Poisoned Empire
Mages of Oblivion, Book 1
by Elyse Thomson
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Pub Date Jul 12 2023 | Archive Date Jun 11 2023
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Description
Cinderella (feral) meets The Lies of Locke Lamora in this lush romantic fantasy set in a world inspired by the Eastern Roman Empire
Black-marketeer Selene has poison magic and the cynicism to match. When she and genius metals mage Iliana are arrested by the same scheming, noble fathers who tossed them out at birth, they suspect apologies won’t be forthcoming. Forced to either impersonate their half-sisters or die, the friends are stuffed into fancy dresses, packed off to the capital, and thrust into the perilous, glittering world of the imperial court.
Traitors lurk in Prince Belisarius’ court, and only his loyal strategos Marduk is above suspicion. As noble-born villains siphon away the souls of their daughters to magnify their magic in secret, Belisarius plots to expose them all—by inviting every noblewoman in the empire to compete for his hand in marriage. But two infuriating imposters in attendance quickly become his bane.
When the friends are discovered, they expect imprisonment—not a deal. Vast riches are on offer if Selene poses as fiancée to the handsome prince while Iliana simpers for the towering strategos—a ploy to lure traitorous enemies to the capital. Yet even as they help secure the throne, false affections flirt with real passions, and Selene and Iliana are convinced they’ll either lose their hearts… or their heads.
This steamy fantasy is perfect for fans of T. Kingfisher, Jeffe Kennedy and Grace Draven.
Advance Praise
"Packed full of fun, action and occasional steamy scenes which are most DEFINITELY too saucy for reading in public"-- Rachel Le Mesurier, author of The Musician's Promise Series
"Packed full of fun, action and occasional steamy scenes which are most DEFINITELY too saucy for reading in public"-- Rachel Le Mesurier, author of The Musician's Promise Series
Marketing Plan
Poisoned Empire will be available in ebook, paperback and hardcover, July 12, 2023.
Poisoned Empire will be available in ebook, paperback and hardcover, July 12, 2023.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9781738842612 |
| PRICE | $3.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 402 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Genevieve L, Reviewer
I think I forgot how much fun a book can be until I read Poisoned Empire.
The synopsis hooked me, the prologue ensured that I kept reading, and the rest of the book cemented its place on my list of favourites. This book is a masterpiece.
Firstly, the prose is magnificent. In the beginning the introductions and backstories felt a little but like an info-dump but I didn't mind because everything was so well paced, concise, and engaging. This book is pure chaos and hilarity wrapped up in a very neat package with some really touching moments that add depth to the world and characters.
Our protagonists, bastard daughters of the nobility, a master of poisons and the best metal mage on the continent, are kidnapped and drawn into a plot against the Emperor and his son, except their loyalties do not lie with their fathers, so why not aid the Prince?
This book has shenanigans galore, it's abundant with moments that made me laugh out loud, and the quality of the prose and pacing had me turning the pages at a furious rate.
If I can convince anyone to read anything, I hope that it's this book.
Perfect for fans of From Blood and Ash or Throne of Glass that want something a little bit lighter (and better written), it's The Princess Bride level of delightful. Cannot recommend this enough.
Crystal (Bean) H, Reviewer
This was endearing, heart-felt, and action filled from start to finish!
I enjoyed the romance/spice, magic system, world-building and characters. Everything was so well done and bingable. This is one of my favorite Fantasy Romance books of the year.
TYSM for the opportunity to be an ARC reader! (I will be including this in a weekly book giveaway around release date to help promote it! @hauntedhousebooks on tiktok)
Katy W, Reviewer
Court intrigue, romance, and magic blend perfectly to create this lush and engaging story!
Our story starts with two close friends on the run from their fathers. They of course are captured and are expected to compete for the prince’s hand in marriage. The girls were not brought up in their families’ noble traditions and are soon discovered by the prince and his trusted advisors. Of course, the prince sees this as an opportunity to help weed out any traitors in his court and utilizes the girls to help him. But will both parties get more than they bargained for?
I loved this story. I loved the magic system. I loved the characters. And I loved the pacing.
The magic system was easy to understand and it felt different in some ways too. While you had the big six magic types, there were other types that were seen as “lesser” in the world, but really those were the most interesting. Selene’s was my favorite. There is a lot you can do with poison when you can fully control it.
With multiple POV, there are several moving parts to keep track of, but it didn’t feel overwhelming at all. I loved the contrast between the two relationships as well. One was sweet and just felt like a warm hug, while the other was sassy and full of passion.
This really is great if you like fantasy and romance, and don’t want to choose. I cannot wait for the next book and to come back to this world again!!
Thank you to NetGally and Two Laurels Press for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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