This is a wonderful wrap-up to an exciting and original romance-fantasy series.

Con might have managed to rescue Lia from the grip of the evil wizards, but by bringing her back to life, none of them came out scar-free. Lia's more than confused...and those around Con keep reminding him it is the brain which rots first. But there's more to it; he's sure there is. But as she's lost in a muddled-mental-nightmare, the island is dying and sending the entire kingdom into chaos. But even if he finds a way to help her heal, there's still the question of what to do now that he knows the plans of the one who took her captive.

I'll admit, I can't remember if I read the second book in this series or not, but the first one definitely still sticks in my memories. So, while it took a bit to sink into this third installment and figure out what was going on, it wasn't too difficult either. Still, I recommend reading this as a series, since none of these are stand-alones.

There are so many original elements about this fantasy and surprises that it's hard to put this one down. Con has developed so much from the first book and is finally filling the shoes of the king he's meant to be. Lia has always been a force to be reckoned with, but now, the secret behind her entire existence is being exposed (one she doesn't know herself). It sheds an entire new light on her and the island, and she embraces all of this only the way a true heroine can. Of course, they have all of their allies on their side, which round off the richness and depth. I've learned to like every single one and am sad to see them go.

The pacing in this one is quick but by no means ignores the psychological and character development. There's just so much tension and darkness still to be unraveled that this bunch has more than enough to deal with. Of course, the writing is grabbing and the world building still draws in. So, the fantasy side of this sits solid and promises an exciting ride.

Then, there's romance. These two have long bonded, and despite several lingering doubts, are a couple through and through. Their relationship goes beyond superficial, which was really nice to see. There are a couple of steamier moments, but these are kept in check and don't overtake the main story in any way. The development in this one does leave the reader wondering how it will all turn out in the end, but the author does know how to close this one up in a wonderful way, too.

I received an ARC through Netgalley and really enjoyed the dive into this fantasy world.

The Promised Queen the third in the Forgotten Empires Series by Jeffe Kennedy begins as the last book had ended. This is a dark tale which grew even darker with book two with all that had happened to Queen Euthalia of Calanthe. How well she will heal in body and spirit is yet to be seen especially with no time before the coming confrontation with their enemies.

This is a series best read in order to see how all has come to be. In the first book it was unlikely that Conrí, former Crown Prince of Oriel and Queen Euthalia of Calanthe could form an alliance but love came to be for these two. Now they must stand together for the survive of all. When the end does come it is somewhat anticlimactic. Not exactly the huge battle against Emperor Anure and his four wizards as I had imagined. Perhaps that served to make it seem more authentic, politics often are trickier than all out battles..

This book was received as an ARC from St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I have been waiting for an exciting young adult fantasy novel and romantic and dramatic love story and I got it with The Promised Queen. I love the back story between Con. Lia and Queen Euthalia and how the kingdom of Calanthe is not what it's once was and the only way to restore it to its former glory is to rely on the relationship between Con and Lia due to their magical bond. As I was reading along, I could not help but think of Under the Dome where Nori and Brad had to use their relationship to protect themselves from the dangers of the outside dome and Con and Lia's relationship is very similar but the fate of the Kingdom is in their hands. I know our teen book club will have some remarkable discussions from this book and I am sure they will spread the word and pay it forward.

We will consider adding this title to our YA Fantasy collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

After reading the first two books in the series I was really looking forward to this one. It most certainly did not disappoint! I loved this story. Lia and Conri are such great characters. I'm sure fantasy readers will really enjoy this book!

I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Book 3 to this series was an incredible wrap up! While book 1 and 2 were decent, I still found myself not as invested but the pacing of The Promised Queen and the character development were just juicy enough to keep me hooked for the last ride. The world building was great and seeing new magic even in the final installation is always great especially when it's done right without coming off as a deus ex machina. REally enjoyable final read!

I had an easier time reading this last book in the series.

It picks up right after book 2 left off and with a second chance for this couple. They grow more and together.

You learn more about these characters and the world they belong to and it is written very well in my opinion.

The way this story has been concluded worked for me even if I wanted just a teensy bit more from it.

This is the third in a series and it is indeed a climax t the story. I have found all three books to be different from the usual fantasy genre. Yes it has 'goodies and baddies' princes and princesses as well as magic but the story has lot of novel features. The relationship between the main character and the Island of Calanthe itself is unusual. I can only say that I thoroughly enjoyed this third book and the way that the story has reached a conclusion, it might not be the end of the saga but it was a satisfying ending to this chapter of the story. Highly recommend.

The Promised Queen is the third and climactic 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 initial books, The Orchid Throne and The Fiery Crown, where Queen Euthalia of the island kingdom of Calanthe finds herself married to the Slave/ Wolf King who is the heir to the throne of Oriel. However, the prophecy remains unfulfilled. 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 tried a desperate gambit against the vast forces of the Emperor. However, the gambit was unsuccessful and they barely escaped with their lives. Now they must come up with a last-ditch plan to turn the tide against the forces of evil that threaten to engulf the Calanthe, as they have crushed the other forgotten empires.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC

Ok, so first, me and my memory. But, what I do know is that I liked this last one the best. I remember not feeling connected to the characters in book 1, in book 2 ( I cheated and checked, I started to like them, you see they were both rather harsh at first.) But here the strangest thing happened. I liked both at once, the story flowed at once. I jumped in feet first and was swam along.

