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Seven Ways to Kill a King
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
She was born a princess. They made her an assassin.
One was an accident. Two a coincidence. By three, they would know. It would be harder. But I would avenge my mother’s death. These kings would pay that price.
Seven cities make up the Storm Queen’s Realm, each of their self-crowned, murderous kings one of Princess Myrina’s marks. The treasonous curs may have banded together to share a stolen throne, but soon they will fall.
They thought her dead, killed in the massacre. They thought their rule secure. But Myrina of Stormskeep has awoken, and with the help of her loyal bloodsworn, the shadow princess will have her revenge.
For fans of The Witcher and Game of Thrones—a new princess set on vengeance is here to steal your heart.
She was born a princess. They made her an assassin.
One was an accident. Two a coincidence. By three, they would know. It would be harder. But I would avenge my mother’s death. These kings would pay that price.
Seven cities make up the Storm Queen’s Realm, each of their self-crowned, murderous kings one of Princess Myrina’s marks. The treasonous curs may have banded together to share a stolen throne, but soon they will fall.
They thought her dead, killed in the massacre. They thought their rule secure. But Myrina of Stormskeep has awoken, and with the help of her loyal bloodsworn, the shadow princess will have her revenge.
For fans of The Witcher and Game of Thrones—a new princess set on vengeance is here to steal your heart.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2020
148 people are currently reading
2588 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Wright
57 books1,528 followersMelissa is the author of more than a dozen YA and fantasy novels including The Frey Saga and Between Ink and Shadows. When not writing she can generally be found talking with an author friend about a book, painting something from a book, or tucked between headphones listening to a book. It’s kind of a theme. She loves reasonable heroines in unreasonable situations, noble--if brooding--heroes, slow burn and sweet kisses, a lot of havoc, and a little magic. Stay updated on works in progress at Instagram. Contact her through the web at www.melissa-wright.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
May 25, 2022
myrina is a princess-turned-assassin. she’s believed to be dead as a result of seven lords taking over her mother’s throne, but really she’s far away, quietly plotting their deaths. she has more motive than vengeance, though: she must also free her sister, the rightful heir, before the kings harness her power and use it for themselves.
this book wasn’t quite as action-packed as i had hoped, but i still enjoyed it! the author’s writing was very descriptive which helped me get into the book and the world. i also liked the relationship between myrina and her companion cass.
recommended for anyone looking for a quick, standalone fantasy read.
this book wasn’t quite as action-packed as i had hoped, but i still enjoyed it! the author’s writing was very descriptive which helped me get into the book and the world. i also liked the relationship between myrina and her companion cass.
recommended for anyone looking for a quick, standalone fantasy read.
January 27, 2022
This was a quick and pretty good read but I was a bit disappointed by the lack of action I assumed would happen in this book.
I thought we’d be able to read and be sucked into adventure and intense action as Myrina took the lives of 7 kings. Instead it was more of her explaining her plan, explaining why and preparing. A lot of the plot was explained instead of “shown” to the readers. I wanted to see Myrina become another Aria Stark but it never happened..
I did quite enjoy seeing Myrina and Cass’s relationship go from sworn duty, to friendship, and then to deep romantic feelings. There was no insta-love and I feel like their connection was realistic. Even when they didn’t agree with each other, they understood the others motives.
There were some scenes that made my heart race and I felt like their journey was full of the perfect dose of ups and downs you’d expect from a journey like theirs. I just wanted some bad ass assassination scenes.
I would still recommenced this book as I enjoyed the authors writing very much and I loved how detailed the world and blood magic were!
3.5/5 ✰’s
I thought we’d be able to read and be sucked into adventure and intense action as Myrina took the lives of 7 kings. Instead it was more of her explaining her plan, explaining why and preparing. A lot of the plot was explained instead of “shown” to the readers. I wanted to see Myrina become another Aria Stark but it never happened..
I did quite enjoy seeing Myrina and Cass’s relationship go from sworn duty, to friendship, and then to deep romantic feelings. There was no insta-love and I feel like their connection was realistic. Even when they didn’t agree with each other, they understood the others motives.
There were some scenes that made my heart race and I felt like their journey was full of the perfect dose of ups and downs you’d expect from a journey like theirs. I just wanted some bad ass assassination scenes.
I would still recommenced this book as I enjoyed the authors writing very much and I loved how detailed the world and blood magic were!
3.5/5 ✰’s
September 10, 2020
I think this book has a great premise. Not totally unique but one worthy of repeating if done well. Hidden princess coming out of hiding to seek revenge on the people who killed her mother and put her kingdom back to right as evil kings have lead in tyranny. Enter bloodsworn, handsome man to help princess through the process.
