Review - Queen of Coin and Whispers by Helen Corcoran

 

 

Title: Queen of Coin and Whispers

Author: Helen Corcoran

Pages: 464

Publisher: The O'Brien Press

Release Date: 1st June 2020

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

'She loved me as I loved her, fierce as a bloodied blade'

When Lia, an idealistic queen, falls for Xania, her new spymaster--who took the job to avenge her murdered father--they realise all isn't fair in love and treason.

Lia won’t mourn her uncle: he's left her a bankrupt kingdom considered easy pickings by its neighbours. She’s sworn to be a better ruler, but if she wants to push through her reforms, she needs to beat the Court at its own games. For years, Xania's been determined to uncover her father's murderer. She finally gets a chance when Lia gives her a choice: become her new spymaster, or take a one way trip to the executioner’s axe. It’s an easy decision.

When they fall for each other, their love complicates Lia’s responsibilities and Xania’s plans for vengeance. As they're drawn together amid royal suitors and new diplomats, they uncover treason that could not only end Lia’s reign, but ruin their weakened country. They must decide not only what to sacrifice for duty, but also for each other.

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My Review:

*I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley*

Lia is heir to the throne and when her uncle dies she inherits a kingdom that is close to bankruptcy. Lia wants to be a better ruler than her uncle and wants to bring prosperity to her land, but things might be harder than she hopes as she will have to keep the Court happy if Lia wants her laws to pass in parliament.

Lia appoints Xania, a young woman, to be her Master of Whispers. Lia wants revenge for her father's murder and plans to use her new position to get the proof she needs.

Neither Lia nor Xania planned on falling for each other and they will have to hide their feelings from the Court and visiting royalty.

Will Lia be a better ruler than her uncle?

Can Lia and Xania have a future together when Lia needs an heir?

Having heard lots of good things about this book, I was excited to read it. While it didn't quite live up to my expectations, I did enjoy it.

Lia and Xania were likeable and relatable protagonists. Lia had a lot of pressure on her shoulders and I was rooting for her to be able to do the things she wanted as queen. Xania was different to Lia, but they were both determined and loved their families. It was interesting to read as they grew closer and how they dealt with difficult situations.

The romance wasn't one of my favourites, but I didn't dislike it and I liked that it was a F/F romance.

The book was mostly set in the palace so we don't get to see much of the world the book is set in.

The plot was enjoyable overall, but I did find myself losing interest at one point, however, not long after that something happened that I wasn't expecting which drew me back in.

The writing style was easy to follow most of the time, but there were times when I felt that there could have been more description as I did find it difficult to differentiate between some characters when several were introduced at once.

I'm a bit disappointed that I didn't enjoy this more.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read.