Error loading page.
Try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, there may be a network issue, and you can use our self test page to see what's preventing the page from loading.
Learn more about possible network issues or contact support for more help.

The Melting Queen

ebook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available
Every year since 1904, when the ice breaks up on the North Saskatchewan River, Edmonton has crowned a Melting Queen—a woman who presides over the Melting Day spring carnival and who must keep the city's spirits up over the following winter. But this year, something has changed: a genderfluid ex-frat brother called River Runson is named as Melting Queen. As River's reign upends the city's century-old traditions, Edmonton tears itself in two, with progressive and reactionary factions fighting a war for Edmonton's soul. Ultimately, River must uncover the hidden history of Melting Day, forcing Edmonton to confront the dark underbelly of its traditions and leading the city into a new chapter in its history. Balancing satire with compassion, Bruce Cinnamon's debut novel combines history and magic to weave a splendid future-looking tale.
  • Creators

  • Series

  • Publisher

  • Release date

  • Formats

  • Languages

  • Reviews

    • Booklist

      March 15, 2019
      The protagonist of Cinnamon's debut breaks the ice on the North Saskatchewan River, prompting Edmonton's annual Melting Day celebration, and takes a new name: River Runson. Unexpectedly, River is also named Melting Queen, a highly influential post. A reluctant figurehead, River finally accepts the duty in an attempt to understand the memories from previous queens that have been intruding on her thoughts. While gay and trans folks have been queen before, River is the first nonbinary Melting Queen, resistant to any label or expectations to be a spokesperson for any group. This is a novel about changing identities, both River's and Edmonton's. Through the shared memories, River learns the problematic origins of the city's Melting Day traditions and upends the status quo. At times, the novel's intriguing idea exceeds its execution; pacing and dialogue can lag. Still, it's a worthy, interesting read based in the essential idea that now is the time to unmask history and change what no longer serves us. When that ice cracks, River breaks a world that needs breaking.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)

Formats

  • OverDrive Read
  • EPUB ebook

Languages

  • English

Loading