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The Kingdom's Greatest Treasures #1
The Skin of a Soulless
Three girls. Four kingdoms. One potion.
When ten-year-old Dania catches an old deadly sickness that will eventually take her life, her sister Maeve and two friends desperately try to find a way to save her. After searching for weeks, it is Leyna, an elf with a passion for alchemy, that finds an old recipe for a potion that seems to be the cure to Dania’s disease.
Katerina, the banished fae of the group, sets out to steal the first the skin of a soulless. The only place to find it is inside of the Cursed Kingdom, which lies behind a veil that separates it from the rest of the realm. With little knowledge of the land or its danger, Katerina shows no hesitation in taking on the hard task.
Nothing could have prepared her for the wicked game the Cursed King wants to play with her. His army of soulless is what Katerina is looking for, but will she be able to obtain a part of its skin, or will the Cursed King force her to bargain for it?
When ten-year-old Dania catches an old deadly sickness that will eventually take her life, her sister Maeve and two friends desperately try to find a way to save her. After searching for weeks, it is Leyna, an elf with a passion for alchemy, that finds an old recipe for a potion that seems to be the cure to Dania’s disease.
Katerina, the banished fae of the group, sets out to steal the first the skin of a soulless. The only place to find it is inside of the Cursed Kingdom, which lies behind a veil that separates it from the rest of the realm. With little knowledge of the land or its danger, Katerina shows no hesitation in taking on the hard task.
Nothing could have prepared her for the wicked game the Cursed King wants to play with her. His army of soulless is what Katerina is looking for, but will she be able to obtain a part of its skin, or will the Cursed King force her to bargain for it?
210 pages, Hardcover
Published July 25, 2025
5 people are currently reading
548 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 22, 2025
I would like to thank the author for sending me the ARC — I was so excited to be chosen to read this book in advance!
I absolutely enjoyed it! It was a young adult fantasy that was easy to follow, yet full of action. So much happened, and I honestly couldn’t put it down — I flew through it! The book ends at a point where you just have to keep reading, so… I need book two, like, now! Haha!
I really liked the characters, but Katerina was definitely my favorite. She’s so sassy — I absolutely love her!
I gave it 3.5 stars, which I think is a great rating for a first book in a series. I’m really curious to see where the story goes from here!
I absolutely enjoyed it! It was a young adult fantasy that was easy to follow, yet full of action. So much happened, and I honestly couldn’t put it down — I flew through it! The book ends at a point where you just have to keep reading, so… I need book two, like, now! Haha!
I really liked the characters, but Katerina was definitely my favorite. She’s so sassy — I absolutely love her!
I gave it 3.5 stars, which I think is a great rating for a first book in a series. I’m really curious to see where the story goes from here!
September 20, 2025
3.75⭐️
fun and exciting first book in the serie! can’t wait to read the next
fun and exciting first book in the serie! can’t wait to read the next
August 14, 2025
I am so happy that I got an ARC because this was FUNNY!!! Omg
In this book, the first in a series, we follow the story of a Fae, Elf and 2 human siblings. One of the humans got ill and the other 3 girls will do anything and everything to find a solution to her illness: get a piece of skin from the soulless and make a potion. Easy, right?
Katerina (Fae), the FMC in this book, is so incredibly skilled, sassy and hilarious. She was banned from the Fae kingdom and her wings were cut off. Trying to survive in the human realm by stealing and moving around a lot, she meets Maeve, Dania and Leyna. The four became incredibly close and formed their own found family.
When Dania, the youngest of the group, fell ill with an old and deadly sickness, Katerina sets out to the Cursed Kingdom to steal a piece of soulless. Only when she finds these creatures, she becomes a guest (prisoner) of the Cursed King (Fae).
We all know you should never make a deal with the Fae, but that is the only way Katerina can save Dania and escape the Cursed Kingdom.
Now I had the most fun reading this story. It’s quick, fast pasted, witty and sassy. Katerina does NOT like men, and I was here for it 😏.
The amount of times I was SNORTING and laughing out loud omg. I love it
The worldbuilding is easy to understand and I love how these four girls found each other and are working together. Proof that kingdoms can be united, if only they weren’t so stubborn.
I cannot wait to read the second book, so bingeworthy and I’m waiting to buy the special edition!!!!!
In this book, the first in a series, we follow the story of a Fae, Elf and 2 human siblings. One of the humans got ill and the other 3 girls will do anything and everything to find a solution to her illness: get a piece of skin from the soulless and make a potion. Easy, right?
Katerina (Fae), the FMC in this book, is so incredibly skilled, sassy and hilarious. She was banned from the Fae kingdom and her wings were cut off. Trying to survive in the human realm by stealing and moving around a lot, she meets Maeve, Dania and Leyna. The four became incredibly close and formed their own found family.
When Dania, the youngest of the group, fell ill with an old and deadly sickness, Katerina sets out to the Cursed Kingdom to steal a piece of soulless. Only when she finds these creatures, she becomes a guest (prisoner) of the Cursed King (Fae).
We all know you should never make a deal with the Fae, but that is the only way Katerina can save Dania and escape the Cursed Kingdom.
Now I had the most fun reading this story. It’s quick, fast pasted, witty and sassy. Katerina does NOT like men, and I was here for it 😏.
The amount of times I was SNORTING and laughing out loud omg. I love it
The worldbuilding is easy to understand and I love how these four girls found each other and are working together. Proof that kingdoms can be united, if only they weren’t so stubborn.
I cannot wait to read the second book, so bingeworthy and I’m waiting to buy the special edition!!!!!
August 26, 2025
I totally forgot to post a message here, but I am beyond thrilled for this entire series to come alive! I have things PLANNED! I want to think everyone for rating, sharing and reading my book, please know I appreciate it all! <3
July 14, 2025
Bo salem did it again people!
This short novel honestly feels like a full length one with how good and rich it is written. This is a part one of 4 interconnected books, the first three being a pov of each girl and then book 4 has all of the povs! In this first book we follow katerina.
A found family of 4 lovely girls, but what happens when the youngest catches a deadly sickness, and the only way to stop it is to steal something from all of the 4 kingdoms so you can make a potion? You do it. Katerina is the first one and she goes to the cursed kingdom where the cursed king reigns. She must steal a piece of the skin of one of the creatures from the cursed king, a skin of a soulless. But it will not be easy and katerina will be challanged. Will she succeed? Will they save diana?
This book has it all, found family, angst, rich world building, a hint of romance, good lore, and a fast pace story that keeps you on the edge of your seat! If you know bo from her previous work then you know you are in for a good ride and I will be honest (I am here as an arc reader since her first book, bo I love you hahaha) this might be one of her best books so far! I can't wait to see where the story will take us.
(Thanks bo for the arc♡)
This short novel honestly feels like a full length one with how good and rich it is written. This is a part one of 4 interconnected books, the first three being a pov of each girl and then book 4 has all of the povs! In this first book we follow katerina.
A found family of 4 lovely girls, but what happens when the youngest catches a deadly sickness, and the only way to stop it is to steal something from all of the 4 kingdoms so you can make a potion? You do it. Katerina is the first one and she goes to the cursed kingdom where the cursed king reigns. She must steal a piece of the skin of one of the creatures from the cursed king, a skin of a soulless. But it will not be easy and katerina will be challanged. Will she succeed? Will they save diana?
This book has it all, found family, angst, rich world building, a hint of romance, good lore, and a fast pace story that keeps you on the edge of your seat! If you know bo from her previous work then you know you are in for a good ride and I will be honest (I am here as an arc reader since her first book, bo I love you hahaha) this might be one of her best books so far! I can't wait to see where the story will take us.
(Thanks bo for the arc♡)
June 15, 2025
3.5⭐️
First of all, thank you very much for letting me be an ARC reader.
The story is short, but ends at a point where you want to continue reading.
It is easy to follow and fits well within the YA genre. I would not recommend it rather if you like the adult genre more or more a romantasy/fantasy full of action, since it is a short story and therefore does not elaborate on certain confrontations, but there are rather short scenes in which this takes place.
The female protagonist has a nice character that distinguishes itself from the female main characters I am used to. She was funny, tough and relatable. I also found her backstory very catchy and hope that more will be discussed later in the series.
All in all a great book!
First of all, thank you very much for letting me be an ARC reader.
The story is short, but ends at a point where you want to continue reading.
It is easy to follow and fits well within the YA genre. I would not recommend it rather if you like the adult genre more or more a romantasy/fantasy full of action, since it is a short story and therefore does not elaborate on certain confrontations, but there are rather short scenes in which this takes place.
The female protagonist has a nice character that distinguishes itself from the female main characters I am used to. She was funny, tough and relatable. I also found her backstory very catchy and hope that more will be discussed later in the series.
All in all a great book!
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November 24, 20253,5 ⭐️
July 1, 2025
The Skin of a Soulless is a short but intriguing start to what looks like a promising fantasy series. The setup is solid: three girls, four kingdoms, and one nearly impossible quest to save a dying child. When ten-year-old Dania falls ill with a deadly disease, her sister Maeve and two friends: Leyna, an elf with a knack for alchemy, and Katerina, a banished fae, set out to find the ingredients for a mysterious cure.
The story mostly follows Katerina as she ventures into the Cursed Kingdom to retrieve the first ingredient. I liked her right away! She’s funny, tough, and a little reckless, which makes her a fun protagonist to follow. Her backstory is hinted at just enough to make me want more.
That said, this is a pretty quick read, and you can feel that in the pacing. Some scenes, especially the more intense or emotional ones, fly by a little too fast. I found myself wishing for more world building and a deeper dive into the dynamics between the girls. But as a series opener, it does its job: it sets the tone, introduces the stakes, and ends in a way that makes you want to keep going.
The story mostly follows Katerina as she ventures into the Cursed Kingdom to retrieve the first ingredient. I liked her right away! She’s funny, tough, and a little reckless, which makes her a fun protagonist to follow. Her backstory is hinted at just enough to make me want more.
That said, this is a pretty quick read, and you can feel that in the pacing. Some scenes, especially the more intense or emotional ones, fly by a little too fast. I found myself wishing for more world building and a deeper dive into the dynamics between the girls. But as a series opener, it does its job: it sets the tone, introduces the stakes, and ends in a way that makes you want to keep going.
August 27, 2025
This book is just feels like a dream...🥀
God! Whenever I read this book I just wished that it didn't end, but it did and I am so sad that I couldn't read any further. The book shows how a fae lived in her past life and now that she is banished she steals for living. But in all that someone closer to her gets hurt and in order to cure her she have to travel to the Cursed Kingdom.
O. M. G. I finished reading this book in the morning and I can’t cope well. Cause I need book 2 and it's not out yet. I hope the author has mercy on me and every other reader. Also, I loved Katerina and every character in the book. I also happen to get a little curious about the cursed King! And Katerina's hate for men, God, that's just me in another world. Because same girl same🤌🏻✨️!!! And Maeve God, I really laughed at her stress eating and Leyna, Goodness they all are so sweet. I loved every character written by author❤️🩹. It was like a dream, and I am so glad that I read this book.
Everyone had such a strong character. And I really liked how Katerina fought against the Cursed King until she couldn't. She really did her best. And I loved everything in the book. It was out of the world experience. And Katerina's power, her depth it only made shine more!✨️
I loved this book! And so will you! Just go for it!!!
If you love Fantasy with secrets and fae, then I am sure that you will love this book, too!!!
God! Whenever I read this book I just wished that it didn't end, but it did and I am so sad that I couldn't read any further. The book shows how a fae lived in her past life and now that she is banished she steals for living. But in all that someone closer to her gets hurt and in order to cure her she have to travel to the Cursed Kingdom.
