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Queen's Quests #2
The Destined Queen
Their time has come!Having awakened the Waiting King, Maura Woodbury thinks her duty to her country is fulfilled. But she finds her task has only begun. Her brave, beloved consort is not all-powerful, as she'd hoped. Maura must journey deep into the heart of Hanish power, in search of a powerful artifact that could secure her country's freedom. This new quest is fraught with danger, not only to Maura's life and cause, but to her belief in herself and her destiny.Queen's Quest Book 1 - The Wizard's Ward Book 2 - The Waiting King Book 3 - The Destined Queen Book 4 - The Fugitive's Fate (Prequel Novella)These books contain no graphic violence or physical intimacy. They are suitable for teens as well as more mature readers. Used print copies of the previous edition may not be suitable for younger readers.Within days of hearing that her publisher was planning to launch a new fantasy imprint, Deborah Hale called her editor and submitted a proposal. Fantasy novels had first inspired her to become a writer. Deborah was delighted to be offered a contract for two connected books and thrilled to be the first Harlequin author to write for the Luna imprint! When Deborah regained the publishing rights to those books she revised the stories into a more conventional fantasy trilogy which she hopes will appeal to an even wider audience.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 26, 2020
I enjoyed this tale of a woman and a man thrust into new roles and responsibilities. I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good fantasy tale with a bit of romance.
August 6, 2017
Rating: 3.8 / 5
I confess that, between this book and the first, The Wizard's Ward is my preferred one out of the series. Despite both books following an interesting storyline and involving the same characters and overall fantasy world, for some reason, the sequel and concluding book of the series just fell flat for me on a few key points. Namely:
The risks weren't as high
Technically speaking, the protagonists have an entire army against them rather than just a few individuals this time, but the fact that they literally have an army of their own behind them, as well as the fact that they're a bit more experienced with taking on an enemy, makes it feel like it's less risky for them personally to be fighting. As well, the descriptions of the violence aren't as vivid this time around, so even when the characters are technically in danger, I don't feel that same sense of apprehension that I felt for the first novel. (As well as the fact that, now that I think about it, I don't think that Maura or Rath ever really get physically hurt in this novel, as they did in the first.)
Even though there are more twists and turns for this book, the characters don't deal with them as well
By this I mean (and without going into too much spoiler territory) that whenever they're confronted with a problem, both Rath and Maura are both held back by their personal misgivings. For Rath, it's jealousy and the constant fear of losing Maura, whereas for her, it becomes a secret of her past. They're both fearful and uncertain of the future, and so Rath lets himself be controlled by someone else, whom, for a while, ends up controlling Maura as well. Now, I hate this character a lot, and really hate how the author made both protagonists let this person carry on as they have for such a long time out of a feeling of "necessity". By the end of the book, I really didn't get what their purpose was, other than to toss in an extra complication to make the conflict more interesting. Instead of making things interesting, though, this just made me feel like Maura and Rath lost some of the good points of their characters from the first book.
There's no more of "the witch and wolf"
That was actually the selling point of the first novel that I was really drawn to: that Rath and Maura were both outcasts who had only each other to rely on in tough situations, taking from what was strongest from each of them. From Rath, it was strength and survival skills, and from Maura, it was healing and resourcefulness in both body and mind. Now though, in the second novel, no one treats them as outlaws anymore, as they take on new roles that they somewhat accept, but in different ways. So, yeah, the charm of my favourite aspect of the first novel was essentially nonexistent in this one.
Well, these were the drawbacks for me in the sequel, but I still gave it a high rating overall. The reasons for this are actually pretty good as well:
+ The writing style was still exactly the same, so I could tell that it was the same fantasy world, the same characters, and the same conflict at hand. It was encouraging to know that the writer was still able to keep her established world intact.
+ The events taking place were still interesting, even though I didn't feel that the risks were as high as before. Mistakes still had consequences, so at least it wasn't easy for the protagonists to go through everything.
+ There was still an equal balance of it being both Maura and Rath's story. Like in the first novel, both of their points of view were described, in third person via the events and emotions that they were going through in the absence of the other.
+ A great twist for Maura's side of the story. I did not see it coming, and I was actually pretty happy with how it all tied in without being too messy or cluttered or anything.
+ The ending. Just knowing that, after a month's delay of getting the book, I was able to finish the story and know how things ended was really satisfying.
All in all, a good enough read, and a suited sequel to the first novel. Now, on to the next read!
