Princess of Souls has this intriguing protagonist named Selene, who's not your typical damsel in distress. She's a fierce, morally complex royal with a dark secret—she can steal souls to extend her own life. The book paints her as this tragic figure, caught between duty and monstrosity, which reminds me of flawed heroines like Jude from 'The Cruel Prince' or Kestrel from 'The Winner’s Curse'. What I love is how the story subverts expectations; Selene starts off almost villain-coded, but her vulnerability and internal battles make her deeply relatable.
Her dynamic with other characters, especially the rebel she’s forced to ally with, adds layers to her growth. The way she grapples with power versus humanity gave me 'Shadow and Bone' vibes but with a grittier, more personal twist. Honestly, Selene’s journey from ruthless survival to something softer—yet never saccharine—is what glued me to the pages.