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In this epic conclusion to the Unraveled Kingdom trilogy that began with Torn and Fray, the magical seamstress Sophie Balstrade joins forces with her brother the revolutionary leader and her betrothed the Crown Prince in a deadly bid to change history.
The civil war that the charm caster Sophie and the Crown Prince Theodor tried so desperately to avert has come to Galitha.
While Theodor joins Sophie's brother and his Reformist comrades in battle, hoping to turn the tide against the better-supplied and better-trained Royalist army, Sophie leverages the only weapon she has: charm and curse casting. She weaves her signature magic into uniforms and supplies procured with the aid of unlikely foreign allies, but soon discovers that the challenges of a full-scale war are far greater than the entrepreneurial concerns of her small Galithan dress shop.
The fractured leadership of the Reformist army must coalesce, the people of Galitha unite against enormous odds, and Sophie create more than a little magical luck, in order to have a chance of victory.
Rowenna Miller's enchanting fantasy series, the Unraveled Kingdom, is perfect for fans of The Queen of the Tearling and Red Queen.
The Unraveled KingdomTorn
Fray
Rule
The civil war that the charm caster Sophie and the Crown Prince Theodor tried so desperately to avert has come to Galitha.
While Theodor joins Sophie's brother and his Reformist comrades in battle, hoping to turn the tide against the better-supplied and better-trained Royalist army, Sophie leverages the only weapon she has: charm and curse casting. She weaves her signature magic into uniforms and supplies procured with the aid of unlikely foreign allies, but soon discovers that the challenges of a full-scale war are far greater than the entrepreneurial concerns of her small Galithan dress shop.
The fractured leadership of the Reformist army must coalesce, the people of Galitha unite against enormous odds, and Sophie create more than a little magical luck, in order to have a chance of victory.
Rowenna Miller's enchanting fantasy series, the Unraveled Kingdom, is perfect for fans of The Queen of the Tearling and Red Queen.
The Unraveled KingdomTorn
Fray
Rule
432 pages, Paperback
First published May 19, 2020
22 people are currently reading
652 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 21, 2020
I love how the author developed the idea of a girl who takes some menial jobs to make something bigger out of it. Wowser!
June 16, 2020
What a beautiful, although rather heartbreaking, ending to a really wonderful trilogy. I'm so sad it's over! I'm really excited to see what Rowenna Miller will write next.
Find this review at Forever Lost in Literature!
I am both satisfied and heartbroken that The Unraveled Kingdoms trilogy is now over, but I couldn't have asked for a better conclusion to wrap up this beautiful and intense story. The previous two books were sent to me courtesy of Orbit, but because of COVID things have gotten a little crazy and rather than simply request it on NetGalley, I decided to pre-order this one specially because I felt like I should support both Rowenna Miller and Orbit right now--and I'm so glad I did because that cover looks even more beautiful in person!
Where do I begin? First, if you haven't read the first two books in this trilogy but plan to and don't want any sort of spoilers, then you may not want to read this review in full detail. I won't give any spoilers for Rule and I will try to refrain from saying too much that could give away details from the first two books, but there will probably be some general plot details that do slip through, so consider yourself warned. :)
Despite attempts to prevent it, a civil war has erupted in Galitha, where Reformists strive to topple the nobility and Royalist army in order to give the people of Galitha better rights. This is the moment that the previous books have been building up to--the final stand on whether or not the people of Galitha can be successful in their revolutionary endeavor. Though they had success int he past with passing important bills, we all know that that doesn't mean any problem is over, and tensions have finally reached their final point.
Sophie, our sole protagonist, remains a truly captivating character to follow, and it has been such a incredible journey watching her grow in both her physical powers as a charmcaster as well as her personal growth into someone somehow even more independent and headstrong than she already was at the beginning of the trilogy. In Rule, Sophie learns just how high the stakes have risen and what true battle is like, along with all of the loss, triumph, and struggle that comes with it. I've also liked watching Sophie's relationships with Theodore and her brother, Kristos, develop over the course of The Unraveled Kingdoms trilogy. There are a lot of ups and downs between them, especially when it comes to Sophie and her brother, and it was such an enjoyable to see how they handled all the different conflicts and intense moments that happened and how those ultimately shaped everything in the end.
I also liked Miller's inclusion of women's rights issues that pop up in this world, and I think the way that she chose to incorporate it had a very real-world authentic feel to it. Although the people of Galitha are fighting for better rights and quality of life, there's no real emphasis on the women of Galitha and that they should have more opportunities, such as running for political office. Sophie repeatedly brings this up to Kristos and Theodore, but is repeatedly told that that is not what they are fighting for right and that she should bring it up again later once they've established their new way of life in Galitha. Of course, Sophie doesn't take this as an adequate answer and continues to push, and I thought it was a really thoughtful and important way to show how there are so many more sides to any revolution than appear, and that just because one problem might be solved, it doesn't mean everything is perfect.
Along those lines of not everything being perfect, I also appreciated how Miller had her characters discuss not only the current civil war, but what the future could look like if they actually won. Contrary to what most books and stories make it sound like, winning a war doesn't mean things are automatically perfect for the victors--instead, Sophie, Theodore, her brother, and other chosen leaders must figure out how to go about creating this 'better' life in an equal and acceptable way for everyone. This is no easy task, and I appreciated how much prominence Miller gave to these issues.
Overall, I've given this amazing conclusion to a magical and politically intense story five stars! I have loved following this revolution of sorts from the very beginning where Sophie is working at her store and focusing on building up her business to being a vital component of one of the most important moments in Galitha's new history. If you like revolutions, politics, the idea of charms being sewn into cloth items, and people who never give up on fighting for what they believe is right and fair for everyone, then absolutely pick up this trilogy!
Find this review at Forever Lost in Literature!
I am both satisfied and heartbroken that The Unraveled Kingdoms trilogy is now over, but I couldn't have asked for a better conclusion to wrap up this beautiful and intense story. The previous two books were sent to me courtesy of Orbit, but because of COVID things have gotten a little crazy and rather than simply request it on NetGalley, I decided to pre-order this one specially because I felt like I should support both Rowenna Miller and Orbit right now--and I'm so glad I did because that cover looks even more beautiful in person!
Where do I begin? First, if you haven't read the first two books in this trilogy but plan to and don't want any sort of spoilers, then you may not want to read this review in full detail. I won't give any spoilers for Rule and I will try to refrain from saying too much that could give away details from the first two books, but there will probably be some general plot details that do slip through, so consider yourself warned. :)
Despite attempts to prevent it, a civil war has erupted in Galitha, where Reformists strive to topple the nobility and Royalist army in order to give the people of Galitha better rights. This is the moment that the previous books have been building up to--the final stand on whether or not the people of Galitha can be successful in their revolutionary endeavor. Though they had success int he past with passing important bills, we all know that that doesn't mean any problem is over, and tensions have finally reached their final point.
Sophie, our sole protagonist, remains a truly captivating character to follow, and it has been such a incredible journey watching her grow in both her physical powers as a charmcaster as well as her personal growth into someone somehow even more independent and headstrong than she already was at the beginning of the trilogy. In Rule, Sophie learns just how high the stakes have risen and what true battle is like, along with all of the loss, triumph, and struggle that comes with it. I've also liked watching Sophie's relationships with Theodore and her brother, Kristos, develop over the course of The Unraveled Kingdoms trilogy. There are a lot of ups and downs between them, especially when it comes to Sophie and her brother, and it was such an enjoyable to see how they handled all the different conflicts and intense moments that happened and how those ultimately shaped everything in the end.
I also liked Miller's inclusion of women's rights issues that pop up in this world, and I think the way that she chose to incorporate it had a very real-world authentic feel to it. Although the people of Galitha are fighting for better rights and quality of life, there's no real emphasis on the women of Galitha and that they should have more opportunities, such as running for political office. Sophie repeatedly brings this up to Kristos and Theodore, but is repeatedly told that that is not what they are fighting for right and that she should bring it up again later once they've established their new way of life in Galitha. Of course, Sophie doesn't take this as an adequate answer and continues to push, and I thought it was a really thoughtful and important way to show how there are so many more sides to any revolution than appear, and that just because one problem might be solved, it doesn't mean everything is perfect.
Along those lines of not everything being perfect, I also appreciated how Miller had her characters discuss not only the current civil war, but what the future could look like if they actually won. Contrary to what most books and stories make it sound like, winning a war doesn't mean things are automatically perfect for the victors--instead, Sophie, Theodore, her brother, and other chosen leaders must figure out how to go about creating this 'better' life in an equal and acceptable way for everyone. This is no easy task, and I appreciated how much prominence Miller gave to these issues.
Overall, I've given this amazing conclusion to a magical and politically intense story five stars! I have loved following this revolution of sorts from the very beginning where Sophie is working at her store and focusing on building up her business to being a vital component of one of the most important moments in Galitha's new history. If you like revolutions, politics, the idea of charms being sewn into cloth items, and people who never give up on fighting for what they believe is right and fair for everyone, then absolutely pick up this trilogy!
February 10, 2020
A perfect conclusion in many ways -- from the characters to the changing world to the exquisite storytelling. Series fans will not be disappointed.
June 9, 2020
I can’t say it was a happy ending, but there is a feeling of contentment to the ending. It fits the series, the characters, and the type of revolutionary war involved. I really appreciated that the book showed what happened in the months immediately following the great climactic battle, showing the hard work of picking up the pieces to make a new whole, rather than just flashing forward a few years to give a quick summary on how everything ended up. I’ll look for more work by this author.
October 20, 2020
Landed the ending to the trilogy very nicely, if certainly bittersweet.
June 20, 2020
This series was absorbing from start to finish, and in my opinion the final installment is possibly the strongest book.
This one finally goes on to tackle the consequences unleashed by everyone's choices thus far -- full on Civil War. Kristos, Theodor, and Sophie are all coming into their own as revolutionary, leader, and magician respectively. The conflict doesn't drag on and on for ages, but at the same time I felt like everything important was dealt with in a satisfying, detailed way.
Sophie remained the kind of character that she has always been: soft hearted, hard-working, and violence-averse. This had the potential to be annoying, but not everyone in the world is hardcore and gung ho to shoot other people, and that's a completely valid way to be, even if it is a little inconvenient in the middle of a civil war.
I was surprised by how annoying it wasn't.
Sophie's magic had a big part to play in many of the rebels' strategies, but I liked how they worked with her temperament and her talents to find the best role for her in any situation. It's not the usual battle mage, flinging lightning bolts type magic, but I still love the worldbuilding and how Sophie's capabilities continued to be discovered bit by bit. There was much less fabric involved in this last book, unfortunately, but she still managed to toss some of that in, even in a rebel camp.
Even Kristos was less annoying than usual. He and Theodor had come to an understanding, which saved us all from tearing our own eyes out having to read their dialogue. The comparison is also flattering to Kristos whenever Niko happens to be there. To me, the campaign was interesting, but probably the least interesting and realistic part of the book. (Way too short, and the whole sudden navy out of nowhere thing stretched credibility.) The real fun is to be found in the changes the country is going through, and the political and social tensions that have to be dealt with.
What really solidified my respect for this book is that a whole twenty percent of it took place AFTER the war was won!
Whenever there's any kind of social revolution or civil war storyline, I'm always hungering for more specifics about what everything is going to look like afterward, and books like this almost never provide. The post-war negotiations and arguments about what the government will look like, and infighting between factions, and Sophie figuring out what life will look like for her now, and people trying to put their lives back together... it's my jam. I'm so happy it was included.
From that point on, absolutely no punches were pulled. Theodor having to watch the executions of his family members? The, um, DEATH? Which I was absolutely not expecting and am still not quite fully reconciled to, thanks? If their attempt at women's suffrage had soundly failed, cultural strife between Pellia and Galitha had sharply spiked, and corruption had immediately become endemic, it might almost have attained lifelike realism.
As it was... it suffices as a bittersweet, but still satisfying ending to an overall enjoyable series.
This one finally goes on to tackle the consequences unleashed by everyone's choices thus far -- full on Civil War. Kristos, Theodor, and Sophie are all coming into their own as revolutionary, leader, and magician respectively. The conflict doesn't drag on and on for ages, but at the same time I felt like everything important was dealt with in a satisfying, detailed way.
Sophie remained the kind of character that she has always been: soft hearted, hard-working, and violence-averse. This had the potential to be annoying, but not everyone in the world is hardcore and gung ho to shoot other people, and that's a completely valid way to be, even if it is a little inconvenient in the middle of a civil war.
I was surprised by how annoying it wasn't.
Sophie's magic had a big part to play in many of the rebels' strategies, but I liked how they worked with her temperament and her talents to find the best role for her in any situation. It's not the usual battle mage, flinging lightning bolts type magic, but I still love the worldbuilding and how Sophie's capabilities continued to be discovered bit by bit. There was much less fabric involved in this last book, unfortunately, but she still managed to toss some of that in, even in a rebel camp.
Even Kristos was less annoying than usual. He and Theodor had come to an understanding, which saved us all from tearing our own eyes out having to read their dialogue. The comparison is also flattering to Kristos whenever Niko happens to be there. To me, the campaign was interesting, but probably the least interesting and realistic part of the book. (Way too short, and the whole sudden navy out of nowhere thing stretched credibility.) The real fun is to be found in the changes the country is going through, and the political and social tensions that have to be dealt with.
What really solidified my respect for this book is that a whole twenty percent of it took place AFTER the war was won!
Whenever there's any kind of social revolution or civil war storyline, I'm always hungering for more specifics about what everything is going to look like afterward, and books like this almost never provide. The post-war negotiations and arguments about what the government will look like, and infighting between factions, and Sophie figuring out what life will look like for her now, and people trying to put their lives back together... it's my jam. I'm so happy it was included.
From that point on, absolutely no punches were pulled. Theodor having to watch the executions of his family members? The, um, DEATH? Which I was absolutely not expecting and am still not quite fully reconciled to, thanks? If their attempt at women's suffrage had soundly failed, cultural strife between Pellia and Galitha had sharply spiked, and corruption had immediately become endemic, it might almost have attained lifelike realism.
As it was... it suffices as a bittersweet, but still satisfying ending to an overall enjoyable series.
June 19, 2020
I finished Rule this morning, after binging through Fray and 2/3 of Rule yesterday. It's been a number of hours since I finished the book and I'm still angry about Theodor's death. I feel rather betrayed, in the sense of genre conventions. Torn gives you all the conventions of a fantasy romance, a commoner falling in love with the heir to the throne. In Fray, they get engaged, political reforms fail, and a civil war starts. It wasn't a romance with a capital R, but I expected a HEA. I did not get that HEA. Sure, Sophie and her allies come out on top of the civil war and create a new country that is not beholden to the rule of nobles.
