King Hall - By Scarlett Dawn (Review)

A fresh, meaty, sink-your-teeth-in-and-hold-on-tight new adult fantasy series kicks off with King Hall…

King Hall — where the Mysticals go to learn their craft, get their degrees, and transition into adulthood. And where four new Rulers will rise and meet their destinies.

Lily Ruckler is adept at one thing: survival. Born a Mystical hybrid, her mere existence is forbidden, but her nightmare is only about to start. Fluke, happenstance, and a deep personal loss finds Lily deeply entrenched with those who would destroy her simply for existing — The Mystical Kings. Being named future Queen of the Shifters shoves Lily into the spotlight, making her one of the most visible Mysticals in the world. But with risk comes a certain solace — her burgeoning friendships with the other three Prodigies: a wicked Vampire, a wild-child Mage, and a playboy Elemental. Backed by their faith and trust, Lily begins to relax into her new life.

Then chaos erupts as the fragile peace between Commoners and Mysticals is broken, and suddenly Lily realises the greatest threat was never from within, and her fear takes on a new name: the revolution.

I can't quite explain why I like this book so much. There wasn't a intrigue plot or conspiracy despite the abrupt end of several important characters. It was mainly a kingmaker type novel with training and preparation to inherit the throne. There are tests galore but no particular quest or adventure. I guess what held the most interest was the dynamic between the characters. The four main characters all have their quirks and powers but it's their friendship that's the main focus of this book. Their interactions with one another and their mentors are often amusing but what kept me reading was an interest in what they were doing and why. Dawn doesn't reveal much but what she does reveal is enough to keep a reader wondering... and reading. I loved how she built the Prodigies friendship but I would've liked a little more adventure and twists in the plot, it came off quite straight forward.

The ending is a definite cliffhanger. I bought the sequel as soon as I finished because I was desperate to know what happened next. But the action packed ending wasn't typical of the rest of the book so if you're wanting magical battles and plot twists, King Hall may not be for you. But there are great characters, if a little quick on the grieving process. It's an imaginative new adult, urban fantasy novel and a promising start to the Forever Evermore series.

4/5

xxx Literary George
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Thank you to NetGalley, Scarlett Dawn and Harlequin Enterprises Australia/Escape Publishing for the copy in exchange for an honest review.