Thursday, July 19, 2018

Well THAT Hyped Book Didn't Work For Me

TITLE: To Kill a Kingdom
AUTHOR: Alexandra Christo
PUBLISHER: Feiwel & Freinds
PUBLISHING DATE: March 6, 2018

FROM GOODREADS: Princess Lira is siren royalty and the most lethal of them all. With the hearts of seventeen princes in her collection, she is revered across the sea. Until a twist of fate forces her to kill one of her own. To punish her daughter, the Sea Queen transforms Lira into the one thing they loathe most—a human. Robbed of her song, Lira has until the winter solstice to deliver Prince Elian’s heart to the Sea Queen or remain a human forever 

The ocean is the only place Prince Elian calls home, even though he is heir to the most powerful kingdom in the world. Hunting sirens is more than an unsavory hobby—it’s his calling. When he rescues a drowning woman in the ocean, she’s more than what she appears. She promises to help him find the key to destroying all of sirenkind for good—But can he trust her? And just how many deals will Elian have to barter to eliminate mankind’s greatest enemy? 

MY THOUGHTS: So this was probably one of my most anticipated books of the year - or at least the first half.  I feel like I've been drooling over that cover FOREVER.  You guys KNOW I love tentacles.  Add all of that to the fact that some of my favorite blogging buddies loved this book and.............. I should have known it would fall flat for me.  Seriously guys, hyped books and I do not have the best relationship.  

So this story has sirens (mean and vicious sirens), royalty, pirates and numerous kingdoms.  Lira basically gets on the Sea Queen's bad side, who is also her demented mother, and is punished by being made human.  In order to return to her killing fun in the sea, she has to obtain Prince Elian's heart.  We all see where this is headed right?  I have to give the book credit though because there definitely isn't any insta-love here.  More like insta-attempted murder.  

I think my main problem is I didn't really care for Lira or Elian.  I much better liked the minor characters, especiallu Elian's crew.  I love to read some more stories about them.  The adventure aspect was interesting enough, but I struggle to keep picking this book up and at the end, just wanted to be done.

I know lots of people LOVE this book so I would never tell anyone to skip it... well, okay, I have told a few friends to do that.  However, I didn't connect with "To Kill A Kingdom" which is sad, because I STILL love that cover.

RATING: 2 Paws (which in reality is more like 2.5 but stupid Goodreads and half ratings!  And I'm not feeling it enough to round up.  

26 comments:

  1. oh wow I need a minute. [sighs] This is the first time we both don't absolutely love the same book! [sobs] Our relationship with strengthen with this test life has subjected us to! Everything will be ok. [dramatic tune, sunset] <3<3 xoxo ;-)

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    1. I know...the whole time I was writing my review I kept thinking that I hope Daniela doesn't think I'm breaking up with her!

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  2. I had a feeling Dani had read this too. Tentacles. LOL Thanks for the heads up. I will probably give it a pass.

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    1. I liked Christina Henry's The Mermaid so much better.

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  3. Oh, that's too bad! I've seen a lot of good reviews for this one. But I often have a hard time with hyped books, too!

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  4. There's nothing worse than looking forward to a book for ages then it turns out disappointing!

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  5. Oh no! I hope your next read is a five star!

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    1. I've had several 5 star ones since then so I'm good.

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  6. Bummer that you didn't like it. Sirens and pirates sounds like a fun read. Hopefully, your next read is a good one.

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    1. It has the makings of a really good book - and at least others thought so. Guess it just wasn't for me.

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  7. This sounds like a retelling (almost) of the Little Mermaid? I do like siren stories but will avoid this one.
    Thanks
    Lynn :D

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    1. It kind of is. I'm not a huge mermaid fan but I do love Christina Henry's new one and Mira Grant's mermaids as well.

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  8. Bummer! Yeah I avoid hyped books like the plague. So rare for them to hold up to it.

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  9. Awww, sorry to hear this book didn't work better for you. I really enjoyed it when I read it, but can definitely understand where you're coming from. Hope your next read is a better one.

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  10. This is obviously not my type of read at all! That's why I don't like Sarah J. Maas's Throne of Glass series; her female MC is an assassin. I just can't relate to MCs -- whether male or female -- who are professional assassins.

    So why am I commenting on this review? Lol. Two reasons: I can relate to being disappointed by a hyped-up book, and I really enjoyed reading your review! In fact, I'm sure I've enjoyed your review much more than I would EVER enjoy this book! Honestly. You were very up front about why you didn't like the book, and that's valuable information! You're an honest, trustworthy reviewer. Thanks!!

    Hope you're having a GREAT day with those LOVABLE pups!! (And your hubby, too, of course.) HUGS TO YOU, BOOK, AND CASS, AND WOOF, WOOF TO THEM!! <3 <3 <3 :) :) :)

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    1. Thanks Maria for your kind words and the pups are sending hugs right back at ya!

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  11. Aw no, I am sorry that this didn't work out for you! And it is rough when you feel like the black sheep. The hype monster is such a jerk! I did like this book, but I definitely think if I had disliked the characters, it would be a very different story! Hope that your next book works out much better, great review!

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    1. If I don't connect to the characters, the book is usually a wash for me.

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  12. Yours is not the first "meh" reaction I've read of this one. I think that beautiful cover definitely oversold the story that is inside.

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  13. Aw super bummer. I picked this one up on audio so maybe the narration will make this better. Fingers crossed. :)

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    1. Maybe so. Lots of others liked it so the odds are in your favor.

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