Amanda Joy’s A River of Royal Blood immediately hooks readers who love young adult fantasy novels. The world-building is adroitly woven into the exposition as the narrator Evalina begins her adventure. The dramatic conflict is quickly established because, in the Queendom of Myre, all daughters of the reigning queen become rival heirs who have to fight their sister(s) to the death to become queen. All of the ingredients of a successful fantasy book are included in Joy’s novel: magical beings, transportive dancing, and magical tattoos.
One element that was particularly interesting to see developed was the lush world where people’s skin and eyes are all colors of the rainbow. This element of the plot explores powerful subtexts that delve into women’s identity, power, and race. I greatly enjoyed reading this delicious book!
One element that was particularly interesting to see developed was the lush world where people’s skin and eyes are all colors of the rainbow. This element of the plot explores powerful subtexts that delve into women’s identity, power, and race. I greatly enjoyed reading this delicious book!