Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
The True Queen
The True Queen | Zen Cho
"When sisters Muna and Sakti wake up on the peaceful beach of the island of Janda Baik, they can't remember anything--except that they are bound as only sisters can be. They have been cursed by an unknown enchanter, and slowly Sakti starts to fade away. The only hope of saving her is to go to distant Britain, where the Sorceress Royal has established an academy to train women in magic"--
Amazon Indiebound Barnes and Noble WorldCat Goodreads LibraryThing
Pick icon
100%
blurb
BookmarkTavern
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image

Thanks for the tag @TheSpineView !

1. The tagged book!
2. I adored the setting and world building, and I just really loved Muna a lot. 💕

#Two4Tuesday

TheSpineView You're welcome and thanks for playing! 1y
53 likes1 comment
review
BookmarkTavern
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image
Pickpick

Sisters Muna & Sakti travel to England to break the curse that‘s stolen their memories. Only, Sakti disappears, Muna has to pretend to know magic, & the Realm of Fairy wants to start a war.

A good stand alone after Sorcerer. A bit of a slow start, & the romance wasn‘t developed enough. But overall, this was a charming & delightful fantasy/mystery fusion. There‘s magic, a stolen amulet, a rescue from a dragon, & women being awesome. 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑

59 likes2 comments
blurb
BookmarkTavern
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image

I only have two hours left in the tagged book, and I would absolutely recommend it. Especially if you liked Sorcerer to the Crown. The audiobook is fantastically well done.

I‘d also recommend it if you enjoy the Kingston Cycle trilogy by CL Polk.

#SundayFunday Have a great day, and don‘t forget to tag me!

blurb
BookmarkTavern
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image

Would anyone like to guess what single plant I put into this vegetable box five years ago?

If you guessed mint, congrats! You win an internet cookie and my groans of frustration. 😂 #AudioWeeding

Yuki_Onna 🤣🤣🤣 1y
CaseyTheCanadianLesbrarian I've always heard mint grows like a weed, which makes me extra puzzled that the last batch I planted managed to die 🤔 1y
willaful I always have so much trouble with things that are supposed to be easy to grow. Like chives. 1y
See All 6 Comments
DivineDiana I recognize that culprit! Battle the mint every year! 🙂 1y
Chelsea.Poole Oh I feel you! My mint WILL NOT DIE!!! 1y
Tea_and_Starstuff Mint mint mint! I have a garden bed I've named the Mint Deathmatch Bed - I planted peppermint, spearmint, chocolate mint, and orange mint and let them battle it out! (A few years on - peppermint and spearmint seem to have found an equilibrium after choking out the other two. 1y
62 likes6 comments
blurb
Susanita
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image

Catching up with #12booksof2021 with my favorite from #May that was one of three speculative books on this list. 😎

Andrew65 Looks good. 3y
Susanita Actually, one of four! 3y
WJCintron I have those!! Is it good? 3y
WJCintron 🙌 @Susanita I didn't know about that one!!! Thanks!!! I need to add it to my TBR! 😃 Have a great night!
3y
41 likes1 stack add5 comments
review
Susanita
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image
Pickpick

Well this turned out to be a fun read! My only real complaint is the time between books. For part of the book I had no idea where it was going, and that‘s a good thing. Then I figured it out, and that was also a good thing. Then near the end something happened that made me cheer out loud.
#seriesread2021
#readathon

ETA: this is also a #bookspin selection

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3y
Andrew65 Great 👏👏👏 3y
33 likes2 comments
blurb
Susanita
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image

Dragons, fairies, witches, and other #magic creatures and beings are the players in this delightful book. #MayCharacters

Eggs Interesting premise 📚👏🏻💕 3y
42 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
Centique
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image
Pickpick

Well this was just delightful. I was still in my book funk and this light fantasy was perfect for a rapid one sitting read. This is the second in the series - and it kinda reminds me of a romance series because we‘ve moved on to focus on two new protagonists, giving a spotlight to a character that was in the background in the first book.
If you haven‘t tried this series yet I‘d put it as Parasol Protectorate meets Harry Potter. It could be⬇️

Centique considered YA (except there is little angst or romance) and Cho is more likely to make you laugh at a villain than feel any fear. It is set in Victorian times but with lots of magic, dragons and diversity. I think this is better than the first, the Malaysian origins of Muna and Sakti gave it something new and different. ⬇️ (edited) 4y
Centique So humorous, fast moving, a good helping of mystery and intrigue, fun other worldly fairies and dragon family politics, likeable characters and just a sprinkle of romance. 4y
90 likes3 stack adds2 comments
blurb
Lucy_Anywhere
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image

