29 Mar 2023

Review: TO KILL A KINGDOM by Alexandra Christo

TO KILL A KINGDOM

Author: Alexandra Christo

Series: N/A
Source: Audio from Audible
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication Date: March 6, 2018

Overall Rating:
Diversity Rating:
Representation: N/A

Summary:

Princess Lira is siren royalty and the most lethal of them all. With the hearts of seventeen princes in her collection, she is revered across the sea. Until a twist of fate forces her to kill one of her own. To punish her daughter, the Sea Queen transforms Lira into the one thing they loathe most—a human. Robbed of her song, Lira has until the winter solstice to deliver Prince Elian’s heart to the Sea Queen or remain a human forever.

The ocean is the only place Prince Elian calls home, even though he is heir to the most powerful kingdom in the world. Hunting sirens is more than an unsavory hobby—it’s his calling. When he rescues a drowning woman in the ocean, she’s more than what she appears. She promises to help him find the key to destroying all of sirenkind for good—But can he trust her? And just how many deals will Elian have to barter to eliminate mankind’s greatest enemy?

Purchase:

Amazon | Chapters | TBD

Content Warning: Abuse (including parental), Death (graphic), Gun violence, Sexual assault (nonconsensual kiss), Violence

Even though it took me a month and a half to read (yay seasonal depression!), I REALLY enjoyed this book! An interesting take on "The Little Mermaid," I thought it was creative, well-written, and kept me on the edge of my seat near the end!

I loved the elements of the original story that we could use as a through line but Christo does such a good job at making this her own story. I loved all the characters and their perspectives were so interesting! I thought it was such a great take on a story we've heard before - and are going to see in live action soon.

This book does touch on some hard and sensitive topics but does so in a way that makes them relatable to the reader. Sure, I might not be a siren, but I know what it's like to want to win a parent's approval. It was really universal in the way it was done.

Highly recommend!