Princess of Blood (The Shards of Magic) by Sarah Hawley- a Review

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Description:
Kenna Heron is still reeling from her lover’s betrayal and the threat of an impending war. With only her two closest–and most powerless–friends by her side, she must navigate the treacherous politics of Mistei while coming to terms with her new identity as not just Fae, but princess of her own house.

With the king dead, three candidates are vying for the right to wear the crown next. A princess who claims the throne as her birthright and two rebel princes, both of whom are depending on the support of Blood House to break the stalemate between them. Old loyalties fray as new, dangerous alliances form, and Kenna finds herself caught in a web of violence, deceit, and unexpected passion.

Kenna has the power to shape Mistei’s future… but someone’s willing to kill to make sure she never gets the chance.

Review:

Princess of Blood by Sarah Hawley is the second book in her The Shards of Magic fantasy.  Kenna Heron has now newly turned fae, as she merges as the head of new house, as she is the Princess of the Blood House.  Kenna is armed with Caedo, a talking dagger, with a thirst for blood; as well as her two friends, Lara and Anya. Kenna knows she needs to get more people to come to live at the Blood House, with her trying to rebuild, manage it, step into the role of the a a royal court leader; as well as she will cast the vote for the for the new realm. Kenna also brings two of her human best friends to help her rebuild.

Kenna struggles to embrace her new identity as the princess of her own house. Her courage makes her impossible to ignore the other houses, with so much betrayal and deception: the inner houses play each other in royal court, with politics & threats. What makes Kenna good, is that she wants to help people, she is generous, kind and trying to change things in fae society. Kenna was caught between voting for Hector (Kallen’s brother) and Drustan, as well as many others who wanted to change everything.

I really liked Kenna and Kallen’s friendship that continued to grow.  Kallen was determined to teach Kenna how to fight their sparring matches, learn dancing, and together they did a lot of spying.  Kallen wanted to protect her, as he knew he was devoted to her; though he was buried with anxieties and traumas of his life.  Soon their slow burn romance grew.  It was also nice to see Kenna and Lara’s friendship blossom.

Princess of Blood was intriguing, tense, torture, violence, sexual abuse and self-harm.  The romance that was developing between Kenna and Kallen was filled with passion.  I have to say that this epic ending was wild, and dangerous throughout.  Princess of Blood was so very well written by Sarah Hawley; which was part of The Shards of Magic fantasy.   I can’t wait for the next book, which will have me desperate to wait to see what happens next.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher