The netgalley copy only contains the first 1/4 of the book, so I can't really do a review on it until I get a chance to read the whole thing.

From what I've read, I'll just say a couple of things. The writing style is more of what you would see in "literary" fiction than in fantasy. It's wordy, it's flowery, and you can tell the languid confidence the author has in the manipulation of the language. While I can't deny that it's gorgeous, it often veers towards the exhaustive side of purple prose. And I don't know if I want to read *400* more pages of it.

The chapters alternate between many different POVS, and the pacing is very slow, with a large focus on character relationships. I did like all the characters, though it felt like we only brushed the surface of their personalities in this first bit.

I don't know. Having just completed a different book with flowery prose, I might not be in the right mindset to appreciate this book right now. I'll try again when it releases.

I am very dissapointed that i received a exerpt of this novel when in never said it would be a small version. I lied what I read but will only be able to tell my full opinion when I get to read the whole thing.

DNF …
I was really looking forward to reading this adaption if Shakespeare’s King Lear but it didn’t take long for me to realize that this book just wasn’t right for me.
The language is very, very poetic, descriptive and flowery and while I kind of got used to after a while I never grew to like it and every so often I stumbled over phrases that were just too much. Also after a pretty infodumpey beginning the story drags beyond belief and nothing ever really happens in the first half of the novel. Or maybe it does and I just didn’t see it beneath all the overwhelming prose, who knows …

This is really hard for me to review, since it's only a preview and not the whole book. When I requested the download, it didn't say it was a preview.
So what I read so far, it was a bit slow to start but then once I really got into it, it ended. So, I can't wait to read the actual book.
I really love the characters and the plot was quite fascinating to the point I got. I wish I had the whole book!
Thanks for the preview!

Even though this is only a sample of what's to come. I am in it for the long haul!

This is the story of King Innis but retold in a new fantastical lyrical twist which includes magic, a new original setting, and a thrilling plot. The writing has this calming and peaceful sense to it and I found myself reading and losing track of time. My only problem was the pacing felt a little awkward but it's not so bothersome that it hindered my enjoyment.

But please send help because I did not realize how invested into the characters I was going to be and now I can't continue until the book is released! Oh the misery...

I got 21% into the excerpt before I realized it was an excerpt. Though, this realization did not even come from netgalley, but through someone else telling me it was. In fact, in the many time I looked at the book on my shelf, not once did I notice it was an excerpt. Just today I see that it is one, as the name seems to have been updated.

Nevertheless, I did enjoy what I allowed myself to read. I basically read the establishing chapters of each character, and fell a little bit in love with all of them so far. While the writing style takes a bit of getting used to, I was fully okay with it about halfway through the fox chapter. I do hope to read this when it comes out in a few weeks, but I do not want to read half the book now, and the other half 4 weeks from now, forgetting almost everything in between.

I didn't realize this was only a preview. When it abruptly ended I was disappointed. This book grabbed me from the beginning and I look forward to reading it when it comes out.

The preview provided by the publisher via NetGalley gives readers a window into author Tessa Gratton's skillful writing. Rich visualizations of the island's history and nature makes it easy to picture in readers' minds. 'The Queens of Innis Lear' looks to be a wonderful and intricate re-telling of Shakespeare's 'King Lear.'

This book is going to be great! I wish this wasn’t just an excerpt. Can’t wait to finish reading this when it comes out in March!!!

Shakespeare, lyrical prose, and ancient magic?
SIGN ME UP

I've only read an excerpt so I'm not sure how to rate/review a book until it's finished (plus my eyebrow is twitching a little bit because I'm unable to finish it...).

The writing is absolutely beautiful and fully lyrical from beginning to end. This is coming from a fan of 'flowery' language and Gratton nails it by blending fantasy and literary. It's rich and descriptive, painting a dark and lush image of Innis Lear.

My favourite character(s) would be the war-hungry Gaela, first daughter who shies away from anything that will weaken her, including her own womanhood. She is rock and anger. I also really love Morimaros, King of Aremoria with his steely countenance and weighted shoulders.

