Title: The Orchid Throne
Author: Jeffe Kennedy
Series: Forgotten Empires 1
Narrator: Elizabeth Brook
Genre: Fantasy
Publication: 9/24/2019
Read: September 2019
Format: Audio
Length: 10 hrs and 39 mins
Rating: 5 Caffeinated Stars
Trigger Warning: Mention of rape, torture, child abuse, & murder

Goodreads Summary:

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?

My Thoughts:

Narration:
When I started to listen to this book, I was extremely unsure of the narrator, but I’m glad I decided to try the audiobook. Once I got used to Elizabeth Brook’s narration, I was able to focus on the book. Though she did a decent job at narrating the book, I desperately wished for dual narrators. The narrator was not able to accurately portray which point of view she was telling, which made it difficult to follow at times. Two narrators or a narrator that could change their tone of voice would have made this book more enjoyable.

The Book:
Even though I wasn’t a massive fan of the narrator, I definitely LOVED the book. The Orchid Throne was captivating. Seriously, everything about this book was phenomenal. Both Euthalia & Conri were fascinating to learn about, and I really enjoyed seeing both Euthalia and Conri’s perspectives. Both characters were lovable and exciting. I couldn’t help but root for them both.

The plot was fast-paced and genuinely enrapturing. I never wanted to stop reading, which made work and family events a necessary evil. The plot was complex but easy to follow. I also really loved the royal court aspect of this book. Typically I’m not a fan of the politics of the royal court, but I think it added yet another element to the book. The political intrigue truly added a complexity to this book that kept me turning the pages. I couldn’t help but wonder what was going to happen next, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series! I have so many questions I need answers to, and I can’t wait to see more of Conri & Euthalia!

I am so happy I took a chance on a new to me author & I honestly can’t wait to see what happens next. FYI, I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Since I read this book after publication, I bought the audiobook and listened to it instead. I would recommend skipping the audiobook and reading the book instead. If you do read the audiobook, just go in knowing that every other chapter changes perspectives.

Did my review convince you to read this must read fantasy? If so, here are the buy links! FYI this post uses Amazon Affiliate links. You pay the same price on amazon but you’ll also be supporting my blog!

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Goodreads

This is my Review of the Month for the review collection on LovelyAudiobooks.info