#TBRPile 📚 When her sister vanishes while in the realm of the Fairy Queen, Muna‘s only hope lies in distant Britain where the Sorceress Royal runs a controversial academy for female magicians. All Muna needs to do is trick the English into believing she is a magical prodigy, find her sister, break their curse, and somehow stay out of trouble...

review
SW-T
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image
Pickpick

I liked book 1 and was happy to finally pick up book 2. The primary characters from book 1 are background characters here. A bit predictable in spots, but Cho brought the characters to life with alternating viewpoints, court politics, social norms, cultural protocols, magic, women‘s roles, Fairy society, and dragons. Liked how the struggle with heterosexuality in a society that won‘t acknowledge anything else was blended into the storyline.

blurb
deargeekplace
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image

Next pick from the book piles is this little beauty! I received it from a publicist late last year so it‘s probably time I got on with it...

blurb
BookmarkTavern
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image

Welp, I did actually end up rolling a die! There were too many options on my wish list. Say hello to lucky number 4!

#audible #audiblelawsuit

30 likes1 stack add
blurb
craftysilicate
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image

Hello, I am still alive! And I have a considerable reading list. Always. Perhaps I will have things to say about it eventually.

blurb
MrsGagnonreads2024
The True Queen | Zen Cho

Thank you @Shadowfat for all my goodies and books and the book looks interesting for #SFMBC @Avanders

review
effani
The True Queen | Zen Cho
Pickpick

This was enjoyable, if a bit more predictable than I would have liked. I wish I had reread the previous book after all. Still, quite entertaining, and I'll look forward to when more books in the series come out.

blurb
effani
The True Queen | Zen Cho

And now on to something better! It's been a while since I read the first one so I hope I don't have to remember it too well.

3 likes1 stack add
blurb
quietjenn
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image

I loved the first book set in this world, but remember very little of it. This one started off a bit slowly for me, but now I'm fully feeling it!

53 likes1 stack add
review
alisonrose
The True Queen | Zen Cho
Pickpick

This was such a fun read, definitely a strong follow up to Sorcerer to the Crown. I really liked Muna and Henrietta, and I also loved the bond between Muna and Sakti. I appreciate that the author gives us a fresh take on the fairy world too, because that‘s not easy to do these days. And some of the reveals were pretty fucking awesome. There was one little side arc that felt a little unnecessary but otherwise this was a great read. 4/5 ⭐️

quote
alisonrose
The True Queen | Zen Cho

“I wish I could explain to you the iniquity that lives in the heart of mortal man, but I confess it is beyond my own understanding.”

quote
alisonrose
The True Queen | Zen Cho

“They are a sanguinary people, the English,” the witch had said. “They are not content with quarreling with their neighbors, but must needs sail over the seas to trouble us too!”

[British History 101 😜]

quote
alisonrose
The True Queen | Zen Cho

“I shall make disgusting eating, I warn you!” shouted Sakti, struggling. “I have a bad disposition and everyone knows that turns mortal flesh rancid!”

[Me, if I ever come across a wild animal.]

blurb
alisonrose
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image

I know Sorcerer to the Crown wasn‘t everyone‘s cup of tea, but I loved it. However, since I read it a while ago and admittedly don‘t remember much of the details, I also like that this is labeled as a “standalone sequel” so hopefully that won‘t matter 😆 #nowreading

jmtrivera I can't wait to hear your thoughts! 5y
38 likes1 comment
review
elkeOriginal
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image
Pickpick

This sequel to Sorcerer to the Crown is a delightful return to Regency London and our favorite characters all make appearances, but as supporting players! I found the new MC Muna quite engaging and her storyline involving mystery & magic, and a trip thru/to Faery, complimented and contrasted nicely with the world of Crown—with new plot twists layered on top. It is also self-contained so while there will be a book 3, this is nicely wrapped up.

