I loved Erika Johansen’s Tearling trilogy. I thought Kelsea’s growth from unencumbered teen to the protector of her people was as fascinating as it was entertaining. In Beneath the Keep, Ms. Johansen once again brings readers back to the world of the Tearling. This time, however, we find ourselves at a point before Kelsea’s birth, so that we may understand the politics at play behind her hiding as well as the chance to obtain the backstories of certain key players in Kelsea’s future.

As much as I enjoyed the original series, I will admit to the fact that it took me quite a while to remember all the characters and their later significance to the story. In fact, if it were not for some rudimentary wiki fan pages, Beneath the Keep would be nothing more than an entertaining but very dark story that precedes Kelsea’s own. Because I was able to identify the connections, however, I find that the prequel helps in one’s understanding of the trilogy.

Not only does it clarify any lingering questions one might have about the Tearling society and its government, but it also includes character development for key major characters who did not need any such development to fuel Kelsea’s story. For instance, we learn Mace’s origin story and get greater insight into his unique abilities. More importantly, we get front row seats to Arlen Thorne’s rise to power. We get to see other familiar faces as well. All of which makes it rather a fun sort of revisit.

However, Beneath the Keep is not easy or light-hearted in the least. Mace’s story, in particular, is as brutal as it is triggering, and anyone uncomfortable with any form of child abuse or pedophilia should stay far away. For me, it simply highlights that nurture does not always win out in the fight between nature and nurture, and it makes Mace that much more impressive a person. It is not this way for everyone though, as Ms. Johansen does not fail to show humanity at its worst as well as at its best.

Beneath the Keep is a welcome return to the world of the Tearling. While I initially struggled to remember characters and the history Kelsea learns in the original trilogy, by the time I finished with the novel I was more than ready to dive back into the trilogy to read it with my new-found knowledge. I haven’t done so as of yet, but as Ms. Johansen promises more of Kelsea’s story is on the horizon, I will be doing so sooner rather than later.

I received an e-galley of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

It’s been a few years since I had read the Queen of the Tearling series and I had remembered loving most of it - and somewhat not being super impressed by the ending for that fantasy trilogy. When I first realized that Erika Johansen was back with a prequel novel to the series, I was excited. While I didn’t particularly love the last book, I did love most of the series and I was a little curious as to who the story would focus on as much of the past was revealed in The Fate of the Tearling. Beneath the Keep focuses on the story that comes right before the start of Queen of the Tearling with the two generations of the Raleigh line - Queen Arla and Queen (though Princess here) Elyssa. Familiar characters are mentioned and back into play who will later become quite vital to the storyline in the original trilogy.

I have to say that the prequel novel was quite satisfying and answered questions that I didn’t even realize that I still had for the characters in this story. I loved getting to know Mace’s backstory and seeing how his connection to Arlen Thorn, Brenna, and Arliss had all started. Erika Johansen weaves a very compelling and elaborate world and she succeeds here where she disappointed with The Fate of the Tearling - the plot was convincing and played out properly as opposed to feeling like everything was being rushed through just to get to a desired ending. I’m grateful for this book to draw a satisfying closure to this series. 

Thank you to Dutton Books for the e-galley.

Readers who haven't yet read the other books in Johansen's epic series will quickly be reaching for them after finishing this strong, stand-alone return to the world of the Tearling. The status of Princess Elyssa’s kingdom is dire: Absolute monarchy quickly approaching an autocracy, a widening wealth gap, drought, and a rebel group gaining traction. Elyssa has to quickly decide if she'll continue the ruthless rule of her mother, or have the audacity to become the prophecized True Queen, destined to bring about a more just world for all. What I love most about the Tearling novels is the intricacies; how the wide cast of characters’ actions are intertwined in each other’s. You watch the chain of events start to click into place, traps laid down, and you know there’s no way to warn them about what is coming. Once again this world blurs the lines between fantasy and dystopia. It puts to question if all societies, including our own, are destined to fall into the same patterns of dystopic nature ?and ruin. Perhaps there is hope on the blue horizon, but it is veiled in blood.