I really tried to like this book. It just wasn't my cup of tea. I don't know why. I could just be me.

Unfortunately this book was not for me. I DNF’d partway through because I found myself not being invested enough in the characters to continue on.

I was granted an ARC by the publisher because I read and reviewed first book. I have to say this second book was really good. I myself enjoyed it so much, the characters are as captivating as in the first one. I love how realistic the characters fears are from the beginning and how they end up developing throughout the book. This author has a way of writing adult romance that I love so much. It definitely makes me want to read more of her work.

This was really good! I really love how strong Lia is and the character growth between her and Con is so well done! I loved that this book surprised me in many ways! I cant wait to read the next book

Great story and loved the romance. Loved the cast of characters and how the story came to be. Great story and I would read this author again.

The Fiery Crown is second in the Forgotten Empires series and can not be read as a standalone as it continues the story of Queen Euthalia and the Slave King, Conri. The first introduced readers to this fantasy world, a world that was ravaged twenty years ago and ruled ever since by the self-proclaimed emperor Anure. Conri was the prince of a kingdom called Oriel that was the first to fall. He was sent to the mines where his thirst for revenge grew until he was old enough to do something about it. He has a friend named Sondra from Oriel with him, a former General named Kara, and wizard named Ambrose, who claims Conri is part of a prophecy that will topple the kingdom. The first ends with Conri completing another part of Ambrose's prophecy, claiming the hand, marrying, the Queen Euthalia of Calanthe.

All my promises to protect her were as empty as my blackened soul. She’d called me a caged wolf, and she was more right than she knew. A trapped animal can never be trusted.

Euthalia was an aloof solitary figure in the first book as she is the only independent ruler left in the land and only because her father betrothed her to Anure. In this second installment, we get to see her open up more as her and Conri become closer through dealing with how to defeat Anure. Again, there was time dedicated to Euthalia's clothing and make-up choices but those were kept more brief as the focus started to turn to why she has such an elaborate get-up. Euthalia is an elemental, she would grow flowers and vines instead of hair if she didn't shave it and can share thoughts and feelings with her land Calanthe. This along, with brief appearances by Ambrose and some other wizards is really the only fantasy elements we get. There really isn't any new worldbuilding as this stagnates on Conri and Euthalia pushing and pulling at each other as Conri works to get his revenge and Euthalia tries to protect her land.

A final joke from the gods who’d abandoned me. It changed nothing that my heart had come to life. It only meant I’d bleed more when I died.

I really felt the first seventy percent of this could have been condensed down to 10-20 percent as I was, quite frankly, bored for the vast majority. The last 30% finally gives us a glimpse of the major villain Anure and has some action and heartbreak that moved the story along. There were times that I felt the vernacular felt a bit modern or off for the time and place this world is set in; it just didn't jive with the medieval feel. With some secrets revealed but more still unexplained and Anure not defeated, this ends with somewhat of a cliffhanger. I don't feel there was enough story here to drag out to three books but if everything is going to be wrapped up in the third, that should be full of revelations and action.

This novel was listed as both sf/fantasy and romance. Such crossovers range from sf/fantasy with a love story to romance with a few fantasy elements. It all depends on the emphasis, where the energy and moving force in the story lie. That focus determines the reading experience, even with the same set of events. A novel can be driven by characters/relationships, by plot, by ideas (like mysteries), and even by the world itself. Romance may contain all of these elements but the heart of the story lies in the evolving, often tumultuous relationship between two people. The Fiery Crown is one of these. It’s set in a world with interesting magic and political conflicts, and various events, although the most dramatic don’t happen until three-quarters through the book. But the center of it is the love story between Conri and Lia, a prince-turned-slave-turned-king and the not-quite-human Queen of Flowers of the island nation of Calanthe, possessor of the Abiding Ring of prophecy. The Fiery Crown follows the story begun in The Orchid Throne, beginning with Conri and Lia married, very much in lust with one another but lacking the understanding that would allow them to work together against their mutual enemy, the mainland emperor, Anure. Over the course of this book, each makes progress in that direction, although whether it will be enough to overcome their separate habits of suspicion and stubborn independence in time to save Lia and Calanthe from Anure’s invasion is uncertain.

The Fiery Crown is the middle book of a trilogy, although it isn’t labeled as such. I didn’t realize it when I picked the book up. Indeed, it felt as if I were coming into the middle of a story. I didn’t find the characters and situations confusing, but I did have the sense that this was an interesting way to open a romance novel. Usually, these begin with the couple meeting, being attracted to one another, struggling through one misunderstanding after another, and finally surrendering to their mutual passion. Here, they’re already married and enjoying an enthusiastic sexual relationship, which seems to be the only point on which they are agreed.

