Daughter of the Drowned Empire

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Did I mention there is a love triangle? But wait - don’t worry! This isn’t the standard “I just can’t decide between these two love interests” plotline. There are real consequences to her actions and decisions in her relations with both Tristan (to whom engagement has been delayed) and Rhyan Hart, disgraced heir to the northern realm of Glemaria’s throne, who has come to Bamaria for sanctuary and who has become both her bodyguard and teacher. Lyr knows this – her character may sometimes be impulsive, but she is intelligent and crafty and knows there are no easy answers or ways out in this world. What I liked: I loved the creative worldbuilding and lore, and am especially fond of the bodyguard/trainer-trainee dynamic. Rhyan’s protectiveness that’s hidden underneath his cold, seemingly nonchalant demeanor was also insanely attractive. Where this book was the first book in this series it has a lot of world building and there are a ton of words thrown at you to learn but it is delivered so amazingly that I was able to retain the information given without any issues. The story is literally that good. I am so excited for the sequel. I ABSOLUTELY need to know what happens next! I was not ready for this to make such an impact and my God am I glad that this book came onto my radar and I had the opportunity to read it because I am hooked…and I cannot wait to get into book 2. But when Lyr must participate in the ceremony that reveals her power, she uncovers something else entirely. Something that means banishment from the Empire.

Lyr’s own cousin was executed for wielding the wrong kind. And for years, Lyr has sworn to protect her older sisters, helping them conceal their own illicit magic. There is some sort of love triangle goin on, but not really, because while Lyr and Rhyan (and did I mention he's beautiful) clearly have feelings for each other, they can't act on them because it's forbidden.The story follows the heartbreaking trials of the Lady Lyriana Batavia, third in line to rule the nation of Bamaria, part of the Lumerian Empire. The book opens with 17-year-old Lyr, as she known in the books, going to a ceremony where her sister, cousin, and other 19-year-olds will have their birth magic unbound and they will choose to become mage or magic-enhanced warrior. She is about to be engaged formally to Tristan, of Ka (House) Grey, a mage who also is trained to hunt down those who use one of the three forms of illicit magic. The world is her oyster. Until it isn’t.

I still felt like the world building was easy to read - except for my pet peeve of fantasy words that are too similar - & the world created was interesting. It is an ambitious book. Sometimes I felt it had more on it’s plate than it could deal with and the pacing is a little unconventional but in the end, it all helped to shape the character arcs. Spice : 2/5 there were some good little spice scenes but I am assuming more will come in book two. I was just BEGGING for a kiss between two specific characters or spice between these two SPECIFIC CHARACTERS and IDEK how I am going to wait for this next book. Goodreads Librarians are volunteers who help ensure the accuracy of information about books and authors in the Goodreads' catalog. The Goodreads Libra Goodreads Librarians are volunteers who help ensure the accuracy of information about books and authors in the Goodreads' catalog. The Goodreads Librarians Group is the official group for requesting additions or updates to the catalog, including: My ebook has some sort of almanac at the end, so I recommend studying it a little before reading the book or, even better, during the book. Had I known it was there, it would have made things way easier for me.

There's a super cool magic system, Lyr's sisters who I need to know more about, and a setting that I can't wait to delve into in the sequel. But most of all...there's Rhyan. Rebel forces, and an invading army, are destabilizing Bamaria, just as her family’s secrets threaten to reveal themselves. and Lyr are some sort of reincarnations of Auriel and Asherah. Imbuing Lyr with Asherah's Goddess powers. So instead of having normal magic or a vorakh, her magic is some combination, explaining some of her dreams and feelings.

I loved how unique and involved the storyline, plot, and world are all seamlessly tied together. It had all the makings of a great fantasy novel. And for those worried - I would classify this under a fantasy novel with a romance subplot, and not a romance in a fantasy setting. It was perfection. The worldbuilding is actually pretty awesome (which is why I gave it two stars and not one)—but I read half the book and I barely get where we are/what’s happening/where the story is going. I’m the first one to complain about info dumps but this—this is too much too fast. I saw multiple spots where the story would’ve benefited off of spending a paragraph or two going over the weird fantastic creatures they have, or the layout of the land, or the socio-political structure of their society, and where all of that stands in relation to the human world (which they off-handedly mention like, once?). Also, the plot is just so choppy. No seamless flow at all. Suffice it to say that I’m very lost. Rhyan: stop I love him so much. Caring and protective, he hides his kind side under a cold exterior. but honestly I love him so much ahhhhhhh Lyr has plenty scope for growth and I'm curious enough to read more in the series if my library gets the other books...afraid I'm not invested enough to buy them for myself tho - soz 😶 The world building was amazing! It managed to create and explain this whole world without me feeling lost once! (Although, I probably should have read the glossary at the end first—😩)

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I was not ready for this masterpiece! This book needs all the hype!!! Like shout it from the rooftops, display a full on bat signal. The world needs to know about this book!!! I was not ready for the emotional ride, complex world building, intricate magic system and utterly compelling story. vorakh are not as dangerous as believed! I think that they were outlawed by the "bad guys" as a way to weaken the "good guys." I think that part of the binding is what is causing 5he ill side effects of those with a vorakh and this will all be discovered later! Or at least I hope so. 😅 I want Meera and Morgana to find a way to control their gifts and be able to help Lyr in her coming fight.