Born Queen [Import] (Paperback)

~ Keyes Greg (Author)
Key Phrases: sedos power, few bells, The Born Queen, Greg Keyes, Sir Neil (more...)

Product Details

• Paperback: 550 pages
• Publisher: Tor (July 4, 2008)
• ISBN-10: 1405033576
• ISBN-13: 978-1405033572
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)

• This is item 4 in The Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Somewhat disappointing end to what was a good series, April 3, 2008

By	Tarun R. Elankath (Bangalore, India) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Born Queen (Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone, Book 4) (Hardcover)

In this finale to the kingdoms of thorn and bone, I was dismayed at the strange story progression, nonsensical plot-turns and personality-refits of some of the main characters.

Actually, it looked like Greg Keyes couldn't figure out *what* to do with Anne & Stephen and their story lines follow weird arcs. An author shouldn't simply invert the basic personalities of his main characters and say its because of "magic" and "power".

The only thing still lovable about this book was Cazio - and who cares if he is cliched?

But though this book doesn't really match up to its predecessors, it does concludes the series (albeit in a hurry towards the end) and there are bits and pieces of action that are enjoyable.

All in all - an average fantasy story. The first two books of the kingdoms of thorn and bone were good enough to leave you breathless. The last two just leave you listless.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A so-so end to a fantastic series., May 21, 2008

By	S. Cooper - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Born Queen (Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone, Book 4) (Hardcover)

I really wanted to like "The Born Queen," as I enjoyed the previous entries in this four book series immensely. I felt that the first two books were the strongest, with "The Blood Knight" starting to go in a direction that was...disturbing. The fabulously rich world and great mystery created in the first books seemed to give way to more convoluted plots and magical deus ex machina, but I still had to read Born Queen. With whole chunks taken up by overly complicated magical dilemmas and unclear descriptive sequences, it seems Keyes rushed his usual detailed but clear writing style so that "Born Queen" could hit the stores ASAP.

Don't get me wrong, I still think Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone is a great series, worthy of mention alongside Erikson, Bakkar, Cook and of course GRRM when talking about great "dark epic fantasy." I am in no way saying don't read Born Queen, especially if you have read the other three books. There's certainly something to be said about closure. I just wish that it had been done in a more satisfying manner.

The series overall is a 4.5/5 to me, with "Born Queen" being the only real blemish. But I'd still recommend the series in a heartbeat to anyone who enjoys epic fantasy.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not the strongest finish, April 14, 2008

By	Scott Patten - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Born Queen (Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone, Book 4) (Hardcover)

The Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone, has been one of the most refreshing and authentic fantasy series in the past decade that still manages to deliver the goods. The ideas, the characters, the myths rang otherworldy in unique ways and wove a great story.

I knew I would be sad at the end of this book, to put Anne Dare, her compatriots and enemies to rest in my mind. But I had hoped for a nice 15 year aged port to complete the 3 course gourmet meal, and ended up with someting passable.

It was my distinct impression that too many words devoted to physical battles with monsters could have given way to flehsing out character interactions/motivations and a better denoument. Sure the pace stays fast, but at what cost?

The fourth book missed, where they other three played a phenomenal stage. Take it for what it is.