Bumpy Oak Books

4 stars

**I received an early release excerpt from the publisher through NetGalley; however, I did not submit review until I had read the full work which I acquired through my public library.**

Astrid Scholte’s debut novel, Four Dead Queens, checks all sorts of boxes for fantasy fans. Court and political intrigue, various factions of diverse people brought together in unlikely ways, charming and witty thieves, and the emotionally distant handsome lad who is actually a cinnamon roll (and chronic health condition rep!). On top of that, there is LGBTQ rep and the way it is set up seems to imply that the land is perfectly accepting of same sex relationships. Scholte is already doing a lot with that kind of list, but she also manages to do it well.

The reader follows Keralie primarily, a master thief from the slums of Toria. Keralie winds up stealing from Eonian messenger, Varin, and accidentally finds that she and Varin are the only people who might be able to prevent the assassination of all four Quedaran queens.

Scholte manages to incorporate the multiple layers and dimensions that are required for well-executed court/political stories while still making them accessible and fast-paced enough for wide appeal in the YA realm. Scholte also incorporates representation (POC, LGBTQ, disability) without making the representation itself the focal point of the character.

I feel that this was a strong debut from Scholte with a lot of broad spectrum appeal. I look forward to what Scholte writes in the future.