This was definitely a plot driven book. It was slow going for me at first but I could feel the build up as the story moved forward. Each assassin attempt brought greater risk and difficulty for Myrina. Things don't usually go as planned and I liked how she and the other characters were frequently in tight spots, trying to get out. The best bits of the book for me were the sneaking, assassin attempts and the fighting. They author did a great job of creating tension with those. I was definitely interested in how the events would play out and the last third of the book was great as far as a climax of events.
My problem was that I didn't connect to the characters emotionally. It was like I was on the outside looking in most of the time. I enjoyed the story well enough, I just wanted more of a connection. More emotion. The relationship between Miri and Cass lacked emotion too. No sparks at all. I cared about the story but I wasn't invested in the characters.
3.5/5 stars for me.
Content: peril, violence, killing, kissing
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
This was definitely a plot driven book. It was slow going for me at first but I could feel the build up as the story moved forward. Each assassin attempt brought greater risk and difficulty for Myrina. Things don't usually go as planned and I liked how she and the other characters were frequently in tight spots, trying to get out. The best bits of the book for me were the sneaking, assassin attempts and the fighting. They author did a great job of creating tension with those. I was definitely interested in how the events would play out and the last third of the book was great as far as a climax of events.
My problem was that I didn't connect to the characters emotionally. It was like I was on the outside looking in most of the time. I enjoyed the story well enough, I just wanted more of a connection. More emotion. The relationship between Miri and Cass lacked emotion too. No sparks at all. I cared about the story but I wasn't invested in the characters.
3.5/5 stars for me.
Content: peril, violence, killing, kissing
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 18, 2020
1.5 stars. I hate to give such a low rating, but there was practically nothing I enjoyed about this book, which is deeply sad, as I was looking forward to this a lot. The characters were bland, the worldbuilding never set up, the plot dragged and yet was also fragmented, and foreshadowing nonexistent.
March 26, 2024
Seven Ways to Kill a King
by Melissa Wright
Fantasy High Fantasy
Scribd Audio
Ages: 16+
Myrina was a princess until the lords took her older sister hostage and killed their mother. In hiding for years, Myrina plots the death of those seven lords before they can take the life of her sister on her name day, the day she'll become the rightful queen.
They all think Myrina is dead; killed and burned beside her mother, and now she'll kill them one by one.
This was an easy read. There wasn't much action or suspense. Sure there were sword fights and the such, but they were mostly brushed over. 'He was fighting over there while she was blocking and rolling to avoid this sword, now he's fighting someone else and there's a body on the floor...' That was pretty much it.
I get the reason why she used the things she did to kill the lords, but there was only one way that was really described, but it still lacked detail. Again, brushed over details that could've given this book another star.
It's also missing a deep dive into Myrina's past. There isn't much that explains how she knew everything she did, she was only a young girl when everything went down, and from the little that was written about then and during her time in hiding, didn't really explain where she learned to handle a sword and other weapons.
Overall not a bad story, it's interesting, and the narrator did a great job, but the story lacks action and those little details that keep a reader holding their breath, eyes darting over the words, as the action plays out.
A low...
3 Stars
by Melissa Wright
Fantasy High Fantasy
Scribd Audio
Ages: 16+
Myrina was a princess until the lords took her older sister hostage and killed their mother. In hiding for years, Myrina plots the death of those seven lords before they can take the life of her sister on her name day, the day she'll become the rightful queen.
They all think Myrina is dead; killed and burned beside her mother, and now she'll kill them one by one.
This was an easy read. There wasn't much action or suspense. Sure there were sword fights and the such, but they were mostly brushed over. 'He was fighting over there while she was blocking and rolling to avoid this sword, now he's fighting someone else and there's a body on the floor...' That was pretty much it.
I get the reason why she used the things she did to kill the lords, but there was only one way that was really described, but it still lacked detail. Again, brushed over details that could've given this book another star.
It's also missing a deep dive into Myrina's past. There isn't much that explains how she knew everything she did, she was only a young girl when everything went down, and from the little that was written about then and during her time in hiding, didn't really explain where she learned to handle a sword and other weapons.
Overall not a bad story, it's interesting, and the narrator did a great job, but the story lacks action and those little details that keep a reader holding their breath, eyes darting over the words, as the action plays out.
A low...
3 Stars
September 27, 2020
I liked it. It was a nice audiobook to listen to while cleaning the house.
July 11, 2020
Full review to come but this book was INCREDIBLE!! Thank you to the author for providing me an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!! (spoiler alert its a RAVE!) I read it in one sitting because I could not put it down I HAD to know what was going to happen next!! It was so engaging and the characters were beautifully created with rich back stories and flaws that made them feel like they were my new best friends. I mean Miri is now my best friend and so I can't steal Cass from her but I sooooo want to!! Their slow burn relationship is one you know is going to form but are still 100% rooting for despite it! The pacing was perfectly balanced with high adrenaline moments (that seriously had me holding my breath at times) and slower times for backstories/world building. I could not get enough of this book and I cannot stop looking at this cover. I'm not even going to say I recommend this book, I'm going to say flat out YOU NEED THIS BOOK!!!
