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The Kingdom Below
In a world where Gods play favorites and love is stronger than steel, will one princess have the strength it takes to embrace the power inside of her? Even when it means sacrificing everything she thought she once knew.
Once the kingdom of Adrial ruled above all others; its reach was powerful and unchallenged. But change is coming, the God of the Sea's curse upon the land turning their people to madness. When the heir to the throne, Mira, is struck by the curse, she only has one choice. She must face the God below, defeat the creatures of the deep in order to protect the home she loves.
What happens when Mira discovers what had been lost beneath the waves, and learns that her fate is intertwined with the kingdom below in a way she could've never predicted?
The Kingdom Below contains mature language, themes, and content that may not be suitable for all readers. Reader discretion is advised.
Once the kingdom of Adrial ruled above all others; its reach was powerful and unchallenged. But change is coming, the God of the Sea's curse upon the land turning their people to madness. When the heir to the throne, Mira, is struck by the curse, she only has one choice. She must face the God below, defeat the creatures of the deep in order to protect the home she loves.
What happens when Mira discovers what had been lost beneath the waves, and learns that her fate is intertwined with the kingdom below in a way she could've never predicted?
The Kingdom Below contains mature language, themes, and content that may not be suitable for all readers. Reader discretion is advised.
431 pages, Unknown Binding
Published August 1, 2024
8 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Maggie White
5 books115 followersMaggie White is a paranormal and fantasy romance author from Kansas. Her books focus on myths and monsters and what happens when characters let love in. If she’s not writing you can find her with her family, cooking something delicious or dreaming up her next great love story.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 30, 2024
Ok wow! This book was full of world building, action and angst! It gave underwater hogwarts vibes! It has all the good tropes! Grumpy cinnamon roll. Friends to maybe more. Love triangle. Bad ass female lead! I absolutely love the side characters as well. The banter is hilarious! Only thing I wish is there was more spice. But typically with fantasy the first book has the least spice. I’m in it for the long haul! Every book Maggie writes has been a 5 star read for me!
I received an arc of this book
I received an arc of this book
September 26, 2024
I went into reading this book completely blind - I kew it was on my TBR list and that I had received an ARC, but I had forgotten what the plot was about lol. I just turned on my kindle one day and just started reading and I have to admit... I am impressed and also HOOKED! I can't wait until the next book of the series! There is so much more I want to know about!
This book gives me Percy Jackson vibes but more adult themed. It is a fantasy themed book that involves a strong female lead, angry Gods, split kingdoms (one on land and one below the sea), slow burn romance, betrayal, and my fav.....a companion animal :)
I thought the author did an amazing job at creating this "world". The descriptions were really on point and I felt immersed in the "Kingdom Below". I also liked the aspect of each "House" which reminded me of the different houses of Percy Jackson based on who their parent was. It also gives a little bit of Hogwarts vibes how they houses are in competition with each other but ultimately all still work together to survive.
The ending of the book was just ugh, so good. I want more right now!! The betrayal....but out of love.. does it get any better than that? I can't wait to find out more!
The only thing I wished from this book is further elaboration on Rhoe and his involvement. I didn't like that once Mira when under the sea, Rhoe's character was hardly in the story. Granted, I get she was very angry with him, but they had been friends for years so I just wanted to see more of them together. That 100000% gave me Dain Aetos vibes btw LOL.
All in all, really great fantasy book with a little bit of romance and spice mixed in at the end. Super excited for the next book!
Thank you to the author, Maggie White, for providing me with an ARC. This review is based off of my own personal thoughts after reading the book and completely genuine :)
This book gives me Percy Jackson vibes but more adult themed. It is a fantasy themed book that involves a strong female lead, angry Gods, split kingdoms (one on land and one below the sea), slow burn romance, betrayal, and my fav.....a companion animal :)
I thought the author did an amazing job at creating this "world". The descriptions were really on point and I felt immersed in the "Kingdom Below". I also liked the aspect of each "House" which reminded me of the different houses of Percy Jackson based on who their parent was. It also gives a little bit of Hogwarts vibes how they houses are in competition with each other but ultimately all still work together to survive.
The ending of the book was just ugh, so good. I want more right now!! The betrayal....but out of love.. does it get any better than that? I can't wait to find out more!
