The Fiery Crown by Jeffe Kennedy ~ a Review

by MK French

Queen Euthalia married Conrí, who still hopes to destroy Emperor Anure. They're at odds in how to defeat him, even though a prophecy states that it can be done. Lia's spies gather information, stating that Anure is coming to Calanthe to claim her and the Abiding Ring she wears. All Conrí knows is vengeance and misery, and Lia knows how to endure. Between the two of them, they have to come to an understanding in order to survive.

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May 2020; St. Martin; 978-1250194336
audio, ebook, print (400 pages); fantasy

The Fiery Crown is the sequel to The Orchid Throne (read my review) and takes place soon after the close of that novel. If you missed that one, there are fragments of their past woven into the story so that you can catch up. There is a lot more nuance if you did read it, and it's such a beautifully written story that it's worth reading first. In this one, Lia and Con are trying to manage their marriage of convenience, which is complicated by the way they are sexually compatible. Emotionally they value different things; Lia has to put the people of Calanthe ahead of herself, and Con is determined to bring a final end to Anure's conquest of all the kingdoms. Of course, there are feelings involved, more than they planned or wanted, and time brings a greater understanding of each other.

For their sakes, I wish I could say this was the end of their story and there is a happily ever after. But as much as I would love to say that, it isn't meant to be. Authors can only write when there's a story to tell, after all, and it's one complicated by the emotional pain of past betrayals, fighting the growing closeness, and laying a trap for Anure. The final third of the novel has a lot more danger to it, and there are so many questions left that I'm sure a third novel is planned to answer them. I'm chomping at the bit for them because I want that happily ever after for this world, and they all deserve it.

Buy The Fiery Crown at Amazon

Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and a golden retriever.

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