She's a thief that lives on the street. She's one of the nameless. They have so little value they are not even given a name. So when the King dies, she doesn't really care. But then she finds out that the next heir named is not at the palace...

Crown Books for Young Readers and Net Galley let me read this book for review (thank you). It will be published January 7th.

She has the tattoo they are looking for and they take her to the castle. She begins her time there in the dungeon while they debate how this could be true. An orphan raised nameless can't become queen. But she possesses the tattoo.

They eventually move her into the palace but the general there intends to kill her to get the tattoo so she can rule. There is an event where people sign up to fight her in hopes to gain the tattoo. It's deadly. But most don't know she has a sister with the same tattoo. The General does though. When she can't beat the Nameless one, she stabs the sister trying to get her tattoo.

This is a busy story with nameless missing from the streets to another army being built up. The general wants to kill all the nameless and only the present queen stands in her way.

Who will win the final battle?

The concept was stronger than the execution. It was still a good read, but I think I was expecting more. It’s a balanced combination of fresh ideas with completely obvious plot points. The main character is strong but not enough to carry the entire story. The first half was strong and compelling but the second half dropped a bit. The main action sequence was exciting but the after math waned.

Thanks to NetGalley for advanced access.

Nameless Queen presented an exciting summary of royalty, dueling, and magic - the story of Coin, a thief and grifter who, despite being a member of the lowest class (the Nameless) in a hierarchical society, somehow ends up "the impossible queen." The characters were likable, and there were a few villains who brought enough strife and drama to the plot. I appreciated Coin's development, as she embraced her values and decided to take a stand. The story emphasized the importance of family and explored the idea of identity.

I thought that it read kind of slow, while at the same time the storyline seemed to leap all over - if that makes sense? In other words, we are given an intriguing set up where the author took the time to somewhat lay out events and characters, but we are unable to really delve into Coin's world and the society described. Overall, it would have benefited from more detail and elaboration, in the sense that I wanted to learn about this world and the characters by show, and not tell.

For example, I would have liked to see characters much more fleshed out, including one who was a sort of fatherly or uncle-like ally to Coin. We did receive some background info about him, but I thought that like other descriptions in this novel, it was more tell, rather than show. Like when Coin and him meet, he is a Royal guard who imprisons her, but then almost from then on he is helping her navigate her new position as heir with advice and showing concern? Like did he just like her personality from pretty much after the moment they met? The characterization was bland. Also, besides the one clear antagonist, there was one character who was pretending for at least half the novel and one who I was unclear about. It bothered me a little that the opposing forces did not really make me feel anything.

An uncomplicated debut with a slightly flat narrative. I would maybe designate this toward the younger side of YA.

Putting a name on or to things tends to make it easier to manage them, as demonstrated through events in Rebecca McLaughlin's Nameless Queen. 

The power that comes with the throne is magical,  but it's passed down through the utterance of the chosen successor's name and the appearance of a crown tattoo upon their arm, which is why the people of Seriden were wildly surprised that the king named one of the Nameless instead of his daughter, the heir apparent. Coin, the Nameless young woman chosen by the king to take up the crown after his death, is part of a class of citizens far below the notice of the Royals and Legals; having survived over the years through her cunning, ability to read people, and light fingers, Coin now faces an entirely new challenge behind the palace walls and in the wake of the indignation evident among Royals as she endeavors to secure a livable future for herself. 

A fairly fast read, this fantasy story has some good potential in its premise and world-building and offers an opportunity to discuss some serious societal issues that are raised and addressed within the text. The trajectory of the story is quite predictable and is a rather slow burn toward more meaningful changes or action; it would be very interesting to get further context and background for the world than what was presented as the three social classes and trade between kingdoms were intriguing in their dynamics. Coin is a decently interesting character who exhibits smarts and strength as she grows throughout the trials she faces and the hampered power that is thrust upon her. There was a slight lack of refinement to the narrative with sections of jarring cuts between points of action or narration on the page that made it seem like you missed a chunk of story.

Overall, I'd give it a 3 out of 5 stars.

I wanted to love Nameless Queen so much, especially since the synopsis sounds AMAZING. But when I finished this book I didn't know how I felt, and now its a few days post-finishing Nameless Queen and I am still not sure.

Nameless Queen started off really strong. I wanted to get to know these characters, this world and the different social classes. But by the middle I was bored. But I wasn't bored enough to stop reading. I am going to chalk this up to it being a "me" issue since I have seen tons of glowing reviews for this book.

