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The Wolf of Oren-yaro

Book 1 in the series:Annals of the Bitch Queen

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In the book 'The Wolf of Oren-yaro' by K.S. Villoso, readers are taken on a journey with Queen Talyien as she navigates betrayals, heartache, and perilous encounters while trying to reconcile with her self-exiled husband. The story is set in a non-Western, medieval Asia-inspired setting, where political intrigue and treachery abound. The plot unfolds with Talyien facing assassins, traitors, and political turmoil as she strives to reclaim her throne and her identity amidst a backdrop of diverse political organizations and a feudal Asian feel.

'The Wolf of Oren-yaro' is a character-driven epic where readers follow Queen Talyien's thought process and emotional turmoil as she grapples with her dual roles of ruler and individual. The narrative is filled with plot twists, unexpected turns, and a mix of romance, politics, and magic that keep readers engaged and guessing until the very end.

Characters:

The characters are multifaceted, with Talyien serving as a conflicted and relatable protagonist amidst a cast that enhances the story's depth.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and direct, effectively portraying emotional complexity and character development.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around Talyien's journey to reconcile with her estranged husband while dealing with political intrigue and personal conflicts, showcasing her efforts to unite her divided kingdom.

Setting:

The setting is a richly imagined medieval Asia-inspired world, deeply rooted in cultural influences and political dynamics.

Pacing:

The pacing begins slowly but accelerates as the story unfolds, with increasing tension and conflict.
Hurricanes destroy the villages and they call it senseless; the winter winds come and they call it cold. What else did they expect from my people, the Oren-yaro, the ambitious savages who created a wa...

Notes:

The Wolf of Oren-yaro is an adult fantasy novel that features a strong female lead, Queen Talyien.
The story is set in a richly designed world reminiscent of feudal Japan and incorporates elements of Filipino culture and history.
Queen Talyien's character is complex; she is tough yet soft-hearted, balancing her responsibilities as a ruler and a mother.
The main plot revolves around Talyien's quest to reconcile with her estranged husband, Rayyel, who left her on the day of their coronation.
The narrative includes flashbacks that detail Talyien's past with Rayyel and the complexities of their relationship.
The novel has a blend of political intrigue, romance, and action, with many unexpected twists and turns.
Readers appreciate the well-crafted world building, with vivid descriptions of places, food, and cultural elements.
K.S. Villoso worked on this world for over 16 years before publishing the book, showcasing her dedication to its development.
The writing style is engaging and straightforward, making it accessible while still offering depth in character development.
The book has positive reviews, with many considering it one of their favorites and eagerly anticipating the sequels.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of betrayal, violence, and emotional trauma experienced by the characters.

Has Romance?

The romance elements are present but complex, highlighting the tension and emotional struggles between Talyien and her estranged husband.

From The Publisher:

"Intimate and epic. It compels you to read on." - Evan Winter, author of The Rage of Dragons

"Villoso's cunning, exciting debut is a new fantasy epic that readers will clamor for." - Library Journal (starred review)

From "a powerful new voice in fantasy" (Kameron Hurley) comes the tale of a queen who must unite her divided land, even if she's hated by the very people she's trying to protect.

"They called me the Bitch Queen, the she-wolf, because I murdered a man and exiled my king the night before they crowned me."

Born under the crumbling towers of her kingdom, Queen Talyien was the shining jewel and legacy of the bloody War of the Wolves. It nearly tore her nation apart. But her arranged marriage to the son of a rival clan heralds peace.

However, he suddenly disappears before their reign can begin, and the kingdom is fractured beyond repair.

Years later, he sends a mysterious invitation to meet. Talyien journeys across the sea in hopes of reconciling their past. An assassination attempt quickly dashes those dreams. Stranded in a land she doesn't know, with no idea whom she can trust, Talyien will have to embrace her namesake.

A Wolf of Oren-yaro is not tamed.

"Intricate, intimate, and intensely plotted." - Nicholas Eames, author of Kings of the Wyld

The Chronicles of the Wolf Queen

The Wolf of Oren-yaro

The Ikessar Falcon

The Dragon of Jin-Sayeng

Ratings (3)

Liked It (1)
It Was OK (1)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (14):

Read It (2)
Want To Read (8)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (3)
 
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