4.5/5*
Loved this loose rapunzel retelling. The writing style is similar to to kill a kingdom.
Great characters (loved Micah and Nox) the villains were villainous
It had a compelling intruiging plot.
When selestria had to give a death prediction for the first time it does not go to plan and she finds herself inexplicably linked to Nox, a first soldier who wants revenge for his father. Some great banter scenes, some parts that made me laugh, parts that made me gasp and parts that made me sad.
Can’t wait to read more of this author

Green haired, yellow eyed Selestra has been trapped in her tower on the Floating Mountain for sixteen years. In training to be the next Kings Witch for an immortal King, she helps to predict people's fates at the Festival of Predictions. If a person can outrun their fate, a wish is granted but if they die... their soul is forfeit. When Selestra meets Nox, she makes a surprising prediction that ties his fate to hers...

For a retelling of Rapunzel this is the complete opposite of what I was expecting. Selestra and Nox have such a fun jabby relationship, the pacing of the story was great, there was always something happening which was definitely helped by the book being dual POV (I love dual pov's, I like to see everyone's opinions on one situation and when they are enemies? DELICIOUS!) and the story itself was interesting enough to keep me engrossed.

However.... I felt like there was something missing? I think that i didnt emotionally connect with the characters much, like i said the story is quite fast paced and perhaps that is to its detriment. Also Selestras magic was interesting but I just don't personally feel there was enough of it. And there is a specific scene towards the end that I felt could have done with more magical oomph and heartbreak. I barely felt anything which was a shame.

A

BOOK REVIEW

A BIG thank you to Netgalley and Bonnier Books UK for the opportunity to read this arc.

This review is spoiler free.

A retelling is always going to grab my interest and Princess of Souls was no exception. I have read To Kill a Kingdom but don’t really remember too much about it as it was around the same time as I read The Wicked Deep and Sea Witch and those plot lines have all merged together in my head.

Princess of Souls is exactly my kind of novel. A retelling inspired by the Rapunzel story, although it’s very subtle with only a few nods to the original tale. It’s a standalone fantasy set in the same Universe as TKaK however, it’s been so long since I read it that I’m not sure where the crossover lies but loved it regardless.

The only downside, and it’s minimal, is the enemies to lovers trope. It’s such a cliche! It didn’t stop me demolishing it in under 24 hours though or loving both Selestra and Nox.

Overall, an wonderful, magical adventure full of twists and turns, evil doing and romance. 4/5 stars

Selestra is a young witch who is kept in the castle tower by the king who also has claim to her mother. Both witches have the power of visions that allow them to see a persons death. When Selestra uses her power for the first time on Nox a guard their destinies become intertwined and together they must work to bring down the corruption of the king who feeds on souls to keep his immortality.

I enjoyed this book, the story was well told and the pace was fast enough that it kept me interested to the end. I did read through this in two sittings so was a quick read for me. I do wish the characters had been a little more fleshed out, I just didn't feel as much of a connection as I would have liked. I also found a lot of parts predictable, it was a very YA story with what you would come to expect from any story in this genre, I was hoping for something a little different than all the usual YA troupes. I saw this described as a Rapunzel retelling but I didn't get those vibes at all, the MC has long hair and spends a short time in a tall tower but other than that I didn't see the compassion.

I hope to see a map in the final copy, it would definitely help with the the worldbuilding. I'd recommend this if your looking for an easy quick YA read. I enjoyed 'To Kill a Kingdom' slightly more than this one, the themes between the two are very similar so if you enjoyed Alexandra's previous work you will most likely enjoy this one.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bonnier Books for an E-arc copy of this.

I absolutely love the writing style, as I did with the first book. It’s just so easy to read and makes the book flow so well. The plot was really interesting, but it did feel the author tried to cram too much into the book. This caused certain scenes to feel rushed and lack depth, I think the scenes on the island could have been developed a little bit better and the bonds that were formed there.
The characters were well written and I liked the fact Selestra wasn’t completely naïve. Nox was a great male lead and I liked the fact he was an equal to Selestra. The book was funny at times and sad at others, making the book at overall amazing read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

☆☆☆½

I quite liked Princess of Souls, Selestra was an interesting character to read about and I enjoyed the Rapunzel elements of the book but unfortunately it just wasn’t for me (which was a shame because I enjoyed liked To Kill A Kingdom). I don’t know whether it was because I’m in a slump or I just didn’t like the book but I found myself skimming parts of it to get to parts that could hold my attention, don’t get me wrong it’s a good book I just think I picked it up at the wrong time.
I was also disappointed by the lack of page time for side characters, we had Irenya and Micah and they were in most the book yet despite the fact they were there you sort of forget about them and don’t connect with them, I felt like whatever they’re there, the journey could’ve been had without them and not much would’ve changed.

