A Broken Queen

The Nine Realms, Book 3

By: Sarah Kozloff

Narrated by: Imogen Church

Sarah Kozloff, author of Queen of Raiders, continues her breathtaking and cinematic epic fantasy series The Nine Realms with Book Three, A Broken Queen, and all four audiobooks will be published within a month of each other, so you can binge your favorite new fantasy series.

Time can heal all wounds, but not all wounds are visible.

Barely surviving her ordeal in Oromondo and scarred by its Fire Spirit, Cerulia is taken to a recovery house in Wyeland to heal from the trauma. In a ward with others who are all bound to serve each other, she discovers that not all scars are visible, and dying can be done with grace and acceptance.

While she would like to stay in this place of healing, will she ever be able to the peace she has found to re-take the throne?

A Macmillan Audio production from Tor Books

The Nine Realms Series

#1 A Queen in Hiding

#2 The Queen of Raiders

#3 A Broken Queen

©2020 Sarah Kozloff (P)2020 Macmillan Audio

Thalen ascendant - Cerulia dependent

After the last book’s emphasis on guerilla fighting, torture and loss, this book provided a better balance. The behind the scenes action with the elementals kicked in, far flung characters began to connect, and efforts against the invaders finally paid off. With the exception of one siege, General Somorov’s POV and the Oromondo arc languish. But, Cerulia, Thalen, and Matwyk made enough progress on their arcs to keep me invested and moving right onto the final book.

Thalen’s arc was especially satisfying, in large part due to him using his brain; across the last three books, he’s grown through intent, planning and stratagem. On the other hand, three books in and Cerulia remains loathe to do anything except react; outside factors had to push, cajole or threaten before she moved to retake her kingdom. Cerulia’s circumstances make sense in the overall plot, and ring true for a book titled A Broken Queen. However, it’s rather disappointing to have her be so passive and to instead view Thalen as the worthier MC.

Ms. Church’s phenomenal narration, and ability to distinguish such a huge cast of characters,
remains one of the strongest features of this series. Some of her characters are still cartoonishly garish, but needs must to paint a picture with only audio.

Very satisfying!

This was an expansive and clever third novel! Probably my favorite! This book is the perfect escape I felt I traveled leagues in Its chapters!

New Lands, New Trials, and New MC

Not really "new" MC, but one that has to overcome harsh trials and build herself back up again, which can be gathered both from the third installment's title, and where book 2 left us.

Initially, as we get into the meat of the MC's journey in this book, I was dreading a long, drawn-out recovery like that in Book 2 of Megan Whalen Turner's "The Queen's Thief" series. Luckily, such was not the case here! I was surprised at how well Sarah Kozloff handled these events and pushed the story forward at a comfortable, reasonable, and believable pace. Bravo! I didn't lose interest for a moment! At the end of book 3, my anticipation for this tale's conclusion has ratcheted to new heights!!

I really like the overall pace of this series, and feel that each portion of the MC's life and the political climate/events of the world around her were presented in such a way that was both easily followed/understood and kept a listener riveted.

Again, the narrator. As discussed in my previous reviews of books 1 and 2, the narrator has massive theatrical talent and acting chops. It's amazing that the voice for each character (no matter how minor) can evoke so much of their personality, background, and emotion. Although, I must reiterate that "over-acting" is also present at times, However, I applaud Imogen Church! Wonderful job!

And I'm off to book 4!

And the story and writing gets even better

can't wait to see what is in store for the last book 😍 😬

Addictive Series!

Such a well written and well performed story...this one will be replayed many times over!