I wasn't able to get into this story. Partly I got hung up by the publisher's description that said it was influenced by ancient North-African culture. While I don't doubt that's what led the author, it didn't remind me of the North Africa I lived in. The writing and story are fine. I just think this wasn't the book for me. I finally skimmed through to the end; I don't care enough to read the second book of the series. Still, I would recommend this to YA fantasy readers; it well may be a book that appeals to them.

An entertaining and diverse fantasy that I happily recommend to teens at the library. A great choice for those who like Children of Blood and Bone.

This story was similar to many of the other stories currently on the YA Market but enjoyable none the less. I have seen multiple titles boasting a harsh system to put a Queen or King in power but this is the first one I have read. The story progressed at a good pace but unfortunately it had an abrupt and unsatisfying ending. It felt as this was part 1 of the book and it was split in half to create a "sequel" of sorts. 3.5 stars rounded down for the terrible cliffhanger.

In Myre there is no shortage of fantastical creatures. Humans gifted with magic, Bloodkin, Fey and Khimaer. Khimaer once ruled Myre but were overturned by Raina the first human queen. Raina started a system in which sororicide determined the rightful Queen. Now Eva must face her sister in a duel to the death in order to become Queen, her only issue? Her form of magic is so old and forgotten that no one could teach her to use it and her duel is growing closer. When someone tries to assassinate her before her name day and her duel with her sister events are set in motion that reveal secrets Eva wasn't meant to find out.

There are so many things happening in this book. It's pretty complicated. Not in a bad way - I really enjoyed it. The worldbuilding was very cool, I loved the khimaer. A lot of it was new to me, or a fun twist on a familiar concept. I loved the book's mythology. Something about it felt fresh. I also bizarrely really liked the middle part of the book - its full of layered mysteries, court intrigue, training montages and the right amount and type of romance. It's built on mutual and earned respect (and yes, hotness). There's a lot to like in this book, and it won't be the last by this author that I read.

That said, the beginning and ending were rote and felt a bit weak. The end, in particular, felt like it existed only to get you to read the next installment. There was no resolution, and it felt very rushed, especially after a story that was otherwise taking its time unfolding. I don't want to spend a lot of time criticizing what was otherwise a fun read - give it a go!

TLDR: This was so close to being really good, but it just missed the mark (rote beginning and ending, super strong middle and worldbuilding). I quite enjoyed it, nonetheless. 3.5 stars - I almost really liked it. :)

Thanks for the eARC Netgalley and Putnam for the advance copy! A River of Royal Blood will be available for purchase on 29 October, but you can put your copy on hold today.

Eva was born with powerful magic that was partially bound to protect her safety, But, when she turns 17, it will be a fight to the death with her sister, Isa. Only one of them can become queen, and Eva hasn’t learned to control her magic. Just weeks before the battle for her life and the throne is to commence, Eva faces an assassination attempt. Now she knows she will need training from the best fey instructor and the full strength of her magic. But, becoming queen means killing her sister and becoming someone to fear. Will she succeed? This world-building fantasy has well-developed characters that draw the reader into the story. The plot drags in places, but is intriguing and well-developed. Fans of dark fantasy, adventure, and world-building fantasy will enjoy reading this book. Read a-likes include Children of Blood and Bone, Three Dark Crowns, and The Wicked King.