REVENGE OF A QUEEN

All's not fair in love and war in this fantasy sequel.

Camich Major, a royal son of Conica, is home for his brother’s entitlement ceremony when events take a tragic turn. His stepmother and lover, Lili, is murdered and Cam is forced to flee the kingdom with his younger siblings to protect them from the political machinations of their older sister, Balia, queen of Conica. Thus begins Cam’s epic journey across the lands of Conica as he struggles to ensure the safety of his loved ones and seek vengeance for Lili’s killing. In his quest for revenge, he learns that there may be a connection between the deaths of his parents and the murder of Lili. And as he searches for the poison that killed his lover, he encounters a diverse group of men and women who reside throughout Conica. There are Plainsmen, Everforesters, and Rainforesters. They are marked by distinct color shadings, dress, and cultural norms. Cam must navigate the expectations and customs of each group of Conicans, which results in side trips, distractions, and delays in hunting down the killer. All the while, the ruthless Balia arranges marriages and executions to secure her power at great cost to both her enemies and allies. Sponsel creates a detailed and colorful world in this sequel to Legacy of a King (2017). The tale is full of complicated political and cultural interactions, which bring the story alive but also can cause some confusion. It’s a world full of unfamiliar names and places, and some terms, such as “ingene,” would have benefited from more explanation. But the author’s characters are nuanced and fully fleshed out. Balia remains a formidable adversary. Unbeknown to Cam, she has kept a pawn to use later in an ultimate act of retribution. In addition, Cam’s tragic and abiding love for Lili is a constant and powerful plot thread.

A complex fantasy full of multifaceted characters and intriguing landscapes.