I'm really confused about my feelings with this book. It felt like the story dragged on and on in the beginning, but the end felt like the author was rushing to get us somewhere. I'm really looking forward to reading the next book to see how these characters turn out.

The Orchid Throne is a fantasy type novel with some strong world building but a little slow to get in to, if you can. Unfortunately for me, it took a little too long to catch my interest and I did not find myself as enthralled as I expected to be.

I do see the appeal though and i think it is a strong world and system, just needed a little bit of a quicker pace.

I really wanted to love this book...I was super excited about a new fantasy series...unfortunately, this one fell a little flat for me. I began this book in October 2019 but really couldn’t get into it, so I put it down. Then I received the second book and decided to pick it up again since I could immediately move on with the series.

I felt like the premise of the book was an interesting one...magic has been outlawed except the queen of Calanthe with her orchid ring and Ambrose. But I didn’t really connect with any of the characters. There wasn’t a character that I felt like rooting for.

The chapters were very confusing since there aren’t titles explaining who is talking and both characters sound very similar. Sometimes I was a few sentences in before I could tell which character perspective the chapter was was being told from.

Normally, at the beginning of a fantasy series, there needs to be character development, world building and an introduction to the magic system, class system, etc. but I can’t really say that I knew much more about any of these at the end of the book than I did going into it,

This was just an all around disappointing read for me. I will not be continuing with the series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book is from a new-to-me author whose books have been recommended by fantasy romance fans on Twitter and the book synopsis! I really enjoyed The Orchid Throne! Great world building and fantastic characters!

I ADORE both the love-hate and marriage of convenience tropes. I also love fantasy novels. This manages to combine my favorite things with a blend of beautiful fantasy and flowers. I'm wholly impressed by the savagery of Kennedy's world building and the delicate strokes of the romance. While the plot does take a little to pick up, I get the need for stage setting. The story really kicks into gear once the two protagonists meet. From there it's all high stakes and heated glances and sneaky sidekick wizards. Highly recommend as a light fantasy (that also manages to be very dark. Definitely some triggers present).

I tried reading this book but sadly I didn't make it very far while reading this book. I think that the different point of views made it a bit difficult to understand . I usually love this author's books and I hoped that this one would work out for me.

So, this book has got me tricked. Feeling I started a fantasy story it’s more of a romance… not my thing. Slow-paced with a dragging story, heavily depending on describing wardrobes and make-up. The fantasy part is completely overlooked and overshadowed by the romance story.

Removed it from my reader after a half-hour reading… say enough right?

I ended up sitting this one down. There wasn't anything wrong with this one. In fact, I quite liked the setting and the writing. But something about it didn't quite hook me enough, so I found myself putting it aside after a few pages. I think this is more of a "it's me, not you" situation, and I definitely think I'll try it again at some point.

The Orchid Throne is the fantastic first book in a new fantasy romance series that I was able to review thanks to the publisher and Netgalley. In the meantime I also bought myself a printed copy of the book to add to my shelves and so that I can do a re-read soon, before starting the Fiery Crown.

The writing is truly beautiful and addictive and had my attention from the start. There's an excellent world building and I loved reading about these sometimes flawed and therefore relatable and realistic characters doing their very best to survive (and thrive) in brutal circumstances. By the end of the book I was completely hooked and craved more instantly.

I also really liked reading from two POV's - it gives the character and story-line development more depth I think. The minor characters were also a really good addition. I love it when they really 'add something' to the story you know instead of just being present as a 'fill in'. I can't wait to read more about them as well.

Overall:
This was everything I was looking for to get in an adult fantasy romance book and I can't wait to read the Fiery Crown! Jeffe has rapidly become an author I've come to love so much and I'm excited to read more of her work.

I definitely recommend picking this one up if you like fantasy romance. It's a strong and good first book in a new series and it gets better and better the further you get along. You'll be left craving more and wanting to know what'll happens next!

Honestly, what attracted me to picking this up was the stunning cover. The description had me worried The Orchid Throne by Jeffe Kennedy would be either hit or miss. This would either be an amazing YA fantasy full of intrigue, which is hard to fine well done, or it would fall by the wayside like so many others. Well, this was a fall by the wayside for sure.

Normally, I try to read at least 25% before deciding to give up on a book. This time, I read a full 55% before realizing it was not going to get better and was not worth trying to force myself through this. The main problem was the characters, well, one in particular. The actual Queen of Calanthe was so incredibly insufferable from the very first page where I needed to stop and reach out to friends about how ridiculous she was written.

