dbguide2's Reviews (863)

Although this was a super quick read I didn’t enjoy it as much as I wanted t or though I would. It helped that it was a dual-pov. I preferred Jacob over Hannah so I might’ve dnfed if the book was solely Hannah’s pov. It’s not that I didn’t like Hannah, I just didn’t really have much of an opinion of her. Jacob (to me) was more interesting and I wanted to know more about him over Hannah. I was fine with Hannah when her and Jacob had scenes together but that’s about it

It’s a pretty decent plot, but then again, I honestly don’t remember much of it. I remembered I liked Jacob’s family and his whole storyline. I thought Hannah’s ex was really annoying so I rolled my eyes basically whenever he was on the page (well screen because ebook). Like, Hannah, I’m sorry, but can’t you tell you and Nate don’t have much in common? Like clearly you and Jacob are better together! I liked their romance (Hannah and Jacob) but I really didn’t remember much of it to tell you lot. Cute read, but that’s about it in my eyes. 

 I’m finding the joy in reading and enjoying books that aren’t the best more and more. And you know what? You should too! Not all books have to be well-written in order for you to enjoy them. I found Kingdom of Blood & Salt to be that exactly. There were things I would’ve changed if I were writing/editing it but as a reader I just allowed myself to enjoy it – and that I did. 

I liked that there was a bit of Greek inspiration to be seen in the book. They wore peplos – a type of Greek outfit commonly worn by women. Hades was mentioned – actually I think he was the only one to be mentioned – I’m not bothered by that because he’s my favourite. Hoping the second book (which seems to be the last one as well – so just a duology) will have more of that. 

I was a bit upset that the entire book was set in the Kingdom. I think from reading the synopsis I had surmised various things would happen and when they didn’t I was annoyed. But that’s not the book’s fault – just mine for assuming things 😅. I did actually like that it was all set in the Kingdom as we get to know everyone and the surroundings more than if we left to go travel halfway through the book.

 

Ara is a feisty and fun female main character – just the type I like to read about. She wasn’t afraid to speak her mind and I smirked most times that she did. I liked that the book was single pov (hers) and in first person because that allowed us to get to know her better, which also meant I liked her more. Hoping that in the next book she really starts to come into her own, realise who she can be and all of that. 

Ryvin, I’ll admit, I didn’t like him much at the beginning. That quickly changed when I saw how he treated Ara. He saw her for what she is, what she could be. You could tell he wants her to become more dangerous and more powerful. Certainly he’ll be all for it – in fact I’m wanting there to be scenes (or just one is fine) where he tells her this exactly – or some sort of a scene, the author’s choice, you know? 😄. 

I liked that Ara had good relationships with her sisters. I think it would’ve been much easier to write them all as bitches, rude to her because their mom isn’t her mom and all that. But Calder took an alternative route and ensured that was not the case. They were all kind with each other – something I do like to see in books. I dislike girl-on-girl hate in any format/media so I’m always happy when I find good relationships. 
 

Another thing I liked was that it’s a short book – just under 300 pages. And it felt like that. Sometimes that is the best for a book – to match their pace and pages. Kingdom of Blood & Salt toed that line between medium and fast paced well which made it all easier to read quickly. That also allows for the plot to advance quicker than other fantasy books. And I like that! Sometimes you do want a slower or quicker pace and I like that I’m starting to get more titles for each group. 

I recommend this book if you want a quick read with interesting characters and a steamy romance. Plus I got hints of something from Greek Mythology that’s a favourite of mine so I’m really hoping the next book will have it. No spoilers but here’s some emojis as a clue: 🦔🏁🧶!