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beautifullybookishbethany 's review for:
Kingdom of Exiles
by Maxym M. Martineau
Kingdom of Exiles is the first book in a fantasy romance series that has a lot going for it. One thing to know here is that while book 1 was originally published as an adult novel, the series is pivoting to the YA market and this has been re-released in a YA edition. I had an interesting experience with reading because I listened to the audiobook of the original AND read along with a physical copy of the YA edition (thank you Sourcebooks Fire!) so I can tell you what has changed.
The story follows Leena, a Beastcharmer (she can tame magical beasts, it's a cool magic system) who has been exiled from her people and now a dangerous guild of assassins is after her. But she makes a deal with their (kinda sexy) leader Noc in hopes of saving her own life and finding a way to return to her people. Noc has his own secret agenda, and behind the scenes they are affected by political machinations as well! It's an intriguing narrative with interesting characters, a cool world, a strong romantic element, and plenty of room to continue the series. And if some of the twists here and in the forthcoming book are pretty obvious, you still have a good time with it.
So what has changed in the YA edition? A lot of little stuff, but a few primary things I'll address. In the original, Leena is 29 (an age that probably makes more sense given everything that has happened) but here she's aged down to probably 18 or 19, though I don't think it's specified. Also, the steamier bits are significantly toned down. In the original, there is sexy dialogue peppered throughout (very little of that in the YA version), and two explicitly described sex scenes and a lot of leadup. In the YA edition, there is mostly just some kissing and one very vaguely described sex scene later in the book (on the order of "and then they moved together and became one" type of thing). The other change is there are a few added chapters from side character perspectives that flesh them out, and a chapter where Leena trains characters on how to care for their magical beasts. Otherwise, they are pretty much the same.
Do know that this gets quite dark at times and includes content warnings for torture that feels borderline like sexual assault, kidnapping, drugging, emotional abuse, death, and violence.
In general I had a good time with this and look forward to continuing with the series! I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The story follows Leena, a Beastcharmer (she can tame magical beasts, it's a cool magic system) who has been exiled from her people and now a dangerous guild of assassins is after her. But she makes a deal with their (kinda sexy) leader Noc in hopes of saving her own life and finding a way to return to her people. Noc has his own secret agenda, and behind the scenes they are affected by political machinations as well! It's an intriguing narrative with interesting characters, a cool world, a strong romantic element, and plenty of room to continue the series. And if some of the twists here and in the forthcoming book are pretty obvious, you still have a good time with it.
So what has changed in the YA edition? A lot of little stuff, but a few primary things I'll address. In the original, Leena is 29 (an age that probably makes more sense given everything that has happened) but here she's aged down to probably 18 or 19, though I don't think it's specified. Also, the steamier bits are significantly toned down. In the original, there is sexy dialogue peppered throughout (very little of that in the YA version), and two explicitly described sex scenes and a lot of leadup. In the YA edition, there is mostly just some kissing and one very vaguely described sex scene later in the book (on the order of "and then they moved together and became one" type of thing). The other change is there are a few added chapters from side character perspectives that flesh them out, and a chapter where Leena trains characters on how to care for their magical beasts. Otherwise, they are pretty much the same.
Do know that this gets quite dark at times and includes content warnings for torture that feels borderline like sexual assault, kidnapping, drugging, emotional abuse, death, and violence.
In general I had a good time with this and look forward to continuing with the series! I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.