The only thing I wished from this book is further elaboration on Rhoe and his involvement. I didn't like that once Mira when under the sea, Rhoe's character was hardly in the story. Granted, I get she was very angry with him, but they had been friends for years so I just wanted to see more of them together. That 100000% gave me Dain Aetos vibes btw LOL.
All in all, really great fantasy book with a little bit of romance and spice mixed in at the end. Super excited for the next book!
Thank you to the author, Maggie White, for providing me with an ARC. This review is based off of my own personal thoughts after reading the book and completely genuine :)
August 16, 2024
3.5 I received an ARC of this book from the author. This review is my own independent and honest opinion. Thank you Maggie White for letting me be part of this new adventure!
This book is the first in Maggie White’s new series that pulls you into a fantasy world with raging Gods and magic. We follow Princess Mira in her journey of saving the kingdom she loves while fighting a God’s petty curse that has separated countless families for generations. As you read you feel like you have a good inkling of how things will go down, but things in Adrial and the kingdom below are not as they seem.
There is lots of angst, pining, magic, mysteries and a strong female lead. This book is a fun, easy read and it left me with my mouth hanging open. Mira strives to find answers to all the questions us readers have but gets rightfully frustrated with all of the secrets and withholding of information from the ones she would least expect it from. I cannot wait for the next book to see where we go from here!
FYI: slow burn
This book is the first in Maggie White’s new series that pulls you into a fantasy world with raging Gods and magic. We follow Princess Mira in her journey of saving the kingdom she loves while fighting a God’s petty curse that has separated countless families for generations. As you read you feel like you have a good inkling of how things will go down, but things in Adrial and the kingdom below are not as they seem.
There is lots of angst, pining, magic, mysteries and a strong female lead. This book is a fun, easy read and it left me with my mouth hanging open. Mira strives to find answers to all the questions us readers have but gets rightfully frustrated with all of the secrets and withholding of information from the ones she would least expect it from. I cannot wait for the next book to see where we go from here!
FYI: slow burn
August 17, 2024
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 -⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️
I’ll admit that I’m a little torn on the rating for this book because I did start reading this believing that it was going to be more romantic than it was, the romance doesn’t really hit until probably the 70-80% mark. That doesn’t however mean that I didn’t enjoy the story, I was very intrigued by the story and the lore woven throughout. So if you’re deep into world building, and plot driven stories, filled with a stubborn but sometimes reckless princess, a Mer general willing to match that stubborn streak with his own brand of grumpy but who cares deeply for those in his circle, amazing side characters, love to hate villains, so many twists and turns and a slow burn romance that will have you in its grip, than The Kingdom Below is one for your TBR!
Spice:🌶️
I’ll admit that I’m a little torn on the rating for this book because I did start reading this believing that it was going to be more romantic than it was, the romance doesn’t really hit until probably the 70-80% mark. That doesn’t however mean that I didn’t enjoy the story, I was very intrigued by the story and the lore woven throughout. So if you’re deep into world building, and plot driven stories, filled with a stubborn but sometimes reckless princess, a Mer general willing to match that stubborn streak with his own brand of grumpy but who cares deeply for those in his circle, amazing side characters, love to hate villains, so many twists and turns and a slow burn romance that will have you in its grip, than The Kingdom Below is one for your TBR!
December 2, 2024
Terrible cliffhanger, no indication of new book in series yet. Good story, engaging characters. Also, astonishingly bad editing, someone PLEASE proof the next installment.
September 1, 2024
Right off the back, I would recommend this book to anyone who likes romantasy, but I'm giving it 3 stars because the idea is there, but the writer's voice isn't consistent throughout the book and overall, the book seems rushed through. Here's what I mean by this:
The first few chapters do a great job in keeping your attention, and starting off with some action play, but the characters themselves are not that complex, and it seems that the story is rushed through. There needs to be more world building since this is a novel without pictures. Also developing the characters relationships between each other more but stay true to that character. For example, if the general just met the princess and he's holding her on a pedestal and speaking to her with great respect, then why in the next chapter is he dropping the act but then going right back into it? I feel like there was just some plot lines skipped over.
All in all the story is there, and it's a really great idea. It's refreshing to read about something other than fae, and I think mermaids and sirens should be tapped into more. In all honesty if you do some more world building and really do some deep character building, I believe you would have yourself a best-selling novel. The story is charming, with some romantic tensions, but not too spicy. It reminds me of the classic shojo manga. Keep up the good work!
If you're interested in fantasy, magical kingdoms, sirens, and romance, then definitely give this book a read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The first few chapters do a great job in keeping your attention, and starting off with some action play, but the characters themselves are not that complex, and it seems that the story is rushed through. There needs to be more world building since this is a novel without pictures. Also developing the characters relationships between each other more but stay true to that character. For example, if the general just met the princess and he's holding her on a pedestal and speaking to her with great respect, then why in the next chapter is he dropping the act but then going right back into it? I feel like there was just some plot lines skipped over.
All in all the story is there, and it's a really great idea. It's refreshing to read about something other than fae, and I think mermaids and sirens should be tapped into more. In all honesty if you do some more world building and really do some deep character building, I believe you would have yourself a best-selling novel. The story is charming, with some romantic tensions, but not too spicy. It reminds me of the classic shojo manga. Keep up the good work!
If you're interested in fantasy, magical kingdoms, sirens, and romance, then definitely give this book a read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 18, 2024
In a world where Gods play favorites and love is stronger than steel, will one princess have the strength it takes to embrace the power inside of her? Even when it means sacrificing everything she thought she once knew.
Once the kingdom of Adrial ruled above all others; its reach was powerful and unchallenged. But change is coming, the God of the Sea's curse upon the land turning their people to madness. When the heir to the throne, Mira, is struck by the curse, she only has one choice. She must face the God below, defeat the creatures of the deep in order to protect the home she loves.
This is a slow-burn, first in a series romantasy about a forgotten kingdom at the bottom of the ocean. Curses, princesses, swoony bodyguards and of course -- mermaids.
This contemporary romantic fantasy is page-turning with exceptional world-building in Atlantis and characters that are captivating, exuding power, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with the kingdom below, and a mature explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, action, adventure, suspense, heartfelt emotions, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with the kingdom below and explicit romance that is sure to transport readers into a magical world that is wild and unforgettable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Once the kingdom of Adrial ruled above all others; its reach was powerful and unchallenged. But change is coming, the God of the Sea's curse upon the land turning their people to madness. When the heir to the throne, Mira, is struck by the curse, she only has one choice. She must face the God below, defeat the creatures of the deep in order to protect the home she loves.
This is a slow-burn, first in a series romantasy about a forgotten kingdom at the bottom of the ocean. Curses, princesses, swoony bodyguards and of course -- mermaids.
This contemporary romantic fantasy is page-turning with exceptional world-building in Atlantis and characters that are captivating, exuding power, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with the kingdom below, and a mature explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, action, adventure, suspense, heartfelt emotions, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with the kingdom below and explicit romance that is sure to transport readers into a magical world that is wild and unforgettable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 14, 2024
I've been drugged
Who the heck is Maggie White, and why does she have me in a chokehold? I was so fortunate to receive a copy of this book. I knew nothing of it or the author. When I tell you I was fish hooked... I lazily opened it during my birthday vacation at an all-inclusive, and I could think of little else. I rushed through it just to start it all over again it was that good. Weeks later, it still plagues me, and I've begun stalking (not literally, just literaturally) the author. Where and when is the next book? What else has she written? I need it all. Just purchased myself a patreon membership and a gold foiled hardback special edition of this book trying to quench my thirst for more. This was the most delicious slow burn, and I'm still edged. The spice is so beautifully done and hotter than more risqué scenes I have read. Oh, how I pine. If you love Atlantis, the little mermaid, magical universes, betrayal, angst, romantic slow burn steam, adventure, bad ass leading and supporting female characters, and page turning fun and excitement...READ THIS BOOK!
Who the heck is Maggie White, and why does she have me in a chokehold? I was so fortunate to receive a copy of this book. I knew nothing of it or the author. When I tell you I was fish hooked... I lazily opened it during my birthday vacation at an all-inclusive, and I could think of little else. I rushed through it just to start it all over again it was that good. Weeks later, it still plagues me, and I've begun stalking (not literally, just literaturally) the author. Where and when is the next book? What else has she written? I need it all. Just purchased myself a patreon membership and a gold foiled hardback special edition of this book trying to quench my thirst for more. This was the most delicious slow burn, and I'm still edged. The spice is so beautifully done and hotter than more risqué scenes I have read. Oh, how I pine. If you love Atlantis, the little mermaid, magical universes, betrayal, angst, romantic slow burn steam, adventure, bad ass leading and supporting female characters, and page turning fun and excitement...READ THIS BOOK!
