Kingdom Cold
Author: Brittni Chenelle
Genre: High fantasy, young adult, romance
Page number: 278 Pages
View on Goodreads
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Attempted murder, that's how sixteen-year-old Princess Charlotte's engagement starts. It seems like the only thing she has in common with Prince Young of Vires is their mutual discontent. When her kingdom's attacked, Charlotte's parents renegotiate her hand in marriage to a handsome stranger with a sinister plan. With the people Charlotte loves dying around her, and her kingdom's future at stake, the only person she can turn to is the prince she betrayed. But, should she save her kingdom or her heart? One must fall.
my review
I received a free copy for an honest review.
What I loved: the character development (and that damn-gorgeous cover).
I really want to first acknowledge the character development of this story. The author really utilized the story and world-building to her advantage in order to create the most perfect setting and background for our princess Charlotte to develop. For anime/manga fans out there, this series really reminded me of the manga series Yona of the Dawn. Both protagonists are princesses who pretty much was thrown out of her element (life changed in a day) and was forced to mature and grow as the story progressed in order to adapt and survive. Both started off as pretty much incompetent spoiled brats but the authors brilliantly utilized that story-line to propel a fantastic character development. For this book, I not only want to praise Charlotte's development in general but how the author knew how to use the story-line to further excel in this aspect. Also, for a self-published book, that book cover is brilliantly designed. Every indie author/self-publishers need to learn something from that cover design.
What I didn't like as much: not exactly technical flaws, more like the tropes and writing styles that are not really for me. I'm going to make one thing clear, there is nothing "wrong" about Prince Young's portrayal, I'm just not used to it. I'm not really used to the love interest having the characteristics that Young had in this book, which took me out of the story for a little bit. But on the other hand, I was also initially extremely uncomfortable with Charlotte's initial bratty attitude, and that arguably contributed to her fantastic character development (by giving something to develop "from).
From the synopsis, I was also more expecting a hate-love relationship (added with three tablespoons of royalty and two-tablespoons of adventure), but the hate-love relationship was done not reach half of my expectation, which was kind of disappointing. I think this may contribute to this book such a short read (which can be viewed as a good thing or bad thing, depending on the individual).
Rating: 3.8/5
about the author
10 FUN FACTS ABOUT BRITTNI CHENELLE 1. She lives in South Korea. It's true. She does most of her updates in the morning or at night to account for the time difference. She also infuses most of her novels with her observations about Korean culture. 2. She's a Type 1 Diabetic. She uses an insulin pump for survival and refers to her diabetes as "Beetie" which is what inspired her children's book "Life with Beetie". When she wants something from her parents she tells them, "My Beetie hurts." It's a trick that has never failed her. 3. She doesn't really BELIEVE in fiction. Despite all the; Dragons, Elves, and Magic present in her novel "Involuted the Tale of the Red Ribbon Tree", Brittni INSISTS that it's a true story. I wouldn't normally believe it but when browsing some of her old pictures, you can find pictures of her with a mysterious red ribbon tied to her wrist. 4. She's OBSESSED with dark chocolate. She made me put that in and would also like me to inform you (on an unrelated note) that her birthday is in May. 5. She loves video games, anime, and cosplay. Favorite games: League of Legends, Stardew Valley, Pokemon. Favorite Anime: Avatar the Last Airbender, Your lie in April, Full Metal Alchemist. Cosplay: She once dressed as Korra from Legend of Korra. She's hoping there will be more brown characters for her to cosplay in the future. 6. She has a Bachelor's degree in English Literature and a Master's in Creative Writing. 7. She's working on a Manga/Anime style novel with about 100 images included. 8. Sorry guys, she's married. If you ask her, she'll tell you her husband saved her life but everytime someone asks "how" she gives a different reason. I've overheard her give about 4 different reasons, but I bet she has more. He must be an amazing guy. 9. She posts awesome travel pictures on her Instagram. Her username is @brittnichenelle. You're here because you love her unique way of seeing the world, now you can see it in picture form! This is especially good if you have an interest in Asia since that's where most of her pictures are taken. 10: Brittni, why did you become a writer? "I write because I would go crazy if I didn't. The body is limited but the mind is free to roam among dragons and fairies, it can soar through the air, and breathe underwater, and hold onto love in even the worst conditions. I guess that's why, because books are not bound by the rules of reality and I am addicted to the freedom-- seduced by the possibilities." -Brittni Chenelle
