I absolutely loved this book. The world building was wonderful, it made me almost believe such a magical island could be out there somewhere. Con and Euthalia's relationship, as it grew and evolved, felt more real and had more emotion than I see in a lot of fantasy novels. And Ambrose was hilarious. I loved the way he danced around questions and managed to never answer anything. I can't wait for the sequel.

*ARC via netgalley in exchange for agreement to review*

I LOVED this book so much and wanted to stay immersed in that world forever! It's very specifically focused on a moment toward the end of a decades-long period of strife, but the novel does a great job of slowly filling the details in so that you're not overwhelmed with a lot of information at once. The tension between the two leads as they decide whether or not to trust one another in moving against their mutual enemy felt very real, and I really enjoyed trying to guess what would happen next.

Lia and Conri are in a marriage of convenience, both looking for something to gain. As they plan for war they start to have feelings for each other. Will these feelings be their demise when war does reach the shores of Calanthe.

I absolutely loved the world building in this book. It made you actually feel the beauty of Calanthe. At times I felt like I was there. Lia and Conri were great characters. I loved how they fought and loved. I will say that I did not know this was the second book in the series. I did read it without reading book ! and was not lost. I will defiantly look up book 1 because I would like to see the history of both of these characters. It was a slow read for me at the beginning but quickly started to move fast paced. There were plenty of twists to keep you reading.

This book was great! It was so enjoyable. It was entertaining and enticing. It was full of adventure, with twists and turns!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

At the end of The Orchid Throne, Calanthe’s Queen Euthalia grudgingly accepted an alliance with Conrí, leader of the rebellion against the Empire. The Fiery Crown opens shortly after their marriage. Lia’s former betrothed, the tyrannical Emperor Anure, is now focused entirely on capturing her and razing her island kingdom to the ground while she watches. Con and Lia have a common goal in defeating Anure, but the bedroom seems to be the only place they can agree on anything. Con wants his revenge on the despot who ravaged his kingdom and sent him and his people to die in the mines, and Lia must keep her island safe from bloodshed at all costs, or risk waking a dangerous elemental magic. Badly outnumbered and short on time, the pair learn to trust one another enough to work together and even begin to feel something more, though burgeoning emotions will inevitably make them more vulnerable to the Emperor. Kennedy’s worldbuilding is attentive and luxurious in this middle volume; the enjoyable supporting cast is fleshed out and the couple are given opportunities to spend time together and exchange confidences even in the midst of grave crisis. Readers looking for a well-balanced blend of romance and fantasy, with a gradually building relationship and ever-increasing stakes, should give the series a try.

I enjoyed the synopsis of this story and I had hopes that it would be phenomenal, but it failed to draw me in. I didn’t realize it was the second book in a series and I was so lost. I kept trying but the story seemed forced and half baked. I was disappointed by the main male character and his know it all attitude. It was also horribly slow. Not worth the time or effort.

I was provided with an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 2.75 stars

This book wasn’t bad, which is why I don’t have the heart to give it 2 stars. The first book, the Orchid Throne, was on the precipice between 3 stars and 4 stars: almost a great book. The Fiery Crown, on the other hand, is on the precipice of 2 stars and 3 stars: almost a bad book.

I think my biggest issue with this book is definitely just how SLOW it was. I wish I was exaggerating when I tell you that the first action scene doesn’t start until you’re 71% through the novel. Before that first action scene, I kid you not, it’s just the same characters talking. For hundreds of pages you just dredge through conversation, after conversation, after conversation.

And usually, I’m not someone who minds a slow read, as long as there is character arcs. The biggest issue I have with this book, is that all the characters (save Sondra) remain exactly the same. You get a little more insight on what their past is, but it’s all things we already know as a reader. We already know that Con was a slave and went through horrible things in the mines, telling us more details about it doesn’t count as character arcs. We already know Lia is only half a human, telling us more about her supernatural characteristics doesn’t count as character arcs. Emotionally, and personality wise, these characters remain utterly stagnant throughout the novel. It was exhausting and just plain boring to read about these characters, I didn’t feel invested in them in any way shape or form.

My dislike for Con just grew larger than ever. He truly, in all stereotypical manners, believes that he is right and he knows the way above anybody else. Everybody who is much smarter than he’ll ever be (Ambrose, Lia, Kara) tell him that something is bad idea, and he continues through with it anyway. To the point that I don’t even feel bad for his losses, because he brought them all on himself. This man truly thinks he can outsmart EVERYONE, and becomes the biggest pain in the ass in this novel. I really don’t even understand why anybody follows him??? He’s not charismatic or funny or smart or strategic, I don’t even understand how he’s made it this far in battle?? He literally just plunged into everything headfirst, with virtually no strategy or backup plan. Everyone warns him of a backup plan, commanders and wizards with prophecies, and women who have visions of the future, try to warn him... but nOoOoOoooo Conrí doesn’t need any of them, he will just woefully ignore all their warnings and then expect us to feel bad for him when he beats himself up about having lost everything.

Sondra & Lia much like the first book, are the only bright lights in this novel that kept this from being a 2-star bad book. Sondra actually had development as a character, both emotionally and intellectually. And Lia was funny and witty and smart, everything that Conrí lacked as a leader. I also liked Ambrose, and I felt like they (they, as in Conrí) didn’t trust him enough. If I were in this novel, at this point I would wholeheartedly listen and trust Ambrose, who’s proven himself to be their best ally in this war. And yet, the idiot Conrí walks all over the man, defying him at every turn.

All in all, I will read the 3rd book. I’m curious to see how these characters will overthrow the ruler, and I love Sondra enough that I want to know her outcome. This book seriously just barely made the mark though

This is the 2nd in the series but still not the best writing by Jeffe Kennedy.  I really just don't like the characters they are not very engaging and the plot is still a little slow-moving,  just not the best writing overall.

DNF

I didn't realize this was book 2 in a series and was so confused within the first few chapters. It does not work as a standalone; I DNFed it for the time being because I need to go back and catch up on the first book.

Queen Euthalia has reigned over her island kingdom of Calanthe with determination, grace, and her magical, undying orchid ring.When I started reading I couldn't put it down.Jeffe Kennedy is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.Can't wait for the next book

I've been waiting for this book and it doesn't disappoint. Lovely world building and imagery with unique ideas. It's a very very good series!

The Fiery Crown is the second installment in the Forgotten Empires trilogy. This book picks up right where the first book left off. Not much time has passed since The Slave King invaded Lia's kingdom. This book focuses on the impending wrath of Anure for Con stealing his betrothed and Lia for turning her back on the empire.

I enjoyed this book. It took the character arcs from the first book and completely expanded on their dynamic. The relationships are expanded upon as well. Not only Con and Lia's relationship, but their relationships with those around them. My one complaint would be we need more Ambrose! I look forward to the third book. 4.5 stars

Lia and Conri’s marriage of convenience isn’t so convenient outside the bedroom. (When is it ever?) With war looming on the horizon, Lia and Conri are getting a crash course on opening up to one another and exposing their deepest vulnerabilities for a sliver of trust that everything will go according to their personal plans...

Kennedy definitely kept the momentum flowing from the end of The Orchid Throne! The Fiery Crown had vengeance, battles, action, and betrayal, but the emotion between Lia and Conri! Best parts of the story. I loved seeing these two really begin to open up. What I didn’t like is where the story left off, but I was semi prepared for this cliffhanger so I can deal.

I definitely recommend reading The Orchid Throne before diving into The Fiery Crown.

I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley/St. Martins and this is my honest review.

Well written, interesting story. I didn't read the first book so I was a little lost for a bit but overall I really enjoyed the book.

I really enjoyed this second book in this series. I bought and read The Orchid Throne prior to reading this, I am not sure this would work as a stand alone given the World building in the first book..

This could so easily have been one overdone character after another but the author makes the characters complex. I loved the magical aspects of Lia and the author really lets us indulge in that. The magical aspects are my favorite part of the books. This is not for those who don’t want cursing and sex in their fantasy reading....there is plenty of both. I found this book a fun fast read and very enjoyable.

The Fiery Crown is book 2 in Jeffe Kennedy's Forgotten Empires series. Book 2 may be better than the 1st. Lia and Conri become closer as they fight agains Anure's rule and his obsession with Lia and her orchid ring. Kennedy creates a deeply vivid world; amazingly creative and unique fantasy series. Truely wonderful! Loved every page of it!

I hadn't realized this title was the second book in a series, so I'll have to read the first book before diving into this, then I'll get back into reviewing this title. Thank you for the opportunity to read this early copy.

Absolutely loved this book. I started reading it thinking that it was a stand alone or book one only to find out after a few chapters that I was missing something. I have never read this author so I went to Goodreads to do some research and found that this was book 2. Right away I ordered the paperback of book 1 on Amazon and started reading as soon as I got it. It is also a 5 star read just like this one. My recommendation is that you read book 1 to be able to really appreciate and love this book. It is an amazing story with great characters and romance and magic and a lot of entertainment. You won't be bored. At 76% of the story I knew where it was going, it's not that it's predictable because it hints at what was going to happen before it happened, but some might say that it was a bit predictable. I did enjoy very much what happened after what I predicted happened, there was plenty more good stuff that happens and that it's why this story gets the full 5 stars (even with the little bit of predictable content).
This is a very well written book and I believe there will be a 3rd because although it did have an ending there are still some unfinished things that could get solved in another book.
I will definitely check this author's other books because I really love her writing.

The Fiery Crown is the second book in the Forgotten empires series by Jeffe Kennedy. This much-awaited title continues Jeffe’s tradition of creating an exciting new mythos full of strong female princesses/queens and barbarian warriors.

This book picks up from the first book, The Orchid Throne, where Queen Euthalia of the island kingdom of Calanthe finds herself married to the Slave/ Wolf King or the heir to the throne of Oriel. The Queen has worked her entire life to keep her people free and her mystical abilities secret from the mad tyrant who rules most of the known world, while her new consort Conri burns with a vengeance against the Emperor.

Together, with the power of Calanthe, the Abiding Ring, and Con’s armies and weapons, they try for a desperate all or nothing gambit against the vast forces of the Emperor. However, the question is whether their gambit would be successful in defeating the shadows of evil that threaten to engulf the world and Calanthe, or will the Emperor crush them as he destroyed the other forgotten empires.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC

The Fiery Crown by Jeffe Kennedy, published by St. Martins Press, is book two in the Forgotten Empires Series and is not a stand alone.
I recommend to read the books in order. The previous book is The Orchid Throne.
The story picks up, where the previous book was left off.
Conri and Lia are married, a marriage of convenience, but now they havr their everyday life before them.
It took me a minute to get into the tory, but then, o girl what a ride. The suspense kept me glued to the pages, I loved the storyline and the writing.
4 beautiful stars.