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The Forbidden Queen #2
Innocent Queen
She is Baylore’s most hated queen. And her fight has just begun.
When Queen Kalleah takes the throne, she must win the trust of her people if she is to save Baylore from civil war. But the anti-magic group calling themselves Truthbringers are gathering more followers than ever.
Kalleah tries courting her people’s favor with feasts and dances and universally popular laws, but none of it helps.
Then a dead body is found in the city, and it looks very much like the murderer is someone with Kalleah’s forbidden power.
Someone is trying to frame her.
The political climate in Baylore gets messier and messier as Kalleah tries to prove her innocence—and in the meantime, more signs point toward her guilt.
When riots break out and the palace itself is threatened, Kalleah must resort to desperate measures to ensure the safety of her country.
Can Kalleah overthrow the Truthbringers before they seize Baylore? Or is it too late?
When Queen Kalleah takes the throne, she must win the trust of her people if she is to save Baylore from civil war. But the anti-magic group calling themselves Truthbringers are gathering more followers than ever.
Kalleah tries courting her people’s favor with feasts and dances and universally popular laws, but none of it helps.
Then a dead body is found in the city, and it looks very much like the murderer is someone with Kalleah’s forbidden power.
Someone is trying to frame her.
The political climate in Baylore gets messier and messier as Kalleah tries to prove her innocence—and in the meantime, more signs point toward her guilt.
When riots break out and the palace itself is threatened, Kalleah must resort to desperate measures to ensure the safety of her country.
Can Kalleah overthrow the Truthbringers before they seize Baylore? Or is it too late?
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2020
59 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Vickers
23 books70 followersR.J. Vickers is the bestselling author of the Natural Order YA fantasy series, the Forbidden Queen epic fantasy series, and several other standalone fantasy novels set in the world of the Kinship Thrones.
Originally from Colorado, Vickers now lives in New Zealand with her husband, where she enjoys hiking to backcountry huts, writing at adorable cafes, crocheting blankets and amigurumi, and baking delicious treats.
She is also an avid traveler, and spent most of 2019 exploring southern Africa and eastern Asia before continuing to Europe.
She loves harvesting landscapes and cultural ephemera from around the globe to enrich her fantasy world--New Zealand, Finland, Alaska, Namibia, Hawaii, Ireland, and South Korea all make cameos in her imaginary lands.
You can learn more about her writing and travels at www.rjvickers.com.
Originally from Colorado, Vickers now lives in New Zealand with her husband, where she enjoys hiking to backcountry huts, writing at adorable cafes, crocheting blankets and amigurumi, and baking delicious treats.
She is also an avid traveler, and spent most of 2019 exploring southern Africa and eastern Asia before continuing to Europe.
She loves harvesting landscapes and cultural ephemera from around the globe to enrich her fantasy world--New Zealand, Finland, Alaska, Namibia, Hawaii, Ireland, and South Korea all make cameos in her imaginary lands.
You can learn more about her writing and travels at www.rjvickers.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 13, 2020
4.5
It’s all a game, Your Majesty, and whoever realizes it controls the pieces
What a sequel,my friends.
I believe that this is the book where we see Kalleah's character development because of the events than happen and the things she has to do.
Probably my only problem with this book is the dislike-on-my-crush/ex's-new-relationship is just...no. I understand that it comes as a spontaneous feeling but I don't like it.
Other than that I enjoyed the new characters that were introduced (Mellicante you are my queen) and I hope we get to see more on their backstories and their development in the next book.
Also,something I wanted to mention(it might be irrelevant but...)is that thankfully the series isn't focused on romance and rather we get to see the plot and conflicts and characters.
I'd recommend picking this series if you're interested in political action more than battles and fights. Though the latter exists too,the political conflicts are more present and I really like that.
PS: I feel that Kalleah will turn into a Rick Grimes in the third book and to be honest, I'm here for it.
April 14, 2020
ONE DELECTABLE THRILL RIDE!!!
Holy hell! Vickers drops one explosive, jaw dropping, chart topping bombshell, that hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration with this intense storyline and high octane plot that blasts this bad boy wide open. Vickers rocks to her own beat melding this baby together sleek, shiny and tight. A churning vortex of vexing circumstances and a bevy of conflicting surprises push those intense emotions to life smoothly. Pushing through all the trials and tribulations with so much unexpected drama, deception and thrilling suspense hurls this baby to a whole new level. The characters and their on point personalities are original, intriguing and strong. Solid individuals who balance out and play off one another beautifully. The scenes are graphically detailed to give you a full understanding and realism that flows smoothly from each scenario without a hitch. Fantastic job Vickers, thanks for sharing this incredible little jewel with us.
Holy hell! Vickers drops one explosive, jaw dropping, chart topping bombshell, that hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration with this intense storyline and high octane plot that blasts this bad boy wide open. Vickers rocks to her own beat melding this baby together sleek, shiny and tight. A churning vortex of vexing circumstances and a bevy of conflicting surprises push those intense emotions to life smoothly. Pushing through all the trials and tribulations with so much unexpected drama, deception and thrilling suspense hurls this baby to a whole new level. The characters and their on point personalities are original, intriguing and strong. Solid individuals who balance out and play off one another beautifully. The scenes are graphically detailed to give you a full understanding and realism that flows smoothly from each scenario without a hitch. Fantastic job Vickers, thanks for sharing this incredible little jewel with us.
September 7, 2020
She is Baylore’s most hated queen. And her fight has just begun.
R.J. Vickers has absolutely nailed it with this second book in the series .
This is one of those unputdownable books that once you start you have to finish.
This story flows and moves and in this one to me you really get to see the growth of the main character along with some new characters that add to this story . The character development is spot on and the world building is perfect.
I already know if you have read the first book then you are planning to read this one , but if you haven't read the first book then definitely stop reading this review and go pick up book 1 and 2 you will not be disappointed. So read it , love it , and then leave a review . Reviews help the authors more than you know .
P.s. Is this not some of the best covers you have ever seen . 🙂🙂🙂
R.J. Vickers has absolutely nailed it with this second book in the series .
This is one of those unputdownable books that once you start you have to finish.
This story flows and moves and in this one to me you really get to see the growth of the main character along with some new characters that add to this story . The character development is spot on and the world building is perfect.
I already know if you have read the first book then you are planning to read this one , but if you haven't read the first book then definitely stop reading this review and go pick up book 1 and 2 you will not be disappointed. So read it , love it , and then leave a review . Reviews help the authors more than you know .
P.s. Is this not some of the best covers you have ever seen . 🙂🙂🙂
June 8, 2020
Thank you to the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
#1.) Forbidden Queen ★★★★
My rating: ★★★.5
Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this one as much as the first. It was still a good book though! 3.5 stars is not a bad rating from me at all!
In the second book of the YA Forbidden Queen fantasy series, we once again follow Kalleah the most hated Queen in Baylore's history. Someone is trying to frame her as the Truthbringers gather more followers, and she tries desperately hard to win favour in the court.
This book focused mostly on the political drama of the Baylore court. And there was no romance at all. This is fine but I like my books with a romance plot as well so that may have played into my final rating of the book.
I really liked some of the new characters we met. Especially, Baridya, Mellicante, and Quendon. My favourite scene was
I also did not like Kalleah much in this book which is a change as I did like her in the first. I can't quite put my finger on why I didn't like her though. I actually found myself cringing at some of the things she said or did.
Throughout the book, I always thought some big plot twist or reveal was coming. That someone close to her was about to stab her in the back but it never came.
I'm not sure if this fantasy world is based on medieval times but every time I read the word "yeah" I just found it a bit jarring as the image that the author was painting was that the world was more medieval, but I could be wrong.
In the end, I did enjoy this and will continue the series.
#1.) Forbidden Queen ★★★★
My rating: ★★★.5
Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this one as much as the first. It was still a good book though! 3.5 stars is not a bad rating from me at all!
In the second book of the YA Forbidden Queen fantasy series, we once again follow Kalleah the most hated Queen in Baylore's history. Someone is trying to frame her as the Truthbringers gather more followers, and she tries desperately hard to win favour in the court.
This book focused mostly on the political drama of the Baylore court. And there was no romance at all. This is fine but I like my books with a romance plot as well so that may have played into my final rating of the book.
I really liked some of the new characters we met. Especially, Baridya, Mellicante, and Quendon. My favourite scene was
I also did not like Kalleah much in this book which is a change as I did like her in the first. I can't quite put my finger on why I didn't like her though. I actually found myself cringing at some of the things she said or did.
Throughout the book, I always thought some big plot twist or reveal was coming. That someone close to her was about to stab her in the back but it never came.
I'm not sure if this fantasy world is based on medieval times but every time I read the word "yeah" I just found it a bit jarring as the image that the author was painting was that the world was more medieval, but I could be wrong.
In the end, I did enjoy this and will continue the series.
April 16, 2020
Innocent Queen is the sequel of Forbidden Queen, by R.J. Vickers. I'm grateful to be given an e-arc of this book. This has not affected my review. THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE FIRST BOOK
In this sequel, queen Kalleah just started her reign after winning the vote from Leoth. Her current task is to win the trust of her people, but the anti-magic group called the Truthbringers is gathering more and more followers. And now, instead of just promoting discrimination against the magic races, they're also framing Kalleah for murder. So instead of winning her people's trust, Kalleah has to prove her innocence.
R.J. Vickers has done a fantastic job with Innocent Queen. It was an amazing ride from start to finish, I couldn't put the book (or in this case, my phone) down. You could see how much Kalleah wanted to do what was right for her people, but she experienced so many setbacks. Thankfully, Kalleah finally received some support from newly introduced characters inside the palace, in contrast to the first book.
Even though I loved the book, I disliked how the plot was solely made of setbacks. Kalleah does something --> Kalleah has to take 2 steps back --> Kalleah does something new --> Kalleah is framed. It's a constant pattern throughout the book. I would have loved to see Kalleah really accomplish something, but I expect that will happen in the next book: Regenerade Queen.
I highly recommend this series if you're looking for a short fantasy read with a quick pace. It includes problems such as discrimination, (media) framing and broken trust, so be prepared for the ride!
4 stars
In this sequel, queen Kalleah just started her reign after winning the vote from Leoth. Her current task is to win the trust of her people, but the anti-magic group called the Truthbringers is gathering more and more followers. And now, instead of just promoting discrimination against the magic races, they're also framing Kalleah for murder. So instead of winning her people's trust, Kalleah has to prove her innocence.
R.J. Vickers has done a fantastic job with Innocent Queen. It was an amazing ride from start to finish, I couldn't put the book (or in this case, my phone) down. You could see how much Kalleah wanted to do what was right for her people, but she experienced so many setbacks. Thankfully, Kalleah finally received some support from newly introduced characters inside the palace, in contrast to the first book.
Even though I loved the book, I disliked how the plot was solely made of setbacks. Kalleah does something --> Kalleah has to take 2 steps back --> Kalleah does something new --> Kalleah is framed. It's a constant pattern throughout the book. I would have loved to see Kalleah really accomplish something, but I expect that will happen in the next book: Regenerade Queen.
I highly recommend this series if you're looking for a short fantasy read with a quick pace. It includes problems such as discrimination, (media) framing and broken trust, so be prepared for the ride!
4 stars
April 12, 2020
Wow! Mrs.Vickers has done it again! Innocent Queen is such a great story. I enjoyed it just as much as the first book in the series. The mystery and suspense had me reading at full speed.
Queen Kalleah is stronger than she thinks and truly loves her people. She has a few loyal supporters, but I think that's going to increase in book 3.
I can't figure out Leoth! He's a thorn in Kalleah's side. I'm looking forward to finding out what he's really about. Does he secretly support her or not?
Now I patiently wait to see what happens next.
I had the privilege of receiving an advanced reader copy in exchange for my review.
Queen Kalleah is stronger than she thinks and truly loves her people. She has a few loyal supporters, but I think that's going to increase in book 3.
I can't figure out Leoth! He's a thorn in Kalleah's side. I'm looking forward to finding out what he's really about. Does he secretly support her or not?
Now I patiently wait to see what happens next.
I had the privilege of receiving an advanced reader copy in exchange for my review.
April 15, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! It’s the 2nd in the series, and it is best if you read them in order. Kalleah is trying to win the favour of her people but it isn’t going so well. She loves her people but someone doesn’t want her to remain in power. This book has a lot of suspense and political intrigue which will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen! I definitely recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 5, 2020
I received a complimentary copy of Innocent Queen in exchange for an honest review.
