The Exiled Queen (Seven Realms)

Exiled Queen takes what was started in The Demon King and explodes it forward. After starting it,I could not put it down. Waiting for book three is going to be torture. Each character really seems to grow and mature in this book. I care about each main character and I'm not sure how I want this to turn out. There are so many possibilies.

I recommend this book for any fantasy fans out there.

4.5/5 Stars

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, but this book was infinitely better than the last! I am quite eager to start the third book of this series!

The world building only continues to shine in this follow up to The Demon King. The world is very imaginative. It has many different countries and cultures that are easy to compare to those of our world, though with their own flair and individuality. I liked the deeper look into politics, warfare, and magic in this book. The world is described beautifully for the reader to take everything in.

The characters from the first book stand out even more so in this book. Their development was executed extremely well. I loved all the new relationships that were formed and the old ones that grew into more. I loved that the two main characters were drastically different people at the end of the book from the ones that they had been at the beginning.

The plot was well thought out and flowed quite nicely. I was constantly eager to know what would unfold next and how the relationships between the different characters would affect the story. There was plenty of action and loads of suspense.

I liked the romance in this book much more than the first book. The characters are maturing and it is influencing their love lives. I am actually quite eager to find out what happens to these young lovers as the story progresses.

Overall, this series is wildly creative with strong characters and a solid plot. I do recommend this book and this series as a whole. If you are a fan of the Falling Kingdoms series by Morgan Rhodes then you will enjoy this series as well. It follows the same flow and has a similar feel. This series does not disappoint.

The second installment in the Seven Realms series takes us to college - fantasy-world style. Like really, our two protagonists are headed towards the seat of education in the Seven Realms - Oden's Ford. Raisa is running as an exiled princess heir, but also to strengthen her knowledge and become a warrior queen like her famed ancestors, and Han is going to enhance his wizardry so that he can prepare himself to take down the High Wizard. Both on parallel paths through the lands, face different challenges and adversaries, and it does not end when they reach their destination. Both are standing out in their respective places - she as a northerner in a classroom full of southerners, while him as an outsider in a classroom full of high-born wizards.

In the previous, I had a slight issued with the pacing in the start, but The Exiled Queen keeps up a nice fast pace all throughout the book. The events are played across nearly a year, and plenty happens during that time. She is troubled by the news coming out from Fells, and the devoted leader that she is, she feels responsible for the upheaval caused by her absence. She wants to live a free life but she also knows that she is tied to her queendom first. Meanwhile, Han has to dodge deals, threats and political posturing, while also learning to navigate this new world of the elites. His street skills keep him on his toes and alive, but to gain power he has to blend in. Both of them have grown remarkably through the two books, and I am excited how this is going to play out. They are still pieces being manipulated on the board, and I am waiting for the day they dictate the moves.

Content warning for racial slurs used in this book
The inclusion of the obviously-POC race of the Clans seemed generalized in the previous books, but in this one, with the characters interacting with characters from other lands, you see how the different cultures interact with each other, mostly with prejudice. Which is why there are racial tensions and frequent uses of the word 'savage', which is distasteful to come across, especially with recent matters brought to light on this issue. (I get that this book was published before all this came to the forefront in discussions of diversity, but I feel it deserves to be included here for future readers of this book.) Besides that, they are frequent slurs (of the fantasy-world type) flung around. It is a construct of the world-building, and some characters (Han and Raisa) frequently call out others on it, but it is there, nevertheless.

Speaking of world-building, the political tensions in this book reach new heights. Raisa is surrounded by one distasteful option after another, and not many people left to trust. She can't rely on the protection of her mother, not when the Wizard Council is using her as a puppet, and trying to undermine her succession. Han is, for now, not involved in the politics, but he is still tied by his bargain to protect the princess heir, which means the next book might have them being a power partnership together. Overall, this was an amazing sequel, and I am impressed by this series so far.

This series is just getting better and better, The Exiled Queen picks up not long after where The Demon King left off so we both Raisa and Han going through huge changes in their lives. Han is travelling to Oden's Ford with Dancer so that they can both begin their magical training at Mystwerk House but that's going to put him squarely in the sights of the Bayer twins who are both holding a grudge against him. Both of the boys struggle to fit in, Dancer is an outcast amongst the other wizards who all look down on him for his clan heritage while Han is caught between the people who want to use him for their own ends and those who would rather see him dead.

At the same time Raisa is travelling back to school with Amon and his triple, she is hiding in plain sight as a new recruit named Rebecca and trying to stay under the radar to avoid the Queen's Guard. If anyone discovers who she really is the best outcome would be getting dragged back home and forced into an unwanted marriage but with rumours circulating that the High Wizard is trying to have her sister declared heir to the throne it's more likely she'd meet with an unfortunate accident. Raisa is determined to make the most of her time at Oden's Ford though and she puts everything she has into training as hard as possible and learning anything that she feels could be an advantage in her future role as queen.

The Exiled Queen had me hooked from the first page, I enjoyed getting to learn more about this world as we journeyed across the country with the characters and we meet some interesting groups along the way who I'm sure are going to have roles to play as the series continues. The story really picks up the pace once we arrive at Oden's Ford though, I don't want to talk too much about what actually happens there but I loved seeing how much all of our characters changed and grew throughout the story. They are gradually starting to figure out their places in the world and are all starting to understand what they need to do to achieve their goals.

I still love the friendship between Dancer and Han, although Han was a little neglectful of his friend for a while so I'm hoping that doesn't continue. Cat is an excellent addition to the cast and it was also nice to see Raisa make some friendships amongst the other soldiers. Amon is still my favourite character but I'm a little angry with him for some of the choices he made in both in the previous book and in this one. I think my ship has basically hit an iceberg and sunk without a trace but I'm still kind of holding out hope for it to be mysteriously resurrected, please Cinda Williams Chima don't break my heart completely! Whatever happens I'm definitely excited to continue reading this series and I'm sure there are going to be lots more shocking developments before it reaches the conclusion.

Originally posted on The Canon! {[...]}

The first book in this series, The Demon King, was simply irresistible. It was recommended to me on GoodReads, and it's been one of my top reads so far this year. I fell in love with Chima's naive yet goodhearted princess and her rough streetlord. The Exiled Queen goes above and beyond the standards set by its predecessor.

Want a glimpse at the first novel? Check out my review here.

THE CHARACTERS
Han and Raisa each grow substantially as characters throughout The Exiled Queen. Han must learn to go beyond the streetlord he has been all his life. It's a skin he has worn long and it fits him well. The catastrophic events at the end of The Demon King force him to rely more on his mind and skills, playing what he would call "the blueblood" game instead of using the rules of the streets. Despite his new surroundings, there are still flashes of the streetlord I came to love; his simple joy in the simple things, such as owning his own horse or having his own room at the school show that he hasn't evolved out of the streetlord mentality.

Raisa has grown beyond the naive princess wanting to save the world and evolved into a gorgeously strong character that is completely unaware of her own strength. She stands tall against circumstances facing her, making me admire and cheer for her all at once. Throughout the story, she realizes her own life has been more of a facade than she knew, forcing her to learn to rely on herself (a lot like Han's own transformation). Although she feels certain of her identity, her performance as down-on-her-luck Lady Rebecca Morley forces her to question herself as Raisa, the princess heir.

THE PLOT
I'll admit it: I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, but this one has me completely enthralled. Personally, I'm thrilled that the characters aren't using others' affections for their own advantages; more than once, Chima's characters express their frustration about being locked in. I loved the scenes between Raisa and Han...I've been waiting for this since The Demon King. There's a sense of right, of two interlocking pieces clicking together into a whole when I read their scenes. Yet all the tension simmering around in the love triangle (well, actually the whole plot) makes me wonder how on earth this will all end.

Amon's revelation to Raisa in the middle of the book...oh my gosh. It stunned me. The whole plot turned sideways on its head (that particular plot element, anyway). And I thought I had this series figured out...

Oden's Ford was an interesting scene change, but it left me a little mystified. The weird unspoken truce that settled over the Bayars and Han felt a little too forced - The Demon King left off in such a state of tension that it was hard to believe they would cease all-out fighting just because they were in new territory...

