Title: The Queen’s Rising (Untitled Trilogy #1)
Author: Rebecca Ross
Rating: ★★★★
I think the Young Adult Science-Fiction/Fantasy genre has become diluted with so many books that follow the same setting/plot/characterization structure that it’s hard to go into any new ones without a sense of apprehension. If I’m being completely honest, this book was only mildly on my radar, and only because the heroine’s name is Brienna, which is the closest any character has come to having the same name as me. I’m so happy to be able to write this review and say that no only did The Queen’s Rising bypass my expectations, but I also very thoroughly enjoyed reading it as well.
The world-building and atmosphere that Rebecca Ross creates is both unique and refreshing for the genre. It made the story so much more enjoyable and easier to get into because it didn’t feel like something I’ve read ten times over already. The writing and pacing was expertly done and I easily became enthralled by the story and the characters. As someone with a minor (okay, major) obsession with their Irish heritage, I loved that Ross drew inspiration for the Maevana setting from ancient Ireland/Scotland, including the use of Irish/Scottish names. There was romance present, but it was very minor and did not take away from the story at all, and I think it was wonderfully done. There is a bit of an age difference between Brienna and the love interest, but it didn’t bother me at all (actually, I was kind of digging it, I won’t lie) and for the most part doesn’t present much of an issue.
All in all, I was super happy that The Queen’s Rising was a welcome change to read, especially when compared to many other books in the Young Adult SFF genre. I’m very excited for the rest of the series! High praise to Rebecca Ross for writing such a fresh, beautiful debut book!
Paws & Paperbacks 
This honestly wasn’t on my radar either, for the same reasons it wasn’t on yours, but now I’m intrigued. The setting sounds really interesting and different from other YA fantasy books I’ve read. Lovely review!
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You should definitely check it out! There were a few similar elements to other books (it is a YA fantasy after all) but everything else about it was so unique and different that it hardly matters!
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This one has actually been on my radar for quite some time, especially since the cover was released. I’m so pleased you liked it—I’ll definitely be picking it up now. 🙂
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Yes, that cover is so pretty! I hope you find yourself enjoying it as much as I did!
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I loved this book. It makes me so happy to see other positive reviews on it.
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I can see why! It’s really a fantastic book, I’m so glad I read it ✨
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Me, too.
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Fantasy is something I am not getting into right now because like you said they all are getting to be alike. I have this added to my TBR though! Great review!
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And with most of the books in the genre being so similar to each other, it’s hard not to compare every fantasy book I read. But I really think this one stands out! I hope you enjoy reading it!
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Exactly! Thanks!
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I’m so excited for this book!
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Yay! I hope you like it as much as I did!
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The cover is beautiful as is your review. I’m a huge fan of YA fantasy novels so I’ll add this to my TBR pile. Thanks
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Thank you for the compliment! I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did!
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