Kingdom Cold (Kingdom Cold, # 1)
By: Brittni Chenelle
Publication: January 25, 2021 by Brittni Chenelle
276 pages
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Source: YouTube Audiobooks
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Goodreads description--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. Diverse Fantasy, YA Fantasy Romance, Enemies-To-Lovers, Multi-POV
BRITTNI CHENELLE is a USA Today Bestselling Author who specializes in angsty multicultural fantasy romances. She loves the enemies-to-lovers trope and her favorite genres to read and write are Young Adult Fantasy Romance, New Adult Urban Fantasy, Fairytale Retellings , Steamy Paranormal Romance, and African American Paranormal Romance with plenty of Black Girl Magic. She's very passionate about equal representation and makes a point to include characters from different backgrounds and cultures in her fantasy stories.
I listened to Kingdom Cold on audiobook through YouTube Audiobooks for free. I find that books I might find long or frustrating in print aren't as difficult for me in audio for some reason. I think a large part of this is the ability to multitask while listening to the book. I can wash the dishes, cook dinner, clean the house, fold clothes--all tasks I would have to do anyway--while listening to a book. And since I'm not using "valuable reading time" to do so I find that I don't get as annoyed if a book is slower to hook my attention or overall not one that might qualify for that coveted reading time. So I say all that to say that I think listening to this book helped me enjoy it more. There are three narrators: Lessa Lamb, Matthew H. Longoria, & Jake McAskill. These three did a good job narrating, and I appreciated being able to easily detect which character POV I was listening to.
Princess Charlotte is sixteen years old. Her parents inform her that it is time for her to marry. She thinks she's too young and wants to wait a few more years, but their country is nearing war and a political marriage will be a stabilizing factor. Charlotte begins quite selfishly. All she can think about is herself. She's not opposed to marriage, but she doesn't want to marry now. She also has never wanted to rule her country. When Prince Young arrives, she shoots an arrow at him. Thankfully, she misses, but it doesn't start things off on the right foot. It doesn't help that when she gets her first close-up she mistakes Prince Young for his older brother Prince Minseo. She showed obvious attraction to Prince Minseo in that first meeting. And I was secondhand embarrassed while listening to this scene.
Prince Young remembers meeting Charlotte previously and he was intrigued by her then--granted intrigued by her appearance alone it seemed. But at least he was somewhat hopeful going into this political marriage. I don't think he expected Charlotte to be thrilled with marrying a stranger, but he didn't expect the level of animosity or direct opposition he would receive from her.
The kingdom of Besmium (I'm unsure about the spelling since I listened to the audiobook) was attacked on what was supposed to be Charlotte and Young's wedding day. Young helps Charlotte and her maid/friend Millie escape and that helps to tip him into the ally category. Charlotte and Young have many twists and turns to endure through this book. And I can understand if the book faces criticism due to there being too many. Characters are thought to be dead yet repeatedly aren't. Characters you think are good are actually bad, oh wait, just kidding they're still good. Characters that are supposed to be morally upright, represent faith, and believe in things bigger than themselves (like fate or God) end up being the weakest moral characters in the book. I think Emmett was supposed to be a narcissist. And if so, I thought that was decently done even though he is a despicable character. There's betrayal from those who are loved most. There are political alliances some gone wrong, and others not. This book just tried to squeeze a little too much in. Mostly, I see these things in hindsight, in the analysis of the book, and not as much while I was listening to it.
At this point, I do think I'll check out book 2 on audio as well. If I were reading this in print I probably wouldn't dedicate the time to finishing the series. But audiobooks are not as serious for me as print versions. I think Prince Young was the best thing about this book, and I did enjoy Charlotte's transformation from spoiled princess to well...I'll leave that for you to find out if you decide to read (or listen to) this book. Have you read (or listened to) Kingdom Cold? I'm giving it 3.5 Stars. What did you think? Let me know!
This review is part of my All Things Halloween event--a month of fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, mystery/thriller, etc reviews and books.
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