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A review by kmac087
Kingdom Cold by Brittni Chenelle
2.0
Kingdom Cold does a decent job for a self-published YA novel – interesting premise, fast-paced narrative, and an overall light read. However, it could have benefitted from the discerning eye of an editor, especially for pacing and reining in the number of POVs.
The blurb promises a romance amidst turmoil within a kingdom – “should she save her kingdom or her heart?” The actual story, though, suffers from a bit too much middle school “romance” where characters declare love for another - even going so far as to forsake their god or challenge a loved one to a dual - with little interaction or explanation to justify such grand emotions. It reads as juvenile instead of intended for a youthful audience.
Pacing of the story from a time-passing perspective did not ring true. How could whole armies move across regions in Arthurian times in a matter of a week? Plot pacing overall needed the aid of additional beta readers if not a true editor – the book read as an outline only partially fleshed out with key scenes. POVs seemed to be used as a crutch to explain plot elements faster but not necessarily effectively.
Overall, a mediocre read. It will help pass the time and contains a good basis for an entertaining story. It needs more work and the aid of an editor who can guide author Brittni Chenelle to achieving that fully entertaining end. Two stars for the attempt.
*Digital copy from NetGalley provided for an honest review.
The blurb promises a romance amidst turmoil within a kingdom – “should she save her kingdom or her heart?” The actual story, though, suffers from a bit too much middle school “romance” where characters declare love for another - even going so far as to forsake their god or challenge a loved one to a dual - with little interaction or explanation to justify such grand emotions. It reads as juvenile instead of intended for a youthful audience.
Pacing of the story from a time-passing perspective did not ring true. How could whole armies move across regions in Arthurian times in a matter of a week? Plot pacing overall needed the aid of additional beta readers if not a true editor – the book read as an outline only partially fleshed out with key scenes. POVs seemed to be used as a crutch to explain plot elements faster but not necessarily effectively.
Overall, a mediocre read. It will help pass the time and contains a good basis for an entertaining story. It needs more work and the aid of an editor who can guide author Brittni Chenelle to achieving that fully entertaining end. Two stars for the attempt.
*Digital copy from NetGalley provided for an honest review.