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The Heirs of Isla #1
To Poison a King
S.G. Prince's new standalone is a breathtaking fantasy about sacrifice, self-discovery, and a girl tasked with saving the very man she aimed to kill.
Selene is the youngest daughter in a gifted line of healers, born to serve as the king's royal physician. Yet when Selene's mother Persaphe embroils her in a plot to kill the king, Selene finds herself poisoning the very man she is sworn to protect.
Things seem bleak, but there is another problem—the poison doesn’t work, and the king doesn’t die. Rather, he awakes from his coma paralyzed, aware of the attempt on his life, and furious.
With the palace in a state of upheaval and everyone hunting the king's poisoner, Persaphe flees, leaving Selene the task of rehabilitating the man she aimed to kill, all while hiding her true role in his demise. What follows is a journey spanning years and continents, as a king and his servant develop into unlikely friends…and more. Yet the closer Selene grows to the king, the more her secret weighs on her, as does her growing fear that Persaphe—having failed to kill him once—might return to try again.
Author's Note: To Poison a King is an adult standalone fantasy romance featuring a brooding hero and a gifted yet self-conscious healer. The story is written for readers who want to know a character from the inside out, who are in it for the build, who like to watch a transformation take place over time, because that's how you really feel it. I wrote this book from the heart, as true as I could make it. I think it changed me to write it. I hope it changes you, too. - S.G.
Content Warning: This book contains reference to attempted suicide, attempted sexual assault, violence, gore, death of an infant, and sex.
Selene is the youngest daughter in a gifted line of healers, born to serve as the king's royal physician. Yet when Selene's mother Persaphe embroils her in a plot to kill the king, Selene finds herself poisoning the very man she is sworn to protect.
Things seem bleak, but there is another problem—the poison doesn’t work, and the king doesn’t die. Rather, he awakes from his coma paralyzed, aware of the attempt on his life, and furious.
With the palace in a state of upheaval and everyone hunting the king's poisoner, Persaphe flees, leaving Selene the task of rehabilitating the man she aimed to kill, all while hiding her true role in his demise. What follows is a journey spanning years and continents, as a king and his servant develop into unlikely friends…and more. Yet the closer Selene grows to the king, the more her secret weighs on her, as does her growing fear that Persaphe—having failed to kill him once—might return to try again.
Author's Note: To Poison a King is an adult standalone fantasy romance featuring a brooding hero and a gifted yet self-conscious healer. The story is written for readers who want to know a character from the inside out, who are in it for the build, who like to watch a transformation take place over time, because that's how you really feel it. I wrote this book from the heart, as true as I could make it. I think it changed me to write it. I hope it changes you, too. - S.G.
Content Warning: This book contains reference to attempted suicide, attempted sexual assault, violence, gore, death of an infant, and sex.
434 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2023
121 people are currently reading
9660 people want to read
About the author
S.G. Prince
8 books415 followersI’m a character-driven SFF author who writes about magic, found family, and forbidden love. Enemies to lovers is my trope. Romance is my favorite genre to read, though I'm trying to branch out. I was born in Ohio, spent a few childhood years in Missouri, grew up in Florida, and have since lived in Fort Worth, Seattle, San Francisco and now the East Bay. I bake sourdough on Wednesdays and dessert on Fridays. I’m a hobby photographer. I have two distinct writing styles, one serious (adult), one goofy (YA), which basically reflects who I am as a person. My favorite words are always, surrender and headlong. S is my least favorite letter.
To stay up to date on book news and recommendations, you can follow me here on Goodreads.
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Instagram: @sgprince.books
To stay up to date on book news and recommendations, you can follow me here on Goodreads.
For information on releases, appearances, ARCs, giveaways, and exclusive content, sign up for my newsletter at sgprince.com.
Instagram: @sgprince.books
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February 27, 2023I've been trying to figure out what to write here. Books are personal, and the best I can do is to tell you what's in this one, so you can decide if it's a good fit. The problem, as I've quickly come to learn, is that I can't see my work clearly. I actually have no idea what’s in this story. I only know how it felt to write it (sad, hard), and how it feels now that I'm done writing it (still sad, very rewarding).
So.
This is a 420 page adult fantasy novel with a romantic subplot. It features an emotionally withdrawn hero and a gifted yet self-conscious heroine. It’s written in the vein of a fairytale and much of the body focuses on internal character conflict rather than high action. There's a twist or two. Lots of wood-witchy vibes. Themes include learning to accept yourself for who you are, coming into your own power, and forgiveness.
It's the best book I've written, I think. It definitely took the most work.
I imagine you'll like To Poison a King if you like legends or sagas. You will definitely like it if you care about the experience of reading the written word. You will not like this story so much if you're looking for a light read, a short read, or if you hate metaphors. You should also skip it if you're strictly interested in YA, since this is an adult fantasy novel.
The point of this book is Selene. She is the story.
What else? There's a journey. Lore. Friendship and loss. Oh, and if you haven't yet done so, be sure to check out my free short story prequal called The River of Reversal, which takes place several years before the start of the full length novel. You can also take a look at To Save a Kingdom, which is a companion novel and the second book in the series.
That's all. Hope you like it. Happy reading.
S.G.
So.
This is a 420 page adult fantasy novel with a romantic subplot. It features an emotionally withdrawn hero and a gifted yet self-conscious heroine. It’s written in the vein of a fairytale and much of the body focuses on internal character conflict rather than high action. There's a twist or two. Lots of wood-witchy vibes. Themes include learning to accept yourself for who you are, coming into your own power, and forgiveness.
It's the best book I've written, I think. It definitely took the most work.
I imagine you'll like To Poison a King if you like legends or sagas. You will definitely like it if you care about the experience of reading the written word. You will not like this story so much if you're looking for a light read, a short read, or if you hate metaphors. You should also skip it if you're strictly interested in YA, since this is an adult fantasy novel.
The point of this book is Selene. She is the story.
What else? There's a journey. Lore. Friendship and loss. Oh, and if you haven't yet done so, be sure to check out my free short story prequal called The River of Reversal, which takes place several years before the start of the full length novel. You can also take a look at To Save a Kingdom, which is a companion novel and the second book in the series.
That's all. Hope you like it. Happy reading.
S.G.
March 31, 2025
1.5 stars.
I picked up this book hoping for a light and fun story, and it completely missed the mark. The tone is dark from the start and never shifts, which left me frustrated. Perhaps if I wasn't in a slump, I might have appreciated it more, but as it stands, this book angered me significantly.
The initial part had promise—I liked Selene, the setting, and the plot. It was intriguing to explore her journey in creating cures and poisons, alongside her gradual confidence building. However, the narrative quickly shifted to prioritize the romance, and that was a critical mistake.
Let's address the age gap. The male character was 23 when he first met Selene, who was only 14 at the time. Even if their attraction didn’t develop immediately, it felt uncomfortably close to grooming, especially given the significant power imbalance. He starts as a king, and she is merely his servant. To make matters worse, he has a fiancée—an arranged marriage he doesn’t feel any love for. Still, it felt deceptive and disloyal, especially since he was fully aware of the court's disdain for Selene, yet he failed to offer her any protection.
I really struggled to understand how anyone could find him attractive or romantic. He wasn’t the worst character, but his treatment of Selene at the beginning was downright terrible, and while he underwent some development, I still couldn't see why she was drawn to him.
Selene, too, became insufferable. She wallowed in self-pity to the point that it was unbearable. Once she fell for him, it felt like her decision-making went out the window, leading her to behave in ways that were frustrating to read. The author seemed to want readers to feel sympathy for her, but all I could do was roll my eyes. She started off so interesting, and I truly liked her, but like many characters in these types of stories, she lost much of her personality once romance took over.
Why was it necessary to repeatedly emphasize her naivety and his supposed maturity? It reeked of problematic dynamics. The combination of the power imbalance and age difference only made the romance that much worse. Additionally, halfway through, the plot lost its direction, and I found myself questioning where it was headed.
Also, the reason her mother did what she did was so cliched and stupid.
In short, the romance was the major downfall of this book and the primary reason I ended up disliking it.
I picked up this book hoping for a light and fun story, and it completely missed the mark. The tone is dark from the start and never shifts, which left me frustrated. Perhaps if I wasn't in a slump, I might have appreciated it more, but as it stands, this book angered me significantly.
The initial part had promise—I liked Selene, the setting, and the plot. It was intriguing to explore her journey in creating cures and poisons, alongside her gradual confidence building. However, the narrative quickly shifted to prioritize the romance, and that was a critical mistake.
Let's address the age gap. The male character was 23 when he first met Selene, who was only 14 at the time. Even if their attraction didn’t develop immediately, it felt uncomfortably close to grooming, especially given the significant power imbalance. He starts as a king, and she is merely his servant. To make matters worse, he has a fiancée—an arranged marriage he doesn’t feel any love for. Still, it felt deceptive and disloyal, especially since he was fully aware of the court's disdain for Selene, yet he failed to offer her any protection.
I really struggled to understand how anyone could find him attractive or romantic. He wasn’t the worst character, but his treatment of Selene at the beginning was downright terrible, and while he underwent some development, I still couldn't see why she was drawn to him.
Selene, too, became insufferable. She wallowed in self-pity to the point that it was unbearable. Once she fell for him, it felt like her decision-making went out the window, leading her to behave in ways that were frustrating to read. The author seemed to want readers to feel sympathy for her, but all I could do was roll my eyes. She started off so interesting, and I truly liked her, but like many characters in these types of stories, she lost much of her personality once romance took over.
Why was it necessary to repeatedly emphasize her naivety and his supposed maturity? It reeked of problematic dynamics. The combination of the power imbalance and age difference only made the romance that much worse. Additionally, halfway through, the plot lost its direction, and I found myself questioning where it was headed.
Also, the reason her mother did what she did was so cliched and stupid.
In short, the romance was the major downfall of this book and the primary reason I ended up disliking it.
June 2, 2023
I found myself engrossed in its intriguing premise and slow-burning pace rather than relying on spiciness; it shines through its captivating emotional journey that steals the spotlight! I admired the attention given to developing the characters in depth with a perfect balance that prevented any dull moments.
However, on the other hand, I did also find myself longing for more clarity about the magic system, extensive world building, and descriptive details to further enrich the reading experience.
Overall, the book certainly has merit and could deserve 4 stars, but I ultimately decided to lower my rating to 3 stars due to my unease regarding the romantic subplot involving a minor FMC.
However, on the other hand, I did also find myself longing for more clarity about the magic system, extensive world building, and descriptive details to further enrich the reading experience.
Overall, the book certainly has merit and could deserve 4 stars, but I ultimately decided to lower my rating to 3 stars due to my unease regarding the romantic subplot involving a minor FMC.
May 1, 2023
"Who would we be without our scars? Who would we become without our pasts?"
This is the most raw and beautifully written book I've read this year and I highly doubt that will be changing. I'm literally struck speechless by how well crafted everything was - this was a purely character driven fantasy and not just for the FMC but also the male lead.
It's the way this story resonated with me SO much and I was brought to tears because of certain events - events that I usually would never cry over in books but somehow the author accomplished this here?? I'm emotional in general so take that with a grain of salt if you must but there was some sort of magic in this story's writing and that gripped from beginning to end.
The ending especially was so perfect I couldn't stop crying I swear I formed such a deep connection with elias and selene's story ♡
This is the definition of how you write a book like a fairytale. It read like one, it felt like one - it had all the love, despair and hope that a fairytale has. But even more so because of the stunning way the two characters developed over the years - both in subtle ways until you notice the change and realize that it was because of each other's company. This was a story of healing, both outwardly and from the scars they held within themselves. There was so much trauma and pain in their pasts and seeing them slowly but surely confront these demons was written so beautifully.
I know I say this about so many books but I swear this was such a unique experience. Not only was the mental health rep done so much justice but the disability rep?? The author handled it with so much care and that ending makes me even more happier with how she handled the rep. The message of your body not defining who you are and learning to accept yourself!! The way she didnt shy away from the ugly reality of so many different situations and this also being a fantasy and handling all of this so well!! Can you tell I'm so in love with this book??? My words are not doing this justice but I swear this is worth every star I could ever give it.
And the romance? Pure serotonin I swear it gave me life. It starts off as strangers and then slowly they become friends which actually lasts for many years and then like 50% is when the angst starts and just dkfhjdbs MY HEART. SO much happens.
selene and elias are the most adorable and pure cinnamon rolls they deserve so much love and happiness I adore them with everything that I have. They're such complicated characters and I just cant get over their growth throughout the book. Yes there were a lot of cliches and super tropey events but honestly I didnt mind them at all and they actually worked out really well imo??? And it's a fairytale so no surprise that some things would be cliche but I loved it all!!
"Sometimes, everything we desire already stands before us, if only we are wise enough to see it."
February 5, 2024
5★ | Who would we be without our scars? Who would we become without our pasts?
To Poison a King offers one of the best ways to live your dreams of a witchy-cottagecore life along with a light taste of royalty.
Writing Style: subtle and atmospheric writing, very fine details and beautiful descriptions, and as if that wasn't enough, Prince spread a blanket of vibes over all of it in such a way that kept me, as a reader, deeply immersed into the narrative. While the plot moves very gradually—you can say it takes forever to build up, not only is it easy-to-read but also so, so worth all the build-up scenes and anticipation of what might happen next. I didn't wanna stop reading and stayed up late into the night to consume as much as I could and finished it the very next day. Selene's (the protagonist) storytelling kept me hooked. A total page-turner!
As I was reading, I couldn't help but think how delicately the author was handling the characters and the tone. Each scene simply had that sensitive air about it. (I really liked it!)
World building: Even though there's quite a detailed map in the book, most of the world is left unexplored, presumably to discover more in the next books of the series. Since this a standalone, the sequel would be set in the same world but it won't be following Selene's story. It's already complete!
About the book: One of the best character-driven, standalone books if you ask me. We have a single pov, starting off with the protagonist as this naïve, young, and odd witch-girl, tangled up in a mess of her mother's making, and then left on her own to deal with the consequences.
It's full of secrets, lies, fear, misunderstandings, longing, sacrifices, and small twists, but the soft, innocent, and purely happy scenes more than balance it. The plot wasn't unique, really, but again, don't all fairytales have something in common? Which is to say, it's written very like a fairytale of it's own world. ✨
I didn't think I'd even love this book enough to write as long a review about it as I'm writing, but I loved it too much to give up my chance of convincing more people to give it a go.
✧ if you want a beautiful and extremely slow-burn romance as a sub-plot, read this book. It's so well done, you'll be like, “are they ever gonna get together or what?”
✧ if you enjoy finding "a book in a book", definitely grab this. It really serves ‘myths and legends.’
✧ How do you feel about the love interest going all "touch her and I'll you"?
✧ what do you think about characters 𝘣𝘶𝘥𝘥𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 (reading together) in a book? Personally, it's one of my favourite things in the book. 🤎 And the fact that S. G. Prince wrote the story within the book separately, and that it even has it's own book cover, almost like it were a real book, I loved that so much!! 😭 It's called The River of Reversal and you can download your copy of this short story for free, by clicking here. Imagine an author writing a story for the readers (because they'd like to read what their characters have been reading) and then making it available for free, in times when most authors give even 10 pages of a bonus story only to sell in special editions. 🥺 (Not hating on others, simply happy)
✧ also, age-gap trope done right!
[Note: check out the content warnings mentioned in the book!]
