Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Bold, imaginative sea-faring fantasy has unusual characters.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 3 parent reviews
Based on 23 kid reviews
Kids say the book is a thrilling blend of fantasy and romance, featuring strong, complex characters and an engaging enemies-to-lovers storyline that captivates readers. While some find the plot and pacing slow or clichéd, many praise the lyrical writing and character depth, making it a favorite among young readers despite occasional violence and profanity.
- engaging characters
- strong romance
- mixed pacing
- lyrical writing
- violence and profanity
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
At the start of TO KILL A KINGDOM, Princess Lira causes the death of one of her fellow sirens and earns the wrath of her mother, the Sea Queen. As punishment, she's enchanted into human form and will stay that way unless she rips out the living heart of a prince before the solstice. Bereft of her fins and gills, Lira is soon at the mercy of explorer and adventurer Prince Elian, who has sworn to destroy the sirens once and for all. Can either of them survive the revelation of their secrets?
Is It Any Good?
Choosing a siren for a protagonist is a bold choice for a fantasy, but this oceanic romance makes the most of its imaginative conceit. In To Kill a Kingdom, author Alexandra Christo takes an original tack for this tale of star-crossed lovers. Elian and especially Lira are multidimensional characters who undergo interesting transitions over the course of the book, and the monstrous Sea Queen proves to be a formidable antagonist at the climax. The story is neatly self-contained, with no need for a long wait for resolution.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how To Kill a Kingdom uses aspects of ancient mythology. Why are sirens, mermaids, and mermen interesting to modern readers?
Sirens and humans are in constant conflict in To Kill a Kingdom. What human conflicts have lasted decades or more?
What role does violence play in To Kill a Kingdom? Is warfare depicted as an effective strategy for change?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship , Animals ( Ocean Creatures ) , Pirates
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Feiwel & Friends
- Publication date : March 6, 2018
- Number of pages : 342
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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