Rebecca McLaughlin (2)

I was not intending this to be my first finished book of the year, but a funny thing happened while I was reading it. I ended up becoming so immersed in the story that I could not stop reading it, and before I knew it, I was done. Nameless Queen by Rebecca McLaughlin is a fascinating story that one could argue pertains to the current leadership and today’s political climate as much as it does about the imaginary world of haves and have-nots in which it is set. It definitely sheds light on show more the unnamed and unacknowledged class system that currently exists in the United States as well as all over the Western world. In particular, it explores the twin question of “What is power?” and “What does it mean to rule versus lead?” — two very prescient questions for today’s climate.

Fast-paced with a good blend of action and exposition, Ms. McLaughlin does a decent job of answering all questions without forcing readers to suspend disbelief. The magical elements exist but never overshadow the story. The characters are a bit one-dimensional, however. Their growth consists of becoming more aware of one’s strengths, weaknesses, and values. The story thrives in spite of this, or maybe even because of it since so much of the story revolves around who should make decisions on behalf of others.

As a debut novel, Nameless Queen is a strong showing but not without room for improvement. Again, it kept me reading until the wee hours of the morning and made me forsake the one book I wanted to finish above everything else. I enjoyed the polite but pointed messages within the story and appreciate the reminder that with privilege comes the duty to protect and care for the less fortunate. Given what is occurring all over Australia and the continuing immigration sagas around the world, it is a message worth repeating. show less

It’s been a while since I’ve read a good young adult fantasy and the Nameless Queen is a magical, fast-paced trek through the Kingdom of Seriden which holds three classes of people, the Royals, the Legals, and the Nameless. Coin is a Nameless… a thief… a grifter… and unfortunately a queen.

Coin grew up as a Nameless, the lowest of the classes in Seriden. No family, no friends, just trying to survive by thieving and grifting. When the royal crown tattoo appears on her arm, no one is show more as surprised as she. The tattoo only appears on the person who is named by the dying king and she was born with no name. Nameless have no homes, no rights, and are killed for just being who they are. How did this happen? Her journey is a dangerous one and the Royal Council has her fate in their hands.

The characters are well-balanced with a mixture of kindness and evil with some questionable ones in between. Coin’s friendships with Hat, Esther and Glenquartz are what give her the hope and drive to go on and fight for the rights of the Nameless.

This book is an enjoyable read with magic, danger, and hope all rolled into one. It’s a lesson in strength, integrity, and fighting for what you want while remaining true to yourself.

Thank you to Ms. McLaughlin for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review. show less

NAMELESS QUEEN fell in the middle for me. I enjoyed the overall storyline and the characters, but it was lacking the depth that I was looking for.

I enjoyed the characters. There was a wide array of characters in NAMELESS QUEEN. I liked that they found stuff in common even with their varied backgrounds and were able to work together to achieve their overall goals. The pacing was good, I never found myself bored.

The world building is very basic. We get small tidbits of things, but no real show more details. Nothing really shocked me in NAMELESS QUEEN. There was a bit of mystery as how Coin got to be in her new position, but I guessed it before it was revealed.

I don't regret reading NAMELESS QUEEN and would probably read more in this world if the author ever decided to delve further in.

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. show less

Coin belongs to the Nameless underclass, so called because they have no given names. Every day is a struggle...To eat, to find a safe place to sleep, to grift, or steal enough to survive another day. She has no interest in city politics. Those are better left to the Royals, the upper ruling class. In between are the Legals who comprise the largest group of citizens. Coin is wary, made more so ever since she failed to kill Marcher, an older boy of Nameless class who shelters younger ones, but show more makes them steal and con, with him taking most of the goods. Coin has few she trusts, but Hat, a cheerful younger Nameless is one. If Coin allowed herself to feel, Hat would be close to her, like a sister, but she can't. Nevertheless, she looks out for Hat on a daily basis.
When the king dies, and nobody comes forth with the crown tattoo on their upper arm, a custom established ages ago and sparked when a dying ruler utters the name of their successor, Coin is shocked to discover she bears the crown, but has no idea why as she has no name. What ensues involves her having to learn magic, etiquette, who on the Royal council to trust, why Nameless are disappearing without a trace, why she's the first Nameless to inherit the throne, who wants to kill her, and how to survive. The cast of characters is vivid, varied and extremely interesting. Following her as she navigates all these tricky pathways, makes for a dandy read, one I'd suggest for any school or public library. show less