May 26, 2025
Enjoyable! I liked the writing style and the story. I wish the book was a little longer so things didn’t seem as rushed. Wasn’t as violent as I expected which was much appreciated.
December 24, 2020
I enjoyed this one, BUT I wish the book was a bit longer.
September 13, 2020
A enjoyable romp that has a slow start but picks up about 30% through. Once I got into the groove it was hard to put this one down.
Watching her plot and kill was fun. Some of the story elements felt too convenient, like the twist with the bloodsworn, and some were fairly predictable. The romance was bland and could’ve had more flavor beyond forbidden yearning and cheap tactics to get some tension.
Overall it’s a pretty simple fantasy story. I kind of just wish there were legitimate stakes, since I never feared for any lives. I do personally find the magic system under developed but since this is a short standalone I’ll let it slide.
Watching her plot and kill was fun. Some of the story elements felt too convenient, like the twist with the bloodsworn, and some were fairly predictable. The romance was bland and could’ve had more flavor beyond forbidden yearning and cheap tactics to get some tension.
Overall it’s a pretty simple fantasy story. I kind of just wish there were legitimate stakes, since I never feared for any lives. I do personally find the magic system under developed but since this is a short standalone I’ll let it slide.
August 9, 2022
Loved this!
Highlights:
⭐️ I really enjoyed this take on the bodyguard romance trope and loved how it played out between Myri and Cass.
⭐️ The whole plot of killing the kings was intriguing, as well as unraveling all the mystery surrounding the rebellion and upheaval in the kingdoms.
⭐️ I really enjoyed the pacing of this book, there was a lot of action that felt like it kept it moving forward and kept me turning the pages.
⭐️ I really enjoyed the dynamic between Myri and Cass.
⭐️ Loved the excellent twist at the end of the story!
Highlights:
⭐️ I really enjoyed this take on the bodyguard romance trope and loved how it played out between Myri and Cass.
⭐️ The whole plot of killing the kings was intriguing, as well as unraveling all the mystery surrounding the rebellion and upheaval in the kingdoms.
⭐️ I really enjoyed the pacing of this book, there was a lot of action that felt like it kept it moving forward and kept me turning the pages.
⭐️ I really enjoyed the dynamic between Myri and Cass.
⭐️ Loved the excellent twist at the end of the story!
August 6, 2021
Well this was... disappointing.
I was looking for a fast-paced story with strong main female character but I got really slow and boring read with female lead I didn't care about. The pace picked up around 40% which is pretty late considering how short this book is and the conclusion was too rushed with wasted potential. The romance was bland, there was no spark there and I didn't feel any connection to characters who were poorly developed. Everything about this book is just unsatisfying.
I was looking for a fast-paced story with strong main female character but I got really slow and boring read with female lead I didn't care about. The pace picked up around 40% which is pretty late considering how short this book is and the conclusion was too rushed with wasted potential. The romance was bland, there was no spark there and I didn't feel any connection to characters who were poorly developed. Everything about this book is just unsatisfying.
September 10, 2020
SYNOPSIS
She was born a princess. They made her an assassin.
One was an accident. Two a coincidence. By three, they would know. It would be harder. But I would avenge my mother’s death. These kings would pay that price.
Seven cities make up the Storm Queen’s Realm, each of their self-crowned, murderous kings one of Princess Myrina’s marks. The treasonous curs may have banded together to share a stolen throne, but soon they will fall.
They thought her dead, killed in the massacre. They thought their rule secure. But Myrina of Stormskeep has awoken, and with the help of her loyal bloodsworn, the shadow princess will have her revenge.
For fans of The Witcher and Game of Thrones—a new princess set on vengeance is here to steal your heart.
REVIEW
I highly enjoyed this book! It was well-written, and highly entertaining. The story is awesome and it has an interesting plot! I also very much enjoyed the characters.
August 31, 2020
Intriguing story, well written, but lacking emotional connection.
Upon reading the summary of the book, I was intrigued. As the story began following Myrina or Bean, the persona she had taken, I was hopeful that a closeness would develop between her and Cass. In a way, it just was not enough to warrant the ending. Their relationship is strained because of the duties each one had to uphold, and yet there wasn't much bonding or conversation. I felt like I was starving for some spark or emotion between the two of them. Myrina has such a sense of duty and emotional connection to many in her past, but when it come to a man she potential cares about there's maybe a few sentences about it. Cass had more thoughts on her than she did him, if just ended up feeling odd.
