The Fae king is dead...now what?
Book review: Princess of Blood by Sarah Hawley
Princess of Blood by Sarah Hawley
Published: September 30, 2025 by Ace
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Synopsis:
Kenna Heron is still reeling from her lover's betrayal and the threat of an impending war. With only her two closest--and most powerless--friends by her side, she must navigate the treacherous politics of Mistei while coming to terms with her new identity as not just Fae, but princess of her own house.
With the king dead, three candidates are vying for the right to wear the crown next. A princess who claims the throne as her birthright and two rebel princes, both of whom are depending on the support of Blood House to break the stalemate between them. Old loyalties fray as new, dangerous alliances form, and Kenna finds herself caught in a web of violence, deceit, and unexpected passion.
Kenna has the power to shape Mistei's future... but someone's willing to kill to make sure she never gets the chance.
Rating:
Review:
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
I read the first book in this series, Servant of Earth, in 2025. It was phenomenal and I pre-ordered the 2nd one immediately. Then I, somehow, got an ARC copy of the 2nd one and I am pretty sure that the resulting squeal of excitement was heard in the next state over.
This book picks up immediately where the first one left off. The Fae King is dead and Kenna is now the princess of Blood House. Immediately there is a run for the throne and she is the deciding vote. Whoever Kenna chooses to lead will have the support to wage a war for the throne. But, how can she possibly choose when the Fae only deal in lies, deceit and violence?
Kenna had such a transformation in this book and it was so exciting to watch. She navigated her way through the world of Mistei and learned her powers. She sought friendships and played the part of a princess who wants things to change. It was wonderful. My only gripe with her is that she’s a bit too idealistic. But that’s the point of her character so I can’t complain too much.
I really loved learning about Hector, Kallan, and Drustan as Kenna did. Each of these characters was so layered and complex. Every time Kenna found herself agreeing with all of them on the same point, I found that I did too. Though I became slightly frustrated at Kenna when I felt like the choice she needed to make was clear and she was still waffling. There is a very specific event that changes everything about one of the characters. Literally everything. And, frankly, that moment should have been the moment Kenna made her decision too instead of continuing to be indecisive.
This book is definitely a slow burn. At points I even started to feel a little bit bored, reading about yet another ball or party. But it did set the tone and there was enough intervening events that the plot kept moving albeit slowly. However, no matter how frustrated I was at the pace the ending was jaw dropping. I probably should have seen it coming but I was successfully lulled into a false sense of security right along with Kenna. I read the last 50 pages in one sitting and was shocked the entire time. I won’t give any spoilers here but, WOW! I don’t know how I’m going to wait for the next book. I need to know what comes next immediately. Preferably yesterday.