Title: Trickster's QueenAuthor: Tamora Pierce
Genre: Fantasy, YA
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers, 2004
Source: Library (Audiobook)
Aly has chosen to stay in the Copper Isles after he wager with Kyprioth has ended. Determined to help the Raka regain their rights to rule the Isles, she has established an extensive spy network. The Isles are ready for rebellion. However, Aly must make some difficult choices - who has to be sacrificed for the greater good? And does Nawat have a more permanent place in her life?
I was extremely impressed with the book preceding this one, Trickster's Choice. In fact, I even went to far as to say it was my favorite book by Tamora Pierce, an impressive feat considering the fact that Tamora Pierce was the only author I even read in the sixth grade. While Trickster's Queen was entertaining, it wasn't as strong as the first book in the series.
I think the main reason I grew impatient with Trickster's Queen was the lengthy amount of time spent in spy meetings, planning out strategies and attack plans. When Aly was on her own, these were interesting. We were hearing about them for the first time. However, when they were magnified to a whole group, it was sometimes difficult to keep track of everything and grew tedious because it was repeated over and over. The first half of the book did not have much action - simply Aly directing her spies.
Things get a bit more interesting in the second half of the book as events are set in motion. Sarai becomes romantically entangled, Dove begins to show her strengths, Aly and Nawat have a lover's roadbump, and some ethical decisions arise - in particular, when the rebellion comes to head, what will happen to the boy king, Dunevon, and the next in line to the throne, Sarai and Dove's half-brother Elsren?
The overall tone of the book was still very entertaining. I love the world Pierce has created with the Copper Isles - the unique traditions and locations. I enjoy the complex hierarchy of gods and goddesses and the interplay between them. We are even introduced to a few new deities and Aly has the opportunity to get a bit closer to them than she would like. The characters are vibrant and unique. While this book did not live up to its predecessor, it was still entertaining and a good finish to Aly's saga as spymaster of the Copper Isles.
3.5 stars
Warnings: violence, "up-to-the-closed-door" sexuality
This isn't my favorite series by Pierce, and what I can remember of reading this one is much like what you describe: I liked the previous one, but this book dragged and I found it hard not to sleep through all those meetings. After I read this I worried for a while that I'd never be able to get into one of Pierce's books like I was younger, that I'd just have fond memories of Alanna and Kel but not be able to keep reading her stuff...the Provost's dog books are awesome, though. have you been reading them?
ReplyDeleteI've never read any Pierce!
ReplyDelete~Asheley