The Promised Queen by Jeffe Kennedy ~ a Review

by MK French

Lia, Con, and their allies still have to fight off Anure and his impending army. Queen Euthalia has the Abiding Ring and Con had claimed the hand, but the prophecy isn't fulfilled yet. She's broken in body and mind, and the island of Calanthe isn't safe. She must heal as Con fights to hold off Anure and his wizards in a final bid for freedom.

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May 2021; St. Martin's; 978-1250194350
audio, ebook, print (416 pages); fantasy

The Promised Queen is the third book of the Forgotten Empires trilogy, following The Orchid Throne (read my review) and The Fiery Crown (read my review). You absolutely need to read those books first and trust me, they're worth the read. An added benefit is that you can now binge-read all three of these books in a row. 

We pick up after the second book, and there is so much to recover from. Lia and Con have to work together, but each has realized how much they love each other. Con professes his love, and the pain he felt at Lia's loss, which is such emotional growth for him, I nearly cheered. He wants to help and protect her however he can, but Lia's love for him means she withholds the words so that he could someday return to his birthplace and save it from the devastation that Anure wrought. It's very much a gift of the magi situation, and I ached for them both.

There is a traditional romance novel arc for Con to navigate: which does he value more, his love for Lia or his need for revenge against Anure? Lia has to grow into her magic and the protections for Calanthe, a frightening prospect for her. Is she a woman or a monster? Is magic really the answer to all their problems? No, of course, it isn't, and the characters have to push past their comfort zones. While it isn't the answer to everything, magic is a useful tool and one that can be used as a weapon as well. The ending we get is not only one that fits this novel but also fits the entire trilogy's arc.

Buy The Promised Queen 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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