Introduction
The Half-Hearted Queen is the well-awaited second part of ‘The Shattered King’ duology by Charlie N. Holmberg. Published on the 3rd March 2026, it puts a definitive end to Nym Tallowax’s story, but leaves readers wanting more of the world Holmberg has built.
A Summary
Nym never got the chance to tell Renn she loved him. And now, she is a captive to King Nicosia, and she fears it is too late. Nym spends months as his political pawn, fighting to hide her secrets as Nicosia tirelessly tries to take everything she has. The only thing she can count on is that she does love Renn, and she feels him fighting, succeeding, living. She has to do the same. As the battle between Cansere and Sesta marches on, Nym and Renn have to find a way to kill the evil that has plagued the world, by any means necessary.
Writing Style
Holmberg’s style of writing is one that focuses on internal monologues contrasted with the immersive description of the world around the character. The Half-Hearted Queen is a first person novel with only one POV - Nym Tallowax - as she survives in a world run by evil and chaos. The chapters in this novel are fairly long, around 20-30 pages on average, but they do go quickly as the immersion takes over.
What I Loved
I loved the characters, more so in this novel than the first. The progression of their arcs, as well as Dan’s and Brien’s presence in this novel was exactly what was needed to increase the stakes and make you feel involved. The portrayal of grief was so impactful, as well as how the book dealt with sexual assault and physical violence against women. It was taken seriously, and even though the majority of it happened to a side character, it was still a focal point of the story for the mere fact that it happened. It didn’t turn the character into a victim, it deepened her persona in a realistic way. The political aspects of The Half-Hearted Queen were by far my favourite, even above the romance aspects, because it was complex and uncertain, with so many potential risks, rewards and problems. It was just the perfect amount of chaos, and it wrapped up in a way that felt satisfying.
Also, I cannot stress enough how much I loved the elopement scene. Just yes. It was everything I needed.
What I Didn’t Love
The problems I had with the first part of this duology are the same I have with this novel. I lacked the deep love for the relationship between Nym and Renn because I never got the opportunity to get inside Renn’s head. In fact, I think it was more imperative that we had Renn’s POV in this book because so much of the book is spent with them separated.
I also think that there were certain parts of Nym’s tragic backstory that weren’t necessary for the plot, creating redundancy and extra-dark themes where they aren’t needed. For example, her pregnancy in the past seemed to only be mentioned when it had purpose, rather than being a part of who she is. This contrasts heavily to how sexual assault is discussed throughout the book, which is a key part of who she is and influences her decisions. Not to mention the fact that Holmberg threw in a one liner about her being pregnant in the epilogue, which is fine in itself, but it doesn’t mention the fear, anxiety and internal struggle that would come from that with Nym’s history.
Recommendation
Honestly, I loved this second book more than the first. It felt like war, containing all the complexities of actual chaos, and the emotions were heightened to the point where I had to put my hand over the bottom of the page so I couldn’t read ahead. I read it in a day, like the first, and will definitely re-read it when I am craving a gripping fantasy. So yes, I recommend this. It’s perfect for someone that wants the romantasy without all the spice.
Songs
Songs that I find reminiscent of the book:
Hartebeest by Yaelokre
Running With the Wolves by Aurora
I Am the Winter by The Family Crest
Before Your Father Hears Us by The Family Crest
Limbs by James Marriott
(P.S. We made them links so feel free to click on them and get teleported straight into the vibes.)
