Four Dead Queens by Astrid Scholte

FOUR DEAD QUEENS by Astrid Scholte is a truly unique debut which blends elements of fantasy, science fiction, and murder mystery.  There’s also quite a bit to keep track of due to multiple narrators and their shifting perspectives.  The main character is a seventeen-year-old thief named Keralie Corington.  Estranged from her family and feeling guilty about past actions, she has taken refuge with an old friend who challenges her to steal a sensitive package from a messenger named Varin who comes from Eonia, a technologically sophisticated area and one of the four regions in a Quadara.  The others are Archia (agriculture focused, with no electricity); Toria (the main trading center); and Ludia (focused on art and beauty). In a long-standing effort to keep the peace, Quadara is ruled by four queens and it is their deaths which are foretold in the stolen package. 

Keralie and Varin try to save the queens while dealing with growing feelings for each other in this twisty, fast-paced adventure. On the way there’s some interesting commentary on emotional traits (jealousy, empathy, selfishness, trust, taking responsibility) and the contrast between life for the privileged rulers and their people and also between the cultures in each region.  For example, Keralie (from Toria) notes on travels through Eonia that “no one dared to approach me.  Nor did they speak to those around them. It was as though they were traveling alone. Completely disconnected from each other. … Was this what Varin’s normal life was like? … Sure the Jetee [area in Toria where she lived] was dirty and smelly, and everyone there had questionable morals, but we acknowledged each other…”  

FOUR DEAD QUEENS was named an Indie Bestseller and chosen as an Amazon best book for March; fans of Cashore’s Graceling will enjoy this surprising tale of strong queens and a troubled girl thief.