Rebel Queen by Michelle Moran

From the internationally bestselling author of Nefertiti and Cleopatra’s Daughter comes the breathtaking story of Queen Lakshmi—India’s Joan of Arc—who against all odds defied the mighty British invasion to defend her beloved kingdom.

When the British Empire sets its sights on India in the mid-nineteenth century, it expects a quick and easy conquest. India is fractured and divided into kingdoms, each independent and wary of one another, seemingly no match for the might of the English. But when they arrive in the Kingdom of Jhansi, the British army is met with a surprising challenge.
Instead of surrendering, Queen Lakshmi raises two armies—one male and one female—and rides into battle, determined to protect her country and her people. Although her soldiers may not appear at first to be formidable against superior British weaponry and training, Lakshmi refuses to back down from the empire determined to take away the land she loves.
Told from the unexpected perspective of Sita—Queen Lakshmi’s most favored companion and most trusted soldier in the all-female army—Rebel Queen shines a light on a time and place rarely explored in historical fiction. In the tradition of her bestselling novel, Nefertiti, and through her strong, independent heroines fighting to make their way in a male dominated world, Michelle Moran brings nineteenth-century India to rich, vibrant life. 

Kindle Edition, 352 pages

Published March 3rd 2015 by Touchstone 

arc - netgalley

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I haven't read all of Michelle Moran's books, but what I have I've enjoyed.  Her writing style is smooth and it isn't hard to get lost in her stories.

Rebel Queen takes place in a time and location that I am unfamiliar with.  Queen Lakshmi is the last queen of India and it is through one of her female guards, Sita that we are introduced.   I liked Sita, it is from her POV that this story is told.  It is quite obvious that the author has a passion for this time period, it clearly shows in her knowledge and descriptions.  It wasn't hard to picture the setting and the customs of India, the treatment of women and the involvement of the British. 

Though the battle doesn't take place until about 90% of the way through this book, there is enough background info to keep ones attention and it sets the tone when it finally does happen.  Definitely a must read for those that like there historical fiction off the beaten track.  Rebel Queen I think is one of my favorites by Michelle Moran.

Books by Michelle Moran that I have read: