Burn the Kingdom Down

Gr 9 Up–Leaving her home in Tashir as a captive bride, Rowenna is sent to the kingdom of Vanzador. One year later, her body is returned after an alleged fall from a cliff, and the King demands a replacement. With little choice and a burning desire for justice, Indira, the second-born princess, agrees to be wed to the Prince of Vanzador. Her true mission is vengeance: to uncover her sister’s murderer and dismantle the royal family in order to free her home from further oppression. However, nothing in Vanzador is quite like her sister had described. Indira does not know who to trust as secrets come to the surface. As she navigates her new life, her motivations begin to shift from revenge to something more complex. Indira must consider whether peace could be possible between the two kingdoms. Thorley’s novel opens with an engaging premise and strong beginning, but it quickly loses momentum due to its slow pacing. While the magic system and worldbuilding are imaginative, they lack clarity and development as the story progresses, leaving readers with unanswered questions and gaps in understanding. The balance between the romance and Indira’s internal conflict adds both emotional tension and moments of levity. However, the characters often behave inconsistently, with beliefs and motivations that shift too rapidly to feel authentic, making it difficult for readers to connect with them. Main characters are assumed white; Indira has brown curly hair with freckles.