Genres: NA Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Fantasy | Release Date: 17 December 2017 | Series: Outcast Series | Series Book: #1 | Pages: 592 | Indie Author | Review
“Your life in the human realm has died. You must focus on what’s in front of you.”
S. B. Nova
Overview:
Full disclosure: I first read A Kingdom of Exiles by indie author S. B. Nova years ago. But because it’s been so long, I needed to read this NA fantasy again before diving into the recent release of A Kingdom of Nomads. But it’s not like it’s a hardship to reread a great book, now is it?
Serena Smith has always been a loner in her village, but for so many years she’d hoped for so much more. Yet just after turning eighteen, a tragedy forces Serena into the worst position imaginable: locked in a cage within a forest, as a sacrifice to the fae. Soon taken to the fae realm of Aldar, Serena will be met with secrets, sacrifices and a bittersweet love… But is there any hope for a human within a kingdom on the brink of war? What role might she play in a brewing rebellion? And is it within the fae kingdom that Serena will uncover the lies which are at the very heart of her existence?
Happiness Boost:
People are going to look at me sideways when I say this, but this book is just as epic as SJM’s Throne of Glass series. This world is filled to the brim with heartache and evil, but the flip side is here too: courage and love infuse every action Serena takes. Nova’s created a phenomenally detailed (but not overpowering) realm, and her plot lures the reader further and further down into the depths, just as easily as a nokk or a mermaid can pull us under the waves.
Let’s be honest, found family is a massive highlight for me. And if you’ve been here before, you already know this. But Oh. My. Goodness. Nova gives us the outcasts, the broken-hearted, the hurting. And she forges them into a unit to be reckoned with. Yes, Serena is all the FMC goals (we can all agree on that, right?) but a special mention has to go to Frazer… This male is so, so damaged from the awful things that happened to him. To see how his character arc plays out? It’s *chef’s kiss* perfection. Sometimes the ships we’re cheering the loudest for aren’t actually the romantic ones. And that’s all I’m saying.
Plot twists!! It’s like Nova read our minds before this book was even released, and has just gone along ticking all of the boxes. Now I’m not one for spoiling surprises, so you’ll have to read the story for all the juicy details… But glitterbugs there’s going to be *moments*. And you are going to be hooked on this book until you get to the very last page (and then you’ll immediately rush to buy the sequel).
Downside:
I honestly don’t have a downside, because even on this second read, it was such a delight! This is a true gem, and if my shelves weren’t already overflowing (even after buying a new bookcase), I’d get a physical copy for my collection in a heartbeat.
Final Thoughts:
A Kingdom of Exiles by indie author S. B. Nova will drag you into the very depths of an epic fantasy, and leave you wanting more. Although I already have the second book ready to go on my Kindle, I’m trying really hard to pace myself with this delicious goodness. And let me tell you, it is not easy! Love what you’ve heard from my review? Click on the link below and order yourself a copy of this incredible book! Happy reading, glitterbugs!
You can order A Kingdom of Exiles via this link: Amazon