Characters
Selene Freestone
I don't even know where to start. 🥺 I absolutely loved Selene's character arc. Seeing her grow, learn, and figure things out, meet people and put up with a rather grumpy king, coming to terms with her reality and accepting herself, woah. What an experience!
Elias Alder
It was so refreshing to read about a royal male love interest who wasn't sarcastic or full of pride in the typical way. I love the way Elias was introduced and slowly developed, not only through Selene's perspective but also through the input of the side characters.
Side characters (minor spoilers)
My favourite were the characters in Elias's personal Guard (no matter the page time) but I really liked Ophelia's role too, her friendship was so genuine. I didn't want to like certain characters for very obvious reasons (you'll see when you read) but I did like the dialogue. Selene's mother though, was a very typical fairytale antagonist. 😂
Selene and Elias
The way they both gradually warmed up to one another, seeing past the surface level, believing the sincerity, showing their care and concern for eachother, growing from a King and his royal physician to friends and something more, I totally sailed the Selias ship! Simply adored them. 🤎 Honestly, if it wasn't necessary for a book to have a plot and an ending, I would say, ‘the author should've totally dragged the book in between, giving Selene and Elias more time together,’ but since I know better, I'll be doing exactly that by re-reading their scenes. 😌✌🏻
In conclusion, a few times I even thought that this book could've been very trope-y (in the worst way) if not for the excellent delivery. It's easily one of my favourite books of this year and I can't recommend it enough! I hope you give it a go and enjoy it as well! 💗
***
I'm so excited to read this book! I've never been this hyped for a new release by an author I've never read books of before. Hopefully, it lives up to it.
ps: I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review!
To Poison a King offers one of the best ways to live your dreams of a witchy-cottagecore life along with a light taste of royalty.
Writing Style: subtle and atmospheric writing, very fine details and beautiful descriptions, and as if that wasn't enough, Prince spread a blanket of vibes over all of it in such a way that kept me, as a reader, deeply immersed into the narrative. While the plot moves very gradually—you can say it takes forever to build up, not only is it easy-to-read but also so, so worth all the build-up scenes and anticipation of what might happen next. I didn't wanna stop reading and stayed up late into the night to consume as much as I could and finished it the very next day. Selene's (the protagonist) storytelling kept me hooked. A total page-turner!
As I was reading, I couldn't help but think how delicately the author was handling the characters and the tone. Each scene simply had that sensitive air about it. (I really liked it!)
World building: Even though there's quite a detailed map in the book, most of the world is left unexplored, presumably to discover more in the next books of the series. Since this a standalone, the sequel would be set in the same world but it won't be following Selene's story. It's already complete!
About the book: One of the best character-driven, standalone books if you ask me. We have a single pov, starting off with the protagonist as this naïve, young, and odd witch-girl, tangled up in a mess of her mother's making, and then left on her own to deal with the consequences.
It's full of secrets, lies, fear, misunderstandings, longing, sacrifices, and small twists, but the soft, innocent, and purely happy scenes more than balance it. The plot wasn't unique, really, but again, don't all fairytales have something in common? Which is to say, it's written very like a fairytale of it's own world. ✨
I didn't think I'd even love this book enough to write as long a review about it as I'm writing, but I loved it too much to give up my chance of convincing more people to give it a go.
✧ if you want a beautiful and extremely slow-burn romance as a sub-plot, read this book. It's so well done, you'll be like, “are they ever gonna get together or what?”
✧ if you enjoy finding "a book in a book", definitely grab this. It really serves ‘myths and legends.’
✧ How do you feel about the love interest going all "touch her and I'll you"?
✧ what do you think about characters 𝘣𝘶𝘥𝘥𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 (reading together) in a book? Personally, it's one of my favourite things in the book. 🤎 And the fact that S. G. Prince wrote the story within the book separately, and that it even has it's own book cover, almost like it were a real book, I loved that so much!! 😭 It's called The River of Reversal and you can download your copy of this short story for free, by clicking here. Imagine an author writing a story for the readers (because they'd like to read what their characters have been reading) and then making it available for free, in times when most authors give even 10 pages of a bonus story only to sell in special editions. 🥺 (Not hating on others, simply happy)
✧ also, age-gap trope done right!
[Note: check out the content warnings mentioned in the book!]
Characters
Selene Freestone
A blessing, they called me when they needed me. A witch, they called me when they did not.
I don't even know where to start. 🥺 I absolutely loved Selene's character arc. Seeing her grow, learn, and figure things out, meet people and put up with a rather grumpy king, coming to terms with her reality and accepting herself, woah. What an experience!
Elias Alder
Elias had no wish to be dazzled. He liked to see things clearly.
It was so refreshing to read about a royal male love interest who wasn't sarcastic or full of pride in the typical way. I love the way Elias was introduced and slowly developed, not only through Selene's perspective but also through the input of the side characters.
Side characters (minor spoilers)
My favourite were the characters in Elias's personal Guard (no matter the page time) but I really liked Ophelia's role too, her friendship was so genuine. I didn't want to like certain characters for very obvious reasons (you'll see when you read) but I did like the dialogue. Selene's mother though, was a very typical fairytale antagonist. 😂
Selene and Elias
When the impressionists paint us, they paint us like that, he in the velvet chair and I on the rug before him, book in hand, grinning. The smile means something different to the artists, I am sure. They did not know the way things were between us then. But the gist is the same.
The way they both gradually warmed up to one another, seeing past the surface level, believing the sincerity, showing their care and concern for eachother, growing from a King and his royal physician to friends and something more, I totally sailed the Selias ship! Simply adored them. 🤎 Honestly, if it wasn't necessary for a book to have a plot and an ending, I would say, ‘the author should've totally dragged the book in between, giving Selene and Elias more time together,’ but since I know better, I'll be doing exactly that by re-reading their scenes. 😌✌🏻
In conclusion, a few times I even thought that this book could've been very trope-y (in the worst way) if not for the excellent delivery. It's easily one of my favourite books of this year and I can't recommend it enough! I hope you give it a go and enjoy it as well! 💗
***
I'm so excited to read this book! I've never been this hyped for a new release by an author I've never read books of before. Hopefully, it lives up to it.
ps: I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review!
May 6, 2023
5 Breathtaking Stars
This.
This is everything I ever wanted from a book. This book looks like (from the cover) and sounds (from the blurb) just like any other fantasy romance featuring an outcast heroine and a higher-status-born hero. But the meat of the story... it's so beautiful.
I love the writing in the book and the way the narrative is set up. It's in first person past tense, with the added flare of 'if I knew then what I know now' vibe, which I love in a story. Plus, it's so easy to read, and since English is not my first language, I needed that extra help. It can be a little flowery at times but god how I love it. Because at Selene's age, I was that flowery too! Ah Selene, I love her so much. This book started when she was fourteen, the age when she poisoned the king. She stole my heart there and more as she grew up. This girl's selflessness, innocence, and desire to be cherished made my heart ache for her, scared for her. The author did a damn good job in making this character. God. I love this girl so much!
As for the love interest, the poisoned king did not recover from the assassination attempt unscathed. It left him paralyzed, weak, and deep in depression (check the triggers). He started as an almost unlikable character, rude, and bordering on cruel. Also, there's a 9 years age gap between them, so take that as you will but I promise you, nothing inappropriate happened (well at least until she's 18). He reminded me a little of the Beast. In pain, bearing a heavy burden, and a little misunderstood, but deep down, has a good heart.
All in all, it's a great freaking story. And the latest addition to my all-time favourite list.
Triggers/content warning:
This.
When I look back at our story, there is no single place where it began. Our tale is not like the horizon over the sea, a single line that might be traced, but a constellation, a scattering of silver points through which our history is woven. Still, when I think of how it all started, I think of two nights. The first is the night I poisoned Elias. The second is this.
This is everything I ever wanted from a book. This book looks like (from the cover) and sounds (from the blurb) just like any other fantasy romance featuring an outcast heroine and a higher-status-born hero. But the meat of the story... it's so beautiful.
