Review: The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows

Image via Amazon

"Adventure, intrigue, and romance combine in a new fantasy duology from Incarnate series author Jodi Meadows.

When Princess Wilhelmina was a child, the Indigo Kingdom invaded her homeland. Ten years later, Wil and the other noble children who escaped are ready to fight back and reclaim Wil's throne. To do so, Wil and her best friend, Melanie, infiltrate the Indigo Kingdom palace with hopes of gathering information that will help them succeed.

But Wil has a secret—one that could change everything. Although magic has been illegal for a century, she knows her ability could help her save her kingdom. But magic creates wraith, and the deadly stuff is moving closer and destroying the land. And if the vigilante Black Knife catches her using magic, she may disappear like all the others. . . ." ~from Amazon

Please note that this review is of an unfinished ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of 112 pages of THE ORPHAN QUEEN.  It was downloaded via Edelweiss for free in exchange for a fair review.

I want to say I enjoyed THE ORPHAN QUEEN by Jodi Meadows, but I'm not sure if I can.  The story was moderately interesting and the characters were developing, but I just couldn't get into the story.  For me, the book kind of just plodded along.  There wasn't much action or drama.  The story also felt like I had read it before; the storyline feels like it's already been done before.

This could be because I only got to read the first 100ish pages as that is what was available for review on Edelweiss.  And maybe I was just getting to the good part.  But I'm not sure, if given the opportunity to finish the book, I'd feel any different.  I'm also not sure, if given the chance, I'd even want to finish the book.  

I really hate that I had to write this review.  I really wanted to like this book.  I did.  But honesty is the best policy.  And I know that there will be many positive reviews.  But, I needed to put my feelings out there.

Authors are my rockstars!

Sorry for the wrinkly blanket!  I thought it would be a nicer backdrop than my old couch...didn't realize it was bunchy! 

 Today, at the Charlottesville Barnes and Noble (about 1 hour east over the mountain from me), the Friends of the Crozet Library were hosting an event featuring local authors.  They are building a new library in Crozet, Virginia, the first that county since before I was born.  The county can fund the actual building, but the community needs to fund the decorations, etc.  So, the event today was to raise money for the library.

I heard about this from author Jodi Meadows (Incarnate) on twitter (@jodimeadows).  She lives only about 20 minutes from me, which I think is just the coolest thing EVER!  Not only is Jodi a great author, but she's so nice!  She'll talk to you on twitter, and when I walked in, asked if I was Amanda!  In person, I'm pretty shy until I get to know you (I'm shy on twitter, too, but I just didn't know what to do/say) and so meeting her was intimidating to me.  Jodi made it so easy, and I really appreciate that.

But anyway, also with her was Kristen-Paige Madonia (Fingerprints of You), Hannah Barnaby (Wonder Show) and Anne Marie Pace (Vampirina Ballerina).  I wasn't expecting other YA and children's book authors to be there!  It was a very happy surprise!

 The cover of Incarnate is just beautiful, so ethereal, bright and fully of my favorite colors!  But, you may not know, I LOVE the old school tattoo style, so the cover of Fingerprints of You instantly drew me in.  The muted colors of Wonder Show really makes me wonder (no pun intended) about the book, and Vampirina Ballerina's black and pink just makes me happy.

An author post wouldn't be complete without me showing you the signatures!  In talking with Jodi, Kristen-Paige and Hannah (Anne Marie was at another table), I learned that Kristen-Paige was also a JMU* girl and would be coming to JMU to do a reading on Wednesday night, so that was pretty cool!

I really hope it snows soon, so I can just sit and read!  Thank you to all the authors for just being so nice and really curing me of my nervousness.  

*James Madison University, located in Harrisonburg

Quick Check: Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

 

 I don't know why I didn't pick up INCARNATE by Jodi Meadows earlier.  I had planned on it, but just never seemed to get around to it.  (BAD AMANDA!)  I'm so glad I finally did, though!  

I liked the story, and thought that Ana was sweet.  Though my favorite character was Sam; Sam is a heartthrob, and I loved how they interacted--he was so gentle and caring, and Ana was just so new!    

The only time I was unsure of what was going on was in the temple.  I had to reread that part, but I think I got it now!  

All in all, its a great book. 

Oh---And Jodi Meadows is a local gal!  We go to the same Books a Million!  HOW COOL IS THAT!?!?!

Here is the summary from amazon:

Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.  

NOSOUL 

Even Ana's own mother thinks she's a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she'll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are suspicious and afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?  

HEART 

Sam believes Ana's new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana's enemies--human and creature alike--let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else's life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?  

Jodi Meadows expertly weaves soul-deep romance, fantasy, and danger into an extraordinary tale of new life.