Kingdom of Exiles by Maxym M. Martineau – Review & Giveaway
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Description:
Exiled beast charmer Leena Edenfrell is in deep trouble. Empty pockets forced her to sell her beloved magical beasts on the black market—an offense punishable by death—and now there’s a price on her head. With the realm’s most talented murderer-for-hire nipping at her heels, Leena makes him an offer he can’t refuse: powerful mythical creatures in exchange for her life.
If only it were that simple. Unbeknownst to Leena, the undying ones are bound by magic to complete their contracts, and Noc cannot risk his brotherhood of assassins…not even to save the woman he can no longer live without.
Review:
Kingdom of Exiles by Maxym M. Martineau is the first book in her new fantasy The Beast Charmer series. This is my first time reading this author, and after finishing this book, it will not be my last. I loved Kingdom of Exiles.
Leena Edenfrell, our heroine, is a beast charmer, who is living in exile for a crime she did not do. A beast charmer has the ability to tame wild beasts and bond with them. Leena is very strict, making sure those who want one of her many beasts, must treat them with care and love. One night on her way home, Leena is accosted by someone who is trying to kill her. Leena manages to stop the person with help from one of her beasts, and learns that there is a bounty on her head.
Noc, our hero, and the leader of Cruor team of assassins comes to the rescue of one of his men, and because of Leena’s strength, he is willing to make a bargain with her; but he is compelled to kill her no matter what, when their bargain is complete. Noc is also cursed, and is desperate to find a way to remove the curse; finding a beast that can do that; hence the agreement with Leena to find beasts for his 3 top men and himself.
At the start, Noc was very distant and cold, but over a period of time, especially watching how Leena is so loving with her beasts, he slowly begins to have feelings for her, which he knows he cannot allow to happen. I loved Noc’s men, especially Oz and Calem, and Kost loosened up in time.
What follows is an exciting, intense action-packed adventure to find those wonderful magical beasts, and to find the truth of who put the bounty on Leena’s head. When Leena’s life hangs by a thread, Noc will do anything to save the woman he has fallen in love with, despite the repercussions. It was a slow built romance between Noc and Leena, but I really liked them together. I loved how Leena became trusted friends with the other members of Cruor; she was a fabulous heroine. She was amazing, especially nearer to the end when she had to suffer torture. To say too much more would be spoilers.
Kingdom of Exiles was a great start and wonderful world-building to this different kind of fantasy series. The beasts were the best part, as it was fun to learn about the different kind of beasts and what they can do. The battles to fight and save Leena were done so well, and as we raced to the climax, we were on the edge of our seat to see if she will survive. The villain in this story was evil, and I did like the ending, which will lead to the next book. Maxym M. Martineau has written a wonderful story, and I look forward to what she has next for us.
Reviewed by Barb
Copy provided by Publisher
Maxym M. Martineau is a staff writer and editor by day, and a fantasy romance author by night. When she’s not getting heated over broken hearts, she enjoys playing video games, sipping a well-made margarita, binge-watching television shows, competing in just about any sport, and of course, reading.
Following her passion, Maxym earned her bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Arizona State University. She is represented by Cate Hart of Corvisiero Literary Agency. Her debut, Kingdom of Exiles, is slated for release in June 2019.
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