August 14, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I received this book as an ARC and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you so much to Maggie White for that opportunity!
I was very impressed by the world building of this book. The plot was incredibly interesting and felt different from anything I have ever read before. World building is among the most important aspects of a book to me and this one nailed it. It constantly kept me on my toes and turning pages to find out what happens next.
The tropes were troping in the best sense: enemies to lovers, lost kingdom, trials/training sequence.
I think the character development was also well done and I found myself really rooting for the FMC and MMC by the end.
One of the issues I had, which is reflected in my rating, was that there were a number of errors in the text that did momentarily take me out of the world. Additionally, some sections felt rushed to me (such as the training sequences and the ending) and I would have loved more detail. I think this is something that can be improved upon in the next installment and I will definitely be reading!
I received this book as an ARC and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you so much to Maggie White for that opportunity!
I was very impressed by the world building of this book. The plot was incredibly interesting and felt different from anything I have ever read before. World building is among the most important aspects of a book to me and this one nailed it. It constantly kept me on my toes and turning pages to find out what happens next.
The tropes were troping in the best sense: enemies to lovers, lost kingdom, trials/training sequence.
I think the character development was also well done and I found myself really rooting for the FMC and MMC by the end.
One of the issues I had, which is reflected in my rating, was that there were a number of errors in the text that did momentarily take me out of the world. Additionally, some sections felt rushed to me (such as the training sequences and the ending) and I would have loved more detail. I think this is something that can be improved upon in the next installment and I will definitely be reading!
September 2, 2024
4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.⭐️
🌶️
I cannot wait for the next installment in this series! I need to know what happens next with Mira and Kairos!
This book has mermaids,sirens, sea creatures, grumpy MMC, action, and amazing world building. I loved the slow burn romance aspect of this book!
Princess Mira becomes quite a badass as she tries to save her kingdom from the underwater kingdom as her people continue to be drawn into the sea never to be seen or heard from again. Mira finds herself in the underwater kingdom and gets the surprise of her life when she finds her mother is the queen! Mira’s mother was thought to have been lost to the sea when she was a young girl. As the story unfolds you learn why the two kingdoms were split leaving one on land and one under the sea.
The ending had me gasping… the betrayal, but out of love 😭 I need the next book ASAP!
🌶️
I cannot wait for the next installment in this series! I need to know what happens next with Mira and Kairos!
This book has mermaids,sirens, sea creatures, grumpy MMC, action, and amazing world building. I loved the slow burn romance aspect of this book!
Princess Mira becomes quite a badass as she tries to save her kingdom from the underwater kingdom as her people continue to be drawn into the sea never to be seen or heard from again. Mira finds herself in the underwater kingdom and gets the surprise of her life when she finds her mother is the queen! Mira’s mother was thought to have been lost to the sea when she was a young girl. As the story unfolds you learn why the two kingdoms were split leaving one on land and one under the sea.
The ending had me gasping… the betrayal, but out of love 😭 I need the next book ASAP!
August 22, 2024
Mira was an heir to the Kingdom Adrial where her father was the king and her mother the Queen of the Kingdom Below. Mira only wants best for her kingdom (meaning both Kingdoms). She even made a friend with the hippocampus Krem. Now onto the trench to get the dagger for God Travon, which was going by the plan and last possible minute Kairos pushed her above the water and Mira now confused and without the necklace can't follow him to the Kingdom Below.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 23, 2024
I’m a little late for my arc read i apologize.
But honestly where do I begin! I loved how strong Mira is portrayed in the book. How you think she will end up with one person to having the book switch up on you. Kairos how he started off rough and rugged to being the one who she falls for. I am beyond excited for the next adventure in the next book I hope I can arc read that one as well . I can’t wait to see what her dad’s reaction is and what happens next. The details described in both above and below the ocean were great.