Sixteen-year-old, Selestra has been unwittingly 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.
Nox a soldier of the king however is determined to try and succeed. When Selestra is for the 1st time is given the task of foretelling a death, his death, she becomes inexplicably entwined and thus begins Selestra’s life changing moment, where by she betrays her family, leaves the tower with Nox and undergo their escapades to evade death.
Neither initially trusts the other, but recognising they must work together to survive, they learn to trust, like and eventually love each other. It’s a witchy journey of discovery as Selestra matures, realises she is a good person and attempts to save the Isles and end the suffering of the people. With decent battles, a sense of adventure, Nox’s wit and some intense determination, it makes for an action packed, YA adventure balanced with action and humour. Very enjoyable.

Thanks to Netgalley and publishers for this eARC of Princess of Souls

I really enjoyed To Kill A Kingdom and I went into this one thinking it was a sequel. IT'S NOT.

Princess of Souls is a Rapunzel retelling and even though the world building and characters are well written it wasnt as good as To Kill A Kingdom. I think I'm mainly disappointed by this as it was plugged as being set in the same world but there was no cross over.

The enemies to lovers trope is something I usually enjoy but in this case it was meh, the whole thing wasnt working for me.

The storyline is good and the premise had promise, I just didn't connect to it.

Having enjoyed her previous book, which I read a few years ago, I was excited for this one!

However, I DNf at 15%. Not the book's fault per se but my own. I enjoy YA but I am quite picky with what type I read. U though this one was going to be enjoyable as it has enemies to lovers, which I enjoy, and also it is Rapunzel's retelling. And I wnjoy retellings.

Unfortunately it wasn't for me but I am sure others will appreciate this one more than I did!

Selestra Somniatis is a witch, whose sole purpose is to be the King's heir, to help him to stay immortal and remain in power.
Nox Laederic is one of the strongest in the King's Last Army, and has spent the last few years preparing to kill the king, and avenge his father's death.

Like Christo's previous novel, this is a fairytale retelling, this time based on Rapunzel. I absolutely adored this story, it had me gripped from the start and was everything I needed, enemies to lovers, powerful female protagonist, amazing friendships.

The POV is dual so we get both Selestra's and Nox's story and it makes for a richer story. I loved seeing their relationship grow, and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this brilliant book!

I adored this book so much, and I can't wait until October so I read it again!

Locked away in her tower, sixteen year old Selestra Somniatis is a witch whose only purpose is to be the King's heir, one who helps the King to stay immortal and all powerful.

Nox Laederic, one of the strongest soldiers in the King's Last Army, thinks only of avenging his father's death by killing the King, his witch and his heir...

Like To Kill A Kingdom; this is a fairy tale retelling (Rapunzel in this instance) and it is also set in the same world as TKAK. However, I enjoyed this story much better than TKAK, I thought the characters were far better written and the banter between them all was very witty and well constructed. Nox, Selestra, Irenya and Micah were extremely likeable and charming.

The storyline was great, very enthralling and I was really rooting for the characters. The pace was good and the last part of the book was excellent. Some parts genuinely made me emotional.

I would have preferred more world building and more detail on the magic system but it was still very enthralling for a standalone..

DNF at 40%.

This DNF is entirely my fault - I requested this thinking 'oh, I enjoyed To Kill A Kingdom back in 2018', without realising that my taste has changed a lot since 2018. If you enjoy that very classic YA style, full of snarky one-liners, angsty princesses with dark magic who can't touch anyone, wise-cracking soldier boys who just happen to be tied to them by fate, and a quest to take down a corrupt ruler, then you're going to be in heaven with this book. For me, I just found it too similar to so many things I've read before, and not in a style I enjoy any more. For fans of classic YA fantasy, this will be great.

“There are many who believe they can cheat death. When they fail, I take their souls…
Every. Single. One.”

After reading and enjoying To Kill A Kingdom, I was so excited to pick this up- thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to get my hands on this before the pub date!!

The book is a Rapunzel retelling… with a twist. It begins with the festival of predictions where the witches foretell deaths and fate is then tried to be avoided. If unsuccessful (which most are) their souls are forfeited to the King. Selestra is also trying to avoid her fate of taking over her mothers position alongside the King, and so she and an unlikely participant in the festival flee in an attempt to make up for the past and promise a better future.

This story is so unique and fast paced. It has everything you need: enemies to lovers, a powerful female protagonist, found family, laugh out loud banter, dual pov, and two loveable friends as side characters. What more could you ask for?

Oct 11 can’t come quick enough! I’m so excited for other readers to get their hands on this.

I didn't enjoy this one as much as To Kill a Kingdom but I think that was more with when I read it (bus journeys) than anything wrong with the book as when I read it on my breaks I just flew through it.

It was a very unique story, I loved the premise of a witch heir wanting to go against the system and changing a centuries old system to do the right thing for people. The immortal king that steals souls and her mother who is bound to help him are really good villains in the story and the enemies-to-lovers hero is refreshing too.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it!

Princess of Souls by Alexandra Christo, a spellbinding Rapunzel retelling full of witches and adventure 4.75/5⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley UK for giving me a free E-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I was really excited to return to the world of To Kill A Kingdom as I quite enjoyed it and this book is definitely a great improvement from that book.

The world is led by an immortal king who with the help with his witch steal the souls of people. I thought this was quite an unique concept and it was developed nicely. The writing was perfect for a YA Fantasy with lots of added humour, sarcasm and wit. The plot is fast paced as it focused on an adventure which I loved. In my opinion, Alexandra has improved on this aspect the most compared to To Kill a Kingdom. Also I loved how the trope were utilised eg found family and I am suppose to kill you.

The characters are definitely the highlight. It is dual POV so we get a great insight into the characters.
Our main protagonist Selestra, is trapped in her tower and is being be prepared to be the next witch to steal souls for the king. She goes through a great arc as she finally does accept her power and herself. I really related to her and she finds it hard to trust herself but finds it easy to trust others.
Our other main protagonist, Nox, is a solider who wants to avenge his father by killing the king. He is practically a Fylnn Rider with all his sarcasm and humour but has a deep heart and will do anything to protect Selestra. I absolutely adored him and he and Selestra’s banter and chemistry was incredible.

Overall, I had so much fun reading this book and I cannot wait for everyone to read this book on 11th October!

Princess of Souls

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received this as an arc by the author in exchange for an honest review.

By the author of To Kill a Wicked Kingdom, this book is a dark reimagining of Rapunzal filled with witches, soldiers and magic.

This was witty, fun and very immersive in descriptive.

“I can tell someone when they’re going to die. All I need is a lock of their hair and their soul.”

Well, I think we can all agree that that sounds like a great party trick. I would love to wander around parties after a couple of gins with a pair of scissors, claiming souls, chopping off locks, and generally terrifying people. That said, I don’t fancy Selestra’s life, so I’ll probably give it a pass. Selestra is destined to do this as her job once her mother dies; as the king’s witch, she will give predictions and snatch souls (denying them safe passage to their afterlife, the River of Memory) in order to feed them to the king and protect his immortality. King Seryth is vile. I hated him from the moment I met him. He’s awful to Selestra. If I were the Somnatis witch in charge of reaping a hundred souls each month so he could continue his disgusting existence, I simply would not.

Selestra doesn’t want this life. She hates it. She is ashamed of what her family do and she wants something more for herself. She doesn’t want to be a monster working for the king and thriving on death. Selestra wants to choose her own destiny, to be who she is and do what she wants to do rather than living the life that has been chosen for her. She has big mummy issues; she feels like she needs to prove her worth to her mother, but her mother is aloof, rarely shows any sign of caring for her and prioritises the king over her, so it’s hardly surprising she’s not winning a Mummy of the Year award. Selestra (and the reader) keep hoping that there is a kinder version of her mother in there, but it seems unlikely.

