Title: The Tyrant's Daughter
Author: J.C. Carleson
Publication Date: February 11, 2014
Pages: 304
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Rating: 5 stars
Summary: When her father is killed in a coup, 15-year-old Laila flees from the war-torn middle east to a life of exile and anonymity in the U.S. Gradually she adjusts to a new school, new friends, and a new culture, but while Laila sees opportunity in her new life, her mother is focused on the past. She’s conspiring with CIA operatives and rebel factions to regain the throne their family lost. Laila can’t bear to stand still as an international crisis takes shape around her, but how can one girl stop a conflict that spans generations?
J.C. Carleson delivers a fascinating account of a girl—and a country—on the brink, and a rare glimpse at the personal side of international politics.
J.C. Carleson delivers a fascinating account of a girl—and a country—on the brink, and a rare glimpse at the personal side of international politics.
I want to talk a little bit about the author before I get into the book itself. J.C. is a former CIA officer. She's got the low down on espionage and thrillers because that was her life. At the end of this book, she talks about how she met the inspiration for her characters and story. She met Bastian (our main character's younger brother) through her own son, and her inspiration for the "royal" family came from a tour of Bin Laden's desolate palace. J.C. has an experience and insight that many other authors lack. There's some truth when they say write what you know.
The Tyrant's Daughter is told in Laila's POV. I was hesitant at first when the summary stated she was 15 years old. I have a problem reading about kids 16 and under. Don't get me wrong, I love my YA fiction. There's only so much immaturity I can handle though. Thankfully, this is not the case. Laila is wise beyond her years and she's dealing with so much more than petty bickering with friends and if the mysterious hot guy wants her as much as she wants him after one freaking day.
No, Laila is smart, her curiosity comes with a price, and she's ready to confront her own naivety. In short, she's the 15 year old I wish I could've been. Albeit without the torturous circumstances.
I was so wrapped up in this story. Flipping my little e-pages so fast to get to the next bit and the next bit. Laila's heart and virtue, her torn love for her home and America had me debating the merits of my home. It's very difficult to experience culture shock on your culture, but I could empathize with Laila's fascination and revulsion at America's ways. Just as I could reciprocate the feelings her friends felt when Laila spoke of her home.
And J.C.'s writing! My god, her descriptions and voice were captivating. I felt like I was right next to Laila as she faced off with the world around her.
I highly recommend this to everyone when it becomes available in February!
Free read provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
No, Laila is smart, her curiosity comes with a price, and she's ready to confront her own naivety. In short, she's the 15 year old I wish I could've been. Albeit without the torturous circumstances.
I was so wrapped up in this story. Flipping my little e-pages so fast to get to the next bit and the next bit. Laila's heart and virtue, her torn love for her home and America had me debating the merits of my home. It's very difficult to experience culture shock on your culture, but I could empathize with Laila's fascination and revulsion at America's ways. Just as I could reciprocate the feelings her friends felt when Laila spoke of her home.
And J.C.'s writing! My god, her descriptions and voice were captivating. I felt like I was right next to Laila as she faced off with the world around her.
I highly recommend this to everyone when it becomes available in February!
Free read provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
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