I’d strongly suggest that the first book (The Orchid Throne) be read first, and that readers set their expectations to a long, slow, relationship development with not much action until the final quarter of the book, and an unresolved ending that must wait until the final volume. If slow-burn romance in a fantasy world is your thing, you’ll love this series.

*Note: this review may contain spoilers. This is the second book in a series that should be read in order.
If you are new to this series, you can check out my review of book one- The Orchid Throne- HERE*

The Fiery Crown is the second book in the Forgotten Empires series by Jeffe Kennedy. The Forgotten Empire series is a fantasy series and the first book, The Orchid Throne totally knocked my socks off. I loved this book so much! I was so excited to read the second book in the series, and then life happened and the next thing I knew it was October and the Fiery Crown has been out for 5 months already! But I am so glad that I finally picked this one up because I was so happy to get transported back to the land of Calanthe. I didn't love this book as much as The Orchid Throne but I still really enjoyed it and I am excited to read the third book in the series!

In the Fiery Crown we are dealing with the aftermath of The Orchid Thrown, namely, the marriage between Lia and Conrí. Conrí is Lia's opposite in many ways, which made their pair all the more interesting. I loved the wittiness of their banter. They are so clearly intellectual equals of each other, and that was a big draw for each of them, which is exactly the kind of slow burn romance I love watching unfold. In The Fiery Crown, I loved seeing the characters different perspectives and opinions played out which how they each thought they should respond to the various events that were happening around them. The world is at war and is dealing with the aftermath of the false king that overthrew many of the kingdoms, and they each have different ideas of what to do, how to get revenge, how to advance and respond in a war, etc. It was all very interesting. I really loved seeing them work together and watch as their marriage of convenience turned into something a little more real for the both of them. The romance aspect of the book was fantastic. It was easily my favorite element of the story and it is the part of the book that I can't wait to continue on with in the series. 

The plot didn't capture me as much as the plot of The Orchid Throne did. I felt like not a whole lot happened in this book. I felt like as I was reading, I kept waiting for something big to happen, for the action to start, and it was a very slow build up to the action, which did eventually occur in the last portion of the story. And I really did love the last portion of the book, and I loved the character development throughout, but the action in the plot fell a little short of the first book, in my opinion. Overall, I really enjoyed this follow up to The Orchid Throne. This is a great fantasy series. The first book is still my favorite, but The Fiery Crown was a great read.

The Fiery Crown is a sweet and sexy romance with a splash of adventure and fantasy . The heroine and hero are great characters and I really enjoyed this story.

another great read from Mr. Kennedy, I enjoy the way he writes and how he makes his characters feel like real people. This was an enjoyable read.

Conri and Lia have married and Conri is ready to act but Lia is ruling the Throne with the grace a royal would have. Even though their marriage was was to unite the kingdom, feelings have developed and they do not always see eye to eye. What happens when it is time to act on the Emperor who deserves nothing less then death? Will it go according to plan?

This one surprised me quite a bit,had a bit of a shocker that blew me away. I liked the characters from the first book and it carries on into the second. You are immediately swept away in the dynamics of two seemingly strangers wrapped up in a marriage and navigating through two different perceptions of how things should be done. Great follow up book, wonderful story.

Uhmm, Wow. This book blew me away again. Just as the first one did, there was hot sex, but more importantly there was this dialogue of depth that blew my mind. It’s like the Nobility and rulers of the Forbidden Empires speak a different language even though it is written in English. There is so much intrigue and cynicism in their dialogue it makes you wonder if they aren’t connected telepathically.

Jeffe brings us another story full of depth and uncertainty and love and capitulation that stays with you days after you’ve finished–probably even months. Somehow I think I will remember this series always. Only a few do I remember more than a year later. Anyway, back to the story. Lia and Con have built a very tight relationship of tit for tat and anger that becomes lust that becomes love and protection. They both rely on it so much in their relationship, they forgot how to trust. When they finally try to trust one another, deep down they still don’t and it shows because they make their choices based on other ideals and wants. But in the end, they both realize the other is more important than any want or desire or duty they tried to make decisions for or towards. This second book in the series is about Lia and Con finding their trust in one another and their deep love. It is about being torn apart and put back together again.

Both feel they must sacrifice or suffer to be loved, when all they really needed to do was trust in each other. But they figure that out in the end and although much of the time in this book they are separated by an ocean, in the end they are back together and promise to fight alongside one another, not against each other–and certainly not for different gains. They have a plan now and are going to make it happen in book three…I’m sure.

