Review - Princess of Souls (Hundred Kingdoms, #2) by Alexandra Christo

 

 

 

Title: Princess of Souls (Hundred Kingdoms, #2)

Author: Alexandra Christo

Pages: 417

 Publisher: Hot Key Books

 Release Date: 11th October 2022

Blurb from Goodreads:

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.

Goodreads | Storygraph | Amazon UK | Amazon US | Bookshop

My Review:

*I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Bonnier Books UK and NetGalley*

Selestra has spent her life trapped behind palace walls, the heir to her mother's place as the immortal King's witch.

Every year at the Festival of Predictions, people risk the price of having their souls claimed by the King for the chance to earn a wish and take the King's immortality for themselves. However, doing so means attempting to avoid almost certain death, something no one has ever been able to do.

This year, Nox, a soldier in the King's army, takes part in the Festival, driven by the need to avenge his father's death at the King's hand.

When Selestra and Nox's futures become linked, they will have to work together if they want to survive until the end of the festival.

Together can they bring an end to the King's tyranny?

Having both enjoyed and not liked some of the author's previous books, I was a little hesitant to try this one, but I'm glad I did.

I found both Selestra and Nox to be likeable and relatable protagonists, and they'd both had tough lives, but I did like Selestra more. Their interactions were enjoyable to read, but I did find the jibes a bit too much at times.

My favourite character was Irenya, Selestra's friend, and I liked their relationship.

Selestra's mother was quite an interesting, complex character. I would have liked to find out more about her and her past/experiences as the King's witch.

The setting was interesting and I enjoyed finding out more about the world and its lore.

The plot was enjoyable and held my attention. The pacing was pretty good throughout, but I did start to lose interest a little towards the end. I didn't feel overly invested in what happened, but I was rooting for Selestra to show her mother and the King that she was more than just the heir.

The writing style was easy to follow.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read.