I am both pleased with this book and ticked off! I'm pleased because it was a darn good story about a strong heroine. I'm ticked off because I just read the last page, which says I have to wait a full year for book three. *has hissy fit.*
That bit aside, Kandake is back. This time...I'm not certain her age at this point, but I'm thinking teenager. In book one she was named her father's successor. In book two, she must take the crown before she's ready and what an adventure it is!
I loved getting a look at Nubia's customs and traditions. As Kandake accepts suitors, readers learn so much about their ways. What is acceptable, what is not. I love how the women there had a SAY. Kandake has to realize, however, that other kingdoms do not respect women in the same manner and must come to terms with that as an overly...aggressive prince decides she is to be his wife and declares himself dominate.
Kandake then forms a plan to prove to him she is not a weak woman and that women can be warriors.
Like book one, book two has surprise bits of humor. There's a small amount of romance as Kandake's girlish crush becomes the admiration of a young woman for a warrior. There's the irritating sister Tabiry. I could do without her. LOL
There is fighting, fear, adventure, intrigue, and surprises. At the end, there is a fascinating marriage ceremony.
I really like this series. Well written, strong females, unique plots.
Favorite bit:
"Why do these kingdoms prefer to think of women as weak?" Kandake asked, contempt coating her words. "We are not weak."
"It is the way some men prefer to think." Aunt Alodia shook her head. "For these men, it is what they use to make themselves feel strong."
Five bikes. This author understands the meaning of girl power. I received this from the author in exchange for an honest review.
A terrific YA book. I was drawn to this at first because it's about a Nubian warrior queen. It's historical, an exotic setting, an incredibly tough chick. Being a YA, it's simple in its telling, but not overly juvenile, and it's full of morals and thoughts.
It's the story of young girl coming to terms and age with many things.
She doesn't want to be queen. She wants to be a warrior and at first she rebels against being a queen. It doesn't sit well with her, but then fate shows her she is meant for the position and through an adventure, she comes to terms with it and embraces her new path.
Nubia lets women be what they want to be. It doesn't discriminate against either sex. This was fantastic and I love how Kandake ends up sitting down with another group of people and she not only learns to use words over the sword when the situation calls for it, but also shows them women are just as good/strong/equal to men.
Besides her inner turmoil, the conflict is a series of attacks against their trade caravan. Who is the group? A misunderstanding leads to an adventure...there's a moral there. "Get the whole story before you act."
Kandake has to save her brother, prevent a war, fight, think on her feet, and stand up for women. There's horses, escapes, bows and arrows, and just a small touch of romance as Kandake develops feelings for a fellow warrior.
The ending wasn't overly pit-pat either. One conflict is resolved, but another looms on the horizon, and I also found myself wondering...if a story in the future for us regarding Kandake's sister. I sense a lot of things coming. Book two is also on my list.
I highly recommend this one. Five bikes. I received this from the author in exchange for an honest review. Considering my theme is strong is sexy, this book is just a perfect fit here and I hope you all enjoy it too.
I am both pleased with this book and ticked off! I'm pleased because it was a darn good story about a strong heroine. I'm ticked off because I just read the last page, which says I have to wait a full year for book three. *has hissy fit.*
