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The Seven Kingdoms #5
The Usurper
This time, Cendrilla’s greatest enemy is herself
Cendrilla’s new quest brings about new internal struggles and darker twists.
In mere days, the Snow Queen will enact her murderous plot to seize control of the United Kingdom of Seven.
Will Cendrilla triumph over impossible odds?
To make matters worse, passions and tempers burn hot through the snowy plains as Lord Bluebeard and Prince Armin vie for her affections.
Facing attacks at every turn, Cendrilla’s magic grows by leaps and bounds… but at what cost?
This action-filled adventure will have you turning pages, as Cendrilla navigates deadly traps of enchantment and battles new magical enemies.
Cendrilla’s new quest brings about new internal struggles and darker twists.
In mere days, the Snow Queen will enact her murderous plot to seize control of the United Kingdom of Seven.
Will Cendrilla triumph over impossible odds?
To make matters worse, passions and tempers burn hot through the snowy plains as Lord Bluebeard and Prince Armin vie for her affections.
Facing attacks at every turn, Cendrilla’s magic grows by leaps and bounds… but at what cost?
This action-filled adventure will have you turning pages, as Cendrilla navigates deadly traps of enchantment and battles new magical enemies.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2018
153 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 6, 2018
I feel like this book fell a little short from perfection, but I still think it was a good read!
Rilla has managed to defeat her unwanted husband King Rhino, but he knows more about the Snow Queen's plans, and with this information Rilla now has more motivation to seek her and take out her revenge on her
But through this journey, she will encounter many hardships, worse than before. She will have to battle creatures, big and small, but her biggest and worse enemy she fights is herself.
Not to give too much away but Rilla has been transformed significantly, and I was able to pick up these clues from the start. And boy did it allow me whenever Rilla was not acting like herself
Worse yet, her new transformation has made things difficult for her and Armin's romance. Still annoyed that Bluebeard is in the picture but I'll wait to the end to see who she will choose.
Looking forward to the next one, as it seems she might have to fight a bigger battle than the last!
Received a copy for an honest review, thank you!
Rilla has managed to defeat her unwanted husband King Rhino, but he knows more about the Snow Queen's plans, and with this information Rilla now has more motivation to seek her and take out her revenge on her
But through this journey, she will encounter many hardships, worse than before. She will have to battle creatures, big and small, but her biggest and worse enemy she fights is herself.
Not to give too much away but Rilla has been transformed significantly, and I was able to pick up these clues from the start. And boy did it allow me whenever Rilla was not acting like herself
Worse yet, her new transformation has made things difficult for her and Armin's romance. Still annoyed that Bluebeard is in the picture but I'll wait to the end to see who she will choose.
Looking forward to the next one, as it seems she might have to fight a bigger battle than the last!
Received a copy for an honest review, thank you!
March 28, 2018
Okay
I guess this book was okay. This is more 3 1/2 stars rounded to 4. There is so much stupidity going on that it’s kind of starting to grate on my nerves a bit. Everything that can possibly go wrong does. That kind of gets old after a bit. Still going to read the next one and go from there.
I guess this book was okay. This is more 3 1/2 stars rounded to 4. There is so much stupidity going on that it’s kind of starting to grate on my nerves a bit. Everything that can possibly go wrong does. That kind of gets old after a bit. Still going to read the next one and go from there.
April 6, 2018
In 'The Usurper,' Cendrilla's life continues to grow ever more complicated as she tries to come to grips with her new life, her multiple suitors, her growing magic issues, and her quest to end the threat of the Snow Queen once and for all. As with the other books, it's filled with non-stop action, adventures, and misadventures.
I have mixed emotions over this book. First off, let me mention that I loved the first three books in this series, book four I still enjoyed but it had some content that I didn't much like. Have you ever read a series that you were really enjoying only to come to a book that feels so different from the others and almost a let down? Well that's kind of how this book felt to me. Although it still drew me in and kept me reading to the last page to find out what was going to happen, there were a couple characters in this book that just fell flat to me and (sorry!) read rather like bad fanfiction. I know we weren't supposed to like some of those characters, but they just didn't seem as well written as the other characters. I've also noticed a lot of slang-type phraseologies that seem out of place with this world and its characters. There were some things in this book (content wise) that I didn't care for, but I won't go into detail on those. I'm sad really, I loved the start of this series and, though I'm still interested to see how it ends, I'm just not enjoying it as much or finding it as well written as in the beginning.