Book 3, shit is going down! We have the evil emperor that, omg, srsly, the events in book 2, I am not going to say anything, but that felt like a first! I mean damn, damn! Whaaaaaat?! Pure evil, pure evil. Right, evil emperor to bring down. Lia, who is not really human, but, it was weird, like born from a flower, connected to the island that is a goodess, monster, island. Loved the fact that regents here are connected to their land, and there is a connection that must thrive or the land fails. And it is blood that counts, so a invading emperor does not cut it. I am rambling, but there is so much to say!

Where was I? Lia, queen of the last kingdom standing. Conri, her husband invaded her country to have a stand against the evil emperor. They had a rocky start, but now they, almost fully trust and want each other. She is insecure as she must always stay in her country, and he has his own. But hey love will conquer all.

A fight is coming. Win or loose. Nothing in between.

There was a side character that I really wanted more about, then I got more and got a bit disappointed, why? Well because I kind of wanted an entire book, lol.

Book 1 is usually the book that I like the most in a series, but here book 3 was the one. Things came together, and they did not behave like aholes. But truly, the best part was that foundation that the ruler of the country, is by blood its rightful ruler. I found that concept really interesting. Because what happens when said rulers are killed? Or taken away.

I enjoyed this last book. Nice finish that left nothing to worry about

I unfortunately didn't read the first two books in this trilogy and I'm pretty sure I would have enjoyed this book even more if I had. As it is, I still found the story compelling and imaginative. I suspect that if I had read the other two books this would be a 5 star review.

LIa and Con have escaped from Anure and return to Calanthe to find it falling into ruin. Lia must step fulling into her role as Queen to literally save her land and her people. She and Con's arranged marriage has crossed some lines into a real relationship while escaping Anure but neither is quite sure what to do with their feelings now. Anure must still be destroyed and the royals he holds freed.

Lia and Con are both interesting characters and their journey was highly entertaining. There was so much back story that I often felt a bit lost. The world so unique I needed more context. What was easy to follow was a well rounded story of good and evil with a genuine and touching love story. The entire cast was well written though again I felt I was missing out on a lot of their history. I definitely cheered their cause and waited anxiously for them to defeat Anure.

Kennedy builds a world much different from ours that is intriguing and exciting. The characters are likable or hateable as intended and the story moves well. I enjoyed the book..

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the ARC

This book was so entertaining. I was drawn into the story from the beginning and was involved until the end. The characters were complex and interesting. I found the story to be well paced and engrossing throughout the whole book. I was invested in the couple throughout the book and felt all the emotions through both the highs and lows of the story. It is a fantasy book and draws you into the world in a spectacular way. It was wonderful to escape into a different world.If you want an entertaining and well written book this is it for you.

This was such a great book! This is the final book in the series and it definitely ended the way I was hoping! I couldn't put this down. I want to reread the whole series now!

The thrilling conclusion to an amazing journey between two rulers who have struggled to survive and learn to love one another. Picking up right where the second book left off Conri has managed to rescue Lia who was brought back to life but is still adjusting to having her body separated from her land. Being brought back to life after enduring torture and having her blood and life drained from her has changed her and now Lia must decide where her future stands and if she is willing to let Conri be with her. Conri is reeling from having held a dead Lia in his arms and now he is determined to stay by her side and show her he loves her, no matter what costs. Both of them still must deal with the evil magicials and the evil Emperor Anure who is still holding Conri’s sister captive and is trying to capture all the other lands. Together, Lia and Conri must decide where their relationship stands and if they are willing to risk giving their hearts to each other on top of their duties.

This was a wonderful conclusion to the series, I absolutely loved this ending! It had everything I could have ever wanted and I adored Conri and Lia in this book. Their relationship definitely grew from the previous book and we got to see a much more tender and loving aspect between them. The overall story had a satisfying ending and I was so happy for all the characters!

*Thanks Netgalley and St. Martin's Paperbacks for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

What a fabulous conclusion to a gripping series.
I loved watching Lia mature and grow in this book both on her own and in her relationship with Conri
Jeffe Kennedy gives us complex, naturalistic characters that I could relate to from page 1. I cannot wait to read more by the incredible author

I loved this book! It’s a great ending to the series. It’s wonderfully written and you won’t be disappointed. Be sure to read the other two books in the series first.

4.5 out of 5 stars

***ARC received from St Martins Press and NetGalley in exchange for honest review, opinions are all my own. Thank you!***

The conclusion to a series is always bittersweet. Its nice to see it come to a satisfying conclusion but it is sad to know that you won’t be returning to that world and the characters that I have come to truly adore.