38 likes2 stack adds
review
bookishlyblessed
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image
Mehso-so

#book3 finished during #24in48 and just over 21 hours down. Let's finish this thing!

blurb
bookishlyblessed
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image

Starting my second audiobook for #24in48

11 likes1 stack add
review
TuesdayReviews
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image
Pickpick

I had a backlog of reviews, so I decided to do an omnibus post with 5 short reviews. Curiously, each book disappointed me b/c I came in with expectations too high. Reviews of The Dragon Waiting by John Ford, Vita Nostra by the Dyachenkos, Monster Hunter Int‘l by Larry Correia, Raid by K.S. Merbeth & The True Queen by Zen Cho here - https://everydayshouldbetuesday.wordpress.com/2019/06/25/short-review-roundup-fa...

review
dawn-pInk
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image
Pickpick

“ ‘I should like it of all things,‘ said Henrietta.”
Absolutely masterful. Loved use of old characters. I missed Prunella so much I was worried. I wasn‘t going to have enough of the have enough of the characters from the first book, but Muna so stole my heart, I ended up having just enough of them. 5 out of 5 on GR. A perfect sequel.

review
suzisteffen
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image
Pickpick

I truly enjoyed this one, which goes beyond the cloistered world of English magic (and the sexist, racist, colonialist projects therein) to link a Fairy, England, and Janda Baik in a complex tale of a coup, something like a horcrux construction, talking portraits, and much more. ⬇️⬇️ #fantasy

suzisteffen While it‘s entirely frustrating to read about the internal English power struggles and sexist takes on women doing magic, it‘s also frustrating to read a verrrrrrry slowly burning relationship that requires other, fake relationships to make it “real.” I like these early 19th century court stories. A good balance to Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, among others. 🏳️‍🌈🐍🐉🐲🧙🏾‍♀️🧝🏼‍♂️👸🏾👸🏾 5y
HOTPock3tt Sounds good! #stacked 5y
21 likes2 stack adds2 comments
blurb
suzisteffen
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image

And another recent Kobo acquisition that I had preordered and am dying to read. (Honestly, I began. But I need to put it off so I can read print books *before* I hop the plane to the World Cup! Print books at home, ebooks while traveling ... ) #fantasy

18 likes2 stack adds
review
shanaqui
The True Queen | Zen Cho
Pickpick

I didn't enjoy this quite as much as the first book -- Muna is a bit flat for that, compared to Prunella and Zacharias -- but I did greatly enjoy checking back in on the world. The f/f subplot kiiiinda worked for me, but felt like it was missing some of the buildup.

Mostly I just love that Damerell and Rollo are basically married.

blurb
shanaqui
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image

Life is being a bit bad at the moment in some ways, and predictably I am trying to fix it with new books...

It does help!

rwmg I hope the books fix it or at least tide you over 5y
shanaqui @rwmg Thank you! They definitely brighten things up. 5y
15 likes2 stack adds2 comments
blurb
khooliha
The True Queen | Zen Cho

Best of Both Worlds! I thought I remembered the wait for part 2, but looking at air dates that's basically impossible! Maybe I'm just remembering the wait between reruns, filtered through an anxious child brain. Anyway, the end of The True Queen (sort of surprisingly) becomes a book about getting the best of both worlds, just in a fantasy setting.
#startreksummermay

review
GivenLemons
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image
Pickpick

I adored this book! It has all the things that made the first book wonderful, while still being very much it‘s own book! Charming characters and perfect amounts of drama and intrigue!

review
khooliha
The True Queen | Zen Cho
Pickpick

On the one hand the story feels kind of small in spite of the stakes? But on the other hand it is a flat out delight to read. A delight!

blurb
khooliha
The True Queen | Zen Cho
This post contains spoilers
show me

Waiting with held breath to see if a character is asexual. I so rarely get the opportunity for even this held breath, but I'm still hoping I won't be disappointed.

khooliha Okay, queer vibes are almost off the charts but we are running out of pages! C'mon book, I believe in you! 6y
khooliha Luv 2 B right about queer vibes! 6y
2 comments
review
Erie
The True Queen | Zen Cho
Pickpick

I've finished; it was just such an enchanting, genuinely fun fairy tale. I grew up inhaling Diana Wynne Jones and Patricia C. Wrede books, and nothing I've read in ages has reminded me so firmly of those as this book did. 10/10, would happily give to all of my fantasy-inclined loved ones.

blurb
Erie
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image

I've decided to get back to reading like my soul demands of me, so hello everyone! Today's book is this glorious book, which I'm enjoying immensely. I'm only about a third through, but so far I adore it as much as the first one.

blurb
khooliha
The True Queen | Zen Cho

Booooooo, I don't want to go to work tomorrow I just want to read the magic book, boooooooooo

blurb
thegirlwiththelibrarybag
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image

