Queen of the Conquered

by Kacen Callender
Queen of the Conquered cover
Good Books rating 3.95
Fantasy
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Paperback • £15.99
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  • ID: 7867
  • Added: 2025-12-17
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780316454919
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2019-11-12
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Queen of the Conquered is an ambitious and unflinching tale of colonialism, conquest, and revenge, set in a Caribbean-inspired world. The story begins on the islands of Hans Lollik, where Sigourney Rose is the sole survivor of a massacre perpetrated by colonizers. As the childless king announces his intention to choose a successor from among the noble families, Sigourney sees an opportunity for vengeance. However, a series of murders among the ruling families complicates her plans, and she must navigate a treacherous path to avoid becoming the next victim. The novel is praised for its absorbing setting, captivating lead, and relevant themes of race and class. It draws readers into an imaginative and layered story that combines elements of magic, politics, and historical fiction. The first in a powerful fantasy series, Queen of the Conquered is a storm of a novel that keeps readers twisting until the end.

Reviews
Feminist Book Club · 2021-05-19
intense 4.00

The novel is an opus with a plethora of characters who make a significant impression. The story is intense and not for the fainthearted.

This reviewer found 'Queen of the Conquered' to be an intense and powerful novel that makes a lasting impression. The book features a wide array of characters, each contributing to the story in meaningful ways. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the narrative, which tackles heavy themes with nuance and skill. The story is not for the faint-hearted, but its impact is undeniable. The reviewer commends the author for creating a rich and thought-provoking exploration of power, revenge, and justice.

Quick quotes

    It is an opus under 400 pages.

    There are a plethora of characters in this novel.

    Callender assures that they make an impression in the story.

Salon Futura · 2021-01-31
excellent 4.50

The book is excellent and well worth the wait. It is a powerful exploration of themes like slavery, racism, and power.

This reviewer highly recommends 'Queen of the Conquered,' praising it as an excellent read that delves deeply into important themes. The book's exploration of slavery, racism, and power is particularly impactful, and the reviewer appreciates the unique perspective offered by a black woman author. The story is compelling and thought-provoking, making it a standout in the fantasy genre. The reviewer found the book to be a powerful and necessary read, one that stays with you long after finishing it.

Quick quotes

    That book was Queen of the Conquered, by Kacen Callender. It is a book I have been meaning to get to for some time, and it is indeed excellent.

    It is a terrifically good fantasy book about slavery, racism, power and complicity only written by a black woman instead of some older white dude.

    It is an opus under 400 pages.

Fantasy Book Cafe · 2020-08-31
good 3.50

The book is praised for its depth and the impact of its characters, despite some pacing issues. The reviewer appreciates the exploration of complex themes.

The reviewer at Fantasy Book Cafe highlights the depth of 'Queen of the Conquered', particularly in its exploration of complex themes such as slavery, racism, and power. They appreciate the impact of the characters and the way they are woven into the narrative. However, they note that the pacing can be uneven at times, which slightly detracts from the overall reading experience. Despite this, the reviewer finds the book to be a significant and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    It is an opus under 400 pages.

    There are a plethora of characters in this novel.

    Callender assures that they make an impression in the story.

SFF Book Review · 2020-08-28
engaging 3.80

The magic in the story adds a unique layer that enhances the narrative. The protagonist's ability to read minds is a compelling aspect.

This reviewer found the magic system in 'Queen of the Conquered' to be a standout feature, making the story more engaging. The protagonist's mind-reading ability is particularly intriguing and adds depth to the character. The story's exploration of good and evil is nuanced, and the magic system, though not entirely original, effectively complements the narrative. The reviewer appreciates how these elements come together to create a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    Kacen Callender added magic, and while it's not the most original type of magic, it makes the story just so much cooler.

    Sigourney can read minds, which is a compelling aspect of the story.

    The story blurs the lines between good and evil in a way that is both thought-provoking and engaging.

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