Monday, September 17, 2018

Review: Kill the Queen by Jennifer Estep

Title: Kill the Queen
Author: Jennifer Estep
Series: Book One in the Crown of Shards Series
Genre: Fantasy
Published By: Harper Voyager (October 2, 2018)
Source: ARC Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
My Rating: 5 Stars!



Book Description:
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.







It truly is hard to put down any book Estep writes but I have to say, Kill The Queen is one that was impossible to put down. From the very first few bloody chapters right up until the spectacular ending, I knew that this was going to be a series I wanted, no, needed, more of. 

Right from the beginning this screams Estep with the classic allure of both food references and bloody fight scenes along with a strong female MC that you just know is going to kick butt and take names along the way. 

I absolutely adored not only the originality in this but the pure awesomeness of, well, everything. The setting has this almost historic fantasy feel to it that sets it apart from others in the genre. With a flare of magic and adventure it really was so very hard to resist. 

I am on edge for the next book to see where it will go from here. 




*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

32 comments:

  1. Adding to TBR! Adding it to my TBR right now!! (Awesome review!)

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  2. Oh yesssss a new series by this fab author. Thanks Kindlemom for sharing this is definitely going on my list!

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    1. I know! I was so excited when I saw it and it doesn't disappoint at all!

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  3. I'm so excited for this Estep book! As you know, I've been wanting to jump on the Estep fan wagon forever and now I'm finally going to get my chance with this new series!! I'm so glad you loved this one, Ali! :)

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    1. You are going to fall in love with her writing Kim! She does fabulous in adult and YA. I love them all!

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  4. This one sounds a bit different from what I normally read but it sounds amazing!

    Simply Angela

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    1. It really was amazing but I think that about all her books. ;)

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  5. Yes Ali! One of my top reads this year to be sure!

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    1. Yay! So glad you agree! It really was just fabulous.

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  6. I have seen nothing but good about this book. It's on my TBR for sure.

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  7. Yay for five stars! I love when I don't want to put a book down.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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  8. I don't usually read this kind of fantasy but I have to admit that this sounds amazing. I like the magic involved especially. Thanks Ali- definitely going to try this one.

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    1. I really hope you do, it really was so good. I think you will like it, even if it isn't your usual.

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  9. I've only read one of her books but I will read more because her books always sound so good.

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  10. I have seen this one around and was curious about it. Your review has convinced me.

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  11. Between that blurb and your reaction to reading it, I am definitely in for this one.

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  12. OMG! Definitely adding this one to my list. Thanks for sharing :)

    xx
    Vanessa
    Blushing Geek

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  13. Can you believe I've never read anything by Estep? I know she's a popular writer, and this seems like an amazing start to a series. I'll definitely check it out. Fab review! :)

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    1. I think this would be a perfect place to start with her work!

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  14. I've been curious about this one, so I was happy to see your review! I love books that are impossible to put down, so I'll make sure I have plenty of uninterrupted time when I start this one.

    Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear?

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    1. Yay! Hope you love it as much as I did. I know quite a few people have so far so keeping my fingers crossed you do as well.

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  15. I really loved this story too. I'm excited for the next book to see where this series goes next.

    Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart

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    1. Me too! It was so good and I'm excited that she came out with something else.

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