Godforsaken Princess & Bloodshed Trials: Week One of Blood Beneath the Snow Read Along

Blood Beneath the Snow Read Along – Week One Thoughts, Predictions & Pacing Issues

Welcome to week one of our read along for Blood Beneath the Snow by Alexandra Kennington—our March fantasy book box pick!

This debut fantasy novel kicks off with a heavy dose of worldbuilding, complex social dynamics, and the inner strength of our godforsaken princess, Revna.

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A Brutal World with Blood Magic and Caste Divides

We’re immediately thrown into a religious caste system that separates the godblessed (those with magic) from the godforsaken (those without). It’s a devastating, brutal world that makes clear just how much is at stake for Revna—especially after she interrupts a horrifying ritual where the last-born godforsaken child is sacrificed to the gods.

That opening scene? Heart-wrenching. It had me wanting revenge already.

Revna, Rebellion, and a Forced Marriage

Revna isn’t just any rebellious young woman—she’s royalty. And her engagement to Volkan seems like a strategic alliance. I love that Volkan is calm, kind, a healer—and gay. He’s already shaping up to be the rare “arranged marriage” character who brings peace rather than pain. His role feels less about romance and more about allyship and freedom, which is refreshing in forced marriage fantasy tropes.

Where’s My Kidnapping, Though?

Not gonna lie—I thought she’d be kidnapped by now. We’ve seen the Hellbringer a few times, so the setup is clearly building toward that inevitable moment. But the pacing is a little slow. There’s repetition in the first 90 pages that could’ve been trimmed to hit the action beats sooner.

Still, it’s a debut fantasy novel, and I’m giving the author some grace. New authors are still finding their rhythm—and Alexandra Kennington shows promise. The world is solid, the tone consistent, and Revna’s character arc has real potential.

Early Critique & Predictions

Small stylistic things (like overused chuckling and buried dialogue) are typical of new writers and should smooth out over time. What matters is that we have:

• A sympathetic, powerful main character

• A strong family dynamic

• A clear cultural and magical conflict

• A plot that’s character-driven but needs a bit more urgency

Here’s what I think is coming next:

• The kidnapping happens next section

• More training and prep for the Bloodshed Trials

• Revna’s going to have to kill (or try not to kill) someone she loves

• Her gross older brother will probably do something awful

Your Turn—What Do You Think?

That’s where I’m at so far. What are your predictions? Are you team Volkan already? Do you think she’ll actually kill one of her brothers? Drop your thoughts in the comments—let’s speculate wildly together.

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