To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo blends dark fantasy with a touch of romance, repurposing the classic mermaid myth. Reviewers praise its compelling characters and rich world-building but note that its predictable plot and stereotypical tropes can detract from the overall experience. Despite these issues, fans of twisted fairy tales will find it engaging.

Readers who enjoy dark retellings with strong, morally complex characters will be captivated by To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo. Fans of Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows and Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses will appreciate this thrilling and twisted take on The Little Mermaid, filled with action, romance, and fantasy intrigue.

To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo is a reimagined, dark retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s "The Little Mermaid," featuring Lira, a siren princess cursed by her mother to become human after a mistake, and Prince Elian, a siren-hunter obsessed with eradicating her kind. Their paths intertwine as they begrudgingly team up to dethrone the malevolent Sea Queen and end the war between humans and sirens. Includes depictions of violence.

Mysterious / Dark / Adventurous / Romantic / Suspenseful

**Princess Lira**  
The protagonist, daughter of the Sea Queen, known as The Princes’ Bane for her deadly reputation. She undergoes a transformation that challenges her to navigate life as a human.

**Prince Elian of Midas**  
The deuteragonist and prince of Midas, who prefers adventure on the sea as a pirate and siren hunter. He captains the Saad and is committed to ending the war with the sirens.

**Kye**  
Elian’s best friend and bodyguard, raised as the son of a diplomat but now a key member of the Saad’s crew. He is wary of Lira and has a romantic relationship with Madrid.

**Madrid**  
The second mate of the Saad and the only named female crew member, known for her kindness toward Lira. She shares a close bond with Kye and prefers using a crossbow.

**Kolton Torik**  
An experienced first mate on the Saad and loyal member since its inception, hailing from the mining nation of Ánthrakas. He is skilled in combat and serves as Elian's trusted right-hand man.

**The Sea Queen**  
The ruthless and brutal mother of Lira and ruler of the oceans. She is feared among her subjects and shapes Lira into a fearsome siren.

**Khalia**  
Lira’s cousin, a young siren who is fiercely loyal to Lira. Her life was spared at great personal cost due to family sacrifice.

**Sakura/Princess Yukiko**  
The mysterious owner of the Golden Goose and lost princess of the icy kingdom Págos, who plays strategic roles in political alliances. She views marriage as a means to power.

**Tallis Rycroft**  
A rival pirate captain of the Xaprár, characterized by his deceit and lack of honor. His notoriety includes rumors of having enslaved people aboard his ships.

**Crestell**  
The Sea Queen’s sister and Khalia’s mother, who dies in a tragic familial conflict. Her influence leaves a lasting impression on Lira’s journey.

**Queen Galina of Eidýllio**  
A queen with an inherited power that affects men unpredictably, complicating relationships and leadership. She becomes part of a strategic marriage alliance involving Yukiko.

**Amara**  
Elian’s younger sister and princess of Midas, with a strong inclination to lead. She shares a deep familial bond with Elian.

Alexandra Christo

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