4 Stars from me.

This is book two in the series Forgotten Empires.

This book follows The Orchid Throne, and sees Lia and Con in an uneasy truce with each other. Each one has their own motivations for their union, and they don’t trust each other. They do come together well in die bedroom, though, which gives them some platform to build on. Emperor Anure is not giving up on his plan to have Lia for himself, and Con, Lia, and their advisors hatch a plan to draw the emperor out. And of course, things don’t quite go as planned for the people of Calanthe.

I didn’t read the first book, I wasn’t even aware there was one when I started this. And honestly, it didn’t matter to me. The world and the people and how everything fit together made sense. I admit, there were parts where I felt that maybe I’m missing something here, but it wasn’t anything that really hindered my enjoyment of the story.

The book is written from both Con and Lia’s points of view (alternating chapters), and that was interesting and gave a full picture of what was going on. Their relationship was very well defined and also very well developed. I loved both of them, and was rooting for them all the way.

The story flowed well with lots of action, and character growth. I definitely felt that there has to be more to Lia’s magic and that she should be able of great feats, but I guess that is still coming (I sure hope so). The book ended at an appropriate spot in the story, though it is definitely not the end of their journey yet. I had an “oh no!” moment there when I realised I have reached the end of the book.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for providing met with an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was I hooked by this book? For sure, I can’t wait for the next one.