The story is a good one. The author is very good at describing the setting, making it feel realistic. She also excells at the dramatic fight scenes, which I found extremely entertaining. I like the perils she forces the characters into, nothing ever goes easy or as planned. I like how they are always challenged.
All in all it was a good read, just lacking a bit with the characters relationship. I'm also a sucker for betrayal, so the ending was beautifully written for me. I would definitely read more of her work in the future.
Upon reading the summary of the book, I was intrigued. As the story began following Myrina or Bean, the persona she had taken, I was hopeful that a closeness would develop between her and Cass. In a way, it just was not enough to warrant the ending. Their relationship is strained because of the duties each one had to uphold, and yet there wasn't much bonding or conversation. I felt like I was starving for some spark or emotion between the two of them. Myrina has such a sense of duty and emotional connection to many in her past, but when it come to a man she potential cares about there's maybe a few sentences about it. Cass had more thoughts on her than she did him, if just ended up feeling odd.
The story is a good one. The author is very good at describing the setting, making it feel realistic. She also excells at the dramatic fight scenes, which I found extremely entertaining. I like the perils she forces the characters into, nothing ever goes easy or as planned. I like how they are always challenged.
All in all it was a good read, just lacking a bit with the characters relationship. I'm also a sucker for betrayal, so the ending was beautifully written for me. I would definitely read more of her work in the future.
July 30, 2023
"Seven ways to kill a King" es una novela corta dentro del entorno fantástico. Trata sobre una princesa que debe recuperar su trono y, para ello, se verá obligada a vengarse de todos aquellos reyes que participaron en la muerte de su madre.
Al principio me costó un poco entrar en situación, pero una vez pasados los primeros capítulos, la trama empieza a coger ritmo. Me ha llamado la atención que a pesar de no pasar de las 250 páginas, la autora se toma su tiempo para recrear la ambientación y para dotar a sus personajes y a la relación entre ellos de una cierta profundidad. Destaco la narración en tercera persona desde los puntos de vista de Myrina y Cass y el romance slow burn que se va forjando entre ellos.
Creo que la historia se podría haber alargado más, pero aún así ha estado muy bien. Desde luego que va genial para todo aquel que busque un relato fantástico para leer en inglés.
Al principio me costó un poco entrar en situación, pero una vez pasados los primeros capítulos, la trama empieza a coger ritmo. Me ha llamado la atención que a pesar de no pasar de las 250 páginas, la autora se toma su tiempo para recrear la ambientación y para dotar a sus personajes y a la relación entre ellos de una cierta profundidad. Destaco la narración en tercera persona desde los puntos de vista de Myrina y Cass y el romance slow burn que se va forjando entre ellos.
Creo que la historia se podría haber alargado más, pero aún así ha estado muy bien. Desde luego que va genial para todo aquel que busque un relato fantástico para leer en inglés.
March 27, 2021
Just a nice little read in between.
The storytelling is enjoyable, there is somewhat world building but the magic system could be explained a little better. I saw the plot coming from miles away.
Still a likeable read. Nothing too fancy.
The storytelling is enjoyable, there is somewhat world building but the magic system could be explained a little better. I saw the plot coming from miles away.
Still a likeable read. Nothing too fancy.
Read
December 27, 2024dnf at 62% - this was so boring wow. i wish it had more action, the premise sounds SO GOOD but it was lacking fierceness. the characters were not fleshed out and bland, the romance was boring, the writing style was meh. overall disappointed and i'm not gonna force myself through it any further
Read
May 7, 2023DNF @ 75%
Predictable with a pretty weak female protagonist
Didn't grip me at all
Predictable with a pretty weak female protagonist
Didn't grip me at all
October 17, 2020
2.75/5 stars
Though the story and the characters have potential, Seven Ways to Kill A King lacks the depth of world-building and character development needed for such a vast world targeted for “fans of The Witcher and Game of Thrones.”
Seven Ways to Kill A King follows Princess Myrina as she leaves hiding with the goal to assassinate all seven kings who took and divided her mother’s kingdom years before. Those kings had started out as lords over the seven divisions of the realm but had used the queen’s blood-sworn magicians to kill her, kidnap Myrina’s older sister, and take the title of “king” for themselves. Myrina barely escaped after watching her mother die before her eyes, living in hiding ever since with a couple loyal to the queen and with her queensguard, blood-sworn to the throne, looking out for her in the shadows. But with her sister’s execution fast approaching, she decides now is the time to take action, and her plan? With the help of Cassius, her childhood friend and a young bloodsworn himself, she will kill them all.
