Review: To Betray a King

To Betray a King by Annette K. Larsen is one of the books I hadn't read yet from 2024's Shattered Tales series. Having recently completed Tangled Sails, her contribution to Displaced Fairytales, I was eager to read more from her. This book is such a loose retelling of "The Frog Prince" that you'd have to be very familiar with the original fairy tale to catch all the references. The story contains no magic and revolves around a tactical espionage plot to prevent a series of murders by a dastardly villain. It fits well with the themes of The Shattered Tales and transforms "The Frog Prince," which is traditionally a light and rather silly story, into a suspenseful thriller.


Princess Faelyn's life turns upside-down when her family escapes her tyrannical fiancé, only to be terrorized further by her wicked cousin, who rules a neighboring kingdom. King Jeshua blackmails Fae to disguise herself as a peasant "Fraug" and poison a man she's never met. Fae is horrified by the notion, but with her family's lives at stake, she has little choice in the matter. She is welcomed into the royal house of her unsuspecting victim when she recovers a gold locket from a pond for a man named Bram. Bram is intrigued by Fae's mystique and eager to uncover her secrets, while Fae sees him as an opportunity to complete her task and free her family.

What this book lacks in fantasy is made up for by its fast-paced action and suspense. Fae is constantly pushed to the breaking point and forced to make difficult decisions to prevent as much suffering as possible. It's difficult to predict what will happen when she is placed in such an impossible situation. Will she go through with the devious plot? How can she betray her cousin and still protect her family at the same time? As a reader, I wasn't sure what I would have done in that situation and probably would have reacted similarly, which made the book difficult to put down.

The romance is a slow burn, which works well for this story because Fae is unable to trust Bram with her secrets at first due to the threat it would pose her family. Bram proves himself a worthy match for her, and with the help of the other members of the royal house, her task doesn't seem so impossible anymore. The book displays strong themes of teamwork, collaboration, and companionship, ending on a note of hope with a message of kindness.

To Betray a King is a gripping thriller that reimagines "The Frog Prince" with espionage, suspense, and a slow-burn romance. With her family's lives at stake, Fae must navigate complex loyalties and alliances, all while developing an uneasy partnership with Bram. As the plot unfolds, Fae's strength and resilience shine, making for a compelling and unpredictable read. This book is a great choice for fans of unconventional fairy tale retellings who enjoy psychological thrillers that are not overly explicit.
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