Scan barcode
ameserole's review against another edition
4.0
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Promised Queen is the third and final book in the Forgotten Empires series. After devouring the first two books, I'll admit that I was really excited to see how this was all going to end. Especially with how the second book ended. Heck, I'll even admit that I honestly wasn't expecting everything that went down in this one either. I mean.. this book had some deep, dark, and horrible things throughout it. Which is probably why I devoured it to begin with.
Now the characters themselves were beautifully written. Whether they were growing or adapting from certain situations or trying to figure out their own internal battle (duty vs. heart). They were just so easy to like and eventually love. While that's happening, though, you get so much more. There's romance and potential for true happiness. There's cunning characters that will throw you endless surprises and twists.
Again, I wasn't prepared for what went down in this book and that's completely okay. In the end, I devoured this and I have no idea what to do with myself now that the series is over. I'm just super excited for the next book that Jeffe writes!
The Promised Queen is the third and final book in the Forgotten Empires series. After devouring the first two books, I'll admit that I was really excited to see how this was all going to end. Especially with how the second book ended. Heck, I'll even admit that I honestly wasn't expecting everything that went down in this one either. I mean.. this book had some deep, dark, and horrible things throughout it. Which is probably why I devoured it to begin with.
Now the characters themselves were beautifully written. Whether they were growing or adapting from certain situations or trying to figure out their own internal battle (duty vs. heart). They were just so easy to like and eventually love. While that's happening, though, you get so much more. There's romance and potential for true happiness. There's cunning characters that will throw you endless surprises and twists.
Again, I wasn't prepared for what went down in this book and that's completely okay. In the end, I devoured this and I have no idea what to do with myself now that the series is over. I'm just super excited for the next book that Jeffe writes!
kim_brockway_gatehouse's review against another edition
5.0
Book hangover! I was up until the wee hours listening, gripped.
A Gripping Finale To This Engaging Trilogy.
Forgotten Empires has been a captivating series and I’ve loved Jeffe’s writing style. I’m impressed and enthralled with her beautiful and descriptive use of language. The prose she uses is intelligent, eloquent, and very reminiscent of a historical novel. It plunges you into the fantasy world she’s created. The words that Jeffe chooses and the way she forms each sentence sets the scene beautifully in my mind.
Gabrielle Baker is a new-to-me narrator.
I loved the pace at which Gabrielle read this story and the emotions she conveyed. She created some wonderful voices for Jeffe’s characters – and they are many in this fantasy tale.
A Gripping Finale To This Engaging Trilogy.
Forgotten Empires has been a captivating series and I’ve loved Jeffe’s writing style. I’m impressed and enthralled with her beautiful and descriptive use of language. The prose she uses is intelligent, eloquent, and very reminiscent of a historical novel. It plunges you into the fantasy world she’s created. The words that Jeffe chooses and the way she forms each sentence sets the scene beautifully in my mind.
Gabrielle Baker is a new-to-me narrator.
I loved the pace at which Gabrielle read this story and the emotions she conveyed. She created some wonderful voices for Jeffe’s characters – and they are many in this fantasy tale.
tani's review against another edition
4.0
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
In the conclusion to the Forgotten Empires trilogy, Lia and Con must fully face their pasts so that they can move forward into the future. This picks up directly after the end of the second book and builds on the dramatic events therein, so if you haven't read the prior books in the series, this is not a good entry point. However, for those who are all caught up, this is a great addition, and probably the strongest entry in the series thus far.
I think that the thing that I appreciated most about this book was the way that it tied up loose ends for Con and Lia. They both have some pretty substantial emotional issues that have been recurring themes throughout the earlier two books, but in this book, the threads of those issues are really followed through. We see a lot of discussion of Con's pathological need for revenge, as well as Lia's inability to cede control to anyone. These issues are dealt with thoughtfully and empathetically, and I really loved seeing the path that they took to deal with them. Nothing is brushed off or made more easy than it should be, and complicated emotions and situations are left without easy solutions, which is something that I really appreciated. It definitely felt like their relationship came full circle by the end of the book.
Another thing that I really liked was the focus that some of the secondary characters received. Sondra has been a constant presence throughout the books, but this book also incorporated more about Ambrose, Merle, Percy, Agatha, and Ibolya, just to name a few. I love an ensemble cast, so I definitely appreciated this widening of the story's focus. Although Lia and Con remain central, there's still plenty of space given to these secondary characters, and I think that really livened things up when they might have otherwise grown a bit stale.
I think my only complaint would be that sometimes the emotional development took precedence over the action of the plot, so at times I was left feeling a touch like things just weren't moving quickly enough. However, I think that may also be a product of my frame of mind, which is just a bit unfocused these days, as I move into the later stages of pregnancy. I do think that the pacing was consistent with prior books, and will yield a lot of enjoyment for people who are deeply invested in Lia and Con's relationship. It just wasn't quite the right balance for me at this particular moment.
