Queen Wallis

I just finished Queen Wallis by CJ Carey and here are my thoughts.

Two years after the leader was killed on British soil but the rebellion, the violence and retribution gets worse. The suppression of women escalates to even dizzier heights.

Somehow Rose still has her job which now includes rewriting poetry so they cannot be used to send messages. Rose has been sent to infiltrate the poetry reading and on top of that, to keep an eye on the widowed queen. Queen Wallis is living in a state of paranoia and wants to leave Britain but she has secrets, secrets that could bring the alliance to its knees.

I was so nervous that after reading widowland, that this book wouldn't be able to bring the magic it sowed in book one... I was glad my fears were not warranted. The book picks up 2 years later and it really sets the stage for how much worse things got but the people never gave up hope.
Rose has been separated from Oliver. After the leader died, he had to flee. Rose spends her time missing him terribly. Little heartbreaking. Rose spends her time knowing she is on the wrong side but unable to know how to approach making a difference.
I really love the idea of a reimagined world where history is offered up with a different timeline. I need more books like this now.


I did feel like I was missing a bit of information but honestly, I couldn't tell you what it was the book didn't answer. Might be the leap in time or just my silly brain. I loved the plot and how Rose's job had changed slightly. I also really enjoyed the fact that Rose, although she wasn't an outright rebel, she was rebelling in her own way. She knew she had to get married and have a lot of kids but she didn't cave. She knew she would lose her status but she was defiant and I love that in a protagonist.
My hopes for the next book are that Rose becomes part of the freedom fighters and stops hiding behind her position. I want more from her.
4.5 stars. I'm super excited to see what comes next!! Anyone who loves dystopian books, needs to get both books in the widowland saga!


Thank you Thanks to @sourcebooks and @janethynne_cjcarey for my gifted copy!


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