Nineteen year old Kelsea Raleigh's life is turned totally upside down and a new life of challenges is beginning. Taken from the only home she has really known, Kelsea is confronted with her new reality.  In this first book of Erika Johansen's Tearling trilogy, readers learn about things and places like: the "Crossing," the land of the Tearling, Mortmesne, the Red Queen, and the "shipments." Readers will also meet unforgettable characters who work for and against the new queen. Battles will rage, words will be exchanged, friendships will be made, and plots will be uncovered. Will the new queen be able to show her people, and her Queen's guard members, that she is strong enough for the task ahead? And, what is the importance of the sapphires? Open the book and read on for the fabulous beginning of the trilogy. Just be ready with books 2 and 3!

I loved this book and couldn't put it down! The characters were so real that they elicited emotional responses in me - anger and tears to name two. Now, on to book 2!!