PRINCESS OF SOULS

⭐️⭐️.5/ 5 STARS

Thank you @netgalley for giving me an earc to read for an honest opinion.

I was so exicted to read this book because I LOVED To kill a kingdom but this one was not a patch on it.
It was flat and I felt like I didn't really connect with the characters. They just okay. It's an enemies to lovers which are my favourite to read but this one just felt bland. I wasn't fussed. And that's not like me at all!
If it wasn't for the last 20-25% or so it would have been a 2 star rating. That bit just boosted it up a bit. There was something that happened that I thought completely unnecessary and I'm still not over it 😂

I did like the adventure that the characters went on I thought that was fun and I liked that the main character got the chance to figure herself out without her family controlling her every move. I also love the cover I think it looks stunning.

But this book overall just wasn't for me.

Preliminary 5-star review. Will post a full review and adjust the rating accordingly after I finish the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC copy of this book, in exchange for this honest review.

Many thanks to Bonnier Books UK, Hot Key Books and Alexandra Christo for the advanced copy of Princess of Souls via NetGalley, in return for my honest and unbiased review.

I absolutely adored reading this YA fantasy and positively inhaled it. Whilst I’m normally a fan of series (as I like seeing characters develop over time), the depth and development of Christo’s characters in this book made it feel like I read an entire series over only one book.

I appreciated the humour, with plenty of little quips and jibes throughout the books. “Says the girl who nearly got eaten by a puddle.”

The inclusion of a bisexual/pansexual character was great, and without the usual inherent homophobia battle that is still found in most books. It’s just a given and part of the narrative. “She’s dated both women and men and always said she cares more about people than their bodies.”

Whilst this is, loosely, a retelling of Rapunzel, with frequent mentions of her tower, letting down her hair, and a symbolic cutting of her hair, this story goes much deeper. It delves deep into good vs evil, into misunderstood and twisted powers and what the quest for immortality could do to the mind.

Moods: adventurous, emotional, mysterious, challenging & inspiring
Pace: fast
Character development: strong
Plot or character driven: 50/50
Diversity: medium
Trigger warnings: death of a family member, death of a friend, murder, physical assault, violence, war theme

Overall, I give this book 5/5 and I would highly recommend this to any fantasy reader. Adored this book!

If ryou want a story about a green haired witch, who fell in love with a soilder and had magic to see a person's death, then this is the perfect book.
I loved To Kill a Kingdom and love this book even more. Enemies to lovers, secrets, betrrayl and family. You go thrrogh all the emotions.
The world building is emmense and believeable.
Alexandra's novels are a must read.
Thank you #netgalley for the ARC. Physical copy already pre ordered.

Really enjoyed this. Good plot, loosely based on Rapunzel, likeable but conflicted heroes, and horrible villains. Swords, magic, enemies to lovers (no spice) and adventure.

‘To Kill a Kingdom’ is definitely my favourite book by Alexandra Christo, so I was very much excited about ‘Princess of Souls’ which gives a little glimpse to the same world though follows completely different Kingdom, and features a new cast of characters.

While ‘To Kill a Kingdom’ remains at the top of my list, I have enjoyed ‘Princess of Souls’. Selestra is an interesting character, full of passion and conviction, and she learns to not to be afraid to speak her mind, as well as change her beliefs once she witnesses things that question her world. In terms of character development, I definitely enjoyed her portrayal the most, but Nox was interesting as well.

It's definitely a story that keeps to on the edge, even if at moments is a little bit predictable. Selestra and Nox’s journey is full of ups and downs, but it allows them to grow and change, and it’s an interesting journey to witness.

2.5 rounded up.

Thank you for giving me this earc in exchange for my honest opinion.

If it wasn't for the last 10 chapters, this would've been 2 stars. It doesn't come close to To Kill a Kingdom. I didn't like Selestra or Nox until the last few chapters (tbh I don't think I like Nox still), Micah and Irenya carried this story. Whilst the concept was good, it was carried out so poorly. I can't explain it, but it felt rushed. The action flew by whereas everything else was a drag. Overall, I probably won't read this again.

I'm going to start off this review by saying if you're looking for a heavily inspired Rapunzel retelling, you're not going to get that. There are some references, sure, but I wouldn't class it as a retelling.

Saying that, I really did enjoy this book. I liked the banter between Selestra and Nox, especially at the beginning, and their journey together. Unfortunately, Irenya and Micah felt a big tagged on, and I'd have preferred getting to know them a bit better. I liked the magic in this book, and the relationship between Selestra and her mother. There were a few good twists in this book as well.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Princess of Souls is set in the same world as To Kill A Kingdom but aside from that there's no connection between them so you don't need to read that first if you haven't but totally recommend the book regsrdless!

I adored To Kill A Kingdom so I was very much looking forwards to this one and I was not disappointed. Alexandra Christo is an incredible writer and I must read City of Spells soon (only one I've got unread by her!)

It's a duel point of view with our main characters, Selestra and Nox, their chemistry and relationship was perfect, it wasn't forced and I enjoyed their back and forth!

Will definitely have to grab a physical copy once it's out, highly recommended!

I was a bit disappointed with this book. I wish there was some more depth and details to certain parts, for example the magic system, because it felt a bit rushed to me.

I think it was meant to be loosely based on Rapunzel (and an evil one at that) but I didn't really get much of that and I definitely didn't think Selestra was evil. The plot itself has potential and I feel like it would've worked better as two books rather than being condensed into one.

Overall, I'm sure other readers would love this book but unfortunately it just wasn't for me.

*Thank you to @Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

I had high hopes for this book after really enjoying Christo's other book set in this world, 'To Kill A Kingdom', but sadly this one just didn't work for me.

The worldbuilding and magic system were intriguing, but we never quite get a good enough look into either. I would have loved more of the beginning at the court and the initial days of the festival exploring the world and politics, instead it moved quickly from one plot point to the next. In particular I would have liked to learn more about the magic system, as the magic development and power controls felt very plot convenient as times.

Bur mostly my issue was with the main characters. In comparison to Christo's other work I just couldn't feel the connection and main relationship felt very rushed. The friendships were better portrayed than the romance, but I really feel that there was simply too much plot to cover in this 400 page book, and that the book should have been longer or perhaps even a duology to allow time for the character dynamics to breathe and to properly flesh out the world.

I do appreciate that the book commits to it's stakes well for a YA, the characters do have to face tough decisions and choices in this one. While it wasn't for me it might suit someone looking for a fast paced standalone tale.

Thank you so much Bonnier Books Uk + Netgalley for providing me with this E-ARC I am eternally grateful. I feel extremely lucky that I got to read this book before it is released and it was AMAZING. This was just the perfect fantasy book and now i’m sad that it’s over because I loved it so much. This carried out the Rapunzel re-telling perfectly, with a few parallels to tangled I often spotted, and an amazing take on it. This book was perfect for me, the short chapters, dual POV told from first person perspectives, with lovable characters, perfectly carried out character arcs and enemies to lovers romance that was carried out in the best possible way. The main characters romance was carried out perfectly and I loved the tension and angst. This book also had an extremely interesting world and magic in it which I loved very much. There’s so many good things I could say about this book - I just couldn’t put it down and I loved it so much - definitely one of my favourite fantasy reads, if not the favourite of mine I feel so lucky I got to read this book before the release date, I can tell it is going to be very popular. My one critic as a few typos and there is this one chapter I think around chapter 20, told from Selestra’s perspective, when Nox and Selestra are on the king’s ship, where it mentions that Selestra sees her mother. However after this chapter she just miraculously disappears without Selestra or Nox fighting/communicating with her and with no mention that she ever left - so I think it should just be mentioned in the chapter that Selestra could no longer see her mother / that she disappeared or something as it felt edging onto a plot hole when there was no mention that she had left the king’s ship. However apart from that, this book was absolutely amazing and nothing else of it needs changing in my opinion.
I’m going to miss the characters and this book so much knowing that it’s probably a standalone - so I will definitely be purchasing a copy when it is released to re-read as this book was so good!