I have mixed emotions over this book. First off, let me mention that I loved the first three books in this series, book four I still enjoyed but it had some content that I didn't much like. Have you ever read a series that you were really enjoying only to come to a book that feels so different from the others and almost a let down? Well that's kind of how this book felt to me. Although it still drew me in and kept me reading to the last page to find out what was going to happen, there were a couple characters in this book that just fell flat to me and (sorry!) read rather like bad fanfiction. I know we weren't supposed to like some of those characters, but they just didn't seem as well written as the other characters. I've also noticed a lot of slang-type phraseologies that seem out of place with this world and its characters. There were some things in this book (content wise) that I didn't care for, but I won't go into detail on those. I'm sad really, I loved the start of this series and, though I'm still interested to see how it ends, I'm just not enjoying it as much or finding it as well written as in the beginning.
October 4, 2021
The fifth book of Cordelia Castel’s Seven Kingdoms series opens where the last book left off, protagonist Rilla near an ice wall that she suspects the Snow Queen created, with the wall able to attack those who draw near. King Rhinoceros is sought for interrogation, and Rilla finds herself under arrest, although the Ogre Senate can overrule her captivity. As an airship flies over the Cursed Sea, the wall of ice attacks, and there arises the dilemma of getting through the Seven Kingdoms undetected. When they reach one of the countries, Vern, its king wishes his daughter purged of a curse in exchange for passage.
Foreign magic is detected within Rilla, and she herself fears the power, with some training in the use of her enchanted staff. The King of Autumn’s death is plotted, and a fairy mine is sought, as well, with the dilemma on how to seal it. The book reveals that a kiss between Lord Bluebeard and Rilla can offset the foreign power within the latter, and the last few chapters deal with the conflict against the Snow Queen, who yearns to marry Prince Grost so that she can rule as consort once he accedes to the throne.
Like its precursors, the fifth installment ends with a cliffhanger involving a hypothesis of who orchestrated an attack that occurs at the end. However, this particular entry of the series is one of the weaker ones, given occasional confusion about the various characters to whom pronouns refer, given the distance between their names and how the book references them, although the action is definitely decent and well-described. Given its solid connection to previous and future books, a reminder on the plots of its predecessors would have been welcome, and the book overall is hardly bucket list-worthy.
Foreign magic is detected within Rilla, and she herself fears the power, with some training in the use of her enchanted staff. The King of Autumn’s death is plotted, and a fairy mine is sought, as well, with the dilemma on how to seal it. The book reveals that a kiss between Lord Bluebeard and Rilla can offset the foreign power within the latter, and the last few chapters deal with the conflict against the Snow Queen, who yearns to marry Prince Grost so that she can rule as consort once he accedes to the throne.
Like its precursors, the fifth installment ends with a cliffhanger involving a hypothesis of who orchestrated an attack that occurs at the end. However, this particular entry of the series is one of the weaker ones, given occasional confusion about the various characters to whom pronouns refer, given the distance between their names and how the book references them, although the action is definitely decent and well-described. Given its solid connection to previous and future books, a reminder on the plots of its predecessors would have been welcome, and the book overall is hardly bucket list-worthy.
April 5, 2018
Every once in a while, a book comes along that makes you pause and say, “What the ... what?” This is one of those stories. The Usurper is the 5th book in Cordelia Castel’s The Seven Kingdom Series. Castel has imagined the “Known World” where the Seven Kingdoms (against magic) and the Enchanted Realm (pro magic) reside. Within these worlds live Fairy Tale characters both well known and obscure. Regardless, their stories are full of action, intrigue, friendships, jealousy, confrontations and cooperation.
Cendrilla Perrault has journeyed across much of the Known World to protect it. She grew up in servitude to a guardian she believed to be her step-mother. Cendrilla’s weight in gold was paid for her hand in marriage. She was only sixteen years old, so she ran away at the first opportunity. Her adventure had taken her all over both realms where she has learned there are good and evil in both magical and non magical beings. She first discovered that she had magic, and then she found she was not human. Regardless, she recognized that she was powerful and her world needed her to stand against a great enemy of their world. In book 4, Cendrilla discovered who and what she was. In this book, she must battle her inner demons. Join Cendrilla and her friends and foes as they continue their journey and try to stop the Snow Queen.
