Rebel Queen by Moran, Michelle

Rebel Queen

by Moran, Michelle

"When the British Empire sets its sights on India in the mid-nineteenth century, it expects a quick and easy conquest ... But when they arrive in the Kingdom of Jhansi, the British army is met with a surprising challenge. Instead of surrendering, Queen Lakshmi raises two armies--one male and one female--and rides into battle, determined to protect her country and her people. Although her soldiers may not appear at first to be formidable against superior British weaponry and training, Lakshmi refuses to back down from the empire determined to take away the land she loves"--

Reviewed by cherryblossommj on

5 of 5 stars

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Review below. Image links to guest post.



I believe when I originally added this book to my to-reads shelf it was called "The Last Queen of India." I do believe that title captures the story better for me, yet I see in the events where "Rebel Queen" was chosen. It's a bit difficult to try not to give anything away, but what I can tell you is that this book brought me back. I found myself reading well into the night and wanting to go on for more.

Michelle Moran is a great author. (Read here guest post on CreativeMadnessMama.com from a few weeks ago in February http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2015/02/24/janam-kundlis-rebel-queen/). She brings history alive and off the page. Easily she is, for me, a put in on the shelf for keeps even before I've read the story. Each novel of Michelle's has given me and my imagination a side glance vivid view to a historical heroine that leaves me thirsting for history books and research.

This story is of an average girl in a rough time that trains and hones herself to extraordinary. Rebel Queen is viewed from a Durga Dal (an elite group of female guards trained to protect the rain aka Queen to the Raja) lens. Like Nefertiti, like The Heretic Queen, and like Cleopatra's Daughter as a female in historic times it is difficult to understand the culture one is born into, yet even like Madame Tussaud it is also difficult to comprehend a new culture thrust upon your own. Getting a glimpse of the annex-attempt upon portions of India is eye-opening and tragic.

While this story has action, it also has personality and plenty of introduction and spark for dialogue. It is great for just good reading, but it is even better for education discussion. I'm glad the story ended. However I'm sad the book ended. I hope there will be many historic heroines to spark the imagination of Michelle to 'what it would be like to have been there' in the future for the page and our reading pleasure.

I received this product free for the purpose of reviewing it. I received no other compensation for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my personal, honest opinions. Your experience may vary. Please read my full disclosure policy for more details.


posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2015/03/02/rebel-queen-last-queen-india-michelle-moran/

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 23 February, 2015: Finished reading
  • 23 February, 2015: Reviewed