Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Review: Long May She Reign by Rhiannon Thomas

Title: Long May She Reign
Author: Rhiannon Thomas
Series: Stand Alone
Published By: Harper Teen (February 21, 2017)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: Fantasy
My Rating: 3.5-4 Stars!


Book Description:
The Girl of Fire and Thorns meets The Queen of the Tearling in this thrilling fantasy standalone about one girl’s unexpected rise to power.

Freya was never meant be queen. Twenty third in line to the throne, she never dreamed of a life in the palace, and would much rather research in her laboratory than participate in the intrigues of court. However, when an extravagant banquet turns deadly and the king and those closest to him are poisoned, Freya suddenly finds herself on the throne.

Freya may have escaped the massacre, but she is far from safe. The nobles don’t respect her, her councillors want to control her, and with the mystery of who killed the king still unsolved, Freya knows that a single mistake could cost her the kingdom – and her life.

Freya is determined to survive, and that means uncovering the murderers herself. Until then, she can’t trust anyone. Not her advisors. Not the king’s dashing and enigmatic illegitimate son. Not even her own father, who always wanted the best for her, but also wanted more power for himself.


As Freya’s enemies close in and her loyalties are tested, she must decide if she is ready to rule and, if so, how far she is willing to go to keep the crown.







I was drawn to this story after seeing the cover and reading the synopsis and that fascination, that curiosity just grew after the first chapter and even more so the further I got into the story.

The fact that this is a stand alone, made it even more appealing. The simple truth that it was somewhat addicting and hard to put down, even better. 

Let's face it, there are very little stand alone novels out there lately. Instead the market of both adult and young adult, are riddled with duologies, trilogies, and series, and while I love them, it is nice to have a read once in a while that you know will be all done, all wrapped up in one sitting. Add in a protagonist that is every bit as compassionate as she is headstrong and smart, you have a story that was down right irresistible. 

I was really surprised with how much I enjoyed this and I can't even completely say why other than it was just really fun and downright entertaining. It wasn't a completely new concept but it was a well written one and that mattered more to me than anything else. These days having a read that is just good and gives me what I want just when I want it, seems to matter more than originality or unique design.

If you are looking for something that will let you get away for awhile, entertain, and just let you have a good time, this is the read for you. 




*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

42 comments:

  1. Standalone are welcome and needed. I have a love hate relationship with all of these series and trilogies. I love the cover for this. Great review Ali

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  2. I'm just kind of on the fence with these books. I'm not fully convinced, just yet. Thanks for this review!

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  3. It sounds similar to Frostblood that I just finished, as far as just being an addictive and fun read. Also, that is great that it's a standalone. I get exhausted trying to keep up with all of the series. Wonderful review!

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    1. It really can be exhausting sometimes, especially if you go into them not knowing they are the first in a series.

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  4. I agree it is nice to see a stand alone out there. Love the cover here. Great review!!

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    1. I'm in love with the cover as well, I think I would buy it just to display! :P

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  5. I want to read this just because it is a solid stand alone. You are right it is harder and harder to find a good stand alone these days.

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    1. It really is, especially in this genre for some reason.

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  6. I'm surprised this is a stand alone. I thought !for sure they'd make it into a series. Thanks for the review. I want to read this one more now :)

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    1. Nope, well, they could easily but it definitely had an ending. ;)

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  7. I didn't know this was a standalone! I love a good standalone so thanks for putting this on my radar! I will have to check it out ASAP!

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  8. Your last sentence sold me. Need more of those right now. :) Plus it being a standalone really makes me want to read it. Brilly review!

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  9. You're right about stand alone's not being big out there right now. I think most of the books I read right now are part of a series.

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  10. Great review, Ali! Thanks for sharing.

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  11. Sounds a bit like designated survivor haha. I actually just heard of this one today. I'm glad you enjoyed it because I thought it sounded good but the other review I read they were annoyed by the main character.

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    1. I can see why some people wouldn't like her, she could be a bit naive at times.

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  12. A standalone? For sure? Okay, then I might actually read it!

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  13. I struck out with Queen of Tearling but the synopsis of this one sounds interesting. I'll have to check it out.

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    1. I haven't tried that one yet, I wonder if I would like it less or more?

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  14. I'm really looking forward to reading this one: I love stories with court intrigue! And it's nice to have a standalone for a change.

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  15. oh my! Isn't that cover just lovely?
    Awesome review, can't wait to try this one soon :)

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  16. That is a great cover and yes on being able to finish one and be done!

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  17. It's definitely hard to find decent Stand Alone's in Fantasy, but this is looks and sounds great! Awesome Review!
    Tori @ In Tori Lex

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    1. It can be for sure and yeah, this wasn't too bad at all!

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  18. oh this is a standalone? for some reason the cover looked like something from another series >.< ooops.. maybe I'll take a look at it, lots of on the fence reviews

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    1. It kind of looks like the one for the Sin Eater's Daughter I think. ;)

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  19. I'm so looking forward to reading this Ali. Like you mentioned, we rarely ever get good standalone books in YA so this is going to be pure fun.

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    1. I agree and I really hope you love it as well!

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  20. Yay for headstrong and compassionate heroine! Glad you enjoyed this one, it sounds pretty awesome!
    Lovely review (:

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