The Fiery Crown

The Fiery Crown by Jeffe Kenneedy Forgotten Empires #2 Fantasy at its best. Jefe Kennedy has created a universe that is flawed but has the potential to survive, evolve and become what it once was or perhaps more than it ever was. The characters presented in book one made me stand up and think and then wonder…what happens next? I was drawn into this series then and felt an affinity to many of the characters throughout the story and that closeness to the characters continued in this book. I wanted to sweep up the ones I liked and keep them safe while knowing I could not and perhaps I also knew that some of them would suffer. I hoped that the evil ones would be meted justice by the fates and the God/desses of the world I found myself within but worried they would not meet the doom they deserved. The writing was beautifully wrought with slow pacing, excellent description and drawing on emotions aplenty. The two main characters were slow to realize that their marriage, though not a love match, could benefit both. Even at times it seemed there might be the possibility for true love as they moved forward. This book contains a prophecy and some of the phrases of the prophecy are quoted. Some of the prophecies are realized but perhaps there is more to this story? I hope there IS a future for the Forgotten Empires and that as the two main characters finally realize how much they mean to one another – they will find a HEA. But…what about the OTHER parts of the empire…are there many? What happened to them and how will they impact on the future in this world that is being created? And, will there be progeny from Conri and Lia? Hmmmm… Will there be more? Perhaps. If not, It was an entertaining read. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Paperbacks for the ARC – This is my honest review. 5 Stars

“The Fiery Crown” was a decent followup installment of the “The Orchid Throne” in the Forgotten Empire series. I wish I could say it wow me yet I am sad to report that this novel definitely lacked that spark that drew me originally to this series. If you haven’t read the blurb, “The Fiery Crown” follows Lia and Conri’s marriage of convenience and their uneasy alliance. I enjoyed the tense and the fierce banter between the two as they struggle to rule the Kingdom while seeking vengeance but less than a week has passed and the I love yous are thrown around. It kind of ruined the fierce image I had for this couple and wish they had more of a slow-burn kind of romance. Nevertheless, it wasn’t terrible and I look forward to the conclusion of their story.

I've been waiting for this book and it doesn't disappoint. Lovely world building and imagery with unique ideas. It's a very very good series!