This book is sooo beautiful in person! its sprayed edges and inside character art work is so nice to have. I absolutely plan on buy the hardcover for it as soon as i can. This is was just a sample of the book but I can definitely can see what's the buzz is all about on TikTok.
Thank you NETGALLEY for the preview!

The Half King, has a unique and promising world built around curses that four noble houses have been inflicted with; due to their conspiring and rising against the goddess. The first born in each of these families must be the bearer of their houses curse. This was such a fun and interesting concept that truly had me excited to read this book.
As for the curses, each unique to their house — The worst falls upon Current king, as he has the unfortunate role of disappearing when night falls and it will eventually claim his day hours until he has vanished all together.
The FMC is sheltered and naive, but not so much so that she isn’t engaging and likable. Cerise is thrust into the palace where she must determine who is enemy or friend — is she there to save the cursed? From the beginning of the book her pious nature seems to be unshakable and as she goes through her journey while she does evolve and find her strengths which I am always for!
The romance happens quick, more of an insta love, I’m a bit more of a slow burn lover so it felt a little rushed to me and took away a bit of the believability.
The characters felt a bit childish at times, more towards a YA feel but honestly I didn’t mind it at all. I do however wish there was more of the half king himself and felt the pace was a bit rushed in some aspects not fully allowing me to bond with the characters themselves.
I read the book in one go, it was a fast and easy read, which I found engaging enough to be interested in what book 2 will hold.

Really into this so far! I can’t really give a very good rating or review on just 4 chapters but I will be seeking this out to finish (sneaky sneaky! lol) I like the main characters and world building so far, so I’m excited to see where this goes.

Not leaving external reviews at this point for only four chapters. Will review it as I normally do once I’ve read the entire book.

Thanks to Entangled and NetGalley for an preview of this book.

I was surprised to see that this was a preview of the first four chapters and not the full book. Though admittedly a preview on NetGalley being accessible to anyone with an account is actually a great idea in terms of marketing a book and building an audience. This is especially true if your first chapters manage to hook a reader which in this case I was hooked from the first few pages. After reading this preview in full, I immediately downloaded the audio book version on Audible. There are curses, a unique magic system, and a mission to save a dying king. There is a lot to like and I am excited to find out more.

Goodreads link has my full review!

I am so intrigued with just this preview. The premise is promising and I am itching to get my hands on the actual book.. I love Cerise already, just wish she wasn't 19 years old.

This is just a preview piece, and I am ready for more. I need to go pick this up and read the rest of it as soon as possible. This grabs your attention right away!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the ARC preview.

Only got the first snippet of this book, and I was hooked, so I’m continuing it across Audible. The twists and turns and the hook straight into a moody Half-King cursed with an impending doom had me hooked from page one.

Loved to read the preview of this book. I'm looking forward to read it completely. Such a good piece by Melissa Landers. I totally recommend.

This preview was interesting, but I don't think it's something I'd pick up after the preview to be honest. The story didn't grab me the way I thought it would.

Hmmm... I'm still unsure about this even with the preview. The stopping point was of course perfect and left you right where things start to get interesting so I can see myself picking it up just to continue!

Shadow king - grumpy, angry, and maybe going to die shortly after dispersing into shadows.
Female Lead - idk what she is classified as yet, but she seems really helpless giving 2/10 damsel in distress equalling a 0/10 chance of me liking the character hopefully that changes.

First of all, this book is gorgeous. The deluxe edition with sprayed edges is *chefs kiss.* I can’t wait to sink my teeth into this whole story.

I haven't read a lot of fantasy, but this book seems to have a very unique world and magic system. The idea of the firstborns of noble bloodlines having a curse was interesting.

I did not realize this was a preview and I look forward to reading the rest of the book!

Review of The Half King

The Half King captivates readers right from the start with its beautifully crafted preview. The opening pages set the tone for an engaging and immersive story, effortlessly drawing the reader into its world. The author’s vivid descriptions and intriguing setup make it impossible not to want more. A promising start that leaves you eager to dive deeper into the narrative.

The sample of the book was very intriguing. I enjoyed the fast pace of it to hook you in, but still leave you wanting more. I look forward to more world building and character development as the story progresses when I pick up the full version on my next book shopping trip.

Started the preview from NetGalley and immediatley had to go download the book and read it.

I loved it so much, I think its very fitting to read with how society is currently. (which is so sad)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

First off- what a lovely map this book has! it was one of the most easiest maps I’ve had to follow so far!
Also- how cruel to give me 4 chapters this has me HOOKED already? The MMC seems like a complete d*%k already but I think I quite like how this world magic system works already; I’m a little confused by some but I think when I read the rest of the book I’ll get the hang of it!

Can’t wait for the rest!

I hated this book and didn't understand what is going on with this book. I do think it could have gotten better later on though. Might pick up and finish eventually.

Thank you for the ARC preview of the first four chapters!

From the first few chapters this book seemed really interesting, filled with court politics, magic/powers and possibly some mysterious elements. The FMC, Cerise, seemed like an intriguing character and I can’t wait to read more about her.

I can’t wait to read the whole book!

I received an ARC preview of the first four chapters, so I don't feel like I can give an entirely accurate review yet. I definitely hope to read this book in the near future because it definitely caught my interest.

The plot seems interesting and probably very political. From the bit that I read, the story seems to focus on Cerise who is supposed to be a seer. Her powers should come to her soon according to her instructor. Her instructor sees a vision that one of her closest acolyte has died and Cerise is to take her place. I am excited to learn more about the half king as it seems he probably has a lot of secrets.

Thank you to Netgalley, Entangled Publishing LLC, and Melissa Landers for an ARC preview of this book. This review is my own honest opinion.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this preview.

I loved every page. Am reading the book as soon as possible!! It is going to be a best seller.

Five stars! Recommend to all readers!!