[Actual Rating 4.25] Conquer the Kingdom is the conclusion to the Gargoyle Queen series. I was first captivated by the first novel, Capture the Crown, where it was impossible to put down. This was a spin off series of the Crown of Shards series, and I believe there is room to further expand into additional spin-off series, especially based off events in this story. This is all possible as the world-building that Estep has done is amazing and complex. In this story, the plot picks up soon after the previous where Milo attacked during the Summit. With the Sword and Shield Tournament approaching, Gemma believes this could be the perfect opportunity to get Milo.

The romance between Gemma and Leo has not been easy. The obstacles they have faced throughout the three novels is intense and the two try to figure out how to make it to be together. As Gemma is set on her quest, Leo is trying to make peace with his mother, Maeven, and brother, Milo, being on the receiving end of her vengeance. Gemma may have accepted Leo, but he still needs to be accepted by her family and kingdom, which is not an easy task. Gemma is the main narrator for the story where the reader has followed her growth over the course of the three stories. While her romance may be in the background compared to the other action, it was still well-integrated into the story. Her growth also was nicely weaved in as she grew into her powers and role.

The story does begin slower, which was a surprise for this being the third novel in a trilogy. It did include some nice recap and set up the building of the tension for the final battle, but I do wish it was a little faster. There is a lot in this story where Gemma’s story is nicely wrapped up. Her princess persona that was introduced in the first novel and temporarily took a back seat in the second was brought back in this one which helped make the series come full circle. She constantly has her gargoyle Grimley by her side, which provided nice stability to the story. Grimley was an amazing character, and I loved his bond with Gemma. I also loved the bond Leo shared with his strix, Lyra. The entire cast of characters fit well together where I felt invested in everything. There were some elements, such as the pacing, where I felt some improvement could have been made, but this was an excellent conclusion and I cannot wait to read another Estep series.

**I give a special thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Avon and Harper Voyager, for the opportunity to read this entertaining novel. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

This is it! The conclusion to the Gargoyle Queen trilogy, which features Gemma Ripley- princess, spy, and powerful mind magier. At the end of the previous installment, Tear Down the Throne, we left Gemma and her former enemy, now lover, Prince Leonidas Morricone at a tentative peace after Leo’s brother, Milo, almost managed to fulfill his murderous plan. Leo and Gemma are in love and determined to be together, but can two people from enemy territories ever find their happily ever after?

It took me a bit to get into this book, mainly because the first half kind of rehashes all the political intrigue and events of the series so far. Gemma is desperately searching for Milo and his dastardly sidekick, knowing he is on the loose and will never quit trying to destroy everything and everyone she loves. Despite clues of his whereabouts, she just can’t seem to track him down. But a gladiator tournament is coming to Andvari, and she is hoping her plan to bring him to the city will enable her and her allies to defeat him once and for all.

The second half of the book, when the tournament begins, kept me glued to the page. This is Jennifer Estep at her best… devious plots playing out, big battle scenes, and Gemma realizing her magical potential and truly becoming the gargoyle queen. Flash backs of past events bring the entire plot arc full circle, and Gemma finally learns that her mother saw her future and made plans to help her save the kingdom. Leo and Gemma truly are a fabulous match, both willing to sacrifice for each other, and willing to do whatever it takes to save the people they love.

All the plot threads are wrapped up nice and neat. There are hints that there will be another trilogy in this world, featuring Delmira as the third queen in the prophecy. After all, Maeven is still out there and even though she has begrudgingly accepted Leo and Gemma’s relationship, she is sure to cause trouble in the future.

The Gargoyle Queen novels, and their predecessors Crown of Shards, are such a guilty pleasure. Estep routinely delivers what's expected: sass, adventure, courtly intrigue, wicked machinations, and female badassery.

Spurned by the machinations of Milo Morricone, Gemma Ripley oscillates between her hunger for revenge and her loyalty to the people of Andvari. Conquer the Kingdom toes a difficult line in the main character's lusting for revenge, the worries of those who love her that she's become hyperfocused, and the very thing she detests: an equivalent of Maeven, the Morricone Queen.

Estep doesn't hold back on the action and intrigue, layering the plot with easter eggs and a series of rewards and fumbles, ultimately delivering a satisfying conclusion to the Gargoyle Queen trilogy.

Conquer the Kingdom was a fantastic finish to the Gargoyle Queen Triology. Gemma and her gang are back chasing the very clever Milo to try to save her Kingdom. I loved the way Gemma's character evolved in this series and this book delivered. We get to see her become the fierce young Queen she was meant to be and also get to know the side characters better along the way.

