Book info:
Author: Tessa Gratton
Genre: Adult Fantasy
Release Date: March 27th, 2018
Publisher: Tor Books
Source: Finished copy received from publisher
Synopsis:
A kingdom at risk, a crown divided, a family drenched in blood.
The erratic decisions of a prophecy-obsessed king have drained Innis Lear of its wild magic, leaving behind a trail of barren crops and despondent subjects. Enemy nations circle the once-bountiful isle, sensing its growing vulnerability, hungry to control the ideal port for all trade routes.
The king's three daughters—battle-hungry Gaela, master manipulator Reagan, and restrained, starblessed Elia—know the realm's only chance of resurrection is to crown a new sovereign, proving a strong hand can resurrect magic and defend itself. But their father will not choose an heir until the longest night of the year, when prophecies align and a poison ritual can be enacted.
Refusing to leave their future in the hands of blind faith, the daughters of Innis Lear prepare for war—but regardless of who wins the crown, the shores of Innis will weep the blood of a house divided.
The erratic decisions of a prophecy-obsessed king have drained Innis Lear of its wild magic, leaving behind a trail of barren crops and despondent subjects. Enemy nations circle the once-bountiful isle, sensing its growing vulnerability, hungry to control the ideal port for all trade routes.
The king's three daughters—battle-hungry Gaela, master manipulator Reagan, and restrained, starblessed Elia—know the realm's only chance of resurrection is to crown a new sovereign, proving a strong hand can resurrect magic and defend itself. But their father will not choose an heir until the longest night of the year, when prophecies align and a poison ritual can be enacted.
Refusing to leave their future in the hands of blind faith, the daughters of Innis Lear prepare for war—but regardless of who wins the crown, the shores of Innis will weep the blood of a house divided.
“I adore this—rich, epic, blood-soaked—a glorious and grand sweeping fantasy.” —Kate Elliott, author of The Poisoned Blade
“A gloriously symphonic, thematically rich variation on the story of the daughters of Lear. The danger of seeking certainty makes this a tale for our time; the power of truth and mercy makes it a tale for all times. Prepare to devour every word, for Innis Lear will consume you.” —Karen Lord, author of Redemption in Indigo
"Messy, beautiful, and dark, darker than Shakespeare could have dreamed." —E. K. Johnston, author of Star Wars: Ahsoka
My rating: 4 stars
Once again Tessa Gratton has written a story where she has created a beautiful vivid world. The size of the book itself tells you just how in detail and well developed this world is. That is something that I love about reading her books, I know that I will be able to lose myself in a world that is so real from the way she writes it.
I was worried a bit at first that it was going to be too similar to another favorite book of mine, Three Dark Crowns. My fear was quickly banished as soon as I picked up the book and immersed myself in the story. This is a story of three true sisters, that were raised together, but do not necessarily connect with each other the way you'd think. The two older ones do think they can work together to take over their kingdom when their father passes it on. They think the oldest, Gaela, will rule as queen, while the middle, Regan, plans to support and be her sister's right hand woman, by bearing the heir for the kingdom. The youngest, Elia, has always been her father's favorite, until the day that he decides to turn over his kingdom, and yet the way she answers his questions causes him to send her away. But the two older sisters don't feel that Elia is one of them, thanks to the fact that she has always been her father's favorite. And so they have not included her in their plans. But even between themselves, they may not be completely honest with their wants and intentions. While Regan loves her husband, Gaela does not feel the same. She only married because she had to in order to one day become queen. Elia has friends in her late mother's family and land, as well as the king of a nearby kingdom. It is this king of Aremoros that may help her, although he plans to get her country however he is able. And then there is Ban, the bastard son of one of the nobles. But who once was a good friend to Elia until he was sent away.
There are other characters, and we do get chapters from many of them throughout the book. Since the book is not told in first person, it does not get confusing, and you do know at the beginning who the character is for that chapter. We also get many flashbacks that lead us to see just how all of the issues among the people as well as their problems with their own lands developed.
Another great, high fantasy from Tessa Gratton. I will admit I've not completely finished the book, still working on it. This type of fantasy is one that I read slower, because the detail requires that I am able to give it my complete attention when reading. Once I start reading, and no one disturbs me, I can sit and read and not want to put it down.
About the Author:
Tessa Gratton is the Associate Director of Madcap Retreats and the author of the Blood Journals Series and Gods of New Asgard Series, co-author of YA writing books The Curiosities and The Anatomy of Curiosity, as well as dozens of short stories available in anthologies and on merryfates.com. Though she’s lived all over the world, she’s finally returned to her prairie roots in Kansas with her wife. Her current projects include Tremontaineat Serial Box Publishing, YA Fantasy Strange Grace coming in 2018, and her adult fantasy debut, The Queens of Innis Lear, from Tor March 27, 2018. Visit her at tessagratton.com
TWITTER: @tessagratton
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FACEBOOK: https://www.
INSTAGRAM: https://www.
Giveaway:
--Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter
ENDS: APRIL 14, 2018
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