Only Theodor dies. And he dies, shot by one of the lead revolutionaries at 90% of the bloody book. If he had died in the first book, I could have forgiven this. Sophie would have maybe found love again, or continued doing revolutionary work in Theodor's honour. Instead the HEA is ripped away from the reader, after 2.5 books of promoting that ending.
Torn had started out a decent read. Fray had been a remarked improvement. I fell deeply in love with this world and it's characters by the middle of the second book. I'm aware this is a very emotional response to the ending of this series. Miller is a great writer and did a fantastic job. Maybe someone who doesn't like romance and wanted the first book to have more war, will enjoy the ending. I'll still be checking out Miller's books in the future, but I don't think I can recommend this series.
Only Theodor dies. And he dies, shot by one of the lead revolutionaries at 90% of the bloody book. If he had died in the first book, I could have forgiven this. Sophie would have maybe found love again, or continued doing revolutionary work in Theodor's honour. Instead the HEA is ripped away from the reader, after 2.5 books of promoting that ending.
Torn had started out a decent read. Fray had been a remarked improvement. I fell deeply in love with this world and it's characters by the middle of the second book. I'm aware this is a very emotional response to the ending of this series. Miller is a great writer and did a fantastic job. Maybe someone who doesn't like romance and wanted the first book to have more war, will enjoy the ending. I'll still be checking out Miller's books in the future, but I don't think I can recommend this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2021
This is a difficult book to review.
I'd like to be clear that this was a well-written, engrossing book, so the difficulties in reviewing it are not necessarily the fault of the book, per se.
The problem is that I started reading this series in 2020 and read books 2 and 3 after the attempted insurrection at the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6, 2021.
In many ways, this is an excellent book about rebellions and insurrections, as Miller is very careful to explain that the Civil War is based upon the fact that one group of people have refused to obey the new Reform Law (passed in book 2). (I don't consider that a spoiler, as it's clearly stated on the cover copy for this book.) The Reformists and Royalists are then at war, and each side (of course) has very different ideas about just who is the insurrectionist, and who, therefore, is at fault. This series is deeply concerned with questions of democracy, political and economic theory, and ethics. That might sound boring to some, but it's really not. These books are captivating.
I just had a difficult time reading these last two books, as I kept wondering about the ways in which people justify their actions. I also started thinking about how deeply American-centric so many fantasy novels are. It's been 243 years since our own Declaration was signed, another 156 since the end of our own Civil War. We haven't lived through the wars that have torn up so many nations in the last 50 years (although we may have participated in them . . . they weren't on American soil). I strongly suspect that this novel would read far differently to someone that has lived through war.
My reaction to this book is deeply personal, and it's specific to the moment in which I read the book. It is good, but I don't think I will read it again soon. I need to let these questions become "academic" again first.
I'd like to be clear that this was a well-written, engrossing book, so the difficulties in reviewing it are not necessarily the fault of the book, per se.
The problem is that I started reading this series in 2020 and read books 2 and 3 after the attempted insurrection at the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6, 2021.
In many ways, this is an excellent book about rebellions and insurrections, as Miller is very careful to explain that the Civil War is based upon the fact that one group of people have refused to obey the new Reform Law (passed in book 2). (I don't consider that a spoiler, as it's clearly stated on the cover copy for this book.) The Reformists and Royalists are then at war, and each side (of course) has very different ideas about just who is the insurrectionist, and who, therefore, is at fault. This series is deeply concerned with questions of democracy, political and economic theory, and ethics. That might sound boring to some, but it's really not. These books are captivating.
I just had a difficult time reading these last two books, as I kept wondering about the ways in which people justify their actions. I also started thinking about how deeply American-centric so many fantasy novels are. It's been 243 years since our own Declaration was signed, another 156 since the end of our own Civil War. We haven't lived through the wars that have torn up so many nations in the last 50 years (although we may have participated in them . . . they weren't on American soil). I strongly suspect that this novel would read far differently to someone that has lived through war.
My reaction to this book is deeply personal, and it's specific to the moment in which I read the book. It is good, but I don't think I will read it again soon. I need to let these questions become "academic" again first.
May 25, 2020
(Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Rule is a jaw dropping finale to the Unraveled Kingdom series. This series finale examines the politics of war and magic on the battlefield. When we have to make good on our ideas and promises, to fight for the future for which we have campaigned. Even if we've been trained for battle, for bloodshed, it's an entirely different experience in person. And before we know it, one spark can start a wildfire which will consume our homes.
While Rule has this epic sense of battle and the fight for representation, for real change, there's still space devoted to characters. What are the ethical conflicts that Sophie will undergo in war? It's one thing to charm a dress with luck, or even a curse, and another thing to cast a charm and see the destruction it unleashes in person. To sew up the wounds of our friends.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
Rule is a jaw dropping finale to the Unraveled Kingdom series. This series finale examines the politics of war and magic on the battlefield. When we have to make good on our ideas and promises, to fight for the future for which we have campaigned. Even if we've been trained for battle, for bloodshed, it's an entirely different experience in person. And before we know it, one spark can start a wildfire which will consume our homes.
