The Duchess Quest – C. K. Brooke
*Warning – may contain spoilers*
Author: C. K.
Brooke
Publisher: 48fourteen
First published: 2014
Edition: eBook
Pages: 414
Blurb: (Taken from goodreads)
Love is
destined to find her…
Dainy
doesn’t know that she is the lost Duchess of Jordinia, believed to have been
assassinated fifteen years ago. Nor does she know that her uncle has
implemented an illegal contest ot seek her, offering her marriage hand as the
reward!
Though at odds, three clashing
rivals – including a noble giant, a forest dweller and a thieving rake – voyage
together by woodland, prairie and sea to recover the lost roya, notwithstanding
the assassins and spies at their tail. Soon, young Dainy is swept into a
comically complex romantic quadrangle as each suitor competes to capture her
heart.
Charmingly
romantic and bursting with political intrigue, starling twists and vivid
characters, readers of romance and fantasy alike will adore this original yet
timeless take of swashbuckling adventure and unlikely love.
History of my copy: I received a free
copy through YA Bound Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
So I took longer than I was supposed to reading this book,
but that in no way reflects my opinion! I LOVED The Duchess Quest! I can’t believe I haven’t read it before, I
think I need to go buy the sequel and my own physical copy of the book.
There was only one scene that I disliked, and that was the
really sick scene between Jon and Selu when they first meet. It really grossed
me out, and felt entirely unnecessary and kinda ruined Jon’s character for me,
so I just pretend that didn’t happen.
Plot: The Duchess Quest starts out as a bunch of men search for Eludaine,
or Dainy. However, due to the assassins following them, only Bos, Jon, Mac and
Selu remain. Whilst competing at first, they end up becoming a group and return
the Duchess to her uncle. However, the quest is far from easy and Dainy suffers
some great losses in the process.
Just
when you think the story has reached its happy ending, Jon and Selu are
kidnapped, Selu being mistaken for the Duchess and it turns out that Dainy’s
uncle only wanted the inheritance money to wage a war on the New Republic.
Honestly, that scene broke my heart!
However, all is rectified in the end
and The Duchess Quest ends as the
group prepare to leave and find Dainy’s inheritance.
On top of this plot, we have the
romantic sub-plot as Dainy must decide who she wishes to wed. And then there is
a fantastic scene where the heritage of both Jon and Mac is discovered, which
was totally unexpected!
Setting: Brooke has created a wonderful
fantasy world within The Duchess Quest
and I would love to get lost there! It is a fantastic mix of swords and royalty,
with the beautiful Heppestonian’s and the New Republic of Jordinia. There is a
map included in the book, which makes picturing their journey just a little
easier. Plus, I’m a sucker for maps of beautiful fantasy lands!
Characters: Something I really loved
about The Duchess Quest was how
unique the characters felt! Dainy herself was not your typical Duchess, and
whilst innocent, once she came out of her shell she was a strong woman. A
fantastic lead character, and entirely believable!
I’ve
mentioned above one of my issues with Jon, but apart from that he is your
typical handsome, rogue thief who softens up when he falls in love with Dainy.
But he messes up, and their relationship doesn’t feel at all forced.
Mac is another great companion
for Dainy. A complete opposite to Jon, he is a true gentleman and you can see
how much he adores Dainy and how frustrated he feels as he tries to do what is
right for her, yet she always seems drawn to Jon.
Bos is different again, as he is
a huge man and only competing due to his allegiance to the royals. He was often
the voice of reason between Jon and Mac and clearly the only one stopping them
from killing each other.
To read or not to
read: Read. I adored The Duchess Quest so much! It’s a
fantastic young adult fantasy novel that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Full with many twists that took me entirely by surprise, it’s a real page-turner
that will leave you craving for more once you reach the end.
Find my spot on the book tour here
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