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Burn the Kingdom Down
Not yet published
Expected 7 Apr 26An action-packed enemies-to-lovers romantasy filled with a romance that will leave you breathless, betrayals that will rip your heart out, and a princess who will stop at nothing for revenge.
One year ago, Rowenna Harrack, the crown princess of Tashir, left her homeland in a wedding dress of chains—sent away to the enemy nation of Vanzador as a captive bride.
Now, Rowenna is dead. Brought home in a coffin after an alleged fall from a cliff.
Second-born princess, Indira, knows her sister's death was no accident. Desperate for truth and vengeance, Indira agrees to wed the prince so she can infiltrate Vanzador, find Rowenna's murderer, and burn their kingdom to the ground.
Indira's plan is simple, she will make nice until she can find out how to avenge her sister and free her country from the rival nation's stranglehold. But when Indira arrives, nothing is as terrible as Rowenna described. As Indira grows closer to her new husband, Prince Alaric, and uncovers more about Vanzador, the source of its powers, and what happened during Rowenna's final days, she's no longer sure what—and who—to believe. Because everyone, even her sister, has secrets. Deadly ones.
One year ago, Rowenna Harrack, the crown princess of Tashir, left her homeland in a wedding dress of chains—sent away to the enemy nation of Vanzador as a captive bride.
Now, Rowenna is dead. Brought home in a coffin after an alleged fall from a cliff.
Second-born princess, Indira, knows her sister's death was no accident. Desperate for truth and vengeance, Indira agrees to wed the prince so she can infiltrate Vanzador, find Rowenna's murderer, and burn their kingdom to the ground.
Indira's plan is simple, she will make nice until she can find out how to avenge her sister and free her country from the rival nation's stranglehold. But when Indira arrives, nothing is as terrible as Rowenna described. As Indira grows closer to her new husband, Prince Alaric, and uncovers more about Vanzador, the source of its powers, and what happened during Rowenna's final days, she's no longer sure what—and who—to believe. Because everyone, even her sister, has secrets. Deadly ones.
448 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication April 7, 2026
35 people are currently reading
13846 people want to read
About the author
Addie Thorley
7 books400 followersAddie Thorley spent her childhood playing soccer, riding horses, and scribbling stories. After graduating from the University of Utah with a degree in journalism, she decided “hard news” didn’t contain enough magic and kissing, so she flung herself into the land of fiction and never looked back.
She now lives in Princeton, New Jersey with her husband, daughter, and wolf dog, and when she’s not writing she can be found gallivanting in the woods or galloping around the barn where she works as a horse trainer and exercise rider.
AN AFFAIR OF POISONS is her debut novel.
You can find her online at www.addiethorley.com or on Twitter @addiethorley.
She now lives in Princeton, New Jersey with her husband, daughter, and wolf dog, and when she’s not writing she can be found gallivanting in the woods or galloping around the barn where she works as a horse trainer and exercise rider.
AN AFFAIR OF POISONS is her debut novel.
You can find her online at www.addiethorley.com or on Twitter @addiethorley.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Burn the Kingdom Down” by Addie Thorley is a gripping enemies-to-lovers YA romantasy filled with political intrigue, mystery, and secrets - one I devoured in a couple of sittings. The writing pulls you straight into the story, with engaging characters and satisfying plot twists. This is very much an action-driven book, with the romance slowly building and woven into the plot.
The book follows second-born Princess Indira of Tashir, a nation of planters. She is a master gardener with the rare ability to grow bagrava, a highly sought-after plant coveted by their enemies for its power to improve farming conditions and induce euphoria, among other things.
Vanzador, a rival nation, promises protection in exchange for a bagrava tithe. The Vanzadorian king has the power to literally move the earth itself - but the price is high, as we discover later on. Over the years, their demands increase, placing a chokehold on the already struggling Tashiri. Crown Princess Rowenna Harrack is taken as a captive bride to marry Prince Alaric, an additional incentive to ensure Tashir’s obedience.
A year later, Rowenna returns home in a casket, and Vanzador’s king, Soren, demands her sister Indira as a replacement. Indira agrees to the marriage so she can uncover what happened to her sister, avenge her death, and burn their kingdom down. Yet when she arrives in Vanzador, things are nothing like the stories Rowenna described in her letters, and Indira finds herself torn between her old home and the new life she is expected to lead.
Thus begins an exciting adventure chock-full of magic, political and sexual tension, slow-burn romance, love, and twists. With themes of grief, manipulation, sisterhood, friendship, betrayal, trust, revenge, and moral conflict, the author weaves a story I truly enjoyed. I especially liked the message of hope - that just as plants can be propagated and replanted, there is always a chance to start over and try again. The author also explores how far we are willing to go for our loved ones, and the difficulty of letting go.
I loved the emotional dynamics between the characters, especially the bonding and emotional connection between the sisters, as well as the vivid world-building, the plant-based magic, the memory tithing, and the prose. Indira isn’t perfect: she’s fearful for her safety yet impulsive, strong yet riddled with self-doubt, capable in some ways and weak in others - and that’s what makes her human.
Indira's inner monologues with her deceased sister beautifully reveal her doubts and emotional growth, and I was glad to see her find her voice. I enjoyed Indira’s growth and the gradual build-up of her relationships, especially with the prince. Alaric is complex as well, full of past trauma and demons of his own, and I loved watching him slowly open up.
The last third dragged a bit and could have been tightened. An epilogue wouldn’t have gone amiss either, so I’m deducting a star. Still, this is a well-plotted, well-written, and fast-paced novel that stands well on its own. I loved this book - just in case that wasn’t clear - and highly recommend it to fans of slow-burn romantasy with political and sexual tension, true enemies-to-lovers dynamics, clean romance, and lifelike characters in a setting that leaps off the page.
* Triggers: attempted sexual assault, forced marriage, death.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* Review on my blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2025...
remind-me-once-out
March 19, 2026I'm so ready
December 3, 2025
I really do love fantasy, but romantasy feels like an entirely different breed. Some work for me and other's don't. This one unfortunately fell into the 'don't' category. Meh would be the way to sum up my feelings. It wasn't bad but it also wasn't something I was invested in. I think the mystery aspect was what kept me intrigued and reading. My biggest issue was our FMC, Indira. Romantasy often relies on the same annoying formula and somehow Indira was both weak and pathetic and strong and badass. Not even the fun kind, just annoying. I couldn't care enough from the start to feel like her anger was earned and it came across as bratty more than anything else. She felt one dimensional but it wasn't just her, it was like that for every character.
I will give credit that the mystery and the worldbuilding was well done with great writing. I just couldn't find myself engaged with the story or the romance.
Thank you to Sourcebooks and netgalley for the arc.
I will give credit that the mystery and the worldbuilding was well done with great writing. I just couldn't find myself engaged with the story or the romance.
Thank you to Sourcebooks and netgalley for the arc.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a romantasy and a murder mystery all wrapped up in one. Indira is positive her sister, who was forced into a political marriage just a year prior just to return in a coffin, was murdered. The best way to prove it and find the murderer? Marry her sister's widower and return to his kingdom with him to solve the crime (which they say never happened). Not really the way I would go about it, but it's fiction.
I loved this book so much and would read any sequels put out by the author. Really hope there are more. It isn't necessarily set up for one, but at the same time, I am sure the author could manage. Even if it's same world, different people. Not like every single problem the kingdom had magically disappeared overnight. That would be nice. If the only solution was electing people in love, and that healed all the problems in the world.
Hmmm. Although, maybe. What are the chances most of the politicians we have in office are actually in love with their spouses?
Anyway . . .
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.
I loved this book so much and would read any sequels put out by the author. Really hope there are more. It isn't necessarily set up for one, but at the same time, I am sure the author could manage. Even if it's same world, different people. Not like every single problem the kingdom had magically disappeared overnight. That would be nice. If the only solution was electing people in love, and that healed all the problems in the world.
Hmmm. Although, maybe. What are the chances most of the politicians we have in office are actually in love with their spouses?
Anyway . . .
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.
February 9, 2026
I really wanted to love this one, the premise is exactly my kind of romantasy: a political marriage to an enemy prince, a heroine seeking answers about her sister’s death, and a court full of secrets. Unfortunately, the execution didn’t fully live up to how strong the setup was.
The book leans much more into internal conflict and palace conversations than plot progression. For long stretches, it feels like Indira is circling the same suspicions without uncovering much new information, which made the middle drag. The mystery itself is interesting, but the reveals come late and then resolve very quickly, so the pacing ends up feeling uneven and slow for most of the book and rushed at the end.
Indira as a main character was a mixed experience for me. Her grief and anger are understandable, but her decision-making often felt repetitive and occasionally frustrating because she jumps to conclusions and rarely learns from earlier mistakes. Instead of character growth, it sometimes felt like she was reacting rather than developing.
The romance is definitely slow burn, but almost too slow. There’s tension, but not a lot of emotional depth to balance the mistrust, so I never fully bought into the relationship by the time the story wanted me to. I also wished the worldbuilding and magic were explored more the ideas are there, they just stay pretty surface-level.
