Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House Children’s books for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of NAMELESS QUEEN by Rebecca McLaughlin in exchange for an honest review.

NAMELESS QUEEN takes place in a kingdom where the poor, orphaned, or otherwise lowest of castes folk are known as Nameless. They come into the world without names, per their sovereign’s rules. Only those of Legal or Royal birth/lineage may possess a name. But when a Nameless thief wakes one day with the crown tattoo circling her arm—a magical tattoo that can only be passed to the next heir by speaking their name—all rules are thrown out the window. Not only must Coin learn to trade the security of the streets for the deceptive halls of the palace, but she must also learn to effectively master the magic bestowed upon her when named heir. Then there’s the whole matter of her name, if she truly has one…

Following Coin on her journey was immensely enjoyable. She is the kind of character you instantly love. She’s tough, smart, witty, self-reliant to a fault, and doesn’t put up with anyone’s anything. There is a very Lou a la Serpent and Dove quality to her that really stuck with me. But she’s far from perfect. There are enough flaws stuffed up her sleeves or smooshed into her sock with a lock pick to make her relatable.

She’s also a seasoned con artist who spent most of her rough and short life under the tutelage of a bigger con artist. It stands to reason she doesn’t develop deep relationships easily. This definitely shows with her relationship with Hat, a younger Nameless who Coin takes under her wing at times. Though Hat personifies everything Coin thinks she wants out of life, Coin isn’t sure she can trust that want. There is a wonderfully genuine push-and-pull to their “friendship” that was equal parts endearing and difficult to watch.

Other amazing characters who had some great page time were Glenquartz (aka: Glenbeard – all the LOLs), the queen’s loyal guard and touching father figure. Although, at times I felt this character may have started out as a potential love interest. Some of Glen and Coin’s interaction was a tad…awkward…for a teen girl and a seasoned guard old enough to be her father.

Anyway, the supposed heir-apparent, Esther, Royal Princess, was another treasure. I loved, loved, LOVED how McLaughlin didn’t take us down the typical trope roadways with Esther. She could, as the would-be queen had her name been spoken, been a huge obstacle for Coin. Instead, Esther takes on another ole that I adored.

From the shadowy and dangerous streets of the city to the glittering palace walls, McLaughlin painted a wonderful setting. You could almost feel the grit under your fingernails as you wandered the street market with Coin as she searched for her next mark. And while in the palace, delectable sweets taunted your taste buds while fine fabrics whispered along your skin.

The magic of NAMELESS QUEEN was also something that really stuck with me. The transference of magic and power to an heir by saying a name is quite powerful. It gives so much weight to something we don’t typically think much about. Our names are just that: names. But in this world, they hold power, magic, and control. Without getting to close to spoiler territory, I’ll just say that I don’t think I’ve come across a magic system quite like this. The only thing I wished I had more of was some more detail into the history of the magic in the world and why it was there in the first place. That’s really the only place where I felt NAMELESS QUEEN lacked anything. At times I was torn between loving the unique quality of the magic system and wondering at its purpose.

All in all, NAMELESS QUEEN by Rebecca McLaughlin was an enjoyable read perfect for fantasy readers who love feisty, yet honorable heroines such as those from SERPENT AND DOVE or any of THE RAVENSPIRE SERIES from CJ Redwine. There are laughs, tears, fist pumps of joy and even well-earned retribution. It will leave you thinking about the impact a name has on a person, and how the absence of one could be just as, if not more, impactful.

NAMELESS QUEEN fell in the middle for me. I enjoyed the overall storyline and the characters, but it was lacking the depth that I was looking for.

I enjoyed the characters. There was a wide array of characters in NAMELESS QUEEN. I liked that they found stuff in common even with their varied backgrounds and were able to work together to achieve their overall goals. The pacing was good, I never found myself bored.

The world building is very basic. We get small tidbits of things, but no real details. Nothing really shocked me in NAMELESS QUEEN. There was a bit of mystery as how Coin got to be in her new position, but I guessed it before it was revealed.

I don't regret reading NAMELESS QUEEN and would probably read more in this world if the author ever decided to delve further in.

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

*An eARC was provided for me by NetGalley, all of my opinions are my own.*

This was such a fun novel to read. I can't wait to see how everyone reacts to it.

