The Orchid Throne by Jeffe Kennedy

Forgotten Empires, Book 1

Synopsis: A PRISONER OF FATE

As Queen of the island kingdom of Calanthe, Euthalia will do anything to keep her people free—and her secrets safe—from the mad tyrant who rules the mainland. Guided by a magic ring of her father’s, Lia plays the political game with the cronies the emperor sends to her island. In her heart, she knows that it’s up to her to save herself from her fate as the emperor’s bride. But in her dreams, she sees a man, one with the power to build a better world—a man whose spirit is as strong, and whose passion is as fierce as her own…

A PRINCE AMONG MEN

Conrí, former Crown Prince of Oriel, has built an army to overthrow the emperor. But he needs the fabled Abiding Ring to succeed. The ring that Euthalia holds so dear to her heart. When the two banished rulers meet face to face, neither can deny the flames of rebellion that flicker in their eyes—nor the fires of desire that draw them together. But in this broken world of shattered kingdoms, can they ever really trust each other? Can their fiery alliance defeat the shadows of evil that threaten to engulf their hearts and souls?

Review: I always have a good time with Jeffe Kennedy’s novels, so I was curious to discover this new series!

Euthalia is Queen of her people, she tries to remain as free as possible. However, she is also under the yoke of the emperor to whom she is engaged. If she doesn’t see him, she knows that the day will come when she will simply no longer be able to refuse him. She hopes to find a way out, but she knows it will be in vain. Yet when the Slave King comes to her home, bringing danger to her doorstep, she knows she has no choice but to hand him over to the one she hates the most. But this Crown Prince also has great plans and they all concern the Queen. Will she accept his proposal?

I really had a good time with the story and the characters as I was saying. It is an intriguing universe that the author proposes to us and I must admit that I am curious to learn more, to know exactly how these people live. We discover secrets, plots, and we see some leads about which I am curious to discover the truth now.

I really liked Lia. She is a strong woman, much more capable than she lets on and it was nice to see that she would do anything to save her people. She has her head on her shoulders and this story may well set her free in a way.

Very curious to read on!