I don’t know why exactly, but stories that involve twins always intrigue me. The whole growing up with a lookalike deal sounds just really cool to me. Though I imagine it has its ups and downs >.< But this is what initially caught my attention with this book. Then the whole taking-over-her-sister's-identity plot line is what sold it. It does have its flaws, but I was overall pleasantly surprised with the depth this novel reached. I also found the characterization fantastic - yes, the main character can be selfish at times with a frustrating lack of self esteem, but her character was realistic and her voice, compelling. In short, Ella and her twin sister get into an accident, her sister dies, and from the guilt of having taken her life...
Audiobook Review: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Posted by Amy • 14 Comments
I received this book for free from HarperTeen in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard Series: Red Queen #1
Published by HarperTeen on February 10th 2015
Genres: Fantasy, YA
Source: HarperTeen
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
Graceling meets The Selection in debut novelist Victoria Aveyard's sweeping tale of seventeen-year-old Mare, a common girl whose once-latent magical power draws her into the dangerous intrigue of the king's palace. Will her power save her or condemn her?
Mare Barrow's world is divided by blood--those with common, Red blood serve the Silver- blooded elite, who are gifted with superhuman abilities. Mare is a Red, scraping by as a thief in a poor, rural village, until a twist of fate throws her in front of the Silver court. Before the king, princes, and all the nobles, she discovers she has an ability of her own.
To cover up this impossibility, the king forces her to play the role of a lost Silver princess and betroths her to one of his own sons. As Mare is drawn further into the Silver world, she risks everything and uses her new position to help the Scarlet Guard--a growing Red rebellion--even as her heart tugs her in an impossible direction. One wrong move can lead to her death, but in the dangerous game she plays, the only certainty is betrayal.
This was fantastic and great to read. I loved that this had so much going for it. A great plot full of deception, lies, romance, and magic. Besides that, it was filled with some great action and I loved the characters. I think this would have been a joy to read, but it was enhanced with the audio. I often cringe when I know I am getting myself into a series, but I am really glad that I started this one and I am interested to know where the story will go.
Mare is a pretty smart girl. Growing up in poverty, and knowing what is coming to her in her near future, she does the best she can. She is a thief, but she is good at it. She’s also very snarky and a bit rough around the edges. I loved her personality. Then there is the fact that she learns that she has magic. She controls electricity. No Red has been known to have power, so why does she? She goes along with the plan that the Silver King and Queen have devised. Not that she has much choice, but she also decides she is going to fight back as well. By joining the Scarlet Guard to take down the Silvers. She does all that she can to protect her family from where she is, but she knows that she needs to do more. She knows that her death awaits, just not when it will come.
The romance aspect was good too. It wasn’t over powering, and it wove into the story well. There was a point to it. It wasn’t just thrown in for a few kissy scenes to make people swoon. I really liked how it was done, even with there being more than one romantic interest at times. It fit what was going on.
Now onto the audiobook part of this. I really loved this as an audiobook. The narrator was the perfect voice for Mare. She really captured the tone I imagine Mare having when she talks and thinks. She had the attitude and the bluntness down perfect. And she really gave it emotion when it was needed. It was easy to believe that it was actually the character going through certain things. I really think that a narrator can either make a book better for me, or destroy it. In this case, I thought it was fabulous!!
This was definitely an action packed book. There was always something happening at every turn. I also was so caught up in it, that at times I would miss the deceptions going on that should have been so clear. It was twisted and awesome!! Filled with evil, goodness, and revenge. It was an amazing book to listen to and it had me constantly second guessing what was going on or what was going to happen. The characters were very well done, and it had a solid plot. I can’t wait to see where this story goes!! I can’t wait for the next one to come out.
4 Hot Espressos
Blog design by