Book Review: Reluctant Queen: Betrayal: Book One by Tony Jaehrling

Book Details:

Author: Tony Jaehrling
Release Date: March 19, 2024
Series: Betrayal (Book #1)
Genre: Fantasy
Format: E-book
Pages: pages
Publisher: Peter Anthony Jaehrling
Blurb:
Lorynthia: From the Western Sea to the Badlands, and from the Dragon Mountains to the Red Desert live a diverse people who, for thirty years, have enjoyed a tentative peace. King Rhyman Thimpor united them, holding them together by sheer force of will.
But Rhyman is dead, felled by an unknown malady, and the throne stands empty. Lorynthia holds its collective breath. Who will rule them now? Will the peace Rhyman crafted survive his passing? They look to the capital city, Cyrinth, and await the coronation of the next monarch.

However, Lorynthia’s past misleads them, the future draws them into devastating war, and their enemies approach through the shadows to finish them. Their only chance of survival? A young woman who is both citizen and outcast.
Tamyr Thimpor has it in her power to salvage both the past and the future. But, never having aspired to the throne, Tamyr does not want to lead these people. Worse, she does not know who she truly is and has no inkling of the power she may someday wield. Yet, if she does not accept and unleash the power that resides within her, all is lost.
Tamyr, the Reluctant Queen, is Lorynthia’s only hope.

Review

Reluctant Queen by Tony Jaehrling, the first book in the Betrayal series, is a solid start to a gripping fantasy series. This book is. ablend of everything good: reluctant heroes, political drama, and kingdoms on the brink of war.

The story kicks off with the death of King Rhyman, who’s held the kingdom of Lorynthia together for decades. With the throne now empty, things quickly start to unravel. And then there’s Tamyr Thimpor, the king’s daughter, who really doesn’t want to take on the role of queen. She’s not your typical, eager-to-lead heroine, and that’s what makes her journey so interesting.

I really enjoyed the world-building in this book. Lorynthia is a kingdom filled with different regions and people, from the Dragon Mountains to the Red Desert. The author does a great job of making you feel like you’re right there in the middle of it all. You can really feel the tension as the kingdom teeters on the edge of war, with enemies lurking in the shadows.

There are a few moments where the pacing slows down a bit, but that’s mostly because there’s a lot of groundwork being laid for future books in the series. Even so, the story keept me engaged with well-developed characters and a few twists that kept me guessing. And by the end, I was definitely ready for the next book!

Overall, Reluctant Queen is a great read if you like your fantasy with a bit of political intrigue and a heroine who’s not quite sure she’s ready for the spotlight. Tamyr’s journey is just beginning, and I can’t wait to see where it takes her next!