Cendrilla Perrault has journeyed across much of the Known World to protect it. She grew up in servitude to a guardian she believed to be her step-mother. Cendrilla’s weight in gold was paid for her hand in marriage. She was only sixteen years old, so she ran away at the first opportunity. Her adventure had taken her all over both realms where she has learned there are good and evil in both magical and non magical beings. She first discovered that she had magic, and then she found she was not human. Regardless, she recognized that she was powerful and her world needed her to stand against a great enemy of their world. In book 4, Cendrilla discovered who and what she was. In this book, she must battle her inner demons. Join Cendrilla and her friends and foes as they continue their journey and try to stop the Snow Queen.
April 4, 2018
The series just keeps getting better and better. The writing is amazing and the characters are extremely well developed. I love Rilla and her group of amazing characters. Rilla keeps getting stronger and growing up quickly. She and her group face such imposing tasks with each development of the series. This one is no different and you see parts of Rilla you wouldn’t expect. I love how Lord Bluebeard has developed more into a likeable character. Each one adds to the story in its own way. Cordelia Castel is just fabulous in the she has linked the different fairy tales together. This is definitely worth reading and it doesn’t disappoint. I voluntarily review an advanced reader copy of this book.
April 5, 2018
I received this book free of charge. My review is voluntarily given.
It took a couple of chapters to get into the flow of The Usurper, but by the end, I was breathless. Full-speed action, character growth and development, and a smidge of sexual heat are just a few of the features that really drove this story. I'm still fully on Team Bluebeard, but now have a little more appreciation for Prince Armin, and I'm curious to see what's going on with Captain Coyote.
It took a couple of chapters to get into the flow of The Usurper, but by the end, I was breathless. Full-speed action, character growth and development, and a smidge of sexual heat are just a few of the features that really drove this story. I'm still fully on Team Bluebeard, but now have a little more appreciation for Prince Armin, and I'm curious to see what's going on with Captain Coyote.
April 6, 2018
I can't decide how many stars this book deserves. Three stars? Or five? So I've opted for the average and I give it 4 stars.
Some chapters almost make me abandon reading, luckily, those were only a few. The rest of the book is, like the other books of the series, excellent. The written, as always, well done. The plot perfectly planned. A lot of action and adventures. Some doubts clarified and many other questions pending.
Can't wait to read the next book!
Some chapters almost make me abandon reading, luckily, those were only a few. The rest of the book is, like the other books of the series, excellent. The written, as always, well done. The plot perfectly planned. A lot of action and adventures. Some doubts clarified and many other questions pending.
Can't wait to read the next book!
April 7, 2018
The Usurper is the 5th book in the Seven Kingdoms series by Cordelia Castel.
Rilla is now fighting the Snow Queen, while still continuing to learn more about her past, as well as trying to choose between Bluebeard and Armin. The action continues to be fast-paced, while new characters (some from new fairytales) continue to be introduced. The Seven Kingdoms series simply continues to improve.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Rilla is now fighting the Snow Queen, while still continuing to learn more about her past, as well as trying to choose between Bluebeard and Armin. The action continues to be fast-paced, while new characters (some from new fairytales) continue to be introduced. The Seven Kingdoms series simply continues to improve.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
August 21, 2018
The Usurper (The Seven Kingdoms #5)
by Cordelia Castel: Adventure that has got to be Rilla's middle name. Nothing ever stops. One good thing does happen for Rilla she gets to meet her real mother and find out the name of her father. Then begone again on adventures with every page turn. This book she and the Snow Queen meet. To find out what happens in this battle you will have to read the book. Til next time.
by Cordelia Castel: Adventure that has got to be Rilla's middle name. Nothing ever stops. One good thing does happen for Rilla she gets to meet her real mother and find out the name of her father. Then begone again on adventures with every page turn. This book she and the Snow Queen meet. To find out what happens in this battle you will have to read the book. Til next time.
January 30, 2024
Just... same review as The Seven Kingdoms #1
But I am upping my rating for all the books to 2. I did have to acknowledge that Castel doesn't gloss over the ugliness of people and that physically ugly people can be the most beautiful. Full of tropes still? Yes. Still an an unending oh gods please just stop for more than a day? Yes. Am I picking up speed to near skimming and not missing literally anything? Also yes.
