Queen Song is a prequel novella to Victoria Aveyard‘s Red Queen series, offering readers a glimpse into the earlier life of Queen Coriane, the first wife of King Tiberias and mother of Prince Cal. While this novella provides some context for the greater Red Queen universe, it ultimately falls short in delivering a compelling or meaningful narrative.
The story focuses on the challenges Coriane faces as she navigates her status as a woman in the treacherous world of the Silver elite. Born into a powerful yet waning family, Coriane becomes entangled in the political intrigue of the Silver court, where she must fight to secure her place on the throne. It delves into her internal struggles, her relationships, and the events that ultimately lead to her tragic fate.
Slow Start & Lack of Direction
The beginning of Queen Song is slow and meandering. It introduces a wide array of characters, but unfortunately, none of them are given the depth or development needed to make the story engaging. Instead of focusing on a few key individuals, Aveyard spreads herself too thin, which detracts from the narrative’s momentum. As a result, the story fails to hook the reader early on.
Vague & Disjointed Plot
A major flaw of the novella is the lack of focus on Coriane’s character development. The courtship between her and King Tiberias, as well as their years together, is glossed over in favor of introducing multiple characters and political drama. This would have been an opportunity to delve deeper into Coriane’s emotions, motivations, and struggles, but the story keeps everything surface-level, ultimately leaving the reader with little investment in her journey.
One of the most disappointing aspects of Queen Song is the underdeveloped narrative surrounding Coriane’s interest in machinery and technology. In the beginning, this trait is presented as a key part of her character, but by the end, it’s barely addressed. This feels like a missed opportunity to build a unique and memorable character. Additionally, her passivity throughout the story leaves her feeling like a bystander in her own life, which does little to make her a compelling protagonist.
Tragic Ending Without Purpose
While the ending of Queen Song is undeniably tragic, it lacks a sense of purpose or resolution. The reader is left with a heavy sadness, but little emotional payoff. There’s no sense of hope or redemption, which would have been crucial given the tragic nature of Coriane’s story. Without this, the ending feels unsatisfying and empty.
Final Thoughts
As a prequel, Queen Song is clearly intended to offer an additional context for fans of the Red Queen series. However, for those who haven’t read Red Queen, much of the story will feel confusing and inaccessible. The many characters introduced may intrigue long-time fans but will probably leave newcomers disconnected from the narrative. Without the foundation laid in the Red Queen, Queen Song struggles to stand on its own.
In the end, Queen Song is a novella that struggles to find its focus and fails to deliver a truly satisfying story. It’s an interesting but ultimately forgettable addition to the Red Queen universe. Fans of the series may find some value in it, but for those unfamiliar with the world of Red Queen, this prequel is likely to be an unsatisfying read.
Let me know what you think if you’ve read it—did you find Coriane’s story compelling or lacking? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to follow for more book reviews and discussions!