Reviewed by Berls on
I really wanted to love The Almost Queen. I know/knew Laura when she was blogging - before she started publishing - and really like/d her. So I was excited to finally read one of her books. I think a a couple perfect coincidences conspired with a few elements to leave me underwhelmed.
(1) the cover - I am drawn to pretty covers like a moth to flame. And more often than not, they disappoint me. And still, I come, hoping that this one will be one of the few that I end up loving. This cover mislead me into expecting a story with more courtly intrigue and majesty. I found both lacking, though there were allusions.
(2) I recently started reading another Arthurian retelling and it is SO GOOD. Though they are not remotely the same - not in genre nor setting (though I found myself really uncertain of the setting of this book... was it historical? or were the characters living in a modern world but with some old world elements... reliving/rewriting mythical/historical moments? I was never quite sure) - I think I subconsciously compared the two.
(3) the plot didn't pull me in really. I feel like I was more compelled by my knowledge of what was supposed to happen to Gwen, Lancelot and Arthur than I was by what was happening. Maybe it was just a bit too easy?
That being said - it was a light, easy read. If you're looking for something sweet and simple, this is it. Maybe I was just in the wrong mood and wanted something a big more complex and challenging. I hope to try another book in the future by Laura and to love it!
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 21 March, 2021: Finished reading
- 21 March, 2021: Reviewed