Book Review – Queenslayer by Sebastien De Castell

The fifth book in the page-turning SPELLSLINGER fantasy series.

Kellen and Reichis have just finished fighting a duel in the desert when Kellen inadvertently smears blood on the Daroman flag – an act of treason for which the Marshals have no choice but to arrest him. Just before he’s put before the Queen to be executed, Kellen is given a strange piece of advice from one of his fellow prisoners: kill the Queen and he’ll be given clemency by those who take power. But when Kellen comes face-to-face with the eleven year-old monarch, he realises she’s vastly smarter than he expected – and in a great deal more danger.

Perfect for fans of The Dark Tower, Firefly, Guardians of the Galaxy, Terry Pratchett, Ben Aaronovitch and Jim Butcher.

My rating:

Well. I can’t even respond to all the political goings on in this book! There are so many, and it’s so complication. De Castell does an amazing job of bringing that home to the reader. Nothing is ever clear and I was definitely kept guessing the whole way.

I loved Queen Ginevra, she may be 11 but she is made of steel and awesomeness.

And Kellen continues to be his foolhardy self. I like how much is made of him being a coward here, and how he’s coming to terms with his warring instincts. I’m with Reichis, he needs to do better. 😂

Talking of Reichis, he continues to be my favourite. Obviously. ;). I like how violent he gets to be in this book 😀

I gave Queenslayer 4.5 stars as i do think it suffers a little for a wondering plot. Most of it is necessary but it didn’t feel quite as tight as the previous books. That said, I think I enjoyed it more in some ways because we finally get to see Kellen decide on a future. Not telling you what it is, but I’m excited for the final (sob!!!) book.

Buy Queenslayer from Amazon UK.

Read my reviews for Spellslinger, Shadowblack, Charmcaster and Soulbinder.