I TRULY wish I would have realized it was an excerpt before I started reading...

FAB-U-LOUS! I adore this book and it's characters! It has everything a fantasy lover could want. It was just SO GOOD!

An excellent introduction, I can't wait to read the full novel.

I received a copy of The Queens of Innis Lear by Tessa Gratton from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was intrigued by the summary and really wanted to like this novel, but it was a chore at times to keep reading. Mainly, the plot could have been pulled together better (more linear). There were flashes of real goodness, but then the story would get bogged down. Also, there were too many primary characters and their perspectives. In theory, this can be done and it's a neat concept when it's done well and each character is developed and crafted well, but they were not in this novel.

I would try reading another book by Tessa Gratton to see if a future novel would improve in pacing and character development, but I wouldn't recommend this novel.

This book is incredible. I don't know if the author herself has some sort of magical writing powers because WOW is it written BEYOND well. This is an author who put a whole lot of love into her writing, and it shows.
This book just works. It truly does. The setting and the plot just weaves itself together so well. You can feel as if you are connected to the characters.
All in all - definitely worth the read! I will be picking up a copy for my bookshelf when it becomes available!

I was really intrigued by the premise of this book and loved the world that the author created. There were a few two many points-of-view for me to really get hooked into the characters. There's a little inkling of a love triangle, which I wanted more of but reading six different POV's didn't allow for much character development. This book felt like the first half of a story and not an entire standalone novel. (Not sure if a sequel is in the works or not.) I wasn't sure what the stakes of the story were and was looking for a climax but there wasn't one. I'm interested to see where the story continues.

I received this via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this book, the world is dark and beautiful, the magic is fantastic and the characters are well-fleshed out, but, it's slow. It's a long book at over 570 pages.
The Queens of Innis Lear is an intricate fantasy that takes the Shakespearean play, King Lear, and expands upon it crafting together an intense tale of magic, power, and those willing to shed blood and bonds for a crown that could control everything. Recommended for those whom love fantasy, history, politics, and a striking defiance that is indomitable.

I have to be honest here and say that I cannot continue reading beyond half the book. The argument is no not interesting, and the writing is so difficult and entangled that almost made me quit the book after the second page. No original story, I am not dying to finish the book...

Well, at least it was short.

Two stars, barely. Arc provided by NetGalley.

I just could not get into this At. All. It is slow going to get into, first of all. The author also chose to divide the book up into different perspectives. So many!! There were at least...six, I believe. I would just get invested in one storyline before being whipped around to another. I never became invested in any characters. I wasn’t particularly impressed by the writing, either, which I felt was very distant. There was some semi-interesting world building but also not really.

The ending was so abrupt I searched online to see if I was missing part of my arc (I wasn’t). Is this a standalone with an open ending? A sequel? I won’t be checking it out.

Honestly, it’s really a one star for me, plus one star for Shakespeare.

This preview is so atmospheric and alluring and completely captivated me. I'm usually more of a character-driven reader, but everything melded together beautifully that I didn't want to distinguish the characters, setting, or plot. They all work together and build on each other.

I don't really want to give too much away because this is only an excerpt, and I don't know how everything plays out, but I am invested. I can't wait to see what happens.

PLEASE NOTE: I only read a sampler of this book - precisely 193 pages - so my opinions/review is based on that alone.


The characters are riveting, twisty, compelling, damaged, and ruthless. It's a big cast, but everyone is vivid and layered.

The plot is achingly romantic and heartbreaking. It's a bit confusing, but otherwise extraordinary. Unique, as well, and running with the characters' dangerous agendas.

The setting is stunning and seductive. It's a maelstrom of dark imagination.


The only thing I don't like about the book is how overtly flowery and purple the prose is. It's laid on way too thick.



I can't wait to continue the story once I get the chance to read the full book! From the pages I got to read, this book was an absolute treat. Think Three Dark Crowns meets Caraval meets Game of Thrones.