Review – Kingdom Soul by Brittni Chenelle

**Disclaimer: I was given an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.  Please note, there are spoilers ahead for anyone who has not read the first book in the series, Kingdom Cold.**

Title Kingdom Soul (Kingdom Cold #2)

Author Brittni Chenelle

Description from Amazon

Besmium has been reduced to rubble, and sinister Camelot reigns supreme. Abandoned by Minseo, brother of the fallen king, widowed Charlotte’s path is perilous. New to life beyond her walls, she’s forced to face the winter and motherhood alone, while being hunted by a soldier whose life’s goal depends on her capture.

When whispers reach Minseo that Queen Charlotte survived, he decides to leave his drunken shame behind and seek his lost love. He knows finding her won’t be terribly difficult but protecting both her and daughter Morgana is a different errand—one requiring more than time’s power to heal.

Beyond the landscape of lies and treachery, Charlotte will need to navigate her feelings wisely. Can Minseo be trusted with the ultimate secret? Wherever young Morgana goes, a trail of ash is left behind, in consequence of something sought by sorcerers and mortal fiends…united, closing in.

Two fates present in seeking redemption: win her love or lose his soul. One must emerge. 

Initial Thoughts

Please see my hype post for all of my excitement but needless to say, I was very excited to have an opportunity to read an ARC of this book.  I love the legend of King Arthur and I love retellings so I couldn’t wait to see how this story continued.

Favorite Character

Merlin — I thought she was awesome.  I loved her character and I thought it was so great that she is a woman in this version of the Arthurian story.  I want so much more for her.  I feel so terrible for her that Lancelot basically pays her no attention.  She deserves better.  (Maybe Minseo will wake up and realize that he should stop pining over Charlotte, who will never love him the way she loved Young.)

Some Things I Loved

• Nods to the original story — While Arthur is not traditionally the villain of the legend, I like that Gwenevere’s role stayed the same.  Similarly, I liked that Merlin and Morgana are the only magic wielders.
• Changes from the original — As much as I love the respect paid to the traditional story, I love the changes Brittni Chenelle has made.  Examples include, changing Merlin’s gender to female, making Arthur the villain, making Lancelot so much more than just a knight, and adding numerous warring kingdoms to the mix.
• Writing Style — I thought the alternating POV was a fantastic choice.  I thought the characters chosen to narrate were perfect.  It was just the right mix and the transitions between narrators were so amazing.  They added so much drama between and during scenes.

Something I Wasn’t Crazy About

• I know it keeps the story super interesting, but I just hate that Minseo pines over Charlotte so much!  I want him to move on and I really want Charlotte to just focus on Morgana.  As much as I love the drama he causes, I want Minseo to stay away from Charlotte.
• Similarly, I hate how Lancelot is obsessed with Gwen.  I just want to grab his shoulders and shake him and yell “get over her already, she’s the worst!”  But, at least, I have some hope that Merlin will do that for me in the next book.

For the Record

No spoilers but, I KNEW IT!  I totally knew it and I loved it!  I can’t wait for the next book!  You’ll have to read this series to find out what I’m talking about but I’m so glad about something that happened!

Series Value

This series is full of drama, romance, and action.  I loved every page of this book (despite the frustrating scenes where certain characters were not doing what I wanted them to be doing).  I am totally hooked and can’t wait to read the next installment, Kingdom Untold.

Final Thoughts

I read this book all in one day.  I enjoyed it so much and can’t wait to continue the story.  The writing was excellent, filled with drama, and had all the twists and turns I look for in a good retelling.  This story may be inspired by the Legend of King Arthur, but it has a completely unique take.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recommendations for Further Reading

• Once & Future by Amy Rose Capetta – if you liked the Arthurian legend aspect of this story, give this book a try.  It’s futuristic version of the story with a gender bending twist.
• The Traitor’s Circle Series by Erin Beaty – book two of this series, The Traitor’s Ruin, parallels this story so much.  A ton of the story focuses on lost love and learning to love again.
• The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson – the main female characters in both of these stories are similar.  There is also a sense of arranged marriage for political alliances and the threat of war on one kingdom.