To Kill a Kingdom

Alexandra Christo
54 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
YA
Published in 2018

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

Alexandra Christo

To Kill a Kingdom

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2018
Book Details
Pages

361

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Romance

•

Fantasy

•

Coming of Age
Theme
Love

•

Revenge

•

Hate & Anger
Topic
Relationships

•

Love & Sexuality
First Publication Year

2018

Publisher

Feiwel & Friends

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

3.7

224,707 ratings

62%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read To Kill a Kingdom?

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.

3.7

224,707 ratings

62%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Character List

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Book Details
Pages

361

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Romance

•

Fantasy

•

Coming of Age
Theme
Love

•

Revenge

•

Hate & Anger
Topic
Relationships

•

Love & Sexuality
First Publication Year

2018

Publisher

Feiwel & Friends

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Buy This Book

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 10,900+ additional titles.