The Queen's Gambit: Book One of Imirillia (The Books of Imirillia)

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!

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It's a low fantasy setting with great world building. The cast of characters were complex and believable, and the author did a great job with the main character especially. The pacing of the novel starts off slow but builds to a faster and dramatic finish. It ends with a slight cliff-hanger, but the next book should be out around April. I am looking forward to reading it.

5 Stars Loved 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.

Oh my gosh. This book was captivating. SO FREAKING GOOD. The character development is incredible. I read all of the Emma M. Lion books and am now reading everything written by Beth Brower. This series is definitely worth a read. It is set in a different time period and place, but it's every bit as good as the Emma books.

brilliant book. Couldn't put it down then bereft when it was finished. Waiting for the next in the series.

While reading I was surprised that this book had been around for so many years but didn’t have more reviews. I now understand it’s likely due to readers not taking the time to write one as they instead launch immediately into the next book. Yes it is very good! It is clever with a well thought out plot. It has excellent characters. But plan to have time to go straight into The Ruby Prince. This one leaves you with only partial closure.