Fantasy Romance Review ~ The Fiery Crown (Forgotten Empires, Book #2) by Jeffe Kennedy

Print Length: 398 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1250194334
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks (May 26, 2020)
Publication Date: May 26, 2020
Sold by: Macmillan
Language: English
ASIN: B0818MRNYH
Amazon

A queen and her rebel prince turn from enemies to lovers while evil forces plot to destroy them in this lush romantic fantasy.

Following The Orchid Throne, Conri and Lia’s marriage of convenience has turned into an uneasy alliance. If only the two leaders could agree on something. Driven by revenge, Conri wants to attack Emperor Anure before the tyrant gets to them first. But Lia needs to keep Calanthe safe, and refuses to sacrifice her kingdom. Their ongoing battle for control has built up tension they’re both more than happy to release in bed, the only place where they find common ground. But Conri and Lia are developing deeper feelings for each other that are complicating matters. In the second book in the Forgotten Empires trilogy, Conri and Lia find their loyalties torn, and with Emperor Anure’s threat growing, will they be able to risk everything with each other before it’s too late?

The Fiery Crown is the second book in Jeffe Kennedy's Forgotten Empires fantasy series. A fake emperor has overthrown all kingdoms claiming the lands, resources, and citizens for himself. All that is but Calanthe, the flower island, because he was promised Euthalia's hand in marriage - a marriage Euthalia has managed to delay time and time again. In book 1, she made the delay permanent by marrying Conrí, a former crown prince, now king, of a long-destroyed kingdom.

Their union is one of convenience and has slowly turned into one of uneasy alliance. Euthalia and Conrí continue to battle for control over what to do about Emperor Anure and how to protect Calanthe. Concessions are made that both allow for Conrí’s revenge and for Euthalia to protect Calanthe but the Emperor has tricks up his sleeve that may destroy Calanthe and Euthalia before the battle is over.

I love both Euthalia and Conrí. They have endured so much in their short lives. So much death, destruction, and injustice and they both seek revenge on the tyrant that brought it all about. I was equally intrigued and horrified by the events that unfolded during the battle between Calanthe and the Emperor. What transpires in the last half of the book had me on the edge of my seat trying not to cry as the inhumanities of war were delivered front and center. The author’s descriptions and vivid imagery brought forth disturbing scenes and emotion-evoking events, but they were necessary parts of the story being told.

I enjoy the author's continued slow path bringing Euthalia and Conrí together. As their affection for each other grows in The Fiery Crown, we get to see the different, tender sides to them, providing views into their humanity outside of the revenge and protection armor they typically wear.

With breathtaking imagery, heart-wrenching scenes and events, and a plethora of twists and turns, The Fiery Crown drew me in, captivated me, and kept me engaged. The book weaves together many other genres besides the fantasy element. The book also features paranormal and magical elements, romantic undertones, mystery, and suspense. I devoured this epic fantasy novel and look forward to The Promised Queen’s release.

I was given a copy of this book to read.

#Book #Review ~The Orchid Throne (Forgotten Empires, Book #1) by Jeffe Kennedy ~@jeffekennedy @SMPRomance @heroesnhearts #Fantasy

About The Orchid Throne:

PRISONER OF FATE

As Queen of the island kingdom of Calanthe, Euthalia will do anything to keep her people free—and her secrets safe—from the mad tyrant who rules the mainland. Guided by a magic ring of her father’s, Lia plays the political game with the cronies the emperor sends to her island. In her heart, she knows that it’s up to her to save herself from her fate as the emperor’s bride. But in her dreams, she sees a man, one with the power to build a better world—a man whose spirit is as strong, and whose passion is as fierce as her own…

A PRINCE AMONG MEN

Conrí, former Crown Prince of Oriel, has built an army to overthrow the emperor. But he needs the fabled Abiding Ring to succeed. The ring that Euthalia holds so dear to her heart. When the two banished rulers meet face to face, neither can deny the flames of rebellion that flicker in their eyes—nor the fires of desire that draw them together. But in this broken world of shattered kingdoms, can they ever really trust each other? Can their fiery alliance defeat the shadows of evil that threaten to engulf their hearts and souls?

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Read My Review:

The Orchid Throne is the first book in Jeffe Kennedy's new Forgotten Empires fantasy series. A fake emperor has overthrown all kingdoms claiming the lands, resources, and citizens for himself. All that is but Calanthe, the flower island, because he was promised Euthalia's hand in marriage - a marriage Euthalia has managed to delay time and time again. When a group of rebels break free from the their prison and slowly retake small kingdoms, the Emperor gives Euthalia both a warning - alerting her of the most recent takeover, and an ultimatum - when the band of rebels enters Calanthe, she either hands them over to him or becomes a traitor herself, to which he will have no problem dispatching his army. 

Conrí is a former crown prince - now the king - of a long destroyed kingdom. Taken as a slave, Conrí wants nothing more than cold, hard revenge against his captor. To that end, Conrí and his band of followers overtake the fake emperor's kingdoms offering protection for loyalty or death to those who refuse. As his army grows, his wizard claims that they must go to Calanthe as part of a magical prophesy. He wasn't expecting a cold-as-ice Queen with an agenda of her own. He has very little time to convince her to work together before she hands him and his companions over to certain death.

I love both Euthalia and Conrí. They have endured so much in their short lives. So much death, destruction, and injustice and they both seek revenge on the tyrant that brought it all about. I was equally intrigued and horrified by the events that unfolded during the complete and utter destruction of the kingdoms surrounding the island of Calanthe. I enjoyed the author's slow path bringing Euthalia and Conrí together. Having Euthalia and Conrí in different phases of their respective plans then uniting them in an unorthodox manner allowed me to get to know them separately and then together.

With breathtaking imagery, heart-wrenching backstory, and a plethora of twists and turns, The Orchid Throne drew me in, captivated me, and kept me engaged. The book weaves together many other genres besides the fantasy element. The book also features paranormal and magical elements, romantic undertones, mystery, and suspense. I read this epic fantasy novel in two days in-between working full time and taking care of my family at night. The book was in my hands at every available opportunity. 

The story remains open-ended but not with a mind-bending cliffhanger. Oh, I'm chomping at the bit for the next book, of course, but the author gave us a tasteful conclusion.

I was given a copy of this book to read.

My Rating: