An engaging read centered around a world filled with magic and war. Elli is raised to be a queen and to expect the former queen's magic to come to her upon that queen's death. Except that doesn't happen and Elli must flee the temple and wealthy city-state she has always known. As she finds refuge with fellow outcasts, she starts to learn more about the magic her city has relied on and who she might be. A quick, interesting read. ( )

Sometimes a book doesn't capture you even if you were pumped for it, but that's all right. Still a good read, but the plot is pretty typical. I feel like I've read this before, despite the unique plot elements. I love the fact that Elli is bisexual but not that her female love interest is killed, which .... okay I hate love triangles but how great would a bi love triangle be okay? Anyways - good, but nothing really special. ( )

Wow. This was Fine's best book yet! The Impostor Queen was compelling, inventive, and featured an amazing cast of characters. All fantasy lovers like me won't be able to resist this tale of a girl who didn't turn out to be the queen she though she was.

So, let me quickly summarize this: Elli has been raised as a Saadella to become the Valtia of the Kupari. However, when she fails to inherit the powers of fire and ice from the previous Valtia, she is forced to run from her pampered life. Elli ends up living with a group of rebels and criminals. And there she learns she is not so powerless after all. A prophecy gives her a role in perhaps saving the Kupari from both the dangerous raiders, the Solturi, and from surprising corruption and evil within their own walls.

I admired Elli for her love for her people, her Valtia, and her Saadella. I also loved how hard she worked and grew through the book. And I can't not mention the romance! Elli is bi, and has a crush on a girl in the beginning. I loved Fine's diversity! However, the main ship in this book is between Oscar and Elli. I loved these two together sooooo much. I can't wait for more of them.

Overall, The Impostor Queen was a major win. I was surprised how quickly I got sucked into the pages. The twists and turns in this new world of magic and strife are guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. After finishing this, I was so pumped for The Cursed Queen! ( )

The Impostor Queen was a book I did not expect to like as much as I did. I was blown away by the determination and perseverance of the main character, Elli.

Elli was originally supposed to be the next Valtia, the Queen of the Kupari. But when the Valtia dies, none of her magic of ice and fire enters Elli, and she's brandished an impostor and must flee the city before she is sentenced to death. Elli leaves a life of luxury and is left with nothing. But she refuses to be less than nothing.

I'm not a jewel. Not a treasure. Not a wonder or a living miracle.
I'm a burden.
Determination forms like a fist behind my breast.
I will not be a burden.

For the rest of my review, check out Wonderland Novels! ( )

The Impostor Queen was a great fantasy with lots of action, magic, deception and betrayal. I loved the world the author built, it was so believable but without heavy descriptive passages that often appear in fantasy novels. The combination of fire and ice to create powerful magic was a fascinating concept and the complications, if the two weren't balanced, led to some unique problems.

Elli was a likeable character. Despite being privileged, naive and gullible at the start she developed throughout the story as she struggled to adjust to the harsh environment she found herself in. Then there was Oskar! He was a wonderful character, so kindhearted and protective of those he loved, but with a tragic backstory. I loved the romance between he and Elli. It didn't feel forced and it never overwhelmed the rest of the story.

With interesting characters, clever world-building, magic and a captivating storyline, this was an enjoyable read and I'm now off to find the sequel. ( )