Monday 19 October 2020

The Orchid Throne - Book Review (repost)


The Orchid Throne (Forgotten Empires #1)
by Jeffe Kennedy

What is it about:
Welcome to the world of Forgotten Empires from award winning author Jeffe Kennedy that begins with The Orchid Throne.

A 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?


What did I think of it:
It's a good thing I write my reviews and don't do podcasts like Carien does, because my spoken review would contain a whole lot of incoherent squeeing and excited trotter waving. Because this book is so completely and totally awesome!

This is the first book in a trilogy and it's told from the viewpoint of both Euthalia and Conrí. Euthalia is a woman who plays her cards close to her chest and even in her chapters she is so guarded it takes time to get to really know her, but it was so worth it! Her court and kingdom are intriguing, wonderful, but also dangerous places, and I loved to discover the beauties and secrets of Calanthe.

Conrí is far more straightforward than Euthalia and so is the one of the people closest to him. I fell in love with his closest friend Sondra right from the start. He also has a really cool adviser, but if I start talking about him more, I'll get spoilery and I'll be squee-typing.

The world building, the characters, the story are all terrific and I was hooked from the start. I couldn't put the book down and read deep into the night to finish it. What a fantastic and beautiful read! You bet I'll get the finished book once it releases and that it will be reread while I impatiently wait for the next book!

A must read for anyone who loves Fantasy with romantic elements.

Why should you read it:
It's a squee-worthy Fantasy read!


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