The Risen Queen

The Dragon Sword Histories #2

by Duncan Lay

Wonderful action adventure ... the second book in a terrific new series ... Martil and his Rallorans are trying to gain control of the north for Queen Merren but winning the hearts of the people is proving impossible when the bards have painted them as murderous barbarians.King Gello the usurper is planning to lead a massive army to crush the budding rebellion but, even if a way can be found to defeat him, the Fearpriests stand ready to come to his aid ...Karia is trying to persuade Martil that she has all the answers, while Merren is considering desperate solutions to the problems facing her and Norstalos. Perhaps the vilified and despised primitive race of men to the north, that the Norstalines call 'goblins', might be the answer.But on Dragonara Isle, the dragons have their own plans for Martil and particularly for the Dragon Sword ...

Genres: Fantasy

580 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Duncan Lay is a layout designer and headline writer at the Sunday Telegraph (Australia). He has always worked in journalism and has worked for a number of different newspapers and media outlets. He lives on the Central Coast of NSW with his wife and two young children.

Reviews

[Melvouy]

Merren my queen <33

[Andrew]

The second book in a trilogy, and true to formula, the situation has got almost as bleak as it is possible to get, with just a faint glimmer of hope for our heroes. The characters in this series really do creep up on you, and I was surprised to find myself constantly wanting the narrative to switch to this character then that so that I knew what was happening in all the different threads. Lay has done well to make the concept of the deposed monarch wanting to regain her throne and then create a democratic society seem almost plausible. I also like the touch of using the names and descriptions of classic fantasy races (eg Goblins and Elves) but maintaining that they are all human. I look forward to the conclusion of this saga.

[Adrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this instalment more than the first. The writing improves as does the action. I do find myself quite irritated with Merren, she is a bit too big for her boots in my opinion. However, this is faster and plotted more effectively.

[Annika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still exciting, but seems to be a bit of a bridge book. I look forward to reading the third.

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

was quite okay, I will read the 3rd book. hope barret kills martil i dont like him

[Dave Brassington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous gem from Duncan Lay, rich characters, plot and story