I thought overall the book was good. The writing style wasn’t my favorite and it sounded like every other young fantasy book. If you’re a big young adult fantasy lover I would recommend this book.

"Kingdom of Exiles" is an engaging fantasy/romance with a whole new world. Leena is a charmer, which means she can find and tame beasts of the magical variety. She has learned of a bounty on her head from a group of assassins who always get their target. Leena decides to bargain with the leader of the group, Noc, to lift the bounty in exchange for beasts. Noc is haunted by a curse that affects him and everyone he cares about, and he is hopeful of finding a cure.

While the romance is actually a smaller part of the book than I expected, the world is really fascinating here. We slowly learn bits and pieces about the way it functions and the creatures and people within it. The beginning was a little hard to follow, as we are introduced to a lot of new concepts and partial information (it is all revealed more organically without knowledge dumps), but once the book took off, it really captured my attention. Much of it reads like YA fantasy, and I use that comparison as high praise.

Overall, it's an engaging fantasy with a whole new world to explore. I would have liked some more speed in learning about the world, more information about the beasts, and a little more on the romance side of things. However, I would definitely be interested in reading more! Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.

A tale of friendship, love for animals, and simmering attraction set in a fantastical world as exotic and vibrant as Lord of the Rings.

I melted over and over again at the animal taming scenes, and how much Leena cared for her beasts! The obstacles between her and Noc were unimaginably high and nail biting, and I was really won over by the extended cast and the group of assassins that became like family to her. This whole world is beautifully described and detailed, from each fantastically creative beast to the landscapes that are just a bit more colorful and magical than those of our world. It was truly immersive and I could see this series growing to be a huge, beloved fantasy world one day with a loyal following of fans who know every beast and can map the whole world from memory. A+ fantasy!

OH MY GOD one of the best fantasy books I've read for this year, I loved reading this and for a fantasy book it has a really original and unique plot I can't wait to find out what happens next. WOo Can't wait for it to be released and show the public HOW GOOD IT IS.

I'm glad NetGalley gave me a copy of this book to review - I really enjoyed it.

Leena is a renegade beast charmer, and when she discovers she has a contract out on her, she makes a pact with the assassin's guild. Both the group of assassins and Leena herself are interesting, and I liked seeing them interact. The thing I liked best about Leena is how she cared for her beasts. And I REALLY liked the variety of unique beasts we saw in this book - that was probably my favorite part of the story. The assassins - Noc, Oz, and several others, were all enjoyable, and I liked their personalities - Oz was a favorite of mine at first, and Calum really grew on me.

I'd certainly recommend this book to fantasy fans, especially those who enjoy magical creatures. Although the major story came to a good resolution - there are some big worries on the horizon, and I'll be watching for book 2.

Thank you to source books for the arc of this book.
I knew from the very first sentence I was going to love this book, and have trouble putting it down, and I wasn’t wrong.
This had me heartbroken, to hopeful, crying like a baby.
Leena and Noc, and the rest of the gang made for a fantastic first book!
I will be on the lookout for the second, I highly recommend this book, such a different and refreshing take on fantasy.

Kingdom of Exiles was a solid fantasy debut novel. After reading the blurb I was intrigued by the premise and plot. And as expected the storyline was unique, and at times gave me a Pokemon vibe which I really enjoyed.

The writing was smart, and I can see the author’s potential. Even though it felt like a debut novel at times, which it is – the plot and writing sounded more like a YA novel. The story was a bit stilted at times, and didn’t flow as it could have. Nevertheless I read it in short order, maybe in a couple days, since I had to squeeze in reading time at work etc.

The element of charming animals that were as exotic as Pokemon creatures, and matching said animals to humans was very well done.

I would have liked more of the animal charming, since that’s a HUGE draw of the story, and less of the drama and romance that took over the book. Again it felt like a YA novel with its angst and relationship drama and less like an adventure novel. The comparison to Assassin’s Creed is a bit misleading, because there wasn’t that much action throughout the novel. Compared to a Kate Daniels novel, this one was TAME!!

Nevertheless the book ended satisfyingly, with a bit of foreboding of what might be coming – which has me intrigued to say the least.

There might have been a couple of times I started skimming towards the end, with 448 pages it wasn’t exactly a short novel. But overall it was an enjoyable read, not wowing but enjoyable. I can see that the author has a promising future in front of her and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

This was surprisingly awesome. A great fantasy novel with lots of cool characters and even cooler beasts on a roller coaster of action.
Exiled Charmer Leena has a bounty on her head. To get rid of it she makes a deal with the assassins who have their own agenda.
For having such a complex world with so many creatures the story was exceptional believable, rounded, and easy to follow, not a dull moment.
Only two things that I, personally, found a bit annoying: the relationship problems were overly dramatized (which, no offense, would be typical for a YA novel, which this here is not meant to be); and while there is no real cliff hanger at the end, there is one important story line that is not finished. But that is not a problem, I am already signed up for the next book in the series anyway.

I!!!! Loved!!!!! This!!!! Book!!!!! Magical creatures? Check! Angsty romance? Check! Hot assassins? Check! I’m seriously excited for the rest of the series - this book had great chemistry between the whole cast of characters and the most swoon-worthy romance between our leads. All the characters have great back stories and are really well fleshed out. The world building is lush and vibrant and the writing style is immersive. I definitely recommend this book

Overall an enchanting and fun world, full of creatures and monsters I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know.

While I enjoyed all four of the main ‘assassins’ they definitley didn’t read as such in any way, leaving a bit of a disconnect between a realistic character development/psyche/mannerisms with people who kill for a living.

The two MC POV, Leena and Noc we’re distinct enough, though I preferred Leena more so. This book set up for more works in the series, and while I can see the breadcrumbs and can guess the outcome of the future, I look forward to meeting new beasts for Leena to charm.

Leena is a beast charmer who's exiled from her community. Noc is one of the assassins hired to kill her. She makes a separate deal with him and his group - she'll charm beasts for each of them to command in exchange for her life. Noc, who lives with a curse on his head, wants a beast that will grant wishes at often terrible cost, but it's a price he's willing to negotiate. He certainly never expected to fall in love with Leena.

This one didn't pull me in as quickly as I expected it to, but once it came together for me, it was a fun fantasy read. The first half of the book tended to lag at chapters, but it picks up as the relationship between Noc and Leena progresses, and Leena develops relationships with the other assassins. It's a good pick for fantasy fans who enjoy some sexy times.

From the first little blurb before the book began, I was excited and full of anticipation. This book did not disappoint.

Compelling, addictive, page-turning with heart pounding excitement, I couldn’t get enough. It had the perfect blend of action, love, angst and friendship.

This book is really in a class of its own! Assassins and beasts have never been this exciting or sexy. Maxym M. Martineau has created a masterpiece with this world. It is beyond compare. From all types of beasts to sexy-as-sin alpha male assassins and a kickass heroine, to a story line that will keep you enthralled, there is never a dull moment.

Leena was amazing. She was strong and resilient as well as sassy and smart. I can’t wait to see more of her.

Noc. Gorgeous, strong and cursed, Noc. I loved the way he lead his team and his people. Even though he had restrictions due to his curse, he gave as much as he could and always put them first.

Leena and Noc together? Smokin’. These two definitely make you feel their angst and attraction. They are perfect together.

As for the secondary characters in this book, the author made me care for them as much as the leads. I am praying and hoping that each get their own story told.

Oz is like a big, giant, teddy bear. You instantly love him and want to hug him.

Calem is flirty and fun. He made me smirk several times. If his story is written, I cannot wait to see what becomes of him.

Kost is rigid and serious. But, there is more to him then that. He is quite the enigma right now. He will definitely surprise you.

I need more of this world and these characters. As I turned the last page, I was so disappointed it was over. However, there is so much more to this story that is yet to come.

Kingdom of Exiles was simply spectacular and I cannot wait for the next installment so that I may immerse myself in this world with these characters once again.

I received an ARC via NetGalley of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Kingdom of Exiles is the most fun I've had reading in a long time! I can 100% say that I loved literally everything about this: the characters, plot, romance, friendships, and the beasts. I cannot wait for the next book in this fantastic new YA fantasy series!

This is a well crafted adult Pokeman(like) romp through lush backdrops with characters that you can't help but love... you just can't... go on, read it, you'll love them too. There is sexual tension to the umpteenth degree. An extremely sloooooooooooooow burn that builds to a crescendo. The creatures are beautifully imagined and undeniably unique. The characters are all loveable and relatable, I want to adopt them all...except Noc, he I will greedily keep for my own nefarious purposes.


I love Noc & Leena... big fan, BUT I especially love Noc. He is incredibly tormented yet compassionate. He shoulders the weight of a powerfully evil curse that makes life torturous when it comes to loving someone...in any capacity. He is unable to express amorous emotions for anyone... ever... or his loved ones, if the feelings are reciprocated, pay the ultimate price.


Leena, on the other hand, is a kick ass heroine and one of the commanding voices of the dueling 2 MCs. She is strong, yet tender towards her beasts and her "family" (which is all sorts of endearing), she is beautiful, deadly and unabashedly, unappologetic when it comes to her lustful appetite.


The writing is solid. I may or may not have shed a few tears (the torment is positively dripping off the pages)...ok, just between us, there was some serious sniffling going on but that's it. The crying is in no way a reflection of the caliber of writing. The world development and character development are both extremely well done. The variety of creatures is exemplary. The characters are so robust (and loveable) you can't help but root for them, cheering for them to succeed and to find their happiness.


There were a slew of blush worthy sexy- time passages which is something I usually shy away from in my choice of reads BUT it was tactful and not overly protracted which made me enjoy the book even more.


Overall: If you're into an adult Pokemon(like) fantasy world with heart racing explicit scenes and damn good World and Character development... then this page turner should be on your radar!!

~Enjoy!

*** I was given a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ***

Kingdom of Exiles is a unique, action-packed fantasy romance. The strong start to this series promises that great things will follow.

Leena Edenfrell is a Charmer, a person who can tame magical beasts of varying classes. "Taming" sounds simpler than it is, too -- sometimes the act requires self-sacrifice or willingness to endanger oneself. An unfortunate circumstance led to Leena being exiled from her homeland and she seeks a way to return home.

(My only sadness was that my brain decided to think "Pokemon?" the first time that Leena commented about taming beasts, and I couldn't shake the thought the remainder of the book. *shake first at brain*)

Noc is an "undead" assassin with a catastrophic curse (the reason I docked a star was because it took 15 chapters before it was explained how/why the assassins are "undead," which was info that didn't need to be withheld so long). Someone has put in a contract to kill Leena, and as the guild master, Noc takes on the responsibility to fulfill that contract after his first assassin fails. But first, Leena needs to meet the terms of a deal they strike, and Noc needs to get rid of a curse and avoid falling in love.

Both Leena and Noc are strong characters with their own motivations. They're each the stars of their own tales, and I enjoyed reading both points of view. The magic system is unique, and the world and the beasts that inhabit it are vivid and fun to read about. Each beast has its own terms and provide different benefits (or drawbacks), and it was fun to discover them alongside the members of the Assassin's guild.

The fantasy story was strong enough that I nearly forgot this was also a romance book until I hit the first sex scene. The sex that is in it is graphic but non-gratuitous, and if that's not your thing, you can easily skip it. I enjoyed it all, but when there's a powerful fantasy plot, I'd rather it be the star, and the plot shines in Kingdom of Exiles.

Over the years, I've given fewer and fewer books 4+ star ratings. Kingdom of Exiles is a strong example of excellent writing. If you love adventurous fantasy, I highly recommend checking this book out.

In the meantime, I'll be impatiently awaiting book two.

So, this book wasn't as good as I think it could have been. The characters aren't really introduced in a way that made it easy for me to get invested in them, or what they were doing. The worldbuilding was also somewhat weak.

Wow. Love, love, loved this book. Think Pokemon meets fantastic beasts meets assassins creed. From start to finish you are propelled into this magnificent, one of a kind story. The flow and chemistry to this romance is written so naturally that you feel yourself caught up in the beautiful moments the characters share together. Even though there is unfinished business at the end, it's wrapped up perfectly and cements the storyline for the next book well. I cannot wait to pick up the next book.

I received an advanced reader's copy of Kingdom of Exiles by Maxym Martineau from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Fantastic Beasts meets Assassin's Creed indeed! I'm a huge fan of both of those things so this book was completely in my wheelhouse and I am happy to report that Maxym Martineau did not disappoint! I had never read anything by the author before this and had no expectations either way so to be so engrossed from the first page was a welcome surprise.

First, the main female character, Leena, is a strong and intelligent, but still likeable and sympathetic. She is a Charmer-someone who can bond with magical beasts-who is wrongly exiled from her homeland and forced to break the law (selling her beasts to others) to survive. When a price is put on her head, she meets Noc, the head of a league of assassins and kind of a bad ass in the very best way, who is cursed that anyone he loves dies. Both characters are wonderfully crafted with tons of layers-while still being relateable and I was glued to my e-reader to see what antics they would get up to next or how their romance developed.

This is definitely worth a read and Maxym Martineau is for certain an author to follow for future novels!

A charmer is only as strong as the beasts she keeps...
Just, WOW!

When Leena strikes a deal––four of her beasts in exchange for her life––she didn't expect her heart would enter into the equation. But the handsome assassin hired to kill her is stealing the God's damned organ in her chest piece by piece.

Assassin, Noc, may have cut a deal with Leena, but he had no plans to hold up his end. Until the smart, beautiful beast charmer becomes more than a mark. Then again, he IS going to kill her...one way or another. Unless he can get his hands on the one beast Leena refuses to give him.

Martineau's debut is a stunning experiment in lush world-building, a careful curation of characters, and slow-burn romance at it's finest. Lendria and it's inhabitants jump off the page and make you long to make their acquaintance. The beasts, from small to large, steal the show in every scene they're in, and the secondary characters are a beautiful accouterment to Leena and Noc's central love story and their fantastical web of suspense.

I can only hope that Noc's band of assassins each get their own stories. Especially, Ozias. Hands off, Ladies. I've got dibs on Oz.

Kingdom of Exiles is a brilliant debut. Way to enter the publishing world with a ROAR, Ms. Martineau. BRAVO!

Fun adventure that I would recommend to those who love Sarah J Maas. Leena and Noc have heat fillled relationship that they must fight against to save lives. I especially loved the creatures and wished there was even more with them. Good thing this book looks like it will have a sequel.