The Tyrant's Daughter

author: J.C. Carleson

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.97

book published: 2014

rating: 5

read at: 2014/04/13

date added: 2014/04/13

shelves: young-adult

review:

I've been saying that we are living in a golden age of young adult books. Amidst the overwhelming paranormal, dystopian, teen drama bookshelves, there are some real gems. 'The Tyrant's Daughter' by former CIA officer J.C. Carlson is such a book. This is timely and so incredibly well written.



Laila finds herself exiled to Washington D.C. with her mother and her brother, the heir apparent to her countries throne. They have fled when Laila's father was killed, and Laila finds herself living and adapting to a world much different than she knows. Along the way, she learns things about who her father may have actually been, and she learns who she might be in light of that. Too tell you more would likely ruin the wonderful discovery of this character. I felt so deeply for Laila, the main character, and her struggle to find a place in the world.



There is no specific background given for Laila's family. We don't know where they are from, but the details ring so very familiar. The perspective from this character's point of view is not one we get in the news and it tells a compelling and compassionate story. There is a note about the author's past and a really great article by Dr. Cheryl Benard as a commentary at the end. Recommendations for further reading are also given. Timely, raw and emotional and I can't recommend it highly enough. My favorite book so far this year.



I was given a review copy of this book by Random House Children's and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this incredible book.





via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://ift.tt/1kn1C1f