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A review by angeldevoursliterature
Once A Queen by Sarah Arthur
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
The book had a promising premise, but there's plenty of room for improvement. The characters, especially Eva, were likable though! In my opinion, a lot is lacking. I didn't connect with it at all.
Where's the fantasy? I was expecting the story to focus more on the 'fantasy elements' instead of Eva's attempts to reconnect with her grandmother, who is struggling with grief and trauma from past events. My biggest letdown was the world-building. Despite the story taking us to different worlds multiple times, it feels disconnected from the narrative, leaving me wanting more actual exploration.
Additionally, I wish the story had more suspense in the first parts where the mystery was being introduced.
Thank you to NetGalley, Waterbrook, and Sarah Arthur for providing me an ARC of this book.
Where's the fantasy? I was expecting the story to focus more on the 'fantasy elements' instead of Eva's attempts to reconnect with her grandmother, who is struggling with grief and trauma from past events. My biggest letdown was the world-building. Despite the story taking us to different worlds multiple times, it feels disconnected from the narrative, leaving me wanting more actual exploration.
Additionally, I wish the story had more suspense in the first parts where the mystery was being introduced.
Thank you to NetGalley, Waterbrook, and Sarah Arthur for providing me an ARC of this book.
Graphic: Death, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail