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The Blood Regent #1
Born Royal
Imprisoned and experimented on since she was twelve, Princess Genevieve “Vi” Astor is ready for revenge.
After manipulating her way to the throne of Kabria, Queen Esmerelda caused the death of the king and kept Vi as a royal hostage. For six years, the queen poked and prodded her stepdaughter. The world thinks she’s ill, but Vi’s childhood friends know better.
Working with the Rebels, they break her free. The Rebels, however, have their own motives and are calling the shots. Vi knows the corruption of power firsthand. And when she discovers the secret they’ve all been hiding from her, she finds she doesn’t know whom she can trust.
As war begins, Vi is forced to decide if she’ll join the Rebels against the queen or take her newfound freedom and run.
Perfect for fans of Legend by Marie Lu, Graceling by Kristin Cashore, and The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer.
After manipulating her way to the throne of Kabria, Queen Esmerelda caused the death of the king and kept Vi as a royal hostage. For six years, the queen poked and prodded her stepdaughter. The world thinks she’s ill, but Vi’s childhood friends know better.
Working with the Rebels, they break her free. The Rebels, however, have their own motives and are calling the shots. Vi knows the corruption of power firsthand. And when she discovers the secret they’ve all been hiding from her, she finds she doesn’t know whom she can trust.
As war begins, Vi is forced to decide if she’ll join the Rebels against the queen or take her newfound freedom and run.
Perfect for fans of Legend by Marie Lu, Graceling by Kristin Cashore, and The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer.
213 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2020
64 people are currently reading
338 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 2, 2021
This sucker kept me going the whole way through. Like the first few chapters were breakneck pace and I could not breath. Excellent pacing throughout. The slower parts focused on the romance, and I could not get enough. Oh my gosh. They give me life. I can't wait for the next book. I need to see the romance develop.
But this book is actually about overthrowing an even queen. It's a dystopian scifi that makes you question if it's even on Earth. It could be read as fantasy as well. There is some genetic engineering going on that gives our mc special abilities. I can't wait to see the extent of them int he upcoming books.
It's hard to believe this was a debut novel. It was definitely a fave for 2020.
But this book is actually about overthrowing an even queen. It's a dystopian scifi that makes you question if it's even on Earth. It could be read as fantasy as well. There is some genetic engineering going on that gives our mc special abilities. I can't wait to see the extent of them int he upcoming books.
It's hard to believe this was a debut novel. It was definitely a fave for 2020.
January 6, 2021
As a girl, Vi suffered various forms of torture from her mom and she was the equivalent to a lab rat being poked and prodded. When the rebels break her out, it's too had to believe. After being tortured for how long Vi was, it sticks to you like a shadowing darkness. Among the rebels, she discovers her childhood friends, David and Chase, and someone who she believed to be dead. Even though this was supposed to be a chance at freedom, Vi feels like she's traded one cage for another, but her childhood friends try to prove otherwise.
Chase and David worked so hard to get Vi back and they aren't ready to see her go no matter how much she wants to escape. So, they have to re-earn her trust. The three discover that the experiments her mother performed might have had some side effects in the form of enhanced abilities. David and Chase will do anything to help her understand and harness the new abilities that are developing. All the while, there seems to be something stirring between Chase and Vi, even though she still has a hard time figuring out where she belongs in this rebel camp. Her mother made her feel like she can't trust anyone and nobody really seems to want her in the camp besides David and Chase. Vi will have lots of paths to choose and will learn secrets along the way.
BORN ROYAL is a unique twist to royalty featuring a tortured soul. Vi spent so many years as an experiment to her mother that nightmares plague her and it's difficult to tell who is genuine and who isn't. She believes everyone has ulterior motives, but Chase and David remind her of the old times. When things were easy. Vi must find where her fate lies and who truly has her best interest in mind and who doesn't.
Final Verdict: I would recommend this to fans of royalty, action, adventure, tortured main characters with a dark past, and a hint of romance.
This review can also be found on YABC: https://www.yabookscentral.com/yaindi...
Chase and David worked so hard to get Vi back and they aren't ready to see her go no matter how much she wants to escape. So, they have to re-earn her trust. The three discover that the experiments her mother performed might have had some side effects in the form of enhanced abilities. David and Chase will do anything to help her understand and harness the new abilities that are developing. All the while, there seems to be something stirring between Chase and Vi, even though she still has a hard time figuring out where she belongs in this rebel camp. Her mother made her feel like she can't trust anyone and nobody really seems to want her in the camp besides David and Chase. Vi will have lots of paths to choose and will learn secrets along the way.
BORN ROYAL is a unique twist to royalty featuring a tortured soul. Vi spent so many years as an experiment to her mother that nightmares plague her and it's difficult to tell who is genuine and who isn't. She believes everyone has ulterior motives, but Chase and David remind her of the old times. When things were easy. Vi must find where her fate lies and who truly has her best interest in mind and who doesn't.
Final Verdict: I would recommend this to fans of royalty, action, adventure, tortured main characters with a dark past, and a hint of romance.
This review can also be found on YABC: https://www.yabookscentral.com/yaindi...
November 29, 2020
A royal, a dash of blood, and an explosion of action.
Rating: 4/5
I am blown away by this book. Born Royal is the first in the Blood Regent series and I am so excited to see where this story takes off from here. Marissa Allen's characters are phenomenal. I completely adore David, and I think that Chase has some extremely strong (and super attractive) qualities that make him the PERFECT book boyfriend/crush. Vi has got some serious fierceness about her, and she is an extremely strong (both physically and mentally) female character that I absolutely adore. If I had daughters, I would be buying this book for them to read before I even thought of other dystopian novels (nodding at you Roth and Collins).
The ending was a little rough for me for a lot of different reasons. As with any good book, there is a sense of completeness that came with 'The End' of this book that was definitely delightful. However, there is a lot of unfinished actions, relationships, and questions that I hope will be resolved in the next book. Still, at the end, I was in tears. I really, really hope that Vi's wish does come true. And I am really happy that she and her dad seem to be making peace; it was important to me that the two of them did.
I absolutely adore what Allen did; there was no part of this book where I was left confused or underwhelmed, instead I was constantly wanting more. The world that Allen has created, and the crazy mix of biochemistry/physiology that she was able to bring to the table in a really accessible way was astounding. All in all, this was an extremely strong book and delivered exactly what a reader would want from the first installment in a series.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Rating: 4/5
I am blown away by this book. Born Royal is the first in the Blood Regent series and I am so excited to see where this story takes off from here. Marissa Allen's characters are phenomenal. I completely adore David, and I think that Chase has some extremely strong (and super attractive) qualities that make him the PERFECT book boyfriend/crush. Vi has got some serious fierceness about her, and she is an extremely strong (both physically and mentally) female character that I absolutely adore. If I had daughters, I would be buying this book for them to read before I even thought of other dystopian novels (nodding at you Roth and Collins).
The ending was a little rough for me for a lot of different reasons. As with any good book, there is a sense of completeness that came with 'The End' of this book that was definitely delightful. However, there is a lot of unfinished actions, relationships, and questions that I hope will be resolved in the next book. Still, at the end, I was in tears. I really, really hope that Vi's wish does come true. And I am really happy that she and her dad seem to be making peace; it was important to me that the two of them did.
I absolutely adore what Allen did; there was no part of this book where I was left confused or underwhelmed, instead I was constantly wanting more. The world that Allen has created, and the crazy mix of biochemistry/physiology that she was able to bring to the table in a really accessible way was astounding. All in all, this was an extremely strong book and delivered exactly what a reader would want from the first installment in a series.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 5, 2023
Vi has been held captive by her step mother, The Queen, for years after her father, The Kings, death. After many years she is rescued by a group of rebels, which includes one of her childhood friends. Upon reaching their encampment she also learns that the leader of the rebels is none other than her dead father. She doesn't plan on staying but then weird things start happening and her childhood friends want her to stay and find out exactly what The Queen did to her. With the help of friends both old and new can she find a new life? Can she forgive her father? Does romance blossom within the story?
This was an interesting story. I loved the character dynamics and growth. I felt like I was a part of the story. I loved watching the reactions and growth of Vi's character and the caring that her friends showed her. The plot was amazing as well. I look forward to the next book in this series!
This was an interesting story. I loved the character dynamics and growth. I felt like I was a part of the story. I loved watching the reactions and growth of Vi's character and the caring that her friends showed her. The plot was amazing as well. I look forward to the next book in this series!
November 2, 2020
A broken princess?
Vi is kidnapped as a young girl to be tortured and experimented on. Six years later she is rescued by her childhood bestie and his team. Who's a girl to trust? The story flowed well, but was cut short with a cliffie. I felt like the story was just getting going and I just needed something more before the cliffhanger. Almost as if this was a prequel, and the adventure begins with the next book. Although it was definitely interesting enough to have me impatiently waiting to get the next installment!
Vi is kidnapped as a young girl to be tortured and experimented on. Six years later she is rescued by her childhood bestie and his team. Who's a girl to trust? The story flowed well, but was cut short with a cliffie. I felt like the story was just getting going and I just needed something more before the cliffhanger. Almost as if this was a prequel, and the adventure begins with the next book. Although it was definitely interesting enough to have me impatiently waiting to get the next installment!
October 10, 2020
A superb read! Vi is strong, passionate, and amazing. I fell in love with her journey as she begins to discover who she is and what she stands for. This book has all the thrills, excitement, and girl power you could ever need. The characters are amazingly written and their relationships and interactions with each other are wonderfully crafted. Throw in that sweet friends to beginning lovers and you have the perfect book! I am very excited for the next book to see where Vi goes next!!!
October 27, 2020
Very good slow burn new series. World building and character development are very good. It was engaging and kept the action going the whole way. I’ll definitely be looking forward to seeing where it goes in the next books.
December 4, 2025
This story hooked me with its intense blend of political intrigue and personal revenge. Vi’s struggle against both a cruel queen and the murky motives of the Rebels adds great tension. I loved how the summary hints at complex loyalties—definitely a thrilling read for fans of strong young heroines.
December 24, 2020
Interesting and engaging from the get-go, this book does not disappoint. A truly unique well written story that keeps you wanting more. Looking forward to seeing how the series continues.
June 29, 2025
The story was quite good, pulled me in and kept me there. The problem was that it needed another proofread and a pass by an editor.
October 27, 2020
This was a very interesting book. Vi has a lot to contend with, being rescued and coming out of captivity after 6 years. The world has changed and it does not look the same. The people she thought were friends have to earn her trust again. Not to mention it looks like maybe someone amongst them is a spy for the other side. But whom?? She has her friends David and Chase again, but they are all grown now and things are very different. It’s a new dynamic. It will be interesting to see where things lead. I liked it a lot.
August 25, 2024
Whoa, "Born Royal" by Marissa Allen is one wild ride! I'm totally hooked on Vi's story. Imagine being experimented on by your evil stepmom-queen for six years - talk about family drama! The whole rebel rescue thing had me on the edge of my seat. But here's the kicker: even the good guys might not be so good. I love how Allen keeps you guessing about who to trust. Vi's struggle between revenge, freedom, and doing the right thing? So relatable (you know, if I were a princess-turned-lab-rat). If you're into YA fantasy with a dash of political intrigue and a sprinkle of "trust no one," this book is your next obsession. Just don't blame me if you stay up all night reading!
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October 10, 2020
Very good slow burn new series. World building and character development are very good. It was engaging and kept the action going the whole way. I’ll definitely be looking forward to seeing where it goes in the next books.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews