The Orchid Throne

** I received this ARC from a giveaway. Here is my HONEST review ** Alright, this was truly a 2 star read. This book desperately needed another round of line edits. The first four chapters alone are only descriptions of one of the MCs getting dressed, while the other is describing the thoughts during combat. Furthermore, in this 20 or so pages worth of useless information that does NOTHING to forward the story, barely a day or two passes. This is painfully slowly paced, and with nothing to keep you entertained while waiting for the action. Another major issue for this novel is that there is NO clear distinction when going from one MC — or POV really, I suppose — to the other. It creates a jarring, head hopping effect that leaves you wondering which character is going on for a paragraph or two. There needs to be SOME sort of clue for the reader to know what’s going on. This issue COULD be resolved with strong character voice — but no one in this novel has one. The MCs think and talk the same, with descriptions and feelings being described nearly identically. This makes it hard to enjoy or even get to know the characters. As it is in the ARC form, there is absolutely no distinction between the MC voices, leaving a bland read that was painful to push through. My personal issue: editing. This author reminds me of Stephen King. There’s GREAT potential here, and wonderful imagery, but there is so much rambling that you lose the story. I was actually able to read SEVERAL chapters by only reading the first two lines of every paragraph and didn’t miss ANYTHING. This is how it’s similar to King. There’s a lot of rambling, details that do nothing to forward the story or even enhance the world. This story has great potential, but it truly needs one more thorough line edit. I look forward to the final cut and print version.

The Orchid Throne by Jeffe Kennedy Forgotten Empires #1 At first I was bored...but...after awhile I became interested and by the end I was eager to read book two in this trilogy. Why was I bored? I found the introduction long and windy without seeming to tell me anything. A bit like the opening words to a Star Wars movie perhaps but without knowing the plot or players I was lost. I began reading and did not connect with either Lia, Queen of Calanthe or Conri, former crown prince of Oriel. Conri spent most of his time bashing people a bit like a Berzerker and Lia seemed a painted doll living in a gorgeous garden that was there to please her and those living on the island paradise. So...I skimmed and read and then finally I hit the part where Con and Lia meet. She was still cold and calculating and he was a bit of a loose cannon. And I waited and read and wondered. I wondered how the two would eventually be bound together and why and what kind of relationship they could possibly have. And...I think we find that out in book two. Why do I want to read book two if it took so long to actually get to know and care about the characters? I am not sure. I believe it is because the story grew on me and I want to see how the couple will move forward. I want to find out what will happen to Ambrose the wizard and Sondra the warrior. I want to find out if Con and Lia will find common ground other than providing an heir and taking down the tyrant Anure. And I want to find out that there is more to Con than the oafish warrior he seems at first and if there is warmth in the cold painted doll that Lia seems to be. Did I enjoy this book? Eventually Would I read more in this series? Yes Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC – This is my honest review. 4 Stars

To be fair, The Orchid Throne is a little out of my wheelhouse. It's closer to high fantasy, and there's nothing wrong with that, it's just not the norm for me. That could be a big part of the reason I struggled to get into this one. Maybe I just wasn't in the right frame of mind for the fantastical setting and people. Nevertheless, I plunged ahead, and everything finally started to click. The world-building was good, but I found the story a bit wordy, as in a lot of unnecessary descriptions and lengthy dialogue. I would've preferred more character building over detailed descriptions of everything the characters were wearing. Again, maybe that's just me. It does seem to take quite some time for things to really get moving, but they eventually do, and I was able to settle in and enjoy the story. The author is clearly talented, and I envy her ability to create such a fantastical world. I think, in this case, it was one of those it's not you, it's me things, and I would say if you like fantasy, you should give this one a shot.