While Rule has this epic sense of battle and the fight for representation, for real change, there's still space devoted to characters. What are the ethical conflicts that Sophie will undergo in war? It's one thing to charm a dress with luck, or even a curse, and another thing to cast a charm and see the destruction it unleashes in person. To sew up the wounds of our friends.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
September 9, 2020
I enjoyed Torn and Fray, and so I'm not sure why Rule really didn't work for me. Well, I have some ideas.
First of all, Torn introduces us to an independent, competent magic-casting seamstress who undergoes a huge personal transformation as she learns new skills and finds her place in a changing society. Fray continues that transformation and further develops and increases our investment in her relationship with Theodor and the outcome of the civil war. In Rule, Sophie becomes a hand-wringing, uncertain combatant in a war whose outcome seems certain (to the reader, at least), while her relationship with Theodor becomes so superficial (does he exist except to worry about her and confirm her choices?) that the "heartbreaking twist" seemed to be certainty, and not really all that sad, well before it happened.
Second of all, somehow, despite the fact that nearly the entire content of the novel was about a revolutionary war and developing a republic, the whole thing felt a bit... frivolous. I could not get myself to care about these characters or what happened to them anymore. I don't know if the quality of the writing declined, or if the bar raised for me after reading nearly a hundred books between Fray and Rule, but there it is.
If you want to read about magical seamstresses (this is not a subgenre I particularly sought out; I can't sew to save my life), well, Sophie doesn't sew anymore, and she doesn't seem particularly interested in fashion, either. If you want to read about a magical version of the French Revolution, this is a military fantasy told from the perspective of a character who says over and over again that she doesn't understand military strategy, and never has a clear view of the action. If you want to read a romance, I can only say that I have never been less invested in a fictional relationship in my life. But I guess we needed to finish the story somehow.
First of all, Torn introduces us to an independent, competent magic-casting seamstress who undergoes a huge personal transformation as she learns new skills and finds her place in a changing society. Fray continues that transformation and further develops and increases our investment in her relationship with Theodor and the outcome of the civil war. In Rule, Sophie becomes a hand-wringing, uncertain combatant in a war whose outcome seems certain (to the reader, at least), while her relationship with Theodor becomes so superficial (does he exist except to worry about her and confirm her choices?) that the "heartbreaking twist" seemed to be certainty, and not really all that sad, well before it happened.
Second of all, somehow, despite the fact that nearly the entire content of the novel was about a revolutionary war and developing a republic, the whole thing felt a bit... frivolous. I could not get myself to care about these characters or what happened to them anymore. I don't know if the quality of the writing declined, or if the bar raised for me after reading nearly a hundred books between Fray and Rule, but there it is.
If you want to read about magical seamstresses (this is not a subgenre I particularly sought out; I can't sew to save my life), well, Sophie doesn't sew anymore, and she doesn't seem particularly interested in fashion, either. If you want to read about a magical version of the French Revolution, this is a military fantasy told from the perspective of a character who says over and over again that she doesn't understand military strategy, and never has a clear view of the action. If you want to read a romance, I can only say that I have never been less invested in a fictional relationship in my life. But I guess we needed to finish the story somehow.
May 1, 2020
This series was interesting because the protagonist wasn't a great mage or warrior, just a seamstress who had no higher ambition that a successful shop and a quiet life. Then her society falls apart around her and all she has to work with is some minor charm magics that aren't anything like the power magics readers are used to in fantasy novels. I enjoyed the writing and found the characters well fleshed out.
May 30, 2020
well this ended with a bit of a whimper not a bang. slowed right down, and lost some of the magic for me. not a bad series, but I wouldn't read it again if I had to read this one.
June 14, 2020
A really good ending to a fun series.
July 5, 2020
I am so sad to see this series end!
"Rule" is an epic, satisfying, and realistic conclusion to "The Unraveled Kingdom." Again, Miller's writing and plotting is so tight. Each of these three books really had a different feel and pace, and it all works so well to create this epic story.
"Rule" sees battle scenes and military strategy come into play. It's just enough to really give texture to this war, but we don't get lost in that detail. There is still plenty of character-driven plot to engage on the same level as the first two books. In fact, I really love how we get more of some characters, particularly Sianh, who has ended up being one of my favourites of the whole series.
What I felt was most strong in "Rule" is how the complexities of a revolution are displayed. It's not a simple good vs. bad situation, nor is it even a win or lose outcome. A revolution is the intersection of different parties, sometimes with different motivations and desires for the outcome of their effort. Somehow, all of these elements have to weigh against one another, and even in victory it's a challenge to find balance.
Miller captures this really well, and it makes for an interesting and thought-provoking read with insights beyond the magical world she has created in "The Unraveled Kingdom." Despite the fact that Miller uses the French Revolution as her inspiration, these books have a lot to add to the conversations we're having today about justice, inclusivity, and the ideals of modern democracy.
I suppose my only complaint is that it's all over! I'll just have to read them again!
"Rule" is an epic, satisfying, and realistic conclusion to "The Unraveled Kingdom." Again, Miller's writing and plotting is so tight. Each of these three books really had a different feel and pace, and it all works so well to create this epic story.
"Rule" sees battle scenes and military strategy come into play. It's just enough to really give texture to this war, but we don't get lost in that detail. There is still plenty of character-driven plot to engage on the same level as the first two books. In fact, I really love how we get more of some characters, particularly Sianh, who has ended up being one of my favourites of the whole series.
What I felt was most strong in "Rule" is how the complexities of a revolution are displayed. It's not a simple good vs. bad situation, nor is it even a win or lose outcome. A revolution is the intersection of different parties, sometimes with different motivations and desires for the outcome of their effort. Somehow, all of these elements have to weigh against one another, and even in victory it's a challenge to find balance.
Miller captures this really well, and it makes for an interesting and thought-provoking read with insights beyond the magical world she has created in "The Unraveled Kingdom." Despite the fact that Miller uses the French Revolution as her inspiration, these books have a lot to add to the conversations we're having today about justice, inclusivity, and the ideals of modern democracy.
I suppose my only complaint is that it's all over! I'll just have to read them again!
September 5, 2023
Fray, the second novel in the Unraveled Kingdom Series, fell short of the first novel in the series and my expectations. This novel continues where the other one left off. Now Sophie Balstrade no longer owns her charm/clothing shop and is set to be married to Theodor, the crown prince of the kingdom. They are set to make reforms to their nation’s feudal system of government, but are facing stiff opposition from the nobility who want to maintain the status quo.
Where this novel falls short for me is that it was overly long, and in some cases very dull. Mainly the middle part of the novel where Sophie and Theodor are traveling to Serafin for a meeting for trade among the Equitorial States was dry and often not very interesting. That’s not to say that there weren’t interesting parts in here, but much of that section should have been cut and edited down. I get the impression that the since trilogies are the order of the day in fantasy, the author and publisher wanted to make this a trilogy, but there doesn’t seem to be enough material here to make it a trilogy and keep it entertaining throughout. There also wasn’t much progression in Sophie’s and Theodor’s characters. In fact, Theodor seemed to be less interesting in this novel than he did in the first novel.
The pace of the novel picked up toward the end, and that part was more enjoyable. I’m invested enough to want to keep on reading to complete the trilogy, but with a bit less vigor than before.
Carl Alves - author of The Traveler's Door
Where this novel falls short for me is that it was overly long, and in some cases very dull. Mainly the middle part of the novel where Sophie and Theodor are traveling to Serafin for a meeting for trade among the Equitorial States was dry and often not very interesting. That’s not to say that there weren’t interesting parts in here, but much of that section should have been cut and edited down. I get the impression that the since trilogies are the order of the day in fantasy, the author and publisher wanted to make this a trilogy, but there doesn’t seem to be enough material here to make it a trilogy and keep it entertaining throughout. There also wasn’t much progression in Sophie’s and Theodor’s characters. In fact, Theodor seemed to be less interesting in this novel than he did in the first novel.
The pace of the novel picked up toward the end, and that part was more enjoyable. I’m invested enough to want to keep on reading to complete the trilogy, but with a bit less vigor than before.
Carl Alves - author of The Traveler's Door
February 20, 2021
4 stars, a satisfying conclusion to a unique trilogy
The Galatine Civil War is in full swing the Red Cap rebels are barely holding their own against the entrenched nobility. Sophie and her love, the rebel prince Theodor, do what they can to build alliances and hold their fragmentary coalition together. One thing I really appreciate about this book that the emphasis is on much of the side of war that isn't often explored in fantasy: securing resources, negotiating alliances, figuring out concessions for troops and prisoners of war, managing camp followers, and so on. It's a unique perspective to see a war up close but from the perspective of someone who is not primarily a warrior. I can't get into much of the other parts I like without spoiling things but let's just say that the aftermath of a civil war is just as hard as waging one and the book deals heavily with the fallout of the conflict. I think things ended in a largely satisfactory manner but the previous two books were carefully balanced between epic fantasy and romantic fantasy but this final book decidedly stepped into epic and is probably not a good read for anyone who was hoping for a more romantic ending.
The Galatine Civil War is in full swing the Red Cap rebels are barely holding their own against the entrenched nobility. Sophie and her love, the rebel prince Theodor, do what they can to build alliances and hold their fragmentary coalition together. One thing I really appreciate about this book that the emphasis is on much of the side of war that isn't often explored in fantasy: securing resources, negotiating alliances, figuring out concessions for troops and prisoners of war, managing camp followers, and so on. It's a unique perspective to see a war up close but from the perspective of someone who is not primarily a warrior. I can't get into much of the other parts I like without spoiling things but let's just say that the aftermath of a civil war is just as hard as waging one and the book deals heavily with the fallout of the conflict. I think things ended in a largely satisfactory manner but the previous two books were carefully balanced between epic fantasy and romantic fantasy but this final book decidedly stepped into epic and is probably not a good read for anyone who was hoping for a more romantic ending.