Overall, this isn’t a bad book, it has a solid concept and some strong moments of political intrigue, but it didn’t quite deliver on the emotional payoff or momentum I was hoping for. I also had an inkling of what the ending of this story would bring. I just didn't trust some of what we were being told/shown throughout the story. I’d still recommend it to readers who prefer character-focused court drama over action-heavy fantasy, but it didn’t end up being a standout for me.
Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this one early!
The book leans much more into internal conflict and palace conversations than plot progression. For long stretches, it feels like Indira is circling the same suspicions without uncovering much new information, which made the middle drag. The mystery itself is interesting, but the reveals come late and then resolve very quickly, so the pacing ends up feeling uneven and slow for most of the book and rushed at the end.
Indira as a main character was a mixed experience for me. Her grief and anger are understandable, but her decision-making often felt repetitive and occasionally frustrating because she jumps to conclusions and rarely learns from earlier mistakes. Instead of character growth, it sometimes felt like she was reacting rather than developing.
The romance is definitely slow burn, but almost too slow. There’s tension, but not a lot of emotional depth to balance the mistrust, so I never fully bought into the relationship by the time the story wanted me to. I also wished the worldbuilding and magic were explored more the ideas are there, they just stay pretty surface-level.
Overall, this isn’t a bad book, it has a solid concept and some strong moments of political intrigue, but it didn’t quite deliver on the emotional payoff or momentum I was hoping for. I also had an inkling of what the ending of this story would bring. I just didn't trust some of what we were being told/shown throughout the story. I’d still recommend it to readers who prefer character-focused court drama over action-heavy fantasy, but it didn’t end up being a standout for me.
Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this one early!
January 17, 2026
Omg this is one of those books that will have you staring at the wall when you finish! So unbelievably good! If you're a fan of Hurricane Wars or Bridge kingdom you absolutely have to add this to your tbr.
It's a slow burn, enemies to lovers with a murder mystery and some twists that turn as sharp as blade! Thank you Netgalley, the author and the publisher for this arc!
It's a slow burn, enemies to lovers with a murder mystery and some twists that turn as sharp as blade! Thank you Netgalley, the author and the publisher for this arc!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have very mixed feelings about this book and it took me a while to put my thoughts in order and write this review.
On one hand, the potential is definitely there. This could have easily been a 5 star (or more) read. The premise is strong, revenge driven princess, political marriage, enemies to lovers, uncovering secrets… it sounds amazing.
Buuuut... something just didn’t fully pull me in.
At the beginning, Indira felt like a strong and determined character. Her motivation to uncover what really happened to her sister and get revenge made sense. But as the story progressed, I found myself getting more and more frustrated with her.
She spends a lot of time suspecting everyone, constantly jumping to conclusions, pointing fingers, then changing her mind again. It started to feel repetitive, and I didn’t feel like she was really learning anything from her mistakes.
What also didn’t fully work for me was how much her inner thoughts revolved around her sister. I understand the grief and the fact that she lived in her shadow, but at some point I wanted to see Indira step into her own identity more and that only really happens very,veeeery late in the story.
The romance was… there. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t feel strongly about it either. Alaric is supposed to be this strong broody prince, but instead he felt a bit flat at times.
One thing I did find really interesting was the memory aspect and how memories were used and how they managed to manipulate them. I was also invested in Indira's powers and how she can grow plants and other plant related things. These parts stood out and added something unique to the story.
Overall, I didn’t dislike this book, but I also didn’t feel fully invested in it. It was a very easy read and had great ideas, but I guess, we didn't vibe too well.
⭐ 3.5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the ARC.
On one hand, the potential is definitely there. This could have easily been a 5 star (or more) read. The premise is strong, revenge driven princess, political marriage, enemies to lovers, uncovering secrets… it sounds amazing.
Buuuut... something just didn’t fully pull me in.
At the beginning, Indira felt like a strong and determined character. Her motivation to uncover what really happened to her sister and get revenge made sense. But as the story progressed, I found myself getting more and more frustrated with her.
She spends a lot of time suspecting everyone, constantly jumping to conclusions, pointing fingers, then changing her mind again. It started to feel repetitive, and I didn’t feel like she was really learning anything from her mistakes.
What also didn’t fully work for me was how much her inner thoughts revolved around her sister. I understand the grief and the fact that she lived in her shadow, but at some point I wanted to see Indira step into her own identity more and that only really happens very,veeeery late in the story.
The romance was… there. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t feel strongly about it either. Alaric is supposed to be this strong broody prince, but instead he felt a bit flat at times.
One thing I did find really interesting was the memory aspect and how memories were used and how they managed to manipulate them. I was also invested in Indira's powers and how she can grow plants and other plant related things. These parts stood out and added something unique to the story.
Overall, I didn’t dislike this book, but I also didn’t feel fully invested in it. It was a very easy read and had great ideas, but I guess, we didn't vibe too well.
⭐ 3.5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the ARC.
Want to read
October 21, 2025pre-read notes:
I got the ARC for this! So excited to check it out soon, the description is honestly what convinced me 👀🌸
I got the ARC for this! So excited to check it out soon, the description is honestly what convinced me 👀🌸
March 9, 2026
A promising synopsis but unfortunately the story lost me. I found the slow burn aspect of everything to drag on, the romance, the mystery, and then everything revealed and wrapped up too quickly to make the payoff worth it. The middle portion of the book is where I struggled the most. Overall, perhaps a better read for someone else.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
October 12, 2025
I was so lucky to get to read this before it was released. this was genuinely a really great slow burn enimies to lovers as promised. none of the romance was cringe or spicy, it was completely clean YA also as promised. and it had those good plot twists that were foreshadowed since the beginning but subtly enough that you still never saw it coming.
October 30, 2025
★·.·´¯·.·★·.·´¯·.·★·.·´¯·.·★·.·´¯·.·★·.·´¯·.·★·.·´¯·.·★
"Perhaps the afterlife has always been the only place a Tashiri girl and Vanzadorian boy can be together."
~4.75 stars ✨
One year ago, Indira's sister was sent to the enemy kingdom as a captive bride... and Indira would burn the world to bring her back.
This book. THIS. BOOK. I can’t stop thinking about it.
It’s not about politics or war, it’s about people, choices, grief, and love that feels almost impossible. Every character felt so painfully real. No flat villains, no perfect heroes; just broken souls trying to do what they think is right.
Indira was everything I could ever want in an FMC: strong, loyal, fierce, and heartbreakingly human. And Alaric… let’s just say I’m still recovering.
The plot twists. WHERE. DO. I. EVEN. BEGIN. Just when I thought I had the whole plot figured out, NOPE, the story flipped on its head, and I was left gasping all over again.
The writing was beautiful, in a sense kinda poetic, but it felt...natural (if you get what I mean). The only reason I'm not giving it a full five stars is... BECAUSE I WANTED AN EPILOGUEEE
I NEED just one more glimpse of them.
Thank you to Netgalley team and the publisher for providing me with an e-arc of this book. All opinions are my own.
"Perhaps the afterlife has always been the only place a Tashiri girl and Vanzadorian boy can be together."
~4.75 stars ✨
One year ago, Indira's sister was sent to the enemy kingdom as a captive bride... and Indira would burn the world to bring her back.
This book. THIS. BOOK. I can’t stop thinking about it.
It’s not about politics or war, it’s about people, choices, grief, and love that feels almost impossible. Every character felt so painfully real. No flat villains, no perfect heroes; just broken souls trying to do what they think is right.
Indira was everything I could ever want in an FMC: strong, loyal, fierce, and heartbreakingly human. And Alaric… let’s just say I’m still recovering.
The plot twists. WHERE. DO. I. EVEN. BEGIN. Just when I thought I had the whole plot figured out, NOPE, the story flipped on its head, and I was left gasping all over again.
The writing was beautiful, in a sense kinda poetic, but it felt...natural (if you get what I mean). The only reason I'm not giving it a full five stars is... BECAUSE I WANTED AN EPILOGUEEE
I NEED just one more glimpse of them.
Thank you to Netgalley team and the publisher for providing me with an e-arc of this book. All opinions are my own.
February 3, 2026
Memories are tricky things but when it’s something, or someone, special it can make all the difference.
Watching her older sister be married off to a rival kingdom is the worst day in Indira’s life, that is until she returns in a box and she is forced to take her place as wife to a rival Prince and secure the treaty to save her people. Using the opportunity to solve her sister’s murder she stumbles into something far bigger than she could have ever imagined and with limited allies she has to trust her greatest enemy and save them all.
This one is a bit of a mixed bag.
On one hand the murder mystery aspect is done well there’s a lot of behind the scenes scheming to right a wrong and as a sister myself I know I would move mountains, no pun intended, to find out who killed my sister especially when I could be married to her killer. That being said some of this journey gets muddled by the other more political aspects and while they do converge at the climax I felt underwhelmed with the latter. I wish we got more hints behind the ultimate reveal because though I think it works I wish we had tiny bits of foreshadowing so there was this delicious payoff to a rather unreliable narrator when it came to her love for her sister.
I’m not quite sure I grasp the conflict between both kingdoms and while you can kind of get it on the page the actual cruelty shifts from her homeland to that of her new husband. We see that she and her people are forced to provide and when they fail they suffer from the threat of a rival clan but they never materialize and by books end so much is wrapped in a bow we never really get to the root of the issue or why any of it really mattered.