We also get some ~spice~ in this book which we definitely were missing in book one and two. Reading Gemma and Leonidas get to be happy was everything I needed from an ending to a series. I loved watching them go through their trials and tribulations but still get their happily ever after. Reiko also gets her own plot line again in this book with Kai and it was just as fun to read.

Most of my questions were answered in this book, Jennifer did a great job of closing plots she had started from the previous two books. However, she left it on a bit of an open ending... will there be another series in this world? I'm excited to find out!

Thank you NetGalley, Harper Collins, and Jennifer Estep for my advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Pub day is March 7th, 2023.

I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fantastic wrap to this trilogy. I’m glad I got to see the happily ever after and the next set up for what will likely be another trilogy based in our third kingdom in this mess of plotting. I’m excited to see how it’s handled and if it wraps the entire series, or we continue to get fun spin offs.

4.5 stars—CONQUER THE KINGDOM is the third and (final ?) instalment in Jennifer Estep’s adult, GARGOYLE QUEEN dystopian, fantasy series, a spin off from the author’s CROWN OF SHARDS series. The Gargoyle Queen trilogy focuses on the secondary characters originally introduced in the Crown of Shards series. This is twenty-nine year old, Andvari Princess Gemma Ripley, and Mortan Prince Leonidis Morricone’s story line. CONQUER THE KINGDOM should not be read as a stand alone as some of the events in the current time line are as of a direct result of the events in book two TEAR DOWN THE THRONE but the author does recap some of the history and background using memories and reflections.

SOME BACKGROUND: Sixteen years earlier, Gemma Ripley lost everything including the ability to control her magic the day Queen Maeven declared war on her family, killing her mother, and destroying her heart in the process. As Gemma’s ‘mind magic’ becomes more powerful than she could have ever imagined, our heroine struggles to forgive and forget, knowing she will one day have to destroy the people who destroyed her life, including the man that she loves.

NOTE: If you have not read books one or two, there may be spoilers in my review.

Told from first person perspective (Gemma) CONQUER THE KINGDOM focuses on the preparations for, and the events of the upcoming Sword and Shield Gladiator tournament in Glitner, Gemma’s home town and the Andvari Kingdom but Gemma is wary having invited Queen Maeven, with the knowledge, her son Crown Prince Milo will make an appearance in the wake of his numerous attempts to kill our story line heroine. Prince Milo has set his sights on Gemma; he wants to take control of Andvari, destroying everything and everyone who stands in his way. Gemma is the ultimate prize, the most powerful wielder of magic, and in this, Milo is determined to take down the princess by first conquering the land but Gemma has an ally and lover in Milo’s brother Prince Leonidis aka Leo, an ally who battles between head and heart knowing Gemma will take no prisoners, meaning Leo’s brother and his mother are Gemma’s primary targets. As the Gladiator games commence, Milo is amassing an army, securing help and power from an unlikely source.

The relationship between Gemma and Leo continues to struggle in the face of Gemma’s need for vengeance, including stopping Leo’s mother, and destroying Crown Prince Milo. Leo battles between head and heart knowing the pain his mother and brother had previously inflicted upon himself and upon Princess Gemma but Maeven is still Leo’s mother, and in this, Leo must choose between the woman he loves, and the woman who gave him life. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

Once again, for fans and followers of Estep’s books and series, there are many similarities to the author’s ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN story lines including the tragic death of the mothers at the hands of the ultimate evil; the use of ‘elemental’ magic, specialty stones and gems, and the odd assortment of friends and creatures with different levels of power including gargoyles and colorful bird like creatures called strixes. And you can’t help but notice the comparisons between the requisite evil including the similarities in names and powers (Maeven Morricone/ Milos Morricone- Mab Monroe/M.M Madeline Monroe-Gemma/Gin).The fast paced, action packed scenes, and the violence perpetrated against our story line heroine are also reminiscent of the aforementioned series in that Gemma Ripley and Gin Blanco are two powerful females who are targeted for who they are, and what they do, and in this suffer as they struggle to protect the people they love.

And not to sound like a broken record, as per my previous reviews, there continues to be a redundancy and overwhelming use of the words purple (79 times) and violet (62 times) pertaining to the Mortan Kingdom’s Royal colors, eye color, the name of a baby strix, and their world as a whole.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, magical and powerful secondary and supporting characters. We are reintroduced to spy and dragon morph Reiko Yamato, Gladiator Kai; gem worker and jeweller Alvis; Gemma’s grandfather King Heinrich, her father Crown Prince Dominic, and his wife Rhea Hans; gargoyles Grimley (Gemma’s familiar), Fern and Otto, and strixes Lyra (Leo’s familiar) and baby Violet; Leo and Milo’s mother Queen Maeven, as well as their sister Delmira, and Milo’s right hand man Captain Wexel. The requisite evil has many faces.

CONQUER THE QUEEN is a story of madness and vengeance, greed, power and control, misunderstanding and mistrust, acceptance and love. CONQUER THE QUEEN reveals the prophecy of three queens, and so far, we have focused on two: Everleigh (Crown of Shards), and Gemma (Gargoyle Queen), and the third queen has been revealed for the author’s next series. The premise is captivating, engaging and energizing; the romance is subtle and seductive; the characters are energetic, dynamic and charismatic. Jennifer Estep is a master at story telling.




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Conquer the Kingdom by Jennifer Estep is the last novel in the Gargoyle Queen series. Suspense, growth, and swoons left me smiling. I am hoping Estep revisits this world again. Come see why I love this magical world filled with kingdoms, gladiators, gargoyles, and strixs.

From the liadorn vines to power moves of the royalty, I plunged down the rabbit hole and devoured Conquer the Kingdom. Estep did a wonderful job of refreshing my memory regarding the previous book. Gemma,Leonida and friends are searching for Milo after the events of the last book. Because of spoilers, I recommend reading the books in the order of their release.

With each book, we have seen Gemma grow more confident with her magic, and she blossoms in this last book. Her confidence and what she wants for herself and the kingdom flourish.

A gladiator event is the perfect trap to catch Milo, and Gemma is using Maeven as bait. While Maeven may be a villainous Queen, she has always intrigued me. Especially her dialogue with Gemma. She seems to hint at prophecy and both Gemma and I would have liked to have shaken it out of her. It made for great build up and I loved how it wrapped up.

The romance between Prince Leo and Princess Gemma has always been forbidden. After all, the two kingdoms are enemies. I have rooted for them since the beginning and wondered how duty and love would mingle. While the romance continued to be in the background to the action and suspense, I think fans of the couple will be well pleased.

Estep wrapped up the trilogy nicely, but there are a few secondary characters whose stories I need. Particularly Delmira, Mae’s daughter, the princess. I am hoping a spin-off trilogy is in the works. The world is one you’ll want to revisit from the ports to the castles.

Fans of magic, gladiators, swoons and well-drawn characters will want to read/listen to the Gargoyle Queen series.

First off let me start by saying thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins for this ARC.

Okay so I don't know what happened here. I really liked the second book but this one seemed like a whole lot of talking and not a lot of action. Especially in the first 60%. I found myself skimming until something happened. Gemma was a little annoying in this book and some stuff that happened didn't logically make sense to me. I really wanted to love this book but unfortunately, I didn't Another reviewer said it right. This is a very light fantasy read. Maybe too light for me but a good pick for someone else.

Conquer the Kingdom was a very satisfying conclusion to The Gargoyle Queen trilogy. This entire series kept me engaged and curious as to what would happen next. Ms. Estep took that intrigue and kept it going all the way through and finished strong. I really was invested in Gemma's character. She had so many different facets to her personality. Also, her love story with Leo was the stuff of star crossed lovers which only helped to make it even more romantic.

Not only did I enjoy Gemma and Leo's characters in this book, the other side characters were solidly written and truly added depth to the storyline. The gargoyles and strixes were great characters as well. Not only does this author know how to write a solid hero or heroine, she also creates villains that you truly despise and distrust. All of this makes the unrest in the book palpable.

This trilogy was a spin-off from The Crown of Shards trilogy which was about a different queen and I noticed that towards the end of this book, there was a perfect setup for another series/trilogy about yet another queen in this same "world" and I suspect it will be about Delmira, Leo's sister. Needless to say, I think it will be amazing as well and look forward to reading it.

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

This was absolutely fantastic! I have been a fan of the books set in this world since the very beginning. I was really excited to read the final chapter of Gemma’s story and once I really started reading this book, I literally could not put it down. I hate to admit that I ended up ignoring all other things in my life until I reached the last page. I am happy to report that I was completely satisfied by how everything worked out in the end.

Gemma and Leo are in Gemma’s kingdom, Andvari, and the locals have not met Leo with the open arms that Gemma had hoped that they would. Milo is still on the loose and presents a danger to Gemma and everyone that she loves. Her kingdom is hosting a tournament and Gemma has a feeling that Milo will be in attendance especially if she invites a few surprise guests.

This book was full of action and I had no idea exactly how things would work out. I really liked that there were quite a few touching moments as well. Leo and Gemma prove to be perfect for each other and I love how fiercely they are both willing to fight for those that they feel responsible to protect. The gargoyle and strix characters were very well done and added a wonderful element to the story.

I would highly recommend this book to others. This is the final book in the Gargoyle Queen trilogy so I would recommend starting with the first book if at all possible since each book in the trilogy builds on the events from the previous installment. I found this book to be a wonderful conclusion to a trilogy that I know I will be wanting to read again in the not so distant future. I cannot wait to read more of Jennifer Estep’s work.

I received a review copy of this book from Harper Voyager.

It is finally time to find out what Milo is up to and end it. Gemma sets up a trap to catch Milo with the help of Leo. Gemma is no pampered princess. She works hard to keep her country safe. You have to feel for Leo being treated badly by her people because of his family. He is actually pretty sweet.

I had a little bit of trouble getting started in the beginning but it certainly takes off.

Myth: 3.5/5

The conclusion of the Gargoyle Queen series wraps up Gemma’s story nicely. Still trying to ferret out the bad guy, Gemma is on pins and needles in anticipation. Gemma was caught between seeking revenge and ‘the best defense is a good offense” for the first half of the book.

Magic: 4/5

Gemma’s magic is still building. The time magier was still not fully fleshed out. But I love a good prophecy tieing it all together, and we definitely got that.

Overall: 3.5/5

It wouldn’t be an epic finale without a gladiator tournament. The backdrop of the competition and courtly guests really kicks the tension up a notch. Gemma and Leo will have to face family drama, courtly intrigue, and of course, protect the kingdom from growing threats!

***ARC received from Harper Voyager and NetGalley in exchange for honest review, opinions are all my own. Thank you!***

Conquer the Kingdom is the satisfying conclusion to Jennifer Estep’s Gargoyle Queen trilogy. Set shortly after the previous book Gemma and Leonidas are having to deal with the fall out from the end of the previous book. Milo is still out there on his quest for vengeance and the Kingdom is about to open its doors for the end of season gladiator competition welcoming both friend and foe into this borders

This book is basically non stop action from start to finish with very little downtime. Even the downtime is actively progressing the plot making for a very easy read, I finished it in just a day. As with previous books int he series the author has a way of pulling you in, create a story that keeps you turning the page.

I’ve liked Gemma from the beginning and it was satisfying seeing her come fully into her power and embracing who she is. It’s been hinted out from the beginning of what her fate is and it was fun watching her put it together. My only complaint is I feel Gemma still hasn’t fully accepted how deeply Leonidas cares for her, dragging up old conflicts that felt they could have been resolved prior. The guy loves her and has been willing to give up so much to be with her, he knows where his place is and it takes Gemma some time to figure this out too. Once again Maeven is my favorite of all the characters. She’s complex in her actions and the books spells out some bigger things are at play that guide Maevans hand in the decisions that makes. Compared to Milo who is more of a one note villain she just stands out better. Even Wexel comes off as more complex than Milo but seeing how this is more about Gemma embracing her role I still consider Maevan the main antagonist and Milo is just there to be a threat to move things along. Which doesn’t make him a bad villain, but this series has been setting this up as Gemma and Maevan finally coming to a head and when they do its a satisfying ending to their story arc.

The writing is again wonderful, drawing you in and keeping everything moving along. I also really liked how the author sets herself up for a potential new series as there is still a lot to be explored in this world and I will be back for more.

I love this series so much and I’m gutted this is the last, but was also so excited to read this. It’s so full of action, mystery, suspense and of course romance, I find these really easy to read and just fall into them until it’s time to surface in reality , so sad it’s ended but can’t wait for Jennifer’s next books

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Gemma and Leonides have had my heart since I read my favorite line in the first book "Pushing a wheelbarrow full of mostly dead prince through the woods wasn't as easy as I'd thought it would be."
They have not had the easiest time learning to trust each other along with falling in love, especially since their families are mortal enemies. Well to be fair the Mortans are enemies with everybody... But they are finally together and trying to figure out how to actually be a couple, too bad Milo and Wexen are still at large, and Gemma knows they will be causing trouble again at any time.

Many in the kingdom are gathering together for the Gladiator tournament, and Gemma has set a trap for Milo and Wexen. Hopefully, they will fall for the plan...

This had some great moments that had me holding my breathing waiting to see how Gemma was going to get out of her current situation and save the day, and I loved the final battle between her and Milo is was action-packed and had some amazing scenes while Gemma was mid-flight riding a Gargoyle, and finally get the answer of why shes called the Gargoyle Queen! Then we get our happily ever after, and some hints as to who will be the star of the next trilogy, I'm very excited to see what's going to happen next and who will be her match will be!!

