There are a lot of ways this book has surprised me, but in the end I know this: the book is AMAZING. Title: The Queen of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #1) by Erika Johansen Release Date: July 8th 2014 (US) / July 17th 2014 (UK) Published by: HarperTeen / Transworld Books Source: Publisher Buy: Amazon | Book Depository Summary: Kelsea Glynn is the sole heir to the throne of Tearling but has been raised in secret by foster parents after her mother - Queen Elyssa, as vain as she was stupid - was murdered for ruining her kingdom. For 18 years, the Tearling has been ruled by Kelsea's uncle in the role of Regent however he is but the debauched puppet of the Red Queen, the sorceress-tyrant of neighbouring realm of Mortmesme. On Kelsea's 19th birthday, the tattered remnants of her mother's guard - each pledged to defend the queen to the death - arrive to bring this most un-regal young woman out of hiding... And so begins her journey back to her kingdom's heart, to ...