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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Jennifer Estep writes such satisfying trilogies. The finale of The Gargoyle Queen series, Conquer the Kingdom, is just one more example of that. It is that magical combination of action, suspense, and romance that she blends so well for all her stories, especially for this conclusion of Gemma Ripley’s story.
As in the previous two novels, one of my favorite elements of Conquer the Kingdom is Gemma’s and Leonidas’ burgeoning relationship. I appreciate that Ms. Estep moves the relationship forward in each book. Flirting evolves into kisses that become declarations of love and decidedly more than kisses. It’s a natural relationship progression, and it keeps things interesting. The trilogy would be so dull if we were still in the flirting phase after three books and many months together.
In addition, I can’t help but love the secondary characters a bit more than Gemma. Yes, she is feisty, determined, brave, intelligent, and attempts to be the antithesis of a stereotypical princess. But she is still a princess and a spoiled one at that. My heart belongs to the secondary characters. Not only do they have some of the best lines, but they also force Gemma to think beyond her privileged lifestyle. The secondary characters remind Gemma that not everyone grows up in palaces or has family members who adore them.
The end of Conquer the Kingdom suggests another trilogy in the works. I am not sad about this possibility. Ms. Estep makes each one different enough to feel fresh and unique while including enough familiar figures and aspects of the world to ensure the reader knows that the stories connect. This means more magic, romance, fierce female characters, and action. After thoroughly enjoying the entire Gargoyle Queen series, including Conquer the Kingdom, I am excited about future books by Ms. Estep!
5 stars - I loved it!
I can’t believe Gemma’s story is already at the end! This book picks up a few weeks after Milo attacked during the Summit. Gemma, Reiko, and Leonidas have all been trying to find Milo and stop him before he can implement his next plot. But with the Sword and Shield tournament coming to Glanzen, Gemma knows that it would be a perfect opportunity to attack and cause the most damage.
Like the previous books in this series, I couldn’t put this down. Gemma is a strong, determined, and resourceful woman who uses her position as princess to spy and protect her kingdom. Gemma really has grown so much since the first book. She is no longer the woman who is scared of her magic, but a fierce warrior who is finally embracing all her abilities, especially with the gargoyles. I loved seeing her finally figure out what her abilities can do and embrace the moniker Gargoyle Queen.
Gemma and Leonidas continue to grow stronger as they are figuring out how to be a couple with families that are enemies. There were a few tense moments for them but in the end they realize their love is more important than crowns. Leonidas really is a wonderful partner for Gemma and I loved seeing him support her during her various duties and fights. I do really wish we had his POV for some of these scenes because I would have loved to know how he was dealing with some of the situations in this.
The battle against Milo was everything I would have expected from this ruthless and cruel prince. His plan was very unique and deadly, and I enjoyed watching Gemma thwart him at every turn. The biggest surprise for me in this was Queen Meaven. She really surprised me because for so long she is viewed as an evil queen but you really see more than that in this one. I also enjoyed the side relationship building between Reiko and Kai. Those two are great side characters and I love seeing them finally admit their feelings for each other.
We also learn about a prophecy in this about three queens, two of which have passed. It was a very interesting prophecy and it makes me hope that there might be another spin-off series coming in the future. I can at least hope for that because I want more books in this world. Overall, this was an absolutely wonderful conclusion for Gemma and Leonidas. I will miss these characters.
Trigger warnings: PTSD; torture; death of parent referenced; blood and death;
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
I can’t believe Gemma’s story is already at the end! This book picks up a few weeks after Milo attacked during the Summit. Gemma, Reiko, and Leonidas have all been trying to find Milo and stop him before he can implement his next plot. But with the Sword and Shield tournament coming to Glanzen, Gemma knows that it would be a perfect opportunity to attack and cause the most damage.
Like the previous books in this series, I couldn’t put this down. Gemma is a strong, determined, and resourceful woman who uses her position as princess to spy and protect her kingdom. Gemma really has grown so much since the first book. She is no longer the woman who is scared of her magic, but a fierce warrior who is finally embracing all her abilities, especially with the gargoyles. I loved seeing her finally figure out what her abilities can do and embrace the moniker Gargoyle Queen.
Gemma and Leonidas continue to grow stronger as they are figuring out how to be a couple with families that are enemies. There were a few tense moments for them but in the end they realize their love is more important than crowns. Leonidas really is a wonderful partner for Gemma and I loved seeing him support her during her various duties and fights. I do really wish we had his POV for some of these scenes because I would have loved to know how he was dealing with some of the situations in this.
The battle against Milo was everything I would have expected from this ruthless and cruel prince. His plan was very unique and deadly, and I enjoyed watching Gemma thwart him at every turn. The biggest surprise for me in this was Queen Meaven. She really surprised me because for so long she is viewed as an evil queen but you really see more than that in this one. I also enjoyed the side relationship building between Reiko and Kai. Those two are great side characters and I love seeing them finally admit their feelings for each other.
We also learn about a prophecy in this about three queens, two of which have passed. It was a very interesting prophecy and it makes me hope that there might be another spin-off series coming in the future. I can at least hope for that because I want more books in this world. Overall, this was an absolutely wonderful conclusion for Gemma and Leonidas. I will miss these characters.
Trigger warnings: PTSD; torture; death of parent referenced; blood and death;
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and were not affected by the free copy.
Princess Gemma is wearing n new mask, as a bounty hunter. Prince Milo is on the run, but Gemma knows that no one is safe. She puts a plan in place that will either save their country...or doom it.
This was a solid end to the trilogy; I didn't love it as much as the Crown of Shards finale, but it did leave me hope for a 3rd series following another certain princess that doesn't understand her magic. I mostly enjoyed the character development. Gemma finally starts to embrace her magic, though it still takes her way longer than it should. I really enjoyed the flashbacks in this one, much less painful than the previous flashbacks, and Grimley is perfection. It was rough to see Maeven like a human, I don't particularly want to empathize with her, but dang it, I'm starting to understand why she's done the things she has. I loved getting to know Gemma's mother. She did so much to set up the whole series, I'm a bit sad we never really get to meet her.
Estep continues to write amazing food scenes, they always leaves me hungry. So much so, I actually decided to try a toasted apricot sandwich. No cheese, but otherwise delicious. The plot was pretty well paced, I never got bored.
I really, really hope there is a 3rd series. This world is seriously one of my favorites, and I absolutely can't wait to read more. This series is perfect for fantasy fans.
Princess Gemma is wearing n new mask, as a bounty hunter. Prince Milo is on the run, but Gemma knows that no one is safe. She puts a plan in place that will either save their country...or doom it.
This was a solid end to the trilogy; I didn't love it as much as the Crown of Shards finale, but it did leave me hope for a 3rd series following another certain princess that doesn't understand her magic. I mostly enjoyed the character development. Gemma finally starts to embrace her magic, though it still takes her way longer than it should. I really enjoyed the flashbacks in this one, much less painful than the previous flashbacks, and Grimley is perfection. It was rough to see Maeven like a human, I don't particularly want to empathize with her, but dang it, I'm starting to understand why she's done the things she has. I loved getting to know Gemma's mother. She did so much to set up the whole series, I'm a bit sad we never really get to meet her.
Estep continues to write amazing food scenes, they always leaves me hungry. So much so, I actually decided to try a toasted apricot sandwich. No cheese, but otherwise delicious. The plot was pretty well paced, I never got bored.
I really, really hope there is a 3rd series. This world is seriously one of my favorites, and I absolutely can't wait to read more. This series is perfect for fantasy fans.
Loved reading this book, it was so fantastic, and I loved how everything wrapped up!