Will I love The Demon King?

This is everything I love in YA fantasy!

The setting was rich and immersive, with a world history I wanted to know more about. The characters were strong and believable. Han needs a hug and a break! Raisa needs to stop kissing everyone, but at the same time, you do you, girl. Haha. Their flaws made them both frustrating and lovable, and long before the end, I wanted to see both of them break out of their limited worlds and discover everything life had to offer.

10/10 coming-of-age story with plenty of adventure to be had. (Psst, book two is… show more.

This book is so underrated, it’s painful. A truly engrossing read. Han Alister must rise up from the slums of the city to embrace his magic, and find revenge for his innocent sister’s death. She was his heart, and when her life is extinguished, so is that part of himself. Or so he thought, until Raisa. A princess by birth, she’ll have to overcome her so-called privilege to have a chance at real happiness with someone less than a commoner—a reformed thief and gang leader. Or is he? Will revenge prove a more powerful conviction than love? Magical twists and… show more.

From the moment Ms. Chima started, I was hooked. Han, a troubled youth, trying not to live up to what others thought. Bound by magical cuffs—no idea who or what he really was. I knew his plight. I wanted him to run. To escape. To succeed! When, unbeknownst to him, he crosses paths with Raisa, the heir to the throne, his world crumbles. I was a part of everything they did. It sparked memories of my own. Thoughts of what others believe or don’t. The challenges we go through to overcome.

This was another first book into a wondrous saga… show more.

Why do I recommend this book? Han Alistair. Listen, the whole book is amazing. The world Cinda created is top-notch, rich, and in-depth. The play between the two main characters is a great mismatch that works perfectly. The twists and turns are delightful. The magic system is one of my favorites. But Han Alistair is my OG book boyfriend. This character is just the perfect blend of sweet, dark, brilliant, kind, misunderstood, broken… I could go on but I think you get it. This is an oldie but a goodie, pick it up! 

While this series is aimed at a younger audience, I found it just as enjoyable as anything aimed at adult readers. Yes, again, it is the fledgling, maturing, and sometimes troubled romance that will likely draw you through, however, the worldbuilding and external conflict is easily as captivating as the internal as you join reformed thief Han Alister on his quest to leave his previous career and reputation behind.