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...Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, the lush romantic fantasy world of the Forgotten Empires series will sweep you away.

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:	9781250886927
Publisher:	St. Martin's Publishing Group
Publication date:	09/24/2019
Series:	Forgotten Empires , #1
Pages:	384
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.86(d)

About the Author

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

She is a hybrid author who also self-publishes a romantic fantasy series, Sorcerous Moons. Books in her popular, long-running series, The Twelve Kingdoms and The Uncharted Realms, have won the RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Fantasy Romance and RWA’s prestigious RITA® Award, while more have been finalists for those awards. She's the author of the romantic fantasy trilogy The Forgotten Empires, which includes The Orchid Throne, The Fiery Crown, and The Promised Queen.

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

She can be found online at her website, every Sunday at the SFF Seven blog, on Facebook, on Goodreads and on Twitter.

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

"An enchanting world awaits in The Orchid Throne...With detailed world building and an intriguing cast of characters—especially a warrior woman and an enigmatic and amusing wizard—this captivating story will have readers holding their breath." - BookPage

"An exciting start to a new series." - All About Romance

"I highly recommend this for lovers of fantasy romance who like intricate but not overly complicated worldbuilding, strong characters, and exciting action packed scenes to go along with a sexy love story." - Harlequin Junkie (Top Pick)

"An immediately absorbing and original novel by an author with a distinctive and thoroughly reader engaging narrative storytelling style, "The Orchid Throne" by Jeffe Kennedy will become an immediate and enduringly popular addition to community library Fantasy Fiction collections." - Midwest Book Review

"The Orchid Throne was a moving tale of choices, fate, and loss ... Beautifully written and such a moving love story." - The Nerd Daily

"A captivating read that grows more engrossing with each chapter." - Romance Reviews Today

"This book is smart, sexy - smoldering, really - and so good!" - Read a Romance Month

"A captivating fantasy romance by a writer who knows how to lure you in and hold your attention until the very end. The Orchid Throne is a fascinating fantasy romance novel that I did not want to end!" - Lovely Loveday

"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 of 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