Review can be found on *Milky Way of Books*

If you loved Fantastic Beasts and yet still felt unsatisfied, you will love this upcoming book! In a world filled with magic, humans, wild beasts, Charmers who can command them and secrets, an exiled Charmer will become an unwilling pawn in a secret coup for power. And she will meet an assassin who carries a deadly secret.

I didn't expect to love this book so much! For the past weeks, I had fallen in a book slump and the chance to review this beauty came when I needed it the most. The world-building is amazing (I don't know if there'll be a map in the final copy), but I feel that a map would do wonders. Also, the sheer amount of imagination given to craft these amazing beasts kept me rooted in the spot as I read epic fighting scenes, sweet cuddly creatures and beings with powers to grant wishes.

Leena and Noc were amazing! Slightly enemies, turned to friends and then lovers I rooted for every step in their journey as they both seemed to have more obstacles to cross than their enemies. The rest of the gang, sorry the assassins were amazing and I wanted more pages dedicated to them. I don't know if the next book will focus again on Leena or Noc but I want more of the men and women of the Cruor.

It's an amazing read filled with magic and beasts that will make wish either to have Leena's powers or at least Newt's suitcase.

I liked this book, although I think that I wanted to like it a bit more than I did. Being a cover art geek, I found the cover to be very enticing. If you've ever read a review by me, you'll soon realize that I'm a sucker for a blue and purple scheme. That coupled with the badass looking central female figure AND the beast silhouette in the background had me clamoring for the book. It seemed that the story would be full of mystery, magic, and some epic magically infused battle scenes. I learned, yet again, that my imagination sometimes sets me up for disappointment.

The story held great promise, and I even enjoyed the dual POV storytelling. While, not my favorite type of recanting, it's started growing on me as more authors become better at utilizing it. The author doesn't disappoint on this level and does a great job of painting the experiences from both main characters’ views. There's a great sense of buildup on the underlying "mystery" of the book. However, we never get the release of a proper conclusion. I was rather upset when the secret wasn't revealed at the end of the story. After many hours of mulling (not consecutive), I surmised that I would have to accept it as a cliff hanger. That didn't completely satisfy me, but at least I was able to move past enough to write this review.

Other than the letdown of not being able to put a fancy green check mark next to ‘Mystery Solved’; I had some difficulty around the naivete of the female main, Leena. Sigh, Leena. I think that I felt all the things I was supposed to feel for her. Sadness at her exile, the desperation of her will to survive, despair at her lonely existence. On first being introduced to Leena, I started building a picture of a woman like that of the one on the book cover. Boy was I ever wrong. Instead, our heroine is super naïve right from the start. She is constantly tricked by the men in her life and doesn't even know enough about herself to interpret her personal feelings honestly. This is a stark contrast to a woman who has fought against all the odds to survive in a strange land alone.

We get glimpses into her overall dreams and aspirations but find that she is 'Okay' with putting them aside once love is found, or rather once she realizes that love has been found. That makes me wonder how much these were goals and not just girlish fantasies. On that note, I also expected to see some growth in Leena which didn't occur. Even after she decides to defer her dreams for companionship, I wasn't 100% sure that she was fulfilling her desires rather than just bypassing them to satisfy the emotional contentment of her new lover. Once again, a stark contrast to my ass-kicking fem warrior. On the other hand, there's our second narrator, Noc.

Noc, is supposedly the big bad head of a well-known and feared group of super assassins called the Cruor. They are known for being especially efficient and discrete in their dealings, and to-date they have no incomplete bounties. Sounds badass to me. Except, first "super-assassin" is summarily disabled and captured with little to no effort by our still semi-neophyte beast master. The other assassins we meet along the way are not what you'd expect either. While wonderfully introduced, they often display many "non-assassin" qualities. The description of the method used when becoming an assassin leads me to believe that much of their pre-assassin selves was lost in the transformation. Enter Noc. Here is an example of what an assassin should be; cool, detached and deadly. Well, only to a point, apparently his true self is contrary to all the early descriptors used. He's cursed, conflicted, and seriously lacks in self-control when around something he truly wants. As I read through the book, I concluded that these were his pre-assassin traits. It would be great to find out more about his past to determine if this was the real reason for such conflicted emotions versus actions.