I read this in 2 days, it’s a fun and easy read. But my goodness, I’m not sure we have to be warned about the bad things that are coming literally at the end of every chapter. Gemma is always worried and concerned about Milo and what he is going to do. Fair, but not incessantly. And let’s be honest, the creatures really steal the show. Gemma can be annoying with the overt worrying and “oh no, the innocents!” Constant lines. If you’ve enjoyed the other books in this series, which you really need to read before this one, then have at it. I’ll say I enjoyed Everleigh’s books more than Gemma’s, but they are a good escape

Wow so good! This series is just so so good! And the ending to this series was a great finale with the action, the suspense, the wondering who to trust, and the romance of course! I loved being able to read this series set in such a unique world filled with gargoyles and strixes(which make me think of griffins), magic, unique stone that is like a magic conduit, and the enemies to almost lovers to enemies to lovers romance. The romance was such a wild ride, and had maybe a tad bit too much drama for my taste, but it was still lovely to read, and Leo is just such an amazing and lovely character that I would do anything for!

I look forward to reading more by Jennifer Estep after reading this series, and I can hardly wait and see what more may come after this series! I received a free digital copy to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the eARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is the final book of this series. I liked the book-it was just ok for me. It has a strong female lead which I like but lets be honest Gemma while interesting is still a spoiled princess. Leo is a prince so again from a very privileged upbringing, although his relatives were pretty terrible. This was quite the tale. 3 stars

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆
CONQUER THE KINGDOM is the third installment and conclusion in the Gargoyle Queen trilogy. Can it be read as a standalone? Absolutely not. In fact, my suggestion is to start with the Crown of Shards trilogy to get the backstory.

Gemma Ripley. AKA: Spoiled Princess Glitzma. Princess Gemma. Occasional spy and jewelry maker. The Gargoyle Queen.

Spoiler-Free Review

Adventuring. Magic. Creatures. Forbidden Romance between rival kingdoms. Argh, Pirates!

At the start, I wasn't hooked beyond the pirates, matey. Not that I didn't enjoy every page. I adored all three installments, but this one had a very slow start, well into almost half the novel. Maybe it was because I just recently read the first two. Had I read the books a year apart, I might have needed so many recaps to jar my memory. The first half felt like it was stalled in neutral, reminding the reader what had happened previously. With that being said, Estep did a phenomenal job of reminding the reader while avoiding the dreaded info-dumps, slowly doling out information when it flowed organically. I just needed more new content to hook me. It was a waiting game, waiting for the tournament and Milo.

Where Estep shines is the connection the characters have with one another – this joyous bond flows through every single one of her series. Bonds between friends and family, their magical creatures, and even with their enemies. It runs the gamut of emotions. Gemma's mixed reaction to Leonidas' mom is the ultimate of a nightmare of a mother-in-law. The fact that Estep, time and time again had me empathizing with Maeven, just shows how expertly she writes emotion and motivation.

The brightest star in the entire trilogy is Gemma and Leo's connection to the magical creatures. Estep breathes life into what doesn't exist in reality, giving them a full-faceted personality.

I appreciate that this trilogy isn't young adult. It's nice to read mature adults who are still navigating their way through their destinies, yet to have met their full potential. Instead of feeling as if they're late bloomers because they didn't save their world at sixteen, it's realistic. That being said, I did feel at times that Gemma and company spoke and reacted as sixteen-year-olds, not on the cusp of thirty.

Even though The Gargoyle Queen has met its conclusion, Estep opens the possibilities for more spinoffs, no differently than how The Crown of Shards spun into The Gargoyle Queen. I cannot wait to see what happens next with new narrators. I look forward to rereading them all back-to-back in the future.

Man, can Ms. Estep tell a great story! In this third installment of the Gargoyle Queen Trilogy, Princess Gemma really comes into her own, both in strength of character and in her magical awareness and ability. It's been such an intriguing and often riveting journey for the reader, as we follow a young lady who learned young that playing the part of "pampered princess" held untold value when discovering secret plots and uncovering evil truths. That fake persona comes back to bite her in this book, however, because she has played it so well, no one considers her to be more - especially that gifted spy and committed warrior she, in truth, is.

As Gemma fights to save all those she loves from the incredibly evil Milo, she must determine whether to trust his mother, the often evil queen Maeven. Now there's a conundrum! Especially since the love of her life is also Maeven's son! It is all kinds of tense, edge-of-your-seat action and intrigue from the opening page to the last happy sigh. And, while I still believe the Crown of Shards trilogy (from which this one is taken) is more developed and nuanced, this is still a book and a trilogy that will delight any action/fantasy lover!