Into the Forest discussion

Here is the place to discuss retellings, traditional tales, or fairytale/folklore books where a character(s) has a "Leaders & Governmental" occupation. Includes kings, queens, aristocracy, politicians, judges, lawyers, elected officials, diplomats, etc.

Mira, a half-siren, is a politician in Fathomfolk and Tideborn, a completed duology by Eliza Chan.

A River Enchanted and A Fire Endless (complete duology by Rebecca Ross) features Adaira, a chief of her people.

I will definitely reread The Goblin Emperor for this.
A lot of Brandon Sanderson books would also fit. I suggest Elantris.

"Elantris" is the only novel from Sanderson I'm fond of, yet I wouldn't dare to reread it again.

Does the white queen count or are we only including fantasy books

David wrote: "Does the white queen count or are we only including fantasy books"
I am not familiar with this book, but no, we don’t just read fantasy books here. We also read regular fiction that has a mythic or fairy tale theme or influences. As well we read magical realism

Yep, any genre counts, as long as there are folklore influences!

I read Brigid Lowe's The Bloody Branch, a retelling of The Mabinogian.

I struggled to get through this book. While I actually did like the flourishing prose, I didn't like the framed story within a story. The subject matter was not for me. It was very bleak and depressing, with lots of sexual assault.

The Folk of the Air series by Holly Black has ше all: royals, the High Court of Faeries, intrigues, and the struggle for power.
The Cruel Prince
The Wicked King
The Queen of Nothing

Six Crimson Cranes is also a good one!

Kristina wrote: "The Folk of the Air series by Holly Black has ше all: royals, the High Court of Faeries, intrigues, and the struggle for power.
The Cruel Prince
The Wicked King
[boo..."

Those are all great!

In Emily H. Wilson’s Sumerians trilogy, InannaGilgamesh and Ninshubar the Sumerian gods are also kings and queens and of course Gilgamesh is mortal and also a king.
I read the first 2 and will probably reread the first 2 before reading the last one.