All-in-all Martineau did a good job in storytelling. I'm hoping that since this is the first in a series that we'll grow to understand the characters more as the series progresses. I can't wait to find out more about the ancillary characters and their world. Here comes my caveat. The lack of truly epic battles and in-depth surreal scenery makes me hesitant to recommend this book to fans of high fantasy although I'm pretty sure that was the target base.

I look forward to reading more by this author and hope to see a bit more epic-ness in her fantasy.

Kingdom is a dual perspective book through the eyes of Noc, a cursed assassin with a secret past, and Leena, an exiled charmer with a formidable ex-lover who wants her dead. I would classify this book as a romance as it focuses more on character development than world-building. The cast of characters is varied and expansive. I can see the series following another set of lovers in the next installment and I wouldn't be disappointed. Although the world-building is minimal, I could picture the setting with ease. The magic system is explained enough, but there is still an air of mystery and room for growth. Overall, I enjoyed the characters and the romance. I really liked the conclusion. Almost all the conflicts were resolved, but there are still a few mysteries to uncover. The side characters will keep me coming back for more.

4.5 /5★ all the way.

The blurb for this book sounded good and I thought it be something I like. I ended up loving it and didn’t want it to end.

I loved everything about this book, the story, the writing, the characters but what I like the most, was the wold. It was new and fresh and so much fun to follow not only Leena and her beasts and the beast realm but also Noc and his band of assassins. I loved how both groups (charmers and assassins) had their own system and magic and little world but yet it is all on one. The book is in dual POV and gives you Leena and Noc, which was great because we get to see both sites and what they think and do at all times.

Of course we get some nice and steamy romance between Leena and Noc but I think I like the friendship between all of them the best. A friendship between the unlikely group. I not only love Leena and Noc but his guys. They gave this book some humor and fun and where there for not only him but her. I thought Leena was a great match for this group and held her own just fine.

I really enjoyed Leena she was strong and never gave up, but I liked the most was that even with a guy in the picture she stood on her own two feet and didn’t rely on him.

Noc was broody, which was understandable given the situations he was in, but he still was fun to follow and once he lighten up a bit it was even better.

I also loved Kost, Calem and Oz and they were equally important to the story.

Overall I loved this book, it had humor, action, twist and turns and some romance. I adored the world and was sad to see it end. That being said I can’t wait for book two.

I rate it 4.5★

I enjoyed this book: Fun characters, unique “other-worldly” beasts and interesting relationships. I will keep an eye out for more books from this author.

I have voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this title given to me through NetGalley. This is the first book the Beast Charmers series and it was just absolutely wonderful. It was just so easy to get lost in and I just couldn’t put it down. I most definitely will read more by this author.

Sexy adult Pokémon (yea, I'm serious) meets Dark stabby shadowy Brother/Sisterhood of Assassins. So there are Charmers, protagonist, Leena, (hence, Pokémon charmers - YEA, HENCE,) and they can find beasts in the wild and keep them in this magical bestiary necklace. They don't throw Pokeballs or anything, but they have this pheromone that they give off, that can be somewhat tantalizing to humans too. Enter Cruor, led by Noc. They're dead. Literally. Their history is shrouded in shadows, they get raised from the dead and they take "jobs" to kill people. Leena is supposed to be just a job, but Noc has history of his own. He can't show emotions of any kind because of an ancient curse that carried over from his past life. He's hoping one of Leena's beasts can undo the curse. So here we have a meet cute story were shadowy assassin meets Pokegirl and they spend a little too much time together.

On a scale of 1 to I judge all sexy books against KMM's Fever & Maas's Court of series (those were a solid 10 out of 10, steam coming off the pages HOT), this was a solid 6. It wasn't terrible but it wasn't super sexy either. Honestly, the plot and the characters were more interesting, and there's nothing wrong with that. I want to know more about Noc's past, which is where book 1 ends. Who is he? How did he end up with this curse? What's going to happen to Cruor now? The sexy scenes were just alright. There was something missing between the main characters that just didn't sell the passion that should be there in a romance/fantasy novel. The fantasy part is super solid though and that absolutely saved this book. Great read.

I dragged my way through this book. It took me till about halfway through to get into it. Half the book is a romance. No, strike that. It's an insta-love attraction where both parties pretend indifference and then say they'll never love another person again cuz they were betrayed in the past, etc blah blah. So we spend a great part of the book staring at each other and building up to the Moment they can finally let go of their old pain... Very original, right?

I can deal with a good romance. But I hate when characters mistake lust for love. You don't love someone because they're dark and mysterious or because they're spunky. That's called intrigue and lust. Please don't mix them up until you have time to build a real relationship with the other.

Romance aside, the beast magic parts were pretty interesting. I wish each beast got more screen time and more character. Charming the beasts were probably the best parts of the book. The rest could've been left out.

If you want an instant love romance that takes time to cook because boy and girl are pretending to be not interested cuz they have Deep Secrets, enjoy this book. If you want to read the good beast taming parts and skim through the annoying other stuff, it's doable and can be enjoyable too.

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

If you like a world of fantastical creatures, mythical beings, and the supernatural, the Beast Charmer series might be for you. With a dash of romance, violence, and fantasy mixed with a tough heroine - whose been through like A LOT- you have yourself a series worth waiting for. The main characters, Noc and Leena, compliment each other in unsuspecting ways. For example, we get to see Noc's softer side that lurk underneath the shadows (pun intended) that matches well with Leena's love for her creatures. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

Thank you to the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley for the e-ARC and opportunity to review Kingdom of Exiles. All opinions are my own.

IT’S NOT YOU, IT’S ME.

I dearly wanted to love this, the synopsis was interesting. I had read some good reviews, I was SET to love this…and then I didn’t. But I also didn’t hate it. So please take this review in that light.

First off, HIGH STAKES POKEMON. That is what thought popped in my head and I could not get it out. Leena (and other Charmers) charm these creatures into being their friend and staying with them. They use them for a handful of reasons and care for each other, so yes, if you are even a tiny bit of a Pokemon fan, you can’t miss the similarities. I actually really loved this. It was fun getting to see all of the creatures and I wish we could have learned more about them!

My biggest turn-off was the instant attraction. Noc is supposed to be an assassin after her, and literally after their first run in he’s forgotten that was his job. Immediately they both (dual POV) talk about how attractive, brave, etc. each other is and I didn’t have long enough to get behind their relationship so I felt like I was continually playing catch-up.

I liked the world-building. Maybe could have been more intricate though it was an enjoyable time as Leena, Noc + crew moved throughout the country to achieve plot goals. I really got a sense for the towns and the way most things worked. It’s an easy read overall and easy to keep going. I really loved the side characters that were with Noc (his other assassin friends). They were fun, had different personalities and forged great friendships with Leena.

As far as the plot goes, things were way too easy. For instance, this beast that Leena needed to catch to prove her innocence happened in a few paragraphs, and nothing even went wrong. There was so much build-up to how dangerous and deadly this could be…but it wasn’t. The same thing happened with Noc. His own personal issue was taken away from him so simply!? I actually doubted that it had happened because I thought there was no way it was that effortless.

I know it’s only book one, so I understand some things get left out for later installments. I was missing more backstory (and story in general), from everyone. Based off of how the story played out I believe this information is coming in book two. So while I was bummed, I get it. I also missed general explanations of some things that jumped out of nowhere.

Overall audience notes:

Adult fantasy romance
Language: a bit of strong language
Romance: kisses make-outs, and [personally the only other thing I had trouble with and skipped over] a few way too explicitly detailed love scenes
Violence: physical, animals, poison, magic, knives, torture

It did take me a little while to get invested in this book due to how many characters are involved and the world building. Once I did I was hooked. Yes, it is a bit like Fantastic Beasts or even Pokemon. Loved reading about the different beasts and their power. The fact there is an actual relationship between the Charmer and the beasts along with rules for having them was a plus for me. Too often their are no real responsibilities to having beasts. Ending was well written and I see the possibility for other stories very easily. Yes, it is a long read but well worth the time.

Very pleased by this book. It was interesting and engaging enough to make me care about the characters. The world building was a little limited, but sufficient to support the story. The plot wasn’t overly predictable, and the story was clearly set up for a follow up, which I’m happy about. Writing was at a good level, not too simplistic. I’d definitely recommend to others and will read any follow up books.

When I read that someone says a book is like this book or that book I can’t help but have expectations. 9 times out of 10 what I get is not what I was promised. BUT Kingdom of Exiles really reminded of Fantastic beasts and Assassin’s Creed.

Leena Edenfrell is a Charmer. She was exiled years ago from her homeland for some alleged transgression. To survive she has to do things she never thought were possible, she sells beasts for money. And if that weren’t bad enough she now has to deal with a price on her head. In her desperation she offers a deal to the master assassin, Noc who was contracted to kill her. An offer he can’t refuse. Because he has a secret. And that secret can end him and everyone around him. She offers him magical beasts in exchange for her life. But life is never that easy.

Kingdom of Exiles is a spellbinding tale, the story mixes fantasy and romance expertly. I laughed and cried with Leena and Noc as their past lives and their feelings were revealed, as we get to know them, how they became what they are. It is so very rare to meet with characters this well developed, this full of life when reading a debut novel.
Maxime Martineau is a genius and I can barely wait for her next book. I became so enthralled in this fantastic story that I even dreamed about them.

Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca and Maxym Martineau for my copy.

This is epic fantasy at it's best. Remarkable characters in an amazing world. Such wondrous beasts attainable in a unique fashion.

I cannot believe that this a debut novel?? I ignored my whole family for a day to sit and read this novel, once I started it I could not put it down. There was no waiting with this book, it dives head first into danger within the first chapter. Of course that doesn’t give you much time for explaining everything that needs explained but I beg of you give it time the author does explain everything.

I love, love, love Leena’s kickass character, anytime there is a strong female character involved I am there. She starts off the book strong and doesn’t waver throughout the whole book. It’s amazing that she can control all of these different “beasts” with just a magical touch. Yet she doesn’t abuse this power, which is wrong in her eyes and the charmer’s eyes. She of course has learned to not trust anyone with her heart or her friendship. So when she has to trust these assassins for the time being it goes against everything she knows. I enjoyed seeing how she interacted differently with each assassin and how she picked out each beast for each one. I loved learning about each of the beasts and their powers.

The assassins were a different kind of power and so very interesting. I have read a lot of books and I don’t think I have read anything with their certain type of powers. Maybe I have and I just don’t remember. Either way I loved it, and I loved the brotherhood they created. I know Noc was a very interesting character for certain reasons and we had to dig deep to get some of his story in this one. However I loved learning about the rest of the characters like Oz, and Calem. I’m hoping we get to learn more about them? Or maybe get individual stories? I’m not sure I just need more of this world and characters that’s for sure.

I really don’t want to say too much because I think you should go into this book blind and just enjoy the ride. I would like to thank Netgalley, Source books, and Maxym M. Martineau for a copy in lieu of my honest review. Honestly it’s a great debut novel and I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for book two!!

As soon as I read the first line of the description I knew I wanted to read Kingdom of Exiles. Touted as a cross between Fantastic Beasts and Assassins Creed, that description hit the nail on the head.
I'm not usually into sci-fy/fantasy type books but this one seemed too good to pass up, and am I glad that I requested it! Action and suspense from page one, Leena is a Charmer from Hireath, sent to exile for a crime she insists she din't commit. And she's on a mission to charm a difficult enough beast to earn the respect of the Council for a chance to plead her case. Until she's notified that she's acquired a tail. Using one of her beasts, she manages to best the assassin from Cruor assigned to carry out the bounty placed on her. Insisting on being taken to Cruor, where she strikes a deal with Noc, leader of Cruor. In exchange for four beasts - one for each of his three best men, and one for himself - the bounty on Leena's head wouldn't be carried out by any of his men.
Both are characters of cunning wit and sharp humor, who quickly learn they must work together for their deal to work. While the client continues to put pressure on Noc to carry out the bounty, he insists a timeframe was not in the contract, and he will carry it out as he sees fit. Leena and Noc also quickly learn not to underestimate the other. Neither is fully honest, and both are carrying potentially deadly secrets. Kost, Calem, and Ozias (Oz, as Leena refers to him) escort them on the beast catching trip and Leena comes to enjoy the company of the men hired to kill her as much as they enjoy hers.
Each of the characters are different and wonderfully written. Each carries secrets, and while Kost and Noc are reserved and calculated, Calem is an uncontrollable flirt with a deadly lack of self control (probably why he is the assassin in Cruor with the most kills), and Oz is shy but lethal. They are raised from the dead but Leena keeps seeing glimpses of the humans they may have once been.
The beasts in the story are wonderful, my only complaint is that they could have had a bit more focus put on them. There was not a lot of description of their appearance, but a strong emphasis was put on describing each of their powers. While Poof the Groober is sweet and fluffy, Lola the Laharock and Onyx the Myad are terrifying in their power. Each are individual and I loved the way Leena loved each, regardless of their power.
Kingdom of Exiles alternates between Leena and Noc's points of view and it gives great depth to the way the story is told to have both perspectives. It gives the reader an exceptional insight into the difficulties of both sides of their deal, while allowing us to empathise with both characters. To really understand them and their motivations.
As a first novel I really enjoyed what Maxym did with the story, and I truly hope that there will be more to come from her. I look forward to reading more about Cruor.

**Review will be posted to goodreads.com and my blog http://pastmidnight.home.blog a month before book publication date**

Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this e-arc for an honest review.

Magic beasts! Undead assassins and a curse! This blurb had me at magical beasts. It was not hard for me to dive into this lush fantasy world. Leena is a beast charmer, and she reminded me of a Pokemon trainer! Yes, I said Pokemon. 😅 She had to find these beasts, tame them and put them in a special realm where they waited to be summoned. I wanted to be Leena and have a collection of beasts.

Leena is exiled from her home and there is a bounty on her head. The Cruor is a group of undead assassins, lead by Noc. Their powers are really interesting. They can control shadows and Noc can raise more assassins with his blood, like a vampire. Noc is powerful and in essence a “beast” as well. They are attracted to one another right away but Noc can’t get close, he is cursed. Noc finds her irresistible and Leena is a beast charmer so…why not try to tame his beast? 😉 They are meant to be .

Instead of carrying out the bounty, Noc and Leena negotiate on terms that may help both of them get out of the binds they are in. They are both trying to survive.

I love Leena. She’s strong, caring but vulnerable and she’s comfortable in her charmer skin. The magical beasts in the story are all amazing. They have different characteristics and powers. Noc is a typical strong male character, handsome, powerful and I love how he valued his friends even if he had to keep his distance. He has a sad past with lots of death involved and I hope we learn more about it in the next book.

I enjoyed Noc’s assassins: Calem, Oz and Kost – well not so much Kost, but he eventually grew on me. Their job is to escort Leena and make sure she stays in line but for the most part these guys come off friendly and funny (except Kost of course) and protect her. Leena seemed to soften these assassins up.

I didn’t think I’d read it through the night since I started it so late in the evening, but I could not put it down! This book was lots of fun, full of adventure, a delicious romance and those fantastic magical beasts. I look forward to the sequel.

This book starts out like a roller coaster with hydraulic propulsion. It's straight into the action, and it never relents from there. And in spite of that, the world building and character development are rich and complex without being overwhelming. I loved Leena and Noc, both individually and together. The secondary characters were fun and added much to the story. And of course the menagerie of beasts at Leena's disposal added a whole bevy of characters, from fearsome to adorable, and they weren't there strictly for decoration. Maxym made great use of the different beasts that she took the time to enumerate.

From around 75% I was seriously concerned that there was too much story left to wrap up in the space of the book, but my concerns were misplaced. The climax of the book through the end is fast paced but satisfying. This is clearly the first book in a series, but I didn't feel like the book left me hanging on any of the arcs that were important in this book. I am eager to get the next book though because I'm very curious to see where this story is going, and I want to spend more time with these characters and in this world.

I enjoyed exploring a world with people that charm magical creatures and co-exist with assassins. Leena is a Charmer and she develops relationships with 4 assassins while on a journey. She takes the time to learn each person and gives each one the perfect gift. There was no big happy ending, but perhaps in the future there will be. I look forward to the next novel.

I had a hard time sticking with this book. The suspense was great but I wasn't a fan of the romance and other relationships in the book, it seemed very superficial.