Book Review: Kingdom of Exiles by Maxym M. Martineau

Kingdom of Exiles (The Beast Charmer Book 1)

A new magic system in a new fantasy world, “Kingdom of Exiles” by Maxym M. Martineau been named by Publishers Weekly as the Best Book of Summer 2019. And after reading the ARC, all the recognition it has received even before its release is warranted.

“Kingdom of Exiles” follows exiled Beast Charmer Leena Edenfrell and Noc, the head of the Crour assassins. Leena is the target and Noc is the assassin who took the contract. Still, the chemistry between them is obvious from the very beginning.

Hence, from the get-go, readers ask, how will the storyline accommodate a romance when the lovers are destined to kill each other.

And that is how and where debut author Maxym M. Martineau showed her mastery of her craft. As she built a new fantasy world and a new magic system, Martineau also developed the main characters and the supporting ones.

By the time I reached the middle of the book, I have become invested in all the characters. I need to know how all of them will fare. The fantastic beasts (no pun intended for the Harry Potter franchise) have also become secondary characters as they become part of the storyline.

To romance fans, please take not that this is YA, hence this is a slow burn romance.

To fantasy fans, holy moly! “Kingdom of Exiles” can give established fantasy epics a run for their money. Kudos to Sourcebooks Casablanca editors for finding this one. It’s a coup; because I have a feeling that if Tor editors heard about this book early on, they will also be all over it.

A great read and a great start of a new trilogy. “Kingdom of Exiles” is Rated T for Teens. Parental guidance is advised for thematic violence.

Photo Credits: Girl by Enrique Meseguer; Guy looking at horizon by Stefan Keller; Forest by Free Photos. All from Pixabay.