The Queen’s Code is a bit of an anomaly in that it thinly guises teaching within a fictional story. In fact, the plot is driven by two women, Kimberlee and Karen, learning “man lessons” from Kimberlee’s grandmother.

Remember a book called “The Celestine Prophecy?” The Queen’s Code requires a similar willingness on the part of the reader to trudge through some slow scenes and awkward dialogue constructed specifically to deliver its promised nuggets of wisdom.

My expectation for this book was not riveting fiction. I was reading to gain information about the masculine perspective, and Armstrong’s The Queen’s Code did deliver that. I would even say that the insights shared were enhanced by the story context. The supporting cast of characters helped illustrate challenges a reader might face in living out the Queen’s Code despite the story feeling a bit contrived.

What did I learn?

To my surprise, I had been a “frog farmer,” a woman who turns princes into frogs.

I could suddenly see how women (including myself) unwittingly emasculate men.

I learned specific words and ways of communicating that I could immediately test for myself in my own relationships. And they worked.

I came away with an expanded understanding of men’s needs, and a willingness to allow myself to be freer in exercising my feminine energy. This book gave me a better understanding of what a partnership looks like and how to speak in a way that strengthens that dynamic. Ahh…all those painful therapy sessions…and then one book suddenly “clicks!”

I also loved how Armstrong illustrated that misusing the code could backfire. I respect that her intent is not to spawn man-manipulation seminars, but rather to teach—those who are ready and willing to learn— how to celebrate the aspects of both masculine and feminine energies and how they complement each other.

The Queen’s Code may or may not be the book that resonates with you at this time. But for me, I’m grateful to demystify the masculine and let go of judging it against the feminine. That’s a big relief because it frees me. For that reason, this book gets five stars.