I love the writing in the book and the way the narrative is set up. It's in first person past tense, with the added flare of 'if I knew then what I know now' vibe, which I love in a story. Plus, it's so easy to read, and since English is not my first language, I needed that extra help. It can be a little flowery at times but god how I love it. Because at Selene's age, I was that flowery too! Ah Selene, I love her so much. This book started when she was fourteen, the age when she poisoned the king. She stole my heart there and more as she grew up. This girl's selflessness, innocence, and desire to be cherished made my heart ache for her, scared for her. The author did a damn good job in making this character. God. I love this girl so much!
As for the love interest, the poisoned king did not recover from the assassination attempt unscathed. It left him paralyzed, weak, and deep in depression (check the triggers). He started as an almost unlikable character, rude, and bordering on cruel. Also, there's a 9 years age gap between them, so take that as you will but I promise you, nothing inappropriate happened (well at least until she's 18). He reminded me a little of the Beast. In pain, bearing a heavy burden, and a little misunderstood, but deep down, has a good heart.
All in all, it's a great freaking story. And the latest addition to my all-time favourite list.
Who would we be without our scars? Who would we become without our pasts?
Triggers/content warning:
February 14, 2023
“I was a scrawny thing, my hair often frizzy from leaning over cauldrons, my hands burned and scarred from one too many experiments. I did not care to dress in the latest fashion or wear my hair in braids, and I found friendship frivolous. I had a reputation among the court, even then. And that was before.”
To Poison a King is utterly unique, completely captivating, and unlike anything I’ve read before. The story is branded as a fairy tale, though it’s not a retelling. It’s told from Selene’s point of view, and the story reads as if Selene is recalling a tale for the reader. As exampled in the quote above, S.G. Prince uses this structure to drop hints or foreshadow future events, never allowing the reader to know too much at once, but promising more to come.
The heroine, Selene, has always felt different. This is in part because of her hands, which are scarred from her work as a healer, herbworker and up-and-coming royal physician, but also because of who she is as a person—confused by social norms, awkward at times, and overly devoted to her potions and experiments. She’s also easily influenced by her mother, to whom Selene often compares herself. While Selene is small and awkward, Persaphe is a “golden goddess,” beautiful and blessed by the love of the court.
“My mother was a glowing idol for whom the seas parted. She had never been a victim.”
The parallels Selene draws between herself and her mother play a large role in the story. Selene must overcome years of subtle abuse by her mother to uncover her own power. This is all, of course, while Selene is also coming to grips with her role in the king’s poisoning, which she carried out under Persaphe's instructions for mysterious reasons.
Despite many strong plot elements, this book is mainly character driven. S.G. Prince focuses on the story of Selene and Elias through the framework of a royal palace touched by magic. Some of the events are out of the character’s control, but much of what happens to Selene is either due to her own action or lack of action. In this way, S.G. Prince forms the narrative.
After the poisoning, King Elias loses the use of his legs and must use a wheelchair. This becomes another main theme of the novel—Elias sees this change as a weakness and spends most of the story working to walk again. Selene helps him to this goal, yet she does not believe a wheelchair makes him weak.
"I waited until he met my eye; I wanted him to know I meant this with all my heart: 'We are more than our bodies.'"
The romance is a strong element in this book, though it never overpowers the story. In fact, for the first half of the book, there’s no romance at all. Even if you know it’s eventually coming, it's truly the slowest burn and will still make you wonder, will they or won’t they? S.G. Prince takes that question all the way up until the very last chapter.
"I said, 'A moment ago, you told me you were angry with yourself.'
He gave a slow nod.
'If something has upset you, it is my responsibility to know it. I am your physician.'
'You,” he said, “are more than just my physician.'"
In all, this story is about a girl, a mistake, and what lengths she will go to right her wrongs. It’s also about friendship and loyalty. "To Poison a King" left me with a bittersweet feeling after finishing it. The characters, places, and their struggles are so unforgettable that I didn't want the story to end. S.G. Prince’s writing style is beautiful, descriptive, and engrossing, keeping me hooked throughout the book. Despite the slower pace, it allowed me to fully appreciate the author's talent. This is a book to be treasured, savored, and reread multiple times.
**Content Warnings**
Suicide attempt, attempted rape, sex
To Poison a King is utterly unique, completely captivating, and unlike anything I’ve read before. The story is branded as a fairy tale, though it’s not a retelling. It’s told from Selene’s point of view, and the story reads as if Selene is recalling a tale for the reader. As exampled in the quote above, S.G. Prince uses this structure to drop hints or foreshadow future events, never allowing the reader to know too much at once, but promising more to come.
The heroine, Selene, has always felt different. This is in part because of her hands, which are scarred from her work as a healer, herbworker and up-and-coming royal physician, but also because of who she is as a person—confused by social norms, awkward at times, and overly devoted to her potions and experiments. She’s also easily influenced by her mother, to whom Selene often compares herself. While Selene is small and awkward, Persaphe is a “golden goddess,” beautiful and blessed by the love of the court.
“My mother was a glowing idol for whom the seas parted. She had never been a victim.”
The parallels Selene draws between herself and her mother play a large role in the story. Selene must overcome years of subtle abuse by her mother to uncover her own power. This is all, of course, while Selene is also coming to grips with her role in the king’s poisoning, which she carried out under Persaphe's instructions for mysterious reasons.
Despite many strong plot elements, this book is mainly character driven. S.G. Prince focuses on the story of Selene and Elias through the framework of a royal palace touched by magic. Some of the events are out of the character’s control, but much of what happens to Selene is either due to her own action or lack of action. In this way, S.G. Prince forms the narrative.
After the poisoning, King Elias loses the use of his legs and must use a wheelchair. This becomes another main theme of the novel—Elias sees this change as a weakness and spends most of the story working to walk again. Selene helps him to this goal, yet she does not believe a wheelchair makes him weak.
"I waited until he met my eye; I wanted him to know I meant this with all my heart: 'We are more than our bodies.'"
The romance is a strong element in this book, though it never overpowers the story. In fact, for the first half of the book, there’s no romance at all. Even if you know it’s eventually coming, it's truly the slowest burn and will still make you wonder, will they or won’t they? S.G. Prince takes that question all the way up until the very last chapter.
"I said, 'A moment ago, you told me you were angry with yourself.'
He gave a slow nod.
'If something has upset you, it is my responsibility to know it. I am your physician.'
'You,” he said, “are more than just my physician.'"
In all, this story is about a girl, a mistake, and what lengths she will go to right her wrongs. It’s also about friendship and loyalty. "To Poison a King" left me with a bittersweet feeling after finishing it. The characters, places, and their struggles are so unforgettable that I didn't want the story to end. S.G. Prince’s writing style is beautiful, descriptive, and engrossing, keeping me hooked throughout the book. Despite the slower pace, it allowed me to fully appreciate the author's talent. This is a book to be treasured, savored, and reread multiple times.
**Content Warnings**
Suicide attempt, attempted rape, sex
December 1, 2023
ong my girl went through so much violence she shouldve killed everyone and i mean everyone, including that loser pussy of a king
November 5, 2024
This book was a breath of fresh air in the subgenre of fantasy romance. Many stories in this subgenre feel like they are just a copy and paste of other books I've read, which gets boring and tedious. This story felt unique, and the romance was very genuine and heartfelt. If you are a character driven reader and enjoy a good slow burn romance, I highly recommend picking this one up.
January 6, 2025
2025 Reread Review
If every book was like this, I’d read almost nothing but this — powerful, personal, emotionally evocative writing. The reason I enjoy writing like this so much is as opposed to authors like Sarah J. Maas and Jennifer Armentrout, whose characters’ inner monologues tell you every little detail about what they’re thinking and feeling and responding, Prince’s writing leaves room for the reader to fill in the blanks with his or her imagination of what’s happening. It’s that Adrienne Young level of emotional angst from Sky in the Deep that makes your actual chest tighten.