I really loved and enjoyed To kill a kingdom so I was quite sure that this too wouldn’t disappoint and nobody is more glad about it more than me. I really loved and enjoyed it. It was fast paced, full of excitement, action and mystery. I just can’t seem to put it down except read and finish it in a single sitting. So yeah, I loved it that much.

I am going to get the negative out of the way first so I can focus on the many things I LOVED about this book.
If I were to say the characters of this book were completely original and new I would be lying. The main plotline of overthrowing a tyranical ruler whilst the protagonists gain a new understanding of themselves and their power is almost identical to that of Christo's incredible debut To Kill A Kingdom. Furthermore, in terms of characters, Nox is practically a reincarnation of Elian, not to mention the two very similar mothers in both novels.
HOWEVER, and this is a huge caveat, I did not care one bit whilst reading this book.
The style of Christo's writing is wonderful. The story captures the reader from the first instant, there is quickfire action, witty dialogue, detailed and relatable characterisation, and incredible worlds that I long to explore. Additionally, the story was empowering and exciting and written with elegance. The descriptions brought each element to life without being overly wordy or dull as Christo's word choice was careful and well considered. Lastly, Selestra and Nox are even more lovable that Elian and Lira. Their relationship is wonderful to experience and I found myself grinning like a lovestruck teen when they finally had their first kiss.

Overall, "Princess of Souls" is wonderful addition to any YA or fantasy lovers bookshelf. I highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

As soon as I saw that NetGalley had Princess of Souls I requested the book. I loved To Kill a Kingdom so I was fairly confident that I would enjoy this one too.

Christo writes this book beautifully and I do like how her books follow a very specific structure. I also enjoy the character progression in these books

I liked the arc and plot of this story but I unfortunately wasn't in love with the characters like I was in To Kill A Kingdom hence the 4 stars. However, I still would definitely recommend this to people who enjoy fantasy books as Christo's books are extremely easy to read.

Was a nice easy read.

Magic system of the book was different but very easy to follow.

I feel relationships between characters lacked dynamics at points but overall a good YA fantasy.

A story of escaping chains that held them down, finding love in unexpected places and restoring happiness back to a bleak world! I definitely enjoyed this book, it moved quickly and I found that some of the scenes with the action could’ve been more developed but still a good read with a good story line! Love the romance too!

An engaging and action packed tale about finding your power and choosing your own destiny. I thought perhaps the ending was a tad rushed, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

This book is a loose retelling of Rapunzel. For me, I got more Greek mythology vibes then Rapunzel though. It takes place in the same world as To Kill a Kingdom, but there is not any crossover between the two. However, if you enjoyed To Kill a Kingdom, you will like this book even more. Both books have a similar plot set up, but the writing is a step up from To Kill a Kingdom. The female main character, Selestra, is perceived by the general population as "evil". She is trapped by the family curse and who everyone else expects her to be. You also have a morally grey male main character, Nox, who is kind of a rebel who does not do what is expected of him. Selestra and Nox's fates are intertwined, for reasons that are unknown, and they form an alliance due to their shared goal of saving their kingdom from the king's wrath. The book has a good pace and balance between character interaction and action scenes. It is categorized as an enemies-to-lovers, but I didn't feel that the main characters necessarily started off the book as enemies. The ending was slightly predictable, but there were still little surprises that kept the reader drawn in. The biggest take away for me were the characters. Not only were there strong main characters, but the supporting characters were likeable as well. I live for headstrong female characters that give the male characters a run for their money.
If you are looking for a quick and easy fantasy read then I 100% recommend that you read this book.

*A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

I was excited to return to the world of TO KILL A KINGDOM and Alexandra Christo did not disappoint. Beautifully written, the author creates vivid imagery and a captivating plot.

When destiny intertwines Selestra and Nox’s fate together they must learn to fight as a team in order to survive, find freedom, and set the kingdom free from the tyranny of the king.

The story is fast-paced and grabs your attention (yes I read this in a day.) I enjoyed how the relationship between Nox and Selestra developed however I would have liked the side characters to have been developed slightly more. It felt like they were forgotten for the majority of the story. Only making an appearance when the author suddenly remembered they existed. However, the scenes that they were in were humorous and light breaking up some of the tension.

I would definitely recommend this book to fantasy lovers!
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review