Kings of this World

If you’re looking for a book that mixes dark mystery, emotional depth, and the chaotic charm of a boarding-school story, 'Kings of This World' by Elizabeth Knox is absolutely worth your time.

The setup is instantly intriguing: Vex (Victoria Magdolen) arrives at Tiebold Academy on a strange scholarship, surrounded by students who have 'P': a kind of persuasive power that can nudge, convince, or completely sway people. It’s fascinating, a little unsettling, and the perfect fuel for drama. But Vex isn’t just the new kid—she’s the daughter of a man everyone fears, a mass murderer who weaponized his P. It’s the kind of backstory that makes you lean in.

What starts as a school-with-secrets story quickly shifts gears when Vex and her friends are kidnapped and held for ransom. From that point on, Knox keeps the tension tight. The survival scenes are gripping, but it’s the character moments that really shine—loyalty, fear, frustration, and tiny sparks of hope in all the right places. The group’s dynamic feels believable in that 'we’re stuck together whether we like it or not' way that gives the book heart.

Knox also handles the concept of P really well—it’s cool and imaginative, but she never lets it overshadow the emotional core. It’s less about magic and more about power, trust, and how easy it is for both to be abused. The themes hit without feeling heavy.

The best part? Vex. She’s sharp, guarded, funny in a dry way, and determined not to be defined by her father’s crimes. Her voice grounds the story, giving the high-stakes plot some very human edges.

Note: there are mature themes, PTSD, violence