May 12, 2023
It is time for Galitha's fate to be decided. The revolutionaries are marching on those nobles (like the King) who have refused to acknowledge their own country's new laws that were a step towards democracy. It's promising to be a long and bloody fight. In the middle of all this, Sophie does her best to both aid the war effort and not worry about her betrothed, her formerly-and-yet-still-quite estranged brother, and all her friends trapped by the civil war in one way or the other. It's a tall order.
What a ride! I won't spoil how it ends, but rest assured the build-up we've gotten in book 1 & 2 leads to something grand. Both the politics and the interpersonal relationships are as intricate as ever, though working in a much larger scale than yet seen. I am happy I read this book and I found how it all ended satisfying.
Recommended reading if you're looking for something with both political intrigue, revolution that actually challenges the status quo and a close look at interpersonal relationships to go with that. Do prepare yourself with a handkerchief for certain parts of this, war is never pretty or kind.
What a ride! I won't spoil how it ends, but rest assured the build-up we've gotten in book 1 & 2 leads to something grand. Both the politics and the interpersonal relationships are as intricate as ever, though working in a much larger scale than yet seen. I am happy I read this book and I found how it all ended satisfying.
Recommended reading if you're looking for something with both political intrigue, revolution that actually challenges the status quo and a close look at interpersonal relationships to go with that. Do prepare yourself with a handkerchief for certain parts of this, war is never pretty or kind.
September 9, 2020
Rule ended and honestly I wish it could have been better. I debated on giving this between a two and three because there were times I enjoyed the book then at times I was annoyed over the repetitive portions. There is a portion which came off out of nowhere during the last three chapters but it doesn't hurt this book as it weirdly makes some sense.
The series started off with an interesting premise until somewhere maybe in the second novel it became a bit cliché where the characters were still able to make this series interesting. I am still not thrilled Kristos receives a happy ending because he was not a character who I enjoyed even though he a bit of maturity with Penny giving birth to their daughter.
Sophie is a survivor through and through where I just wished she had gotten to have a better ending as she pretty much now just lives the same life she had prior to the events of Torn expect now with more responsibilities.
The series started off with an interesting premise until somewhere maybe in the second novel it became a bit cliché where the characters were still able to make this series interesting. I am still not thrilled Kristos receives a happy ending because he was not a character who I enjoyed even though he a bit of maturity with Penny giving birth to their daughter.
Sophie is a survivor through and through where I just wished she had gotten to have a better ending as she pretty much now just lives the same life she had prior to the events of Torn expect now with more responsibilities.
March 10, 2021
Civil war is tearing Galitha apart. When the nobility refused to enforce new laws allowing common people to have a say in their government, there was massive revolt. Prince Theodor finds himself fighting against friends, acquaintances, even family as many of the other nobles endeavor to crush the rebellion. Theodor's fiance, Sophie, a talented seamstress and charm caster is now using her magical gifts to aid the Reformists - both charm and curse magic (something she thought she would never do) - adding charms to whatever will take them, and tossing curses at enemy forces. The Reformists continue to gather recruits, strength, and expertise. Eventually, their numbers give them the advantage to defeat the Royalists. But in the aftermath, the new Galitha must work out how it can move forward, be governed, and how all of the Galithan people can be a part of the process. A satisfying, though bittersweet conclusion to this trilogy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2023
A bit of a slow start, but the action picks up as the war wages on. I honestly wondered what would fill up the last third with how the plot was progressing, but I was certainly put in my place with all the twists and loose ends tied up. I'll admit I was not a fan of the writing at times, but Miller did effectively weave in narrative from the prior two books. It has been a long while since I read them, but I still remembered characters and some plot points that became relevant again.
The politics get much more literal in this book with the civil war and birth of a new government for Galitha. It was a nice break from my other reading to spend so much time on the Reformist army's inception and growth.
Without giving away any spoilers, this book made me sob a few times while at others I couldn't see why Sophie was making certain decisions. So while it ended strongly, overall, this book fits more solidly in the four-star category as a satisfying end to the Unraveled Kingdom trilogy.
The politics get much more literal in this book with the civil war and birth of a new government for Galitha. It was a nice break from my other reading to spend so much time on the Reformist army's inception and growth.
Without giving away any spoilers, this book made me sob a few times while at others I couldn't see why Sophie was making certain decisions. So while it ended strongly, overall, this book fits more solidly in the four-star category as a satisfying end to the Unraveled Kingdom trilogy.
June 11, 2020
For a book of fiction to rate 5 stars, for me, it should contain plenty of all the things for which we read: characters that I can see clearly in my mind’s eye; settings of interest; emotions that bubble out naturally, not manipulated; a plot that doesn’t confuse yet isn’t predictable; and a flow that doesn’t allow the book to sit on the side table and be passed by- it must be read at all available moments. All of the books in this trilogy we very enjoyable and now that vague sadness sets in, waiting for more of Sophie’s adventures. Yet I can re-enjoy these books by recalling some of the quirks that make them unique: the casting of golden light in warfare or for a child’s joys; the endless details of clothing and their sewists; even the over-the-top exclamations at times of frustration (“Sweet Galatine Divine!” and so on). More of Sophie, please, Rowenna!
