With all the negativity and stress that’s everywhere lately, I thought I’d channel some positivity by doing a little blog series focusing on ten things I love about some recent reads. To start with, I’m talking about A RIVER OF ROYAL BLOOD by Amanda Joy. It came out last October, and revolves around a princess’s attempt to master a long forgotten magic in preparation for her seventeenth birthday, where she and her sister must fight to the death for the crown. It’s been one of my favorite reads that I’ve picked up this year (and not just because the author and I share a first name).
Without further ado, in no particular order, here are ten things I love about A RIVER OF ROYAL BLOOD:
1. Worldbuilding:
Everything about the world of Myre, from the tattooed magic to the different species that call it home, to the history of the country’s founding and the start of its royal line, is fully fleshed out and explored. In times like these, I loved being whisked completely into a different world.
2. Eva:
Eva is everything I could want in a lead. She’s an underdog, having little experience using her magic of blood and marrow, and the court all expect her to die at the hands of her sister after her birthday. But she doesn’t give up hope of survival, and not just for herself. Eva yearns to take the throne so she can right the wrongs of her ancestors. This makes her extra interesting, and while I can’t say much more without spoilers, I’ll just say that Eva is definitely one of the strengths of this story.
3. Magick:
In this story, magick plays a major role. People are born with one set of magick they can do. Eva has the magick of blood and marrow. Her older sister Isadore has the magick of light and persuasion. There are other magicks, but Eva’s are the focus. The whole magick system is so well thought out and interesting.
4. The Romance:
I can’t get too deep into elaborating on this one, because I want everyone to experience it for themselves. Needless to say, I loved the romance in this and I very much ship Eva and her love interest. There was more than one moment that gave me the feels. (I know this is all super vague, but just trust me and read it for yourself.)
5. The Cast:
I know this doubles up a bit since I already made Eva a point by herself, and the cast includes her, but the rest of the characters deserves a shout out. There are so many unique characters with so many different histories and motivations and personalities. I could spend a whole book just reading about Eva’s family alone, but the rest of the cast ensures that everyone will be able to find a favorite.
6. History:
The world of Myre has a cool history, but that alone isn’t why it’s on my list. What I really love about RIVER’s history is the way it portrays how different groups remember history differently, and how the way we remember history affects the politics and world of today. As someone getting a minor in history, I approve.
7. The Feels:
Listen, this book gave me all the feels. I’d explain how, but that would give spoilers? (I’d be sorry, but I want you all to read it for yourselves.)
8. The Family Dynamics:
The setup of the story-all sisters must kill each other for the throne once the youngest hits her birthday- means that the familial relations of the royal family are bound to be unusual, and the story does not disappointment. The upcoming death contest affects not just the relationships the sisters have with each other, but the relationships they have with each parent. Personally, I thought it was one of the more fascinating parts of the novel.
9. Species Relations:
The worldbuilding and history of the setting both contribute to the complex relationships between the different species in this fantasy world. It makes the world feel more nuanced and realistic, and added an element that I don’t see often enough in fantasy stories.
10. Unpredictable:
Again, this is one I can’t get into without spoiling. Suffice it to say, there were numerous developments in the plot that I didn’t see coming, in a good way. Read it for yourself to understand.
And that’s Ten Things I Loved About A RIVER OF ROYAL BLOOD. Have you read it? Do you have any suggestions for what books I should do a “Ten Things I Love About-” next? Let me know what you think in the comments.
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