Trickster's Queen by Tamora Pierce

A Mostly Spoiler Free Reread Review

I really, really love Trickster’s Queen. It has a great mix of intrigue and action. The main characters really leap off the page and even the background ones are fairly fleshed out for background characters. I definitely cried a few times, too, at different points throughout. So yeah, so good.

The foreshadowing around Dove is palpable. It is utterly clear with how she’s invested in the people and not just the court. Sarai is obviously too hot-headed for the role she’s meant to take, honestly. I didn’t say anything during my review of Trickster’s Choice because I knew what was coming… and I won’t say much here, but Sarai’s character arc makes sense for her, just not for the plans of those around her. Dove, on the other hand, is more perfect for her eventual role.

The thing between Aly and Nawat has escalated to a plot-relevant annoying place. I dislike romantic drama for the sake of drama… and the only thing that keeps this from tipping over the edge if Ulasim’s assertion that Nawat essentially needs to figure himself out. Most of Nawat’s character development is off-screen… and the relationship when he gets back is suddenly one of equals… it honestly stinks of something like a Life Bond. Much meh.

Darkings! I love them so, so much. They’re excellent as Aly’s spies and also for the ending battle, getting differing views of said battle than just Aly’s. Darkings are fun.

This is a little out of left field, but I really need to address this: Lovemaking doesn’t “often” hurt the first time. There doesn’t have to be blood involved at all. I’m pretty sure this nonsense came about because of a) the patriarchy, b) purity culture, and c) men/boys not realizing that their partners need more foreplay than they want to give. Seriously. Stop. Perpetuating. This. Myth.

I can’t really talk about much of the plot here, as what I might have to say is probably spoilery. Trickster’s Queen has a lot of stuff happening, including character deaths. It is very good and quite well plotted. 

Favorite Lines

"I will be a good girl and try not to get gutted in the market." - Junai

     "She has nothing to throw unless she picks up chair," said Trick. "Uh-oh."

     "She picked up chair," Secret explained