I confess that, between this book and the first, The Wizard's Ward is my preferred one out of the series. Despite both books following an interesting storyline and involving the same characters and overall fantasy world, for some reason, the sequel and concluding book of the series just fell flat for me on a few key points. Namely:
The risks weren't as high
Technically speaking, the protagonists have an entire army against them rather than just a few individuals this time, but the fact that they literally have an army of their own behind them, as well as the fact that they're a bit more experienced with taking on an enemy, makes it feel like it's less risky for them personally to be fighting. As well, the descriptions of the violence aren't as vivid this time around, so even when the characters are technically in danger, I don't feel that same sense of apprehension that I felt for the first novel. (As well as the fact that, now that I think about it, I don't think that Maura or Rath ever really get physically hurt in this novel, as they did in the first.)
Even though there are more twists and turns for this book, the characters don't deal with them as well
By this I mean (and without going into too much spoiler territory) that whenever they're confronted with a problem, both Rath and Maura are both held back by their personal misgivings. For Rath, it's jealousy and the constant fear of losing Maura, whereas for her, it becomes a secret of her past. They're both fearful and uncertain of the future, and so Rath lets himself be controlled by someone else, whom, for a while, ends up controlling Maura as well. Now, I hate this character a lot, and really hate how the author made both protagonists let this person carry on as they have for such a long time out of a feeling of "necessity". By the end of the book, I really didn't get what their purpose was, other than to toss in an extra complication to make the conflict more interesting. Instead of making things interesting, though, this just made me feel like Maura and Rath lost some of the good points of their characters from the first book.
There's no more of "the witch and wolf"
That was actually the selling point of the first novel that I was really drawn to: that Rath and Maura were both outcasts who had only each other to rely on in tough situations, taking from what was strongest from each of them. From Rath, it was strength and survival skills, and from Maura, it was healing and resourcefulness in both body and mind. Now though, in the second novel, no one treats them as outlaws anymore, as they take on new roles that they somewhat accept, but in different ways. So, yeah, the charm of my favourite aspect of the first novel was essentially nonexistent in this one.
Well, these were the drawbacks for me in the sequel, but I still gave it a high rating overall. The reasons for this are actually pretty good as well:
+ The writing style was still exactly the same, so I could tell that it was the same fantasy world, the same characters, and the same conflict at hand. It was encouraging to know that the writer was still able to keep her established world intact.
+ The events taking place were still interesting, even though I didn't feel that the risks were as high as before. Mistakes still had consequences, so at least it wasn't easy for the protagonists to go through everything.
+ There was still an equal balance of it being both Maura and Rath's story. Like in the first novel, both of their points of view were described, in third person via the events and emotions that they were going through in the absence of the other.
+ A great twist for Maura's side of the story. I did not see it coming, and I was actually pretty happy with how it all tied in without being too messy or cluttered or anything.
+ The ending. Just knowing that, after a month's delay of getting the book, I was able to finish the story and know how things ended was really satisfying.
All in all, a good enough read, and a suited sequel to the first novel. Now, on to the next read!
September 17, 2017
This book was slllooowwwww in parts.
It got super annoying with that "uber good guy" who was CLEARLY a villain the whole goddamn time ...
And it was just a lot of Maura and Rath being ... I don't know - Maura isn't the brightest when it comes to survival or safety. And then her and the scholar's trip ... Clearly even though I read it less than a week ago I'm not remembering the secondary character's names.
I did like the ending, and when Maura was invisible under the table in the castle, and how they had to go to a DIFFERENT castle - but it felt like a lot was filler. :\
Maura and Rath just had to COMMUNICATE. But never did, and it was super frustrating.
C-, C--
It got super annoying with that "uber good guy" who was CLEARLY a villain the whole goddamn time ...
And it was just a lot of Maura and Rath being ... I don't know - Maura isn't the brightest when it comes to survival or safety. And then her and the scholar's trip ... Clearly even though I read it less than a week ago I'm not remembering the secondary character's names.
I did like the ending, and when Maura was invisible under the table in the castle, and how they had to go to a DIFFERENT castle - but it felt like a lot was filler. :\
Maura and Rath just had to COMMUNICATE. But never did, and it was super frustrating.
C-, C--
January 11, 2013
After finishing
The Wizard's Ward
, which I enjoyed, I knew I had to go ahead and finish out this two-book story with The Destined Queen, and conveniently I had the second book close at hand. By the way, if you haven't read the first book, there will be some spoilers in this review... I had admitted to worrying that I wouldn't enjoy the second book as much as the first because the anticipation of the eventual romance between Maura and Rath wouldn't be there. And while it wasn't, Hale was adept enough with her story-telling that there were other events that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout much of the book.