Though I was only twenty-six, they made me feel old. If a witch offered me a magic potion to remove the last ten years and restore my youth […] I’d down it without question.
The Orchid Throne – Chapter 1

I should have realized right from that paragraph that this would not be something I would enjoy, but I pushed through. Then, we’re introduced to the second narrator, Conrí. This was exciting. He was likable, sympathetic. It helped keep me going with the book but by halfway through, even he could not salvage this. Instead of him tempering Queen Euthalia, he joined her at her level and the two together were absolutely ridiculous. Euthalia remaining as obtuse and regal but Conrí suddenly an infatuated puppy longing for a touch after only meeting her once and under not so favorable circumstances.

The Orchid Throne by Jeffe Kennedy fails to captivate due to an insufferable protagonist. That said, if you make it through the first chapter and really like Euthalia, you might like this book! If you dislike her and think it will get better, learn from my mistake and give up sooner than later.

Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read and review this title. I will review this title at a different date.

The Orchid Throne was DEFINITELY a surprise for me.

I definitely stand on the fact that the last 30% was phenomenal. The beginning starts off fairly slow as we’re introduced to this dual perspective novel, but there’s a lot suspending your disbelief that you have to do in terms of understanding the world, the people, and the royalty that comes with it. Given that it is a series, there are still so many questions about the magic that haven’t been answered that I hope will come through with book 2, alongside the ending of this one.

I do think that it is a very character driven novel, and I wasn’t 100% invested in our Slave King, Conrí, and Queen Euthalia until after the halfway mark. BUT LET ME TELL YOU, once I was in... oh baby I was IN. They have such a great dynamic together, and it felt very Jude and Cardan-like with their enemies to friends to lovers relationship. I’m really excited to see what comes next out of their story!

The Orchid Throne is told through the alternating perspectives of Euthalia, Queen of Calanthe and the evil emperor's betrothed, and Conri, former Crown Prince of Oriel and leader of an army out to overthrow the emperor. From the beginning, Euthalia and Conri seem set up to fight on opposing sides, though my bet is that they'll end up joining forces against the emperor.

I like how Euthalia demonstrates political savviness. While her power is limited, she is not a puppet ruler bowing before the emperor's every whim. She has both an independent spirit, shackled only by a deep love for her people that makes her determined to do what it takes to protect them. I could also connect with Conri and his feelings of frustration with the empire's oppression. The author does a great job getting us into the minds and hearts of the characters.

What didn't work for me: I was looking for something more on the epic than the romance side.

If you enjoy fantasy romances and books that deep dive into the characters' thoughts and feelings, you may enjoy this one.

The Orchid Throne is part fantasy, part drama, part romance, and these three components are brought together in a way that even a romance hater such as myself enjoyed. This one is not for the faint of heart, and is sure to have something in store for everyone.

We find ourselves dropped into a story of war. Conri is the former prince of a kingdom destroyed by Anure, His Emperial Majesty. Conri seeks vengeance and the desire to bring down Anure himself, a seemingly impossible task. Coincidentally, a prophesy foretells that Anure can be brought down by the abiding ring which is now worn by Queen Euthalia who is betrothed to Anure. Conri finds himself struggling to find his way to get his hands on the abiding ring. Will he take it by force? Or through a game of hearts?

What I love about this story most of all is the clashing and coming together of characters. Each character has their strengths and each character has weaknesses, everyone who is important is well rounded and thought out. I have noticed that oftentimes romance novels lack well rounded character, but not the case for this one. My favorite character is Sondra, second in command to Conri. She has a fire in her that can’t be tamed and I love it. She is brutally honest and not one to trifle with. Here is a quote about her that I love,

“Then she lifted that burning, raging gaze to mine again. “But not for despair. The bloodline of Oriel lives in you. Long live the king,””

While Sondra is sure of herself, Conri is not. I enjoy that parallel. He is kind of a bungling idiot who just happens to be an expert at combat. Conri feels very unique to me and his rapport with Queen Euthalia is magnificent, both hilarious and steamy. It was unexpected.

Mentioning Sondra and Conri, I feel I must mention Queen Euthalia. She emits such power and grace, in a way she reminds me Daenerys from Game of Thrones, she is a force to be reckoned with. I severely underestimate her in the beginning. She seems like a scared girl but after reading this quote I realize I am mistaken,

“With one last survey of the assembly, letting the moment stretch out, a small public flexing of my power—never let them forget they sit and stand with your permission—I finally lifted a hand, granting them the opportunity to rest themselves.”

She exudes power and knows how to flex it. Euthalia keeps a tight court and I find her character very admirable. Characters like hers are very important in novels. She is not evil but she knows when to crack the whip.

