let down by narration

I found the book to be slightly depressing to start with, but I accept that this is due to laying the foundations for the rest of the series, The story line is enjoyable if somewhat fairly predictable, I thought there was quite a lot of padding in there that didn't bear a lot of relevance but that may be me as I listen while I'm working to may miss the point. But what let it down for me, was the narration it's so slow that I checked to make sure I hadn't set it to 1/2 speed, one character which I presume is an elderly gentleman is so slow it sounds like he's on drugs, a lot of drugs, in the end I set the speed to 1.3x for it to sound "normal". Most of the other voices end up being ridiculous accents or squeaky attempts, all the children sounded like Bonnie Langford in Just William I kept expecting a "I'll squeam and squeam and squeam". Not sure if I'll carry on with the other 3 books.

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A story that warms on you

For about the first 60% of this book I was of two minds about it. The overall plot, while following others of this type (ruler forced into exile by a conniving court with situation exacerbated by a menacing neighbouring realm) was somewhat predictable but its main characters were engaging and I found I wanted to know how they made out. Against this, there seemed to be a cast of many whose stories were hardly related/not related, almost as if they constituted a volume of short stories within the main one. Also, the writing style seemed to be aimed at older children/pre-teen and the narrator's efforts tended to reinforce this impression, but there were definite adult references which I wouldn't like to explain to this type of reader/listener.
The last third, however, was a marked improvement on these criticisms. The pace quickened, the action and tension increased and the language and narration became more "adult". A number of the unrealted stories were tied in, or were left moving in that direction. We are left with a young queen striking out on her own, without a plan but with some grit and determination to right some wrongs. I'm getting the next book.

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Breathtaking debut

This is one of the best books I've read so far this year. Sometimes the first book in a series can be slow but not this one, the story grabbed me from the first chapter and did not let go.
The world building was excellent and I loved the characters I can already see who I'm going to love and who I'm going to love to hate.
Although this is a long book it didn't feel like it nothing was unnecessary and it flowed so well.
I listened to the audible version and the narrator was fabulous I will definitely listen to more from her.
I can hardly take the time to write this review because I want to start the next one. I'm so pleased they are all out so no waiting. Can not recommend this enough brilliant book.

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Unengaging

The story was ok but slow moving. It set up some interesting characters that may lead to a much better story in the next in the series. I found the narration annoying with a lot of characterisation not in the text - most of the noble women sound like they are on a reality show

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What a book!

I loved this book, both the writing, which is descriptive and enthralling, and the narration which is perfect! I can't wait for the next one.

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