Gladiator meets Game of Thrones: a royal woman becomes a skilled warrior to destroy her murderous cousin, avenge her family, and save her kingdom in this first entry in a dazzling fantasy epic from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Elemental Assassin series—an enthralling tale that combines magic, murder, intrigue, adventure, and a hint of romance.
In a realm where one’s magical power determines one’s worth, Lady Everleigh’s lack of obvious ability relegates her to the shadows of the royal court of Bellona, a kingdom steeped in gladiator tradition. Seventeenth in line for the throne, Evie is nothing more than a ceremonial fixture, overlooked and mostly forgotten.
But dark forces are at work inside the palace. When her cousin Vasilia, the crown princess, assassinates her mother the queen and takes the throne by force, Evie is also attacked, along with the rest of the royal family. Luckily for Evie, her secret immunity to magic helps her escape the massacre.
Forced into hiding to survive, she falls in with a gladiator troupe. Though they use their talents to entertain and amuse the masses, the gladiators are actually highly trained warriors skilled in the art of war, especially Lucas Sullivan, a powerful magier with secrets of his own. Uncertain of her future—or if she even has one—Evie begins training with the troupe until she can decide her next move.
But as the bloodthirsty Vasilia exerts her power, pushing Bellona to the brink of war, Evie’s fate becomes clear: she must become a fearsome gladiator herself . . . and kill the queen.
Source: Library/Hoopla audio
It's not often I read paranormal or fantasy but I recently had this strong need to read something set in that world. I chalk it up to needing a fantastic mental escape where there is a clear distinction between good and evil and the good actually wins. Then I saw one of my favourite authors, Amanda Bouchet, recommend Kill the Queen and I needed no further convincing.
My love of this novel has everything to do with Evie and her impressive transformation from unassuming wallflower to the enigmatic, fierce warrior who takes on a villain. It comes at a high price that shatters her trust but she still has room for faith. All that time under the radar while at Seven Spires has given her the opportunity to study people and discern their intentions. It has proven to be an invaluable skill as she fights to stay alive while in hiding as she bides her time before confronting her murderous cousin, Vasilia. It's the little things about Evie that endeared her to me like when she catches her self doubts and gently chides herself to remember that she's no longer that pushover that people ignored. It makes her a more believable character as she's adapts to her new persona and newfound resolution. And she consistently fights to do the right thing even if it means putting other people before her in order to save them. There's never a single moment of hesitation when it comes to that.
Surrounding Evie is an stellar cast of characters who belong to a travelling gladiator troupe that make up the family that she's been missing all along. These are folks who are true to their convictions and value loyalty and trust above all else. One of the new friends in her life is Lucas Sullivan, a magier who is initially brusque with her. She feels him a kindred spirit in a way but with his own secretive past and principles, he keeps a certain emotional distance from her. Aside from Lucas, sShe also gains a new best friend which is a giant step for her being that she doesn't trust easily. Gaining that camaraderie and seeing what true loyalty is has emboldened her to fulfill her promise of righting wrongs, avenging her aunt's death, and saving the kingdom that has been her home all these years.
Kill the Queen is filled with drama, magic and suspense in a world that's aching for a true heroine to help it right itself. Jennifer Estep has created such a rich and detailed world that simultaneously feels relatable and fantastical. It's an underdog story (my catnip!) and an absolute page-turner that has me hooked!
~ Bel
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