4.5⭐️s

I received an audio arc copy of this book and I am leaving my honest opinion.

The audio narration was great. I love when we have more than one narrator. It was easy to follow the story and know who was speaking at all times.

This is the second installments in this series. It had a bit of a slow start. Interesting things were happening but the pacing was just slow. Things do begin to pick up around the midway point.

Lorain is making his way onto the book boyfriend list slowly. I love a strong scary man who only has a soft spot for one person.

Prisca, poor thing, cannot catch a break. I do like watching her grow into her role. I like that other leaders want her to prove herself.

Conrad made me so angry. He literally only uses his brother for whatever benefits his agenda.

The Elders can also suck it. Why exactly can’t they be together? How about we unite the kingdoms.

I’m glad I don’t have to wait very long for the next book because that ending was jaw dropping. I am so sad.

(Side note: this book handled the whole he kept secrets thing better than the Fourth Wing sequel. I liked it didn’t overtake the whole book between our MCs)

We got some new POVs and I loved getting more insight into the past, but also a new angle. Loved seeing more of the kingdom.

Prisca continues to grow and became stronger as the book went on. She cares so much for her friends, family and her people. You can really see it in the writing.

Lorian's POV is amazing! Getting into his head was amazing. And I swoon every time Lorian call Prisca wildcat.

I can't wait until the next book because that ending!!!! I was not ready for it!!!!!

Once again Meg and Tim did a wonderful job narrating this book. I love the ranges of both of their voices. Dual narration is one of my favorites. I could really feel the feelings the characters were feeling as expressed by Meg and Tim.

The second in the Kingdom of Lies series, this romantasy holds all of the steamy, juicy tropes. Lost princess/queen, fated mates, found family, and more. This is a bit more action packed than the first book, while weaving in bits of the past to further build out the world and the characters. Mostly told in dual POV (with some bonus POV throughout, but I won’t spoil that), jumping between the MMC and the FMC. This made the audiobook all the better because you’re able to gather all of the emotion and reactions of each character individually. I’m excited for book 3 in a few months!

I am glad that I didn’t have to wait too long between the first and second book, and I’m pretty sure the third is just out or almost out. We pick up pretty much where we left off, with Lorian’s true nature revealed and Prisca is all in a tumble about her feelings, her possible crown and what she now has to do to protect the Hybrids.

I really enjoyed the voice actors and am glad I am listening to this series. Meg Sylvan, who voices Prisca, is especially good at getting you into the story.

It was good to get to meet some more characters, like Lorian’s brother, and see how they are going to affect where the story goes from here. It’s good to see how Prisca is developing into a queen and learn how to be more strategic with her decisions.

Like the first book, it does leave you on a bit of a cliff, so be ready for it. Bring on the next one.

Thanks to #NetGallery and the publisher. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Genre: Romance/Fantasy
Format: Audio
POV: Dual
Spice: 🌶️.5 /5
Age suggestion: 18+

“A Kingdom This Cursed and Empty” is book two in Stacia Stark’s Kingdom of Lies series.

Prisca, a hybrid, and Lorian, an elf, have been thrown together in a battle against a nefarious human king who uses other people’s magic to keep him young and in power. His reign of over four hundred years must come to an end, but exactly how can they bring that about?

This is standard fantasy with some very spicy scenes thrown in. I usually don’t read erotic romance to review, since it’s my job to edit said genre, but I do enjoy a fantasy adventure, so I took a crack at this one. Having not read the first book in the series, I was a bit lost at the beginning. This series does have the feel of one really big book that was split into three parts, so you can’t skip the prequels. I eventually figured out what was going on and afterward enjoyed the ride. I look forward to the next book in the series.

I like it when a book has multiple first-person perspectives (the direction a lot of romance is taking), and the producer uses multiple narrators. The experience is much more satisfying than the female narrator trying to do the male protagonist’s voice or vice-versa. Tim Paige and Meg Sylvan did a great job working against each other as the narrators.

If you like fantasy romance with the heat turned way up, "A Kingdom This Cursed and Empty" is going to be a fun read or listen for you. I received it from NetGalley.

Quick Summary: A "may I have some more, please" sci-fi/fantasy romance

My Review: A Kingdom This Cursed and Empty by Stacia Stark is book two in the Kingdom of Lies series.

About the Book: The bitter taste of betrayal is a hard pill to swallow. Now that her heart has been broken, the hybrid queen is at odds with her lover-enemy, the Bloodthirsty Prince. All the while, schemes and subterfuge muddy the path towards the sought after end. Loss is inevitable, and yet there is more that must come.

My Final Say: This has to be made into a movie or perhaps a series. It is outstanding! It, of course, stands on its own merit, but I have to say that it is up there with Fourth Wing. It is one of THE best fantasy romances+++ that I have reviewed this year. I want the entire collection now.