But I am upping my rating for all the books to 2. I did have to acknowledge that Castel doesn't gloss over the ugliness of people and that physically ugly people can be the most beautiful. Full of tropes still? Yes. Still an an unending oh gods please just stop for more than a day? Yes. Am I picking up speed to near skimming and not missing literally anything? Also yes.
May 1, 2018
Riveting
I just couldn't put it down. Rilla just couldn't catch a break. Every time she turned around it was something else that was trying to kill her. Not to mention that she was constantly getting Bianca out of trouble. Rilla has more patience than I do. You just want this to be over so rilla can start living a fairly normal life, if there is such a thing for here
I just couldn't put it down. Rilla just couldn't catch a break. Every time she turned around it was something else that was trying to kill her. Not to mention that she was constantly getting Bianca out of trouble. Rilla has more patience than I do. You just want this to be over so rilla can start living a fairly normal life, if there is such a thing for here
January 26, 2020
This series has continued to keep my interest. Like the strength that Fills has and the fact that she continues to day strong on doing good. Her entourage is also determined to keep her safe. Going into book 5without wanting to can be looks or author says it all. CORDELIA casell is an awesome writer. Look forward to the remaining books on this series.
April 7, 2018
This was my second read of Usurper. Yes, I liked it that much. This might be one of my favorite in the series as Cendrilla has to face her own inner demons. Rilla truly has grown with each installment in this series.
September 17, 2018
Preventing a war and saving kingdoms.....
Rilla and her friends have found out that the Snow Queen plans to take over all of the kingdoms, but will the heroes be to stop her?
Finding out about herself and fighting against evil.
Jo-Ann Doyle
Rilla and her friends have found out that the Snow Queen plans to take over all of the kingdoms, but will the heroes be to stop her?
Finding out about herself and fighting against evil.
Jo-Ann Doyle
October 10, 2018
Another page turner, you won't want to put it down !!!
Wow, what is going to happen next? Poor Cendrilla has to go through so much with her wits the only thing to rely on. When her supposed friends betray her, who is she going to turn to? On to the next one to find out !!!
Wow, what is going to happen next? Poor Cendrilla has to go through so much with her wits the only thing to rely on. When her supposed friends betray her, who is she going to turn to? On to the next one to find out !!!
September 19, 2021
Rilla keeps getting more and more complex as we learn more about her and see her interacting with the other characters. This story is one of those where everything that can possibly go wrong does, which is a little unrealistic. But not so much to that it interferes with the story.
April 15, 2018
Finished number 5 on to number 6
I love these books I'm on number 6 now and can't wait to see what happens,I'll let you know soon
I love these books I'm on number 6 now and can't wait to see what happens,I'll let you know soon
May 12, 2018
OMG! Cendrilla is definitely a force to be reckoned with! She is stomping all over the trolls! I love it!
May 13, 2018
Fairy tale characters
Interesting mix of fairy tale characters and new story lore. This installment takes some interesting turns and new background comes out. Worth reading.
Interesting mix of fairy tale characters and new story lore. This installment takes some interesting turns and new background comes out. Worth reading.
December 6, 2018
This was awesome
This book is so mysterious and has breathtaking events that will make you move to the edge of your seats
This book is so mysterious and has breathtaking events that will make you move to the edge of your seats
November 25, 2019
Yes, I’ve read this far...
More impossible situations than you can shake a stick at!
The main character can’t eat breakfast without some crazy new obstacle...and yet...
More impossible situations than you can shake a stick at!
The main character can’t eat breakfast without some crazy new obstacle...and yet...
June 17, 2020
Sensational,
August 12, 2021
Rilla with the help of her friends inches closer and closer to a all out confrontation with the snow queen!
January 15, 2022
I actually enjoyed the book and highly recommend it.
April 8, 2018
No rest for Cendrilla. Having gotten ridden from an unwanted marriage, she now has to confront the Snow Queen face to face and banish her, or there will be no salvation for the known world. But before she faces her arch enemy, she has not only to learn to control her powers but to get rid of unwanted dark powers as well. And as if that isn't enough, Lord Bluebeard and Prince Armin still vie for her affections, putting Cendrilla literally between a rock and a hard place. Will she finally choose? And will the Snow Queen finally find her match? Read on to find out!!!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews