Lia, Con, and their allies still have to fight off Anure and his impending army. Queen Euthalia has the Abiding Ring and Con had claimed the hand, but the prophecy isn't fulfilled yet. She's broken in body and mind, and the island of Calanthe isn't safe. She must heal as Con fights to hold off Anure and his wizards in a final bid for freedom.

The Promised Queen is the third book of the Forgotten Empires trilogy, following The Orchid Throne and The Fiery Crown. You absolutely need to read those books first and trust me, they're worth the read. An added benefit is that you can now binge-read all three of these books in a row.

We pick up after the second book, and there is so much to recover from. Lia and Con have to work together, but each has realized how much they love each other. Con professes his love, and the pain he felt at Lia's loss, which is such emotional growth for him, I nearly cheered. He wants to help and protect her however he can, but Lia's love for him means she withholds the words so that he could someday return to his birthplace and save it from the devastation that Anure wrought. It's very much a gift of the magi situation, and I ached for them both.

There is a traditional romance novel arc for Con to navigate: which does he value more, his love for Lia or his need for revenge against Anure? Lia has to grow into her magic and the protections for Calanthe, a frightening prospect for her. Is she a woman or a monster? Is magic really the answer to all their problems? No, of course, it isn't, and the characters have to push past their comfort zones. While it isn't the answer to everything, magic is a useful tool and one that can be used as a weapon as well. The ending we get is not only one that fits this novel but also fits the entire trilogy's arc.

The Promised Queen was an epic adventure filled with magic, love, action and so much more. I love this world and it’s magic system. I admit I’m sad to see this end but I thoroughly enjoyed the conclusion to Con and Lia’s story. It was a fitting end to wonderfully-epic story. I definitely recommend this trilogy.

This review was originally posted on <a href="https://booksofmyheart.net/2021/05/25/the-promised-queen-by-jeffe-kennedy/" target="_blank"> Books of My Heart</a>
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<i>Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i>

In the final book of the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/254326-forgotten-empires" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em><strong>Forgotten Empires</strong></em></a> series,  I began with the feeling of desolation.   Things had gone poorly when Anure attacked. I had really hoped Lia, Conri and Ambrose would all learn to better use and control their magic but that was not the<strong> Fiery Crown</strong>.  The couple did get to know each other and form a connection but it didn't help them defeat Anure.

So I am not sure how they will manage to survive in the<strong> Promised Queen</strong>.  One result of their losses, was the reassessment of their goals and priorities.  Now they want to rescue the other captives, other royals connected to the land, enslaved by Anure.   So while Lia puts her own land back together and builds strength and skill,  they plan with a new focus.

Their small team of less than 10 go to rescue the captives, and it is a harrowing task with timing being critical.   The action happens in a blur with dire moments had me holding my breath.   I loved this story with its lush details of magic and connections to the land.  I would read the books in order to follow the progression in their relationship and the military battles over all the kingdoms.

I had a great time with the first two novels and was curious to see the conclusion of the story between Con and Lia. They’ve both been through a lot and I was wondering how they were going to get through the last events.

Lia has beaten death, but that doesn’t mean she’s okay. She’s having a hard time getting back to who she was, who everyone expects her to be. But Calanthe is on the brink and she has no choice: she must act or she will lose everything! As for Con, he is still driven by his desire for revenge, but he will have to decide if it is more important than anything else.

This is the final confrontation, the conclusion of a saga that I enjoyed discovering. I loved following Lia and Con. They will do everything to move forward and achieve their goals, something that will be far from easy. It was a very good trilogy!

I am longtime fan of Jeffe Kennedy's, across the several genres in which she writes. When I first started blogging, I received an ARC for a fantasy romance, and that's when I realized that it's a) an under-represented subgenre and b) I love it a lot. Since then of course, more authors have come along but I think there's a reluctance among SFF authors to take on the Romance mantle, for reasons that should be obvious. Not Kennedy. Ever since publishing The Mark of the Tala in 2014, she's been penning traditional swords-and-sorcery fantasy WITH all the things romance readers demand -- deep emotional engagement, fiery characters, AND a happily-ever-after. The Promised Queen follows a newer format with a traditional SFF trilogy carrying the plot-driven conflict, and a romance the spans the three books. I want to be clear: I AM HERE FOR THAT. This book realizes the HEA, but it takes all three books, so know that going in.

Now. I love the Twelve Kingdoms series and its several spinoffs. A lot. But this new trilogy -- it's crisper, it's fresher, and it absolutely sings. Kennedy takes on something like the Land King myth, where the prosperity of the land is tied to the health of its ruler, and breathes new, feminine life and imagination into it. When The Orchid Crown opens, the world is under the thumb of a ruthless and evil conqueror Anure. He has stripped the lands of their rightful rulers, taking their places in attempt to harvest the power they are entitled to, with the help of some wizards in the tradition of Arthur's Merlin.

Euthalia still rules her own land, but the sword of her betrothal to Anure hangs over her head and that of her domain. There's an expiration date on her freedom, but she's become an expert at extending it. Here's where the worldbuilding is so cool: her magic, her very physiology, is entwined not only metaphorically with the land, but also literally. She is a bit alien, a bit weird, and Kennedy doesn't shy away from exploring some aspects that defy conventional definitions of beauty. (There is also some cool stuff to explore here around how image and facade might enhance your power, but comes at a cost).

Traditional SFF are often coming-of-age stories, with young protagonists who grow into their powers and agency, whether they are political, realistic, or magical, over the course of the story. In fact, I think a large percentage of fantasy published before 2010 or so would be considered YA if they were published today. What I absolutely LOVE about many fantasy romances is that the protagonists discover magical, political, and sexual potency in a big beautiful tangle of emotion and drama, all the while taking down the bad guys. This trilogy delivers on all of that and I can't get enough.

As the final book in a trilogy, The Promised Queen needs to deliver on three books' worth of tension-building. There are three books' worth of skirmishes, torture and atrocities to resolve. And when I was thinking about how to discuss that resolution, it occurred to me that the showdown scenes happened kind of fast. In term of page time, it was about three chapters in the third book, so arguably only three out something like 75 chapters. That's not much. Is it enough?

One of the answers that came to me is that it's often the case in real life when there is something terrifying, monstrous, mountainous, that seems impossible to overcome. We might spend 60 chapters or so trying to figure out how to delay the inevitable, to hold on to the tenuous peace we have rather than risk the treacherous journey to the other side. But then, when we get that push, when the fuse is lit, it turns out that maybe that mountain, while not exactly a molehill, is not actually a match for our own efforts, once we put our mind to it.

Another answer is this: maybe it doesn't have to be so goddamn bloody and gory. Maybe we don't need a Red Wedding. Maybe we don't need an army of orcs. Maybe a gentler, cleverer, more magical way can be just as effective. And where the romance part of the fantasy romance comes in, crushing the bad guys into oblivion is not the only barrier to Euthalia and Conri's happiness: there is also emotional work to be done. And the resolution of these obstacles is just as satisfying and probably even more wrenching. So is it enough? I think it's absolutely enough.

As a longtime reader, I can say Kennedy's worldbuilding chops keep getting better and better, more original and yet true to the best traditions of both the fantasy and the romance genres, and all executed flawlessly. When she's describing costumes, jewelry, architecture, landscape, or people, imagery leaps vividly to mind. The pacing is on point. Secondary characters fairly pull at the leash to get their own arc, but never distract. And the emotional resonance always delivers. If you've read the first two books, you don't need my endorsement to go get this one, it's probably already preordered. But if you were waiting to get an idea of how good the whole trilogy is... well, now you know. Go get it.

I really enjoy Ms. Kennedy's fantasy world building though I have to admit I've struggled a bit with the pacing in this series. Despite the horrific journey that Conrii and Lia undergo in the last book, they persevere against all odds and escape to fight another day.  One would have thought their bond would have strengthened through adversity and yet it is sundered leaving them more as allies than spouses.  Readers beware, be ready for the unexpected.
The story takes some very interesting twists and turns and reveals secrets and surprises that I certainly did not see coming. Lia has changed after her experiences and in some ways the island of Calanthe has changed as well since it's been blooded now. Can Lia bring the island back to tranquility and gain control over her magic such that she can protect against the attack sure to come from the empire.  
Con was so certain his way was right the last time that he over ruled anything that Lia tried to tell him. He's more amenable now but it's not clear that he's really learned the value of the council that she has to offer. Lia also has to overcome the fear and pain of what she's undergone and trust Con in a way that she didn't before. It is only when they trust each other fully will they be able to mount a united front and defeat their enemies. 
I really love how all the ensemble of characters that we've met over the past two books really come into their own in this story. 
I'm sorry to see this story come to an end but I do hope the author will find a way to create some secondary stories for some of our characters as we see the kingdoms destroyed by the emperor find a way to rebuild and shine again.

.....And Ms. Kennedy wrapped this series up with a BANG!!

The Promised Queen was my absolute favorite and the perfect completion to the Forgotten Empires trilogy. It had the perfect mix of romance, action and unexpected twists. Con and Lia's relationship takes a beating. It's uncertain if they'll be able to last for the long haul. There are too many uncertainties and other responsibilities on their shoulders. Yet, their love for one another is undeniable. However, before they can address any of that, they must first restore the island of Calanthe, find a way to free some royal captives and take down an evil emperor and his wizards.

I'm sad to see this series end, but very content with how things wrapped up for the characters. Ms. Kennedy definitely knows how to spin a story.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review this book and the opinions contained within are my own.

When book 2 (The Fiery Crown) concluded, Conri was left feeling guilty for putting Lia in danger. His helpless feelings at watching her struggle and her need for comfort pulled at him. Lia was left feeling guilty for putting the people of Calanthe in danger and denying her need for more than she realized. With the struggle for trust, the danger of treachery, and the hopelessness of loss, can Lia and Con complete the bond and form a union impenetrable to all enemies? Can the desired peace be enjoyed by all inhabitants? Will the throne continue to rule wisely? This is book 3 of the trilogy and recommended to read in order.

The Promised Queen, by author Jeffe Kennedy, is the third and final installment in the authors Forgotten Empires trilogy. Once again, this story features two main characters: Conri, former prince of Oriel, and Euthalia, Queen of Calanthe. Conrí claimed the hand, Lia's that wears the Abiding Ring, but the prophecy remains unfulfilled. Euthalia, Queen of Flowers, returns to Calanthe a changed woman. With the blood of war unleashing ancient terrors, Calanthe isn’t the haven it once was. Even more worrying, Emperor Anure and his wizards still hold an unknown number of hostages to keep control of the land that they seized.

Conri gave up his chance at revenge against Anure when he saved Lia. But now that he knows his sister is still alive, and being held hostage, he knows he has to finally take on the false emperor and destroy his power. Conri feels guilty for putting Lia in danger and each day that he sees her struggle to get back to normal, leaves him feeling helpless. He wants to be the person she turns to for comfort and support, but he doesn’t blame her when she turns him away. Lia feels guilty for putting Calanthe, and her people in danger and feels vulnerable while her body is so weak.

Her brief time as a captive has opened her eyes to the world’s plight. She must come to terms with her true nature before she can assist Conri in defeating Anure. She knows she's hurting Conri by pushing him away, but feels their situation is hopeless while she and Calanthe are so weak. She's lost in a muddled-mental-nightmare, the island is dying and sending the entire kingdom into chaos. To make matters even more twisted, the marriage bond between Conri and Lia has been broken. While Conri tires to find a way to help Lia heal, there's still the question of what to do now that he knows the plans of the one who took her captive.

Lia has to ask for help, but who can she trust? Can she finally find a way to become the person she needs to be, or will her luck finally run out and her people end up suffering even more? The most obvious question of this entire series is what is Lia? Is she human? Is she a Goddess? Or, is she something never seen before? Lia and Conri have had a rocky start, and there is still some emotion baggage that needs to be fixed, but now they must fully trust and want each other. Will love finally conquer all? You will have to read the book to find out!

Conclusion: The final confrontation between Conri, Lia and their allies, vs the false emperor was pretty disappointing as well as predictable. The good part is that the rollercoaster ride of emotions between Conri and Lia has finally be resolved in a way that makes sense.

What a fantastical, lyrical, mythical gem of a story! I LOVED this story about Lia and Con. The storyline takes you through the imaginary world of magic, mystery and mischief. Dark magic and Light hearts!
If you want to be taken away from the real world, READ THIS BOOK!

The Promised Queen takes up right where the cliffhanger in The Fiery Crown left off. This book must be read in the order of the series or the reader will be LOST! Queen Euthalia of Calanthe is forever changed but back home and back in touch with the magic of her land. Conri gave up his chance at revenge when he saved Lia. But now that he knows his sister is still alive, he knows he has to finally take on the false emperor and destroy his power. Love, honor, and justice come out to play in the epic ending to the best fantasy series in years. Jeffe Kennedy's world building draws the reader into the story and makes them never want to leave with complex characters and rich plots that leave you coming back for more. The Promised Queen is the perfect ending to an impressive fantasy series. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.

This is my fair and honest review, voluntarily given and in my own words, for this ARC. When I saw the description for the first of this series I thought, hmm, doesn't really sound like my kind of book. It is more fantasy than historical (which is what i usually go for) HOWEVER, these have really gotten under my skin and i just can't seem to get enough! So glad i decided to read these!

The Promised Queen is the third book in the Forgotten Empires series by Jeffe Kennedy. An intriguing fantasy romance that gives readers a thrilling finale to the Forgotten Empires trilogy. If you have not read the two previous books in the series, you will not fully understand the world, its troubles, and the characters’ personal growth. The Promised Queen picks up where the last book in the Forgotten Empires leaves off. An exciting conclusion to a spellbinding trilogy.

The Promised Queen by Jeffe Kennedy is the 3rd and final book in her Forgotten Empires series. The story picks up shortly after the last book left off, with Lia having been brought back from death, and broken. Lia continues with terrible nightmares, especially with her land being torn apart, due to Calanthe’s wild crazed reactions to her death. Conri refuses to leave her side, and gradually she will work to calm and bring Calanthe into control, as well as recovering from her horrific injuries; such as losing her hand and the orchid finger. The evil emperor, Anure and his wizards who tortured Lia, are still around, but not knowing that Lia still lives, as they continue to batter Calanthe. When Conri sees Lia continually faltering, he realizes she is starving, and needs his blood, which will bring her fully back, and in time, her injuries will slowly regenerate. Calanthe will then be magically restored, thanks to Lia’s influence.

As Lia recovers, she learns about their marriage that is now broken, due to her death, but both still love each other. Lia knows Conri is out for revenge, and in her insecurity, she feels he will want to go home to his land; and since she cannot leave Calanthe; they may not have a future. They made a great couple, over two books, their love for each other was very apparent, and I hoped somehow things would work out.

Conri, loves Lia, but he is determined to avenge what has been done to her, as well as save many prisoners held by Anure, some of those former royals of their own lands. Lia is a wonderful heroine, who is tough, independent, and steps up to strengthen her supernatural ability; she is still tied to the island, but opens herself to embrace her powers, especially to help Conri, when he goes to free the captives. Together with the team, they manage to convince Conri that his plan was sure to fail, with lives lost, a new plan gives them a chance. Who will survive?

What follows is a fantastic fantasy set in a world of magic with an amazing queen who continues to learn how to use more of her powers. As we raced to the exciting climax, it was amazing to watch Lia become the Promised Queen that she was destined to be. Jeffe Kennedy has created some wonderful characters, Lia, Conri, Sonia, Kara, Ibolya, Vesno, Ambrose, Merle, Brenda and Agatha to name a few. To tell too much more would be spoilers, and I do not want to ruin this book for you. You need to read and enjoy every moment.

THE PROMISED QUEEN is an exciting and satisfying conclusion to this wonderful trilogy, very well written by Jeffe Kennedy. I loved both Lia and Conri, who were fabulous heroes. If you enjoy exciting fantasy, romance, great couple, wonderful characters, you need to read this series.

Series finial should read the others first to get background.
Very different Fantasy romance with plenty of action,intrigue,drama,mystery and romance.
Was a little slow for me in places but I still enjoyed the story and characters.
Voluntarily Reviewed

If you have been following my blog for any length of time, then you know how much I dislike reading books out of order in any series. I actively go out of my way to avoid doing this. Sometimes, though, books do slip by me. The Promised Queen is such a book.

The Promised Queen is the third book in the Forgotten Empires trilogy. You cannot read it as a standalone. If you pick this book up haven’t read the previous two (or, as in my case, read book one and not book two), you will be confused. So, for those in the back: READ BOOKS ONE AND TWO FIRST. You will thank me.

Because I didn’t read book two, I had a tough time following the storylines. There were several points in the book where I was like “Why,” “What,” and “How?”. I won’t lie; there was a point in the book where I was going to DNF it. But I am stubborn, and since this was an ARC read, I needed to read it.

The flow of the book was pretty good. There was a slight lag in the middle of the book (before Lia refreshed her connection to Calanthe), but once that was over, it righted itself. I will warn, though, that there are no warnings when the author switches over to either Lia or Con. There will be stars, and then it’s up to you to figure it out. Luckily, since Lia uses the honorific We (and its variants), it wasn’t that hard to figure out. But it might bog the flow down for some people.

Lia and Con’s romance was on the backburner for a good majority of the book. It wasn’t until the final chapters (mainly after the scene where Lia flipped her lid about Con’s plan to rescue the royal hostages) that there was focus on it. I enjoyed that.

The storyline regarding Con, Lia, and their plans to exact revenge on Anure and rescue the royals were well written. But, the climax of that storyline was a letdown. I was expecting more than what happened. Mainly because of Con’s whole “I want to smash Anure with my rock hammer” vibe that he had going on. The same thing happened with rescuing the royals storyline. I was expecting something to happen (and it did….kinda), but it just petered out.

The end of the book was interesting. Enough was left open that I wonder if the author is going to do a spin-off series.

I liked The Promised Queen but I couldn’t get into it. There was so much that I didn’t understand or that didn’t make sense to me. I did like the storyline.

I would recommend The Promised Queen to anyone over the age of 21. There are some trigger warnings. While the author didn’t get graphic (at least in this book), they were still talked about. They are torture, rape, and violence.

I received an ARC of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I remember liking the first novel in the trilogy and then liking the second one even more, but this, THIS was excellent. Kennedy's world is so lush and full and original. The details all connect and the nuances of her magic are explained exactly enough. The storyline has threaded through all three novels beautifully and all the characters, major and minor, grew in earned ways. It was a full delight. Now that I know the end with all its twists and turns I'm eager to go reread some of the beginning. Highly recommend this trilogy, start to finish. The combination of sincere romance and high fantasy action was just a marvelous adventure.

Lia has returned to Calanthe after the horrific events in the last book. She may be alive, but Lia is certainly not whole as much was broken between her and Calanthe as well as her barbarian king Consort, Conri. Lia’s sacrifice for Con and her people took a heavy toll, now she must rebuild not only herself but connections to the land and magic. Con’s raison d’etre had been to kill the evil Emperor Anure who cost him just about everything in the world he loved. After years as a prisoner in caustic and deadly mines, Con is learning to be human again while trying to achieve his goals. His single-mindedness cost Lia a great deal. Now they must learn to work together as a true team in order to defeat the Emperor Anure and his wizards especially the ones that tortured Lia and took her hand with the Orchid Ring.

Many things need to change in Lia’s court including the way Con just blunders on with his plans regardless of the consequences, and the way Lia has previously ruled her seemingly sycophant people who spend their days and most especially nights dedicated to pleasure. With their loyal followers, Lia and Con have a tough road ahead of them to subvert their enemies and rebuild their personal bond. Neither one is quite willing to bend to the other so their relationship needs the time it does not have to be worked out because war is coming. This story also contains some surprises concerning where loyalties lie on both sides of the war.

Third and final book in the Forgotten Empires series, while battle lines are drawn, Con and Lia must learn to trust each other for not only the future of their own relationship, but for the safety of those under their care long subjugated by evil. With two very stubborn people, it is not surprising there is a major clashing of wills. Lia has to fully mature into her magic in order to turn the tide and help Con to save not only her people, but captives the Emperor has long held. Con has to choose between the narrowly focused goal that has driven him most of his life and giving over to the greater good. As a couple and leaders, Lia and Con are truly a force to be reckoned with in this intense and well written fantasy.

The finale to Jeffe Kennedy’s <i>Forgotten Empires</i> series, THE PROMISED QUEEN, is here. This is definitely a series that needs to be read in order; trying to jump in with this book would leave the reader very confused. I have to admit I did not remember a lot about the preceding story when I first began reading THE PROMISED QUEEN, but after several chapters much of the preceding story resolved itself enough in my memory that I wasn’t lost.

I didn’t completely love Queen Euthalia of Calanthe initially. Lia originally walled herself off emotionally from those around her in a bid to keep herself and her kingdom safe from the evil emperor who was her former betrothed. Lia is tied to her island kingdom via a sort of symbiosis with the goddess who is the embodiment of the land, and thus Lia is not fully human (in ways that give me a little bit of the creeps, TBH). But she’s stepped up to take care of her kingdom, enduring torture and an initially unwanted marriage to keep her people safe, which is very admirable to me. In THE PROMISED QUEEN, Lia is the most relatable she’s been in the series, and I’ve grown to appreciate even more her core of steely inner strength and determination. Kennedy always does a great job in creating strong and independent women, which I enjoy.

Conrí, the former Crown Prince of Oriel, is Lia’s husband. Con was known as the Slave King, because he was enslaved by the evil emperor as a boy and came to age while working as a mining slave, extracting explosives from a subjugated land. Con is burly, hotheaded, and tends to solve problems with weapons. He’s a great foil for Lia’s cool calculation. Con’s heart is wide open here, and I have to say I love it.

Kennedy’s <i>Forgotten Empires</i> series is part of the larger <i>Twelve Kingdoms</i> world, a huge interlocking set of many fantasy series. Kennedy provides her usual well fleshed out ensemble cast, and there are lots of secondary characters to admire and root for here. All band together in a final bid to destroy the corrupt empire that has brought such evil to their world. The relentless action is breathtaking, the emotions run high, and heroes and heroines abound. Kennedy brings us a gripping conclusion to the expansive Forgotten Empires saga in this stirring high fantasy of THE PROMISED QUEEN.

Conri, the Slave King, has successfully completed half of the prophecy by claiming the hand that wears the Abiding Ring. He rescues his wife and returns her back to her island home. Conri must devise a plan to defeat the false emperor and his wizards. Can Conri complete the second half of the prophecy? Will he give up his need for vengeance? But at what cost?
Euthalia (Lia), the Queen of Flowers, returns to Calanthe a changed woman. Her brief time as a captive has opened her eyes to the world’s plight. She must come to terms with her true nature before she can assist Conri in defeating Anure. What role will Lia play in the upcoming battle? Will her magic be enough? And will she have to give Conri up?
Conri has shown significant growth throughout the trilogy. He finally learns that his reckless nature has dire consequences, especially for his friends and family. I admire Conri’s willingness to step up and temporary assume the monarchy role in his wife’s absence. He knows how much Calanthe means to Lia, so he wants to resolve some of the island’s problems until her return. What I love the most about Conri is his refusal to let Lia push him away. He knows that he had messed up, but he tries to rectify it. Also, Conri sticks close to give Lia everything she needs to recover.
Lia also shows incredible growth. She no longer tries to conceal or hide her supernatural side but embraces it. I like that Lia flounders a bit with self-doubt and uncertainty. It shows that she is not infallible or perfect. I love the positive influence Lia has on Conri. She helps him explore other options when vengeance clouds his thinking. What I adore the most about Lia is her ability to see and acknowledge Conri’s strengths and skills. She does not let him downcast his person or his abilities.
THE PROMISED QUEEN is book three in Jeffe Kennedy’s fantasy-romance series, FORGOTTEN EMPIRES. It is prudent to read the previous two books in the series to fully understand the world, its troubles, and the characters’ personal growth. The story picks up where the prior one left off. This series stands apart from the author’s other works.
THE PROMISED QUEEN is the exciting conclusion to a spellbinding trilogy. I have really enjoyed Conri and Lia’s exploits. I am sad to see this magical series come to an end.