It is rare that a book series gets better and better as the story progresses through the books, but this series one of those. The second installment finds our heroine in the role of queen, but hated by most of the people in the city and the palace. She finds road blocks to every law she tries to pass and is sabotaged and framed as well. The climax of the story is action packed and will leave you instantly downloading the third book!
It is rare that a book series gets better and better as the story progresses through the books, but this series one of those. The second installment finds our heroine in the role of queen, but hated by most of the people in the city and the palace. She finds road blocks to every law she tries to pass and is sabotaged and framed as well. The climax of the story is action packed and will leave you instantly downloading the third book!
April 9, 2020
The lovely thing receiving the second book in a series is that it gives a reason to re-read the first book in order to ‘set the scene’ so to speak. It seems a bit bland to say that I enjoyed reading both these books - however, I did enjoy getting to know the inhabitants to Baylore and exploring their town. I have to admit that I am not very good at remembering the correct spelling of characters so please excuse me if I get them wrong - Kalleah has a lot to contend with. I found Cal a delight, Leoth an enigma and her parents difficult.
April 15, 2020
This is the 5th book I've read written by R.J. Vickers; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
April 17, 2020
A thrilling ride for the second book in this series. Yet another rollercoaster of emotions ups and downs. I felt the connection and turmoil throughout the novel and it was very exciting and I didn’t felt there was a lull at all. I highly recommend this series and can not wait to find out what happens in the next book.
I NEED MORE.
I NEED MORE.
April 18, 2020
WOW! That was just so full of twists and turns and surprises! Kalleah just can’t seem to catch a break. I would really like to see the Truthbringers get brought down. The group of them is a nasty piece of work and they are pure evil. I can’t wait to find out what happens next. This was just such a stunner of a story. I really truly LOVE this series!
April 11, 2020
I liked this book better than the first. Everything seems to be going wrong and I was at the edge of my seat needing to know what would happen next. This ends in a cliffhanger and I can't wait to read the next book!!
April 18, 2020
Intrigue! I am loving this series by R J Vickers. Her world-building and character development are outstanding. I couldn't put the book down until I had read the whole thing. I guess that makes it a page-turner. I am looking forward to the rest of the story. I know it will be awesome.
April 15, 2020
What an outstanding story. Kalleah is a strong and intriguing character. Trying to keep her kingdom safe isn’t easy. Couldn’t get enough of the story.
April 17, 2020
This is one epic ride! Well written some serious suprises and wow when's book 3 cause I need to know what happens!!!! Fantastic job 🙌👏👍
October 2, 2020
The Innocent Queen is sequenses of the 1st book Forbidden queen and if u didnt read it till now u should stop this and immediately get it! In this book main character go through so many obstacles it develope a huge growth! If u expect some typical love story thats not the case its more like political servival getting the right decision and become the better version of real leader and ruler. The author one more time created real feast for her readers! Like i said on the previews review i start from the last book but u should really go from the 1st one so u can trully enjoy of the story, cause if u dont follow the story line u will be wonder like me through the whole book!
May 23, 2020
Vickers knocks it right out of the park!
Kalleah has to now deal with the Truthbringers as Queen and prove that magic users aren't evil.
I was just as caught up in this one as I was the first. The plot and politics, the twists and turns, the characters and developments make every page a joy to read.
I believe this was even better written than the first. It flowed and the characters seem more developed. In the first few chapters I was skeptical of the "newer" untrusting Kalleah, but I think her development throughout took us exactly where Vickers wanted us to be in the story.
I cannot wait for the third installment of this series. Definitely 5/5 for me!
Kalleah has to now deal with the Truthbringers as Queen and prove that magic users aren't evil.
I was just as caught up in this one as I was the first. The plot and politics, the twists and turns, the characters and developments make every page a joy to read.
I believe this was even better written than the first. It flowed and the characters seem more developed. In the first few chapters I was skeptical of the "newer" untrusting Kalleah, but I think her development throughout took us exactly where Vickers wanted us to be in the story.
I cannot wait for the third installment of this series. Definitely 5/5 for me!
May 23, 2020
This is turning out to be a great series, one that I am eager to carry on with and this second book is every bit as awesome as the first! The world the author has built is just incredible and a place you can easily lose yourself in and the storyline is addictive and full of twists and turns and intrigue and magic. I love the characters and am enjoying their growth and development and cannot wait to read what happens next!
