Princess of Souls Had Some Spirit!

After the towering success of to kill a kingdom, I foresaw I would fall for a Rupunzel retelling by the same author.

Loosely inspired by said fairy tale, this ensnared some of my interest, but did not quite capture my heart the way I had hoped.

The thorny matter is that the characterisation was frankly not as cutthroat as her little mermaid counterpart. Instead, we were gifted a rather pleasant heroine, which made her, well, a bit boring. Even though she too was a witch, I rather felt her thunder was stolen by more intriguing villains.

That said, I was impressed with the world building. Bold and richly devised, it sprung up in my imagination as a verdant creation. I thoroughly enjoyed being swept away to this tricksy land.

I also found the plot fun. Though I wasn’t sold on the enemies to lovers aspect and wasn’t invested in the characters to love their romance, I did find myself swept up in the action. Pulled along by the powerful prose, I was unable to tear myself away from the book for long.

Ultimately, this was a rather unique retelling, full of witches and ghoulies and all things foul (ie a light selection from spooky season 😉) yet not the most memorable read.

Rating: 3½/5 bananas

Princess of souls is a marvellously written book, it follows Selestra for her whole life she has been prepared to replace her mother and become the next King’s Witch. As the King’s Witch she would tell people their deaths in the Festival of Predictions, thousands of people enter each year with a chance of any wish they want at the end but still thousands of people die trying to get the Kings immortality, If they die they give up their souls to the King as a forfeit and feed his immortality. At the end of the day of predictions a soldier in the Kings army is determined to kill the king and all members of his court first is Selestra. When Selestra reads his destiny their fates become entwined. This book is full of twists and turns, it is written so well. It was fast-paced with an enchanting plot, it was lovely to read and overall a fantastic retelling of Rapunzel and I would definitely recommend it

So happy to be back in this world- what a fantastic book!!

Loosely based on Rapunzel- it was an amazing book to just jump straight into. I enjoyed all of the characters and their story arcs. Such a great read- I read it within a day! Can't wait to see what's next for this author.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book!

Firstly I want to thank Bonnier Books UK/ Hot Key Books and NetGalley for an earc of this book.

I was so excited when they announced this book. I read To Kill a Kingdom via audiobook last year and I absolutely loved it! So when they said Alexandra Christo's next book was to be set in the same universe - I was ecstatic and immediately requested it when it became available.

The story was pitched as a Repunzel retelling just as To Kill a Kingdom was pitched as a Little Mermaid retelling. But unfortunately, I felt that the connection to the original fairytale in this wasn't as strong as the first novel. If not for being told that the character had long hair and was locked in a tower (and a singular joke about letting down her hair to escape), I am not sure I would have clicked on the connection.

While I didn't dislike the romance, I wasn't swooning at their relationship. It developed nicely and they had some cute moments. However, my biggest concern was that their third act break up could have very easily been resolved if they explained their actions to each other.

Overall, I wasn't thoroughly impressed with this book. From the start, it wasn't as gripping or as engaging as TTAK. My biggest issue with the book was that it lorded the King of the Six Isles as treacherous and bloodthirsty and the worst ruler they had ever had. but my issue with creating a character with such a formidable reputation is that if you can't show it - the motivation to stop him doesn't feel as urgent.

Despite this, I will say that I did enjoy the magic system. The way magic is passed on through generations, the way magic affects the users.

In the end, I think my expectations going into this book were too high. Having read and loved TTAK, I expected the same again. But unfortunately, it just didn't hit the heights.

This wasnt what I was expecting and I'm so much happier about it. I was expecting a story more strongly centerd around the fairytale just with darker themes and villains. But this was so much better, it was more like tangled where it is about the adventure not really about her being locked in the tower and more about her saving herself. The actual mentions of the themes of rapunzel such as the tower and the hair were more casually mentioned, sometimes more as a joke. Which I loved! There is a intriguing magical system and great darker heroes fighting together and a slight enemies to lovers plot, and rapunzel has been transformed into this baddass witch with green hair and snake eyes and incredible powers. Definitely worth the read!

Selestra feels trapped. Trapped in a life she never asked for as the next Somniatis Witch for the King, doomed to a life of seeing people's deaths and stealing their soul to keep the King immortal. But when Nox, a soldier in the King's army turns up asking to take part in the festival of predictions, Selestra see's something strange. Nox's fate and death seem linked to her own, and before long Selestra finds herself drawn to this boy until more than their fates are entwined. Alongside friends, they journey to search for a weapon capable of killing the King, taking his immortality once and for all. But everything comes with a price, and freeing the Kingdom from this tyrant may ask more of Selestra than she is willing to pay.

Princess of Souls is told from the POV's of Selestra and Nox. Selestra is the next in line to become the King's witch, something she would rather avoid, but thanks to a curse put on her ancestral line, she has no choice in the matter. She leads a lonely life, unable to touch anyone without being drawn into a vision of their death, and slowly but surely finds the walls of the tower closing in around her. She is headstrong and more than able to look after herself in a fight, but she lives under the shadow of her fate, and would do anything to try and escape it. Nox is after blood. He wants the King, as well as the Somniatis Witches dead, and see's the festival as his one chance. But when he meets Selestra he see's not evil, but sadness in her eyes. Someone who wants to change their fate, as well as the Kingdom, as much as he does. He's resistant to trust her at first, but knows that she is the key to him getting his revenge.

Christo has a knack for writing incredibly fast paced stories that never manage to skimp on character exploration or world building. Her writing style and use of plot twists keep the story moving at an energetic pace and she inserts the perfect balance of high octane scenes as well as the slower style. The fight scenes were brilliantly brought to life and played like a little movie in my head whilst reading, and they certainly add to the energy of the story whilst also enamouring you to our characters. But I think the parts I loved reading the most were the scenes where Selestra used and explored her magic. She is so sure that it leads only to death, to pain and torture, but as the story unfolds she starts to see a different side to it, a side that stops her from being scared of using at, and a side that makes her infinitely more powerful.

As a Rapunzel retelling, it's pretty on point. Girl trapped in tower, rescued by rakish boy and they then bring down the people who kept her locked. But thanks to the magic system, as well as how our characters are written, Christo manages to make it wholly her own. If you enjoy enemies to lovers romances, then this is definitely worth checking out. The snark, the sneaky looks, the fights and the eventual romance made for a fun and entertaining read. They bring out the best in each other, as well as help each other to get over past issues, and I thoroughly enjoyed following them on their journey.

If you're in the mood for a high energy, entertaining and fast paced read filled with magic, romance and brilliantly written characters then you should definitely pick this book up. I thoroughly enjoyed following Selestra on her journey of revenge and exploration and can safely say that Christo is becoming a favourite author of mine.

The author’s prose is still engaging and this was a quick read. I still love the Kill a Kingdom universe. I guess a Rapunzel retelling is a hard sell for me because it was never a favourite and this diverges a lot but not in a way I really cared for. I didn’t really gel with the characters either. So good book, well written but ultimately not for me.

I rate this 4.5. This is the first work by Alexandra Christo that I’ve read. I first come across it on Readers First but did not win the draw. Then it caught my eye here on NetGalley hence requested to read it as I wasn’t sure I could wait until it is my turn in the library or for paperback to be published. It is another great fantasy book for me, quite a young adult version I would say compared to Harry Potter. There is such mystery, devastation, emotional, hope, betrayal at the worst, faith etc. I quite enjoyed it really. I like that it all wraps up well within one novel, I was reading and wondering if the book was going to end at a cliffhanger. I think it is a standalone book. To me, this is like an adult version of Harry Potter (which I enjoyed as a child). Thank you Bonnier Books UK and Alexandra Christo for this chance to read your work via netgalley.

I absolutely loved the premise for this book, I mean how doesn’t want to read a Rapunzel retelling?

I loved the relationship between Nox and Selestra and their journey but it just missed the mark for me, I wanted so much more from his tale.

A retelling of Rapunzel this is not what I was expecting, but exactly what I needed, I loved this so much. Selestra and Nox are fabulous, the story is wonderful and so fast paced, it feels like something is happening on every page, it such an addictive read and so engaging. I highly recommend this to readers of Alexandras previous books abd definitely to anyone who hasn’t read her books, you don’t know what you’re missing

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy in return for an honest review

Princess of Souls has a great quest-driven plot to find the sword that is capable of killing even an immortal. The group of 4 (the 2 main characters and their best friends) fit together so well and there's so much banter! Plus the 2 best friends are so lovable that I wanted their POVs too!

It is a dual POV book, which I love because we get to see what the love interest is thinking. Also it helps us understand each of their motivations in keeping secrets - which of course they do because one has decided to kill the other.

The actual quest is action filled with a couple of chapters of relief between each part which gives a nice reprieve from it and allows time for character development and bonding, whilst having the looming threat build up too.

I liked how the romance was slow; the main bulk of the book is spent building a friendship forged from trust - and trust is something that doesn't come naturally. Instead the relationships most focused on are that of parent-child which was refreshing. Selestra and her mother are arguably the most important relationship because whilst they love each other (or at the very least did at some point), they have opposing aims and loyalties.

Overall I'd say the book is about letting go and finding your identity so you can be your own person which is a beautiful sentiment for a book in my opinion - which also fits with the fact that it is a Rapunzel retelling.

p.s. The little references to her letting her hair down are nice references to Rapunzel.

This is a well paced fantasy YA novel. I get the Repunzel connection, but I think this is a unique story in its own right which deserves to be read. The story follows the interplay between two main characters, Selestra and Nox. Destiny has inter-twined their futures. Neither is quite the person they think. The author has a nice style with lots of humour shining through. This the first book I’ve read by Alexandra Christo, I’m sure it won’t be the last. Thank you to Hot Key Books and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine freely given.

My thanks to Netgalley, Hot Key Books and Alexandra Christo for an advanced copy of Princess of Souls in exchange for my honest review!

I was a HUGE fan of To Kill a Kingdom, a book who shares its world with this one so I went in expecting good things, and wasn't disappointed - although I would have loved to have seen Lira and Elian again. I did love the storyline too, and Selestra and Nox were great characters to read and see interact!

Really excited to get a physical copy!

Princess of Souls by Alexandra Christo is a fun, magical tale based on Rapunzel. This book is set in the same world as Christo's previous work, To Kill a Kingdom, however, it works marvellously as a standalone book.

Once again, Christo has built a wonderful world full of dark magic, treacherous seas, mysterious islands and mythical animals which all flow perfectly together.

The book was slightly more juvenile than I was expecting, although I think this was probably in order to reflect the naivety of Selestra, our tenacious green-haired FMC. The romance element was slow-burning and satisfyingly sweet. I loved the banter between Selestra and the rogue soldier, Nox. The dual POV also worked as a brilliant device to understand more about these two guarded and complex characters.

The book is incredibly fast paced and full of swashbuckling action from the very beginning.

Princess of Souls
⭐⭐⭐ 3 out of 5 stars

Selestra has spent most of her childhood locked up in a tower of a castle on the Floating Mountain. She is an heir of Somniatis witches’ magic that allows her to foretell the death of a person she touches. Every year, during the Festival of Predictions, volunteers arrive ready to risk their lives for a chance to have a wish granted by the king. All they need to do is outsmart their own death, as predicted by Selestra’s mother. If they fail, their souls are stolen and devoured by the ruthless King Seryth, who needs them to remain immortal...

Princess of Souls is a fast read, full of action, humour and adventure. If you loved To Kill A Kingdom, you would enjoy this book as well. The novel takes place in the same world as Christo’s previous work but in an isolated kingdom. The world created for this book is detailed and fascinating but seems less dark than the that known from To Kill A Kingdom. That can be caused by a different narrator. Where Lira is ruthless, determined and mature, Selestra seems almost innocent in comparison. The characters in Princess of Souls seem younger and more playful, creating a different atmosphere.

A few moments in the plot didn’t match the rest of the book or fantasy genre. There is a scene, for example, where the character is trying to find an ‘on button’, which was surprising for me as I would not expect him to know the concept. Still, I recommend this book to fans of YA fantasy fiction looking for a fast read.


My review:
https://abookishdaydream.wordpress.com/2022/10/09/arc-review-princess-of-souls/

This is my first AC read so I didn’t know what to expect when I started reading it.

The first thing that got my attention was how captivating her writing is. I felt totally immersed in the story and the plot was flowing so naturally like I was present in it.

The characters were also one important part of me liking it because they weren’t only interesting and well developed but they were in balance with the plot. No element is cupping the other and although we have a fantasy, there is no exaggeration in it.

The magic system and the world building are equally pleasing and provide an amazing experience to the reader.

Totally pleased with it! Highly recommend!

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

Another amazing opening line by Alexandra Christo. I absolutely loved To Kill a Kingdom so of course I couldn’t wait to see if the Princess of Souls would be just as good and whilst it didn’t quite hit the 5-star heights of To Kill a Kingdom, it certainly didn’t disappoint. Full of intrigue, betrayal, loyalty and love, this Rapunzel-inspired fantasy captured my attention from beginning to end.

Selestra is a young witch, destined and bound to steal souls for an immortal King, until her fate is tied to a boy, full of vengeance, who’s trying to bring down her kingdom. Will she become the witch she’s always been told she must be or will she forge a new destiny for herself, one that will change her kingdom forever?

Forced to work together to survive, Selestra and Nox’s relationship starts out as a means to an end but very quickly becomes so much more. Their chemistry and interactions were brilliantly written and I really loved them as a couple.

Christo’s writing style really works for me. It flows beautifully and the pace is perfect. It has the right combination of world building, story telling and magic, with engaging characters that make you want to cheer for them. If you’ve enjoyed her previous books then you’re bound to enjoy this one too!

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

*quotation taken from an e-arc and therefore subject to change in the final version

Selestra is a witch, and not just any witch. But a witch bound to the king. Until her 18th birthday she is the heir to her mother. Selestra and her mothers one job is to harvest souls for the king in order for him to continue immortality. But Selestra finds her destiny is tied to that of a young soldier, Nox. And she doesn’t want to be the soul harvester shes been brought up to be. In an attempt to avenge his father and save the kingdom, the pair team up and embark on an adventure.

Enemies to lovers YA, its advertised as a Rapunzel retelling but i didnt see the similarities there. Was a very enjoyable read however!

I did find myself aging up the characters in my head. Selestra, our main female character, is 16 but she felt older in my opinion. Characterwise, the two side characters of Micah and Irenya were my favourites, they brought the fun.

The storyline was solid and fast paced. Super easy to follow, magic systems were well established but not complicated. Everything you want from a YA fantasy!

Many thanks to Net Galley and Hot Key Books for this arc!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for the advance reader copy.

A story based loosely on Rapunzel, set in the same universe as Christo's previous book "To Kill A Kingdom"? Yes please! I really enjoyed the worldbuilding in TKAK and was so relieved that continued into this. Both main characters were interesting and I really enjoyed their points of view. I also enjoyed the approach to the mother-daughter relationship.

My biggest issues were the pacing towards the end and a few of the side characters. The ending portion felt a bit rushed. Would've loved to have had more focus on the chapters in the forest. I also would have loved to see more done with Micah and Irenya. They both ended up being quite one dimensional for me.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

I have a penchant for fairy tale retellings, and after reading To Kill A Kingdom last year, this author has been on my radar, so I was extremely excited to get the chance to read Princess of Souls before it’s release.

I absolutely loved the concept of this book; Selestra is a witch in service of an immortal king. As a descendant of a line of witches that are bound to steal souls to preserve the Kings life, Selestra’s life is one that is controlled at every turn, without the freedom to do whatever she wishes, down to her own appearance which is dictated by the King. While her mother acts as the witch tasked with stealing these souls, Selestra is in training and has witnessed the stark reality this task involves many times.

While this soul harvesting is portrayed to the kingdom as a celebration and a chance to gain a wish from the King, Nox intends to use the competition as a way to get rid of the King; for if he survives the month without dying he will gain all that the King has, killing the King in the process.

The execution of this was brilliant; I loved the use of the hot air balloon within the story and I enjoyed both the developing bond between Selestra and Nox, and the journey of self discovery Selestra takes through seeking freedom.

I firmly hope that this author will continue to write within this universe, and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.