Note: I recieved an ARC of this book for my honest review.
Oh. My. WORD. This book is utterly fantastic. I had completely forgotten that I entered to win an ARC, but I was overjoyed when I opened up the package. I mean, look at that cover! Stunning. And the book itself is magickal (pun intended).
The fantasy world that Amanda Joy has created is wonderful. It's full, rich, and complex without being confusing. The way the lore is explained feels very organic, and I really love the dynamic that the different races and countries have. The relationships that the characters have with each other are also amazing. The coldness, the subtle love, the passion, the friendship... The diversity of the relationships and the way they were written really help you to get immersed in this fantasy world.
And that magick system! I absolutely love books with magick in them, especially when it's a magick system I haven't seen. This book really nails it. The magick is complex but makes sense, and I can't wait to see more of it explored. (Because this book isn't even out yet and I NEED the sequel.)
Overall I LOVED "A River of Royal Blood." It has so many elements that I love in a YA fantasy novel while still feeling utterly original. The only things that I would have liked to see is a map of the land (they make it so much easier to visualize) and a pronunciation guide for some of the names. However, the lack of those two things didn't ditract from the book in any real way. If you like high fantasy novels with magick, sisterly rivalries, and just a touch of romance, then you'll love "A River of Royal Blood."
Oh. My. WORD. This book is utterly fantastic. I had completely forgotten that I entered to win an ARC, but I was overjoyed when I opened up the package. I mean, look at that cover! Stunning. And the book itself is magickal (pun intended).
The fantasy world that Amanda Joy has created is wonderful. It's full, rich, and complex without being confusing. The way the lore is explained feels very organic, and I really love the dynamic that the different races and countries have. The relationships that the characters have with each other are also amazing. The coldness, the subtle love, the passion, the friendship... The diversity of the relationships and the way they were written really help you to get immersed in this fantasy world.
And that magick system! I absolutely love books with magick in them, especially when it's a magick system I haven't seen. This book really nails it. The magick is complex but makes sense, and I can't wait to see more of it explored. (Because this book isn't even out yet and I NEED the sequel.)
Overall I LOVED "A River of Royal Blood." It has so many elements that I love in a YA fantasy novel while still feeling utterly original. The only things that I would have liked to see is a map of the land (they make it so much easier to visualize) and a pronunciation guide for some of the names. However, the lack of those two things didn't ditract from the book in any real way. If you like high fantasy novels with magick, sisterly rivalries, and just a touch of romance, then you'll love "A River of Royal Blood."