Daughter of the Drowned Empire

Let me start off with how excited I was about this book many different times after watching some of the TikTok videos posted. I couldn't wait until release day to read it, so I was super greatful when I was able to get an ARC. I really enjoyed reading this and it lived up to my expectations. The world building was great. I really enjoyed following Lyr on the beginning of her journey. She is a strong woman who protects the people she cares about. There were a few twists that took me by surprise. I can't wait to find out how Lyr's story continues. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC of this release! - Fantasy lovers: I gather you here with me today to tell you that this book is your new obsession. I’m completely convinced that this book will absolutely blow up - as it should! And you know what the best thing is? It releases on the 22nd of February - just a few days before you can get your hands on it! You definitely should preorder, too. Alright, here are my thoughts… Summary 19-year-old mage Lady Lyriana Batavia is third in line to the Seat of Power in Bamaria: a position of wealth and privilege, but not safety. Bamaria falls under the rule of the Lumerian Empire, survivors of a celestial war whose island sank in the Drowning. Now all Lumerians submit to the Emperor and his strict laws about magic. He decides what magic can be practiced and what powers remain forbidden. He decides who will die for possession of forbidden magic. When Lyr must participate in the ceremony that reveals her power, she uncovers something else entirely. Something that means banishment from the Empire. Faced with death in exile, and leaving her sisters behind, Lyr has no choice but to accept a deadly contract. She has seven months to train as a warrior and pass the Emperor's brutal test of strength-all without magic. But when she's forced to train with Lord Rhyan Hart, the man she's secretly loved since she was a girl-a feared warrior in exile himself, forbidden to her in every way-she's in danger of losing far more than her family, life, and country. Rebel forces, and an invading army, are destabilizing Bamaria, just as her family's secrets threaten to reveal themselves. Surviving the training, and saving her sisters may mean sacrificing her own heart. /End of summary/ Firstly, this is the first book in a high fantasy series, so there is a LOT of worldbuilding. I found it difficult to keep up with at times, but this isn’t a criticism because that is to be expected. If I had rated this book more upon my personal enjoyment, I think it would come to three stars. But looking at this objectively, it is at least a four. It has good writing, a fast-paced plot, a thoroughly developed and immersive world, and good characters (Rhyan will definitely be a favourite!). For me, it was a little too steamy, but some people will find it just the right amount! Likewise, I found the worldbuilding a bit overwhelming, but plenty of people will love that. I really recommend this one to any fantasy lover. If you’re not into fantasy, it probably isn’t going to be your favourite, but if you’re interested in it then 100% give it a go!!

Spoiler free “Every time I thought I couldn’t do something, a task felt too big, an enemy too scary, I imagined they were nothing more than a thin puny rope. And no rope can hold me.” - one of my favorite quotes of the book The Daughter of the Drowned Empire is a fun read filled with some of my favorite generes: fantasy, action, suspense, with hints of drama, and just enough forbidden romance to keep things spicy (if that’s what turns your page ; ) In the beginning, the hero of the story finds her world turned upside down and has to make sacrifices in order to protect herself and those she loves. Soon she finds out that even when she thought she was already giving everything she had, the world demanded more from her. The beginning of the book does a great job giving the story a sense of weight and consequence to the events as they unfold. As you travel in between chapters, you’ll quickly find yourself rooting for certain characters, wanting to know more about some, and openly, with good reason, despising others. By the time you approach the second half of the book, you’ll catch a wave of momentum in the story where you just want to keep turning the page right up until the very end. I’m excited to see where this story will lead us next! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.