I loved all the books this was compared to, so I was very intrigued to give it a go. I loved that it was a standalone and that you get all the answers you need to feel satisfied.

I'm not a huge fan of fake swearing. I was just having a conversation with my friends about how it is an annoying troupe.

4 stars

This was a good, quick read. The society of Seriden was comprised of Royals, Legals, and the Nameless—who have no basic rights to speak of. Any crossover of the classes could result in the worst offense. Coin, our protagonist, is named heir when the king dies. From there, it is all about survival against the vicious royals threatening her new position. Coin tries to figure out why the Nameless are also disappearing whilst holding on to her position. I did like that Coin wanted to immediately help the society and her fellow Nameless. I enjoyed the friendships, and the adventure.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

3.5

The story itself was intriguing but over time there were certain parts that just dragged on. I love the dynamic of the class system and I thought that was an interesting detail to dive into. I love a good royals story all about an underdog standing up for the world around them.

I really, really loved this book! I thought it was extremely good. The world building was impeccable, the characters were fantastic. The story took zero time at all to get interesting, and the entire book held my attention - I finished it in one sitting! The book follows Coin, a girl from the lowest caste of her world, the Nameless. She's a grifter, a girl just trying to survive when her kingdom's king dies - and the tattoo that marks his successor appears on her arm. Thus she's introduced to a whole new world and has to keep her head high...or lose it. If you like fantasy with strong female characters and an incredibly well written storyline, look no further. You can thank me later.

I loved, loved, looooved this book!! Seriously this is the kind of story I live for. Fantasy is probably my favorite genre and I find it can be hit and miss. This story of Coin the nameless queen was a hit, because she was a heroine to root for! She is strong, flawed, and has immense growth throughout the story. Also how much do I love that this had ZERO romantic plot devices. Seriously it has a bunch of bad ass women, one really awful woman, and one best of the best of men. Don’t get me wrong I adore a good romance, but sometimes it’s just not needed. In this story there is magic, class disparity, fighting, thieving, intrigue, family, and hope all wrapped up into a fun/fast read. I can’t recommend it enough if you’re looking for something purely entertaining!!

In a place called Seriden, there are three classes of people, the Royals, the Legals and the Nameless. The Nameless live on the streets, have no rights and no status. They survive by stealing and pilfering and it’s every man or woman for themselves. Coin is a nameless who has broken from a controlling dealer, Marcher, that manages other street kids for a cut of their earnings. As she tries to survive on the streets on her own, she discovers that some how she has some new magic and has been chosen to rule as Queen. No one accepts her as a leader or the fact that she should be the new queen. In six weeks time, there will be a duel that will decide who will be the next sovereign. She must train in etiquette, combat and magic in order to survive that day, Along her journey she learns to make friends and rely upon others for help. This was an interesting approach to a fantasy world and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The world building was not great but the characters and their relationships were well developed. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Nameless Queen is a story about a young woman belonging to the Nameless caste, a group that is without rights in their kingdom. After the reigning king dies, the woman receives magical tattoo that designates the next ruler, given after the current monarch speaks the name of the person that they decide to make their successor. But, this lady doesn't have a name! A lot of political scheming ensues, as the royal court is torn apart trying to decide how to reconcile this unexpected, and unpleasant, turn of events.

Nameless Queen starts out pretty slow, and the world building is never anything exceptional. The action does begin to develop and become more complex towards the end of the story, which keeps the reader engaged. The class divide focus was an interesting perspective but ultimately I think it's been done before, and probably better. Everything about this world felt a little fuzzy and half-formed, and I would have liked to see deeper development into most of the characters but I did grow to love a few of the supporting characters and want to know more about them.
Overall, a solid YA fantasy read about a surprise queen and the toppling of the current political order.

1.5 stars.

The concept of this book is so intriguing! The poor people aren't even worthy enough to have a name and the next leader of the kingdom is given their status by being named on the last breath of the former leader. Sounds awesome!

But the book didn't catch me on fire. All the events are resolved so positively and easily for the main characters that there was a startling lack of tension in the plot. I never doubted the outcomes and thus I didn't care. Coin also becomes so very good at whatever talents she's been gifted or ones that she already had too that I could never be surprised by anything.