But honestly where do I begin! I loved how strong Mira is portrayed in the book. How you think she will end up with one person to having the book switch up on you. Kairos how he started off rough and rugged to being the one who she falls for. I am beyond excited for the next adventure in the next book I hope I can arc read that one as well . I can’t wait to see what her dad’s reaction is and what happens next. The details described in both above and below the ocean were great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2024
Maggie White’s The Kingdom Below is a mesmerizing YA fantasy that captivates with its intricate characters and a plot that holds your attention from start to finish. This is a book I’ll eagerly recommend to friends and in book clubs. The writing flows seamlessly, ensuring readers are thoroughly entertained, while the characters truly shine as my favorite aspect of the story. A must-read for any fantasy enthusiast!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 13, 2024
Intriguing
I did enjoy this book. The story was different from most that involve mermaids and other mythological creatures. It is definitely a slow burn for a romance, with the spice near the end. The only complaint I have is there were some inconsistencies with the spelling of a couple words and a few other editing mistakes. There were enough spelling, grammar and punctuation mistakes to make it a bit distracting to read and fully understand some of the parts.
I did enjoy the book, the storyline, the characters and some of the humor.
I did enjoy this book. The story was different from most that involve mermaids and other mythological creatures. It is definitely a slow burn for a romance, with the spice near the end. The only complaint I have is there were some inconsistencies with the spelling of a couple words and a few other editing mistakes. There were enough spelling, grammar and punctuation mistakes to make it a bit distracting to read and fully understand some of the parts.
I did enjoy the book, the storyline, the characters and some of the humor.
August 15, 2024
The Kingdom Below is the first book in Maggie White's new series. This is an absolutely fantastic slow burn romance. This story was so unique with its rich mythological detail that it pulls the reader into this fascinating world both land and ocean. I couldn't put it down. This story has everything: a strong FMC, morally gray MMC, political royal scheming, action, suspense, an intriguing underwater kingdom, and mythology. Just a warning it does end in a cliffhanger hanger. But I am eagerly waiting for the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book and series!
August 1, 2024
I devoured this book! It was so captivating from start to finish, I read it in a day and now I'm left desperate for more of this world and needing to know what will happen next. It's such a neat underwater world with mythical creatures and a kingdom struggling to survive. There's magic, mermaids, sirens, hippocampi, mates, gods and betrayal. So so good. Cannot wait for the next book!
August 4, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I received this as an ARC.
I really enjoyed this.
I loved the banter. Grumpy/sunshine-ish. Mer. Magic. A curse that must be broken.
There is romance, but it's in about the last 3rd of the book. The spice is pretty on part for the first book in a romance series; there towards the end, but minimal.
I received this as an ARC.
I really enjoyed this.
I loved the banter. Grumpy/sunshine-ish. Mer. Magic. A curse that must be broken.
There is romance, but it's in about the last 3rd of the book. The spice is pretty on part for the first book in a romance series; there towards the end, but minimal.
August 20, 2024
From the start the story is laid out where you see the world without being overwhelmed. Which the author did so early on which makes reading the whole story way better. Without spoilers I suggest to read this book. There is enough banter that makes you smirk and it isn't the totral cringe banter, or out of place. Good timing, hard to put down story.
September 26, 2024
This first book is the start of what looks to become a fantastic slow burn romance fantasy read! A thrilling and gripping story that pulls you in with wonderful and descriptive world building, magical kingdoms, mermaids / sirens, mystery, suspense and mythology. Mira is a great fmc, strong and loyal and her journey is captivating and I cannot wait to read more.
September 23, 2024
Mermaids for the win. This was a pretty fun romantasy to read. It had what i look for in a book about under the sea and of course some romance and some mermaids. All in all it was a good clean fun read. Some spice but nothing to out of control. I enjoyed it.
October 31, 2024
Slow burn for sure
Slow love burn but loved it. Some issues I had was keeping up with all the different characters but ehh probably just a me thing. I'm excited for the next one.
Slow love burn but loved it. Some issues I had was keeping up with all the different characters but ehh probably just a me thing. I'm excited for the next one.
December 29, 2024
Loved this book! Gives so much background on the characters but the cliffhanger! I can't wait for the next book!
July 3, 2025
This book seriously needs to be edited by someone else
November 27, 2024
This book broke me out of my reading slump. If you're looking for an indie author to take a chance on Maggie White is a great one if you love romantacy. She writes the characters so well and makes them so loveable. I had fallen into their world and story I was reading I completely lost track of how long I had been reading and stumbled upon the end. I was devastated and I needed to know more and experience more of this world. So much so that I messaged her on TikTok begging for book two.
Super fun fantasy read with a cute slow burn romance and an underwater world of adventure.
Super fun fantasy read with a cute slow burn romance and an underwater world of adventure.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews