Alexandra Christo

"If you get shot," Lira says, "I'm going to treat you like you're incapable of doing the simplest tasks. See how you like it when I hold out my arm to help you walk, even though you're not shot in the leg."

"I'd be flattered," I say, "that you would look for an excuse just to hold my hand."

"Perhaps I'm just looking for an excuse to shoot you."

(Okay, technically a 3, if we go by the "I liked it" guide. But sometimes I just wanna... Be more supportive and encouraging. I don't know. I had a lot show more invested in this book and even though I didn't really get the payoff I wanted I still want to recommend it.)

This book was, like Diabolic and And I Darken, another case of, "oh, you're so up my alley. We are going up this alley together. Totally in sync. Pirates? Yes. Sirens that are actually evil? Yes. Bloodthirsty female protagonist? Absolutely. Banter, banter, overwhelming perfect romantic banter? EVERYWHERE.

Wait. No. Don't drift. No, stay in this alley. Keep being heartless. NO COME BACK - "

And then the end happens.

So I didn't end up liking it as much as I'd really hoped... But it was still a good book. It was an inspiring debut honestly. Hence the four stars.

The worldbuilding was incredible, especially the languages and names - I love a good phoneme scheme! damn! It was a beautifully vast world that felt vast even though we didn't get to see all of it. The politics were really particular and well-done as well. That and Lira were the best parts for me. Lira was so cool, goddamn. I am hype for this new YA age of mermaids just for more chances to meet more Lira's.

It got a little heavy-handed and dramatic near the end, and felt a little long however. But it was a tricky dynamic to pull off between the two main characters and I think it all resolved as neatly as possible, while still doing some appropriate knife-twisting (though it was easy to guess how it'd end up). I still can't get over my pet peeve of "witty clever cliche banter during life-threatening situations" though. WATCH OUT FOR THE TENTACLE MONSTER, STOP CHARMING EACH OTHER WITH YOUR WIT. GOD.

Overall I wish I'd stuck through it the first time, and it's very very likely just a book that I had too many hopes for and so, though it was solid through-and-through, it just fell below the mark for me.

(also: PRESENT TENSE! BRING PRESENT TENSE INTO THE GENRE! HEARTS FOREVER!) show less

Princess of Souls by Alexandra Christo is a fascinating Rapunzel adaptation in which the heroine can see someone’s death by touch. That is a rather unfortunate gift to have, and it means Selestra has had an isolated upbringing. The sympathy you feel for her is instantaneous, made more palpable once you understand how cold and unfeeling her mother is. Nox adds a refreshing breath of irreverence, mystery, and thirst for revenge and provides an excellent impetus for Selestra to learn more show more about her powers.

As much as I love book series, I enjoy a stand-alone every once in a while, and Princess of Souls provides a satisfying arc for Selestra’s story once she starts taking an active interest in her own life. I love Nox, and his scenes are so enjoyable, but I’m glad this is a one-off. Extending it into a second book would have stretched the story too thin. Princess of Souls is excellent as it is, and Selestra is a welcome addition to the list of strong heroines who learn they are even stronger than they ever believed possible. show less

At sixteen years old, Selestra spends her days trapped in the king’s castle, awaiting her fate to become his next witch upon turning eighteen. Having always been told she is destined to follow in her mother’s footsteps of stealing souls to feed the king’s immortality, Selestra’s world is upended when she sees a prediction linking her death to that of Nox, a soldier in the king’s army. Selestra and Nox must join together to fight the king.

PRINCESS OF SOULS is a YA fantasy romance show more inspired by the tale of Rapunzel. I liked how the Rapunzel aspect was weaved into the book ever so slightly, giving a touch of influence to the story but ultimately allowing PRINCESS OF SOULS to have its own uniqueness. There’s a lovely map of The Six Isles at the beginning of the book. The world building was fantastic. I felt like I was on the journey with Selestra and Nox. The characters were well written. Being dual POV narration, there was insight into both Selestra’s and Nox’s thoughts. The romance was slow burn, enemies to lovers, and included playful banter throughout. The action and the fantasy world kept me turning pages.

I really enjoyed PRINCESS OF SOULS and would recommend to fans of YA fantasy romance. This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I plan to check out some of her other works.

Thank you to Feiwel and Friends for the finished copy. show less

I'm honestly surprised this was the first retelling of The Little Mermaid to come at the story from this angle—a kind of dark romance of pirates, monsters, and vengeance. I've already recommended it to multiple people I know who have a real connection with the Christian Andersen and Disney versions. You may also know people who would love this book at the intersection of The Little Mermaid/Pirates of the Caribbean/The Night Before Christmas—it seems like a strangely common corner to end show more up on. show less