To kill a kingdom by Alexandra Christo Trigger warnings: Gruesome scenes. Age rating: 13+ Overall rating: 4.5 out of five. Gernes: Young Adult, Retelling, Fantasy. A spoiler free summary Princess Lira is siren royalty and the feared Prince’s Bane, until Lira is cursed by the callous Sea Queen, and she may have to remain human unless she can deliver the heart of the infamous siren killer without her song. Prince Elian is the captain of the deadliest crew of siren hunters and secondly, the heir to the most powerful kingdom. When he rescues a drowning woman, she makes promises to end sirenkind forever, but how can he trust this mysterious woman from the ocean…. Review Retellings can often go wrong if it’s not well executed, but this was certainly well done. Not only is it a retelling of the little mermaid but it adds elements of other stories such as King Midas and the Greek Goddess of sea monsters, Keto. I do appreciate the two point of views and the story would be so different without it. Many of the character are colourful in personality and the book has an array of beautiful scenery. The point of views were easy to follow. The semi-main characters add the perfect flair to the storyline. I love Madrid and Kye’s relationship, I like Lira’s whole persona and the flash backs that provides some understanding on why Lira is the way she is. Elian and Lira’s dynamic is a pleasure to read. Kahlia and Lira’s sibling like relationship starts and ends the adventure pulling it all together. Overall, the writing is well written, and the story is easy to dive into this world. I really enjoyed the story and have read it multiple times. Quotes “Love is a word we scarcely hear in the ocean. It exists only in my song and on the lips of the princes I’ve killed. And I have never heard it from my mother’s mouth.” “There is nothing in this world but pain and the rare moments that exist in between.” Recommendation A good book to get away from your troubles. The ocean and the lands in between are the perfect combination for exploration. If pirates, sirens, royalty, secrets and adventure appeals to you, then I recommend. Pros: The first sentence of the book is one of my favourites, its very eye catching, and any mind would immediately want to know what happens next. I also love when the author added a note to the readers so that was wonderful to see. I really enjoyed the little detail of a tentacle whenever it changed to Lira’s point of view. Cons: The middle section of the book surrounding Lira and Elian’s dynamic is dragged a little and the end almost feels rushed. It would have been nice to see more of their relationship and wished the book was longer or there was a sequel. Reread Review.
Enna Mari 