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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Review: Amazon Queen by Lori Devoti, August 21, 2011
This review is from: Amazon Queen (Amazons, Book 2) (Mass Market Paperback)
Amazon sons, gifted with similar magic to the Amazons, have kidnapped an Amazon baby. In the midst of trying to get her back, Amazon queen Zera Kostovska has to compete with a bold, defiant, younger, more tech-savy high priestess named Thea in modern day America. Zera, who has never used the internet, is uncomfortable with Thea's less traditional plans and blatant unwillingness to follow orders.
Not having read the first book, "Amazon Ink," I did not understand the role of fairy godfathers, especially in the context. Other than that, Lori Devoti does an excellent job giving enough background information to follow the plot without having to read the first book. My knowledge of mythology and Greek goddesses in particular helped my understanding of the book, but in some ways hindered my enjoyment. I am not a fan of dramatic irony; I much prefer to be caught off guard than figure things out before the characters, though I'll admit I didn't catch the last twist.
While the fantasy aspects are somewhat downplayed compared to other fantasy novels, "Amazon Queen" was the first novel I've read that truly put fantasy in the modern world. Characters used the internet, smart phones, and vehicles. It was a perfect balance. The story moved quickly and at least once made me chuckle, something I always appreciate. The characters were real and relatable. When faced with a moral dilemma, do we continue to follow those in power regardless of their demands? In many ways it reminded me of "Monstrous Regiment" by Terry Pratchett. Strong female characters question traditional roles in order to do what they think is right.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Surprisingly Good, May 25, 2010
This review is from: Amazon Queen (Amazons, Book 2) (Mass Market Paperback)
AMAZON QUEEN by Lori Devoti is a story full of intrigue and suspense. Bringing the legendary Amazons to modern times, Ms. Devoti has created a world where we get just a kiss of the paranormal. The story is fueled by action and drama, the perfect characteristics to get a reader hooked.
The second in the Amazon series, AMAZON QUEEN follows Zery, queen of the Amazons. A race of Artemitis worshiping women, the Amazons are incredibly gifted with height, strength, and certain magical abilities. Of course, many of these abilities becomes hard to hide in modern times so the nomadic nature of the people becomes a bit of a blessing for them. Or is it?
When a discovery is made in the first book, Amazon Ink, Zery will have to question the beliefs and practices the tribe has made for centuries. Could it be possible that there is another group of individuals out there with powers similar to their own? Could their actually be competition for the Amazons? With the question of friend or foe foremost in her mind, Zery has to find a way to protect her tribe while leading them forward in these new tribes. If that weren't a feat all on its own, it doesn't help that she has a backstabber in her midst. How is one supposed to save her people when those very people are made to shun her?
I find Ms. Devoti's writing style to be very conducive to getting lost within the story. There are good stories and then there are good stories that are written in the exact manner my mind thinks. That's what happened here. The words on the page flow by seamlessly with none of those stops or breaks that you sometimes find in writing. There weren't really any sections where I had to stop, look back, check for consistency or otherwise get my bearings.
If the writing style wasn't enough, the character development and progression of the story line would finish me off. I love the mythology present in the book and the darker take on it. While Amazon Ink was a great introduction, AMAZON QUEEN felt a bit darker and more compelling. I wasn't a fan of Zery at first, but as the story progressed I began to fall in love with her. My heart broke when hers did and many times I found myself perched on the edge of the couch, scared to see what might happen next.
If you're a fan of fantasy and paranormals, I highly recommend AMAZON QUEEN. This book is well robust with its use of suspense and the paranormal.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Solid Sequel, September 10, 2010
This review is from: Amazon Queen (Amazons, Book 2) (Mass Market Paperback)
Zery Kostovska is an Amazon Queen who loves her people and tribe more than anything. Amazon sons have recently appeared, and shaken the all-female race to its core. Some want to accept the sons. Some want to go back to their old ways of destroying the males. Zery's tribe has a strange, new high priestess with different ideas. When Zery and her tribe are ordered to steal back a baby from the Amazon sons, she has no idea what's really going on. And the high priestess knows more than she's letting on. So Zery must make alliances with those she considered enemies. Zery has never questioned the high council. Until now.
In this breathtaking sequel, the narrative shifts from an Amazon outcast, to the Amazon Queen. Zery is, of course, a strong, confident woman. But when all that she believed in, comes crashing down around her, Zery must rediscover just what it means to be an Amazon and what kind of woman she wants to be.
I love Devoti's Amazon world, and wasn't disappointed in the slightest with this solid follow-up novel. A narrative shift gives new perspective and fresh ideas. Unfortunately, I found the mystery aspect of the story completely predictable. But the characters and interactions are so strong, that it carried the story for me. The suspense and adventure are intense. Action-packed and fast-paced, it's impossible to put down. I'm hoping the series continues, as these have been a real highlight in the urban fantasy genre.
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