The series storyline of the queendom, or "the fragile house of cards" as Raisa puts it, was fascinating. The queendom is slowly falling into danger, but all the characters feel powerless to stop it, even those in power. It was fascinating.

THE WRITING
Most of The Exiled Queen is written in a third person limited narrative, switching between Raisa and Han's perspective. I'm a huge fan of this particular narration because it allows the characters to explain their motivations while letting me, as a reader, watch them evolve. It was especially engaging in this particular plot, letting all of the side plots and stories take center stage at least once.

I loved the addition of the chapter titles! It was a great addition, letting the little quips foreshadow what was coming next.

FINAL THOUGHTS
All the time I've been writing this review, I've been thinking about where I've left Raisa and Han off and yearning to pick up book three The Grey Wolf Throne to keep going. The Exiled Queen carries on the fabulous storytelling and strong characters that I'm learning to expect from Chima.

Definitely for Fantasy Lovers of all ages.

Han and Raisa are both now headed separately to Oden's Ford for training. Han needs to learn how to harness the power inside him to be able to fulfill the deal he made with the clans. Raisa needs to hide from her mother and a forced marriage she didn't want until it is safer to come home. There seems to be danger around every corner for both of them.
Raisa is traveling under the guise of Rebecca Morley with Amon Byrne and his triple. She has hopes of learning how to be a warrior queen like Hanalea. With the help of Amon she is learning how to fight and the feelings between them blossom but he made a deal with his father and Honor Duty and the magical bond seem to be getting in the way.
Han made a promise to the clans in exchange for the money for his training at Odens Ford but it is a dangerous place with Micah Bayer around. It seems everyone wants to use Han in some way for their own ends. But he finds an unlikely mentor named Crow in the dream world. Han is busy trying to learn as much as possible and stay alive with all the `accidents' happening around him. Han runs into Rebecca and they form a friendship. Han needs to learn how to be a blueblood and Rebecca agrees to teach him.
This book has so much description in it. The fantasy world is completely built up and there is a real feel for the characters development. No one seems to be all good or all bad they all make good and bad decisions. There were some very heartbreaking moments and others you wanted to cheer for. Han is a very likeable scoundrel and never seems to forget his roots. Raisa is learning how to be a better Queen. While living with real people she gets sense for kingdom and yearns to do better than her Mother.
This is a great second book in the seven realms series, definitely better than the first book as all of the character develop and really grow. There is a little bit of everything for fantasy lovers. Sure there are so plot devices that maybe didn't need to be there but I liked the book so much I ignored them. Be ready to want to dive into the next book right after finishing.

After finding out the marriage plans the Bayar's had installed for her Raisa decides to runaway with her friend Amon Byrne to Oden's Ford. Beliving it would be the safest place for Raisa to hide and the place where she could really get some world experience she seeks schooling in the Wein House, Oden's Ford military academy. In Wein House she will be met by an extensive curriculum that will keep her up from morning to dusk studying different subjects, her best bet to stay alive and not become anyone's political interest is to stay in the academy and forget about life outside Wein House for a while.
On the meantime Han Alister just discovered that he is a wizard with nothing to loose, so he accepts the offering of the clans to go to school on Oden's Ford with Fire Dancer to study wizardry. Both of them don't feel really welcomed in Mystwerk House with the Bayars trying to get the amulet back and having the cold shoulder from the rest of their classmates for not being blueboods, but that does not stop them and Han stumbles into a mysterious character named Crow, a wizard that promises to teach Han sorcery but for a price Han may regret.

I'm pretty much in love with the first part of this series as I am with the second one, she made me love and hate her while reading this book, it made me wished I had more patience in some parts where Han or Raisa could be in danger or the bits and pieces of what was happening didn't seem important to the story, but as non important as they seem they were always relevant to the story.
I like the fact that we get to know Cat, Fire Dancer and Amon better, and even tough we still don't get to read Cat's or Fire Dancer P.O.V. in a chapter or two it doesn't mean their contribution to the story isn't meaningful or that they aren't fun to read, because they are.
It's really a good continuation, maybe it's not as intense as the first book, but that doesn't mean this book is lacking in any department, it compensates the intensity with more character and universe growth and with people keeping their own agendas.

