ARA Review by Sara Goodarzi of The High Queen

[Sara Goodarzi]

[Following is an OnlineBookClub.org ARA Review of the book, The High Queen.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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The High Queen by Breann Thorne Stanzell

When I read The High Queen, I felt like slipping into a dream one of those dreams where you wake up feeling something strange but familiar. At first glance, it seems like another classic fantasy, but the deeper you go, the more you realize it’s something else entirely. Stanzell writes with a poetic touch, but beneath the softness of her language lies a deep strength. Every scene feels like a piece of the puzzle of Ternaroë, gradually revealing its secrets, magic, and hidden scars. More than a tale of legend, this is a story about identity about how you stay true to yourself when everyone expects you to be someone you're not.

The story centers on Princess Ana Sophia, a girl destined not just to rule but to save, understand, forgive, and sometimes fight. What makes her unique isn't just her magic, but her doubts. Like all of us, she doesn’t always know if she’s doing the right thing but she keeps moving forward. In most fantasy stories, heroes are flawless. Here, it's Ana-Sophia’s vulnerability that makes the story feel more real and human.

What really drew me in was the female-focused world and the solidarity between its women. Unlike the usual tropes of jealous queens or wicked witches, this story gives us women who grow together, make mistakes, and learn from one another. Magic in this book isn’t just a power it’s a symbol of trust, acceptance, and healing. Even the rules of magic feel like ethical guidelines that make you ask yourself, “If I had power, how would I use it?”

Of course, the book isn't perfect. Some chapters move slowly especially those that delve into politics and the realm’s history. The side characters sometimes fade into the background, and a few sentences are so intricately written that you need to read them twice. But maybe that complexity is part of the book’s charm. Each reread reveals something new.

If you’re looking for a shallow fantasy with nonstop action, this might not be the book for you. But if you want to be immersed in a world that asks questions and gives you hope, The High Queen is a strong choice. I’d give it a solid 4 out of 5. It’s bold, feminine, and full of heart a story that lingers, like a spell that won’t let go.

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