Teasers and 'The Queen of the Tearling' by Erika Johansen

Me being unable to finish a book within time seems to be a constant factor I'm struggling with as my life outside book blogging gets more hectic. But once again I have an example of a book for you that I'm now finally starting despite being excited for it for more than a year. Why do I do this to myself? Especially when I found out that they would adapt it into a film with Emma Watson in it?! Ok, enough of me, more of The Queen of the Tearling!

Update: I just read the whole of this book in one sitting last night...

An untested young princess must claim her throne, learn to become a queen, and combat a malevolent sorceress in an epic battle between light and darkness in this spectacular debut—the first novel in a trilogy.

Young Kelsea Raleigh was raised in hiding after the death of her mother, Queen Elyssa, far from the intrigues of the royal Keep and in the care of two devoted servants who pledged their lives to protect her. Growing up in a cottage deep in the woods, Kelsea knows little of her kingdom's haunted past . . . or that its fate will soon rest in her hands.
Long ago, Kelsea's forefathers sailed away from a decaying world to establish a new land free of modern technology. Three hundred years later, this feudal society has divided into three fearful nations who pay duties to a fourth: the powerful Mortmesne, ruled by the cunning Red Queen. Now, on Kelsea's nineteenth birthday, the tattered remnants of the Queen's Guard—loyal soldiers who protect the throne—have appeared to escort the princess on a perilous journey to the capital to ascend to her rightful place as the new Queen of the Tearling.

Though born of royal blood and in possession of the Tear sapphire, a jewel of immense power and magic, Kelsea has never felt more uncertain of her ability to rule. But the shocking evil she discovers in the heart of her realm will precipitate an act of immense daring, throwing the entire kingdom into turmoil—and unleashing the Red Queen's vengeance. A cabal of enemies with an array of deadly weapons, from crimson-caped assassins to the darkest blood magic, plots to destroy her. But Kelsea is growing in strength and stealth, her steely resolve earning her loyal allies, including the Queen's Guard, led by the enigmatic Lazarus, and the intriguing outlaw known simply as "the Fetch."

Kelsea's quest to save her kingdom and meet her destiny has only just begun. Riddled with mysteries, betrayals, and treacherous battles, Kelsea's journey is a trial by fire that will either forge a legend . . . or destroy her.

Tuesday Intros and Teaser Tuesdays are hosted by Diane over at Bibliophile by the Sea and MizB over at A Daily Rhythm respectively.

Intro:

'Kelsea Glynn sat very still, watching the troop approach her homestead. The men rode as a military company, with outliers on the corners, all dressed in the grey of the Tearling royal guard. The riders' cloaks swayed as they rode, revealing their costly weapons: swords and short knives, all of them of Mortmesne steel. One man even had a mace; Kelsea could see its spiked head protruding from his saddle. The sullen way they guided their hoses toward the cottage made things very clear: they didn't want to be here.' 1%

This isn't the most gripping of beginnings, I'll admit! But I do like what it tells us about Kelsea, because we now know that she's perceptive, smart and the kind of girl who gets herself into trouble. Basically, I like her already!

Teaser:

'Dinner was an unexpectedly lavish affair.' 17%

You always know a book will be good if it has time for dinner, especially if dinner is good. It's one of my favourite things about The Lord of the Rings, the constant willingness to take out some time for dinner!

So, have you read The Queen of the Tearling? And are you excited for when they turn it into a film?