Review: Kill The Queen by Jennifer Estep

Kill The Queen

By Jennifer Estep

My Rating: 5 Stars

Paperback, 416 pages

Published October 2nd 2018

Summary From Goodreads:

Gladiator meets Game of Thrones: a royal woman becomes a skilled warrior to destroy her murderous cousin, avenge her family, and save her kingdom in this first entry in a dazzling fantasy epic from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Elemental Assassin series—an enthralling tale that combines magic, murder, intrigue, adventure, and a hint of romance.

In a realm where one’s magical power determines one’s worth, Lady Everleigh’s lack of obvious ability relegates her to the shadows of the royal court of Bellona, a kingdom steeped in gladiator tradition. Seventeenth in line for the throne, Evie is nothing more than a ceremonial fixture, overlooked and mostly forgotten.

But dark forces are at work inside the palace. When her cousin Vasilia, the crown princess, assassinates her mother the queen and takes the throne by force, Evie is also attacked, along with the rest of the royal family. Luckily for Evie, her secret immunity to magic helps her escape the massacre.

Forced into hiding to survive, she falls in with a gladiator troupe. Though they use their talents to entertain and amuse the masses, the gladiators are actually highly trained warriors skilled in the art of war, especially Lucas Sullivan, a powerful magier with secrets of his own. Uncertain of her future—or if she even has one—Evie begins training with the troupe until she can decide her next move.

But as the bloodthirsty Vasilia exerts her power, pushing Bellona to the brink of war, Evie’s fate becomes clear: she must become a fearsome gladiator herself . . . and kill the queen.

My Review:

It took me a little bit to get into this series, but once it hits its groove, there's no putting it down. I loved the relationship between the characters and how tough and resilient Everleigh is.

I liked the whole idea of the gladiator troupe. Because even though it can be pretty cutthroat at times, they're still a family and they take care of their own. 

It reminded me slightly of The Poison Taster Series by Maria V. Snyder, which is great, because I simply ADORE that series.

 I do wish the romance had been a little more prominent, but I think it'll get there eventually.

And I LOVE the cover! It's so beautiful and fierce. It would make a great #BookFace picture.