Kennedy nails the imagery in this novel. queen Euthalia has visions throughtout the novel and they are haunting and beautiful. The first one that caught my eye is this,

The wolf fought its chains, howling in hoarse rage, shedding fire and ash. The sea churned, bloodred and crimson dark, bones tossed in the waves, white as foam.

I can see what Euthalia sees in her visions and I can feel her fear. Not to mention that this is a beautiful foreshadowing of events to come. I also enjoy that it paints the slave king a certain way and then you are forced to see him in a different light later in the novel.

Something interesting and possibly unrelated but Queen Euthalia’s land is named Calanthe. I am currently reading The Witcher series by Andrzej Sapkowski and a Queen in his novel is named Calanthe. I’m curious to know whether or not Kennedy drew inspiration from Sapkowski or if it’s a simple coincidence.

Another fun tidbit is the weapon in The Orchid Throne called a bagiroca. The whole time I was reading about the bagiroca, I was like what the hell is that? Well, I looked it up and it led me to an article by Jeffe Kennedy titled Where is a Weapons Dictionary when You Need One?. In short, the bagiroca is made up by Kennedy. Bag-i-roca, bag of rocks, that’s what I got from it. The article is funny and relatable so that’s why I linked it.

My only gripe is that The Orchid Throne is still a bit predictable. This makes me very sad because it is an unfortunate trope that romance novels tend to lean towards the predictable side. But, I do not want this to deter you because what it lacks in surprise it makes up for in hilarity and fun. Not all books have to twist and turn at every corner. This one is good entertainment.

I give The Orchid Throne 4/5 stars. While, it is not flawless it is a fun read and I have already recommended it to one of my friends. Romance lovers and haters alike can find something to enjoy in this novel, trust me. The Orchid Throne is out now and I’m currently reading the sequel The Fiery Crown set to release the 26th of May 2020. Check out The Orchid Throne and keep and eye out for my soon-to-be published review of The Fiery Crown. Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Jeffe Kennedy for allowing me the opportunity to read this novel.

A nice intro into a new fantasy world. The book was a bit slow, with not much happening. A lot of it is world building and introducing the characters & conflicts. This book is much more grittier than I was expecting. There’s no sugar coating the hardships that the characters endure. The two main characters, Con and Lia appear to be two complete opposites but they both have their loyalty towards their people and cause in common. Looking forward to seeing the or story continue.

This book is well paced and has a fantastic build up to key events. I really appreciated the time characters had to develop separately which made their inevitable crossing of paths all the more gratifying. Ethualia's plight was upsetting and really had me rooting for her. Her internalised feelings were really intense which pronounced her situation even though she didn't express much of it. Corni on the other hand was much less appealing as a character but grew on me over time. I appreciated how well this book set the stage for the rest of the series and I'm looking forward to reading the rest.

I was very dissappointed in this novel. I DNK @ 43%. I just couldnt' connect with any of the characters, or the plot. It was a very intriguing idea, and I'm sad it missed the mark for me.

OK! So, in my opinion, this book started off really slow. I had to restart it multiple times. eventually, I settled on listening to the audiobook to see if it would help. It did. That was really my only complaint. The book is so detailed and well written that I can see why giving the background of the main characters and describing their every emotion was so necessary for the story to unfold in the end. Once you go past perhaps 50% of the book it really picks up pace. Euthelia is beautiful and strong and a svery smart young woman, Con is rough around the edges but you can see there can be kindeness underneath. Sondra reminds me of Mor in ACOTAR, and Ambrose and amusing wizard that reminds me so much of Merlin from Disney's the sword in the stone. At first i thought this was going to be a simple tale, boy meets girl, they fall in love, they save the world. I was wrong. this book delves into human emotions, supernatural abilities and rebellion. Needless to say the sexual tension was taut between the two. I liked the bond they create. just as the book ends, you feel this sense on an unoncoming storm brewing in the distance. i can't wait for book 2.

This book has a slow build to it but overall a well written story. I enjoyed reading it. Its definitely not the type of book you read in one setting but its paced so you can enjoy it over a period of time. I loved the world it created and the characters. I look forward to reading book 2. Thanks to Netglley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an unbiased review.

First, the cover is SO beautiful. I wanted to love this book as much as I love the cover. I wasn't sure if I should even submit this. I had a had time reading this one and it took me a lot of months to get through it. I was as slow at reading it as it was paced. It was painful. I'm not writing off the author and would be willing to try future books. I greatly thank the publisher and netgalley with providing me with a review copy.