I started reading this book not realizing that it was a book a part of the series. I continue to read the book thinking that it probably can be read by itself without knowing the history of book number 1. I must admit, I was lost and probably lost interested a few times because of it. The character development was a bit slow to me. It wasn’t my taste as well, I wanted to like it but the dilemma of defending the island and bickering between the two, but I lost my interest halfway through. I found myself skipping a few paragraphs here and there. It was interesting but I probably won’t read it again.

I really enjoyed this book. I had read the first book and was therefore familiar with the characters. I pretty well enjoyed everything about it. I enjoyed revisiting the Island and think that the contrast between the ecological warfare and the convential warfare is very well blended. I particularly like the two main characters and how their relationship develops. This book had added interest in developing a number of other characters who have become familiar. There are many fantasy books about and to many of these are just straight variations on the same theme. This one for me has something a little different in the character of the island. I do think I actually preferred the first book but this was still a very enjoyable book for me.

This was an interesting read, full disclosure I did not read the first book but I found it wasn’t hard to read this one without having read the first one. The dynamic between Lia and Con was an interesting one, and describing it as “two pit bulls in a cage” is an accurate way of putting it. Throughout the story they could not come to an agreement on anything and were constantly arguing despite being at war. Things don’t really change until the full consequences take place. The pacing was fine and I found the story to be interesting enough that I’d want to read the next book to continue the journey with the characters. The romance between Lia and Con isn’t exactly healthy, what with the constant arguing, keeping secrets, and using sex as a way to not talk about issues, however they did grow and I hope to see the next phase of their relationship.
*thank you netgalley for sending me an arc*

I was definitely hesitant to go into this one, but I did enjoy it and will pick up the sequel when it's available. Con's character was a little annoying at times, but by the end, I could see the changes in him. Ambrose was definitely my favorite character.
As for the plot, I was glad that this one moved a little faster than the first one, but there were somethings that I think could have been left out. However, I think there were also somethings that should have been added to the story for better clarity.

2.5 Stars

I’m happy I found out in time that this was a sequel so I could read the first book in the series first as it made it a lot easier to understand the book. Just like in the first book the world building and the magic system is really good, but I felt disconnected to the story. I just couldn’t get into it, until closer to the end. The last 20-30% of the book is were all the actions happened.

I like the writing style, but as it is written in first person I was annoyed at how much it changed between the characters and I had to guess who’s POV it was from. I listened to the first book on audio and half the book I spent wondering who’s POV I was listening to. At least it was easier to follow as I read it physically.

I might pick up the next book in the series when it comes out as I’m intrigued about what’s going to happen next.

Yeah, this book was so amazing, I just devoured it! I loved the first book, and I was really excited to see where things would go in this book. And yeah, we learned a lot, like why blood shouldn't be shed in violence in Calanthe's waters, and more about the enemy that they're facing, and it was so great!

Watching Lia and Con verbally spar in politics and then have steamy times between the sheets was an interesting mix. They worked well together physically, but their political battles, they have different goals and strategies. So watching them clash was so fun to read!

There was this one moment, when Con was in battle, and I was like, conserve your resources, dude. Even if this is the end, there would still have to be clean up done. Don't go overboard! And then everything happened, and I know he learned his lesson!

That ending was just killer. It was emotional and tense, and I didn't know where it was going, and it was just so fantastic to read! And where it leaves us is a mostly better place than when we started, but there's still a lot to be done!

I loved this book so much, and I can't wait for the 3rd and I think final book! So exciting!

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was so excited to dive into this sequel and let me tell you, it didn't disappoint one bit! The Fiery Crown was so hard for me to put down. No, seriously, so much freaking happened in this book that it. Especially when I was getting closer to the ending of it. Boy, I was on the edge of my seat and was prepared for sadness.

Thankfully, the ending gave me hope instead. No idea if there is going to be another book but with that kind of cliffhanger - I'm prepared to volunteer to read it. I just need to know what is going to happen next and if my ship will continue to sail into happily ever after.

Besides all of that, and trying really hard not to spoil things here, if there was one thing I would change it would be the overall pacing. It definitely felt like things were dragging during some chapters which almost made me want to put the book down. Then something super interesting or unexpected would happen and I was snagged back into the book.

Fiery Crown is an excellent book two of the Forgotten Empire series. It is not a great stand-alone read as it continues right after Orchid Throne (book one) ends. The future of Calanthe now needs to be defended through battle instead of just the battle of wiles that Queen Euthalia was able to use previously. Now that she married the Slave King, Emperor Anure is going to retaliate. Now it's a matter of protecting that land of Calanthe and hoping that she won't have to sacrifice herself to do it.

Conri, the Slave King, is so blinded by his need for revenge that he is unwilling to see that weaknesses of their battle plan. Determined that they'll win because any other answer is not an option, but without a true understanding of the reality of Calanthe and the secrets held there, can it be enough?

