A review by beansandrice
Queen of the Conquered by Kacen Callender

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

So much to compliment about this book, the way it interrogates histories of colonialism, race, and hierarchy. But something that doesn't get talked about is how this is a masterclass of exposition and worldbuilding. Every moment is tense, and every single magical element is intimately tied to the themes. 

If you can handle the CWs, I strongly suggest you give it a go.