November 18, 2024
I found this series to be a bit of a slog to read. But I also have a hard time not finishing a book I've purchased. I bought all three paperbacks based on other reviews. But my experience was VERY different.
I was attracted to the story with the highlight of political unrest and revolution. How the main character uses her magic to impact the events that unfold.
However, there was SO much reluctance on the part of the main character to get involved that it was painful. Also, the romance between the FMC and the MMC was unbelievable and honestly quite boring. There was NO sizzle, she just had too much fear and not much passion. I wish I didn't buy the series...
Side note- selling three books. cheap.
I was attracted to the story with the highlight of political unrest and revolution. How the main character uses her magic to impact the events that unfold.
However, there was SO much reluctance on the part of the main character to get involved that it was painful. Also, the romance between the FMC and the MMC was unbelievable and honestly quite boring. There was NO sizzle, she just had too much fear and not much passion. I wish I didn't buy the series...
Side note- selling three books. cheap.
August 5, 2020
I was so excited to get my hands on the finale of this series! Though I was satisfied to finish this series I have really enjoyed, I found myself to be disengaged for a fair amount of the book and a little disappointed with the conclusion. Rule felt bogged down with too much of the war campaign and I felt that it lacked much of the magic and creativity I enjoyed so much in the previous books. I did enjoy revisiting with favorite characters and Sophie’s magic does feature strongly throughout the third installment and develops impressively. The ending was one of the more compelling parts of Rule, in my opinion, though I didn’t love everything about it cause I prefer happy endings.
October 1, 2020
Maybe NOT kill the love interest at the end and have the heroine end up a spinster aunt? Like fix your definition of happy ending Because THIS WAS NOT HAPPY AND IM UPSET. I did love the tribute to Theodor though, with his statue.
I did love the realistic story of revolution and what comes after the fighting and the struggle for a new government. But can we not kill the war hero? Like we didn’t even really get to dive into Theodores magic and his casting. The ramifications of him with magic and his violin. And his death was anti climatic. Sophie barely grieved!
Overall a great series but the last ten chapters should be burned and rewritten for a happier ending
I did love the realistic story of revolution and what comes after the fighting and the struggle for a new government. But can we not kill the war hero? Like we didn’t even really get to dive into Theodores magic and his casting. The ramifications of him with magic and his violin. And his death was anti climatic. Sophie barely grieved!
Overall a great series but the last ten chapters should be burned and rewritten for a happier ending
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2024
Great conclusion to a great series, from the first book I already loved the themes of the class struggle between the proletarians and the bourgeois and the aristocracy, but I wasn't certain if the author would be able to bring all those themes to a satisfying conclusion.
She definitely put all my doubts to rest with this third book though, the story really delivered on all the themes and issues that it explored, while the personal journey of the main character, Sophie, also continues being very compelling.
She definitely put all my doubts to rest with this third book though, the story really delivered on all the themes and issues that it explored, while the personal journey of the main character, Sophie, also continues being very compelling.
November 2, 2020
I feel this book lost a lot of the uniqueness that the series had going for it. It was well-told and there was some good character development. But all the unique magic and world elements that made me pick up the first book were missing from this one. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't what I wanted/expected either.
Without spoilers, the ending was fitting. Perfect for the story, if (again) not the ending I wanted.
Without spoilers, the ending was fitting. Perfect for the story, if (again) not the ending I wanted.
August 31, 2021
Save your $$ and skip this one.
If you like military strategy, then this book is for you. It took me entirely too long to get through because it was so boring, filled with battles and planning out military movement. When things get interesting in the last 1/3 of the book, they're written so flatly I had to go back and make sure I read them correctly because it didn't hit the way it should have. This was an awful trilogy closer, and didn't do the previous two books justice.
If you like military strategy, then this book is for you. It took me entirely too long to get through because it was so boring, filled with battles and planning out military movement. When things get interesting in the last 1/3 of the book, they're written so flatly I had to go back and make sure I read them correctly because it didn't hit the way it should have. This was an awful trilogy closer, and didn't do the previous two books justice.
September 27, 2020
Midway through the final instalment I was worried things were a bit slow and the book was going to go down a too predictable path but the ending was so satisfying and tied up (excuse the pun) the series so very nicely.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2020
I very much enjoyed the first two books in this trilogy, but had a difficult time staying focused on this one. It seemed to drag on in places, and I missed the way in which the author discussed magic and its use like she had in the previous books. Honestly, this book was boring in comparison.
August 16, 2021
it sure dragged the war out longer than I think it needed to be. Her sudden rise to "fame" didn't suit her well, either. I enjoyed the story of how she was pulled from her comfort zone and forced to learn more about herself and her capabilities.
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