musingaloud | Review: The Born Queen, by Greg Keyes

THE BORN QUEEN, by Greg Keyes

The fourth and final book in the series, "The Kingdoms of Blood and Thorn." A multicast of characters that began with "The Briar King," continued in "The Charnel Prince" and "The Blood Knight," complete their stories. This book centers on Anne Dare as she takes control of her kingdom, determined to avenge the deaths of her father and two sisters. Also key players are Aspar White, protector of the King's Forest and destined to help it return from the evil that has spoiled it; Stephen Darige, monk and historian, finder of lost secrets; Austra, Anne's maid and best friend, and her reality check and grounding for humanity; Cazio, swordmaster extradonaire, loyal to a fault; Neil MacVren, knight, protector, and honor-filled; and other assorted heroes and heroines, all who combine to bring the kingdom away from those who have only their own interests at heart. There are villains galore, each with their own agendas, and they may or may not be all they seem. While some of the characters were dispatched a little too easily for my taste in the ending, I heartily recommend this series as a real treat and a journey. The struggle to triumph is never what it seems to be in the beginning, but well rounded by the end.