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Micky Barnard (542 KP) rated To Kill a Kingdom in Books

Dec 6, 2018  
To Kill a Kingdom
To Kill a Kingdom
Alexandra Christo | 2018 | Romance, Young Adult (YA)
8
7.9 (17 Ratings)
Book Rating
Scrappy siren
This is a thrilling debut from Alexandra Christo, taking a unique perspective on The Little Mermaid. It’s rather rudimentary to compare TO KILL A KINGDOM to The Little Mermaid because apart from some basics on characterisation, there really is little similarity.

Firstly, in a sea of YA fantasy series, I want to shout from the rooftops that this is a full and rounded standalone. Yes, I said standalone and I felt complete by the end, so it does what it says on the tin.

Sirens are the name of the game in this book and Lira is a scrappy, fierce and murderous siren princess known across the world as The Princes Bane. Her mother, the Sea Queen is her nemesis but she is bent to her mother’s will. The Sea Queen is a rather frightening, violent dictator without ethics or scruples. Lira, initially with little to recommend her, undertakes a change about which I don’t want to say more. The character development was superb.

“The crew said her hair was as red as hellfire.”

“The Princes’ Bane is the greatest monster I’ve ever known, and the only one who’s escaped death once I’ve set my sights on her."

Elian is more pirate than Prince of Midas, on a self-inflicted crusade to rid the world of sirens. There’s a lot more to like about Elian and he cuts a swarthy, heroic figure. The ship the prince operates from, holds a crew of friends, protectors and loyal sailors, they made for good reading. When Elian and Lira eventually cross paths, it’s not pretty but it’s explosive, violent and hateful.

“It’s you.”
“Look at you. My monster, come to find me.”

The story took hold of me from the first chapter and was a thrilling voyage across oceans and into unusual lands. I was interested throughout and dying to see what would happen. The romance is subtle but still kicks a punch, nevertheless, it doesn’t overwhelm the story.


"Me, my ship, and a girl with oceans in her eyes."

I had a little niggle in this book regarding how the dialogue was written, my problem being that it is consistently unclear when the dialogue character changes, which stops your flow while you work out who’s talking. However, this is just a niggle and wasn’t a major issue.

I am truly excited about this debut, it’s uniqueness and strong writing of characters and story direction. YA fantasy lovers are going to rave over this, I’m sure.

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
  
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Merissa (13600 KP) rated Chimera's Prisoner (Prime Omegaverse #6) in Books

Jun 10, 2025  
Chimera's Prisoner (Prime Omegaverse #6)
Chimera's Prisoner (Prime Omegaverse #6)
Allegra Rose | 2025 | Erotica, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
CHIMERA'S PRISONER is the sixth book in the Prime Omegaverse series, and if you haven't figured it out yet, the trigger warnings are there for a reason. This is a dark monster romance with dub-con. If that's not your thing, move along.

Amelia is a nurse who has been captured by the felines for transportation to a breeding centre. Funnily enough, she's none too keen on the idea. When Mother Nature sends a storm to help out, she is quick to take advantage. Unfortunately for her, Vex is flying overhead, patrolling his territory, when he spots her and scents her.

I loved Vex! Yes, he was an Alpha, but he also had a heart. And although he knew from the beginning that Amelia was his, he wasn't obnoxious about it either, unlike some of the others I've read.

With some high heat, this story also had emotions, connections, and action. The Council are none too pleased with Vex claiming Amelia and will do anything to retrieve her.

I wasn't too keen on the last book, but I did enjoy this one a lot more. Chapter 16 was repeated in my copy, but on the whole, there were fewer repetitions than in previous stories. I am hoping for all the stories to connect at some point, but am enjoying the different scenarios as they each conclude.

** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 10, 2025