DNF-

I really don't like not finishing books but I have too many unread books waiting to be read and not enough time. I read the first book of this three-book romance fantasy series and I decided that I wanted to continue the series despite its flaws.

After many months passing since I read the first, and reading the first 20% of this book, I don't want to continue it. It simply is just not for me.

The story is told in 2 POVs, the "hero" and "heroine" of the story, who are brought together in a marriage of convenience to fight the same cause. The POVs are repetitive and both characters constantly remark how great the sex is even if they can't get along otherwise. The romance is just not realistic and I feel like the characters/their circumstances could have been written better. The wizard also annoys me. He is just too goofy, like the author forced writing a zany character.

The world-building/political machinations of the story are the best part but they are BARELY PRESENT. I just find myself skimming.

That being said, I have to step back and accept that this is a romance with fantasy elements and not the other way around. So, this series is just not for me and I won't be continuing it. There is still a market for this kind of tale however, for those who want a wham bam romance with light fantasy elements and who don't care that the books are NOT at all standalone.

In the sequel of the Forgotten Empires, Queen Euthalia and Con are recently married. Both struggle to get along with each other, while the threat of Anure coming after Lia and her orchid ring looms over them. Con and Lia must learn to get along in order win the war, though they have completely different goals and conflicting views.

Starting this book, I was not aware that this was a sequel so I can't compare to the first book and how the characters might have changed or how the story has developed. Though I was missing some context, I was still able to appreciate the book without getting too confused and plan on reading the first to see what I had missed. I liked the plot of the book a lot more than I cared for the characters. Their romance doesn't seem that realistic. They have nothing in common and can't get along other than in the bedroom (this is mentioned a lot). The action picks up within the last 30% of the book and when the author focused more on the political conflicts and the war, the story instantly becomes a lot better.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Honestly this as an AMAZING continuation to Lia and Con's story! Their relationship grow so much ! They learned to love each other for all their faults and strengths. They learned to give in to the other's needs and suggestions. Don't be fooled though! There was still plenty of bickering and non-stop banter and gods it was amazing! I also loved how the author so incredibly lured you into a false sense of security (just like Con who was hell-bent on his military strategy) only to have your heart literally RIPPED OUT! Like this plot twist at the 3/4 Mark was freaking heartbreaking! I was crying like an idiot at 4 in the morning while reading this! Oh and I love how we got to see more of the magic in Lia's world! And we finally got to meet the infamous Toad....aka his Imperial Highness, Anure.....and he's just as foul and ick as Lia and Con described him. Honestly, kudos to the author for writing such a foul creature, that is at times foul and comical with his huge ego..but not stupid. He's certainly a menace. And I'll leave this review here since I don't want to spoil too much!

Okay, I definitely was conflicted with my feelings overall for this novel. Considering it is the sequel to The Orchid Throne, I really enjoyed the beginning as a great transition from the end of book one into book two. I loved seeing Conri and Lia finally learn to like each other from the very beginning, but I had some issues with how they did things. Considering this is an adult book, I knew there was going to be some smut, but they really made it seem like sex was their only way of doing things or getting through any arguments, And to go off what Lia says in the book, Con really lets sex kind of take over his life for a hot sec.

However, once we dove into the political intrigue and the war strategy, I found myself enjoying the novel on another level. Similar to book one, the last 30% is THE most exciting in the entire novel. I found myself unable to flip through the pages fast enough!! With my investment in these characters, I do think it made the ending a lot more powerful. However, again Con's character continues to be the thing that bothers me in the sense that he's often times too rash and isn't the same calculative person we met in book one. I do appreciate all of the side characters and how important their role is in balancing out our main characters.

Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and I look forward to the final in the trilogy!

This book answers some questions, but definitely leaves more open for the last book. Lia and Con are great together even though neither will admit to the other that they have fallen in love with each other. Story line keeps you reading to find out what will happen next. Can't wait for the final book to see the ultimate outcome.

The Fiery Crown
Series: Book 2 in the Forgotten Empires Series
Rating: 4 stars

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

As I began reading The Fiery Crown it felt like I had started in the middle of it. I did not know this was the second book in the series. Therefore I missed out on how Lia and Con met and got married or the reasons of why they treated each other the way they did. I did a little research on the first book and continued with this one.
I really enjoyed it! It was a little slow at first but not having read the first one I was able to follow along of what was happening to our characters in this one. The author did a great job of giving us a little background of what had happened to lead our characters to where they were.
I liked Con more than I did Lia. He had such a sad backstory and I understand his need of revenge towards the villain of the story. He was in a tough position of avenging his family and protecting the country he now belonged to as King. Lia being the Queen had her hands full and seemed determined to do things her own way. Con was the perfect counterpart for her because he would question her choices. These two had great chemistry and complemented each other very well.
I also enjoyed the sci-fi aspect of it. I liked how Lia was connected to her land. Her description of what she looked like and what she would wear sounded awesome.


I look forwards to reading the next one in the series, since this one kind of ends in a cliffhanger.

I didn't know going into this book that it was the second in the series. That is probably why I felt disconnected from what was happening and the characters. I imagine if I had read the first book I might have enjoyed this more.

Well written and packed with character depth, this is a fantasy romance to get lost in.

After following the words of a prophecy, which Conri hopes will stop the tyranny of the emperor, and convincing Lia to marry him, he waits for the next steps to kick in. Lia, however, has her own concerns about saving her kingdom and island, Calanthe. The two are still constantly at odds, but as the emperor now readjusts his tactics, they know the time to act is quickly approaching. Somehow, they will have to agree upon a strategy, but considering each ruins the priorities of the others, it will be impossible to find a solution. Especially since Lia has secrets she can't divulge. But then, the emperor's power far exceeds whatever Conri and Lia can bring against him. So, there might not be any hope, anyway.

After reading book one, I was looking forward to diving into this one. Conri's troubled past and raw determination make him so easy to root for, while Lia is packed full of secrets and an even warmer heart. The two mix like oil and water, which makes sparks fly, especially since they refuse to admit their growing bond. This is what really stands at the center of this book, too. And that is what makes this second books so different than the first.

While book one had Conri escaping the mines and fighting back against the Emperor along with battling his way onto Calanthe and taking Lia's hand in marriage, book two doesn't have an ounce of action until about two-thirds of the way through the book. But that doesn't mean this one is boring. Quite the contrary...at first, for me, anyway. While Conri doesn't really do much in this book except offer a great foundation and trampoline for Lia and her secrets to bounce off of, it is fun to read his constant retorts and thoughts. Without him, the book would fall flat...but he doesn't really develop much in these pages either. Lia, on the other hand, opens up slowly and allows the reader to get a better handle on what she's dealing with.

The last part of the book hits with wonderful tension and action, which leaves everything on a more exciting note. It is a lovely read and engagingly written. Those who love lots of back and forth and learning more about the characters will enjoy this one quite a bit. For those like me, however, who enjoy more plot and action...it falls a little short. I found myself skipping more than a few paragraphs during the middle third. Still, I definitely recommend this one to the audience I just named because they are sure to love it.

I didn't really click with book one but I still wanted to give this a try. Unfortunately it's just not for me. I enjoy the characters enough but I don't really care that much and I'm definitely not invested in the romance. I like the magic but I wanted more focus. The plot moved too slow for me.

(Unsolicited ARC)

I think this book was a lot slower than the last and it took a long time for me to become enthralled in the story but by the end I was furious that I didn't have more book to read! Anxiously awaiting book three.

From the time I stumbled upon the Twelve Kingdoms series, I've been a fan of Ms. Kennedy's brand of romantic fantasy.  This series though rich and almost fairy tale like in the fantasy and compelling in it's own way does not carry the same emotional punch as the other series. Lia, Conri and their entourage seem to go through a very ritualistic elaborate dance with little or no emotion except for the almost furtive passion between the two protagonists.  The last few chapters are very promising however leaving me with hope for a much richer and rewarding emotional experience in the next book in the series.
Euthalia (Lia) has fiercely guarded her virginity and her island kingdom against all predators including the emperor Anure a world class tyrant. Calanthe, Lia's island kingdom is the sole holdout in Anure's crown thanks primarily to Lia's father's strategy of engagement and appeasement. Conri the slave king sets the cat amongst the pigeons when he arrives on Calanthe and steals Lia's hand right from under Anure's spies.
Conri's wizard has prophesied that Conri needs to gain the hand that wears the abiding ring in order to win against Anure. Now that Conri has accomplished that by marrying Lia and passion rages hot between the two, he's chafing at the bit to get the rest of his plan underway. Lia however has different thoughts. She's protected her kingdom at all costs and she's not going to let a brash usurper just throw it all way.  Umpired by the Wizard and cheered by each of their entourages sit back and watch the games begin.
The author has created strong pageantry around Lia's court and bathing and dressing rituals with her morning glories (reminds me of the beautifully colored bell shared flowers associated with my childhood) which adds layers of richness to this fantasy world.  Add in the hot and erotic teasing and messages that Lia sends Conri through the language of her dress, makeup, flowers and jewels and watch the heat rise.  Conri lives for war and gaining his vengeance against Anure, Anure wants to capture Calanthe and Euthalia so war is inevitable. Who are the winners and losers? The answers are of course in the reading of the book but you might actually find it surprising.
While I just got through saying that I did not find this series or this story as compelling as the ones in the previous series I do have to say that my appetite is whetted and I absolutely can't wait to see how the conflict shapes up next and if the winners and losers remain the same.

The Fiery Crown is a wonderful continuation of this series.

Lia and Con try to work together to defeat Anure, but they have very different priorities. Sparks fly when they argue and the romantic tension is delicious.

I was hooked from the start and this book is a wonderful ride filled with suspense, action, romance, and intrigue.

You bet I'll be counting the months until the release of book three, because I want, no: need!, more.