Princess of Souls by Alexandra Christo

Pages: 416

Publisher: Hot Key Books 

Released: 10th of October 2022 

Return to the world of TO KILL A KINGDOM for a brand-new fantasy adventure about a young witch groomed to steal souls for an immortal king and the reckless, rebellious boy to whom her fate is tied.

For sixteen years, Selestra has been trapped in her tower on the Floating Mountain, preparing to take her mother's place as the King's Witch, who foretells deaths in the Festival of Predictions. Outrunning your fate earns a wish and the chance to steal the King's immortality. But die and your soul is forfeit. And though thousands have tried, nobody has ever beaten death.

A soldier in the King's army, Nox is an unlikely candidate for the Festival, but, driven by revenge, he is determined to steal the King's immortality and kill the entirety of his court, starting with Selestra.

Yet when Selestra touches Nox in her very first prediction, their fates become entwined, and death seeks to take both their souls. Only by working together can they survive long enough to escape the dark fate and the immortal King that now hunts them.

A feast of storytelling, featuring breathtaking journeys, nail-biting battles and powerful magic.

What I Have to Say 

I loved To Kill a Kingdom so much, but every other one of Alexandra Christo's books have disappointed me. I just can't seem to capture the magic that I had when I first read To Kill a Kingdom. It's a pity because she is genuinely a good writer. 

I did like some parts of it very much though. The magic system was my especial favourite. How the way her mother teaches her magic tied up in death and darkness, but then Selestra's journey teaches her a different way to use her magic and how to find balance. 

I liked the sassy enemies-to-lovers romance, but it all felt a bit predictable. It's possible I've just read too much enemies to lovers, but it just didn't hit right for me at all. 

All in all, I think I liked what this book said in terms of magic and character progression, but the execution felt a bit off for me.

 

3.5 stars

My thanks go to Hot Key Books and Netgalley for providing me this copy for review.