I got this book in my Fairyloot box and followed along with their readalong….so good!

Title: A River of Royal Blood

Author: Amanda Joy

Sixteen-year-old Eva is a princess, born with the magick of marrow and blood–a dark and terrible magick that hasn’t been seen for generations in the vibrant but fractured country of Myre. Its last known practitioner was Queen Raina, who toppled the native khimaer royalty and massacred thousands, including her own sister, eight generations ago, thus beginning the Rival Heir tradition. Living in Raina’s long and dark shadow, Eva must now face her older sister, Isa, in a battle to the death if she hopes to ascend to the Ivory Throne–because in the Queendom of Myre only the strongest, most ruthless rulers survive.

When Eva is attacked by an assassin just weeks before the battle with her sister, she discovers there is more to the attempt on her life than meets the eye–and it isn’t just her sister who wants to see her dead. As tensions escalate, Eva is forced to turn to a fey instructor of mythic proportions and a mysterious and handsome khimaer prince for help in growing her magick into something to fear. Because despite the love she still has for her sister, Eva will have to choose: Isa’s death or her own.

A River of Royal Blood is an enthralling debut set in a lush North African inspired fantasy world that subtly but powerfully challenges our notions of power, history, and identity.

This is a debut from the author? Well it was fabulous! I took part in Fairyloot’s readalong but couldn’t help reading more than the intended chapters each day as I wanted it all!!!

Let me start off by saying I thought this story had fab world building. A world with a rich and tragic history where 2 sisters have to fight to the death to take the throne….only 1 can survive.

There was also a great backstory throughout the book that had me hooked!

I must admit I didn’t take many notes throughout this book but here are the bits I loved….

The magick system,

The characters; Prince Aketo, Falun and Bacha (although I found it odd that he just appeared and was accepted instantly but I get Eve was desperate!!!)

Whilst we are on the subject of Aketo (we were weren’t we?!) I will just say that I love him. Like actually loved him, horns and all!

But that ending….I need that next book and I need it now!