Like The Demon King, The Exiled Queen is chock full of fantastical awesomeness. Chima has a way of writing that makes the Seven Realms both sit in the background yet be full and lush, enveloping you into its world. Like Sab (YA Bliss) said in her review, I want to live in this world. It just feels so real, like something that could exist on an alternate plane that if you could just tilt your head the right way, you'd see it.

The relationships between Amon, Raisa, Han, Dancer, Cat, Micah and Fiona are flourishing, some for the good and some for the bad. They're multidimensional in this book compared to the last. I feel like what I got in TDK was just a scratch in what these characters really are. And I'm so rooting for Han and Raisa. I can't wait to see just what happens between them in the next book. And Raisa and Amon for that matter.

Speaking of, I think one of my favorite parts of these books is the way Raisa views courtship and romance. She really is a helpless romantic but the facetious way she talks about kissing this boy and that boy and this other one, and then this one in dark corners, it's just a relief. There's no guilt. No one chastises her for how she acts. It's just normal. I guess it's refreshing seeing how normal Raisa is in her dating life considering everything going on around her.

The issues between Han and Micah are coming to a head and man, I'm just waiting for it to burst. But I truly pity Han. He's stuck in a difficult spot and is basically nothing more than a tool for people to use. It's hard not to think that they're using him not only for his talents but because of the very fact that he rightly has nothing left. No one will miss him should he get gone. But really, that's not true.

I just can't help but absolutely love the world that Chima created. The more I read her books, the more the world just fits into my normal. It's both intricate yet understanding. You can feel the dangers that the cadets face traveling to Oden's Ford. The way she wrote about the mist reminded me of some horror story where the mist was alive. And it might as well been here. I feel the pain and anguish and joy and love and hate that every single character feels; from Raisa herself right down to Cat, who, right now, is little more than a blip on the greater radar. You can feel the grime that covers them, feel how tired they are, the pain they feel after training. It's such an exceptionally written book that it's hard not to get sucked in completely.

It's funny because the book is a little long. I'm sure it could have been chopped down, that some parts were overdrawn. But if you ask me what could be cut, I couldn't name a single thing. I loved it all and every sentence in the book now makes it all the richer. I really can't say much more about The Exiled Queen without completely fangirling it and I really don't have any complaints so I'm going to end this here. Just read it and join me in my pain of waiting for the next book.

The second volume of Chima's Seven Realms series begins right on the tail of volume one. Haunted by the loss of his mother and sister, Han heads south to study in Oden's Ford at Mystwerk House. But leaving the Fells doesn't mean leaving the danger behind, as Han quickly discovers when he learns that his fellow students include the Bayar twins, scions of the High Wizard.

Meanwhile, Princess Raisa has escaped to Oden's Ford, looking to hide from those that would try and force her on a path that is not in her best interests. In Oden's Ford she lives an assumed identity, hiding from those that would force her into a marriage that would break the thousand year old laws that bind the Fells.

The Exiled Queen is a story of false pretenses and politics, framed within the lives of Han (17) and Raisa (16). This second volume of the series starts off much more strongly than the first, and could easily be broached by readers new to the series. Chima does a great job of refreshing our memory of the plot points without too much backtracking, letting the story carry us forward on its own merits.

The Exiled Queen is a solid volume in terms of story. The first book of the Seven Realms introduced us to these two characters, making it clear that they were going to be interlinked some day, but focussed largely on world building. This second volume explores their development as individuals, giving us more depth and intertwining their stories as individuals, focussing on character over scenery. Most of the time in Oden's Ford is glossed over with a few brush strokes, focussing instead on the characters thoughts and emotions. In each character we see the shade of the adults they will become developing, at the expense of the story at large moving along.

For that, this book earns some criticisms. Where the first volume focussed on the world around the characters more than it did on the individuals within it, this second volume takes the exact opposite approach. As a consequence, the action is fairly predictable to anyone that's ever read a fantasy hero/heroine novel before. The state of affairs in the Seven Realms at the start of the book is the same as it is at the end of the book, with only a few pawns moving around on the outskirts of the story. The real story is about us watching Han and Raisa make the decisions that will affect the rest of their lives.

EXPLETIVE! If I had known how awesome this book was going to be I wouldn't have waited this long to read it. High fantasy fans beware: The Exiled Queen is even better than The Demon King, and if you haven't read The Demon King then head on over to the bookstore right now and pick it up!

NOTE: This review may contain spoilers.

The Exiled Queen picks up two days after The Demon King left off and is once again told in two perspectives. Han and Raisa are both on the run, heading towards a common destination--Oden's Ford. Though roughly a third of the book is dedicated to their travels south, Chima manages to make each journey exciting and unique. Each character is attacked, captured, beaten and stalked in different ways until they reach their destination, where whole `nother definition of the word `intense' is created.

As mentioned above, the rest of this book takes place in Oden's Ford, and was home to some of the most interesting scenes in the series yet. Minor characters return and are given the opportunity to interact with Han and Raisa in ways that weren't possible before coming to the schools, giving them much more depth. I felt myself growing attached to the characters who were supposed to be "bad guys," as their motivations and own political Catch-22s were revealed. In addition, Han and Raisa run into each other a lot more once they discover that the other is there, which shifts the dynamics between them in a way I didn't really see coming. Their skills also grow. Han becomes much more accustomed to his magic and works hard to train himself, where Raisa diligently studies to become physically fit and military savvy. It's easy to see the two transform from kids to genuine leaders, and their newfound maturity promises epic decision making in the future.

For those of you who read and liked the first book, I'm 99.999% sure you'll love the second. There is a lot a set up that takes place here but it's never boring, and the two perspectives offered from each school continue to build upon the world that Chima has already created. There are also hints throughout the book as to how the two perspectives might be combined to save the realm in the future, and I cannot wait to see how the next book unfolds. Cinda Williams Chima, my hat goes off to you! This is some of the best fantasy the young adult section has to offer.

The fascinating tales of the Seven Realms continues in The Exiled Queen, sequel to The Demon King.

The Exiled Queen follows the paths of two characters: seventeen year-old Han Alister and Princess Raisa of the Fells. Han leaves his life of thievery to travel to Oden's Ford, where he can learn about the magical arts. However, Han is made fun of by most of the others at the academy, and is forced to make a pact with a mysterious wizard he meets in the dream world. Though the wizard agrees to help Han, the price is higher than Han had bargained for. Meanwhile, Princess Raisa has fled from her arranged marriage from Micah Bayar, and is traveling to Oden's Ford so she can receive a military education and become a better ruler, unlike her mother. While in Oden's Ford, Raisa and Han's paths cross, and are drawn together.

Cinda Williams Chima is one of those authors who gets better with every book, and The Exiled Queen is no exception. It's filled with thrilling action and great character relationships all spun together into an epic adventure that's impossible to put down. The world, especially, is highly engaging and well-constructed, so readers are completely enveloped into the world of The Seven Realms and don't want to leave it. Luckily, The Seven Realms series has been expanded from a trilogy to a quartet, so we have more great adventures to look forward to.

Though not perfect, The Exiled Queen is an exciting adventure that's some of the best YA high fantasy out there. It was a quick, easy read that was an just fun to read. It was easy for me to just let go and enjoy the story as it wove together and edged toward a thrilling climax. It's books like this that remind me why I enjoy reading.

EXPLETIVE! If I had known how awesome this book was going to be I wouldn't have waited this long to read it. High fantasy fans beware: The Exiled Queen is even better than The Demon King, and if you haven't read The Demon King then head on over to the bookstore right now and pick it up!

NOTE: This review may contain spoilers.

The Exiled Queen picks up two days after The Demon King left off and is once again told in two perspectives. Han and Raisa are both on the run, heading towards a common destination--Oden's Ford. Though roughly a third of the book is dedicated to their travels south, Chima manages to make each journey exciting and unique. Each character is attacked, captured, beaten and stalked in different ways until they reach their destination, where whole `nother definition of the word `intense' is created.

As mentioned above, the rest of this book takes place in Oden's Ford, and was home to some of the most interesting scenes in the series yet. Minor characters return and are given the opportunity to interact with Han and Raisa in ways that weren't possible before coming to the schools, giving them much more depth. I felt myself growing attached to the characters who were supposed to be "bad guys," as their motivations and own political Catch-22s were revealed. In addition, Han and Raisa run into each other a lot more once they discover that the other is there, which shifts the dynamics between them in a way I didn't really see coming. Their skills also grow. Han becomes much more accustomed to his magic and works hard to train himself, where Raisa diligently studies to become physically fit and military savvy. It's easy to see the two transform from kids to genuine leaders, and their newfound maturity promises epic decision making in the future.

For those of you who read and liked the first book, I'm 99.999% sure you'll love the second. There is a lot a set up that takes place here but it's never boring, and the two perspectives offered from each school continue to build upon the world that Chima has already created. There are also hints throughout the book as to how the two perspectives might be combined to save the realm in the future, and I cannot wait to see how the next book unfolds. Cinda Williams Chima, my hat goes off to you! This is some of the best fantasy the young adult section has to offer.

The fascinating tales of the Seven Realms continues in The Exiled Queen, sequel to The Demon King.

The Exiled Queen follows the paths of two characters: seventeen year-old Han Alister and Princess Raisa of the Fells. Han leaves his life of thievery to travel to Oden's Ford, where he can learn about the magical arts. However, Han is made fun of by most of the others at the academy, and is forced to make a pact with a mysterious wizard he meets in the dream world. Though the wizard agrees to help Han, the price is higher than Han had bargained for. Meanwhile, Princess Raisa has fled from her arranged marriage from Micah Bayar, and is traveling to Oden's Ford so she can receive a military education and become a better ruler, unlike her mother. While in Oden's Ford, Raisa and Han's paths cross, and are drawn together.

Cinda Williams Chima is one of those authors who gets better with every book, and The Exiled Queen is no exception. It's filled with thrilling action and great character relationships all spun together into an epic adventure that's impossible to put down. The world, especially, is highly engaging and well-constructed, so readers are completely enveloped into the world of The Seven Realms and don't want to leave it. Luckily, The Seven Realms series has been expanded from a trilogy to a quartet, so we have more great adventures to look forward to.

Though not perfect, The Exiled Queen is an exciting adventure that's some of the best YA high fantasy out there. It was a quick, easy read that was an just fun to read. It was easy for me to just let go and enjoy the story as it wove together and edged toward a thrilling climax. It's books like this that remind me why I enjoy reading.

As I started and stopped this book halfway through and picked it back up a year later, I don't remember much of the details from the beginning. By the end, however, I was getting right back into this great story.

For a sequel, this novel really didn't answer a lot of the question you may have had at the end of last book, but it's nonetheless a great and fun fantasy. I loved the growing wizard powers and the school they set up for it. It reminded me of Hogwarts, but in a good way. I love school novels. This one wasn't as scary or tense as the last one, but I'm thinking the third will make up for that.

I think the characters are awesome. Having just read Fire by Kristin Cashore, another YA fantasy, I must say Chima has much more likable characters. I think Raisa is arrogant, as a princess should be, but tries really hard to be a kind ruler. She is really trying to be the best ruler she can be, which makes it so much easier to root for her to keep the throne. She really grew on me, as I really couldn't stand her in the last one. She's become more mature and less snobby. More than Raisa though, I love Han Alister as a character. He's a good romantic lead, but honestly what's more important is that he's good fantasy hero. He has the mysterious past, he's an orphan so he has no ties to his family, he wants revenge, and his powers still are a bit of a mystery. It all makes for great stortytelling. Not to mention he is so likable, but still has faults especially with his friends. And he's a tough guy who still carries weapons with him. Over all a fun character to read. I love Dancer, Cat was really interesting in this one, and the Bayars are great villains. Amon is a great character, too. I guess I just love them all!

The one thing I adore about Chima is that she really puts the romance second, unlike a lot of YA fantasies. Truthfully, it makes the romance that much better when the plot has room to grow with the romance. Raisa has a lot more a romantic plot that Han, but that's fine as he gets just as much time in his POV in the book.

I love the political scheming that takes up a lot of this. Everyone wants something different. It's hard to know what the main characters even want to happen with this conflict.

The ending made me frusttrated, but at the same time made me have to read the next one to know what will happen.

Really well-done fantasy series that I'm still enjoying! If you want more make sure the read her Heir series, which is also really well-done for YA.

With teens turning to vampires, angels, and whatever other craze is out there it's refreshing to read an author who's not succumbing to the popular crazy of the day.

Cinda Williams Chima is such an author.

Cinda Williams Chima is a fantastic writer who improves with each novel she writes. Her Heir series was a New York Times Children's Series Bestseller, as well as appearing on a number of distinguished lists including the USA Today and Indie Bestsellers lists. Her most recent series, The Seven Realms Series, has also received much praise and thus far includes The Demon King and The Exiled Queen.

In The Exiled Queen Chima starts the story immediately where The Demon King leaves off. (If you haven't read The Demon King yet, let me first say you should, and second that you shouldn't read the next few paragraphs, but should just know this is a great series that anyone looking for a great book should read.) For those who have read the first book in this epic series The Exiled Queen begins with all the main characters traveling to Oden's Ford to study wizardry, military training, and hide from their enemies. Where the first book sets up the story be introducing the characters to one another, the plot really thickens in The Exiled Queen. Different and strange alliances seem to develop and new and powerful characters are introduced to the story. Besides that more divisions and plots to overthrow the government and current standing are discovered as the plot thickens in this captivating book.

And yet while the plot is incredibly intricate and detailed one of my favorite aspects of The Exiled Queen are the characters that are developed in the book. Fire Dancer, a character who could by all rights have a book all of his own, is given a greater part in the story. The Bayer twins (especially Fiona) are allowed to room to develop their own plots and schemes. And new characters such as Crow are introduced to the fray.

All in all The Exiled Queen is a fantastic book that I just couldn't put down. The action swells with each successive chapter, the already vibrant characters grow even richer, and the plot is full of intricate and complex schemes that just make the book so captivating that anyone who picks it up wont be able to put it down until the very last page. Making The Exiled Queen a must read in this season of sequels.

[...]

The Exiled Queen follows Han Allistair and Princess Raisa as they spend the year in the academy in Oden's Ford. Han Allistair, together with his friend Dances With Fire, goes to learn how to use his magic. They are joined by Han's old friend Cat, who swears fealty to Han and goes to the music school there. Things aren't easy for Han because the Bayars want to get back at him for stealing their amulet, the principal wants him to be party to overthrowing the Wizard's Guild, and a mysterious man named Crow wants to teach him magic with a more sinister plan in mind. Meanwhile, Raisa, along with her personal guard and childhood friend Amon, attends the soldier school where she intends to get an education that will prepare her to rule. She must keep her identity and presence secret, which would be easier if the Bayars and Han weren't in the area too.

Sometimes Raisa's boy-crazy behavior makes her a little hard for me to relate too. Not that I doubt it is a real representation of a teenage girl, but it's just not how any of my friends and I were at that age. Mostly, I found her inability to settle on just one person and her inability to control herself mostly annoying.

Han was not above some terrible decisions of his own, though he seemed to have a little bit less of a choice in the matter since everyone else was desperate to control him. He got caught between so many different people that it was hard to tell how much of his life he had control over. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of his struggles were the Bayar twins themselves, as it seems that Fiona, despite being part of the same family, does not share the same goal. Or at least, not quite. She's as power hungry as the rest, but she doesn't see why her brother should be the one to rule instead of herself.

There is so much scheming going on that you can't help but wonder how the kingdom hasn't collapsed already. There is hope though. As bad as Raisa's decisions sometimes seem to be, it is clear that she intends to be and will be a strong queen. If she can avoid getting herself taken by Micah. I can't help but wonder what her mother is thinking in all this, if she has been bewitched or just beguiled. How much of this is her conscious involvement and how much of it is magic? Can Raisa trust her mother? (And until she's sure she can, why would she go to the queen?)

Haunted by the loss of his mother and sister, Han Alister journeys south to begin his schooling at Mystwerk House in Oden's Ford. But leaving the Fells doesn't mean that danger isn't far behind. Han is hunted every step of the way by the Bayars, a powerful wizarding family set on reclaiming the amulet Han stole from them. And Mystwerk House has dangers of its own. There, Han meets Crow, a mysterious wizard who agrees to tutor Han in the darker parts of sorcery--but the bargain they make is one Han may regret.
Meanwhile, Princess Raisa ana'Marianna runs from a forced marriage in the Fells, accompanied by her friend Amon and his triple of cadets. Now, the safest place for Raisa is Wein House, the military academy at Oden's Ford. If Raisa can pass as a regular student, Wein House will offer both sanctuary and the education Raisa needs to succeed as the next Gray Wolf queen.
Everything changes when Han and Raisa's paths cross, in this epic tale of uncertain friendships, cut-throat politics, and the irresistible power of attraction.

Blurb from Barnes and Nobel.com

4 out of 5 stars

A stunning continuation to a beautiful beginning. In this book, the two main characters, Han and Raisa, were a lot closer. Just across the street acually, so that made the book a lot more intresting.

I'm not very good at reviewing books that aren't the first in the series, because there is more I know, and less that I want to tell you, because I don't like to give away spoilers. So yeah.

I would definitely read this series if I were you, great for fans of high fantasy, like Eragon and Graceling, which are two of my favorite books. You'll probably see review for them around here eventually. :)

This book had a pretty mean cliff hanger, leaving both character riding on their horses to places I'm not going to tell you. I'm glad I've got the next book!

Happy Reading Everyone! :D

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The world painted by Cinda Williams Chima is complex and well-imagined, with lots of political intrigue, romance, and fun magic. I especially liked the characters of Raisa, Amon, and Han.

The story starts with a heavy dose of action, adventure, and danger, before sinking into a more mundane pace in what is essentially a contemporary university environment set in a fantasy world. The denouement was, on the whole, unsatisfactory, as Chima seemed more intent on starting the next novel in the series than on finishing this one. Still, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys YA medieval fantasy with strong male and female characters -- and who is ready to commit to a multi-novel series, as this book was not written to stand on its own.

The seven realms series is one of my favorite series and Cinda Williams Chima has become one of my favorite authors.

I've recommend this series to many people especially if they are looking for extremely well developed characters that you can connect with, a clear well thought out plot, suspense and great action, and of course a page turning romance. Each character has their own strong story that keeps you on edge waiting about their next big adventure.

Whether you are into war/fighting, heart throbbing romances, or betrayal and cover ups, the Seven Realms series is definitely a book I will read again and again and of course suggest others to read. I cannot wait until The Gray Wolves Throne comes out.

Well done Cinda Williams Chima !! Five stars

I loved it. The characters are well developed and keep maturing. It was hard to put down. We learned more about each of them and some more of the hidden portions of the story. I had to purchase the next one immediately after ending this one.

I felt that the different character interactions came together a bit more here. The world is well crafted and thought out as well as the overall plot. I can not wait to see what happens in the end.

I thought that the references to contraception were out of place and unnecessary.

For the record, if I had aspirations as an author* I don't think I would ever read Cinda Williams Chima's books. Her world building is so superb that I would be intimidated. Seriously, the woman is amazing.

The Exiled Queen doesn't lose any of the momentum created in The Demon King. We pick up with Han, Dancer, Raisa, Amon, and the crew as they are all making their ways back to Oden's Ford. I was so excited to see where this book would lead and I was not disappointed.

I love that we still get to see what is going on with the different characters from different perspectives. It was interesting to meet knew people and learn more about those I was already attached to. Micah still confuses me and I am 100% team Han. I adore that street lord turned magician! Seriously. His charm oozes off the page. You can't resist him! Still, my favorite person has to be Raisa. She just seems so real to me. I love her courage and strength and compassion. Such a great female lead!

If you like high fantasy I cannot recommend this series highly enough. Just don't get mad at me because you have to wait for more (book three coming later this month... it's incredible!)

*I so do not! I would write the most unoriginal and terrible stories. Like, they would be the kind to show up on "Can you believe someone submitted this crap?!?!" type sites.