FIrst of all, I love the premise of this book. That tagline will always give me chills - “She was born a princess. They made her an assassin.” Princesses and assassins are two of my favorite book archetypes, so the premise of this book is so exciting.
And the plot is one area where this book doesn’t fall flat. I wanted Myrina to succeed in her quest for revenge, and there are twists and turns where their plans don’t go so well, which kept me on my toes. And I did find myself rooting for a romantic relationship to build between Myrina and Cassius.
Very sadly, however, this book did not reach my excited, hopeful expectations. Though the plot advances well throughout the story, its execution falters because the characters. It’s evident Wright tries to build Myrina and Cassius through their backstories and by telling their emotions, but it isn’t enough. They don’t have any substance, and a few times, there are inconsistencies in how they act with no explanation as to why they shifted mood/behavior/etc in that moment - that is literally my least favorite thing a writer could do, though this book wasn’t so bad that I was turned off from finishing (which has happened…). And there’s something about how she “shows not tells” certain things I assume are supposed to imply something about the character yet I have no idea what? I’m not really sure how to explain it, though I’m sure if you read a couple chapters in, you would experience it at least twice. Basically, their thoughts and actions have a sort of disconnect from the story in a way that’s disorienting and blocks their characters from gaining any depth.
That point applies to the world as well. Wright’s descriptions of Myrina and Cassius’ immediate surroundings are vivid and well-imagined. But outside of those immediate surroundings, there’s nothing. I felt like a horse with blinders on while reading, because I couldn’t see anything but ahead - and the outside world was not described and explained near enough to be portrayed on such an epic scale.
Basically, this isn’t a terrible read. But it did not reach my expectations of a lavish, gritty fantasy with depth and development. Considering it took me a month and a half to actually finish, that should tell you something about how entrancing it is. But I promise, it wasn’t an altogether bad read, and I recommend it to those looking for a surface-level fantasy read.
I thank you, Melissa Wright, for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review; all opinions are my own.
If you enjoyed this review, you can friend me here on Goodreads and follow my Bookstagram/Twitter @ashton_reads. Thanks for reading!
Though the story and the characters have potential, Seven Ways to Kill A King lacks the depth of world-building and character development needed for such a vast world targeted for “fans of The Witcher and Game of Thrones.”
Seven Ways to Kill A King follows Princess Myrina as she leaves hiding with the goal to assassinate all seven kings who took and divided her mother’s kingdom years before. Those kings had started out as lords over the seven divisions of the realm but had used the queen’s blood-sworn magicians to kill her, kidnap Myrina’s older sister, and take the title of “king” for themselves. Myrina barely escaped after watching her mother die before her eyes, living in hiding ever since with a couple loyal to the queen and with her queensguard, blood-sworn to the throne, looking out for her in the shadows. But with her sister’s execution fast approaching, she decides now is the time to take action, and her plan? With the help of Cassius, her childhood friend and a young bloodsworn himself, she will kill them all.
FIrst of all, I love the premise of this book. That tagline will always give me chills - “She was born a princess. They made her an assassin.” Princesses and assassins are two of my favorite book archetypes, so the premise of this book is so exciting.
And the plot is one area where this book doesn’t fall flat. I wanted Myrina to succeed in her quest for revenge, and there are twists and turns where their plans don’t go so well, which kept me on my toes. And I did find myself rooting for a romantic relationship to build between Myrina and Cassius.
Very sadly, however, this book did not reach my excited, hopeful expectations. Though the plot advances well throughout the story, its execution falters because the characters. It’s evident Wright tries to build Myrina and Cassius through their backstories and by telling their emotions, but it isn’t enough. They don’t have any substance, and a few times, there are inconsistencies in how they act with no explanation as to why they shifted mood/behavior/etc in that moment - that is literally my least favorite thing a writer could do, though this book wasn’t so bad that I was turned off from finishing (which has happened…). And there’s something about how she “shows not tells” certain things I assume are supposed to imply something about the character yet I have no idea what? I’m not really sure how to explain it, though I’m sure if you read a couple chapters in, you would experience it at least twice. Basically, their thoughts and actions have a sort of disconnect from the story in a way that’s disorienting and blocks their characters from gaining any depth.
That point applies to the world as well. Wright’s descriptions of Myrina and Cassius’ immediate surroundings are vivid and well-imagined. But outside of those immediate surroundings, there’s nothing. I felt like a horse with blinders on while reading, because I couldn’t see anything but ahead - and the outside world was not described and explained near enough to be portrayed on such an epic scale.
Basically, this isn’t a terrible read. But it did not reach my expectations of a lavish, gritty fantasy with depth and development. Considering it took me a month and a half to actually finish, that should tell you something about how entrancing it is. But I promise, it wasn’t an altogether bad read, and I recommend it to those looking for a surface-level fantasy read.
I thank you, Melissa Wright, for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review; all opinions are my own.
If you enjoyed this review, you can friend me here on Goodreads and follow my Bookstagram/Twitter @ashton_reads. Thanks for reading!
December 12, 2020
This is a decent fantasy story. It fell flat for me personally as it made use of a few tropes that I enjoy less, and dropped some that I would enjoy more. All in all it's fairly well written and engaging. I listened to the audiobook and found the narrator had a pleasant voice and offered a decent performance. I was just a bit underwhelmed by the whole thing. I think this is a book that will be very entertaining to folks who enjoy:
- slow burn because we like each other but DUTY FIRST
- female lead who is very determined but often in need of rescue
- strong stoic male lead who doesn't emote much
- magic = evil
Personally, I'm not a huge fan of any of those tropes, so this one wasn't really for me. I listened to the whole book, and found the ending was at least fairly satisfying if a bit predictable. So, if the four tropes above are your jam, you should probably check this out. I was brought in by the description of the book, but found it didn't quite hit the mark for me.
- slow burn because we like each other but DUTY FIRST
- female lead who is very determined but often in need of rescue
- strong stoic male lead who doesn't emote much
- magic = evil
Personally, I'm not a huge fan of any of those tropes, so this one wasn't really for me. I listened to the whole book, and found the ending was at least fairly satisfying if a bit predictable. So, if the four tropes above are your jam, you should probably check this out. I was brought in by the description of the book, but found it didn't quite hit the mark for me.
January 10, 2023
Seven Ways To Kill A King - Melissa Wright
🌟 🌟 /🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
2/5
So first of all I'd just like to say the art work for this @the.butterfly.bookclub edition of the book is STUNNING and one of the most beautiful books ever. All credit to @staceyashley_willis for that! It also made me give the book an extra half a star because of how stunning it is as it drew me into wanting the book!
So for the book itself. As you can tell from the star rating, I just did not enjoy it. So here's a few reasons why:
From the word go I found it quite tedious as there is a lack of dialogue and the main portion of text very luck lustre in regards to world building.
Random people were mentioned and you were just expected to know who they were with no background until later.
Miri, even though she's been under the guise of 'bean' for some time, miraculously knows the lay out of all the Kings castles and all the secret passage ways as though she lives in each one which seems unrealistic to me.
I feel like everything is rushed at the end and that the relationship in the book is only formed out of convenience. He is the only man she's ever spent time with or known. The relationship also feels meh. The book doesn't make me feel like they WANT eachother.
Also, I feel the title is very misleading. Miri doesn't kill seven Kings and nor does she kill one king in seven ways. She only manages to kill 3 Kings and goes back home to kill the 4th. She actually gets captured 3 out of 4 times only being a successful 'assassin ' the first time using poison. Other times she has help or is almost killed. The other Kings she didn't go and kill are killed by other people such as her queen's guard.
We also get told repeatedly that she is the Lion Queens daughter and Cass is bloodsworn-we know! We don't need to be told every chapter!
Overal the premis of the story is good but it was sloppy and felt unfinished and repetitive.
#bookreader #bookrecommendations #bookreviewer #bookish #bookishthings #bibliophile #booktok #bookstagram #bookaholic #bookreview #booklover #bookblog #bookstagramuk #bookstack #bookaddict #readmorebooks #booksbooksbooks #booklove #bookcommunity #bookobsessed #bookishlove
🌟 🌟 /🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
2/5
So first of all I'd just like to say the art work for this @the.butterfly.bookclub edition of the book is STUNNING and one of the most beautiful books ever. All credit to @staceyashley_willis for that! It also made me give the book an extra half a star because of how stunning it is as it drew me into wanting the book!
So for the book itself. As you can tell from the star rating, I just did not enjoy it. So here's a few reasons why:
From the word go I found it quite tedious as there is a lack of dialogue and the main portion of text very luck lustre in regards to world building.
Random people were mentioned and you were just expected to know who they were with no background until later.
Miri, even though she's been under the guise of 'bean' for some time, miraculously knows the lay out of all the Kings castles and all the secret passage ways as though she lives in each one which seems unrealistic to me.
I feel like everything is rushed at the end and that the relationship in the book is only formed out of convenience. He is the only man she's ever spent time with or known. The relationship also feels meh. The book doesn't make me feel like they WANT eachother.
Also, I feel the title is very misleading. Miri doesn't kill seven Kings and nor does she kill one king in seven ways. She only manages to kill 3 Kings and goes back home to kill the 4th. She actually gets captured 3 out of 4 times only being a successful 'assassin ' the first time using poison. Other times she has help or is almost killed. The other Kings she didn't go and kill are killed by other people such as her queen's guard.
We also get told repeatedly that she is the Lion Queens daughter and Cass is bloodsworn-we know! We don't need to be told every chapter!
Overal the premis of the story is good but it was sloppy and felt unfinished and repetitive.
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May 29, 2020
A fun premise! An entertaining read with great characters and an interesting plot!
April 30, 2022
I saw the twist coming, and was still shocked at how it went down 🤣 I loved this book start to finish! I especially enjoyed the enemies to lovers journey and the realization moment ❤️🫠 The character emotions, development, and dialogue really drew me in and I found myself trying to listen even in 5 minute increments during this ridic busy week, because I wanted to see how it would work out. The illicit romance, betrayal, murder, and friendship were gripping, especially the natural backstory revelations. I love that I never felt like I wanted to skip through any parts, everything felt relevant to the action and I was so happy this was a stand alone!! Loved that satisfying ending!! ❤️🎉😃
February 1, 2021
This could have been a 5 star if Miri was at all capable of doing anything.
The contestant repetition of her stating she’s the daughter of the lion queen and he’s blood sworn was unnecessary.
She only killed three kings before going home to kill the 4Th and even then someone else had to do it.
The world building was lackluster. And for about 75% of it, the story felt like a summary of a book rather than an actual book.
The relationship somehow built out of thin air. There was next to nothing that made the building feelings make a lick of sense.
The contestant repetition of her stating she’s the daughter of the lion queen and he’s blood sworn was unnecessary.
She only killed three kings before going home to kill the 4Th and even then someone else had to do it.
The world building was lackluster. And for about 75% of it, the story felt like a summary of a book rather than an actual book.
The relationship somehow built out of thin air. There was next to nothing that made the building feelings make a lick of sense.
March 20, 2022
What a great, quick read!! Someone could’ve easily decided to stretch this book out into a series, but I’m so glad it was a standalone. The pacing was perfect—each chapter was robust with excitement, turmoil, and tension. The slow burn romance was everything I could’ve hoped for—no signs of insta-love here! And the ways she planned on killing the kings were all very creative! Some of the plot twists were easy to spy, but that’s fine. Honestly, I was very impressed by this book and can’t wait to read more from the author!
December 11, 2020
Fun fantasy stand-alone with Royal in the hiding trope and a fast paced plot, great for in between reads if you need to pick up a fantasy book with least commitment
May 11, 2022
It was pretty good. I think the beginning need a little more world building, but I caught up.
November 22, 2020
THIS WAS AMAZING 🙌🏻
Okay now that I’ve got that out of my system, let’s go to the review 👉🏻
Summary: 5/5
If you read my reviews, then by now you’ll know if the summary is good because I’ve read the book and it’s led me to here lol. If the summary to a book doesn’t grasp my undivided attention and leaving me wanting to discover more, than I won’t buy it and it won’t land on here with a review. So yes, the summary was GRIPPING!
Characterization: 3/5
I...I mean the characters are unique in their own way. A way that I can’t really put to words to describe. I liked them, don’t get me wrong, but Melissa wrote them in a way that doesn’t leave me room for words to tell you. All I’m gonna say is you have to read it for yourself to understand.
Every character has a backstory and nightmares and joys, it’s no different with these characters, but they feel reserved until the end, until the story wraps up and you get to see what they once used to be before their kingdom was stolen from their hands and dead queen.
Writing style: 4/5
Melissa’s writing style is really good. Its detailed yet leaves room for the imagination. I like the way she describes a scene and the landscapes. Here’s a piece from the book as an example:
“It’s exterior was modeled after the Pirn style, simple white cottages with decorative trim, and the building had a cob roof that rose to a central peak over rough walls boasting narrow windows in even rows.”
She does good at describing what characters are wearing/ how they look (features wise) but I found she could remind us more often as the book went on. Give me more of what the characters look like, especially the two main love interests. It makes all the difference when you want readers to root for the pair to be together.
Her writing doesn’t have enough of Mass’s sultry writing about the characters looks and mannerisms, or paragraph after paragraph flowing into each other like The Shatter Me books, BUT it has its moments of eyebrow-raising-smirking-like-a-fool—if you know what I mean 😏
Plot: 5/5
The plot was WOW! I did not see who the trader was until they were revealed. Like whoooa. I was slow at solving the mystery until just a few paragraphs below the mystery would be solved. Something the main character said or did and I stopped reading and thought, “no, the trader isn’t her ______ is it!?” And it was!!!
