Every time we are given a glimpse from Lira’s childhood, the torment she is put through because she is the heir to the Sea is truly grievous. A siren, no matter what is still s girl, a child, whose humanity was stolen from her at an age where it would shape her personality for the rest of her life. And watching Lira’s humanity being stripped away from her piece by piece, and by her own mother, is heartbreaking. But as much as it made her a monster, it gave her a sense of responsibility to take what is hers and protect it. Her personality is strong, brave, courageous, and lethal. Underneath all of her hardness is someone who cares for others. Sirens and humans are in constant conflict in To Kill a Kingdom. What human conflicts have lasted decades or more?

Overall, this was honestly just a joy to read. The writing was lyrical and beautiful. The world building was fantastic and so impressive, especially for a standalone. The romance was absolutely perfect. Also, my Odyssey loving heart will read any and all books about sirens luring men to their death. I loved being on this adventure and journey alongside Lira and Elian. I absolutely cannot wait to see what Alexandra Christo does next, and this debut novel of hers is one of the best debut novels I’ve ever read. Because you’re not just dealing with sailors now. You’re dealing with royalty, and with royalty comes power. Power is always desirable.” The chemistry between Lira and Elian slows when he realizes that Lira is more than what she appears with the skills she possesses. It isn’t until later in the novel that Elian finds out that Lira is in fact, his worst nightmare. She’s a siren.Fantasy fans will like the idea of sirens and piratelike princes as the characters who are imaginative and well developed."— School Library Journal How do you pitch a violent siren/pirate high fantasy YA retelling of the Little Mermaid and somehow make it boring? That’s almost so awful it turns in on itself and becomes impressive.

LISTEN TO THIS OPENING LINE YOU GUYS. And by listen to I of course mean read. But like, come on: “I have a heart for every year I’ve been alive.”Stellar world building and nonstop action will keep readers hooked on this twisted reimagining of “The Little Mermaid." — Booklist Online Elian believes Lira was drowning and “saves” her. The two become close and start having feelings for each other. The relationship builds in a very slow-burn fashion. The two share a few kiss scenes, one of which Lira asks Elian to kiss her. p. 105 Parakalo = Please (here in Greece we never beg with only parakalo, we say se or sas parakalo, but I will let it slide)