However, I was extremely happy with the ending. I was a bit worried that there wasn't going to be time to wrap everything up without feeling rushed, but my worries were completely unfounded. Kennedy did an excellent job of pulling all of the threads together in a way that I found deeply satisfying, and I was completely happy with how everything ended up shaking out. Jeffe Kennedy is definitely an author that I will be keeping an eye on in the future, and I look forward to exploring her backlist at some point as well. I'm sure both will be extremely rewarding.
In the conclusion to the Forgotten Empires trilogy, Lia and Con must fully face their pasts so that they can move forward into the future. This picks up directly after the end of the second book and builds on the dramatic events therein, so if you haven't read the prior books in the series, this is not a good entry point. However, for those who are all caught up, this is a great addition, and probably the strongest entry in the series thus far.
I think that the thing that I appreciated most about this book was the way that it tied up loose ends for Con and Lia. They both have some pretty substantial emotional issues that have been recurring themes throughout the earlier two books, but in this book, the threads of those issues are really followed through. We see a lot of discussion of Con's pathological need for revenge, as well as Lia's inability to cede control to anyone. These issues are dealt with thoughtfully and empathetically, and I really loved seeing the path that they took to deal with them. Nothing is brushed off or made more easy than it should be, and complicated emotions and situations are left without easy solutions, which is something that I really appreciated. It definitely felt like their relationship came full circle by the end of the book.
Another thing that I really liked was the focus that some of the secondary characters received. Sondra has been a constant presence throughout the books, but this book also incorporated more about Ambrose, Merle, Percy, Agatha, and Ibolya, just to name a few. I love an ensemble cast, so I definitely appreciated this widening of the story's focus. Although Lia and Con remain central, there's still plenty of space given to these secondary characters, and I think that really livened things up when they might have otherwise grown a bit stale.
I think my only complaint would be that sometimes the emotional development took precedence over the action of the plot, so at times I was left feeling a touch like things just weren't moving quickly enough. However, I think that may also be a product of my frame of mind, which is just a bit unfocused these days, as I move into the later stages of pregnancy. I do think that the pacing was consistent with prior books, and will yield a lot of enjoyment for people who are deeply invested in Lia and Con's relationship. It just wasn't quite the right balance for me at this particular moment.
However, I was extremely happy with the ending. I was a bit worried that there wasn't going to be time to wrap everything up without feeling rushed, but my worries were completely unfounded. Kennedy did an excellent job of pulling all of the threads together in a way that I found deeply satisfying, and I was completely happy with how everything ended up shaking out. Jeffe Kennedy is definitely an author that I will be keeping an eye on in the future, and I look forward to exploring her backlist at some point as well. I'm sure both will be extremely rewarding.
somasunshine's review against another edition
4.0
We finally get loads of romance! Yaay! The political aspect was more interesting in this one compared to book 2. I loved learning more about Lia's origins and the mythology of Calanthe. Con did get on my nerve a few times though.
blodeuedd's review against another edition
3.0
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
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
eatyacarbs's review against another edition
5.0
AMAZING. The characters - every single one of them. I loved everything about this series. Perfect.
distilledreads's review
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I did enjoy the conclusion to this fantasy romance trilogy. While I still wouldn’t say that I particularly liked the characters (lack of communication influenced their relationship throughout the entirety of the series), I did grow to care for them throughout the trilogy and was rooting for their survival during the final confrontation. I really appreciate the amount of time Kennedy puts into her worldbuilding and magic systems, while also delivering entertaining and spicy romance.
hookedbythatbook's review against another edition
4.0
Was I hooked by that book? Absolutely. The final installment of the Forgotten Empires series most definitely lived up to my expectations.
Con and Lia are finally back on Calanthe's soil after saving Lia from Anare's wizards. But Calanthe is not doing so well. The land needs healing just as much as Lia does.
Lia's struggle to figure out how she is connected to Calanthe and what it means for her was very emotional. She had so many insecurities to overcome to figure it all out. She was trying to save Calanthe while also having to come to grips with the new changes in her. At times I found Lia a bit too marterish. She was way too willing to sacrifice her potential happiness. Con was a constant throughout it all. He never gave up on her or them. And the final confrontation with Anare was quite satisfying.
The writing captivated me. I wanted to read faster so I can find out what happens, but I also wanted to read slowly so I didn't miss anything. I ended up going the slow route, if you wondered.
I can definitely recommend this series to anyone who loves reading fantasy. But start at the beginning, you can't just jump into it wherever.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
timitra's review against another edition
4.0
The Promised Queen was an epic adventure filled with magic, love, action and so much more. I love this world and it’s magic system. I admit I’m sad to see this end but I thoroughly enjoyed the conclusion to Con and Lia’s story. It was a fitting end to wonderfully-epic story. I definitely recommend this trilogy.
Copy provided by publisher through Net Galley
Copy provided by publisher through Net Galley
sarag19's review against another edition
5.0
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.
***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.