This book starts out slow and at times repetitive, but all the world and character building are worth it when the action at last swells towards the book's riveting conclusion, an ending that wraps up much but left me tantalize for the sequel. ⁣
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Queen of the Conquered takes on a story of colonization and slavery in a Caribbean inspired world, complete with an intriguing magic concept called kraft. Sigourney is the only free islander, the lone survivor of the massacre of her entire family by the jealous white ruling elite. Now after years of playing by their script, she finally has the opportunity to take her revenge by becoming the next regent to the crown and making everyone pay. Sigourney is a complex character, and it was gutsy to tell this story through her imperfect first person POV. ⁣
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I had some issues with the pacing, and some bits of the story didn't fully come together, but I'd still recommend this one, especially to fantasy fans looking for something boldly reckoning with history. I think there's big stuff in store for the sequel, and I feel like it's going to blow this one out now that all the development is out of the way. I can't wait to see where Callender takes this story.