July 20, 2020
The jam-packed second fantasy in Villoso’s Chronicles of the Bitch Queen series (after The Wolf of Oren-Yaro) finds Tali, Queen Talyien of Jin-Sayeng, fighting against schemes, soldiers, and sorcerers to return home to her son, Thanh. Tali’s betrothed, Prince Rayyel, vows to kill Thahn if it turns out the boy is not his son—a distinct possibility as Tali turned to an old flame after learning of Rayyel’s own infidelity. Tali is stranded across the sea in the Empire of Ziri-nar-Orxiaro with no way of protecting Thahn. After being captured by political adversaries and thrown into a dungeon, Tali escapes with the help of Lahei, one of a mysterious group called the Shadows who once fought alongside Rayyel’s clan, the Ikessars, but now serve their own purposes. She flees the empire with con man and love interest Khine Lamang, but must weigh whether to accept Lahei’s offer of further help, not wanting to owe the Shadows any favors. Before she can decide, an old enemy that Tali left for dead attacks. Villoso crafts believable, complex characters and spices up the politics with dragons and magic. Fantasy readers will enjoy this intricate epic and be pleased by the broadening scope of the series. Agent: Hannah Bowman, Liza Dawson Assoc.
Starred review from August 1, 2020
Queen Talyien has barely escaped with her life, but now is on the run back to Jin-Sayeng to catch up with her husband, Prince Rayyel, who plans to kill her son if he is the result of her affair and not of their marriage. Chased by the past machinations of her father, Warlord Yeshin, the deaths of her unknown brothers, and her own mistakes, Tali must travel with uncertain friends and allies, untangling lies from truths. With dark magic, dragons, and the rumbles of war approaching, Talyien must prove she is both a woman of heart and the Bitch Queen, if only to protect her land and save those that she loves. The power plays are woven tightly into the action, as Villoso (Blackwood Marauders) broadens her worldbuilding and adds some surprising twists. VERDICT Political intrigue and personal angst abound in this exciting sequel to The Wolf of Oren-Yaro, making this a must for epic fantasy readers.--Kristi Chadwick, Massachusetts Lib. Syst., Northampton
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