I do plan on checking out the second book to Nameless Queen when it's published to see how Rebecca wraps everything up. If you're looking for a quick fantasy novel with strong female leads, I say give this book a shot!

The Nameless Queen.

A fascinating read that I couldn’t put down from the time I picked it up. I tend to be a quick reader, so I picked up this read at 10:13am and I finished just now at 1:39pm. I kept telling myself to put it down and to savor it but I couldn’t. I just kept drinking in the pages as I went and I loved every single minute of it. Of course this sounds like many other fantasies I’ve read especially ones with Queens and Magic but it was also just good. There are many “nameless” Queens in books, ones that come from the ashes, the thief’s, the misfits, etc… but the Nameless Queen was great in and of itself.

I absolutely loved Coin’s character as she was a great arrogant thief who didn’t want to rise above what she knew. She just wanted to keep going protecting her family, friends, and everything she’s ever known but as usual she was thrown into chaos. In The Nameless Queen she was thrown into royalty by becoming the Queen. She fought with her captors and the royals every chance she had and she didn’t let up. In many books we find that the person who becomes royal from the bottom usually gives in to someone at some point in time but Coin didn’t. She never once changed what she was fighting for and really showed her true colors when she began working with Esther (the heir apparent).

The girls in my school love reading the typical “girl meets boy” type of books but they also LOVE a fantastic heroine who beats on everyone around her (in a good way). They love seeing a tough as nails woman lead the book (and it’s people) into the future in whatever way she sees fit. And it today’s day and age it is hard pressed to find books like these unless you do your research. I am so glad I joined NetGalley and I can find these gems before they come out so I know what to get my students. This book belongs on any book shelf no matter where it is.

Thank you!

When the blurb said perfect for fans of Everless or the Red Queen I knew this book was going to rock my world and rock my world it did. Nameless, is so on the lower level of citizens that she doesn't even get a name. They are disrespected and unwanted. But the tattoo on her arm? It means she is Queen. How is that possible? But it's the truth and she will roam the royal halls and hold this crown. But can she survive this? You will have to read to find out.

The world building in this is amazing and Coin and her crew will make you laugh and smile and cry. You can't help but rooting for them. I am on the edge of my seat because I need the rest of this series right now. I cannot wait for the next one.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me give a honest review.

This book to me felt like I was rereading The Red Queen at times. Especially with the 3 different types of people, Royals, legals and nameless.

I felt like the story was good but it lacked detail. Detail that readers like myself need in order to understand how things work. I’ve read stories where Aura’s were apart of the world but is it the same type of thing in this story? How do they work? What needs to happen in order to read/feel someone’s Aura? The author lacked detail in that area.

I also thought the world descriptions could’ve been a little better. Again, more detail. Although from what the author DID describe, the world sounds pretty amazing.

I found I enjoyed the characters. I was of course annoyed with the main character a few times (like almost every book I read haha) but I liked her.

The story itself was actually good! There were a couple instances where I felt like I was rushing through it just to finish the pages, but it started to pick up and caught my interest about 55% through the book and that’s when I realized I liked it.

I’m not sure if this is going to be a stand alone, only because I felt like there was room to add another book. I would definitely recommend this book.

3.5/5 ⭐️’s

This book drew me in from the get go!!! I throughly enjoyed it, especially the world building and the plot. I felt perhaps the characters could have been a little more fleshed out, but it didn’t deter me from continuing to read it !

What an amazing novel! The Nameless Queen is a wonderful, dark and incredibly rich fantasy novel, so well built and fast paced that I wasn't able to put it down till I reached the end. I was absolutely captivated by the atmosphere and characters.

This novel submerges the reader in a landscape so imaginative and detailed that the information of the world building, as complex as it is, never feels forced, and is never difficult to understand or picture in one's mind.

Wonderfully unique fantasy idea adding tattoos into the crowning process. I found this an overall fun and quick stand alone read. I liked the characters overall could of used some more in depth character development, they seemed a bit one sided for me but overall an enjoyable read. 4/5 stars

In the Kingdom of Seriden, the throne is handed down when the King or Queen says the name of the next heir, and that heir becomes magically marked with a crown tattoo. The lowest class of citizens are the Nameless, which means they should never be able to become sovereign - if you have no name, your name cannot be said. Until one day when a Nameless is marked with the magical crown tattoo.
Now, the Nameless Queen must try to bring unity to the three classes of Seriden to save her own life and the lives of all other Nameless.

"Some of the best things are nameless."

This story is wonderful! I thoroughly enjoyed Nameless Queen.

There were things that could have been elaborated on more, but I feel like the briefer descriptions and the ending left the story open for future installments if the author chooses to make this a series. I didn't feel like any of that left me wanting, and it didn't hinder my ability to immerse myself into the world of Seriden.

I did take off one star because there were parts of the story that didn't feel completely original and reminded me of some popular books/movies.

The ending was fantastic and the story has a sweet overall message! I did not feel like the story lost momentum like many other reviews state.

McLaughlin has built quite an amazing world in this dazzling debut novel. The world is tough and, depending on the "class" you belong in, that can make you or break you. The city in which the setting resonates is quite divided. This story has an element of magic that accompanies friendships and exciting plot twists. Essentially, a girl from a lower class suddenly finds herself in power and has to navigate her adventure as well as make some difficult decisions. She is sassy and fascinating as a heroine and sure to resonate as a memorable character for many. The devious nature of Coin, the main character, is quite clever and keeps you guessing as to which way her adventure will turn.

Coin, a Nameless, which is a group of poor people who aren't named, is given the tattoo of the heir to the throne. She is the new queen.

I thought the world of this book was set up well and enjoyed the characters. It was nice to see Coin grow as a character. Wish there could have been more at the end of the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher to the chance to review this book ahead of its release date.

The Nameless Queen starts as your typical YA fantasy. A low caste girl suddenly finding herself in power...or lat least the semblance of power. Although this world stuck out as something close to unique, as the story progressed I could not see myself caring for what happens next. Coin was a Mary Sue, and nowadays I thought that was done away with, but alas. A lot of what happened to her elicited no real reaction which made the plot feel flat, as though I were on the slowest rollercoaster ever. I saw the potential in the story, but it did not hold up to my expectations.

Nameless Queen is a phenomenal standalone fantasy set in a creative, atmospheric world from debut author Rebecca McLaughlin. The plot is filled with political intrigue, plenty of action, and characters you'll have a hard time letting go when you turn the last page. McLaughlin's writing is strong. The story is fast-paced and has excellent twists. Highly recommended to readers looking for their next favorite YA fantasy. Be sure to check out Nameless Queen today!

I loved, loved, love this book. I love that it's a standalone (although I would happily read a sequel!). I feel like it's appropriate for a variety of ages within YA. Coin is a feisty street rat who unexpectedly inherits the throne. She shouldn't be able to, since she is Nameless, and to become the Heir, the King/Queen must speak your name. Coin embarks on a journey to stay alive and possibly use the throne to help the Nameless.

The throne is passed on through magic - whoever the last name the King or Queen utters is emblazoned with a tattoo, marking them as the next sovereign. Coin is a nameless, a class of citizen with no name, status, or ability to move up in life. When Coin is emblazoned with the tattoo, everything changes.

This was a well written and engaging story. The social hierarchy was a bit simplistic, but it worked well. The characters themselves were dynamic and life-like. I look forward to reading more from this author and set in this world.

interesting plot and semi-good characters and dialogue. could have used some more character development and flaws to overcome. beautiful cover.

thanks to the publisher for an ARC, this is my honest review.

“You have to let things make you strong instead of damaged. You have to choose how the world shapes you.”

What a fantastic book full of great descriptions and wonderful characters. This takes place in a world where they’re three groups of people: Royals, Legals, and Nameless. The main character in this, Coin, is nameless, which is the lowest group. They are all homeless and steal to stay alive, they don’t even have names. Right from the start this book is full of action, and spectacular characters. I loved the unique name choices, like Coin herself and her nameless friends; Hat and Devil. In the city of Seridan, the current Sovereign dies and whoever he whispers on his last dying breath now becomes the sovereign. To find out who becomes the next ruler a tattoo shows up on that person’s arm. Coin gets that tattoo, but she is also nameless, so how did he know her name to begin with?

“And some of the best things are nameless.”

I can’t get over how great this book was, I loved the world building and how the author McLaughlin shows us a tough world, one where being in a certain “class” makes or breaks you. It was crazy seeing how divided the city was. I loved the magic aspect as well, and thought it was captivating what Coin could do once she had the tattoo on her arm. The friendships are what really made this such a wonderful read. I loved Coin’s nameless friends who she would protect no matter what, and the friends she made becoming the queen. Seeing them all grow and have such incredible character development was amazing.

I can’t believe this is the author’s debut novel, it’s just simply amazing. It deals with such real issues and was put together so well. I was shocked with some of the outcomes and plot twists. I highly recommend putting this on your “want to read” shelf for 2020.