Han and Raisa have adventures on the way but end up at Oden's Ford, Han to study wizardry and Raisa soldiery. They learn a lot, grow a lot, find each other and grow together. But the growth comes as much from the secrets and dodging enemies as the classes. The advice (from other reviewers) to read this as a single story told across multiple books was solid. Think a TV show, where exciting things happens but the episode ends without resolving the biggest plot issues--making them more complicated, actually. I'll read the third in the series for sure. The Seven Realms Series focuses on characters instead of action or humor. It fits in the same genre as Harry Potter, Twilight, and Percy Jackson. Among these three peers, the book more closely resembles Twilight. Love and relationships takes a major role in the book. Even the action is mild, despite a war and dueling wizards. The setting is more like Middle Earth or Alagaesia. There are petty rulers vying for control. One major nation (among seven) is torn by civil war. Politics threatens another major queendom. Into this environment, the protagonists all go to school, so this book has a strong resemblance to Harry Potter. Despite the clever twist of setting the book in a school city, the parallels end there. The antagonists are bloody. There are few attempts at humor. The story is about betrayal and fear from everyone. It is a dark story.The writing is very impressive. Chima masterfully moves the story forward at a quick pace even though the book is a massive 500+ pages. Even with a lack of action, and some redundant chapters on how the heroines feel (at least twice the princess focuses on the army bodyguard topless), the story is a good read. Mystery surrounds every character, more so than in most other fantasy novels. Each chapter promises to explore these mysteries; but just heightens the suspense. Overall, a very clever and entertaining read. Chima does not add new elements to magic or fantasy. There are many cliches (the princess and the pauper; and the street thief turned house maiden); but the character development is beautiful and thoroughly enjoyable.
What do You think about The Exiled Queen (2010)?
i loved the first book and firdt chapter
—fAtima
This is the second book I read from this series, very good book.
—EvaNgeline
I loved this book. Okay for the middle school library.
—cecile_farinas