The characters were fine and the romance okay it’s a shame because their bark is far worse than their bite and I wanted to see more there. Alaric is understandably cold but that bravado is lost often and Indira is growing into her strength but then forgets sometimes quiet and allowing yourself to listen is a better approach. It almost feels like a lot was leading to the showdown and we got lost just trying to get there but hopefully that’s just me.
With such a powerful opening this isn’t a bad read but ironically one I fear will be forgettable.
**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**
Watching her older sister be married off to a rival kingdom is the worst day in Indira’s life, that is until she returns in a box and she is forced to take her place as wife to a rival Prince and secure the treaty to save her people. Using the opportunity to solve her sister’s murder she stumbles into something far bigger than she could have ever imagined and with limited allies she has to trust her greatest enemy and save them all.
This one is a bit of a mixed bag.
On one hand the murder mystery aspect is done well there’s a lot of behind the scenes scheming to right a wrong and as a sister myself I know I would move mountains, no pun intended, to find out who killed my sister especially when I could be married to her killer. That being said some of this journey gets muddled by the other more political aspects and while they do converge at the climax I felt underwhelmed with the latter. I wish we got more hints behind the ultimate reveal because though I think it works I wish we had tiny bits of foreshadowing so there was this delicious payoff to a rather unreliable narrator when it came to her love for her sister.
I’m not quite sure I grasp the conflict between both kingdoms and while you can kind of get it on the page the actual cruelty shifts from her homeland to that of her new husband. We see that she and her people are forced to provide and when they fail they suffer from the threat of a rival clan but they never materialize and by books end so much is wrapped in a bow we never really get to the root of the issue or why any of it really mattered.
The characters were fine and the romance okay it’s a shame because their bark is far worse than their bite and I wanted to see more there. Alaric is understandably cold but that bravado is lost often and Indira is growing into her strength but then forgets sometimes quiet and allowing yourself to listen is a better approach. It almost feels like a lot was leading to the showdown and we got lost just trying to get there but hopefully that’s just me.
With such a powerful opening this isn’t a bad read but ironically one I fear will be forgettable.
**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**
November 10, 2025
There aren't many romantasy books with a murder solving aspect out there, so this was a unique novel in the sea of romantasy so I can definitely recommend it for that alone but there was so much more to this story:
-Making your own convictions and stepping out of the shadow of other's choices (Indira's character growth was so thoughtfully and well done)
-The process of grief was written with such care and truly showed how some of the best pieces of you can leave when you lose someone. The author did such a great job tying the characters together through their shared grief.
"Two broken people finding wholeness in the pieces of the other. Coming together to form an image like stained glass-far more beautiful pieced back together than if the glass had remained a solid pane."
-The slow burn of the romance between Indira and Alaric was written well and the banter was there.
Alric: "Because you're infuriating. I'm far more tempted to shove you off a cliff than I ever was your sister."
Indira: "How romantic, I coo. Just what I hoped my husband would whisper on our wedding night."
I just wish that they had more teasing interactions throughout the story that could have added to the tension between them. I really enjoyed them as a couple, so I really wanted more.
The reason why I didn't give this book five stars was because I wish there was more info given to the politics, the magic and growing system could have really been expanded on. I think the book could have really benefited to an epilogue because it felt like it just cut off about the futures of their kingdoms which was a little disappointing.
-Making your own convictions and stepping out of the shadow of other's choices (Indira's character growth was so thoughtfully and well done)
-The process of grief was written with such care and truly showed how some of the best pieces of you can leave when you lose someone. The author did such a great job tying the characters together through their shared grief.
"Two broken people finding wholeness in the pieces of the other. Coming together to form an image like stained glass-far more beautiful pieced back together than if the glass had remained a solid pane."
-The slow burn of the romance between Indira and Alaric was written well and the banter was there.
Alric: "Because you're infuriating. I'm far more tempted to shove you off a cliff than I ever was your sister."
Indira: "How romantic, I coo. Just what I hoped my husband would whisper on our wedding night."
I just wish that they had more teasing interactions throughout the story that could have added to the tension between them. I really enjoyed them as a couple, so I really wanted more.
The reason why I didn't give this book five stars was because I wish there was more info given to the politics, the magic and growing system could have really been expanded on. I think the book could have really benefited to an epilogue because it felt like it just cut off about the futures of their kingdoms which was a little disappointing.
February 22, 2026
Thank you for this ARC! This book was very unique in the magic system. I like how the powers were rare and all were somehow tied to the Earth. The bagrava was interesting in itself, the way it affected people in different ways.
I think my favorite part was the memories. It was hard to predict everything that would happen when the memories could be manipulated or sacrificed, so the twists were always a surprise. The fact that they could store the memories in different objects was neat. That was a fun way to get the flashbacks instead of the flashbacks popping out of nowhere like in other books.
I’m giving this 3 stars because of Indira’s character and the romance. I understand why Indira was the way she was, Rowenna gaslighted her their entire lives. However, even when everyone pointed out exactly how Rowenna was and gave proof, Indira never wanted to believe a single bad thing about her sister. When she finally started to believe it and Alaric trusted her and loved her, it only took a memory to destroy everything they’d built. When he wanted to see why she was so upset, she didn’t give him a chance to explain before doing something crazy drastic and then took soooo long in trying to help him. I know this was just how the story was supposed to be built, but I was so angry and frustrated with her throughout the book, I couldn’t bring myself to like her.
Overall, I did enjoy how unique this was and the plot, but the characters were frustrating.
I think my favorite part was the memories. It was hard to predict everything that would happen when the memories could be manipulated or sacrificed, so the twists were always a surprise. The fact that they could store the memories in different objects was neat. That was a fun way to get the flashbacks instead of the flashbacks popping out of nowhere like in other books.
I’m giving this 3 stars because of Indira’s character and the romance. I understand why Indira was the way she was, Rowenna gaslighted her their entire lives. However, even when everyone pointed out exactly how Rowenna was and gave proof, Indira never wanted to believe a single bad thing about her sister. When she finally started to believe it and Alaric trusted her and loved her, it only took a memory to destroy everything they’d built. When he wanted to see why she was so upset, she didn’t give him a chance to explain before doing something crazy drastic and then took soooo long in trying to help him. I know this was just how the story was supposed to be built, but I was so angry and frustrated with her throughout the book, I couldn’t bring myself to like her.
Overall, I did enjoy how unique this was and the plot, but the characters were frustrating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2.5 ⭐️ - I was drawn to Burn the Kingdom Down because I'm a sucker for the forced marriage trope and was intrigued by the promise of political tension mixed with a mystery. It didn't quite work for me personally, but I think the right reader would really enjoy this one.
The magic system was interesting and the political stakes were easy to follow right from the start. The mystery surrounding Indira's sister's death also kept me flipping pages to the very end, and I found the ending satisfying.
Where I struggled was connecting with the story and the characters. I think this is mostly due to the uneven pacing. Some scenes, especially early on, stretched out way too long, while more emotional or important moments flew by before the tension could build up. This hurt the romance and politics too, since both rely on relationships that never really got room to develop. I also strongly disliked Indira's inner dialogue. Throughout the book, her reactions and thoughts appear in italics as if her older sister is there with her. It's interesting at first, especially as Indira’s grieving, but it gets overused fast and became grating to me.
Though this didn't click for me, I can see someone younger or newer to romantasy really enjoying it. The political tension is easy to follow, the magic is unique, and the mystery kept me reading until the end.
✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the ARC! 📚
Burner Kindle Book Blog
The magic system was interesting and the political stakes were easy to follow right from the start. The mystery surrounding Indira's sister's death also kept me flipping pages to the very end, and I found the ending satisfying.
Where I struggled was connecting with the story and the characters. I think this is mostly due to the uneven pacing. Some scenes, especially early on, stretched out way too long, while more emotional or important moments flew by before the tension could build up. This hurt the romance and politics too, since both rely on relationships that never really got room to develop. I also strongly disliked Indira's inner dialogue. Throughout the book, her reactions and thoughts appear in italics as if her older sister is there with her. It's interesting at first, especially as Indira’s grieving, but it gets overused fast and became grating to me.
Though this didn't click for me, I can see someone younger or newer to romantasy really enjoying it. The political tension is easy to follow, the magic is unique, and the mystery kept me reading until the end.
✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the ARC! 📚
Burner Kindle Book Blog
March 4, 2026
This felt predicable at some points and shocking at others. About 70% through I had no idea how the author was going to resolve everything. Indira, the FMC is the second born, often forgotten princess of a poor kingdom who mainly grows a magic plant that when abused can cause a wide range of side effects. To keep marauders from ravaging their kingdom they make a deal with the enemy neighbouring kingdom who can move rocks. After her sister (his first wife) dies, our MMC Alaric the prince of the enemy kingdom comes to collect his new bride. Not everything or everyone is as it seems. It’s a lovely story about overcoming your trauma and gaining confidence / trust in yourself. There is backstabbing, secrets and mysteries to uncover while slowly falling in love. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley.
March 12, 2026
Thank you Sourcebooks and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
Burn the Kingdom Down is an engaging YA romantasy that blends political intrigue, romance, and a murder mystery into a compelling standalone story. The book explores themes of loyalty, friendship, and power while keeping the pacing moving at an enjoyable clip.
