn't the best, either. I don't think it's fair to pick up on new authors when my own copies of Harry Potter are so full of editing mistakes so I'm upping my rating to five stars. This book isn't perfect, but the concep has potential and I'm invested in the series.
Mind you, maybe I'm biased, because I feel protective of new authors, I've found so many favorites by giving a chance to unknowns, so my advice to you, reader not as protective as I am and more nitpicky than I am is to Borrow the book using Kindle Unlimited, if you can't pass the first chapters then no harm done, you paid nothing. If you like it, bingo! then you'll have found a new series to read and a new author to follow. Just don't let a couple of reviews
Then I read the reviews and thought that they came from reviewers that are always willing to give a pass to books from the big five publishing houses and get all nitpicky with books written by authors that aren't mainstream. Everyone knows that fantasy books by Sarah J. Maas and Victoria Schwab contain plenty of typos and gramatical errors and poor choices of language. I found Again but Better at Target and perused through it and the grammar isn't the best, either. I don't think it's fair to pick up on new authors when my own copies of Harry Potter are so full of editing mistakes so I'm upping my rating to five stars. This book isn't perfect, but the concep has potential and I'm invested in the series.
Mind you, maybe I'm biased, because I feel protective of new authors, I've found so many favorites by giving a chance to unknowns, so my advice to you, reader not as protective as I am and more nitpicky than I am is to Borrow the book using Kindle Unlimited, if you can't pass the first chapters then no harm done, you paid nothing. If you like it, bingo! then you'll have found a new series to read and a new author to follow. Just don't let a couple of reviews
January 2, 2019
This new Medhurst series is decidedly different from her previous offerings - much more in the classic "epic" adventure style. Our heroine is a changeling and the uncrowned Queen of a kingdom of magical creatures who's been living in the human world until her band of adventurers appears to take her home to fight for the kingdom.
Interesting characters including a very complex villain, and lots of adventures to be had. If you're not a "commitment" sort of person, you might want to give it a pass, because the first book ends very early in the fight for the kingdom and there is clearly lots more of the story to tell. On the other hand, if you're one of those folks who likes TV series that continue with the same characters year after year and always manage to come up with an exciting cliffhanger for the season finale, this might be exactly the book you're looking for.
Interesting characters including a very complex villain, and lots of adventures to be had. If you're not a "commitment" sort of person, you might want to give it a pass, because the first book ends very early in the fight for the kingdom and there is clearly lots more of the story to tell. On the other hand, if you're one of those folks who likes TV series that continue with the same characters year after year and always manage to come up with an exciting cliffhanger for the season finale, this might be exactly the book you're looking for.
March 25, 2019
I loved everything about this book and just couldn't put it down, fantastically written with stunning and captivating characters, Multi layers of sub plots that are easily followed and wonderful action with romance. A must read for so many reasons. I am sure you will love these books as much as I did. Warning this book ends on a cliff hanger with lots questions left unanswered which will definitely make you want to read book 3 but also may leave you a little fraustrated at this moment.
October 2, 2020
I was 75% done with this book when I wanted to drop it. I only kept reading because I was nearly done. This story goes really no where, yet fast pace which confused me on how that was possible. It really went no where. Its also very repetitive. She takes forever to admit who she is even though she could do things no one else can. They also keep telling her who she is all the time. If I have to read the phrase "you're the lost queen" one more time... like we get it! I'm so disappointed again another book that I read that had an interesting premise but fails to deliver.
December 28, 2018
I have read a couple of this authors series and she never fails to pull me into the worlds she writes. This book is a wonderful start to what will be an amazing series. With a perfect blend of action, suspense, twist and turns we are thrown into a magical world of Elves, faeries, witches , and Pixies. I can not wait to see what is in store with the next book. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
January 7, 2019
When I finished this book I had two thoughts in my head. First, I needed to know more about Jordeek. His character seems so much deeper than we had a glimpse of. There’s also that small bond that he and Layanna share. I feel that it may be explored more in the next book. I also want to learn more about Layanna’s powers and some past history on others in her little team. I loved how the story contained so much world building, painting a perfect picture of the story in my mind. This was a great start to a new series and I just can’t wait to read more! If you like young adult historical fantasies with lots of magic and adventure, I would recommend this book to you.
Shrouded Kingdom is the first book in The Lost Queen of Althea series.
Final Rating: 5 Stars
Shrouded Kingdom is the first book in The Lost Queen of Althea series.
Final Rating: 5 Stars
January 4, 2019
Wow, I am ready for more of this story. Fae, humans, fairies, pixies, dragons, and more. This is the classic good vs. evil and throws in all kinds of fantasy creatures. The interaction with humans is great. Rachel Medhurst has created a marvelous world with so much action. I love the way this story is moving along. Can't wait for the next book where the dragons come into the story for real. I also love the way that Layanna finds her true self.
April 21, 2019
Shrouded Kingdom was exciting and full of action and adventure. I liked learning more about each of the characters as the story unfolded. I definitely felt for each one them as I learned of their hardships. Layanna and her group are very likable. Their story pulled me in and kept me captivated through the entire book. It ends in the cliffhanger but it’s a story that was not meant for one book. I can’t wait for the next one to be released.
April 8, 2020
It seems to be that the child raised by someone else and later found to be royalty is an ever useful tool to form a story. In this case, Layanna is raised by humans and she finds out she was a changeling and destined to rule her kingdom. She has some great people who are trying to help her overcome the ruler that is not rightly the king. At the end of this book, she is searching out the dragons for help as she tries to rescue her people. Good story and exciting events.
April 20, 2020
Good beginning
This story has a LOT to offer. Great characters, good tale. The only thing is it leaves you hanging in a very difficult spot and you have no choice to buy the next book; which is pretty shitty if you ask me. A good book has everything and if there is to be a sequel it is because the book was so good you WANT to read more not that you have to buy it to actually finish the story. I find this a lot lately and it is EXTREMELY disappointing.
This story has a LOT to offer. Great characters, good tale. The only thing is it leaves you hanging in a very difficult spot and you have no choice to buy the next book; which is pretty shitty if you ask me. A good book has everything and if there is to be a sequel it is because the book was so good you WANT to read more not that you have to buy it to actually finish the story. I find this a lot lately and it is EXTREMELY disappointing.
December 30, 2018
hrouded Kingdom by Rachel Medhurst is a 5 star read.
This book is an amazing start to a new series by this author and is just as thrilling as all the rest, I couldn’t get the characters from this book out of my head when I’d finished it.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book and can’t wait for the next one.
This book is an amazing start to a new series by this author and is just as thrilling as all the rest, I couldn’t get the characters from this book out of my head when I’d finished it.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book and can’t wait for the next one.
February 11, 2019
Well written tho it is, I found it hard to get into this book and attach to the characters until about half way through. Once I did, I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the book. I would read the next book in the series without hesitation as I feel the story is just getting started and has a lot to offer.
June 20, 2019
Light and easy. Fun summer read
I enjoyed this. It's a quick read. Can't wait to learn more details about each character. After so many books with so many battle scenes it's a refreshing break to have an author focused on building the story line first. Some will think it's more for younger readers but as I said I enjoyed it. Good summer reading
I enjoyed this. It's a quick read. Can't wait to learn more details about each character. After so many books with so many battle scenes it's a refreshing break to have an author focused on building the story line first. Some will think it's more for younger readers but as I said I enjoyed it. Good summer reading
June 29, 2021
I love good fairy books and this was pretty good. Of course I have things that bugged me...The fae were too human in many ways. I feel layanna should of had a seelie fae showing her how to access her power not just stumble upon it at the right moments. Otherwise the mix of witch and two fae were a good combination of personality. Adventure abounds in this story. Fun read!
October 2, 2021
An action story that will leave the reader wondering. Why didn't the author tell us more about the characters? Certainly an interesting read, a takeoff on royalty who all their life thought they were just regular folks. It just seems to be missing something. The story doesn't gel the way the reader would hope.
January 1, 2019
This is so deliciously good!! The world building is fantastic, and the characters are well written. The storyline moves along at a consistent pace and with magic, action, secrets, this new series will definitely be something to sink your teeth into.
January 3, 2019
Interesting
An interesting new look at list queens, forbidden attraction, magic, and the fae. The author weaves a new world for readers to enjoy along with a story fae lovers will gobble up.
Perfect for fans of fast fantasy reads. The perfect balance of magic and disbelief
An interesting new look at list queens, forbidden attraction, magic, and the fae. The author weaves a new world for readers to enjoy along with a story fae lovers will gobble up.
Perfect for fans of fast fantasy reads. The perfect balance of magic and disbelief
January 6, 2019
Amazing job by Rachel Medhurst
I know this is a new genre of writing by Rachel and I am truly pleased by her writing skills! This story is daring, adventurous and amazing!!! I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this new series
I know this is a new genre of writing by Rachel and I am truly pleased by her writing skills! This story is daring, adventurous and amazing!!! I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this new series
January 26, 2019
A princess saga
I enjoyed reading this book. Layana starts off as an innocent young woman suddenly caught up in an otherworldly adventure. Her transformation throughout the book was well done.
I enjoyed reading this book. Layana starts off as an innocent young woman suddenly caught up in an otherworldly adventure. Her transformation throughout the book was well done.
November 20, 2019
Great read. Couldn't put it down.
A lost seelie princess has to seek help to beat the unseelie leader that has taken over the seelie kingdom and become an imposter King.
Well written Fantasy Adventure with a unique storyline. Loved it.
A lost seelie princess has to seek help to beat the unseelie leader that has taken over the seelie kingdom and become an imposter King.
Well written Fantasy Adventure with a unique storyline. Loved it.
June 5, 2020
Great fantasy book, would be great for kids. Very clean. Layanna finds out she has been raised by humans, and is really a princess. She sets off with a witch, and two fairy’s to restore herself as the rightful queen. There’s magical kingdoms and a prince that is bad but good? Fast fun read.
June 9, 2021
Amazing
Medhurst takes you on a magickal world full of wonder. There were a couple hiccups left unexplained but they don’t deter from the story. Cannot wait to read book 2! (And the rest of course!)
Medhurst takes you on a magickal world full of wonder. There were a couple hiccups left unexplained but they don’t deter from the story. Cannot wait to read book 2! (And the rest of course!)
July 23, 2021
Really enjoyed the book. Sad I can't afford the next one
A human ,ahem, seelie princess who has to be taught to be who she is. A ragtag group to teach and protect.. definitely a must eat
A human ,ahem, seelie princess who has to be taught to be who she is. A ragtag group to teach and protect.. definitely a must eat
January 19, 2019
Enjoyable read as always by this writer. I was extremely happy to learn that there was a new series. This one has witches, fae and goblins and more to keep you intrigued.
October 28, 2019
it was a light fantasy read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews