In Blood Beneath the Snow, Alexandra Kennington crafts an intense narrative that intertwines brutal power struggles, family betrayals, and complex romance into a riveting tale. The debut novel of the Blood & Souls Duology presents Revna, a fiercely determined yet magically powerless princess, who defies her royal bloodline’s cruel traditions. With a palpable tension and richly drawn characters, Kennington’s narrative offers both escapism and reflection on power, privilege, and prejudice. However, while the gripping pace and character development are commendable, certain narrative elements leave readers wishing for more depth and originality.
Plot: A Deadly Competition and a Dangerous Attraction
Set in the kingdom of Bhorglid, the story follows Revna, the youngest and only godforsaken princess lacking magical abilities—a fact marking her as a perpetual outsider and disgrace. With a backdrop of relentless war and dire societal divisions between the “godtouched” and the “godforsaken,” the kingdom’s brutal rituals and cruel discrimination form the stark reality Revna seeks to rebel against. When her close friends, fellow outsiders Freja and Halvar, find themselves at risk, Revna courageously enters the deadly Bloodshed Trials—a ruthless royal tradition forcing siblings to compete violently for the throne.
Complicating matters further, Revna encounters the Hellbringer, a terrifyingly powerful enemy general feared throughout Bhorglid. Kidnapped by him, she discovers complexities beneath his fearsome reputation, igniting a forbidden, tantalizing attraction. Her fight for survival and justice entwines intimately with her heart’s unexpected desires, as dark secrets about her kingdom unfold.
Kennington excels at maintaining gripping tension throughout the narrative. Battles are vividly rendered, rituals hauntingly depicted, and romantic encounters emotionally charged. However, certain events occasionally fall into predictable patterns typical of romantasy novels—such as the trope of an enemies-to-lovers dynamic, which might feel familiar to seasoned readers of the genre.
Key highlights of the plot include:
A vividly brutal depiction of the Bloodshed Trials.
Riveting scenes of rebellion and sabotage.
Subtle exploration of morally ambiguous characters, especially the Hellbringer.
Despite some predictable moments, Kennington effectively balances drama, action, and romance, keeping readers eagerly turning pages.
Character Analysis: Revna—A Rebel Princess with Depth and Nuance
Revna Thorunsdotter is convincingly portrayed as fierce yet vulnerable, brimming with justified anger at systemic cruelty. Her character embodies resilience, complexity, and a profound sense of loyalty. Revna’s lack of magical abilities makes her relatable; her struggles resonate deeply, highlighting the human cost of prejudice and the pain of familial rejection. However, occasionally, Revna’s defiance borders on reckless impulsivity, which, while realistic, can frustrate readers rooting for her rationality and strategic thinking.
The Hellbringer, Revna’s romantic foil, is portrayed with commendable nuance. Beneath his intimidating facade and devastating powers lies a deeply conflicted individual, creating rich emotional tension. However, his motivations sometimes feel insufficiently explored, and readers might crave more background on his past and inner turmoil.
Supporting characters like Freja, Halvar, and Arne bring warmth, authenticity, and emotional grounding. Particularly noteworthy is Freja’s unwavering courage, providing a compelling contrast to Revna’s impulsiveness.
Strengths and weaknesses in characterization:
Strengths: Richly nuanced protagonist; engaging and sympathetic supporting characters.
Weaknesses: Occasional lack of depth in antagonist’s motivations; moments of predictable behavior.
Writing Style: Vivid and Evocative with Moments of Poetic Beauty
Kennington’s prose is atmospheric, vividly immersing readers in Bhorglid’s stark, wintry landscapes and luxurious royal settings. Her descriptive prowess shines during intense action sequences, bringing readers close enough to feel every clash of swords, pulse of fear, and rush of adrenaline. Dialogue flows naturally, effectively conveying the complexity of relationships and underlying tensions.
However, while Kennington’s narrative style is immersive, the pacing occasionally falters. Some sections, especially introspective moments or exposition-heavy dialogues, slightly drag, briefly diminishing narrative momentum. Despite these minor issues, her style largely succeeds in captivating readers, drawing them deeply into her imaginative world.
Notable aspects of Kennington’s writing:
Rich, immersive descriptions of settings.
Engaging, authentic dialogue.
Occasionally uneven pacing during reflective sequences.
Themes: Exploring Power, Prejudice, and the Courage to Rebel
Blood Beneath the Snow deftly handles profound themes. Kennington delves deeply into systemic oppression, religious manipulation, and the toxic dynamics of power and privilege. Bhorglid’s brutal treatment of the godforsaken symbolizes broader social injustices, making Revna’s rebellion a powerful commentary on real-world inequality and prejudice.
Romance serves as another thematic pillar, exploring the complexities of forbidden love, attraction across enemy lines, and moral ambiguity. The evolving relationship between Revna and the Hellbringer provides thoughtful reflections on the nature of true strength, vulnerability, and the risks inherent in opening oneself to another.
However, the novel occasionally risks oversimplifying complex issues. The portrayal of priests and royals can sometimes feel one-dimensional, lacking the nuance necessary for deeper social critique.
Core themes at a glance:
The devastating effects of prejudice and inequality.
Moral ambiguity and forbidden attraction.
The courage required to challenge entrenched power structures.
My Personal Take: Engaging, Emotionally Charged, Yet Room for Growth
As someone deeply familiar with fantasy and romantasy genres, Blood Beneath the Snow provided an emotionally engaging experience. Revna’s struggles and vulnerabilities resonated deeply, while the novel’s depiction of systemic injustice felt both timely and impactful. Kennington’s confident, immersive prose and well-executed romantic tension held my interest consistently.
However, my reading experience wasn’t without critique. The romantic subplot occasionally overshadowed the larger stakes of Revna’s rebellion, diluting the novel’s deeper message. Furthermore, certain plot points felt predictable, diminishing tension in key scenes. Despite these critiques, Kennington demonstrates considerable promise, crafting a compelling story that left me eager for the sequel.
Personal highlights and critiques:
Immersive storytelling and relatable protagonist.
Effective emotional and thematic depth.
Occasional predictability in plot and romantic dynamics.
Similar Books You Might Enjoy
Fans of Blood Beneath the Snow will likely appreciate similar novels such as:
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
These novels similarly explore rebellion against oppressive systems, magical divides, and forbidden romances with strong, relatable female protagonists.
Wrapping It Up: A Promising Start to a Captivating Duology
Blood Beneath the Snow by Alexandra Kennington is a compelling blend of fantasy, romance, and social commentary. Despite minor flaws and moments of predictability, the novel’s strengths—particularly its vivid world-building, emotionally resonant protagonist, and engaging thematic exploration—make it a satisfying, thought-provoking read.
This debut showcases Kennington’s potential as a rising voice in fantasy, promising great things for the second installment. Readers looking for a gripping tale filled with fierce rebellion, complex relationships, and powerful emotional moments will find much to enjoy and ponder.