For fans of To Kill a Kingdom and fairy-tale retellings
Thank you to Macmillan and BookishFirst for this book in exchange for an honest review!
When I saw that the author of To Kill a Kingdom had a new book coming out, I knew that I needed to read it right away! Princess of Souls by Alexandra Christo is a new standalone book that takes place in the same universe of To Kill a Kingdom. It's not necessary to read the other one first though.
The story is told from dual first-person POV's: Selestra, a witch, and Nox, a member of the King's army. Selestra has been trapped in a Rapunzel-like tower by her mother, the King's Witch. She's been trained to foretell the future and to, one day, take over her mother's role. Nox is a soldier set on revenge. He wants to kill the King and everyone in his court, including Selestra. Will these two enemies-from-the-start turn into something more?
Here is an enchanting excerpt from Chapter 1, which is from Selestra's point of view:
"I can tell someone when they’re going to die. All I need is a lock of
hair and their soul.
Just in case.
That’s the job of a Somniatis witch, tied to the king with magic
steeped in death. It’s all I was ever raised to be: a servant to the kingdom, an heir to my family’s power.
A witch bound to the Six Isles.
And because of it, I’ve never glimpsed the world beyond the
Floating Mountain this castle stands on.
Not that I’m a prisoner.
I’m King Seryth’s ward and one day I’ll be his most trusted
adviser. The right hand to royalty, free to go wherever I want and do
whatever I want, without having to ask for permission first.
Just as soon as my mother dies."
Overall, Princess of Souls is an absolutely amazing YA fantasy that will appeal to fans of Serpent & Dove and Throne of Glass. One highlight of this book is how exciting it was. The pair set off on a quest that involves fighting for their lives from foes both human and magical. I couldn't stop turning the pages to find out what happens next. Another highlight of this book is the enemies-to-lovers romance. Any readers who enjoy that trope should pick up this book. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above or if you're a fan of fairy-tale retellings in general, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in October!
When I saw that the author of To Kill a Kingdom had a new book coming out, I knew that I needed to read it right away! Princess of Souls by Alexandra Christo is a new standalone book that takes place in the same universe of To Kill a Kingdom. It's not necessary to read the other one first though.
The story is told from dual first-person POV's: Selestra, a witch, and Nox, a member of the King's army. Selestra has been trapped in a Rapunzel-like tower by her mother, the King's Witch. She's been trained to foretell the future and to, one day, take over her mother's role. Nox is a soldier set on revenge. He wants to kill the King and everyone in his court, including Selestra. Will these two enemies-from-the-start turn into something more?
Here is an enchanting excerpt from Chapter 1, which is from Selestra's point of view:
"I can tell someone when they’re going to die. All I need is a lock of
hair and their soul.
Just in case.
That’s the job of a Somniatis witch, tied to the king with magic
steeped in death. It’s all I was ever raised to be: a servant to the kingdom, an heir to my family’s power.
A witch bound to the Six Isles.
And because of it, I’ve never glimpsed the world beyond the
Floating Mountain this castle stands on.
Not that I’m a prisoner.
I’m King Seryth’s ward and one day I’ll be his most trusted
adviser. The right hand to royalty, free to go wherever I want and do
whatever I want, without having to ask for permission first.
Just as soon as my mother dies."
Overall, Princess of Souls is an absolutely amazing YA fantasy that will appeal to fans of Serpent & Dove and Throne of Glass. One highlight of this book is how exciting it was. The pair set off on a quest that involves fighting for their lives from foes both human and magical. I couldn't stop turning the pages to find out what happens next. Another highlight of this book is the enemies-to-lovers romance. Any readers who enjoy that trope should pick up this book. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above or if you're a fan of fairy-tale retellings in general, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in October!