Forbidden Queen by R.J. Vickers – a Review

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Description:
Her power is forbidden. But she’s next in line for the throne. 

When Princess Kalleah is born with a forbidden magic power, her mother takes her into hiding to keep her safe. 

Now, at eighteen, she is back to claim her throne. 

People with Kalleah’s deadly power aren’t allowed into the city of Baylore, let alone the palace. If she is to rule, her people will need to overcome centuries of prejudice against the forbidden races. 

But the timing for her return could not be worse. 

Baylore was once a haven for the magic races that were persecuted and killed in other lands. 

Now, a small but dangerous group calling themselves Truthbringers have stirred up public sentiment against all magic–not just the forbidden races. 

If Kalleah can’t claim her rightful place on the throne, the once-peaceful city of Baylore will fall to chaos. Hatred and bigotry threaten to overthrow everything Baylore once stood for. 

But as she seeks support in her bid for the throne, she faces enemies at every turn. 

Can Kalleah win the throne and hold Baylore together? 

Or have the Truthbringers already sown the seeds of discontent too deep? 

Review:

Forbidden Queen by RJ Vickers is the first book in her new Forbidden Queen series.  Kalleah, our heroine, lives in hiding in a small village with her mother, as she hides a magical power (she can draw energy from people)  all of her life.  Now at 18 years old, her mother decides it is now time for her to return to Baylore, where her mother once again becomes Queen and Kalleah will meet her father the King.  Her mother left Baylore when Kalleah was a baby for her safety, and now it’s time for her to claim her rightful heir to become Queen of Itrea.  But her forbidden magical power is still considered bad, and many fear her powers, especially the Truthbringers, who preach that Kalleah is dangerous and are determined to make sure that she will never be Queen.  This includes her father’s brother, who plans on pushing his son, Leoth to be King, even if they have to destroy her.  At first Leoth was scheming, but in a short time they became friends, with Kalleah finding herself falling for him.  But was his feelings toward her real; can she trust him?

While the story revolves around the upcoming election of either a queen or king, Kalleah was the center of the story. Kalleah, had many enemies, tried to make friends, as she knew she would need them to be able to win the election, in which she needed 20 votes to win.  I really loved Kalleah, as she made a terrific heroine, being smart, brave, powerful and she needed to find a way to ensure the people that she wanted peace and they had no reason to fear her.  Will Kalleah survive and win the election?  To tell too much more would be spoilers and I do not want to ruin the story for you.

Forbidden Queen was captivating and intriguing story and held my attention throughout the book.  This is well written by RJ Vickers, as she has created a unique world building.  I look forward to the next book in this series, Innocent Queen.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review