Book Review: The Collection by K. Kirchberger

*Disclaimer* A thank you to R&R Book Tours and the author for the ARC copy!

The Collection

Published: July 23rd 2024

Genre: Adult Fantasy Romance/ Paranormal Romance

Features

⦁ Loyalty

⦁ Found love

⦁ Protective MMC

⦁ Strong friendships

⦁ Hidden identities

⦁ Immortals

Synopsis

Once a year, a draw is held in the capital that requires four mortals from each town to be given over to Hell. The mortals are taken to Hell, where they will either become an immortal in one of the four courts or perish in the trials.

One mortal is sent to the vampire’s Court of Blood. One goes to the Court of Moon, court of the werewolves. A third is sent to the Court of Spell, with the warlocks and witches. And a final mortal, always a female, goes to the Court of Song, Court of the Sirens.

Twenty-three-year-old Kenna hasn’t had her name called since she became eligible five years ago. She knows in her heart that this year will be the year her world changes. But it isn’t her name that is called out for Collection; it is her best friend Sora’s.

Not willing to be without Sora, Kenna quickly follows her through the gateway to Hell before it closes. Not knowing which court Sora was Collected for, Kenna must brave all four as a mortal in order to find her friend. Lucky for her, she gains the help of an alluring stranger who holds more sway in Hell than she could have hoped for.

As their fates intertwine and her heart falls fast, Kenna learns navigating a foreign and dangerous land like Hell isn’t easy, and if she isn’t careful, it could cost her everything.

The Collection is Available Now on Amazon

REVIEW

K. Kirchberger makes Hell look sweet in her debut adult fantasy romance, THE COLLECTION.

“THE COLLECTION” happens once a year in the town of Aevlin. A pact made long ago with the Devil keeps the mortal world safe from demons and immortal creatures. A pact where four young people are selected and brought forth each year to be given to Hell. Once there, they are tested in the trials to decide which of the four courts they become or die trying. Kenna feels it is her time this year, but when her best friend’s name is called, Kenna refuses to lose her friend and sneaks in through a hidden gate to Hell.

There is a price to pay when entering Hell, though, and Kenna offers her mortality, where she has six months to choose which immortal court to join to become or die. So she has six months to find her friend. Yet Kenna must gain an audience with each court prince to find out if her friend Sora got placed there, and a mortal in Hell is mighty tasty. When a chance encounter with a man leads Kenna to meet the Devil, Kenna is not afraid. 

Kirchberger’s world-building makes you fall in love with this book. The way she reimagines the concept of Hell makes sinning not seem so bad. I loved her imagery. Like Kenna, I was starting to enjoy it there, highlighting beauty in darkness. I also love fantasy romance/ paranormal romance, and Kirchberger did not disappoint me. A slow simmer of a read, she keeps the juices flowing just enough that you have to read one more page.

While her characters were likable, I found them a bit saccharine. I wanted to fall in love with Kenna and Luc, but the romance in me has died. The younger me would probably be gushing right now. Kenna and Luc are sweet and okay. I also was able to predict the ending, but Kirchberger did throw in a wrench that I did not see coming and made me nearly drop my tablet. The book ends on a cliffhanger, but there is nothing on or in the book (trust me, I looked all over) that states this is book 1 of such in such. Will there be another book?! I hope so!

My rating is 4 out of 5

Rating: 4 out of 5.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

As an avid reader with an appetite for anything fantasy, K. Kirchberger immerses herself in realms of magic and adventure. When not lost in the pages of a novel, she crafts her fantastical worlds, weaving tales that transport readers to captivating realms beyond imagination.