And that ending was so bloody good—no it was UH-MAZING!! That ending was golden, was pure and beautiful and wonderful and ah all around CUTE!! 😍 after I finished it I wanted to be the one to kiss Cass—heck, I wanted to be the queen and marry him. Oh the ever faithful, loyal, aaand swoon worthy queensguard ladies and gents 😏
The negative:
The only thing I have to say that was negative, has to be in the middle of the book I got bored. Now I can’t put my finger on it if it was because of my mood as I was reading, or because it dragged, or because I was impatient (okay this could go back to the mood part). However, it did pick up for me during one of her missions and that was a little past half in the book. So kind of a negative but not I guess?
Conclusion:
Read the book folks 📖
Okay now that I’ve got that out of my system, let’s go to the review 👉🏻
Summary: 5/5
If you read my reviews, then by now you’ll know if the summary is good because I’ve read the book and it’s led me to here lol. If the summary to a book doesn’t grasp my undivided attention and leaving me wanting to discover more, than I won’t buy it and it won’t land on here with a review. So yes, the summary was GRIPPING!
Characterization: 3/5
I...I mean the characters are unique in their own way. A way that I can’t really put to words to describe. I liked them, don’t get me wrong, but Melissa wrote them in a way that doesn’t leave me room for words to tell you. All I’m gonna say is you have to read it for yourself to understand.
Every character has a backstory and nightmares and joys, it’s no different with these characters, but they feel reserved until the end, until the story wraps up and you get to see what they once used to be before their kingdom was stolen from their hands and dead queen.
Writing style: 4/5
Melissa’s writing style is really good. Its detailed yet leaves room for the imagination. I like the way she describes a scene and the landscapes. Here’s a piece from the book as an example:
“It’s exterior was modeled after the Pirn style, simple white cottages with decorative trim, and the building had a cob roof that rose to a central peak over rough walls boasting narrow windows in even rows.”
She does good at describing what characters are wearing/ how they look (features wise) but I found she could remind us more often as the book went on. Give me more of what the characters look like, especially the two main love interests. It makes all the difference when you want readers to root for the pair to be together.
Her writing doesn’t have enough of Mass’s sultry writing about the characters looks and mannerisms, or paragraph after paragraph flowing into each other like The Shatter Me books, BUT it has its moments of eyebrow-raising-smirking-like-a-fool—if you know what I mean 😏
Plot: 5/5
The plot was WOW! I did not see who the trader was until they were revealed. Like whoooa. I was slow at solving the mystery until just a few paragraphs below the mystery would be solved. Something the main character said or did and I stopped reading and thought, “no, the trader isn’t her ______ is it!?” And it was!!!
And that ending was so bloody good—no it was UH-MAZING!! That ending was golden, was pure and beautiful and wonderful and ah all around CUTE!! 😍 after I finished it I wanted to be the one to kiss Cass—heck, I wanted to be the queen and marry him. Oh the ever faithful, loyal, aaand swoon worthy queensguard ladies and gents 😏
The negative:
The only thing I have to say that was negative, has to be in the middle of the book I got bored. Now I can’t put my finger on it if it was because of my mood as I was reading, or because it dragged, or because I was impatient (okay this could go back to the mood part). However, it did pick up for me during one of her missions and that was a little past half in the book. So kind of a negative but not I guess?
Conclusion:
Read the book folks 📖
December 6, 2021
Quickie review:
I... almost really liked this book. And I am about to say something that I have said about exactly one book before in my life.
This could have been longer.
Actually it probably should have been a duology. That ending was so rushed and summarized that I felt cheated.
More to come though because the ideas of this book were great.
I... almost really liked this book. And I am about to say something that I have said about exactly one book before in my life.
This could have been longer.
Actually it probably should have been a duology. That ending was so rushed and summarized that I felt cheated.
More to come though because the ideas of this book were great.
July 23, 2023
1.5/5
Ugh. How tiresome. Very YA, with tedious tacked-on romantic subplot and an inability to use the past participle lain properly. Also, when you entitle your book 'Seven ways to kill a king' (A+ title, no notes), I expect a full complement of seven (7) regicides, and what's more, seven (7) different regicides. We only got five in this book, and they all involved poison. There was an insufficiency in both quantity and diversity of king-slayings here. (I never thought I'd find myself writing that a book had too MUCH poison in it, but here we are.)
Half a star for the title, though. I only wish I could have read the book that this title actually belonged to.
Ugh. How tiresome. Very YA, with tedious tacked-on romantic subplot and an inability to use the past participle lain properly. Also, when you entitle your book 'Seven ways to kill a king' (A+ title, no notes), I expect a full complement of seven (7) regicides, and what's more, seven (7) different regicides. We only got five in this book, and they all involved poison. There was an insufficiency in both quantity and diversity of king-slayings here. (I never thought I'd find myself writing that a book had too MUCH poison in it, but here we are.)
Half a star for the title, though. I only wish I could have read the book that this title actually belonged to.
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