The Hedgewitch Queen

Lilith Saintcrow

Dec 2011 · Sold by Orbit

About this ebook

Vianne di Rocancheil has been largely content to play the gawky provincial. As lady in waiting at the Court of Arquitaine, she studies her books, watches for intrigue, and shepherds her foolhardy Princesse safely through the glittering whirl. Court is a sometimes-unpleasant waltz, especially for the unwary, but Vianne treads its measured steps well.

Unfortunately, the dance has changed. Treachery is afoot in gilded and velvet halls. A sorcerous conspiracy is unleashed, with blood, death, and warfare close behind. Her Princesse murdered and her own life in jeopardy, Vianne must flee, carrying the fate of her land with her -- the Great Seal of Arquitaine, awake after its long sleep. Invasion threatens, civil war looms, and the conspiracy hunts for Vianne di Rocancheil, to kill or to use her against all she holds dear.

A life of dances, intrigues, and fashion has not prepared her for this. Nor has it prepared her for Tristan d'Arcenne, Captain of the King's Guard and player in the most dangerous games conspiracy can devise. Yet to save her country and avenge her Princesse, Vianne will become what she must, say what she should, and do whatever is required.

A Queen can do no less.

Ratings and reviews

I've liked most of what I've read from Lilith Saintcrow, so decided to pick this one up. This seemed to be written by a different author. The main character was one of the most annoying characters I've ever read. Constantly deluding herself about situations and then twisting things in her thoughts in ridiculous ways. Always whining and self pitying. I am not one to stop reading a book even when it is bad, but i seriously considered skipping it about half way through. Read her other books instead.

Augh! Call me stupid, but I didn't realize this was the first book in a series, not a stand-alone novel. Waiting to find out what happens next is going to be maddening. I found this book a bit of a departure from the urban fantasy I'm used to seeing from Lilith Saintcrow, but I really enjoyed it. The characters were for the most part interesting and believable, although the gypsies seemed like more of a plot device to get the protagonist from point a to point b than actual characters. Although some reviewers found the protagonist hard to believe in, I thought her disbelief in the leading man's interest in her, and general denial of the fact that she's been chosen as queen perfectly believable. This is a woman who has spent her whole life searching out plots and intrigues, of course she would assume a man's interest in her was just another plot. Considering the king and his heir were just assassinated, I don't think I'd want to be queen either. The except from the next book left me impatient to learn more about the leading man, who it seems abruptly gets more interesting in the sequel.

Great read! It was hard to put down. Can't wait for part 2! First time reading from this author and it is a tale well written.

About the author

Lilith Saintcrow was born in New Mexico, bounced around the world as an Air Force brat, and fell in love with writing when she was ten years old. She currently lives in Vancouver, WA.