The sadness and angst everyone feels in this book is so depressing it almost chokes the tears out of you until they finally realize they were loved and are able to let go, then the peace comes back to your heart and the book takes on a frenzied feel where Lia and Con must get back to each other. I stayed up reading late into the night to finish when I got to this part because I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep with my heart so full of sadness and angst. Missing my newly dead father and mother was really hurting and this just compounded it. I knew it would all morph into one sadness where I wouldn’t be able to distinguish between the book and my own sadness, so I finished and went to sleep with a smile on my face.

Don’t get me wrong there is still a big mess to clean up in the next book, and I can’t wait for it either…but of course it doesn’t come out till next year. This series is quite moving and if you’ve ever been stuck in something, not quite sure how to get out or move away from the path, this is your chance to see how taking the first step can lead you to an amazing adventure, surely some sadness, but great happiness in the end.

Again I’m giving this a 5 of 5 because although you need more to complete the story it feels like a good stopping point. I’m not disappointed I didn’t get more and honestly a breather after that is refreshing and much needed.

I started reading this one but didn't hold my interest. because I didn't know it was the second book when I requested it. I though the concept was good but I wish I could have connected with the characters more. Maybe once I read the first one then I come back to this one.

The Fiery Crown is book 2 of the Forgotten Empires series. At this point, Conri and Euthalia are preparing for the backlash of their marriage. Expecting Emperorer Anure to retaliate soon, and the couple must agree on a way to keep Calanthe safe from his forces while Con attempts to exact his revenge.

There is nothing about this book/ series I do not like. The fantasy elements are unique and exciting. Euthalia's connection to her land and her magical ties to the orchid ring is clever and interesting. She is a strong leader, intelligent, and dedicated to her people. Conri begins as a reluctant partner, but slowly he and Euthalia work together to combat the impending war. During preparations, you see a strong partnership begin to grow between them, and the people around them fall in line with it.

Prophecies are an exciting plot device. When handled properly, it can inject a good deal of suspense into the story. In The Fiery Crown, the true meaning is not obvious until it is. It does not contradict itself. I just buzzed right through this story, on the edge of my seat, trying to figure it all out. And I did not see everything coming.

Jeffe Kennedy did an excellent job keeping me engaged in the Fiery Crown. I absolutely cannot wait for more of the Forgotten Empires series.

<b>**FULL REVIEW**</b>

I honestly had a difficult time getting fully into this book...not realizing it was a second installment.

The pace felt very slow, not much happening until about 72%. The battle was pretty special, which is why this gets 3-stars...but, overall, to me it was just okay.

Maybe because I wasn’t properly introduced to the characters through the first book, only meeting them now when chemistry is high and tensions are higher. Unfortunately because of my oversight, I may be jaded from starting from the beginning...and with how long it has taken me to finish this book, I’m afraid I’d be biased against further books in this series.

The writing though, is superb. I only wish there was more action and less talking.

<b>**3 Caught Between Love & Revenge, Stars**</b>

It was an enjoyable book. Didnt know this was a second in the series so had to read the first one before this one.
Lia is trying to save her kingdom so marries a warrior named Conri. It was great to see these try navigate thru their marriage and fall in love.

I went into this story completely blind. I didn't realize that it was necessary to read the first book in the series. Upon figuring some things out I continued reading. This isn't a bad book, it's just not great. Maybe if I had read the first book I would have been anxiously awaiting the news in this one. I apologise for not reading the first one. Maybe I should have put this one in the did not finish file.

The Fiery Crown is the sequel to The Orchid Throne and you must read them in order, they are not standalones.

The second book in the series was a much stronger book than the first and really had some focus and strong storytelling behind it. Anure is a powerful villain, and the story of Lia and Con is much more compelling in this book. The characters voices are really starting to shine through and the character growth is evident and apparent.

What a unique fantasy! I quite enjoyed this story with all its uniqueness and creative storyline. I haven't read the first book to this series though I want to go back to see how Conri and Lia’s marriage came about.

There is a lot of tension between Conri and Lia in this book. From page one Conri seems like the typical alpha man wanting things his way but throughout the story your feelings will soften towards him as he begins to understand Lia's point of view. I applaud the author for how she is able to kept his the strong military leader personality and mindset while he softens towards Lia and her desires.

Lia is quite amazing, her strength and what she hides from everyone is startling and I kept trying to get my head around it. I would really love a visual of her to see if my mind created the right image of her from the authors description. This character is the hardest to get my mind wrapped around. I can only imagine how hard it has been for her to lead and keep her people save.

Emperor Anure is a great villain! His desire to possess Lia is felt throughout the book and adds the suspense needed to keep this storyline from going flat.

I can’t wait the read the final book to this trilogy. I do recommend this series to Sci-Fi & Fantasy readers.

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.