Title: Kingdom of Exiles
Author: Maxym M. Martineau
Series: The Beast Charmer #1
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date:
June 25, 2019
Pages:
448
Book Source:
Library Paperback

“Exiled Charmer Leena Edenfrell is running out of time. Empty pockets forced her to sell her beloved magical beasts―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 Noc an offer he can’t refuse: powerful mythical creatures in exchange for her life.

Plagued by a curse that kills everyone he loves, Noc agrees to Leena’s terms in hopes of finding a cure. Never mind that the dark magic binding the assassin’s oath will eventually force him to choose between Leena’s continued survival…and his own.” – Amazon

Kim’s Review:

Loved this book. More people need to read it! As, Jessica, my partner in reading at Books Don’t Review Themselves podcast says, “This book needs to become a movie.” Or as I say, “A TV show.”

If you are new to Fantasy Romance, this is a great one to start with. There are various kingdoms and people’s names that are not as familiar as Ryan or Madysen, but Maxym Martineau does well with the progression of the story, not going to so many different places that you don’t know which town the characters are in. 

And as far as having unfamiliar names, Martineau does such a fantastic job at character building that you quickly learn who everyone is. For a series debut it really is amazing how quickly the author made me feel for these characters.

As far as all the new beasts go, I could see this getting confusing, but there is a Bestiary at the back of the book that gives you descriptions of them, as well as a few drawings. I would love to see a colored Bestiary with all the creatures Martineau makes up, and perhaps that is in the works for the future. 

While I enjoyed the whole book, I did enjoy the scenes with the beasts just a smidge more. I am excited to see all the new creatures Martineau comes up with in the next two books, The Frozen Prince (coming out February 25, 2020) and The Shattered Crown (coming late 2020).

I was worried at the beginning that a love triangle would form between Leena, Noc, and the bartender, Dez. But I am so happy this didn’t happen! Book series have been ruined for me when the love triangle keeps getting dragged out.

And as far as the sex scenes go, they felt so natural to the book. They didn’t feel like they were added just to have more sex in the book. The way they were written was very tantalizing, and very real. When you pictured them, you didn’t question if bodies could bend that way, or if that position would be really uncomfortable. And I really liked that Leena came first without Noc having to finish at the same time as her, as so many other books do.

I highly recommend this, especially if you enjoy Fantasy or Fantasy Romance. And this is a series that I am really looking forward to continuing.

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