Kill the Queen by Jennifer Estep

October 1st, 2018 Kimberly Review 42 Comments

1st Oct
Kill the Queen by Jennifer Estep
Kill the Queen
by Jennifer Estep
Series: Crown of Shards #1
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star

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.

fantasy magical Kick Ass Heroine Royalty 2018 Fave

Gladiators, Magic and Betrayal..hells yes! Kill the Queen by Jennifer Estep was a white-knuckle read from begin to end and I bloody loved it! With an easy flow, some familiar magic and Estep’s own unique voice will allow this tale to pull you in and leave you begging for more.

Caffeinated Reasons to Grab Kill the Queen

  • Gladiators, a treacherous, spoiled villain, magic and a young lady who must transform herself to save them all!
  • Lady Everleigh, whose parents were killed and whose lack of magical ability keeps her to the shadows of the royal court.  Bellona is a kingdom steeped in gladiator tradition.
  • Lady Evie has a secret. A magical gift she never shares. Vasilia, the crown princess, assassinates her mother the queen taking the throne by force. As she dies she whispers instructions to Evie. Thanks to Evie’s hidden ability she is able to survive the massacre and soon begins on a journey you’ll want to be a part of every step of the way. The world isn’t wholly unique, I’ve seen these elements before, but its Estep’s characters that give it a new twist.
  • Estep always impresses me with her world-building and ability to easily pull me into a story. Such is the case with Kill the Queen from the magic to the creatures. The gladiator world fascinated me from the performances to Lucas Sullivan, their handsome trainer.
  • Secondary characters from a dance instructor to the leader of the gladiators impressed me and rounded out the tale bringing laughter, secrets and more.
  • The pacing for Kill the Queen was delightful and kept me on edge.
  • Snow storms, dances to the death and climatic battles gave the tale a Games of Throne vibe.
  • At times the story could be very dark and gritty and in the next moment light and airy with snarky humor. It had a nice balance.
  • The first in the Crown of Shards series/trilogy Kill the Queen sets the bar high.
  • The books current plot wraps up nicely but there is still a budding romance to explore and a kingdom to secure.

Kill the Queen has easily earned a spot on my top ten reads for 2018. I cannot wait for the next installment!

 

Gladiators, Magic and Betrayal..hells yes! Kill the Queen by Jennifer Estep was a white-knuckle read from begin to end #MustRead #NewRelease Share on X
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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42 Responses to “Kill the Queen by Jennifer Estep”

  1. Donna Jacoby

    I’ve added this to my to-read list. Thank you for the giveaway!

  2. Debra Branigan

    I am looking forward to reading this. It sounds fantastic!

  5. Lola

    I have enjoyed the books I read by this author so far and I like the sound of this one. The main character sounds great and the world building sounds well done too. I am not a big fan of books that are too dark, but it sounds like this one balances it well with lighter moments. Great review!

  9. Laura Lovejoy-Brunk

    I’ve recently begone to read Jennifer’s books. Both the Elemental Assassin and her Mythos Academy series. So, and new series but my new favorite author…Yea ! I love this book cover !

  12. blodeuedd

    I have been checking reviews for this one and they all seem positive. I am really curious. But still unsure since I did not like her UF series (I know! Crazy right!)

  14. Anne

    I really loved this one too! My review is the 4th. I appreciate how it was a story end but obviously it can go on with more story. Closure of a story arc but leaving us with wanting more. Anne – Books of My Heart

  18. Rachel @Waves of Fiction

    I haven’t read anything by Estep yet, can you believe that. Maybe this is a good place to start. I love fantasy, and with this being one of your favs for 2018 I’m really interested! Great review, Kimberly! 🙂

  21. MarthaE

    Sounds great. This is definitely going on my list! I will want to continue the GOT vibes when we finish our current discs. Thanks for sharing.

  27. Joanne B

    This sounds like it will be a fantastic new series. Can’t wait to read it to find out what Lady Evie’s secret is and see what else happens.

  28. Sophia Rose

    Oh yeah, this is already on the list.

    Wishing you a new year of wonderful things coming your way. 🙂 Happy Birthday, Kimberly!

  29. Heidi

    Happy birthday, Kim! This is the fourth review I have read for this today. Everyone is loving it. I have an audiobook copy reserved at the library. I can’t wait. I need something to recharge my reading! Sorry I have been absent. Things have settled down and I am ready to get back into blogging.

  31. Braine

    Excited to dive into this. I’m all crime-d out, I need a break from all them murdering villains and read a different kind of murdering character LOL. Estep is always a good time

  36. kindlemom1

    *high fives you* I absolutely loved this! So much fun and I’m excited about having a new fantasy series to read with so many of my favorites ending or have ended.