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Jane Kindred is a remarkable writer. The words in The Fallen Queen, book one of The House of Arkhangel'sk, flow eloquently, especially for a very descriptive epic-fantasy story. Some readers cringe at the thought of keeping up with too many details when it comes to stories with completely imaginative worlds, but Kindred spares readers excessive back story and keeps to relevant information.
The Fallen Queen is certainly risqué and stems far from the average novel. The story centers around an angel, Anazakia, and the two demons hired to hide her on earth, Belphagor and Vasily. Based on the book's summary, one would not expect the story to have such eye-brow raising acts of sexuality, but when Anazakia's story begins and progresses the nature of the story's characters becomes clear. The story's themes range from sexual relations between men to BDSM, and almost seems to fall under the erotica genre more than fantasy.
Despite the fact that readers may not agreeing with the lifestyle of the characters or most of their actions, Kindred's originality, and ability to make a complex story readable, gives her an edge.
Originally posted on Lovey Dovey Books
Andreat78
Posted December 22, 2011
What a book! At first glance, I would have written The Fallen Queen off as a strictly High Fantasy book. And it is a Fantasy, a great one at that, full of deceit, betrayal, and despair. The world building is beautiful and complex, involving a Heaven more elaborate than I could have ever imagined. It was perhaps a bit complex for my taste, but I just sort of let the intricate political and geographical bits go and took in the rest of the details, which I loved.
What really jerked me into the story and held me captivated was the relationship between Anazakia and Vasily, and Vasily and Belphagor. I don't even know where to begin. It was weird...and HOT. When I say weird, I'm not even talking about genders and sexuality, that's not important. I'm talking about the, I don't know, fluidness, of the relationships. I'm sure I am not properly conveying my thoughts, but honestly, I'm still reeling over the triangle. Wow!
At it's core, The Fallen Queen is the story of a girl whose entire life is ripped apart. It reminded me, and this story is even referred to, of Anastasia. Anazakia, (oh, I just got the name similarity) was a brave, resourceful girl who literally makes the best of what is handed to her. If you like Fantasy books, at all, this one is highly recommended.
Favorite Quote:
" 'What happens,' I breathed, 'when a firespirit and a waterspirit
come together?'
He pressed his fingers to my lips as if to be sure I was speaking
and a spark of wavering violet danced on his hand. I sought his
mouth with mine and at the meeting of our lips, the light surged
around us like our own aurora."
*I received this book from Entangled Publishing, via NetGalley.*
Overview
Heaven can go to hell.
Until her cousin slaughtered the supernal family, Anazakia's father ruled the Heavens, governing noble Host and Fallen peasants alike. Now Anazakia is the last grand duchess of the House ofArkhangel'sk, and all she wants is to stay alive.
Hunted by Seraph assassins, Anazakia flees Heaven with Fallen thieves-fire demon Vasily and air demon Belphagor, each with their own nefarious agenda- who hide her in the world of Man....