Maura and Rath, as the Destined Queen and Waiting King, embark on another series of adventures -- first to the Vesten Islands, where they are called once they learn the truth about themselves at the end of the first book. On the islands, they are married and plan out the remainder of their quest to save Umbria from the destruction of the Hans. We meet the Oracle of Margyle, who was an unexpected character (you'd have to read the story to find out why!) and managed to unwittingly cause some mischief as oracles often do when sharing their prophesies.
Nearly half of the story actually sees Maura and Rath apart from each other, so at least there is the anticipation of their eventual reunion! Hale managed to surprise with some twists throughout the story -- Maura learns some shocking truths about her heritage that you can only imagine would be used against her in the form of blackmail. I was happy with how Hale chose to resolve that bit of the storyline, though... Maura remained true to her portrayal as a strong heroine, in the end. I will say that the portion of the adventure with Maura and Rath apart from each other was a bit slower than the rest of the book. We alternate between their points of view and it just didn't seem like the story advanced much during Rath's chapters as it did during Maura's. Overall, I did enjoy The Destined Queen as much as The Wizard's Ward!
Read this if you like...
- What I like to call "lighter" epic fantasy
- A bit of romance thrown into your adventure (it's not over the top)
*This is my third book towards the #TakeControl March 2013 TBR Challenge
**Originally posted at Melissa's Bookshelf.
Maura and Rath, as the Destined Queen and Waiting King, embark on another series of adventures -- first to the Vesten Islands, where they are called once they learn the truth about themselves at the end of the first book. On the islands, they are married and plan out the remainder of their quest to save Umbria from the destruction of the Hans. We meet the Oracle of Margyle, who was an unexpected character (you'd have to read the story to find out why!) and managed to unwittingly cause some mischief as oracles often do when sharing their prophesies.
Nearly half of the story actually sees Maura and Rath apart from each other, so at least there is the anticipation of their eventual reunion! Hale managed to surprise with some twists throughout the story -- Maura learns some shocking truths about her heritage that you can only imagine would be used against her in the form of blackmail. I was happy with how Hale chose to resolve that bit of the storyline, though... Maura remained true to her portrayal as a strong heroine, in the end. I will say that the portion of the adventure with Maura and Rath apart from each other was a bit slower than the rest of the book. We alternate between their points of view and it just didn't seem like the story advanced much during Rath's chapters as it did during Maura's. Overall, I did enjoy The Destined Queen as much as The Wizard's Ward!
Read this if you like...
- What I like to call "lighter" epic fantasy
- A bit of romance thrown into your adventure (it's not over the top)
*This is my third book towards the #TakeControl March 2013 TBR Challenge
**Originally posted at Melissa's Bookshelf.
June 23, 2021
A perfect sequel to The Wizards Ward, however nothing can measure up against the first books perfection so I’ve had to give it 4 stars not 5. The continuation of the story in this book is brilliant, it takes you on a journey you wouldn’t expect and tests Maura and Rath in ways you love and hate at the same time. The way Deborah writes is so visual, I just get so lost in this series!
November 8, 2015
After finishing The Wizard's Ward,which I enjoyed, I immediately ordered The Destined Queen. Maura and Rath, as the Destined Queen and Waiting King, embark on another series of adventures -- first to the Vesten Islands, where they are called once they learn the truth about themselves at the end of the first book. On the islands, they're married,and then crowned King and queen, then they plan out the remainder of their quest to save Umbria from the destruction of the Hans. We meet the Oracle of Margyle, who was certainly an unexpected character (you'd have to read the story to find out why!) and managed to unwittingly cause some mischief as oracles often do when sharing their prophesies.
Nearly half of the story actually sees Maura and Rath apart from each other, so at least there is the anticipation of their eventual reunion! Hale managed to surprise me with twists throughout the story -- Maura learns some shocking truths about her heritage that you can only imagine would be used against her in the form of blackmail. I was happy with how Hale chose to resolve that bit of the storyline, though... Maura remained true to her portrayal as a strong heroine.Overall, I did enjoy The Destined Queen as much as The Wizard's Ward!
