The Bone Flower Queen (Book Two of the Bone Flower Trilogy) by T. L. Morganfield: A Book Review

The Bone Flower Queen (Book Two of the Bone Flower Trilogy)
Author: T. L. Morganfield
Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Publisher: Feathered Serpent Books
Release Date: 2015
Pages: 356
Source: This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: Gods Do Not Die. They Just Sleep.

      Having defeated the sorcerer god Smoking Mirror and reclaimed her throne, Quetzalpetlatl and her brother Topiltzin set out to found Quetzalcoatl’s new holy city and end human sacrifice throughout the Toltec world.

      But Smoking Mirror hasn’t abandoned his own ambitions for power; with his allies–mortal and divine–threatening war among the gods, he’s shifted his focus to Quetzalpetlatl and her budding magical powers. Along with her deep, personal connection to his hated enemy Quetzalcoatl, she would be the perfect addition to his ranks, if only he can convince her that she’s working for the wrong side in this conflict.

      And he knows the one secret that will tear apart everything she thinks she knows about her beloved god…and herself.

       My Review: Quetzalpetlatl and her brother Topiltzin are now King and Queen of Tollan, a city they have founded on which they could build their dreams and end human sacrifice. However, they soon find that the peace and prosperity they have hoped for is over. Smoking Mirror is back and wants to start a war with Quetzalcoatl. He turns his eye on Quetzalpetlatl and tries to convince her that Quetzalcoatl is not the just god he claims to be. Caught in the midst of a war between the gods, Quetzalpetlatl soon learns a secret that may tear her devotion to Quetzalcoatl apart.

     Quetzalpetlatl has grown more mature in The Bone Flower Queen than The Bone Flower Throne. She becomes a strong capable queen ruling alongside her brother. She has ambitions and goals where she hopes to have a better future and a happy ending. She is also a loving mother. However, she still has insecurities about herself. Due to her power, she wonders if she is hurting those she loves. Quetzalpetlatl makes decisions, some of which are careless, in order to remain true to herself and to save those she loves. Quetzalpetlatl, at times, can be impulsive and there were some actions she made that I didn’t approve of. Despite her flaws, Quetzalpetlatl is a loveable character that readers will root for and hopes that she will find her happiness.

     Overall, this book is about a woman trying to find her self-identity. The characters are fleshed out, and it was great to revisit tenth century Mexico again. The author does a great job in making her world come alive. The only thing I did not really like was the ending. However, I liked the story well enough to read the conclusion to the trilogy, The Bone Flower Goddess. The story itself was very reminiscent of King Arthur and his Camelot. The Bone Flower Throne has the makings of an Arthurian tragedy that will appeal to King Arthur fans. I recommend this book to fans of The Mists of Avalon, The Hollow Hills, and Avelynn.

 Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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