Book Review: Blood Beneath the Snow by Alexandra Kennington
Stepping into the realm of Blood Beneath the Snow was like wandering into a frostbitten fantasy filled with both promise and peril. I’ve always been fascinated by narratives that tackle class struggles, especially within beautifully crafted worlds. Alexandra Kennington certainly piqued my interest with this debut, which delves into the harsh dichotomies of a society where elemental magic reigns supreme. Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for a sincere review—here are my thoughts!
At the heart of the story is Revna, a princess born into privilege yet devoid of the magic that elevates her peers into the elite. Her struggle is painfully relatable, embodying that desire to carve a unique path against the overwhelming weight of familial expectations. As a rebel at heart, Revna’s insistence on participating in the Bloodshed Trials—essentially a brutal contest among royal siblings—truly showcases her tenacity and defiance. It’s a refreshing change to see a character determined to seize her fate, especially when faced with an oppressive caste system.
That said, while Revna’s journey is compelling, the narrative occasionally falters in delivering a fully rewarding "romantasy" experience. The initial tension between her and The Hellbringer—a feared general tasked with training her—set the stage for a gripping dynamic, but ultimately left me wanting more depth. The romance felt decidedly one-sided; while Revna pined for The Hellbringer’s intrigue, his perspective remained frustratingly aloof. As a reader, I craved that slow burn of mutual attraction, where the stakes are raised by the characters’ shared vulnerabilities. Instead, it felt as though the author missed an opportunity to craft a memorable bond, as Hellbringer’s character often lacked that brooding complexity that typically makes such tropes swoon-worthy.
Kennington’s writing style is solid, with moments of vivid description and well-drawn intrigue that are undeniably engaging. However, I found the pacing uneven, especially during the training sequences, which dragged at times. While these moments were essential for setting up the Bloodshed Trials, they could have benefited from a tighter focus or a more robust exploration of the trials themselves. The hints of political maneuvering and the complex motivations of the enemy queen felt underdeveloped, leaving some questions unanswered and diminishing the stakes.
Despite these critiques, I appreciated the author’s ability to weave in unexpected twists and moments of political tension. It kept the pages turning, despite the romance feeling somewhat forced rather than organically developed.
In conclusion, Blood Beneath the Snow is a worthwhile venture for readers who enjoy fantasy filled with competition and intrigue, though it may fall short for those primarily seeking a romantic thread. While it certainly has its merits, it didn’t quite fulfill the “romantasy” promise I had hoped for. That said, I believe many readers will appreciate Revna’s fire and the rich world Kennington has built, making it a solid choice for those in the mood for a fantasy rife with conspiracy and grit. Perhaps upon reflection, my experience with Revna’s trials has ignited a desire for deeper connections in my reading—who knew a “romantasy” could spark such a reflection? Happy reading!
Discover more about Blood Beneath the Snow (Blood & Souls, #1) on GoodReads >>