While a few character choices and moments of self-pity were occasionally frustrating, and parts of the plot felt slightly predictable, I still found myself invested in the story. The characters were memorable, the central mystery kept me curious, and the mix of romance and fantasy elements made for an entertaining read overall.
Burn the Kingdom Down is an engaging YA romantasy that blends political intrigue, romance, and a murder mystery into a compelling standalone story. The book explores themes of loyalty, friendship, and power while keeping the pacing moving at an enjoyable clip.
While a few character choices and moments of self-pity were occasionally frustrating, and parts of the plot felt slightly predictable, I still found myself invested in the story. The characters were memorable, the central mystery kept me curious, and the mix of romance and fantasy elements made for an entertaining read overall.
Did not finish
February 13, 2026Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC. Unfortunately, this one wasn’t for me.
DNF at 13%.
I feel like I’ve read this story before and at 13%, I’m just bored. It’s a normal “oh no my sister/friend/etc died and I have to avenge them” / “arranged marriage” and dare I say it? The political plot is A Bug’s Life. 🫣 You see it when I mention it right?
That being said, there is nothing WRONG with any of the above! If I finished this, it would probably be a 3-star book. But I’m not looking for middle-of-the-road. I want new, different, and fascinating. And this one just isn’t that for me.
DNF at 13%.
I feel like I’ve read this story before and at 13%, I’m just bored. It’s a normal “oh no my sister/friend/etc died and I have to avenge them” / “arranged marriage” and dare I say it? The political plot is A Bug’s Life. 🫣 You see it when I mention it right?
That being said, there is nothing WRONG with any of the above! If I finished this, it would probably be a 3-star book. But I’m not looking for middle-of-the-road. I want new, different, and fascinating. And this one just isn’t that for me.
Read
February 27, 2026Burn the Kingdom Down by Addie Thorley offers an intriguing premise: two rival kingdoms—one wielding plant magic, the other stone—tied together through an arranged marriage meant to secure peace and avenge a sister’s death. The concept is unique, and Thorley’s writing style is engaging and easy to read.
Overall, this feels like the perfect romantasy for younger YA readers (ages 13–15). The romance is clean, the language mild, and the action scenes are gentle—making it an excellent entry point into the genre. Older YA readers, however, may find it lacking in depth and intensity.
Overall, this feels like the perfect romantasy for younger YA readers (ages 13–15). The romance is clean, the language mild, and the action scenes are gentle—making it an excellent entry point into the genre. Older YA readers, however, may find it lacking in depth and intensity.
October 24, 2025
At the request of the publisher, this review will go public on March 22, 2026.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire, and Netgalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and the rest of my reviews can be found at: https://littlereapling.wixsite.com/fa....
Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire, and Netgalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and the rest of my reviews can be found at: https://littlereapling.wixsite.com/fa....
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really loved this fantasy book, there was so much drama, twists, political intrigue and magic you just have to keep reading to find out what will happen next. A great read for fantasy book lovers.
November 15, 2025
Thank you to Sourcebooks for providing an ARC to my employer for us to read.
The book captivated me from the first chapter. Indira's stubbornness was was both endlessly frustrating and endlessly endearing: her determination to figure out what happened to her sister and not knowing who to trust kept me on her side and cheering her on even as I begged her to have faith in others.
The book is full of twists, betrayals. and most importantly: love. Love for your family, your kingdom and the people you are beholden to, and love for yourself. The world is rich and the magic system interesting. It left me wanting more stories in this setting.
My only true critique is I would have liked more breathing room at the end of the story after the climax before the book ended. A little more time with Indira and Alaric before the story ended world have been my personal preference.
That being said, I very much enjoyed this story and the relationships within it. I devoured the story in two days, and was left with a book hangover when it was finished.
The book captivated me from the first chapter. Indira's stubbornness was was both endlessly frustrating and endlessly endearing: her determination to figure out what happened to her sister and not knowing who to trust kept me on her side and cheering her on even as I begged her to have faith in others.
The book is full of twists, betrayals. and most importantly: love. Love for your family, your kingdom and the people you are beholden to, and love for yourself. The world is rich and the magic system interesting. It left me wanting more stories in this setting.
My only true critique is I would have liked more breathing room at the end of the story after the climax before the book ended. A little more time with Indira and Alaric before the story ended world have been my personal preference.
That being said, I very much enjoyed this story and the relationships within it. I devoured the story in two days, and was left with a book hangover when it was finished.
Did not finish
November 30, 2025DNF @ 61%
A standalone mystery-centered slow burn romantasy sounds like it should be everything; however, I'm sorry but I can't do it. Knowing I still have almost 200 pages left is very unmotivating. Generally, the book is just too long at around 450 pages. While I was super interested in the magic system, specifically the memory tithing, it just isn't enough for me to keep going (especially since I didn't get the vibe that it would be expanded upon much). I stopped caring too much about the main mystery, which is not great when it's the main plot. I also didn't care for the romance, which is not great because it's a romantasy. I didn't care for the main character because she was annoying and spoke to her dead sister like she was there (in front of other people too, cringe), which is not great because we're stuck in her head. Finally, I didn't really care about any of the other characters as none of them were original nor were they interesting enough to make up for it.
If the concept sounds interesting to you, definitely still check it out. Sad to say it wasn't enough for me.
Thank you to Source Books Fire and NetGalley for an early copy of this book.
A standalone mystery-centered slow burn romantasy sounds like it should be everything; however, I'm sorry but I can't do it. Knowing I still have almost 200 pages left is very unmotivating. Generally, the book is just too long at around 450 pages. While I was super interested in the magic system, specifically the memory tithing, it just isn't enough for me to keep going (especially since I didn't get the vibe that it would be expanded upon much). I stopped caring too much about the main mystery, which is not great when it's the main plot. I also didn't care for the romance, which is not great because it's a romantasy. I didn't care for the main character because she was annoying and spoke to her dead sister like she was there (in front of other people too, cringe), which is not great because we're stuck in her head. Finally, I didn't really care about any of the other characters as none of them were original nor were they interesting enough to make up for it.
If the concept sounds interesting to you, definitely still check it out. Sad to say it wasn't enough for me.
Thank you to Source Books Fire and NetGalley for an early copy of this book.
February 21, 2026
Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire and Netgalley for this eARC!
3/5
Rowenna the crown princess is sold to the neighboring kingdom as a bride for protection and a magic fruit her people grow. A year later the Vanzadorians return Rowenna’s body in a casket and demand a new princess for their continued protection. Enter Indira. The second princess and master gardener, the one who has the magic to sing plants to life, including the magic bagavra that is wanted by Vanzadorians and Marauders alike for its hallucinogenic properties and because it makes the Vanzadorian magic stronger (somehow). Indira is a shy and timid girl who was always trailing after her sister and needed her sister to stand up for her and protect her and guide her on the right path. But Rowenna’s death has lit a fire in Indira and she decides that yes, she will go with the Vanzadorians to continue their protection of her valley kingdom. But most importantly, she’s going with them to determine who killed her sister and to try to destroy Vanzador from the inside out.
Ok so I really wanted to like this book, in the end, I thought it was just ok. I mean, I gave it a 3 so I enjoyed it a little bit. But Indira was a bit annoying. And while I understood that she was very co-dependent on her sister Rowenna, I hated the “Rowenna voice” inside her head. That voice was a jerk. There were parts where I thought that Indira was actually crazy since she was CONVINCED that the voice was ACTUALLY Rowenna and not just her imaginings of what she THOUGHT her sister would say. Indira also talks back to that voice. Out loud. Crazy behavior.
Example of the craziness: Rowenna apparently wrote Indira letters in the year she was married. On one page, Rowenna apparently rode an elevator to the top of the mountain when she first got there (according to her letters) where she was viciously mocked when she got to the top. So Indira doesn’t want to ride the elevator, instead, she decides to climb the mountain trail. While suffering in her gardening boots, she wonders to Rowenna how she made the climb? And Rowenna replies that “I made it naked like the Vanzadorians to show I’m strong” but that DIRECTLY CONTRADICTS what was said just a few paragraphs before!! So what? Did she take the elevator, or did she climb naked????
Something we learn is that only the Vanzadorian king and prince are able to do their magic, which is to bend rock and earth to their will. THey use it to create waves to knock people off their feet, opening the perfect mining shafts to mine out more precious stones and ore, and most importantly for Indira, crate a large mountain range barrier around her home to keep out the Marauders that used to attack her home every summer until it was built when Rowenna was first married. We also learn that they fuel this magic by taking memories “freely given” by their people to the earth. The memories are completely forgotten by the givers, the larger/longer the memory, the stronger the power the king and prince can use.
This magic, to me, is strange. Yes, the people have to give up memories to fuel it, but it seems like the people have to CONSTANTLY give up memories and not only that, but Indira (and we the readers because it’s not contradicted) seem to think that whatever workings they do have to actively be maintained. Like, Indria seems to believe that if King Soren dies, anything he made will die with him, like the mountain range that protects her people. So she can’t kill him.
So Indira and Prince Alaric, her husband, find out the secrets of the King, see how much the loss of memories cost the people (and why they need so much bagrava) and try to come up with an alternative to giving up memories in exchange for Alaric’s power.
There were lots of “twists” in this story as Indira learned who she should and should not trust. And backstabbing… literally. I just couldn’t stand Rowenna/her ghost/Indira’s made-up voice in her head. It was just annoying and contradicted things that Rowenna supposedly wrote about in her letters. But then again, I clocked Letter Rowenna as a so I was happy when that subplot ended and Indira learned to trust herself.
All in all, it was a decent book. I’m sure some people are going to love it, and some people are not. Since I rate out of 6, it was in the middle for me as a 3.
3/5
Rowenna the crown princess is sold to the neighboring kingdom as a bride for protection and a magic fruit her people grow. A year later the Vanzadorians return Rowenna’s body in a casket and demand a new princess for their continued protection. Enter Indira. The second princess and master gardener, the one who has the magic to sing plants to life, including the magic bagavra that is wanted by Vanzadorians and Marauders alike for its hallucinogenic properties and because it makes the Vanzadorian magic stronger (somehow). Indira is a shy and timid girl who was always trailing after her sister and needed her sister to stand up for her and protect her and guide her on the right path. But Rowenna’s death has lit a fire in Indira and she decides that yes, she will go with the Vanzadorians to continue their protection of her valley kingdom. But most importantly, she’s going with them to determine who killed her sister and to try to destroy Vanzador from the inside out.
Ok so I really wanted to like this book, in the end, I thought it was just ok. I mean, I gave it a 3 so I enjoyed it a little bit. But Indira was a bit annoying. And while I understood that she was very co-dependent on her sister Rowenna, I hated the “Rowenna voice” inside her head. That voice was a jerk. There were parts where I thought that Indira was actually crazy since she was CONVINCED that the voice was ACTUALLY Rowenna and not just her imaginings of what she THOUGHT her sister would say. Indira also talks back to that voice. Out loud. Crazy behavior.
Example of the craziness: Rowenna apparently wrote Indira letters in the year she was married. On one page, Rowenna apparently rode an elevator to the top of the mountain when she first got there (according to her letters) where she was viciously mocked when she got to the top. So Indira doesn’t want to ride the elevator, instead, she decides to climb the mountain trail. While suffering in her gardening boots, she wonders to Rowenna how she made the climb? And Rowenna replies that “I made it naked like the Vanzadorians to show I’m strong” but that DIRECTLY CONTRADICTS what was said just a few paragraphs before!! So what? Did she take the elevator, or did she climb naked????
Something we learn is that only the Vanzadorian king and prince are able to do their magic, which is to bend rock and earth to their will. THey use it to create waves to knock people off their feet, opening the perfect mining shafts to mine out more precious stones and ore, and most importantly for Indira, crate a large mountain range barrier around her home to keep out the Marauders that used to attack her home every summer until it was built when Rowenna was first married. We also learn that they fuel this magic by taking memories “freely given” by their people to the earth. The memories are completely forgotten by the givers, the larger/longer the memory, the stronger the power the king and prince can use.
This magic, to me, is strange. Yes, the people have to give up memories to fuel it, but it seems like the people have to CONSTANTLY give up memories and not only that, but Indira (and we the readers because it’s not contradicted) seem to think that whatever workings they do have to actively be maintained. Like, Indria seems to believe that if King Soren dies, anything he made will die with him, like the mountain range that protects her people. So she can’t kill him.
So Indira and Prince Alaric, her husband, find out the secrets of the King, see how much the loss of memories cost the people (and why they need so much bagrava) and try to come up with an alternative to giving up memories in exchange for Alaric’s power.
There were lots of “twists” in this story as Indira learned who she should and should not trust. And backstabbing… literally. I just couldn’t stand Rowenna/her ghost/Indira’s made-up voice in her head. It was just annoying and contradicted things that Rowenna supposedly wrote about in her letters. But then again, I clocked Letter Rowenna as a so I was happy when that subplot ended and Indira learned to trust herself.
All in all, it was a decent book. I’m sure some people are going to love it, and some people are not. Since I rate out of 6, it was in the middle for me as a 3.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC Review: Burn the Kingdom Down by Addie Thorley
FYI: After writing this review, I learned that the intended reading age is 14–18. I’m well outside that range, so I may have been harder on it than a younger reader would be. That said, the reading age wasn’t mentioned on NetGalley.
Burn the Kingdom Down is a romantasy built on a compelling premise: a princess marries into an enemy kingdom to uncover the truth behind her sister’s death and exact revenge. The opening line is an excellent hook, and I was immediately pulled in by the mystery of Rowenna’s death.
The strongest part of this novel lies in its opening act. The “captive bride” concept, a sister returned home in a coffin, and a second-born princess stepping into her place is instantly engaging. The central question—What really happened to Rowenna?—kept me turning pages. However, the groundwork is laid so heavily that the later twist surrounding her fate didn’t feel shocking. I was suspicious long before the reveal.
One of my biggest issues is how Rowenna’s presence manifests. Indira talks to her OUT LOUD, hears responses, and interacts with her in ways that felt deeply unsettling. The writing straddles an unclear line between trauma and something supernatural, and that ambiguity never pays off. Instead of haunting, it often felt distracting and unintentionally ridiculous. This was also when it became clear this is very much a YA novel.
Indira reads as a typical YA protagonist: impulsive, emotionally reactive, and frustratingly blind when it comes to her sister. Alaric, too, sometimes feels far younger than his position suggests.
The magic system—memories as a source of power—is one of the more interesting elements. The idea of memories being siphoned to sustain the king is thematically rich. But King Soren’s abrupt, anticlimactic death undermines his earlier build-up, and the tonal whiplash that follows (with Alaric speaking about him almost reverently) feels emotionally inconsistent.
The prose is serviceable but uneven. Odd phrases like “glittering shadow” or “deep skin” pulled me out of the story, and physical descriptions of the main characters feel underdeveloped.
The romance was my biggest disappointment. Marketed as enemies-to-lovers, it moves at breakneck speed. One moment Indira believes Alaric murdered her sister; the next they’re kissing over shared sibling grief. The emotional leap feels unearned. The early groundwork for tension and mistrust is there—Alaric’s volatile moods and cryptic hints initially kept me invested—but the story rushes into intimacy before earning it. Once established, the romance loses both its tension and narrative purpose, and it actively undercuts the central mystery.
Indira’s betrayal, however, is a standout moment. I genuinely applaud the choice to have her stab Alaric in the back. His attempt to help her escape as he’s dying adds real emotional weight. I also appreciated the contrast between sibling loyalties—Besnik’s sacrifice versus Rowenna’s willingness to sacrifice her sister for power. That parallel was effective.
Rowenna as the true antagonist was predictable, but my issue is how poorly her villainy is handled. The book leans heavily on sibling love and loyalty, so making Rowenna the ultimate fanatic undermines that emotional framework. Her desire to burn the kingdom down (it annoys me that the title is about her character more than the main character…) stems from oppression that is at least partially real—but once King Soren is dead, she refuses to reassess. She’s willing to murder her own sister, and the story never meaningfully justifies that leap.
The confrontation between the sisters encapsulates this. Even after Rowenna tries to kill her, Indira SAVES HER LIFE and insists she would have done the same. Rowenna immediately proves her wrong—and tries to kill her again. At that point, Rowenna stops feeling complex and starts feeling absurd. What could have been a devastating exploration of sisterhood instead becomes frustrating.
The final act feels crowded and underdeveloped. The Marauders, the memory epidemic, and several political threads needed more space. The magic system also feels underexplained—particularly why Indira can access magic through song while Alaric cannot.
That said, the ending makes a strong choice: Alaric sacrifices his memories to save Indira—and doesn’t get them back. The consequences stick, and I appreciated that. Rather than needing an epilogue, the story needed more room leading up to the conclusion.
Ultimately, Burn the Kingdom Down starts strong, falters in the middle, and finishes on a somewhat solid note. The premise is compelling, the magic system has interesting ideas, and the ending carries real stakes. But rushed romance, uneven pacing, tonal confusion, and frustrating character choices hold it back from its full potential.
If you enjoy YA romantasy with high stakes, betrayal, and morally messy choices, this may still work for you—just be prepared for a story that promises complexity but doesn’t always deliver.
FYI: After writing this review, I learned that the intended reading age is 14–18. I’m well outside that range, so I may have been harder on it than a younger reader would be. That said, the reading age wasn’t mentioned on NetGalley.
Burn the Kingdom Down is a romantasy built on a compelling premise: a princess marries into an enemy kingdom to uncover the truth behind her sister’s death and exact revenge. The opening line is an excellent hook, and I was immediately pulled in by the mystery of Rowenna’s death.
The strongest part of this novel lies in its opening act. The “captive bride” concept, a sister returned home in a coffin, and a second-born princess stepping into her place is instantly engaging. The central question—What really happened to Rowenna?—kept me turning pages. However, the groundwork is laid so heavily that the later twist surrounding her fate didn’t feel shocking. I was suspicious long before the reveal.
One of my biggest issues is how Rowenna’s presence manifests. Indira talks to her OUT LOUD, hears responses, and interacts with her in ways that felt deeply unsettling. The writing straddles an unclear line between trauma and something supernatural, and that ambiguity never pays off. Instead of haunting, it often felt distracting and unintentionally ridiculous. This was also when it became clear this is very much a YA novel.
Indira reads as a typical YA protagonist: impulsive, emotionally reactive, and frustratingly blind when it comes to her sister. Alaric, too, sometimes feels far younger than his position suggests.
The magic system—memories as a source of power—is one of the more interesting elements. The idea of memories being siphoned to sustain the king is thematically rich. But King Soren’s abrupt, anticlimactic death undermines his earlier build-up, and the tonal whiplash that follows (with Alaric speaking about him almost reverently) feels emotionally inconsistent.
The prose is serviceable but uneven. Odd phrases like “glittering shadow” or “deep skin” pulled me out of the story, and physical descriptions of the main characters feel underdeveloped.
The romance was my biggest disappointment. Marketed as enemies-to-lovers, it moves at breakneck speed. One moment Indira believes Alaric murdered her sister; the next they’re kissing over shared sibling grief. The emotional leap feels unearned. The early groundwork for tension and mistrust is there—Alaric’s volatile moods and cryptic hints initially kept me invested—but the story rushes into intimacy before earning it. Once established, the romance loses both its tension and narrative purpose, and it actively undercuts the central mystery.
Indira’s betrayal, however, is a standout moment. I genuinely applaud the choice to have her stab Alaric in the back. His attempt to help her escape as he’s dying adds real emotional weight. I also appreciated the contrast between sibling loyalties—Besnik’s sacrifice versus Rowenna’s willingness to sacrifice her sister for power. That parallel was effective.
Rowenna as the true antagonist was predictable, but my issue is how poorly her villainy is handled. The book leans heavily on sibling love and loyalty, so making Rowenna the ultimate fanatic undermines that emotional framework. Her desire to burn the kingdom down (it annoys me that the title is about her character more than the main character…) stems from oppression that is at least partially real—but once King Soren is dead, she refuses to reassess. She’s willing to murder her own sister, and the story never meaningfully justifies that leap.
The confrontation between the sisters encapsulates this. Even after Rowenna tries to kill her, Indira SAVES HER LIFE and insists she would have done the same. Rowenna immediately proves her wrong—and tries to kill her again. At that point, Rowenna stops feeling complex and starts feeling absurd. What could have been a devastating exploration of sisterhood instead becomes frustrating.
The final act feels crowded and underdeveloped. The Marauders, the memory epidemic, and several political threads needed more space. The magic system also feels underexplained—particularly why Indira can access magic through song while Alaric cannot.
That said, the ending makes a strong choice: Alaric sacrifices his memories to save Indira—and doesn’t get them back. The consequences stick, and I appreciated that. Rather than needing an epilogue, the story needed more room leading up to the conclusion.
Ultimately, Burn the Kingdom Down starts strong, falters in the middle, and finishes on a somewhat solid note. The premise is compelling, the magic system has interesting ideas, and the ending carries real stakes. But rushed romance, uneven pacing, tonal confusion, and frustrating character choices hold it back from its full potential.
If you enjoy YA romantasy with high stakes, betrayal, and morally messy choices, this may still work for you—just be prepared for a story that promises complexity but doesn’t always deliver.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“Burn the Kingdom Down” by Addie Thorley is a gripping YA romantasy that combines political intrigue, plant-based magic, and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance into an action-driven story packed with secrets and moral conflict. Thorley delivers a fast-paced, emotionally charged story that pulls you in quickly and doesn’t let go until the final page.
The story follows Indira, the second-born princess of Tashir, a struggling nation whose survival depends on a rare and powerful plant called bagrava. As a master gardener with the unique ability to grow it, Indira holds more power than she realizes; this power is coveted by the neighboring kingdom of Vanzador. After her sister Rowenna is sent to Vanzador as a captive bride and later returned home in a casket, Indira agrees to take her place. Her goal is clear: uncover the truth behind her sister’s death and destroy the kingdom responsible. But once inside Vanzador’s icy, imposing court, Indira discovers that the truth is far more complicated than the stories she’s been told.
Thorley shines in her worldbuilding and magic system. The nature-based magic, which is centered on growth, cultivation, and memory tithes, feels fresh and symbolic, reinforcing the story’s themes of grief, renewal, and sacrifice. Vanzador’s earth-shaping magic contrasts beautifully with Indira’s plant-based power, and the wintry castle setting adds to the atmosphere of tension and unease. Political maneuvering, betrayals, and layered secrets keep the plot moving at a brisk pace, with several twists that land hard and raise the stakes dramatically.
At the heart of the story is Indira herself; she is a character who is flawed yet is undeniably human. She is impulsive, stubborn, fearful, and determined, often oscillating between vulnerability and strength. This complexity makes her growth compelling, especially as she steps out of her sister’s shadow and begins forming her own convictions. Her inner conversations with her deceased sister are particularly poignant, offering a raw and thoughtful portrayal of grief. However, some of her reactions felt a bit repetitive and frustrating. Still, her emotional journey feels intentional, shaped by loss and manipulation rather than effortless heroism.
The romance between Indira and Prince Alaric is a classic slow burn done with restraint. Their dynamic is full of sharp banter, mistrust, and simmering tension, evolving naturally as secrets unravel. Alaric’s morally grey complexity and buried trauma make him a compelling counterpart to Indira, and their relationship reflects the book’s central idea: that broken people can find wholeness together.
While I enjoyed the pacing during the first half, the final stretch was a bit more difficult to enjoy. The last third can feel slightly drawn out while the ending itself feels abrupt. I wanted more breathing room after the emotional and political fallout in order to provide a chance to fully absorb the consequences for both the characters and their kingdoms. A deeper exploration of the politics and magic systems also could have elevated the story further.
Still, “Burn the Kingdom Down” remains an addictive, twist-filled romantasy with heart. It explores grief, loyalty, revenge, and the cost of inherited power, while offering a hopeful message about renewal; that, like plants, people can be replanted and begin again. The journey this book provides is immersive, intense, and well worth taking, especially for fans of slow-burn fantasy with sharp edges and a hopeful core.
“Burn the Kingdom Down” by Addie Thorley is a gripping YA romantasy that combines political intrigue, plant-based magic, and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance into an action-driven story packed with secrets and moral conflict. Thorley delivers a fast-paced, emotionally charged story that pulls you in quickly and doesn’t let go until the final page.
The story follows Indira, the second-born princess of Tashir, a struggling nation whose survival depends on a rare and powerful plant called bagrava. As a master gardener with the unique ability to grow it, Indira holds more power than she realizes; this power is coveted by the neighboring kingdom of Vanzador. After her sister Rowenna is sent to Vanzador as a captive bride and later returned home in a casket, Indira agrees to take her place. Her goal is clear: uncover the truth behind her sister’s death and destroy the kingdom responsible. But once inside Vanzador’s icy, imposing court, Indira discovers that the truth is far more complicated than the stories she’s been told.
Thorley shines in her worldbuilding and magic system. The nature-based magic, which is centered on growth, cultivation, and memory tithes, feels fresh and symbolic, reinforcing the story’s themes of grief, renewal, and sacrifice. Vanzador’s earth-shaping magic contrasts beautifully with Indira’s plant-based power, and the wintry castle setting adds to the atmosphere of tension and unease. Political maneuvering, betrayals, and layered secrets keep the plot moving at a brisk pace, with several twists that land hard and raise the stakes dramatically.
At the heart of the story is Indira herself; she is a character who is flawed yet is undeniably human. She is impulsive, stubborn, fearful, and determined, often oscillating between vulnerability and strength. This complexity makes her growth compelling, especially as she steps out of her sister’s shadow and begins forming her own convictions. Her inner conversations with her deceased sister are particularly poignant, offering a raw and thoughtful portrayal of grief. However, some of her reactions felt a bit repetitive and frustrating. Still, her emotional journey feels intentional, shaped by loss and manipulation rather than effortless heroism.
The romance between Indira and Prince Alaric is a classic slow burn done with restraint. Their dynamic is full of sharp banter, mistrust, and simmering tension, evolving naturally as secrets unravel. Alaric’s morally grey complexity and buried trauma make him a compelling counterpart to Indira, and their relationship reflects the book’s central idea: that broken people can find wholeness together.
While I enjoyed the pacing during the first half, the final stretch was a bit more difficult to enjoy. The last third can feel slightly drawn out while the ending itself feels abrupt. I wanted more breathing room after the emotional and political fallout in order to provide a chance to fully absorb the consequences for both the characters and their kingdoms. A deeper exploration of the politics and magic systems also could have elevated the story further.
Still, “Burn the Kingdom Down” remains an addictive, twist-filled romantasy with heart. It explores grief, loyalty, revenge, and the cost of inherited power, while offering a hopeful message about renewal; that, like plants, people can be replanted and begin again. The journey this book provides is immersive, intense, and well worth taking, especially for fans of slow-burn fantasy with sharp edges and a hopeful core.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
If you are looking for a new YA Fantasy to pick up, consider Burn the Kingdom Down by Addie Thorley. Having read Thorley's other books, I continue to enjoy her ability to weave intricate worlds and high-stakes tension, and this latest release is no exception. It is a fast-paced "romantasy" that perfectly balances a high-stakes mystery with a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance that will keep you turning pages well into the night.
The story takes the reader to a kingdom simmering with unrest, where magic is as much a weapon as it is a curse. At the heart of the narrative is Indira, a protagonist who is as fierce as she is vulnerable. Indira finds herself caught in a web of political intrigue and ancient magic, forced to navigate a court where every smile hides a dagger and every alliance has a price. When Rowenna, her older sister who was married off to the Vanzador prince and was essentially a "captive bride", is found dead under mysterious circumstances, Indira is handed over as Ro's replacement and determined to figure out what happened to her and get revenge. But to do that, she might have to get close to her new husband, Alaric.
The character arcs for both Indira and Alaric are the true pulse of the book. Indira begins the story driven by a singular sense of duty and a new, hardened exterior built for survival. However, as the layers of deception are peeled back, we see her grapple with her own identity and the weight of the magic she carries. Her determination is what keeps her going and we see her doubt herself a lot thoughout the story. I'll admit that she was frustrating at times because she would jump to conclusions and react without truly thinking things through throughout the book.
Then there is Alaric. Initially presented as the quintessential foil—arrogant, secretive, and seemingly working against Indira’s every move—his transformation is equally compelling. Seeing Alaric’s motivations shift from self-preservation to a genuine, albeit complicated, devotion to Indira (and the truth) makes their romantic progression feel inevitable yet hard-won.
What sets Burn the Kingdom Down apart from other YA fantasies is the central mystery. The question of who actually killed Rowenna serves as a dark shadow over the entire plot. Thorley is a master of the "red herring," constantly shifting the spotlight of suspicion from one character to the next. Just when you think you’ve pieced together the motive and the culprit, a new revelation upends everything. She truly keeps you guessing until the very end, delivering a resolution that is both shocking and narratively earned.
The world-building is immersive without being bogged down by exposition. The magic system feels dangerous and tactile; it isn’t just a plot device, but a force that demands a heavy toll from those who wield it.
Overall, Burn the Kingdom Down is a solid addition to the genre. It delivers everything a romantasy fan could want: a high-stakes mystery, an intriguing fantasy setting, and a romance that has tension. Addie Thorley has proven once again that she knows how to craft a story that is both emotionally resonant and unpredictable. I will definitely be picking up more of her books in the future. If you want a story where the villains are complex, the heroes are flawed, and the truth is the most dangerous magic of all, do not miss this one.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
If you are looking for a new YA Fantasy to pick up, consider Burn the Kingdom Down by Addie Thorley. Having read Thorley's other books, I continue to enjoy her ability to weave intricate worlds and high-stakes tension, and this latest release is no exception. It is a fast-paced "romantasy" that perfectly balances a high-stakes mystery with a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance that will keep you turning pages well into the night.
The story takes the reader to a kingdom simmering with unrest, where magic is as much a weapon as it is a curse. At the heart of the narrative is Indira, a protagonist who is as fierce as she is vulnerable. Indira finds herself caught in a web of political intrigue and ancient magic, forced to navigate a court where every smile hides a dagger and every alliance has a price. When Rowenna, her older sister who was married off to the Vanzador prince and was essentially a "captive bride", is found dead under mysterious circumstances, Indira is handed over as Ro's replacement and determined to figure out what happened to her and get revenge. But to do that, she might have to get close to her new husband, Alaric.
The character arcs for both Indira and Alaric are the true pulse of the book. Indira begins the story driven by a singular sense of duty and a new, hardened exterior built for survival. However, as the layers of deception are peeled back, we see her grapple with her own identity and the weight of the magic she carries. Her determination is what keeps her going and we see her doubt herself a lot thoughout the story. I'll admit that she was frustrating at times because she would jump to conclusions and react without truly thinking things through throughout the book.
Then there is Alaric. Initially presented as the quintessential foil—arrogant, secretive, and seemingly working against Indira’s every move—his transformation is equally compelling. Seeing Alaric’s motivations shift from self-preservation to a genuine, albeit complicated, devotion to Indira (and the truth) makes their romantic progression feel inevitable yet hard-won.
What sets Burn the Kingdom Down apart from other YA fantasies is the central mystery. The question of who actually killed Rowenna serves as a dark shadow over the entire plot. Thorley is a master of the "red herring," constantly shifting the spotlight of suspicion from one character to the next. Just when you think you’ve pieced together the motive and the culprit, a new revelation upends everything. She truly keeps you guessing until the very end, delivering a resolution that is both shocking and narratively earned.
The world-building is immersive without being bogged down by exposition. The magic system feels dangerous and tactile; it isn’t just a plot device, but a force that demands a heavy toll from those who wield it.
Overall, Burn the Kingdom Down is a solid addition to the genre. It delivers everything a romantasy fan could want: a high-stakes mystery, an intriguing fantasy setting, and a romance that has tension. Addie Thorley has proven once again that she knows how to craft a story that is both emotionally resonant and unpredictable. I will definitely be picking up more of her books in the future. If you want a story where the villains are complex, the heroes are flawed, and the truth is the most dangerous magic of all, do not miss this one.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
~~Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the ARC!~~
This book . . . I've got so many mixed feelings about it.
When I first started it, the prose came off so juvenile and cartoonish; I couldn't really take anything serious, especially when Indira's "making nice" is outright accusing everyone around her, more specifically Alaric, of being her sister's murderer. It was not subtle and crafty, whatsoever, and the plot was heavily covering any and all consequences she should have endured for repeatedly leveling such claims against the king and his heir.
But then I started to get into the worldbuilding, on the particulars of Tashir versus Vanzador, and the whole huge conspiracy behind Rowenna's death and corrupt memory manipulation in Vanzador really got me hooked. I had to keep reading when the plot kept throwing these twists and turns, and Indira's constant doubt of her surroundings and its people had me questioning myself, too. But, despite the solid foundation of the worldbuilding, it still didn't feel fully conceptualized. There's a whole another group called the Marauders that are a threat to both kingdoms, but we don't actually see them in action.
There's also some details regarding the stability of Vanzador
Indira herself was mostly frustrating for me. I understand she's grieving and was extremely co-dependent on her older sister, but her constant recklessness and throwing accusations out left and right got grating. She did calm down a bit once she started making friends and seeing that the Vanzadorians were actually people, and the themes about trusting yourself and others was kinda touching. But her romance with Alaric was just okay for me. I didn't mind the slowburn for the first half of the book, considering the very bad start these two had, but once the romance did start, it went way too quick. Indira went from throwing murder accusations at the man to falling head over heels for him. Even Alaric himself questioned the logistics of this, but the story didn't heed that when all their buildup was just given rather than earned.
In the end, I just . . . don't know how to precisely express my feelings about this book. The things I didn't like outweigh the things I did like, but I can still see how his book could hit strongly with others. Ultimately, I think this book is just fine for what it is.
This book . . . I've got so many mixed feelings about it.
When I first started it, the prose came off so juvenile and cartoonish; I couldn't really take anything serious, especially when Indira's "making nice" is outright accusing everyone around her, more specifically Alaric, of being her sister's murderer. It was not subtle and crafty, whatsoever, and the plot was heavily covering any and all consequences she should have endured for repeatedly leveling such claims against the king and his heir.
But then I started to get into the worldbuilding, on the particulars of Tashir versus Vanzador, and the whole huge conspiracy behind Rowenna's death and corrupt memory manipulation in Vanzador really got me hooked. I had to keep reading when the plot kept throwing these twists and turns, and Indira's constant doubt of her surroundings and its people had me questioning myself, too. But, despite the solid foundation of the worldbuilding, it still didn't feel fully conceptualized. There's a whole another group called the Marauders that are a threat to both kingdoms, but we don't actually see them in action.
There's also some details regarding the stability of Vanzador
Indira herself was mostly frustrating for me. I understand she's grieving and was extremely co-dependent on her older sister, but her constant recklessness and throwing accusations out left and right got grating. She did calm down a bit once she started making friends and seeing that the Vanzadorians were actually people, and the themes about trusting yourself and others was kinda touching. But her romance with Alaric was just okay for me. I didn't mind the slowburn for the first half of the book, considering the very bad start these two had, but once the romance did start, it went way too quick. Indira went from throwing murder accusations at the man to falling head over heels for him. Even Alaric himself questioned the logistics of this, but the story didn't heed that when all their buildup was just given rather than earned.
In the end, I just . . . don't know how to precisely express my feelings about this book. The things I didn't like outweigh the things I did like, but I can still see how his book could hit strongly with others. Ultimately, I think this book is just fine for what it is.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5 stars! I absolutely loved this book. It wasn't perfect by any means, and there were some parts of the story that dragged and made me lose interest, but the last half of the book really pulled me in. The characters were intriguing and diverse, with some of them having hidden agendas. I do think the character development was lacking, however. The plot had a lot of different elements intertwined, with a variety of genres present, including fantasy, mystery, romance, and political intrigue. There was more than one twist, and I didn't see all of them coming.. which is always a plus.
The pacing of the story was hit or miss. The beginning and middle seemed to drag at times and fly at others. At first, the mystery plot line is the main theme, and the author used that time to develop some very unique and elaborate details regarding the two main Kingdoms and magic systems. There was a lot of rich world building happening, and I found myself really enjoying it, especially the memory sacrificing. The middle of the book took on a whole new direction. The plot seemed to change from mystery to more typical fantasy aspects. The FMC had a lot of character growth, and we got to finally see more from the MMC. However, I still feel like he fell a little flat compared to other MMCs in fantasy. For any stories marked as having romance as an integral element, I want to feel some kind of swoon or infatuation and I didn't with him. That's not to say he isn't a good character, especially since the story is YA, but I just wanted more intense feelings. That, plus the very fast pacing of the ending are the main reasons this story wasn't 5 stars for me.
For the last part of the book, everything started happening all at once, and all the character growth the FMC underwent just seemed to vanish. Indira had become so independent and confident, and sadly it took only one bad memory to send her over the edge. Which I do understand in a way, and I can't truly blame her for acting the way she did.. but I did struggle to relate to some of her later choices. It's kind of like her character went from one extreme viewpoint to the next and then back again.. all in the span of a few chapters. You could get whiplash from how she changed sides back and forth. However, this is the part of the story where I really started to like the MMC, despite his previous flat and undeveloped character arc. While the FMC was having a major decision crisis, he stayed unwavering and steadfast. I really appreciated that, and it kind of the brought the ending together. I honestly don't know how Indira would have made it through with her wit intact after so many betrayals if it wasn't for her one true friend and Alaric.
The very last twist was a surprise for me. As we were nearing the last few chapters I was so sure how the story was going to end. I did not expect the FMC's suffering to be prolonged, and I found her tenacity and cleverness wrapped up the story nicely. I loved that we got a HEA. There were a few plot points left untied, so I hope the author decides to write another book.. if not a direct sequel then at least a different story set in this world.
Overall, I highly recommend it. It wasn't flawless, but I still enjoyed it nonetheless. Perfect for fans of the bridge kingdom or any slow burn, enemies to lovers type story, who love a FMC that will do anything to protect her kingdom and seek out the truth.
The pacing of the story was hit or miss. The beginning and middle seemed to drag at times and fly at others. At first, the mystery plot line is the main theme, and the author used that time to develop some very unique and elaborate details regarding the two main Kingdoms and magic systems. There was a lot of rich world building happening, and I found myself really enjoying it, especially the memory sacrificing. The middle of the book took on a whole new direction. The plot seemed to change from mystery to more typical fantasy aspects. The FMC had a lot of character growth, and we got to finally see more from the MMC. However, I still feel like he fell a little flat compared to other MMCs in fantasy. For any stories marked as having romance as an integral element, I want to feel some kind of swoon or infatuation and I didn't with him. That's not to say he isn't a good character, especially since the story is YA, but I just wanted more intense feelings. That, plus the very fast pacing of the ending are the main reasons this story wasn't 5 stars for me.
For the last part of the book, everything started happening all at once, and all the character growth the FMC underwent just seemed to vanish. Indira had become so independent and confident, and sadly it took only one bad memory to send her over the edge. Which I do understand in a way, and I can't truly blame her for acting the way she did.. but I did struggle to relate to some of her later choices. It's kind of like her character went from one extreme viewpoint to the next and then back again.. all in the span of a few chapters. You could get whiplash from how she changed sides back and forth. However, this is the part of the story where I really started to like the MMC, despite his previous flat and undeveloped character arc. While the FMC was having a major decision crisis, he stayed unwavering and steadfast. I really appreciated that, and it kind of the brought the ending together. I honestly don't know how Indira would have made it through with her wit intact after so many betrayals if it wasn't for her one true friend and Alaric.
The very last twist was a surprise for me. As we were nearing the last few chapters I was so sure how the story was going to end. I did not expect the FMC's suffering to be prolonged, and I found her tenacity and cleverness wrapped up the story nicely. I loved that we got a HEA. There were a few plot points left untied, so I hope the author decides to write another book.. if not a direct sequel then at least a different story set in this world.
Overall, I highly recommend it. It wasn't flawless, but I still enjoyed it nonetheless. Perfect for fans of the bridge kingdom or any slow burn, enemies to lovers type story, who love a FMC that will do anything to protect her kingdom and seek out the truth.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4 Stars!
I enjoyed this story!
It follows Indira, the second-born princess to Tashir being forced into a marriage of alliance with Prince Alaric of Vanzador, and she's anything but happy. Partly because she can't ever imagine leaving her home, family and all her people, but mostly because she suspects her new husband was involved in her sister's death. Forced to leave her home and trapped in a new life surrounded by the enemy, she must do everything she can to find the truth of what happened to her sister and take down the enemy from within.
Indira herself is a sassy, smart, no-holds-barred FMC who doesn't let being stuck in a den of vipers stop her from saying exactly what she thinks. I like a gutsy main character, especially when it's through genuine lack of care anymore. She channels her grief into vengeance, and the author wrote that arc well. We hear all her inner sorrow, her reflections and turmoil. But also her anger, pain and frustration. There are so many secrets unravelling around her, primarily about her sister that she can't even begin to understand. We get her inner monologue the whole way, which depending on your reading taste you may or may not like; I personally felt like it was a more immersive journey, which worked for me. And her thoughts with her sister were really insightful to their dynamic. Despite being a fighter, you can see how wholesome Indira's heart is in every decision she makes. Her relationship with Alaric develops in a slightly quick but realistic way considering it started with her despising him, and him frustrated by her. It was a rollercoaster, especially in the latter half, but I enjoyed their interactions - perfect for a YA romantasy.
The politics between the people of Tashir and Vanzador were also interesting, with the uneven power complex and deceptive machinations. The concept of how earthing-moving powers worked in Vanzador and the planting powers of Tashir were different to your typical magic systems in the romantasy genre. The world-building didn't go into a lot of depth (which I'd hoped for) but what we did learn was enough for the story to stand, given it was more character-driven than plot-driven. The plot did pick up more in the second half the book and it led to so many twists and turns, some wholly predictable and some less so - but I still enjoyed the ride regardless.
Side characters like Delphine and Elodie created some unexpected interplay - again somewhat predictable as the story went on, but enjoyable nonetheless. I loved that this was a standalone, the story wraps up quite neatly at the end. There was a little more exposition than I expected in the wrap-up which would have been nicer to delve into further and discover, but alas, the plot was still fulfilled. It's fast-paced for about 70% of the story and its easy to get hooked into the murder mystery, political intrigue, and emotional tension throughout. The story is a YA and very much reads that way but as an adult who it wasn't marketed for, it's an easy and entertaining read. Addie Thorley wrote a page-turner and I flew through it in three days! I really wish there had been an epilogue, but only selfishly to see more of the characters and their endings being lived out.
ARC copy received in advance via Netgalley. Opinions are my own.
Definitely picking this one up at publication!
I enjoyed this story!
It follows Indira, the second-born princess to Tashir being forced into a marriage of alliance with Prince Alaric of Vanzador, and she's anything but happy. Partly because she can't ever imagine leaving her home, family and all her people, but mostly because she suspects her new husband was involved in her sister's death. Forced to leave her home and trapped in a new life surrounded by the enemy, she must do everything she can to find the truth of what happened to her sister and take down the enemy from within.
Indira herself is a sassy, smart, no-holds-barred FMC who doesn't let being stuck in a den of vipers stop her from saying exactly what she thinks. I like a gutsy main character, especially when it's through genuine lack of care anymore. She channels her grief into vengeance, and the author wrote that arc well. We hear all her inner sorrow, her reflections and turmoil. But also her anger, pain and frustration. There are so many secrets unravelling around her, primarily about her sister that she can't even begin to understand. We get her inner monologue the whole way, which depending on your reading taste you may or may not like; I personally felt like it was a more immersive journey, which worked for me. And her thoughts with her sister were really insightful to their dynamic. Despite being a fighter, you can see how wholesome Indira's heart is in every decision she makes. Her relationship with Alaric develops in a slightly quick but realistic way considering it started with her despising him, and him frustrated by her. It was a rollercoaster, especially in the latter half, but I enjoyed their interactions - perfect for a YA romantasy.
The politics between the people of Tashir and Vanzador were also interesting, with the uneven power complex and deceptive machinations. The concept of how earthing-moving powers worked in Vanzador and the planting powers of Tashir were different to your typical magic systems in the romantasy genre. The world-building didn't go into a lot of depth (which I'd hoped for) but what we did learn was enough for the story to stand, given it was more character-driven than plot-driven. The plot did pick up more in the second half the book and it led to so many twists and turns, some wholly predictable and some less so - but I still enjoyed the ride regardless.
Side characters like Delphine and Elodie created some unexpected interplay - again somewhat predictable as the story went on, but enjoyable nonetheless. I loved that this was a standalone, the story wraps up quite neatly at the end. There was a little more exposition than I expected in the wrap-up which would have been nicer to delve into further and discover, but alas, the plot was still fulfilled. It's fast-paced for about 70% of the story and its easy to get hooked into the murder mystery, political intrigue, and emotional tension throughout. The story is a YA and very much reads that way but as an adult who it wasn't marketed for, it's an easy and entertaining read. Addie Thorley wrote a page-turner and I flew through it in three days! I really wish there had been an epilogue, but only selfishly to see more of the characters and their endings being lived out.
ARC copy received in advance via Netgalley. Opinions are my own.
Definitely picking this one up at publication!
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