Fallen Empire, Book 1
Synopsis: A woman with power over fire and illusion and an enslaved son of a chieftain battle a corrupt empire in this powerful and deeply emotional romantic fantasy from the USA Todaybestselling author of Radiance.
Every year, each village is required to send a young woman to the Empire’s capital–her fate to be burned alive for the entertainment of the masses. For the last five years, one small village’s tithe has been the same woman. Gilene’s sacrifice protects all the other young women of her village, and her secret to staying alive lies with the magic only she possesses.
But this year is different.
Azarion, the Empire’s most famous gladiator, has somehow seen through her illusion–and is set on blackmailing Gilene into using her abilities to help him escape his life of slavery. And unknown to Gilene, he also wants to reclaim the birthright of his clan.
To protect her family and village, she will risk everything to return to the Empire–and burn once more.
Review: I had heard a lot about Grace Draven and when I saw this new novel, I saw the opportunity to finally discover one of her stories. And then, did you see that cover? How to resist it? It is just sublime!
We discover a place ruled by a master hand, a place where every year a young woman is given to the capital to be burned, offering to the gods. This is how we discover Gilene, a young woman who thanks to her gift of illusion and her powers on fire, returns every year to be burned alive. But even if she can get by every time, she must also deal with serious consequences. It is in these conditions that she meets Azarion, a slave gladiator who seems to be the only one to be able to pierce her illusions and to notice that she is always the same person to return year after year. He will then make her a proposal, or more precisely he will blackmail her for her to help him free so she can accompany him home to take back his rightful place.
It was interesting to discover what Gilene was able to do and to see that eventually this trip will allow her to understand a little more what she is. She will be able to see that she can have other opportunities, even if she knows that nothing is really possible and that she has to go home to save hers. We will follow the epic of our two heroes, thus discovering what this kingdom conceals, as well as Azarion’s clan. This man has a clear and precise purpose, and it is true that he will not turn away so easily from his goal.
It was an interesting novel and after such an ending that ends well enough this first volume, I wonder what the author will propose.
Sophia Rose
I thought the characters and their situation was intense, too. Can’t wait to see what comes next in the series. Glad you liked it, too, Melliane!
Melliane
yes me too!
kindlemom1
So many people have liked this one, so glad you did as well. It definitely looks like one I need to try as well.
Melliane
yes it was a good one
Angela @ Angel's Guilty Pleasures
Many have liked this one. I’ve got it on my TBR. Thank’s for the review.
Melliane
I hope you’ll like it!
Heidi
I just got this one for review last week. I have read some great things about it. I am hoping I enjoy it as much as you.
blodeuedd
I do wonder where the next one will take us…no idea at all
Melliane
me too
Lisa @TenaciousReader
I really enjoyed this one and am also curious to read the next one. I have some ideas what could happen but will have to read to be sure
Melliane
yes!!!
Nadene @Totally Addicted to Reading
I have heard good things about this book. I am glad you liked it.
LilyElement Book Reviews
I enjoyed this one too 🙂
Melliane
yay
Melissa (Books and Things)
Sounds like a good start to the series. I really love that cover too!
Melliane
yes it is a great one
Carole @ Carole's Random Life in Books
I am glad you enjoyed this one, Melliane. I cannot wait to see what will happen next in this series.
Melliane
me too
Northwoman
I really enjoyed this also. I can’t wait to see more. Anne – Books of My Heart
Melliane
yes!
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
YES! This one was so wonderful. She writes romance so well!
Melliane
I need tot ry more of her books
Greg
I love the cover of this one!
Melliane
me too
Carole Rae
I swore I commentes on this… I remember reading it… maybe ot was on goodreads.
Alas… now I cant remember my original thoughts…. mmm
kara-karina
Glad you enjoyed it, D.! It was a superb read for me too.