The Queen’s Resistance by Rebecca Ross – a Review

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Description:
Finally, Brienna is a mistress of knowledge and is settling into her role as the daughter of Davin MacQuinn, a disgraced lord who returned to Maevana to reclaim his house. Though she’d just survived a revolution, one that will finally return a queen to the throne, she faces another difficult challenge. She must prove herself trustworthy to the MacQuinns. But as Queen Isolde Kavanagh’s closest confidant, she’ll have to balance serving her father’s house as well as her country. And then there’s Cartier, a wholly separate but desirable factor in her new life.

Aodhan Morgane, formerly known as Cartier Évariste, is adjusting to the stark contrast between his pre-rebellion life in Valenia as a master of knowledge and his current one as the lord of a fallen house. During his castle’s restoration, he discovers a ten-year-old boy named Tomas, whose past and parentage are a complete mystery. So when Cartier’s former pupil Brienna is as taken with Tomas as he is, he lets his mind wander—what if he doesn’t have to raise him or his house alone?

As the Lannon trial rapidly approaches, Brienna and Cartier must put their feelings aside to concentrate on forging alliances, executing justice, and ensuring that no one interferes with the queen’s coronation. But resistance is rumbling among the old regime’s supporters, who are desperate to find a weakness in the rebels’ forces. And nothing makes a person more vulnerable than deep-seated love.

Review:

The Queen’s Resistance by Rebecca Ross  is the 2^nd book in her fabulous The Queen’s Rising Duology .  I couldn’t wait to read this book, as I loved the first book The Queen’s Rising.  Once again, I am in awe of Rebecca Ross’ fantastic storytelling in a wonderful YA fantasy world, especially for an author whose debut novel was in that first book.  I loved The Queen’s Resistance.

The Queen’s Resistance picks up a short time after the end of the Queen’s Rising, where the revolution has successfully ended to be followed by a massive rebuilding.  Our heroes that helped win the war, Brienna (our wonderful heroine), Cartier (our hero), Isolde (the new Queen), Davin MacQuinn & Luc MacQuinn ( Brienna’s adopted family) meet to determine the other houses if they are true allies or enemies from the then evil King.  With Isolde’s coronation upcoming, grievances are being asked from the surviving families to determine who besides the evil king will be executed for their terrible deeds.  While decisions are being made, each of the families will return to their rightful Home after hiding for 25 years. Brienna goes with her father and brother to their house, with many of those who served MacQuinn also returning.  Wheras, everyone is happy to have the MacQuinns back, there are some who resent Brienna.  That will change over the course of time, but it makes Brienna uncomfortable listening to the whispers; but some of the maids will openly accept her and help her. Cartier, who is now known by his true name as Aodhan Morgane, returns to a house that has fallen apart, but those who are loyal to the Morganes, will also return to help bring the house back to its glory.  A young boy, Tomas, is found hiding in the house, and Cartier will take him in; he will play a major part in this story.

As the families of all the houses return to their rightful homes, there are still other houses that were loyal to the Lannons, and cannot be trusted.  Though the revolution is over there are still enemies at these houses that are determined to stop Isolde from being Queen of Maevana.

This was such a wonderful heartwarming story, as each of them try to rebuild their lives and homes from the horrific deaths and tragedy years before.  I loved Brienna, as she continues to be a terrific heroine, as well as a wonderful friend and consultant to Isolde, not to mention her romance with Cartier.  But the danger is not over, as betrayals will put lives on the line.  Allies and loyalties must be confirmed, and enemies dealt with before the coronation to ensure safety for all. 

What follows is an exciting, intriguing, action packed, and heartwarming adventure that will have Brienna in the middle of betrayals, deception and twists that will have us holding our breaths.  As we raced to the climatic finish, the final half of the book was intense and heartbreaking, as we could not put the book down.  I will say I loved the ending that was written so well by Ross, as it was very heartwarming, with love and happiness.  Brienna was such a great heroine, and her romance with Cartier was wonderful. I loved Isolde, the new Queen, and her connection to Brienna. Ross also created some wonderful secondary characters.

The Queen’s Ressistance was a fantastic, fascinating, page burner adventure in a magnificent world that I would love to continue.  I cannot tell too much more, as it would be major spoilers.  You need to find out everything for yourself.  I loved every moment of this book, with its amazing characters, history, family, war, and love.  Bravo to Rebecca Ross for this wonderful journey.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher