The Queens of Innis Lear by Tessa Gratton is a fantasy retelling of Shakespeare's King Lear, focusing on the kingdom of Innis Lear and its prophecy-obsessed King Lear and his three daughters Gaela, Reagan, and Elia. The plot weaves through the intricate relationships, power struggles, and magical elements of the land, leading the characters towards the brink of war. The writing style is described as enchanting, with rich imagery and complex emotions that draw the reader into the fantastical world of Innis Lear.

Characters:

The characters are complex and morally gray, with three main sisters who exhibit distinct personalities, each shaped by their backgrounds and motivations.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by lyrical and lush prose that can feel dense and flowery, incorporating various character perspectives which may affect narrative flow.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot is a complex retelling of Shakespeare's King Lear, focusing on the dynamics between three sisters and their struggle for power amidst themes of betrayal and magic.

Setting:

The setting is an emotionally charged fantasy world inspired by medieval Britain and France, featuring elements of magic and astrology that influence the plot.

Pacing:

The pacing is slow and dense, often employing flashbacks, which can hinder the narrative momentum and demand concentration from the reader.

Scars and fresh scratches marred the rich tan of his back and arms and thighs. He had already removed his uniform, weapons, and boots, piling them on a wide oak root. The Fox—who was also a man—poured...

Notes:

The Queens of Innis Lear is a retelling of Shakespeare's King Lear.

It contains eight different points of view (POVs), mainly from the three sisters: Gaela, Regan, and Elia.

The audiobook is very long, almost 30 hours, making it a slow read for some listeners.

The fantasy world includes unique magic systems, contrasting star magic and earth magic.

The exploration of themes like family betrayal, power, and the consequences of choices is central to the story.

The characters are portrayed as morally gray, providing complex motivations.

Gratton's writing style is described as lyrical but can also be dense and flowery.

The book touches on issues of race, as the three sisters are women of color.

The magic system is described as having both earthly potential and being vaguely explained.

Many readers felt there was a lack of plot progression due to the heavy emphasis on character backstories and flashbacks.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of madness, betrayal, violence, and potentially triggering conversations around mental illness and complex character dynamics.

Has Romance?

There are romantic subplots present, but they do not take precedence over the main narrative and are somewhat subdued compared to other elements of the story.

From The Publisher:

Dynasties battle for the crown in Tessa Gratton's debut adult epic fantasy, The Queens of Innis Lear.

Three Queens. One crown. All out war.

Gaela. Ruthless Commander.

I am the rightful heir of Innis Lear. No more will I wait in the shadows and watch my mother's murderer bleed my island dry.

The King's hold on the crown must end-willingly or at the edge of my sword.

Regan. Master Manipulator.

To secure my place on the throne, I must produce an heir. Countless times I have fed the island's forests my blood. Yet, my ambition is cursed.

No matter what or whom I must destroy, I will wield the magic of Innis Lear.

Elia. Star-blessed Priest.

My sisters hide in the shadows like serpents, waiting to strike our ailing king. I must protect my father, even if it means marrying a stranger.

We all have to make sacrifices. Love and freedom will be mine.

"Amazing. Just Amazing."-Robin McKinley

Ratings (2)

Loved It (1)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (9):

Read It (2)
Want To Read (6)
Did Not Finish (1)

1 comment(s)

shebephoebe

2 weeks

Oct 7, 2018 - content; not my style

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About the Author:

TESSA GRATTON is the author of adult SFF titles The Queens of Innis Lear and Lady Hotspur from Tor Books, as well as the original fairy tales Strange Grace and Night Shine from McElderry Books. Her YA series and short stories have been translated into twenty-two languages. Though she has lived all over the world, she currently resides alongside the Kansas prairie with her wife.

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The Queens of Innis Lear

Tessa Gratton