Jillian Boehme

While browsing through the available titles on Libby, I could not pass up The Stolen Kingdom by Jillian Boehme when I saw the gorgeous cover! I started reading the book in the midst of also trying to finish multiple other books, but I simply could not put this book down. It’s been a while since I’ve read such a compelling novel!

There were so many likeable aspects of this book, and I felt like it was equally driven by the characters and the plot, which I really enjoyed. The book is told from alternating perspectives: Maralyth, who is the daughter of the owner of the biggest vineyard in the kingdom, and Alac, who is the frequently overlooked prince, second in line for the throne. Maralyth and Alac are thrown into difficult and dangerous circumstances throughout the novel that leave them questioning their aspirations in life and their duties.

If you’re looking for another world to escape into, this book is definitely for you! With an interesting magic system, morally questionable characters, and royal kidnappings, what more could you ask for? While there wasn’t necessarily anything that made the novel especially unique, it is the type of feel-good fantasy book that I truly adore reading!… (mer)