Biographical information:
Title: The Queen with No Name
Author: J.J. Makenzie
Narrators: Shakira Shute, Will Watt
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Release Date: 2023
Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, Coming of Age
Format: Audiobook
Duration: 13 hours, 17 minutes
Reading Level/Interest Level: Ages 13+
Awards or Honors: None at the time of publication of this post.
Plot Summary:
The Princess of Calandaus always knew she’d marry Rowan, the now King of Northrend as per the treaty to keep peace between the three Kingdoms (Calandaus, Northrend, and Deltus). As per tradition, women born in Calandaus are not given a name until they are married, when their husband names them. It is part of the tradition to keep women “pure” of everything: it’s also why they wear clothing that covers everything but their eyes. The Princess knows it is her duty to give King Rowan sons, but the bitterness in her heart towards all men is strong: how could it not be when she was raised to believe she was worth less than dirt as a woman, when she was never taught to read or write because of her gender, when her father whipped her back every year on her birthday and forced her to heal without food or water for a week afterwards? How could she ever believe that producing children was the right thing to do even as a Queen? And how could she ever do it with the formidable King Rowan? A Queen without a name is one thing, but a Queen with hate in her heart is another.
Author Background:
JJ Makenzie, also known as Jennifer Peel, did not start writing novels until right before her fortieth birthday (Home). Since she has started writing under both names, she has been an USA Today bestselling author for some of her novels, of which she usually writes romcoms and contemporary romances (JJ Makenzie). Other than this, there is very little information about her available.
Critical Evaluation:
As far as the actual book goes, it is reminiscent of the stories I used to read on Wattpad back in the early 2010’s: no dig to Wattpad stories (many are now movies or series!) but it felt like the same tropes that tend to be used. Enemies to lovers, the young female protagonist was a victim of abuse, she decides not to let anyone know about her injuries in hopes the injuries kill her, her husband finds out and hates himself for ignoring her… So on, and so forth. The characters never fully develop themselves into better people, and throughout the story they continue to revert back to their original selves, making the thirteen hours incredibly long when no progress seems to ever be made with their relationship.
As for the audiobook itself, the narrators were great with how they voiced the characters, but I have to be entirely honest here: audiobooks are the bane of my existence. I am a visual person: I use subtitles on media just so I have something even more stimulating than a show/movie. I listen to music while reading the lyrics. So, a book that is read to me while I drive, or sit there, is literally the last thing I want to do. The only way I was actually able to make it through this was because I listened while reading along in the book on my Kindle. I understand that for some people audiobooks are the only way they can enjoy literature, but unfortunately it is the only way I do not enjoy it.
Creative Use for Library Program:
The Princess looks through history books when trying to find a name that she likes for herself (spoiler, oops!) and I think it would lend to a library program to encourage young adults to read more non fiction. Holding a month-long competition where young adults are encouraged to check out non fiction books (especially history) and read them, all while trying to find the most interesting historical name! Who ever brings in the most unique name at the end of the month (and has the non fiction in their check out history) can win a gift card to a local store or pick out whatever books they want from the Friends of the Library bookstore!
Speed Round Book Talk:
From enemies to lovers, to enemies again? Unfortunately marriage is not so simple for the Princess of Calandaus and her new husband, King Rowan of Northrend: she hates him because he is a man, he hates that she is beautiful and educated, but their marriage is essential to a treaty written over a generation ago. On top of that, women in Calandaus are never named until marriage when their husband decides their identity - and Rowan refuses to name her. The Princess knows she has a duty as a wife and Queen, but Rowan makes everything so frustrating it is hard to not wish she could escape. Then again, maybe she can.
The Princess has to learn to dance from Rowan as in her home kingdom women weren't allowed to: listen to some Bardcore and make your own moves!
Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation:
This audiobook/novel definitely got a little raunchy at times, nothing graphic was ever mentioned outside of some heavy making out, but some other acts were alluded to often. For those in a more modest community this book would certainly draw some unwanted attention and could be challenged for its inclusion in a collection. As for the defense of the audiobook, I’d remind them that there are no fully graphic scenes, and that if they do not want to listen to anything remotely graphic then it is okay for them to simply not check out this audiobook. Simply because an item goes against one patrons morals does not mean that it must be removed from the collection: in fact, this would go against the Library Bill of Rights from the ALA who support the First Amendment Rights of all patrons, including freedom of speech and access to materials because of such.
Reason for Inclusion:
There are many reasons to include this audiobook in a collection: it creates a more diverse experience for patrons (including those visually impaired), it is a simple listen (nothing too intricate that it becomes hard to keep up), and overall it is just a fun fantasy romance! I think as librarians we tend to look towards books simply for their educational or literary value, but sometimes it is great to include books that may fail in those specific areas because they are simply fun.
References:
(n.d.). Home | jennifer-peel-2021. Jennifer-Peel-2021. https://www.jenniferpeel.com/
(n.d.). JJ Makenzie: books, biography, latest update. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B09Y2WY4GL/about
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