The Queen’s Secret (Rose Legacy #2)
Jessica Day George
Bloomsbury USA Children’s
Published May 14, 2019

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About THE QUEEN’S SECRET

Bestselling author Jessica Day George continues her heartfelt fantasy series about a girl who can communicate with horses and a kingdom on the brink of collapse.

Anthea knows the truth about horses. They’re not carriers of deadly disease like everyone in their kingdom thinks; they’re majestic creatures who share their thoughts and feelings with her through The Way. Anthea has convinced the king of this, but at a cost–he demands that horses and riders with The Way do his bidding.

But when a deadly plague breaks out, the people believe that horses are the cause. As more fall ill, it’s up to Anthea and her friends to transport medicine, all while keeping out of reach from Anthea’s wicked mother. And when Anthea discovers a secret that could change the kingdom forever, she must risk everything to reveal the truth before it’s too late.

Continuing the sweeping storytelling of The Rose Legacy, bestselling author Jessica Day George delights readers–especially horse lovers–once again.

My Review

I’ve been a Jessica Day George book fan since DRAGON SLIPPERS, so following the Rose Legacy series has been kind of a no-brainer for me. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a girl-and-her-horse book, but THE QUEEN’S SECRET definitely scratches that itch and brings back all the fond memories of those horse books I loved when I was younger.

THE QUEEN’S SECRET picks up near where THE ROSE LEGACY left off. With Anthea and her friends now in the service of the queen, they work to reintroduce horses to the people of the south kingdom and dispel the myth that horses are extinct or diseased.

I love the strong female characters in the cast. Jilly, Anthea’s best friend, is fierce and a bit snarky, but with a heart of gold. Anthea herself is smart and a great leader. And omg the mothers in this book. From the queen, who works as hard as she can for the good of her people, to her Rose Maidens, who may also be spies, to Anthea’s mother, the spy with her own agenda, women definitely pull the strings throughout the book.

All the great things in THE ROSE LEGACY continue on in THE QUEEN’S SECRET. If you enjoy horse books or middle grade stories with strong female characters, I recommend getting your copy of this book today.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Representation
The story takes place in a sort of re-imagined England. Most characters are white or lack race descriptions.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
A girl and boy exchange kisses on the cheek.

Spiritual Content
Anthea and others have the ability to telepathically communicate with horses, called the Way.

Violent Content
References to villagers shooting at Anthea and her friends. It happens off-scene.

Drug Content 
None.

Note: I received a free copy of THE QUEEN’S SECRET by Jessica Day George in exchange for my honest review. This post contains affiliate links which cost you nothing but which help support this blog.