May 10, 2020
I enjoyed this story very much so. It had a well-thought out premise with plenty of extremely interesting characters. The main character was increasingly fascinating and I never found myself wanting to quit reading the story. I finished it all rather quickly and would definitely recommend this book to others wanting to try this author out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 15, 2020
Framed for Murder
I thoroughly enjoyed the first installment of this series, and I was looking forward to the next one. I'm pleased to say that it did not disappoint. It starts off with a bang when our new queen hears of a murder not far from the palace at a place called, somewhat humorously, The Queen's Bed. There's no apparent cause of death, bringing suspicion immediately that she, as an Extractor (one who can slowly bleed the life force from people or other living things that she is near), has done it. Are the Truthbringers framing her? And this is just the beginning of the twists and turns in this book. The queen in this book is certainly different than the young girl in the last one. She is stronger and less trusting and naive, fitting what she has been through. There is a lot of court intrigue in this one, and the author has done so with a smooth and immersive style. She really does get you into the mind of the heroine, truly seeing and experiencing her world through her eyes. All in all, I found this to be an excellent book. You do certainly have to read these books in order to fully appreciate them.
I received a free copy of this book from the author, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
I thoroughly enjoyed the first installment of this series, and I was looking forward to the next one. I'm pleased to say that it did not disappoint. It starts off with a bang when our new queen hears of a murder not far from the palace at a place called, somewhat humorously, The Queen's Bed. There's no apparent cause of death, bringing suspicion immediately that she, as an Extractor (one who can slowly bleed the life force from people or other living things that she is near), has done it. Are the Truthbringers framing her? And this is just the beginning of the twists and turns in this book. The queen in this book is certainly different than the young girl in the last one. She is stronger and less trusting and naive, fitting what she has been through. There is a lot of court intrigue in this one, and the author has done so with a smooth and immersive style. She really does get you into the mind of the heroine, truly seeing and experiencing her world through her eyes. All in all, I found this to be an excellent book. You do certainly have to read these books in order to fully appreciate them.
I received a free copy of this book from the author, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
June 18, 2020
Innocent Queen is the second book in the Forbidden Queen series. Kalleah now is the queen of Baylore, but the people hate her. She has to win the trust and love from the people and this is a difficult task. It's even more difficult when a dead body shows up. Someone is trying to frame Kalleah because the evidence points to her. Just like the first book, I loved the storyline. There's a lot of mystery and I like to read about the politics in the palace. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 6, 2020
I received a copy of this book from the author.
This was a 3.5 stars for me. I want to love this book, I really do. I feel that it has such potential but it is not fleshed out as it should. On a positive note, I think the flow of the writing has much improved compared to book 1 although there is still no show, just tell. Also, we got to see a bit more of the interesting ruling system in this book.
This book left me with many questions.
Why would Kalleah's mother choose her ladies-in-waiting based on their beauty?
Why would Kalleah trust her ladies-in-waiting so quickly considering the betrayal she just went through?
Why would Kalleah be embarassed that she didn't order a hit on Leoth?
Why have a meeting discussing information that must remain secret in a very public common area where known enemies have access?
How do successful curfews prove that Thruthbringers should be banned from Baylore? I really don't see the correlation between the two.
And why of why is the subplot about Leoth's birth certificate and his secret that would destroy is life abandoned? - They mentioned it in book 1 and then nothing. I really thought it would pick back up when Kalleah notices a resemblance between Leoth and Morisse! I feel like a huge opportunity was missed here.
I am disappointed that, though there is a great magical world that has been built, it is not used or described to its full potential. For example, if one of the forbidden races can fix the time and cause of a person's death (as per the glossary), why don't they suspect that as a possibility for the murders?
Deance reveals that she's a minstrel. Why not make her use her power?
I do think some passages should be more fleshed out to give us better insight into Kalleah's thoughts and to better follow through with the story.
Why isn't Kalleah reacting to his mention of a fair election when she bribed nearly half of her voters? Does she have no scruples and think that she truly won fair and square?
There is also a mention that a guard had broken into her old tower after they disposed of Misha's body. Why was that guard there? Why break into a supposedly empty room? Was he tipped off that he would find another body? If Kalleah is not asking these questions, she may not be astute enough to be queen after all.
