To Kill a Kingdom

by Alexandra Christo

[Joni Reads]

This book came highly recommended on bookstagram so I finally decided to jump on board.

I should preface by saying I really don't like The Little Mermaid.

I know, I know! *cowers in shame*

The mermaid/pirate trend went right over my head. So I wasn't obsessed with the concept of the book from the start the way I imagine more readers were.

Now that's not to say that I didn't enjoy the book because I did! I flew through it. I loved the whole cast of characters and reading about all the different kingdoms and what they were known for.

Another part I loved was a really minor scene where Lira- after she has become human- is translating the siren language for Elian and the rest of the ship. I honestly would have enjoyed more scenes with her teaching the crew the language.

Now the things I didn't enjoy. Lira is quite abrasive. And I know it's literally how she is meant to be but after a while it was a bit annoying. It took too long for her to soften up. This is my opinion though because I am fully aware that this was done purposefully because Lira is quite heartless (no pun intended) in her siren form.

The problem was that the ending had so much going on and then Lira finally softened up and her and Elian threw romance in alongside everything else and it felt really rushed.

Also- and this is a spoiler so stop reading now to avoid being spoiled-
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How on earth did Elian fall in love with Lira and just forget about the fact that she had murdered so many people including one of his friends which was the entire reason the storyline went the way it did?! There was no scene of forgiveness, no Lira explaining herself, it was just oh, I love you so let's forget that you murdered a bunch of princes in the past. Seriously it drive me crazy.
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Ok Spoiler over.

I would love to read short stories set in this world because I loved the world building so much. It was captivating and I couldn't get enough.

The cons of this book are not enough for me to steer clear of this author so I will definitely be giving her next book a read and I will keep my eye out for any short stories in this universe as well.