Even the world building and social commentary was very superficial. We only got an idea of the castle and that there are ideas of Legals, Royals, and the Nameless residing in this kingdom but not so much on their interactions, or why they are designated as such, how they came to be, and what their feelings are in regards to one another. I never got a clear idea how this kingdom functions itself as well as with its neighbors.

For me, it was quite lackluster. I almost DNF-ed but persevered because I was near the end.

I stated it in one of my reading updates that the writing style seems like it would be better suited for a younger audience - middle grade perhaps. I think the idea of an extraordinary main character changing the world around them is a lot more accepted and prevalent there. Also, for those of you who are tired of all the grim dark, gory, and violent fantasies this one is very light in comparison. There's very little blood and brutal violence in here.

Sorry, this one didn't do it for me.

A Nameless low caste girl finds herself a queen due to a crown image on her arm. A unique world filled with royalty and nobodies, where children with no identities are forced to steal in order to survive.

I honestly couldn't identify with Coin. There was no bonding for me and I found myself flipping past points in the book. There was definite potential, but I feel that the author needs to rework sections to make the story click more.

I would like to thank the author/ publisher/Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Fantastic read!! Pulled me in from the get go! Villains you can hate Heroines you can love. There is something for everyone. Even in the backstory it was entertaining and fast paced. Just one of those that if you pick it up you do not want to put it down. This is written as a standalone but I want more!!! Rebecca McLaughlin puts together a brilliantly endearing read.

3.5, rounded to 4

This is a fast-paced street-urchin-to queen wish fulfillment fantasy that should really please the teen audience it's intended for. First person present tense has become the new fashion in YA, but McLaughlin handles it more naturally than many, with verve, grace and sheer fun.

It's the voice that carries this story. Here's the opening line: I wake up the same way I fell asleep, knife in hand, boots for a pillow, and Nameless.

The Nameless thing is somewhat confusing as actually everyone has a name, it's just that the Nameless (the poor downtrodden peasants or commons) don't have family names. (Which is, if you look at human history, a fairly modern concept in many cultures.) There's a lot about law concerning names, in which magic is bound, and sumptuary laws, that adds to the confusion.

The worldbuilding is pretty much fairy-tale kingdom with a dose of Hollywood backdrop, but that's going to be just fine for the audience the book is aimed at, because it keeps the focus on the action, with lots of daring escapades and duels.

Coin is smart, and it's fun to watch her get All The Powers, but at the heart this book is about family, which I found a refreshing contrast to some of the "angry girls gotta kill" dystopias out there.

McLaughlin is definitely a talent to watch.

Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

I really liked this story. I was intrigued by the concept of someone gaining a crown and powers via a tattoo.

Our main character is Coin; she is a nameless that has to thieve in order to survive. Then one day she receives a tattoo marking her as the new sovereign. Living life out on the streets has taught her to con her way in and out of scuffles but will it be enough for ruling a kingdom that doesn’t even acknowledge her kind as people.

The beginning was enthralling I read the first half fairly quickly. Near the end it feels a bit rushed to tie up some things and it disrupts the flow. I know it’s because it isn’t a planned series so it needs to stand on its own.

This can stand as a standalone but it is also written were a sequel could happen. And I hope it does because I would really love to see these characters and the world grow more. I really like political fantasies and this has that and could become more so if another book was made.

If you are someone who has to have romance in their stories this is not for you. There is none and it was so refreshing. I can’t remember the last time I read a book that didn’t feature a romance. This features found families and learning to lean on others instead.

NAMELESS QUEEN has an interesting premise. In a world where people are divided by class into Royals, Legals, and the Nameless, the ruler is chosen by the former ruler saying their name on their deathbed. This results in a transfer of power and a tattoo marking the new king or queen.

Although everyone expected it to be passed to the king's daughter, Coin is shocked when she realizes she has the tattoo. Coin is Nameless, a homeless person who can barely survive in this society. She technically does not have a name, but the Nameless give each other things to call them. Coin is particularly good at theft and being alone.

To save Hat, a younger Nameless who she loves like a sister, Coin reveals her tattoo in a big way. This begins her journey into the world of the Royals, who are not sure what to do with her. At the same time, her magic is appearing, granted to her by the transfer of royalty, and she immediately masters it.

The premise of the society is really interesting here, and there was a lot of potential for a deeper plot involving the classes and prejudices. However, the book instead focuses on Coin's sarcasm and her seeming need to irritate everyone around her. She also immediately masters her powers and seems unconcerned with the Nameless or other powers she should be considering to help make others' lives better. I think this book lacked a lot of the depth I was looking for in terms of Coin's inner thoughts/conflicts.

Furthermore, it was tough to get a really good feel for the world-building here. This is a different and fascinating world with magic and rigid classes that has a lot of potential, but this was mostly glossed over. I would have liked more details. On the flip side, this did make the book's pace seem faster, so it was a trade-off.

Overall, I felt like this book had a lot of potential to be a book I would love, but ultimately, missed the mark for me due to a lack of world-building and deeper/bigger issues/internal conflicts. Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.

Everyone expected the king's daughter would inherit the throne. No one expected me.

It shouldn't be possible. I'm Nameless, a class of citizens so disrespected, we don't even get names. Dozens of us have been going missing for months and no one seems to care.

But there's no denying the tattoo emblazoned on my arm. I am queen. In a palace where the corridors are more dangerous than the streets, though, how could I possibly rule? And what will become of the Nameless if I don't?


The Nameless class come up with their own “names” which typically are personal and come from a painful experience so they aren’t discussed. And with that being said, I liked that McLaughlin did not explain the meanings of Coin’s, Hat’s, Devil’s etc.. “names”. I absolutely loved Coin’s sarcastic sassiness but has a big heart personality. I enjoyed McLaughlin’s world building but would have loved to known more about the 14 realms. The only thing I really wish would have been explained was what made the difference between a Legal and a Royal. I very much enjoyed this book and when I know I’m reading a YA book I know I can’t discount tropes and cliches because those are part of the YA world. I wish other readers would keep that in mind.

Surely this can’t be the only one, it has to turn into a series!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Nameless Queen introduces a world that is engaging and deep, all centered around one of my favorite Shakespearean quotes: "What's in a name?"

In Seriden, society is divided into three groups: Royals, Legals, and Nameless. The Nameless are so far beneath the Legals and the Royals that they are not allowed to own property, work, or even to have names. To survive, they assume names based on their skills or traits. Our heroine, Coin, is so dubbed thanks to her skills in thievery (although I will admit that, as a reader, I would have enjoyed a few more feats of thievery before having to just accept that she is good at it). Succession in Seriden is not determined by birth, but is instead bestowed by the former monarch speaking the name of the next one just as they are dying. Clearly, this means that the Nameless could never assume the throne since they have no true names... until, impossibly, Coin is gifted with the tattoo that declares her as Seriden's next queen.

The world in this book is easily the best part of it, from top to bottom. Coin is okay, and the cast of secondary characters are okay, but truly, the idea of suppressing a huge group of people by denying them the basic right of having a name is fascinating. It is hinted that there are nine other cities in this society, each functioning on their own rules, and I could see myself picking up the next book in this series just to find out more about them. Coin has just a bit too much skill and luck for my taste, verging on unbelievable at times, and the big reveal was imminently predictable long before I got there.

However, I thought the idea of a completely romance-less fantasy that really is about how society oppresses people in obvious and obscure ways is fascinating. The writing moves quickly and never bogs down for long. I enjoyed this outing and would recommend it for an easy read that will make you think to any YA fantasy fan.

**My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.**

I really enjoyed this! It was a quick read as the story will keep you turning the pages without pause.
Coin, as she calls herself, makes for a feisty leading lady as she must quickly learn how to use the lessons of survival she picked up from living on the streets to keep her head firmly attached to her body while dwelling in the palace where none believe she belongs, not even herself. Magic and power are up for grabs and while the victor remains to be seen, bloodshed is all but certain.
This book is a solid read for YA Fantasy lovers. Filled with action, deception, intrigue, familiar rags to dangerous riches, and the distinct hair-raising static of change in the air, you won't be bored by the impossible tale of the Nameless Queen.

(4.5/5 ⭐️) Nameless Queen is a story about getting to choose who you call family.

“I’m as damaged as the things I break, and there’s nothing that can put me together again.”

Coin is a “nameless” street urchin, someone without a home, living in Seriden where there are three types of classes: Royals, Legals, and Nameless. The problem is, the nameless have no rights and aren’t considered citizens. Magic is bound to the sovereigns, and when a ruler passes, they pass their magic on to their named heir. When Coin discovers a crown tattoo on her arm, meaning the king has named her as his air—she finds it impossible. The king cannot name a nameless person as heir. Yet, the impossible has happened, and she must fight against those conspiring to keep her from the throne.

This fast-paced story kept me on the edge of my seat, eager to keep reading. It followed a definite character arc, where Coin started the story without caring for the people of her city, and finished the story caring very much. There was obvious personal growth throughout.

I loved the conflict and the themes that were portrayed. The story wasn’t entirely original, but I liked the unique voice McLaughlin gives us, and the spin she placed upon some of the ideas. Coin’s character was a little bit of a “Mary Sue” however, the McLaughlin did a good job of convincing me that the character was as good as she was supposed to be at conning, stealing, and strategizing.

If I’m being honest, this is the first book I’ve enjoyed this much in months. I wanted to give it five stars, but I felt that it fell short in a few areas. Firstly, I really dislike present tense point of view. It always feels awkward and I almost always subtract half a star from any book that does this. Just a personal preference. Second, this was a story where the hero kind of “lucks out” in most situations. I like those kinds of stories, but I definitely felt that there could have been a bit more of a challenge presented to Coin at the end of the story, to create more of a finale. Coin won too easily, in my opinion. Finally, I felt that the world building fell a little short. Maybe this is part of a series and that aspect will be developed later. Overall though, those were the only critiques I found.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes political intrigue, magic, and seeing an underdog rise to the top.

Thank you @netgally and @randomhouse for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Hmm. I'm honestly a little torn about this book. On one hand, I really enjoyed it. I love dystopian fantasy novels, and this book perfectly fits that category. But on the other hand, well ... let's talk.

First, this is a beautifully written story. I found myself reading it at a slower pace so I could savor the text. The author spends a significant amount of time building her characters, and there is a great payoff: we feel like we really know the characters, not just what they're going through in the moment.

My primary struggle with this novel comes from a personal preference - not a weakness of the story itself. I read as an escape from reality and tend to prefer optimistic, hopeful stories (which- yes- is possible even in dystopian fantasy!). I like a matter-of-fact main character and/or a main character who builds a positive future for themselves in spite of all the garbage life tossed into the past. I like to see positive relationships that weather storms, and I like to read about societies that acknowledge past ugliness but use that wisdom to change its future course.

In a way, this book fits perfectly into many of those areas as well ... to a point. But the hope is tenuous; the optimism more of a wavering smile than a brave face coupled with steely determination. For every positive moment, there were five negative past reflections, current observations, and future concerns.

I also struggled with our heroine, Coin. Now, Coin's upbringing was absolutely destroyed by a cruel caste system and some painfully practical choices made by the recently-deceased king. With that said, she has a very distorted view on the legal system and lives in the "gray area" of life, and we do not see much growth in this area throughout the novel. Yes, she learns that she needs to build relationships and work with others to achieve goals, but she still makes, hmm ... sub-legal and/or destructive choices right up until the end of the story. Think Katniss Everdeen but with more outward angst.

With all of this said, though, I did enjoy the story. There are only a handful of strong main or secondary characters, and the author took great care to flesh out each of their personalities. I admired both Glenquartz and Hat -- they were perfect examples of individuals rising from grief or pain to become something more than their circumstances.

I can see myself revisiting this novel in a few months for another re-read. It has a satisfying conclusion and memorable characters. I've found myself reflecting back on the story many times since finishing it, and that is one indicator of a strong book that sets itself apart from others in the same genre.

One parting thought: there is a passage in the story that reads,
" 'Well, aren't we a pair,' Esther says. 'The former heir apparent and the impossible queen. I think, under the right circumstances, we could tear the world to pieces.' "
If this title was the first in a series - so we could see progress beyond Coin's angst, Esther's pain (Daddy issues...), and a caste system brimming with glass ceilings and bitterness ... I would appreciate this (as a Genesis story) even more. I feel like this leaves us on the edge of something great - a society ready to move forward - and we don't get to see that here. I'm hungry for the next chapter. I want to see those two "tear this world to pieces" for the betterment of all.

Thank you, Random House Children's Books and Rebecca McLaughlin for granting an ARC in exchange for an honest review!