Review: The Exiled Queen (Seven Realms #2) by Cinda Williams Chima

Title: The Exiled Queen

Series: Seven Realms #2
Author: Cinda Williams Chima
Publisher: Hyperion Books
Published: September 24, 2010
Pages: 586
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Source: Audiobook, Ebook

Haunted by the loss of his mother and sister, Han Alister journeys south to begin his schooling at Mystwerk House in Oden’s Ford. But leaving the Fells doesn’t mean that danger isn't far behind. Han is hunted every step of the way by the Bayars, a powerful wizarding family set on reclaiming the amulet Han stole from them. And Mystwerk House has dangers of its own. There, Han meets Crow, a mysterious wizard who agrees to tutor Han in the darker parts of sorcery—but the bargain they make is one Han may regret. 

Meanwhile, Princess Raisa ana’Marianna runs from a forced marriage in the Fells, accompanied by her friend Amon and his triple of cadets. Now, the safest place for Raisa is Wein House, the military academy at Oden's Ford. If Raisa can pass as a regular student, Wein House will offer both sanctuary and the education Raisa needs to succeed as the next Gray Wolf queen. 

Everything changes when Han and Raisa’s paths cross, in this epic tale of uncertain friendships, cut-throat politics, and the irresistible power of attraction.

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MY REVIEW

This review MAY contain SPOILERS. Read at your own risk.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, but this book was infinitely better than the last! I am quite eager to start the third book of this series!

The world building only continues to shine in this follow up to The Demon King. The world is very imaginative. It has many different countries and cultures that are easy to compare to those of our world, though with their own flair and individuality. I liked the deeper look into politics, warfare, and magic in this book. The world is described beautifully for the reader to take everything in. 

The characters from the first book stand out even more so in this book. Their development was executed extremely well. I loved all the new relationships that were formed and the old ones that grew into more. I loved that the two main characters were drastically different people at the end of the book from the ones that they had been at the beginning. 

The plot was well thought out and flowed quite nicely. I was constantly eager to know what would unfold next and how the relationships between the different characters would affect the story. There was plenty of action and loads of suspense. 

I liked the romance in this book much more than the first book. The characters are maturing and it is influencing their love lives. I am actually quite eager to find out what happens to these young lovers as the story progresses. 

Overall, this series is wildly creative with strong characters and a solid plot. I do recommend this book and this series as a whole. If you are a fan of the Falling Kingdoms series by Morgan Rhodes then you will enjoy this series as well. It follows the same flow and has a similar feel. This series does not disappoint. 

THIS BOOK CONTRIBUTED TO THESE 2018 READING CHALLENGES

- A Series A Month Challenge
- Beat the Backlist Challenge
- Audiobook Challenge

Check out my 2018 Challenge Page to see my progress!

Which high fantasies have you been reading lately?