Princess of Souls begins more or less with the start of the festival, where the people come to the castle in hope of winning a wish. All they have to do is hand over their soul, hear their death predicted and then survive two weeks without dying. It sounds relatively straight forward, but let’s be honest, most people who attempt this die. That’s how the king keeps his immortality. I don’t know that I’d be prepared to risk my soul for a wish from a guy I’d never get tired of punching, but many do.

It is here that Selestra meets Nox, member of the Last Army and the favourite of the king. Selestra is ordered to make his prediction and everything goes horribly awry when she sees that his death is linked with her own. She steps in to sae him (and herself) from the death she saw, but in doing so betrays her mother and the king. It sets off a wild and dangerous adventure where Selestra and Nox become more and more entwined in each others lives. They hate each other from the outset, but if one dies, so does the other, so they have to keep each other safe, which is easier said than done with the scrapes they get themselves into.

I loved seeing their relationship grow as they continue to evade death. Their banter is excellent and made me cackle on many occasions. They need each other (her to evade the king’s wrath and him to survive the month and have a chance at destroying the king) so they have to learn to work together, which is more amusing than I expected it to be. There are a lot of twists in this book, exciting revelations, phenomenal characters with some home truths for Selestra, showdowns and shocks.

I can’t say much more without spoiling this book so let me just finish by saying, it is brilliant. Read it.

I have just finished this book and videoed my reaction through the last 10% of the book because what an absolute journey!

I adored this book- from the start I was gripped as I was with the author's previous novel but this one took the win in my opinion.

The characters were great- the found family vibe and the banter between our main cohort was just so heartwarming, obviously Nox is going to be everyone's next book boyfriend and I can't wait for the fan art, Selestra was everything thing I wanted in a strong female protagonist- feisty, strong, flawed. Michah and Irenya's sibling bickering is just so relatable.

The retelling or reimagining of "Rapunzel" while subtle there are lots of parts that take you back to the original tale and while we are on subtlety Alexandra Christo is so good at subtlety especially when the romance is blossoming between Selestra and Nox!

On romance it's there but there are no toxic relationship tropes and this is YA fantasy romance so it's safe to recommend in my opinion to a wider age range than traditional YA especially if you know your audience. So for those of you in to tropes we have enemies to lovers to friends to enemies to lovers this isn't linear, found family, some one bed all be it a blanket.

As I'd read "To Kill a Kingdom" I recognised the world and magic systems however this can be read as a standalone and the writing is so good that if this was my first outing I'd know the world/magic.

The pace, characters and story are so good throughout and there was at no point that I thought it was dragging however that last 10% of the book wow!
Chapter 44- heart ripped out
Chapter 45- head in hands
chapter 46-goosebumps
chapter 47- slight breather into heart ripped out again
chapter 48- head in hands, crying
rest of the book smiles, sobs- honestly just so good!

I loved this book in fact I rationed it out because I didn't want it to end - thank you so much for the opportunity to read in advance.

4.75 stars

After recently being introduced to the To Kill A Kingdom world (and loving it) I was thrilled to hear about it's newest edition... Princess of Souls.

In true Alexandra Christo fashion, its a far darker storyline then that of the Rapunzel fairytale we grew up with. In fact, apart from some small similarities (princess locked up in a tower, handsome dude saving princess from said tower and an evil mother figure) the two stories differ quite a bit.

With Christo, we get witches (a favourite of mine) soul eaters, immortality and the righting of past wrongs. Add in some action, a charismatic love interest and two loveable best friends and you've got yourself one hell of an enjoyable read. Dare I say... but I *think* this is my favourite Christo book yet - I couldn't put it down!

I’m am yet to pick up an Alexandra Christo book and not instantly fall in love with it and when I say instantly I mean 1st line, she is the queen of opening lines.
POS is filled with everything you need from a book: action, adventure, great back and forth between main characters, brilliantly written villians and morally grey characters with a continuous pace there isn’t a moment of boredom. The characters are well written and you love them all and hate them all.
Following Nox and Selestra on this journey will leave you breathless from continuous adventure With an amazing clash of titans ending!!