Kulebra

by Wendelyn Vega

If you ask my father who I am, he'll tell you I'm nobility, daughter of a warrior and stepdaughter of a queen. And if you grabbed someone off the street, you'd probably hear that I was something that might just steal your children from their beds at night, but you didn't hear it from them. But if you ask me, I'd say the term "misfit" is more appropriate. Kulebra Uhero — or "Kula", as she insists everyone call her — doesn't want to be a diplomat. She's Ahktali's least qualified princess, and she's content to trade her royal duties of attending palace guests for overseeing royal animals instead. But after tragedy strikes, she's left as her little sister and new queen's only resort to quell the fears of an empire. When her mission of goodwill doesn't go according to plan, Kula is left with several enemies and the threat of a province's rebellion looming on the horizon. As she truly discovers her nation for the first time, she is forced to confront not only Derian's shrewdest politicians but herself as well. Kulebra is the first in the "Tales from Cassidy" series of interconnected stand-alone novels. They can be read in any order.

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2020

Reviews

[Book.Wormette · Rating 4 out of 5]

As you can probably tell, this was a quick read for me. It has a lot of elements that I thoroughly enjoy: African culture, political intrigue, and self discovery. Kula is our protagonist but she’s not your typical fairy tale princess. In fact, she’d rather not be called a princess at all. Kula carries a burden from her birth, the death of her mother and her name, Kulebra, the names take of the Snake Goddess. It doesn’t help that Kula’s has “snake like” eyes and a tongue and temper that will cut anyone down, especially those of royal blood or diplomatic pursuits.

Although there are hints of magic, it’s not a major part of the storyline. It’s really about Kula trying to find peace in a world that is hostile especially after her stepmother, the queen, dies under mysterious circumstances. Next, her father falls ill and Kula is the only support for her 13 year -old sister that has assumed the throne. Will Kula help save her beloved city, Ahktali or will she with her sharp tongue and quick temper, be the downfall? Will Kula learn from her mistakes and become her best self? I really enjoyed Kula and I would love to read more about her and Gowan. If you’re a fan of Children of Blood and Bone, then you’ll probably love Kulebra.

[PAR · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story. The description of the African location of the story was wonderful. It is worth a read just for that. Our protagonist is Kula, a princess by her father’s marriage to the queen. Kula already plays a role in which she does not feel accustomed. Serving and waiting on visitors to the queen. She would rather spend her time with the animals. Kula’s name means Snake Goddess. It does not help that she has snake like eyes, and a sharp tongue. When her stepmother, the queen, dies under mysterious circumstances and her father falls ill Kula is left as the only support for her 13 year -old sister that has assumed the throne.
Will Kula be able to save her beloved city, Ahktali ? Will she be able to hold her sharp tongue and quick temper? Will they be her downfall? I can’t wait for the next novel in the series. I received this novel from StoryOrigin. This is my true and honest opinion.

[TaniaRina]

Sometimes, we are out own worst enemy. I can totally relate to the protagonist; not fitting in due to an impulsive mouth (regardless of good intentions). After reading this, I have an entirely new level of respect for diplomats and other people in political positions.

There was one character who stood out a bit – one who seemed to understand Kula and to give her hope regarding her future. What a difference if only she had other people when she was younger to guide her as gently as he did. Readers should look for opportunities in their own lives to lift up someone with low self-esteem.

The lessons in this story could apply to school, work, community, and family.

I would read more by this author.