thecozyreaderwbo's review against another edition
2.0
Ugh, I so wanted to love this but it's failing to grasp my full attention. I'm 20% in and I still can't figure out what this story is trying to do. There are a lot of characters already and I can't figure out which ones are supposed to be the main characters other than the princess.
banana83854's review against another edition
4.0
Well, what a ride that was! What fierce and regal characters. A bit too much politicking for my taste and I saw the twists coming a mile away, but still very enjoyable. Looking forward to the sequel.
lpcoolgirl's review
5.0
Wow, loved reading this book, loved the world and the characters, and I can't wait to read the sequel!
jlove731's review against another edition
5.0
C.J. Redwine knocked the start of this new series out of the park. I mean, she hit it so hard the stitches are falling apart… like my heart after that final chapter. Rise of the Vicious Princess is such a masterpiece up until even the very final paragraphs.
Charis has been raised to be the future Queen. Her ruthless mother raised her to be just as cold and vicious. After attempted murder attacks on the royal family, Charis learns what it’s like to rule alone and how to be the vicious princess her mother groomed her to be.
I really enjoyed Charis’ character. She has wit and ruthlessness when needed but underneath is a caring heart. She walks the line of those two beautifully in this book, of course until the end which had her drowning in emotions. As much as I want Charis to follow her heart, I loved the fact that she put duty above all else for now.
Tal, Holland, and Nalani… our side characters. I truly adored this slew of friendships. Everyone needs a Holland: bold, witty, and fiercely loyal. His sister, Nalani is the other side of the coin: reasonable and a wonderful friend. Then there’s Tal, who becomes Charis’ bodyguard after the murder attempt on the Queen. Tal gives you all the heat, fierce fighting, loyal guard, and above all else a true understand of what Charis is going through.
The “forbidden” romance aspect here between Tal and Charis was one I was rooting for. I’ll be very curious to see what happens with them in future books.
The ending was gut-wrenching. So, so, much pain and destruction was brought to Charis. See, I thought I had figured out the twist… then I was like hold up maybe I didn’t? This is great! Then… nope, CJ Redwine did it and more. When an author can make me question everything and then gut you like that… true mastery.
I absolutely cannot wait to dive back into this world. I am so excited to explore other kingdoms and places of this world. Book 2 cannot come fast enough!!
Find the full review at Jotted by Jena
Charis has been raised to be the future Queen. Her ruthless mother raised her to be just as cold and vicious. After attempted murder attacks on the royal family, Charis learns what it’s like to rule alone and how to be the vicious princess her mother groomed her to be.
I really enjoyed Charis’ character. She has wit and ruthlessness when needed but underneath is a caring heart. She walks the line of those two beautifully in this book, of course until the end which had her drowning in emotions. As much as I want Charis to follow her heart, I loved the fact that she put duty above all else for now.
Tal, Holland, and Nalani… our side characters. I truly adored this slew of friendships. Everyone needs a Holland: bold, witty, and fiercely loyal. His sister, Nalani is the other side of the coin: reasonable and a wonderful friend. Then there’s Tal, who becomes Charis’ bodyguard after the murder attempt on the Queen. Tal gives you all the heat, fierce fighting, loyal guard, and above all else a true understand of what Charis is going through.
The “forbidden” romance aspect here between Tal and Charis was one I was rooting for. I’ll be very curious to see what happens with them in future books.
The ending was gut-wrenching. So, so, much pain and destruction was brought to Charis. See, I thought I had figured out the twist… then I was like hold up maybe I didn’t? This is great! Then… nope, CJ Redwine did it and more. When an author can make me question everything and then gut you like that… true mastery.
I absolutely cannot wait to dive back into this world. I am so excited to explore other kingdoms and places of this world. Book 2 cannot come fast enough!!
Find the full review at Jotted by Jena
hiii_ris's review against another edition
3.0
I thought the whole smuggler double thing would be a bigger part of the story
literarymary95's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, and Stalking
Moderate: Violence, Emotional abuse, and Chronic illness
Minor: War
mon_bookedoc's review against another edition
4.0
I got this book last minute and it wasn’t on my radar so I didn’t know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised! While the romantic aspect of this book is a frrrrrustratingly slow burn, it was more action packed and faster paced than I expected and I couldn’t put it down. To sum it up : a badass princess takes charge, kingdoms at war, political intrigue and a little mystery and betrayal. Looking forward to the second book: “Return of the Vengeful Queen”, releasing this June!
angela005's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
nnniro411's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
WHY DO I KEEP READING BOOKS WITH CLIFFHANGERS! UGHHH I HAVE TO WAITTTTTTT *sigh*
I enjoyed this one. Honestly both didn't see the twist coming and saw the twist coming. I enjoyed it either way. Loved the slow burn romance and I cant wait for the next book.
I enjoyed this one. Honestly both didn't see the twist coming and saw the twist coming. I enjoyed it either way. Loved the slow burn romance and I cant wait for the next book.
kellioneill's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5