I’m also ready to admit this reread is hitting me extra hard because I’m current reading the second Blood and Ash book and it’s so. much. inner monologue.
Original 2024 Review
This book broke me into tiny, angsty pieces and knit me back together again in all the best ways possible. I'd been looking for a good fantasy book that I couldn't put down; this one delivered. It had similar plot elements of Poison Study with the emotional, character-driven narrative of something by Adrienne Young or Juliet Marillier.
THE GOOD
1) I think I'm a sucker for main female characters who are broken and weak and lonely by everyone else's standards but who -- through the course of the book -- learn and demonstrate extraordinary strength of character that brings others to their knees. Poor Selene is such a character. Betrayed and abandoned by her parents, scorned by those around her, belittle and unappreciated by the one person she's sacrificing everything for, her struggles make her the bravest and most resilient person in the entire book by far. What this does is make our hearts absolutely break for Selene at her lowest points and then champion her all the more for her courage and drive.
2) This book is a character-driven, slow-burn everything. The timing is slow-burn -- takes place over four years -- the romance is slow-burn like a Daughter of the Forest pace, the plot is slow-burn, everything. And I felt it. I felt like I was growing my character and confidence along with Selene and seeing Elias grow and better himself as well.
3) The last third of the book or so took a different tone and direction that didn't quite match the first half...but I guess I wasn't too mad about it. It kept me in suspense and angst the whole time.
4) That sweet, sweet romance between Selene and Elias. Is there a nine-year age difference between them that starts with their introduction to each other when she is fourteen and he is twenty-three? Yes, but I would argue the romance didn't start until years later. If anything, they found a slow trust, companionship, and comfort in each other before they started realizing it expanded into romantic attraction.
5) This is listed by the author as an adult fantasy with some heavey elements and but other than that I was super grateful this was a clean book with no constant swearing and no steam/spice ratings. This isn't to say this wasn't heavy -- I found it very emotionally heavy/dark at times and their sex scene is a tasteful, nondescriptive fade-to-black, but this was a welcome breath of fresh air because I'm just so weary of new adult and "adult" fantasy books these days thinking they have to earn their ratings by swearing every page and explicit sex scenes up the wazoo.
6) The end feels.
THE MEH
1) I do feel we lost ourselves in the plot at some points where not everything quite made realistic sense -- particularly .
2) The ending felt a bit rushed.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I'm sold on this author and will be checking out her other works...with tepid optimism.
If every book was like this, I’d read almost nothing but this — powerful, personal, emotionally evocative writing. The reason I enjoy writing like this so much is as opposed to authors like Sarah J. Maas and Jennifer Armentrout, whose characters’ inner monologues tell you every little detail about what they’re thinking and feeling and responding, Prince’s writing leaves room for the reader to fill in the blanks with his or her imagination of what’s happening. It’s that Adrienne Young level of emotional angst from Sky in the Deep that makes your actual chest tighten.
I’m also ready to admit this reread is hitting me extra hard because I’m current reading the second Blood and Ash book and it’s so. much. inner monologue.
Original 2024 Review
This book broke me into tiny, angsty pieces and knit me back together again in all the best ways possible. I'd been looking for a good fantasy book that I couldn't put down; this one delivered. It had similar plot elements of Poison Study with the emotional, character-driven narrative of something by Adrienne Young or Juliet Marillier.
THE GOOD
1) I think I'm a sucker for main female characters who are broken and weak and lonely by everyone else's standards but who -- through the course of the book -- learn and demonstrate extraordinary strength of character that brings others to their knees. Poor Selene is such a character. Betrayed and abandoned by her parents, scorned by those around her, belittle and unappreciated by the one person she's sacrificing everything for, her struggles make her the bravest and most resilient person in the entire book by far. What this does is make our hearts absolutely break for Selene at her lowest points and then champion her all the more for her courage and drive.
I wept for my table, which I had cherished. I cried for my parents, who were not there, and for Elias, who did not know. Finally, I cried for myself. For the pain of being young, the bitter sting of unfairness. I cried because I had been attacked by strangers, and it hurt as deeply as they intended.
2) This book is a character-driven, slow-burn everything. The timing is slow-burn -- takes place over four years -- the romance is slow-burn like a Daughter of the Forest pace, the plot is slow-burn, everything. And I felt it. I felt like I was growing my character and confidence along with Selene and seeing Elias grow and better himself as well.
3) The last third of the book or so took a different tone and direction that didn't quite match the first half...but I guess I wasn't too mad about it. It kept me in suspense and angst the whole time.
4) That sweet, sweet romance between Selene and Elias. Is there a nine-year age difference between them that starts with their introduction to each other when she is fourteen and he is twenty-three? Yes, but I would argue the romance didn't start until years later. If anything, they found a slow trust, companionship, and comfort in each other before they started realizing it expanded into romantic attraction.
5) This is listed by the author as an adult fantasy with some heavey elements and but other than that I was super grateful this was a clean book with no constant swearing and no steam/spice ratings. This isn't to say this wasn't heavy -- I found it very emotionally heavy/dark at times and their sex scene is a tasteful, nondescriptive fade-to-black, but this was a welcome breath of fresh air because I'm just so weary of new adult and "adult" fantasy books these days thinking they have to earn their ratings by swearing every page and explicit sex scenes up the wazoo.
6) The end feels.
The bards sing songs about Elias. I hear them sometimes as I walk through the city. They are not songs about overcoming hardship, or defeating it, but rather settling into it with grace. Allowing yourself to soften, so when the world tests you, as it always will, you bend but do not break.
THE MEH
1) I do feel we lost ourselves in the plot at some points where not everything quite made realistic sense -- particularly .
2) The ending felt a bit rushed.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I'm sold on this author and will be checking out her other works...with tepid optimism.
February 13, 2023
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. This review is my own.*
Holy wow. I ADORED this book. Also...talk about a book hangover. But so so worth it. As the blurb describes, the book is about a girl who poisons her king, but the poison doesn't kill him. Since she's the royal physician, the responsibility falls on her to heal him back to health. But of course it's so much more complicated than that, because then they actually start to know each other (platonically at first, then as she ages things get more romantic) and Selene is constantly worried about being found out, and what will happen if the king finds out, and how his pain is her fault, etc. The first half of the book is a lot about developing Selene and Elias' relationship, but about halfway through things take a fairly drastic turn (I won't say more for spoilers).
Here are a few of my thoughts.
- Selene's character arc! She changes so much over the course of the book and it's really satisfying to read all the ways she comes into her own power
- Elias being the moodiest heartthrob with a secret soft side
- all the names and words and generally how the book is written (beautifully)
- the worldbuilding & atmosphere
- Ophelia and Kurton also deserve mention for being true friends
I was completely immersed in this story. Also, I'm a sucker for books that are just well written. I would absolutely recommend.
Holy wow. I ADORED this book. Also...talk about a book hangover. But so so worth it. As the blurb describes, the book is about a girl who poisons her king, but the poison doesn't kill him. Since she's the royal physician, the responsibility falls on her to heal him back to health. But of course it's so much more complicated than that, because then they actually start to know each other (platonically at first, then as she ages things get more romantic) and Selene is constantly worried about being found out, and what will happen if the king finds out, and how his pain is her fault, etc. The first half of the book is a lot about developing Selene and Elias' relationship, but about halfway through things take a fairly drastic turn (I won't say more for spoilers).
Here are a few of my thoughts.
- Selene's character arc! She changes so much over the course of the book and it's really satisfying to read all the ways she comes into her own power
- Elias being the moodiest heartthrob with a secret soft side
- all the names and words and generally how the book is written (beautifully)
- the worldbuilding & atmosphere
- Ophelia and Kurton also deserve mention for being true friends
I was completely immersed in this story. Also, I'm a sucker for books that are just well written. I would absolutely recommend.
November 12, 2023
This was different than I thought it was going to be, but not in a bad way. This story takes place over a course of years. Selene is the daughter from a long line of healers to the royal family. Selene’s mother tasks her with poisoning the king. Only it doesn’t kill him. This is their story of the aftermath. It gets pretty emotional. Especially the last half of the book. The characters are written realistically. My only complaint is that I wish Selene was older than 14 when the story starts. Selene and the king have a 9 year age gap. But other than that, I enjoyed this story.
*edit* if you’re looking for spice, you will not get it here. I was expecting at least a spicy scene or two. Nope. But that’s ok. I guess 😂
*edit* if you’re looking for spice, you will not get it here. I was expecting at least a spicy scene or two. Nope. But that’s ok. I guess 😂
September 4, 2023
2.5 stars
Besides the questionable age gap, that I will not further elaborate my negative opinion about since it's been reiterated across most of the reviews, this book had so many flaws.
A good chunk of it could have been removed, especially all the unnecessary internal monologuing and introspection that the main character did (and she did that quite a lot). Moreover, I didn't like the direction the book took at around the 60% mark. I felt like there were some subplots introduced way too late and some that were created just for the sake of having a substantial conflict (which failed in this regard btw because it was such a dumpster fire). Also, the violence, mistrust, and miscommunication that I had to endure at this point of the book?? I should be given a damn cake for bearing with all of that.
Lastly, the worldbuilding and magic system made little sense. It was fairly simple at first, easy to digest and then bam! there were introductions of magic beasts and sorcery and I was not having it. Anddd to top it all of, the romance was incredibly half-assed.
Overall, I'm really disappointed with this because I was drawn in by the premise and I genuinely enjoyed the first half before everything turned to shit right after.
Besides the questionable age gap, that I will not further elaborate my negative opinion about since it's been reiterated across most of the reviews, this book had so many flaws.
A good chunk of it could have been removed, especially all the unnecessary internal monologuing and introspection that the main character did (and she did that quite a lot). Moreover, I didn't like the direction the book took at around the 60% mark. I felt like there were some subplots introduced way too late and some that were created just for the sake of having a substantial conflict (which failed in this regard btw because it was such a dumpster fire). Also, the violence, mistrust, and miscommunication that I had to endure at this point of the book?? I should be given a damn cake for bearing with all of that.
Lastly, the worldbuilding and magic system made little sense. It was fairly simple at first, easy to digest and then bam! there were introductions of magic beasts and sorcery and I was not having it. Anddd to top it all of, the romance was incredibly half-assed.
Overall, I'm really disappointed with this because I was drawn in by the premise and I genuinely enjoyed the first half before everything turned to shit right after.
March 9, 2023
*We were provided a free ARC of this book for a honest review*
“‘You would write a romance,’ I told him…’And you would write a tragedy,’ he said.”
Mommy Dearest is the fucking worst. And, honestly, any of Selene’s mommy issues are completely warranted. She sent her fifteen year old child to poison the king. The poison fails, she leaves, and abandons Selene. Selene is forced to assume the role of the royal physician and sets out to mend the consequences of delivering the poison.
✨
J: 5/5 I loved it. I want the physical copy. I want the special edition. I want the merch. This is the type of book that makes you want to cancel all of your plans so you can stay home and read it. This is one of those books that just makes you so happy you’re a reader
“‘You would write a romance,’ I told him…’And you would write a tragedy,’ he said.”
Mommy Dearest is the fucking worst. And, honestly, any of Selene’s mommy issues are completely warranted. She sent her fifteen year old child to poison the king. The poison fails, she leaves, and abandons Selene. Selene is forced to assume the role of the royal physician and sets out to mend the consequences of delivering the poison.
✨
J: 5/5 I loved it. I want the physical copy. I want the special edition. I want the merch. This is the type of book that makes you want to cancel all of your plans so you can stay home and read it. This is one of those books that just makes you so happy you’re a reader
April 9, 2023
I quite liked the plot, the characters and the way the book is written but I didn't feel very comfortable with the fact that the first time the main characters meet he is 23 and she is 14 although they don't start anything romantic until she is of age but I don't know I felt a bit uncomfortable.
In truth the book deserves 4 stars but since I didn't like the fact that she was a minor when they first meet I have to lower the rating to 3 stars :(
In truth the book deserves 4 stars but since I didn't like the fact that she was a minor when they first meet I have to lower the rating to 3 stars :(
February 13, 2023
When I look back at our story, there is no single place where it began. Our tale is not like the horizon over the sea, a single line that might be traced, but a constellation, a scattering of silver points through which our history is woven. Still, when I think of how it all started, I think of two nights. The first is the night I poisoned Elias. The second is this.
I adored it. This book is branded as adult fantasy though it could possibly have some crossover appeal due to how character-driven it is. Aside from a couple of small complaints, To Poison a King is an example of fantasy writing mastery. The book is just wonderfully written. There are happy moments, lots of heartbreaking moments, and characters that truly grip you from the first.
*This review is based on an ARC provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I adored it. This book is branded as adult fantasy though it could possibly have some crossover appeal due to how character-driven it is. Aside from a couple of small complaints, To Poison a King is an example of fantasy writing mastery. The book is just wonderfully written. There are happy moments, lots of heartbreaking moments, and characters that truly grip you from the first.
*This review is based on an ARC provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
November 17, 2023
Forgot to add a review ! I've read it in september, so I won't do a huge review since I forgot a fair bit. I remember that the writing style was my main complaint, and if not for that, it would have been a 5 stars. The book is written a bit like percy jackson - the main character is telling us what happened like a story, or a journal from her past. We still get scenes that feel like they were written "in the present" but not all of them. It's really hard to explain. The romance and charaters were great tho !
April 20, 2024
Wow. This was an incredibly beautiful story.
It is a reflection of life. The growing we do through pain, trauma, joy and love. It is a testament of finding your truth even when others may not believe you. It is an experience of guilt and choices and consequences. 6
It is a reflection of life. The growing we do through pain, trauma, joy and love. It is a testament of finding your truth even when others may not believe you. It is an experience of guilt and choices and consequences. 6
March 19, 2023
I received an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. Thanks to the author for the chance to read!
Overall, I enjoyed reading this story. I got sucked in pretty quickly and wanted to know what would happen. I liked the polished prose and the interesting premise. I loved the characters and the time taken to develop them fully. The pacing was quick enough to not get dull and the mysteries a plenty. I wished there had been more world building and description though. It was rather “blank room” at times and clearly there was awesome magic and lore there, just needed to be shown more to the reader. I was also left with several unanswered questions and plot points that didn’t quite add up.
There was one big thing that stuck out to me as “not for me” and I wanted to share to inform other readers in case it’s triggering:
The age gap/ MC starting as a child when the love interest started as an adult. While the physical relationship didn’t happen until MC was 18, there were obvious rumblings of attachment and feelings from the adult love interest when she was as young as 15. That just didn’t sit comfortably for me personally. She was also very young and naive at the beginning of their growing relationship and not at his “level” as a subordinate. It was conflicting because I wanted to root for their relationship because it was a good set up for a romance with the plot, but also always felt icky. It might just be me, but even if they start out growing a slow friendship, that’s still a friendship between a vulnerable 14 year old girl in a position of servant and a 23 year old man that’s king. I think the author could’ve chosen to make the MC 18 at the start of the book and it wouldn’t have changed anything, so I’m not sure why this choice was made. I say this to inform readers so they can make their own judgements on whether or not it’s the romance story for them.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this story. I got sucked in pretty quickly and wanted to know what would happen. I liked the polished prose and the interesting premise. I loved the characters and the time taken to develop them fully. The pacing was quick enough to not get dull and the mysteries a plenty. I wished there had been more world building and description though. It was rather “blank room” at times and clearly there was awesome magic and lore there, just needed to be shown more to the reader. I was also left with several unanswered questions and plot points that didn’t quite add up.
There was one big thing that stuck out to me as “not for me” and I wanted to share to inform other readers in case it’s triggering:
The age gap/ MC starting as a child when the love interest started as an adult. While the physical relationship didn’t happen until MC was 18, there were obvious rumblings of attachment and feelings from the adult love interest when she was as young as 15. That just didn’t sit comfortably for me personally. She was also very young and naive at the beginning of their growing relationship and not at his “level” as a subordinate. It was conflicting because I wanted to root for their relationship because it was a good set up for a romance with the plot, but also always felt icky. It might just be me, but even if they start out growing a slow friendship, that’s still a friendship between a vulnerable 14 year old girl in a position of servant and a 23 year old man that’s king. I think the author could’ve chosen to make the MC 18 at the start of the book and it wouldn’t have changed anything, so I’m not sure why this choice was made. I say this to inform readers so they can make their own judgements on whether or not it’s the romance story for them.
April 14, 2023
Thank you to the author for an ecopy!
SWEPT AWAY.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
Oh my goodness. I really took a chance on this one with knowing nothing about it besides the summary (and I SUPER appreciate the way the author describes it too because it gave me great insight into the book and helped me want to read it). Don’t expect a fantasy world with heavy world building and a complicated magic system. This is heavily character driven and you’ll easily be attached to the main characters.
This is a SLOWW build. In the best way. Goodness. I LOVED watching Selene’s story develop over the course of years. By the time she’s aged a bit (it starts around age 14) I found myself completely attached to her whole life. I wanted to see it all and I just loved her as a character. She makes mistakes, works hard to fix them, truly is trying to do the best she can to move forward and make a little slice of life that she can be happy with.
And then the romance??? Oh gosh. It is subtle and dang sweet. It’s tender and loving and watching these two develop from acquaintances, to friends, to maybe lovers? Every single moment between Elias and Selene felt important. I hung on every word and scene clutching my book, waiting to see what would happen next.
Even when the inevitable conflict arose it was magnetic. I HAD TO SEE EVERYTHING RIGHTED. I couldn’t put the book down. I can’t come up with any better words than saying to READ THIS.
Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance
- Language: very little
- Romance: closed door
- Violence: mild
- Trigger/Content Warnings: attempted suicide, attempted sexual assault, violence, blood/gore depiction, death of an infant, loss of life
SWEPT AWAY.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
Oh my goodness. I really took a chance on this one with knowing nothing about it besides the summary (and I SUPER appreciate the way the author describes it too because it gave me great insight into the book and helped me want to read it). Don’t expect a fantasy world with heavy world building and a complicated magic system. This is heavily character driven and you’ll easily be attached to the main characters.
This is a SLOWW build. In the best way. Goodness. I LOVED watching Selene’s story develop over the course of years. By the time she’s aged a bit (it starts around age 14) I found myself completely attached to her whole life. I wanted to see it all and I just loved her as a character. She makes mistakes, works hard to fix them, truly is trying to do the best she can to move forward and make a little slice of life that she can be happy with.
And then the romance??? Oh gosh. It is subtle and dang sweet. It’s tender and loving and watching these two develop from acquaintances, to friends, to maybe lovers? Every single moment between Elias and Selene felt important. I hung on every word and scene clutching my book, waiting to see what would happen next.
Even when the inevitable conflict arose it was magnetic. I HAD TO SEE EVERYTHING RIGHTED. I couldn’t put the book down. I can’t come up with any better words than saying to READ THIS.
Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance
- Language: very little
- Romance: closed door
- Violence: mild
- Trigger/Content Warnings: attempted suicide, attempted sexual assault, violence, blood/gore depiction, death of an infant, loss of life
February 16, 2023
S.G. Prince's writing is breathtakingly beautiful, with words that flow seamlessly and bring to life the vivid settings of her novel. The descriptions are so rich and evocative that every tree, gust of wind, and forest sound can be imagined in detail. Prince is a masterful storyteller, easily drawing readers into the world of her novel and keeping them there long after the final page has been turned. Her graceful and elegant style of storytelling allows scenes and moments to seamlessly connect, resulting in a flawlessly executed story. Although the book may seem slow on paper, with the major conflict only arising after the first hundred pages, Prince's enthralling writing style captivates and enchants readers from the start. Every character interaction, no matter how simple, is rendered emotionally charged and captivating, holding the reader spellbound throughout. It's no surprise that this story lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page has been turned.
The romantic aspect of the book was also a favorite of mine. It was delicately woven into the story, adding to the beautiful bond between the two characters without distracting from the main plot. It is common for romance books to portray the male lead as the ultimate problem solver who fixes everything, but in this case, Elias was often the one needing help, and didn't have the answers. I also felt the conversation around his disability was handled well and sent a strong message of acceptance. Their relationship was authentic and powerful.
The romantic aspect of the book was also a favorite of mine. It was delicately woven into the story, adding to the beautiful bond between the two characters without distracting from the main plot. It is common for romance books to portray the male lead as the ultimate problem solver who fixes everything, but in this case, Elias was often the one needing help, and didn't have the answers. I also felt the conversation around his disability was handled well and sent a strong message of acceptance. Their relationship was authentic and powerful.
February 15, 2023
This book is a true treasure that will captivate you with its magical and poignant themes, as well as its depictions of love and romance. Although the storyline is straightforward, the narrator Selene's voice is what sets it apart. Her simple yet powerful way of storytelling can bring tears to your eyes with just a few words. Despite its length, the book transports you to the lush land of Isla, the treacherous Land of Dire, the intriguing (and ultimately heartbreaking) Island of Mirir. I felt deeply connected to Selene, as I followed her through the marvelous twists and turns of her journey, which was filled with both gripping and heartbreaking moments. Although she was young and inexperienced, she faced many challenges with bravery and resilience. This story touched me deeply, and I eagerly anticipate the next book in the series.
May 8, 2023
I feel so grateful that I was asked to read & review this book!! I could barely put it down & read the majority of it in one sitting. This is so beautifully written - the FMC is telling the reader a story of her life - & I’ve never read anything like it.
I was so drawn to Selene’s story - her hardships & the way she overcome them. I loved being so in tune with her inner thoughts - I was able to feel so much empathy for her over the course of the book. Elias was such a dick in the beginning but his growth too! 😍 Ugh. I really really enjoyed this. For many pages in a row, I felt my heart swell two sizes with just so much love, grief, & appreciation for these characters. I do think the ending was slightly rushed - but only because I wanted more! I highly recommend this to anyone wanting a beautifully written character fantasy story 😍 I’m so happy I got the opportunity to read it!
I was so drawn to Selene’s story - her hardships & the way she overcome them. I loved being so in tune with her inner thoughts - I was able to feel so much empathy for her over the course of the book. Elias was such a dick in the beginning but his growth too! 😍 Ugh. I really really enjoyed this. For many pages in a row, I felt my heart swell two sizes with just so much love, grief, & appreciation for these characters. I do think the ending was slightly rushed - but only because I wanted more! I highly recommend this to anyone wanting a beautifully written character fantasy story 😍 I’m so happy I got the opportunity to read it!
May 22, 2023
This was such a beautiful book, solely character driven and so well done, I'll have withdrawal symptoms for weeks
March 19, 2023
"Who would we be without our scars?"
So let's talk about To Poison A King by S.G.Prince. What can I say? I loved it. I was absolutely charmed. It was such an immersive and beautiful read. I finished it in 2 days and only the strength of my will didn't let me devour it in one sitting. My final rating is 4.75.
The story follows a young physician Selene who finds herself entangled in her mother's mysterious schemes and ends up trying to poison a king. The attempt goes wrong, a king lives though crippled and Selene is abandoned, full of guilt and remorse.
After it, we follow the poisoner and the poisoned king, Elias(all through Selene's POV) struggling with the aftermath of it through the years.
The plot is simple but engaging - it has intrigues, it has a romance, it even has an adventure. I enjoyed it despite predicting some plot turns and twists.
But honestly, the plot isn't what feels so special for me in this book. I was immersed in the atmosphere and the writing. The prose feels lyrical, but not too flowery to distract.
The story explores deeply the character struggles, the themes of love and forgiveness, guilt and acceptance, finding your own strength and purpose, uncertainty, and anxiety.
It has an interesting blend of atmospheres and themes - it has wood-witch vibes and castle politics, slow-burn romance and inner struggles, fairytale notes, and even a quest. All the little details we meet throughout the book play some role in the end.
I love character work and both main characters feel real to me. I love their growth, their flaws, and the dynamics between them. My favorite part is when our characters spend a lot of time together, get to really know each other - the pictures of them together are so vivid.
I can recommend it to readers who love immersive fantasy romance with a focus on the inner character journey and who like the fairytale vibe in books.
I'm so grateful to the story's author for providing me with the advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest review.
So let's talk about To Poison A King by S.G.Prince. What can I say? I loved it. I was absolutely charmed. It was such an immersive and beautiful read. I finished it in 2 days and only the strength of my will didn't let me devour it in one sitting. My final rating is 4.75.
The story follows a young physician Selene who finds herself entangled in her mother's mysterious schemes and ends up trying to poison a king. The attempt goes wrong, a king lives though crippled and Selene is abandoned, full of guilt and remorse.
After it, we follow the poisoner and the poisoned king, Elias(all through Selene's POV) struggling with the aftermath of it through the years.
The plot is simple but engaging - it has intrigues, it has a romance, it even has an adventure. I enjoyed it despite predicting some plot turns and twists.
But honestly, the plot isn't what feels so special for me in this book. I was immersed in the atmosphere and the writing. The prose feels lyrical, but not too flowery to distract.
The story explores deeply the character struggles, the themes of love and forgiveness, guilt and acceptance, finding your own strength and purpose, uncertainty, and anxiety.
It has an interesting blend of atmospheres and themes - it has wood-witch vibes and castle politics, slow-burn romance and inner struggles, fairytale notes, and even a quest. All the little details we meet throughout the book play some role in the end.
I love character work and both main characters feel real to me. I love their growth, their flaws, and the dynamics between them. My favorite part is when our characters spend a lot of time together, get to really know each other - the pictures of them together are so vivid.
I can recommend it to readers who love immersive fantasy romance with a focus on the inner character journey and who like the fairytale vibe in books.
I'm so grateful to the story's author for providing me with the advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 2, 2024
Well written but exactly the type of story I hate. Filled me with rage, I wanted to shake everyone and scream at them. Nothing could go right, no happiness could be found. Is there an hea? Sure. Did that make up for the entire book of despair, tragedy, and frustration? No.
Read
August 1, 2023could’ve been a four star read if their first meet wasn’t when she’s 14 and he’s 23 yuck which is sucks cause the story is quite good
July 18, 2023
Will follow soon
November 26, 2023
📖 To Poison A King
🖊️ SG Prince
🌟 3.5/5
“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘌𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘴. 𝘐 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘺. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱, 𝘰𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦. 𝘈𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘯, 𝘴𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬.”
🧪 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘀𝘆
🧪 𝗦𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
🧪 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 & 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗽
🧪 𝗖𝗪: 𝘀𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘁, 𝘀𝗲𝘅𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗮𝘂𝗹𝘁, 𝗯𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴
I would say that the first half of this story just about reaches my personal 3 star threshold, whereas the second half is so much stronger and is definitely worthy of 4 stars.
I feel like I can’t quite get a firm grip on this story, even after reading the authors own marketing of it. Honestly this reads like a villain origin story, and our main character, Selene, simply ignores all the terrible things that have been done to her, including by the love interest, the king. It’s also stated as adult fantasy, and the thematic explorations are certainly dark and the plot quite gritty, but it reads more like a YA.
I think it’s because the main character is 14 when we begin the story. And that led me to being really uncomfortable with the romantic subplot due to not only the age gap of around 10 years, but also the imbalanced power dynamic between servant and king. Whilst nothing untoward happens, there’s certainly stirrings of affection when Selene reaches fifteen, particularly when her body begins to develop into something more shapely. Because of this strange pairing, I was unable to relax fully into the romance.
The best part about this novel is the mental health rep and the disability rep. The king suffers from paralysis after being poisoned by Selene and his life changes unimaginably, causing his mental health to dive. Selene coaxes him through everything and ultimately, this story is about accepting oneself, no matter the limitations or the strengths. I really enjoyed that aspect of this fantasy.
—Kayleigh🧚🏼♀️
🌸 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦
🌸 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫
🌸 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬
🖊️ SG Prince
🌟 3.5/5
“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘌𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘴. 𝘐 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘺. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱, 𝘰𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦. 𝘈𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘯, 𝘴𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬.”
🧪 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘀𝘆
🧪 𝗦𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
🧪 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 & 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗽
🧪 𝗖𝗪: 𝘀𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘁, 𝘀𝗲𝘅𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗮𝘂𝗹𝘁, 𝗯𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴
I would say that the first half of this story just about reaches my personal 3 star threshold, whereas the second half is so much stronger and is definitely worthy of 4 stars.
I feel like I can’t quite get a firm grip on this story, even after reading the authors own marketing of it. Honestly this reads like a villain origin story, and our main character, Selene, simply ignores all the terrible things that have been done to her, including by the love interest, the king. It’s also stated as adult fantasy, and the thematic explorations are certainly dark and the plot quite gritty, but it reads more like a YA.
I think it’s because the main character is 14 when we begin the story. And that led me to being really uncomfortable with the romantic subplot due to not only the age gap of around 10 years, but also the imbalanced power dynamic between servant and king. Whilst nothing untoward happens, there’s certainly stirrings of affection when Selene reaches fifteen, particularly when her body begins to develop into something more shapely. Because of this strange pairing, I was unable to relax fully into the romance.
The best part about this novel is the mental health rep and the disability rep. The king suffers from paralysis after being poisoned by Selene and his life changes unimaginably, causing his mental health to dive. Selene coaxes him through everything and ultimately, this story is about accepting oneself, no matter the limitations or the strengths. I really enjoyed that aspect of this fantasy.
—Kayleigh🧚🏼♀️
🌸 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦
🌸 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫
🌸 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬
March 12, 2024
This book was a beautiful journey and I'm so glad I finally picked it up! We get to watch Selene grow into a strong, confident woman in a world that does everything it can to diminish her and make her smaller. I loved all her witchy vibes and how intelligent and methodical she was about every aspect of her life.
I immediately couldn't stand her mother, and after finishing the book, she is on my list of top fictional villains. 😒 The lengths she goes to to forward her own interests, despite harming those around her, is nothing short of despicable.
Watching Selene and Elias' unlikely bond form was so heartwarming and fulfilling. 🥹 They both grow so much in this book, and to see that accomplished as the result of being around one another was such a rewarding process.
I loved that this book seems like it's being told orally to the reader by Selene. It gave off fairy tale vibes in the absolute best way. I definitely recommend this if you're looking for a character driven fantasy with romance as a subplot.
I immediately couldn't stand her mother, and after finishing the book, she is on my list of top fictional villains. 😒 The lengths she goes to to forward her own interests, despite harming those around her, is nothing short of despicable.
Watching Selene and Elias' unlikely bond form was so heartwarming and fulfilling. 🥹 They both grow so much in this book, and to see that accomplished as the result of being around one another was such a rewarding process.
I loved that this book seems like it's being told orally to the reader by Selene. It gave off fairy tale vibes in the absolute best way. I definitely recommend this if you're looking for a character driven fantasy with romance as a subplot.
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