This book takes up immediately after the ending of the previous book with Lia and Conri struggling with the aftermath of the conflict with Anure. As with the prior books while there is the overarching conflict with Anure this story is primarily driven by the main characters developments. Lia is having to come to terms with herself and who she is. The icy queen from the first book has slowly evolved to no longer need her facade she is finally growing comfortable with who she is and her connection with Calanthe. I really loved watching Lia come into the person she was always meant to be both a magical creature born from Calanthe and human and through her struggles and her triumphs she finally comes to accept and embrace who she is.

Conri’s growth is not as big as Lia but he still develops from the headstrong single minded revenge seeker we were introduced to into a man who sees more options and outcomes. I still love Conri and Lia relationship which remains the core driver of the story. Watching them develop from strained allies to strong partners in the book made me so happy. They still bicker, they still disagree but both have mutual respect and love for the other.

One character that surprised me was Percy, he always seems this superficial character but we finally get to learn his full backstory and while it does not change who he is it gives him more depth. It makes more sense as why he would decide to take such an active role in helping return Lia to her lands. There is also a satisfying conclusion to who Ambrose and Merle are, so thankful that this story left almost no questions unanswered. It doesn’t tie everything up in a nice little bow at the end but it

The world building in this series was always lovely, we get more magic and more about the connection that the royal families have to their land. We also finally get to see the Night Court that was mentioned but it is sadly too little time spent there.

In the end this is a truly satisfying conclusion to Conri and Lia’s story even if I am sad to see it end.

The Forgotten Empires series was such a pleasant surprise for me. This conclusion was well done and tied up loose story ends well. I was surprised by a couple things I didn't see coming. I love that each book in the series had at least one reveal I hadn’t expected.

The romance was a little less in this book since so much of the story was concluding the major arc of the story over the three books. I think it was done well and I was pleased with how everything wrapped up. Not too much can be said that isn’t a spoiler!

The Promised Queen was a whirlwind conclusion to a very interesting journey! Lia and Conri have come such along ways from the first book and their relationship reflected their tumultuous trip, especially in this final book. I loved the individual character growth and their second chance together. My one complaint would be that the final showdown with Anure was a bit of a let down. Although the decision was understandably justified, I was expecting something with a little more oomph.

I received an advance reader copy from the St. Martin’s Press/Netgalley. This is my honest review.

This is the concluding book to this entertaining fantasy series by the Author - I would recommend reading
the previous books first to set the characters in place .

I love this final book in which Con and Lia work together to plan their attack on the Emperor Anure and defeat him once and for all - despite Lia's struggles with the pain of her capture , her efforts to rehabilitate Cleanthe , she looks to the future , one with Con .
This is a great ending to this exciting and adventurous fantasy series , with characters who draw you into their lives ...... a man and a woman who love each other totally ....... and wonderful worldbuilding.
There is just enough left at the end to give the Author leave to perhaps return to this world again in the future - if so I will be in the queue to read more

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

*Review will be posted on my blog on 5/6/21*
**4.5 STARS**
I Liked:
*This is the perfect conclusion to a unique, romance fantasy series. I didn’t know what to expect, I didn’t even think I’d remember what happened in book two but wow, it took off right away and it transported me back to Lia’s world and the cliffhanger of book two.

*Lia’s transformation from dead to her every potential is inspiring and beautiful. She becomes what she is meant to be and embraces all her orchid uniqueness! Lia is Calanthe. We also learn more of how she was born/created which is so cool.

*Conri, I love him. He really is a wolf, so rough around the edges compared to Lia’s control and regal manner. I love how they are complete opposites but they compliment each other so well. Conri is a wing-it kind of lone wolf and Lia reminds him help sometimes is okay.

*I love the world building but Conri and Lia’s love story is just the best to me. They will be added to my favorite book couples for sure! I love their insecurities but how they both work things out, most Conri who is so persistent and will fight for her for always. Their wedding vows at the end made my heart melt. I love them. Also, there is a very sexy, hot scene in the night court, it’s erotic but tastefully done!

*The supporting cast is great as well and we get a very happy ending.

Random Notes:
*Triggers: memories of torture

*I felt like the fight with Anure was just a tiny bit anti-climatic? I was expecting more when they confronted him, but Conri and Lia did debate about how much of exacting vengeance was enough (okay so I wanted Conri to hammer him haha). But that’s okay, Lia was right and I think it was a very just ending for Anure though.

*We get to find out more about Ambrose’s role in this prophetic destiny about Lia.

Final Thoughts:
This series got better with every book that came out, culminating to this wonderful conclusion in The Promised Queen. I was swept away in this lush world of Calanthe where Lia rules with a fair hand. I fell in love with Lia and Conri who fight for each other and the lands that Anure stole from other royals. I was inspired by Lia’s transformation to accept all the different parts of her and be the person she was destined to be. If you like an enemies to lover’s romance story set in a lush fantasy world with a Queen who is a bit more than human, this one may be to your liking.