Sunday Special - The Shadow Queen

After last week's taste test with Hounded by Kevin Hearne, I decided to review one of my go-to books that also has a speaking dog character.

The Shadow Queen by Anne Bishop

Facade: There's a female on the cover and not sexualized. The costuming of the woman indicates that is possibly historic or fantasy. The wrought iron and smoke in the background lend to a fantasy environment. I really like, though, the shaft of light behind the woman which highlights her and keeps the cover from being too dark.

Appetizer: "Still shaken by the storm of power that had destroyed half of the blood in Dena Nehele only a few days before, the rogues came down from their camps in the Tamanara Mountains to face an unexpected enemy."

The opening line for the story is not especially appetizing, (except for the end with "unexpected enemy,") but it is informative. For those who have not read the Black Jewels series, which sets up the world this story takes place in, the first lines serves as a nibble, telling the reader that something big has happened ("storm of power destroyed half the blood") in a location not of Earth ("Dena Nehel") during a conflict (use of the words "rogue") in which something "unexpected" has happened (that's the suspense). So while it may not be the most savory opening line, it is an adequate hor d'oeuvres.

Tossed Salad: I picked this book because of its characters, especially Vae the talking dog to compare with Hounded's Oberon.

Vae is a dog that is described to look like a sheltie which is called sceltie in the novel. The interesting aspect of Vae's character is that she, the dog, is able to communicate with the humans in the novel and continue to retain essentially doggy characteristics. Vae is loyal and loving who loves to go on "walkies" and has no problems herding her "humans" or nipping those who do not fall in line. Early in the story the reader gets the scent that the scelties are not "owned" by people, rather it is the other way around. Vae says, "I am helping to train him... I am allowed to bite. But not hard. Not the first time."

Like Kevin Hearne's Oberon, Vae serves as a source of humor. However, Vae's role is extended because the comedic exercise functions as counterpoint to the serious piquancy of the story. Additional differences arise between the craft styles of the two authors. Hearne's tendency to show and tell was too repetitive and weighted down the enticing aroma of the story. Bishop was able to establish a unique balance that allows the reader to imagine along with the story. For example there is  a scene in which a male character is being particularly obtuse while Vae is explaining what she thinks should be completely obvious. Bishop writes at the end of the scene, "Vae stopped walking and looked at him." The reader does not need a complete play-by-play of the dog stopping suddenly, turning around with her head tilted up and cocked to the side in that inquisitive look all dogs seem capable of doing with the tail slowly switching behind her, to know that is exactly what Bishop means in seven simple words. There are many descriptive details that readers can fill in on their own without being told by the author and it cuts down on possible repetitions because the reader does not need to be told that the dog is puzzled or does not understand why the human male seems so dense. It is all surmised by the simple descriptions and dialogue.

Cassie (Protagonist) is one of my favorite characters because she is someone who is born to rule by her very nature and by societies but has been hurt because she is not a beautiful and has insecurities about her looks and the type of ruler she is. Cassie has a strong work ethic which makes her a good ruler but she does not have the 'airs' that other rulers exude. Therefore, many people underestimate her and her capabilities and strengths. Cassie is innately kind, which is her strength though others do no always see this, and she uses that kindness-strength to protect those around her.

I really appreciate that though Cassie is extraordinarily kind, she is also real in that she does not get along with everyone and that kindness does not mean she is submissive. When shoved verbally, she shoves back and when pushed physically, she takes up arms (a club) though not the traditional weapons because those do not suit her style of fighting. Cassie know she is innately a queen who manages people and properties but ultimately she would much prefer to trade that work for working in the garden. Cassie is by no means perfect, she is insecure about her looks which causes misunderstandings between her and other characters. She has difficulty trusting men as a result. She worries that she will not be able to do the job expected of her and let everyone down.

I also love that she comes from an openly affectionate and supportive family. She also has quirks that are woven into the story, such as the by-play between her and different characters about Cassie wearing a hat outside because of her pale skin which "molts," according to Vae.

There are many other crunchy characters I could munch over but I think Vae and Cassie are enough for now. I may come back and update this later.

Main Meat Course: Reading Shadow Queen was like going to a another restaurant you know is owned by the same people who run your current all-time favorite restaurant. Hoping the meal is going to be just as fabulous but mentally preparing yourself to be disappointed. And the relief when your realize that, yes, the story is different but just as good.

My experience reading the story was overall very positive and there is not much I can offer in the way of critiques. I was slightly annoyed by one of the main supporting characters, the male Vae is "training," because he does continually get in his own way and does not appear to learn from his mistakes. 

Dessert:  There is a quality of the Shadow Queen and other books in the Black Jewels stories that appear original but echo of ancient medieval histories, matriarchal philosophies and pagan mythologies found in our encyclopedia past. Though the story is fiction it reads like an lost story from another time than a fantasy of pure imagination.

Word Count: 1,093
Edits: 2