Fantasy Romance published by St Martin’s Paperbacks 25 May 21
I really enjoy Ms. Kennedy’s fantasy world building, though I have to admit I’ve struggled a bit with the pacing in this series. Despite the horrific journey that Conrii and Lia underwent in the last book, they persevere against all odds and escape to fight another day. One would have thought their bond would have strengthened through adversity and yet it is sundered, leaving them more as allies than spouses. Readers beware, be ready for the unexpected.
The story takes some very interesting twists and turns and reveals secrets and surprises that I certainly did not see coming. Lia has changed after her experiences and in some ways the island of Calanthe has changed as well, since it’s been blooded now. Can Lia bring the island back to tranquility and gain control over her magic, such that she can protect against the attack sure to come from the empire?
Con was so certain his way was right the last time he overruled anything Lia tried to tell him. He’s more amenable now, but it’s not clear that he’s really learned the value of the counsel she has to offer. Lia also has to overcome the fear and pain of what she’s undergone and trust Con in a way that she didn’t before. It is only when they trust each other fully they will be able to mount a united front and defeat their enemies.
I really love how all the ensemble of characters that we’ve met over the past two books really come into their own in this book. I’m sorry to see this story come to an end, but I do hope the author will find a way to create some secondary stories for some of our characters, as we see the kingdoms which are destroyed by the emperor find a way to rebuild and shine again.
Grade: B
Summary:
In The Promised Queen, the thrilling finale to Jeffe Kennedy’s Forgotten Empires trilogy, the fate of the world hangs in the balance as Con, Lia, and their allies sacrifice everything in a final bid to destroy the corrupt empire.
Claim the hand that wears the ring, and the empire falls.
Conrí, former Crown Prince of Oriel, claimed the hand that wears the Abiding Ring, but the prophecy remains unfulfilled. Queen Euthalia of Calanthe returned to her island kingdom, but broken in mind and body. With the blood of war unleashing ancient terrors, Calanthe isn’t the haven it once was.
Lia must use her magical bond with Calanthe to save their people while Con fights to hold off the vengeful Emperor Anure and his wizards. Con and Lia will have to trust in each other—and in love—to fend off ultimate disaster.
No excerpt available.
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