O. M. G. I finished reading this book in the morning and I can’t cope well. Cause I need book 2 and it's not out yet. I hope the author has mercy on me and every other reader. Also, I loved Katerina and every character in the book. I also happen to get a little curious about the cursed King! And Katerina's hate for men, God, that's just me in another world. Because same girl same🤌🏻✨️!!! And Maeve God, I really laughed at her stress eating and Leyna, Goodness they all are so sweet. I loved every character written by author❤️🩹. It was like a dream, and I am so glad that I read this book.
Everyone had such a strong character. And I really liked how Katerina fought against the Cursed King until she couldn't. She really did her best. And I loved everything in the book. It was out of the world experience. And Katerina's power, her depth it only made shine more!✨️
I loved this book! And so will you! Just go for it!!!
If you love Fantasy with secrets and fae, then I am sure that you will love this book, too!!!
October 23, 2025
I loved reading this book! I’ve been following the author and chatting to her since a while ago and it was really cool to finally get around to reading her work.
This is a fun quick read that stands out from the vast majority of major publishers’ book these days. It’s not about romance with an adventure side plot or about female characters pitted against each other (I know, shocker). Instead it’s a short and sweet quest/heist book with distinctly different characters, interesting kingdoms each with its own characteristics, and a clear trajectory in the plot that doesn’t fail to be exciting.
The only things that I didn’t like as much was the slower pace at the beginning and some of the phrases were just a bit awkward language wise. Here and there, there were also some double/redundant sentences that basically said the same thing twice or something was shown and then spelled out as well. Also a couple tiny mistakes that really weren’t that many for a self published book.
Already half way through I was excited to learn what would happen in the next books and if not for the language/writing style that sometimes bothered me and thus took me out of the story, this would’ve been a 4.5 star.
Still, I highly recommend this book. It’s a nice refreshing book that’s different from a lot of fantasy but still in the same genre and just overall very fun to read.
This is a fun quick read that stands out from the vast majority of major publishers’ book these days. It’s not about romance with an adventure side plot or about female characters pitted against each other (I know, shocker). Instead it’s a short and sweet quest/heist book with distinctly different characters, interesting kingdoms each with its own characteristics, and a clear trajectory in the plot that doesn’t fail to be exciting.
The only things that I didn’t like as much was the slower pace at the beginning and some of the phrases were just a bit awkward language wise. Here and there, there were also some double/redundant sentences that basically said the same thing twice or something was shown and then spelled out as well. Also a couple tiny mistakes that really weren’t that many for a self published book.
Already half way through I was excited to learn what would happen in the next books and if not for the language/writing style that sometimes bothered me and thus took me out of the story, this would’ve been a 4.5 star.
Still, I highly recommend this book. It’s a nice refreshing book that’s different from a lot of fantasy but still in the same genre and just overall very fun to read.
July 2, 2025
A banished fae and her friends are having a great time hanging out by a creek when the youngest of the group suddenly falls unconscious. They do some searching and are forced to plan to steal things in order to make a cure.
A fantastic start; could use some editing before being published.
The concept and story are definitely there. Some things just need to be polished first. There are spelling errors and some continuity errors (like ages), but nothing too dramatic.
I would love to see some things described and explained more, just fleshed out more, basically.
I loved the entire concept of the cursed kingdom and the way it was described. I'm very intrigued by what our MC found there (can't say because spoilers).
This is a fast-paced story with less than 190 pages. It would actually be really good to market this as a middle grade book instead of YA. It gets straight to the point and the MC is sassy with a rich background that we get a glimpse of in this book.
I did enjoy this story and I will be reading the rest of the series.
A fantastic start; could use some editing before being published.
The concept and story are definitely there. Some things just need to be polished first. There are spelling errors and some continuity errors (like ages), but nothing too dramatic.
I would love to see some things described and explained more, just fleshed out more, basically.
I loved the entire concept of the cursed kingdom and the way it was described. I'm very intrigued by what our MC found there (can't say because spoilers).
This is a fast-paced story with less than 190 pages. It would actually be really good to market this as a middle grade book instead of YA. It gets straight to the point and the MC is sassy with a rich background that we get a glimpse of in this book.
I did enjoy this story and I will be reading the rest of the series.
July 25, 2025
This is book 1 of the serie called: The kingdom's greatest treasures.
And that is what these books are about. Getting the hands on the most important item of each of the kingdoms realms.
In this first book Katerina sets out on a mission to steal the skin of a soulless. She needs to go to the realm of the cursed king. There are no people living there, only Soulless. She just wants to get in and out of here as fast as she posible can. But nothing goes as Katerina wants it. So the king offers her a deal. Is he to be trusted? And does she accept the deal?
Wow this book was so nice. I loved reading it. Its a Ya Fantasy. But with depth in the character, good description about the land, and i could not put it down. I really enjoyed. I really like to continue to the next story asap, witch already had a really nice set up at the end of this book. For me this is a ⭐⭐⭐⭐ read.
And that is what these books are about. Getting the hands on the most important item of each of the kingdoms realms.
In this first book Katerina sets out on a mission to steal the skin of a soulless. She needs to go to the realm of the cursed king. There are no people living there, only Soulless. She just wants to get in and out of here as fast as she posible can. But nothing goes as Katerina wants it. So the king offers her a deal. Is he to be trusted? And does she accept the deal?
Wow this book was so nice. I loved reading it. Its a Ya Fantasy. But with depth in the character, good description about the land, and i could not put it down. I really enjoyed. I really like to continue to the next story asap, witch already had a really nice set up at the end of this book. For me this is a ⭐⭐⭐⭐ read.
August 27, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this book, loved it. Really like this author. The story sounded very intriguing so was pretty curious to it. And the execution did not disappoint. It was a good story. Like how they need something from each kingdom, and that they all get something. I love the characters, for now Katerina is my fave. Also love the banter between Katerina and the cursed king. Think it's also nice how Katerina didn't immediately succeeded in getting the item. Otherwise it would be kinda predictable. The book was also sad. I feel bad for Katerina, for her whole past and her sister dying. The scene with the horse was also sad, poor horsey. Reminded me of a scene from the movie: the neverending story. Really curious to the rest of this serie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2025
What an amazing beginning to this series!
In this book we follow Maeve, Katerina & Leyna who need to save Maeve’s little sister Dania from an almost incurable disease. This book focuses more on the task Maeve needs to complete.
First of all, the character are amazing. Maeve’s humour and way of thinking are awesome and I laughed out loud a few times. Second of all, the plot has such great potential. It had an amazing build up for the next few books & I already have so many questions I want the answer to in the next books!
I would 100% recommend this book!
In this book we follow Maeve, Katerina & Leyna who need to save Maeve’s little sister Dania from an almost incurable disease. This book focuses more on the task Maeve needs to complete.
First of all, the character are amazing. Maeve’s humour and way of thinking are awesome and I laughed out loud a few times. Second of all, the plot has such great potential. It had an amazing build up for the next few books & I already have so many questions I want the answer to in the next books!
I would 100% recommend this book!
September 22, 2025
I've always loved fantasy but the names and places were too much to keep up with but when I stumbled on Bo Salem's page and I saw this, I was intrigued. Everything was easy to remember and I love the characters (Diana is my favourite❤️).
Katerina is someone I relate to in a lot of ways and Diana is the cutest little girl. Even though Katerina doesn’t show her emotions, you can clearly read her love and care for the sisters and Leyna.
The world of The Kingdom's greatest treasures is simple and that's what makes it a fast and easy read.
Thank you for allowing me to read this. I really enjoyed the banter between the Cursed King and Katerina.
Katerina is someone I relate to in a lot of ways and Diana is the cutest little girl. Even though Katerina doesn’t show her emotions, you can clearly read her love and care for the sisters and Leyna.
The world of The Kingdom's greatest treasures is simple and that's what makes it a fast and easy read.
Thank you for allowing me to read this. I really enjoyed the banter between the Cursed King and Katerina.
December 22, 2025
Aside from a few typos, this book was very well written. It kept me engaged from start to finish and was extremely fast-paced. At times, it almost felt too fast. I blinked and suddenly it was the next day in the story, and I found myself wishing the book had been longer.
That said, the worldbuilding was great, and overall it was a very enjoyable read. Definitely worth 4 stars!
That said, the worldbuilding was great, and overall it was a very enjoyable read. Definitely worth 4 stars!
August 4, 2025
LOOOOVEEEEDDD EVERY MOMENT 🤍 If you are looking for a fantasy book that has everything you ever loved about the genre and so much more new stuff, this is it. I cannot wait to learn how to story continues!!
September 18, 2025
Sorry I tried really hard but the writing just got worse. The story has a lot of potential but there needs to be a serious improvement in the writing. Dnfing for now I don’t think I have enough motivation to carry on with this story without pulling all my hairs out.
September 28, 2025
Okay so I’ve been in a reading slump for the past month and I went out on a whim to try and find a good book to get me out of it and let me tell you… THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING! I read it in one whole sitting and ugghhh it was so good I love Katerina so so so muchhhhh!!!
December 5, 2025
I can't believe I finished this book RIGHT before the second book is getting released. I'm so excited (and anxious) for what's next.
PS. I might have a lil crush on the cursed king but that's just me idk
PS. I might have a lil crush on the cursed king but that's just me idk
August 11, 2025
i started reading and then i stopped cause low key she was reminding me of wattpad
August 14, 2025
3,5 ⭐️
Review volgt!
Review volgt!
September 10, 2025
AAAAH I NEEEED THE NEXT BOOK LIKE YESTERDAAAAY
August 27, 2025
Can three women overcome the odds and save a little girl from a mysterious illness before it's too late?
The first book in Bo Salem new series Kingdom's Greatest Treasures was the embodiment of how far would you go for those you love? The worldbuilding and magical systems are fascinating yet easy to understand.
The Skin of a Soulless follows Katerina as she attempts to steal from the Cursed Kingdom. Her determination and sass when facing the powerful Cursed King is a whole mood while the mystery surrounding this kingdom keeps you hooked. Katerina's mental commentary is brilliant.
Excited to see if Katerina, Maeve, and Leyna can pull off the heist of their lives in time to save little Dania.
The first book in Bo Salem new series Kingdom's Greatest Treasures was the embodiment of how far would you go for those you love? The worldbuilding and magical systems are fascinating yet easy to understand.
The Skin of a Soulless follows Katerina as she attempts to steal from the Cursed Kingdom. Her determination and sass when facing the powerful Cursed King is a whole mood while the mystery surrounding this kingdom keeps you hooked. Katerina's mental commentary is brilliant.
Excited to see if Katerina, Maeve, and Leyna can pull off the heist of their lives in time to save little Dania.
September 18, 2025
I was drawn into this story and its world right from the start, and I couldn't put it down. That's why I devoured it in a single day. It is the first book in the Kingdom's Greatest Treasures series, which follows Katerina. It is a found family story in which three girls try to save the life of Dania, a ten-year-old girl who is dear to everyone's heart and like a little sister to them. The group consists of Katerina, a banished fae; Maeve, Dania's human sister; and Leyna, an elf. Katerina is tough and funny, yet she has a big heart, especially for Dania, who took her in. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and have already grown fond of the characters. The story is exciting and humorous at times. Now, I can hardly wait to read the next book in the series!
August 27, 2025
Thank you Bo for sending me an e-arc copy of this book.
So i just read this book in one sitting, it was so addicting. I absolutely love Katharina and I can't wait for the rest of this story.
A lot of times I'm not a huge fan of short books, but Bo really put everything she could in these 178 pages. It was so fast paced and fun.
I need book 2 ASAP.
So i just read this book in one sitting, it was so addicting. I absolutely love Katharina and I can't wait for the rest of this story.
A lot of times I'm not a huge fan of short books, but Bo really put everything she could in these 178 pages. It was so fast paced and fun.
I need book 2 ASAP.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews