A review by sueread2030
To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

 In my mind, this is what ENEMIES TO LOVERS should be
it was the best one so far

I truly believe that every enemies-to-lovers wannabe book that thinks "banter" and little sparkle of angry looks at the beginning of the book should take a page from this one!

Lira and Elian really reallllly REEEEAAAAALLLLY want to kill each other...and they almost did...several times
70% into the book and their intention is still to kill each other

oh, and this is THE BEST LITTLE MERMAID retelling I have read
I enjoyed it very much

I loved that both of them are evil 😈
I was cackling at the dialogue and banter between them
Lira really gave it to him

I also loved the surprise of using Arabic terminology. I don't know if the author lived a while in the ME or has Egyptian friends because "Molokhia eyes?! 😲 they know about molokhia?! Who told???
Also the ship is called The Saad which means happiness - ironically.

However, I do think that this would have worked better as a duology
I felt the ending was rushed
their romance did not blossom until the last third.. I wasn't convinced of it.
and I wanted more of the reason for Lira's animosity towards her mother
Also, I wished to have witnessed how they made the relationship work!

but it is a very good read
and I may check more from the author