The Queen's Gambit: Book One of Imirillia (The Books of Imirillia) Paperback – January 19, 2016

After absolutely devouring her "Emma M Lion" series, I wanted more from Beth Brower. The Queens Gambit is definitely not my usual genre, but I couldn't help but be drawn in by the exquisite writing and character development. I am not one who is overly emotional, but this author has me feeling ALL the feels in all her books! The first half of the book I was able to pace myself and read at leisure, the second half I couldn't put down... All for a cliffhanger ending... Thank goodness the entire series is already released or I'd be rather desperate right now!

An interesting fantasy read, the first of 3 books. If you start this book, make sure you have immediate access to the next 2 - I couldn’t put them down and book 1 and 2 stop right in the middle of the action. I loved the world building and the descriptions of the fens and the people’s traditions. I loved the real and complicated relationship that grows between Eleanor and Wil, even though it’s hard to see how it will resolve well.

I love this book. From the first page, I was fully invested in the story and by now I am emotionally attached to all of the characters. Simply thinking about this series makes me a little starry-eyed! I’m so glad it exists.Why I loved this book:- The characters. I felt an immediate connection and affinity with Eleanor. I love her strength, grace, and wisdom. Wil was an enigma that I enjoyed puzzling out. Their interactions as they grew to trust each other and to understand their vastly different worldviews were so lovely. There are wonderful side characters with bright personalities as well, and all of the characters laced themselves tightly around my heart.- Aemogen. Oh my stars, a Celtic-inspired setting? Be still my beating heart! (Can I please live there?) I fell in love with the people, the culture, and the landscape immediately. It’s like Beth Brower pulled everything I want in a fantasy setting right out of my head and onto the page. I could spend all day there - in the records hall or the gardens of Ainsley, at the fortress of Anoir, or the barrows of Ainse.- The plot. It had a meandering feel, much like the setting itself, but I was in no rush for things to change. I savored every scene. Despite the peaceful atmosphere of Aemogen, there is no lack of action or suspense with the threat of Imirillia ever hanging on the horizon. Although I had no trouble figuring out some plot twists, the emotional impact of reading them play out was just as effective as if I had been completely blindsided. The writing was phenomenal.- The themes. This book had so many lovely thoughts and threads to it. I adore books that make me think hard, and this book certainly did that. The internal moral conflicts that both Eleanor and Wil experience, political strategy and intrigue, and symbolism explored throughout this book pulled me in. I especially loved the beautiful quotes from Imirillian scripture, the myths of both Aemogen and Imirillia, and how Eleanor brings them to life in multiple ways.Books like this are the reason I love reading. Sometimes my mind wanders back to this world and rests there a while, absolutely delighted. It is always an immersive experience to step into The Queen’s Gambit and I’m so lucky to have found this gem!

5 StarsLoved this story...couldn't put it down!I pretty much liked everything about this book but especially the two main characters, Wil and Eleanor, both of whom have strong personalities. Eleanor is a very young queen but also commands the respect and love of her people. Will is confident but also wary and jaded by his life experiences. He questions and gives his opinion too freely and the opposition that creates, makes for some of the best scenes in the book. I enjoyed the mystery behind Wil throughout the story and the fact that his character is very layered and complex. Here is an example:"...in the seconds after she had spoken, Eleanor appeared strangely ageless, a prophetess, perhaps. Emotions rose in Wil's chest--the edges of pride and shame, of homesickness and freedom--pulsing outward against the inside of his skin and back into his bones."The writing is excellent and the pacing perfect with beautiful imagery and enough detail to keep my interest without getting bogged down. The world Brower has created is rich with history and tradition and has an almost ethereal feel at times with the stories shared from the ancient scrolls."I once believed the stars were old souls, passed away, yet scintillating in their rest, but now, I see they are but the nursery of the Illuminating God. And at the birth of each man therein is placed a star beside his heart, and while the heart gives its beat to the body, so the star gives its light to the soul."I was completely invested in this story and the struggles the young queen must face to lead her people, as well as the weighty decisions that she alone must make in the wake of the ultimatum thrust upon her. The characters are so well drawn and given a life of their own that they feel like old friends.This is a compelling read and also a fabulous debut for Beth Brower's first book. I've already got books two and three ready to go on my Kindle. I promise you will not be able to wait to finish reading this series.