The Orchid Throne

by Jeffe Kennedy

Overview

In the Forgotten Empires magic is forbidden, dreams are destiny, and love is the greatest power of all…

A PRISONER OF FATE
As Queen of the island kingdom of Calanthe, Lia 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 Lia 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?

“A lush… perilous and passionate world.”—New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Estep

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250194312
Publisher:	St. Martin's Press
Publication date:	09/24/2019
Series:	Forgotten Empires Series , #1
Pages:	384
Sales rank:	1,059,290
Product dimensions:	4.12(w) x 6.75(h) x (d)

About the Author

Jeffe Kennedy is an award-winning, best-selling author who writes fantasy with romantic elements and contemporary romance. She serves on the Board of Directors for SFWA as a Director at Large.

Her recent works include the high fantasy trilogy from Rebel Base books, The Chronicles of Dasnaria, in the same world as her award-winning fantasy series The Twelve Kingdoms and The Uncharted Realms. She is a hybrid author, and also self-publishes a romantic fantasy series, Sorcerous Moons. Her books have won the RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Fantasy Romance of 2015, been named Best Book of June 2014, and won RWA’s prestigious RITA® Award in 2017. The newest novella in The Uncharted Realms, The Dragons of Summer, is also a RITA finalist in 2019.

She lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with two Maine coon cats, plentiful free-range lizards and a very handsome Doctor of Oriental Medicine.

Jeffe can be found online at her website, every Sunday at the SFF Seven blog, on Facebook, on Goodreads and on Twitter. She is represented by Sarah Younger of Nancy Yost Literary Agency.

Editorial Reviews

06/03/2019

Kennedy’s romantic fantasy trilogy launch meanders through pleasant territory, but never really gets off the ground. Emotionally reserved Queen Euthalia brilliantly maneuvers politically to guard Calanthe, her untouched magical island. However, Euthalia’s devious plans to avoid marriage to a destructive emperor, Anure, are threatened by the rebellious, cynical “Slave King” Conrí, heir to a decimated kingdom, and his companions, vengeful Sondra and prophecy-wielding wizard Ambrose. While grim, self-hating Conrí conquers his way toward the fulfillment of Ambrose’s prophecy, Euthalia’s long-term machinations are endangered. Once Euthalia and Conrí meet, they must learn to trust each other despite conflicting goals. The plot plateaus early and does not gain impetus except when Euthalia and Conrí meet at last and must argue the merits of their differing plans to overcome Anure. A few plot threads are left dangling; it’s telegraphed that the sequel will feature larger conflicts and hopefully more interaction between Euthalia and Conrí. Appealing characters will win readers over enough to make the second book worth anticipating. Agent: Sarah Younger, Nancy Yost Literary. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

"The Orchid Throne is a captivating and sensual fantasy romance you won’t want to miss! High stakes. Remarkable worldbuilding. Unique and compelling characters. A slow-burn romance that’ll make you combust.” – Amanda Bouchet, USA Today bestselling author of The Kingmaker Chronicles

"Jeffe Kennedy's The Orchid Throne is an epic tale of grand scope with its battles and political machinations, and above all, its relentless pursuit of hope in the face of suffering. Con and Euthalia, united in their goal of destroying a usurper emperor, are a perfect match for each other. A beautifully told story of loss, endurance, and abiding devotion from a master of fantasy romance." - Grace Draven, USA Today Bestselling Author of Phoenix Unbound

"Captivating characters and lush descriptions transport readers to the perilous and passionate world of The Orchid Throne. Jeffe Kennedy weaves a potent tale of passion, prophecy, and political intrigue." - Jennifer Estep, New York Times bestselling author

“In Jeffe Kennedy’s new book, The Orchid Throne, she offers fabulously intriguing world-building that combines sophisticated decadence with a brutal fight for survival, and sprinkled with a delicious dose of the otherworldly that is sure to delight romantic fantasy readers.” - Thea Harrison, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

"The Orchid Throne captures from the first page and doesn't let go as Jeffe Kennedy weaves a timeless tale of love and survival amidst a lush backdrop teeming greed and deceit. You will fall for Lia and Con and root for them with every breath you take. This is a book that will linger in your thoughts for a very long time."- Darynda Jones, New York Times bestselling author

From the Publisher

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