Queen of the Scalpel

My Thoughts on Queen of the Scalpel

"Queen of the Scalpel" had me intrigued from the start with its premise of a woman reincarnated, not once, but three times. The idea of a former evil queen getting a second (and third) chance at life, armed with modern medical knowledge, seemed like a recipe for a compelling story. While I enjoyed parts of the journey, some aspects held it back from reaching its full potential.

First Impressions

The initial chapters definitely hooked me. Elise's transformation from a despised queen to a dedicated doctor was interesting, and seeing her apply her skills in a new world was fun. The blend of fantasy and medical drama was unique. I was eager to see how she would navigate court politics and revolutionize medicine.

What Works Well

The medical aspects are a definite highlight. I appreciated the author's attempt to ground the fantasy setting with realistic medical procedures. Seeing Elise use her knowledge to save lives and challenge outdated practices was genuinely satisfying. I also enjoyed the initial dynamic between Elise and the prince, Linden. Their complex history and the slow burn of their relationship kept me invested for a while. The doting parents of Elise were also a strong point, and I wish more focus had been given to the family dynamic.

Areas of Concern

However, as the story progressed, I found myself becoming increasingly frustrated. Elise, while initially likeable, started feeling too perfect. She seemed to effortlessly solve every problem, and everyone around her was quick to praise her genius. This "Mary Sue" quality made her character less relatable and the conflicts less engaging. The male characters also felt somewhat flat, often falling for Elise too easily. The romance, while present, lacked depth and chemistry, particularly after Elise and Linden finally got together.

Final Verdict

"Queen of the Scalpel" is a decent read if you're looking for a lighthearted fantasy with a medical twist. The beginning is strong, and the premise is intriguing. However, the lack of character depth and the overly perfect protagonist ultimately hold it back. I'd recommend it as a time-filler, but don't expect a groundbreaking or deeply emotional experience. It's a solid 3/5 for me.