I also found that Kalleah was flipflopping a lot in her opinion of people. On one hand, she believes that Quendon could be an assassin, and then shortly after calls him a firm ally. Same goes for Ornan - she realizes that he is a stranger and that she gave him much freedom and orders him to lock himself in a room but then allows him to return to her guard for the ball without having ascertained that he wasn't a murderer. Why does she trust him again so easily?
Just like the first book, the storyline kept me entertained enough to continue with this series but I do hope that the next books get more fleshed out and leave me with less questions.
This was a 3.5 stars for me. I want to love this book, I really do. I feel that it has such potential but it is not fleshed out as it should. On a positive note, I think the flow of the writing has much improved compared to book 1 although there is still no show, just tell. Also, we got to see a bit more of the interesting ruling system in this book.
This book left me with many questions.
Why would Kalleah's mother choose her ladies-in-waiting based on their beauty?
Why would Kalleah trust her ladies-in-waiting so quickly considering the betrayal she just went through?
Why would Kalleah be embarassed that she didn't order a hit on Leoth?
Why have a meeting discussing information that must remain secret in a very public common area where known enemies have access?
How do successful curfews prove that Thruthbringers should be banned from Baylore? I really don't see the correlation between the two.
And why of why is the subplot about Leoth's birth certificate and his secret that would destroy is life abandoned? - They mentioned it in book 1 and then nothing. I really thought it would pick back up when Kalleah notices a resemblance between Leoth and Morisse! I feel like a huge opportunity was missed here.
I am disappointed that, though there is a great magical world that has been built, it is not used or described to its full potential. For example, if one of the forbidden races can fix the time and cause of a person's death (as per the glossary), why don't they suspect that as a possibility for the murders?
Deance reveals that she's a minstrel. Why not make her use her power?
I do think some passages should be more fleshed out to give us better insight into Kalleah's thoughts and to better follow through with the story.
However, you have taken the throne in a fair election, so I intend to see that you are allowed the same authority as any monarch.
Why isn't Kalleah reacting to his mention of a fair election when she bribed nearly half of her voters? Does she have no scruples and think that she truly won fair and square?
There is also a mention that a guard had broken into her old tower after they disposed of Misha's body. Why was that guard there? Why break into a supposedly empty room? Was he tipped off that he would find another body? If Kalleah is not asking these questions, she may not be astute enough to be queen after all.
I also found that Kalleah was flipflopping a lot in her opinion of people. On one hand, she believes that Quendon could be an assassin, and then shortly after calls him a firm ally. Same goes for Ornan - she realizes that he is a stranger and that she gave him much freedom and orders him to lock himself in a room but then allows him to return to her guard for the ball without having ascertained that he wasn't a murderer. Why does she trust him again so easily?
Just like the first book, the storyline kept me entertained enough to continue with this series but I do hope that the next books get more fleshed out and leave me with less questions.
April 15, 2020
This novel was an enjoyable sequel to the first novel in the series. So much mayhem, plots, betrayals, and hidden motives. No one is who they appear to be and loyalty is a rarity. Kalleah has become queen, but her reign is nothing but trouble, by those within the palace and those outside of it as well. The Truthbringers want to destroy all magical persons, but many are too blind to see the truth to their motives. Kalleah wants to improve the lives of her people and stop discrimination, but faces much opposition. Kalleah makes some bad choices which will cost her, but tries to be a good queen. Spies are everywhere and Kalleah has very few people she can trust. Kalleah investigates the Truthbringers and the discovery of their plans troubles her greatly, for it appears there is so much more than just removing her from the throne. Kalleah needs to discover their true objectives before the entire kingdom falls to the evil of the Truthbringers. Looking forward to Kalleah's next phase of her journey!
I received this novel from Booksprout. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received this novel from Booksprout. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 12, 2021
Questo secondo libro racconta la nuova vita di Kalleah e le sue enormi difficoltà a palazzo. Ci sono diversi momenti in cui avrei voluto abbracciarla, non lo nego, per la sua dedizione e per l'opposizione che incontra in ogni momento della sua vita.
L'autrice è bravissima a scandagliare la mente della protagonista, la sua fatica e nonostante tutto il suo desiderio di dimostrare che quello che vuole è solo il bene del suo paese.
Il romance giustamente è scarsamente presente, perché la storia s'incentra sui primi passi di Kalleah nel suo nuovo ruolo e i complotti e le manovre nascoste che i suoi detrattori agiscono per detronizzarla.
Ho molto apprezzato il dibattito interiore della protagonista e il fatto che, come tutti noi, si ritrova a fare scelte difficili e sbagliate cercando di fare il meglio di sé.
Non è un'eroina, solo una giovane donna con poca esperienza del mondo che cerca di fare la cosa giusta.
Non vedo l'ora di mettere le mani sul terzo!
L'autrice è bravissima a scandagliare la mente della protagonista, la sua fatica e nonostante tutto il suo desiderio di dimostrare che quello che vuole è solo il bene del suo paese.
Il romance giustamente è scarsamente presente, perché la storia s'incentra sui primi passi di Kalleah nel suo nuovo ruolo e i complotti e le manovre nascoste che i suoi detrattori agiscono per detronizzarla.
Ho molto apprezzato il dibattito interiore della protagonista e il fatto che, come tutti noi, si ritrova a fare scelte difficili e sbagliate cercando di fare il meglio di sé.
Non è un'eroina, solo una giovane donna con poca esperienza del mondo che cerca di fare la cosa giusta.
Non vedo l'ora di mettere le mani sul terzo!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2020
Innocent Queen, R.J. Vicker's second installment in her Forbidden Queen Series, takes us on a ride filled with all manners of twists and turns. Kalleah must deal with further political unrest, while forging her way through a mess of impossible decisions. The truthbringers are trying to create mayhem to eventually remove her crown. Kalleah is desperately trying to get her subjects to see the truthbringers for wht they are, and to remove them from Baylore altogether. Will she survive the political upheaval, or will her decisions be her downfall? Although heavy on political affairs, I liked that it was filled with mayhem and magical races, twists and turns, intrigue and even worse. I can't wait to see what book 3 brings!
October 19, 2025
Innocent Queen is the sequel to Forbidden Queen by R,J. Vickers.
Book One ended with Princess Kalleah Reycoran defeating Prince Leothe's challenge for the throne, thus she became Baylore's ruling Queen. Kalleah inherited a city splintered by existing tensions between its magical and nonmagical citizens. Some citizens distrusted, even feared, their new Monarch, who possessed a type of forbidden magic. Politically, her rule began on unstable grounds, with politics commanding a central role throughout the book. Kaleah did love her people, wanting to do right by them. However, murder, misconceptions, turmoil, incredibly poor choices, betrayal and trauma held sway. (Also beware if you are faint of heart, as I felt totally appalled in a couple of instances.)
Book One ended with Princess Kalleah Reycoran defeating Prince Leothe's challenge for the throne, thus she became Baylore's ruling Queen. Kalleah inherited a city splintered by existing tensions between its magical and nonmagical citizens. Some citizens distrusted, even feared, their new Monarch, who possessed a type of forbidden magic. Politically, her rule began on unstable grounds, with politics commanding a central role throughout the book. Kaleah did love her people, wanting to do right by them. However, murder, misconceptions, turmoil, incredibly poor choices, betrayal and trauma held sway. (Also beware if you are faint of heart, as I felt totally appalled in a couple of instances.)
April 26, 2020
After reading this book, I wanted to write and post this review to share my honest experiences toward the story.
Wow, what an amazing sequel. Things really pick up from the first page, and the action and suspense keep going right until the end. There were so many twists and turns, it made this book addictive, very difficult for me to put down. It was an exciting, heart-pounding read which truly was a pleasure to read. I honestly did not expect things to turn out how they did, and am look forward to seeing how the series will continue.
Wow, what an amazing sequel. Things really pick up from the first page, and the action and suspense keep going right until the end. There were so many twists and turns, it made this book addictive, very difficult for me to put down. It was an exciting, heart-pounding read which truly was a pleasure to read. I honestly did not expect things to turn out how they did, and am look forward to seeing how the series will continue.
April 27, 2020
This second book follows the journey of Queen Kalleah after takes the throne. This installment was a ride like no other. I loved the further development of Kalleah, who's now even stronger, and introduction of new, interesting characters. What I really enjoy about this series as a whole is that it doesn't focus on romance, but rather on the actual conflict in the city of Baylore as it gets messier and more complicated. Filled with mystery, suspense, and political power play, this was a true page turner. I cannot wait for book 3.
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