The Pretender's Crown

Addition of aliens not needed

I really enjoyed the first book in the series - the Queen's Bastard - and so was excited to dig into this one. The plot twist of the alien influence really threw me - I don't know if this was the only way it could be made believable that the characters had the powers they had, but I for one was not needing any additional persuasion - I loved thinking of Belinda as simply a powerful human being. I felt it was done as an afterthought, especially given it wasn't even hinted at in the first book (or I missed it) and every time it entered the story I found it distracting and skimmed over. Outside of that, I enjoyed the thoughtful and surprising ending, I never did have any idea how it would end.

Decent Follow-Up

This was a decent conclusion to the Queen's Bastard. Some surprise twists kept the story interesting and the plot was solid. The book ended with the possibility of the story continuing, leaving a few things unfinished. Overall, an enjoyable read.

Most Definately

Hubby bought this more me knowing I needed books. Again, he did a great job! You feel for the characters. Interesting twist on history!

Slow for my tastes

This book is very well written but it does not have the same edge her previous books do. I did not like this book I felt that it was slow and hard to get into and some of her alliterations could have been expanded with more adjectives or adverbs or something. I just did not like this book, sorry.

The second Inheritors' Cycle alternate historical fantasy is a fabulous tale

In 1588 Belinda Primrose, THE QUEEN'S BASTARD daughter of the Virgin Queen of Aulun Lorraine Walter, inherited her witchfire magical prowess from her father Robert Drake. She uses her mage skills as the best royal espionage agent and assassin.-------------

However, the Echon continent seems poised for war when Queen Sandalila of Esandia is killed by poison. Belinda wonders if her mother created the tension that grips the continent in a ploy to gain power over the neighbor across the channel Gallin or a diabolical ruse by the alien Heseth to divide the continent in a bloody hostility. As armies prepare to mobilize, Belinda struggles with what to do next as she decides whether or not to break from her mom. Since she has sampled the dark magical lure of Dmitri, Belinda also reflects about her shaky relationship with Prince Javier de Castille of Essandia and Gallin, whose mom's assassination makes him the uncrowned king of Essandia.----------

The second Inheritors' Cycle alternate historical fantasy is a fabulous tale anchored by a realistic portrayal of the lead character, as Belinda is no angel. A map makes it clear these countries are part of Western Europe; which enhances the deep look at backstabbing machinations that make up Elizabethan era political intrigue. With plenty of magic, sex, and debates over who the heirs are and who the pretenders to the thrones are, fans will relish C.E. Murphy's fine late sixteenth century saga as lurking behind the scenes remain the Heseth; perhaps too easily stalking their prey.--------

Harriet Klausner

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.