Currently pondering the age old question, do I reread or just plunge straight into book two? 🤔 (I usually plunge straight in but it‘s been a couple of years between publication)

lahousewyfe With a couple of years of space, I always reread. 6y
Andydear Oof, i usually skim the ending of book 1 6y
75 likes2 comments
review
bookwrm526
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image
Pickpick

AAAHHHHH so glad this book is finally here!! I loved it, so much, but now I want a book about Henrietta. This is my book I think should be a movie for the #popsugarreadingchallenge2019 because I think the whole series should be a movie (or a tv show)!!

blurb
tmcqu33n
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image

It finally came! I splurged to match my British hardcover of the first book. (The first US cover was awful.)

quote
gingerandjazz
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image

Oh, Prunella, I‘ve missed you.

blurb
RealLifeReading
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image

Whee! Some weeks back I found out I had won one of the books in Zen Cho‘s giveaway and it just arrived! This just made a lousy day so much better!

Suet624 💕💕💕💕 6y
wordzie 🙌 6y
JSW How awesome!! 6y
batsy So cool! 6y
MaureenMc 😍 6y
134 likes2 stack adds5 comments
blurb
TuesdayReviews
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image

So after rejecting my NetGalley request, and after the release date, Ace sends me an #ARC. 🤔
(Don‘t get me wrong—I‘m still excited.)

blurb
gingerandjazz
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image

A jug of wine*, a book of verse**, and thou

*iced tea
**YA fantasy?

blurb
gingerandjazz
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image

#TheTrueQueen is out today and I‘m so excited to finally read it!!

blurb
khooliha
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image

#MarchMadness part 3! I realized this morning that I should reread Sorcerer to the Crown, but I'm not sure where it has ended up in my move back to FL. (Note, this move was 2.5 years ago. I am On Top of Things, as always.)

blurb
RealLifeReading
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image

The one on the left is the UK cover. The right is the US cover. Which one do you like more?

TrishB Left 👍🏻 6y
Leniverse Left. 6y
pilardib Right 6y
See All 38 Comments
KatieDid927 Both are great but the right is better. 6y
BibliOphelia Left has cool colors & font, but right is more brain-pleasing (or whatever that‘s called in design lingo). 6y
ScorpioBookDreams I‘ve got the left preordered to match my Sorcerer but I actually quite like the right! 6y
BiblioLitten The right one. 6y
stephothebesto Left - I like the bold graphics. Is preferring UK covers a sign that I should move? 😝 6y
jessinikkip I love the one on the left!! 6y
Kalalalatja The right one 👌 6y
Susanita The right 6y
99problemsbutabookaint1 I like them both! 6y
AlaMich Right 6y
Soubhiville The UK cover 6y
Crazeedi Both!😁 6y
jenniferw88 Surprisingly (I'm in the uk) I prefer the right one 6y
Andrew65 Right. 6y
amberdfoy Right! 6y
Lauram Left! 6y
Jadams89 Left! 6y
Melissa_J I can‘t decide. I like them both. 6y
j.rye Right! 6y
Clare-Dragonfly Hmm, I like both! I think the US one grabs my attention a little more, though. There‘s more movement. 6y
jmtrivera The right! 6y
batsy I prefer the left for its elegance and simplicity. But it's true what @BibliOphelia says about the right one being more brain-pleasing; it's kind of a cosy, inviting cover. (The psychology of book covers is fascinating 🙂) 6y
Hooked_on_books The left. Funny, I live in the US but often prefer U.K. covers. 🤷🏼‍♀️ 6y
erzascarletbookgasm Left. Again just because it matches her first book. 6y
CouronneDhiver UK covers seem, generally, more appealing to me. 6y
LeahBergen Left! 6y
Dragon Left 6y
Weisubei Left! 6y
Jeg Left 6y
86 likes2 stack adds38 comments
blurb
Susanita
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image

This finally comes out next week! I know I put it on hold somewhere...
#royalty #literaryluck

vkois88 Oh, I haven't heard of these. But I love the cover (except the snake 🙈🙈 lol) 6y
37 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
emtobiasz
The True Queen | Zen Cho
post image
Pickpick

What a delightful sequel to Sorcerer to the Crown, featuring some familiar and some new characters. I think this one is a little less streamlined than its predecessor, but I found the main character more relatable. Thanks to #netgalley for the ARC and look for this starting March 12!