Kill the Queen

Crown of Shards Series, Book 1

By: Jennifer Estep

Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang

Gladiator meets Game of Thrones: a royal woman becomes a skilled warrior to destroy her murderous cousin, avenge her family, and save her kingdom in this first entry in a dazzling fantasy epic from the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of the Elemental Assassin series - an enthralling tale that combines magic, murder, intrigue, adventure, and a hint of romance.

In a realm where one’s magical power determines one’s worth, Lady Everleigh’s lack of obvious ability relegates her to the shadows of the royal court of Bellona, a kingdom steeped in gladiator tradition. Seventeenth in line for the throne, Evie is nothing more than a ceremonial fixture, overlooked and mostly forgotten.

But dark forces are at work inside the palace. When her cousin Vasilia, the crown princess, assassinates her mother the queen and takes the throne by force, Evie is also attacked, along with the rest of the royal family. Luckily for Evie, her secret immunity to magic helps her escape the massacre.

Forced into hiding to survive, she falls in with a gladiator troupe. Though they use their talents to entertain and amuse the masses, the gladiators are actually highly trained warriors skilled in the art of war, especially Lucas Sullivan, a powerful magier with secrets of his own. Uncertain of her future - or if she even has one - Evie begins training with the troupe until she can decide her next move.

But as the bloodthirsty Vasilia exerts her power, pushing Bellona to the brink of war, Evie’s fate becomes clear: she must become a fearsome gladiator herself...and kill the queen.

©2018 Jennifer Estep (P)2018 HarperCollins Publishers

Gripping

I was swept away to a kingdom, in the past or a dystopian future wouldn’t matter. The plot was absolutely gripping. It was a testament to personal discipline that I was able to pull away from the vivid world painted here in this first book of what promises to be a thrilling series.

I devour books with strong female protagonists. Jennifer Estep writes my kind of series. If a reader was similarly inclined and hasn’t had the experience of Lauren Fortgang’s noteworthy performance in Ms. Estep’s Spider Assassin series, don’t miss out. Lauren is an accomplished actor with clear personalities and voices for all the characters she inhabits.

loved this book

the story and plot were great. the narrator was excellent. The only issue I have now is finding the next books in the series. They are unavailable everywhere.

No spoilers

Estep is a master story teller. She creates characters you want to get to know better and wraps it up in a story full of action, suspense some laughs and a dash of a budding romance. I don't understand why or where the bad reviews that people write come from. This was a start to a VERY GOOD story and can't wait to find out where Ms Estep takes it. Ms Fortgang was fantastic. The narration was one of the best I've listened to. Highly recommend you listen to this book rather than read it. If you have not read/listen to anything by Estep or Fortgang your in for a BIG treat. Happy listening enjoy.

Couldn't Put It Down

I highly recommend this novel. Exquisitely narrated. Protagonist who wins your heart. Secondary characters who are well-developed and contribute majestically to the plot line. Fast-paced and exciting. Jennifer Estep's narrative voice is superb, and the conclusion is everything one could desire. Nothing about this novel is mediocre.

Jennifer Estep hits all the right notes

I loved the character development and I m looking forward to seeing how Evie grows into her role in the next book.

Exceptional!!

I had no idea what a great book this would turn out to be. This is a must listen.

Evie is strong!

Story is great, narration is great also. Main. Character is strong not a push over. It has a little of everything. Mystery, Romance, Action. Story doesn’t drag either. Great start to a series.

Excellent Read! Great World Building!

Jennifer Estep did a great job in building a world filled with magic! four main character had the potential to be weak-kneed and wobbly. I am so delighted that she didn't do that! There are a couple of times where you could predict what came next but overall a great first in the trilogy. I definitely will be looking for the second and third installment of the series.

Great story

I was surprised by this book. I was expecting more of a Gin Blanco type of character and situations but instead we get a woman tired of playing second fiddle and starts to stand up for herself one step at a time. The storyline is fun, entertaining, and has plenty of action for the action junkies. Does have a small romantic interest. I hope this won’t be the last of these characters.

A good changeup

Storyline was new and different , as was the type of magic. I enjoyed all the characters, and most Importantly The narration Was enjoyable.