Jack Murphy
Nearly half of the story actually sees Maura and Rath apart from each other, so at least there is the anticipation of their eventual reunion! Hale managed to surprise me with twists throughout the story -- Maura learns some shocking truths about her heritage that you can only imagine would be used against her in the form of blackmail. I was happy with how Hale chose to resolve that bit of the storyline, though... Maura remained true to her portrayal as a strong heroine.Overall, I did enjoy The Destined Queen as much as The Wizard's Ward!
Jack Murphy
April 14, 2011
I read The Wizard's Ward, the 1st book in this series, and fell in love with the fantasy world that Deborah Hale created. I had trouble finding this book (I purchased it before I purchased my Kindle), but it was well worth it! This book is even more fantastic than The Wizard's Ward. I didn't think it could get any better! Maura has awakened Rath, the "Waiting King", and she is indeed the "Destined Queen." Maura & Rath must travel into the unknown to search for and fulfill their destinies. The two evolve reconciling themselves to what they need to do and become - to free their beloved Umbria. Along the way, they learn more about themselves and each other and the Old Ways. This book is a wonderful story of adventure, romance, magic, witches, wizards, paranormal creatures, action and much more... I didn't want the story to end. I would not recommend that you read this book on its own... you need to read the 1st book, The Wizard's Ward, first to set the stage. I do highly recommend this series... it's one of the best I've ever read... If you love the Harry Potter series, the Twilight series, Discovery of Witches as I do... you'll have found another series to love.
November 22, 2011
QUALITY: 3
ENJOYABILITY: 2
This book was definitely better than the first, but it was also a lot less fun, especially in the second half. The first was quite wonderful. I loved the Vesten Islands and their different culture, loved the stuff with the sea-faring adventures and Captain Gull. But when they headed back to the mainland, everything from there on felt slow and unwieldy and unfocused.
I enjoyed these books for what they are: a fun, easy diversion, but I'm glad there isn't a third one, even though I really want to know what ended up happening with Idrygon. It did the job of cleansing my pallet from heavy reads that really 100% engaged me and devastated me when they were over. I liked the world quite a bit, but the characters apart from Maura and Rath were just too shallow and given no time to shine and after 900 pages of them they've been stretched a bit thin.
ENJOYABILITY: 2
This book was definitely better than the first, but it was also a lot less fun, especially in the second half. The first was quite wonderful. I loved the Vesten Islands and their different culture, loved the stuff with the sea-faring adventures and Captain Gull. But when they headed back to the mainland, everything from there on felt slow and unwieldy and unfocused.
I enjoyed these books for what they are: a fun, easy diversion, but I'm glad there isn't a third one, even though I really want to know what ended up happening with Idrygon. It did the job of cleansing my pallet from heavy reads that really 100% engaged me and devastated me when they were over. I liked the world quite a bit, but the characters apart from Maura and Rath were just too shallow and given no time to shine and after 900 pages of them they've been stretched a bit thin.
April 9, 2011
The story was a nice conclusion, though the end did seem a little rushed (though, it did manage to suprise me a few times). The action and the drama are extremely well written, but whenevre she got to a romantic part, the writing turned into over the top, flowery, purpule prose that made you gag on how sugery it was. When it comes to the romance scenes, it really seemed like Hale was trying WAY too hard.
July 25, 2010
Definitely not as good as the first- which wasn't that good to begin with so that's not saying much. The ending was a big let down, it almost felt as though the author just wanted to get it done and over with. I would say this novel was aimed towards a much younger age group, like early teens or even younger.
May 27, 2012
For a while, my friend and I were obsessed with all the books published with the LUNA logo; however, it seems like the publishers tried too hard to keep a steady flow of these novels at the expense of actually seeking out quality feminist fantastical fiction.
February 13, 2013
A nice follow up to their story. I didn't quite feel it as much as the first, but I think that was because the first was a lovely romance, and this was the pair fulfilling their destiny. Loved the characters, loved their story. Well done.
January 21, 2015
I had to skip a lot of scenes in this book due to graphic material. One might wonder why I finished the series, but I did want to see how it ended. Not that great. Pretty choppy writing with several non-essential, ill fitting scenes. The characters are limited.
August 27, 2010
This was truthful a random book I found to keep myself occupied during a long trip. It was entertaining to read but not truly memorable.
April 10, 2013
never read the first book but i think i got the gist
this wasnt a suck up fairy tale book so for that im grateful
this wasnt a suck up fairy tale book so for that im grateful
October 26, 2017
The Destined Queen (Umbria, #2) by Deborah Hale – Though I liked the first book better, this is still a great read! Happy Reading!
February 15, 2019
Awesome book, awesome writing. Everything come together.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews