Review: The Queen's Advantage

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When Queen Samara Rani fulfills the promise she made to Emperor Valentin Kos to visit his court and meet with his advisors, she knows they won’t welcome her with open arms, especially when she’s been tasked with discovering the traitors within their ranks—traitors she tricked out of five million credits. As soon as Samara begins her investigation it becomes clear that Valentin’s advisors want her gone and they aren’t picky about how. After their tactics turn violent, Samara and Valentin race to unravel the web of treachery and lies before the next attack ends in tragedy. When the conflict escalates in ferocity and rumors start blaming Samara, she is forced to continue her hunt alone. Uncovering traitors is difficult when courtiers learn to lie before they learn to walk, and one misstep could cost her life. However, Rogue Queens aren’t easy to kill and Samara has more than a few tricks of her own.

Genre: science fiction / science fiction romance

Publication date: July 2019

Mature content: yes

Review: Of the three books in this Rogue Queen series (and I have read them all that this point), The Queen's Advantage (book two) is the weakest link. You have to read it because otherwise you'll miss one third of the story line, but if it was a stand alone I would have to say I didn't like it very much. 

Save for one or two scenes, Samara does not come across as the legendary assassin/bounty hunter she supposedly is. Even though she's taking time away from her people to aid Valentin sort out the traitors in his own court (and earn money while she's at it). there's a lot of politics, a lot of going back and forth, black tie dinners and walking around, and very little action. 

 

 

 

 

On the other hand, Valentin's life is at risk - and in fact, he almost dies at one point - but I don't see all that much security in the palace. I would expect a lot more, under the circumstances. Nearly everyone is free to come and go, even those that are already under suspicion.

All in all, it's a book you read just because after book one you need to know what happens to Samara and Valentin next, but it's just a step you need to take to move onward to book three (because yes, there's no way you'll finish this book two and decide to stop with this series, since you'll be left at a partial cliffhanger - and besides, book three is much better).

 

Happy readings,

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