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Series: Yes
Audiobook: Yes
Status/Level: 💣💥⭐💎

Heartfelt appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Dreamscape Media), and to NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to review this book. I am a fan of this outstanding series. It was a pleasure to share my thoughts and opinions.

4 Stars
I'm enjoying this series so far but I hate how this book ended on a massive cliffhanger (after that twist too). I listened to the audiobook of this and it did annoy me that the male and female MCs pronounced character names differently but not enough to take away from the story for me. I also could go without "wildcat" as a term of endearment, I can't not think of High School Musical whenever Lorian calls Prisca that (and he calls her that a lot...). I liked how Prisca's character growth continues in this installment and how we got more of Lorian's back story as well.

Thank you NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for the ARC!

Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape for the ALC!

If you’re a romantasy lover, you do not want to sleep on this series! It’s full of excitement, badass characters, twists and turns that will have you on the edge of your seat!

This was a great follow up to book one and I’m excited for more from this author!

This sequel to A Court This Cruel and Lovely is fantastic! Since I listened to the first one, there was no doubt I was going to continue with the audio version for this one, but now I really want to know what happens next and the third book only comes out as an ebook in a couple days so I might just have to read the next one. The narrators really do a fantastic job with this one and keep the story flowing. There's nothing I didn't like about listening to this audio.

The banter and tension between the FMC and MMC that I loved in the first book continue with the added betrayal to really spice things up. I don’t want to give anything away but I really enjoyed this story! We get to see most of the characters we came to love in book one and new allies/enemies/drama are aplenty. I like when I can’t figure out exactly what’s going to happen next and I find this series to be pretty different from other ones I’ve read which I’m truly enjoying. Lorian remains his fear-inducing, protective self and Prisca continues to be a total badass and reluctant but well deserved heir to the hybrids🖤♥️

Great if you like: forbidden romance, fated mates, adventure, fantasy, found family, magic, etc.

Thank you NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for the eAudio ARC in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My review is posted to Instagram & Goodreads as of 11/13/23.

4.5/5

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the advanced copy of the audio book!

The story picked up almost immediately where the first book had left off, and it never lulled. The pacing was solid and the magic system is unique. This one was a lot heavier on the political intrigue, but even so there was still plenty of action.

Once again, Meg Sylvan and Tim Paige did an incredible job! Meg Sylvan's ability to use subtle breaths and inflections to add so much personality to the characters and story is always enjoyable. Can't wait to hear book 3!

This is a really good follow up to "A Court This Cruel and Lovely." As with the first book, the action and excitement starts from the first chapter and seldom lets up. The stakes are high and the reader knows it. Prisca is much more confident and in charge of her destiny in this book compared to book 1 where she was new to everything and naive. Her inner turmoil in this book is grappling with guilt and responsibility, and it was very compelling. I enjoy all of the side characters, and this book has such a big cast. I always appreciate fantasy romances that give us more than just the FMC and MMC.

This is a spicy, fantasy romance. And the spice was pretty jaw dropping for me but it did not take away from the plot (or take over the plot). The narration is fantastic. I enjoyed that this was multi-POV and narrator. And I appreciated the addition of the queen's POV; very interested in seeing where that goes.

This book felt shorter than book 1, and I think it is but only by about 30 pages. I think the writing and the flow has improved making certain sections feel less drawn out than they did in book 1. It ends on a major cliffhanger (like literally) so I need book 3 ASAP!

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing an eARC of this book.

The Narrators were amazing. I particularly looked forward to Lorians parts. As for the book, it has come along way. In the first book, Prisca was really not my thing. She seemed like a new born calf., trying to get her legs under her. Now though, she has her legs under her and she is ready to play the game.
A big surprise for me was the queen. I was not a fan in the first book, but boy does she have some surprises for you. I did not see her strength and I am looking forward to reading more about her in the next book.

Overall, I really enjoyed listening to this and would recommend, if you like reading or listening to fantasy, enemies to lovers.

This series is becoming a new favorite! The narrators did a great job and are easy to listen to,
Prisca was struggling with being the heir/ Queen off the hybrids and everyone around her has such high expectations, even though she only just learned who and what she truly is. She had so much growth and overcame her insecurities and many challenges throughout this book. Lorian is now a favorite of mine. I loved getting his real backstory and the truth of his bloodthirsty Prince nickname. Lorian and Prisca are endgame! I love their chemistry and how they will both literally die for each other.) I definitely expected Lorian’s admission, he better tell her soon!🥰 There were some surprises and twists, especially at the end! I was devastated with what happened to another favorite of mine! 😭 I can’t wait for the next book which thankfully comes out soon!

I am put this story up there with some of my favorites like Sarah J Mass and JR Ward… Excellent Story. With two powerful main Characters and many strong supporting ones. You can’t help but love and admire Lorians fight these last two books… What an ending… This end of a big cliff hanger, do keep that in mind! Definitely a re-read Series!!!

4.5 ☆
Spoiler Warning❗️

The action and storyline in book 2 picked up right where book one left off. It was more focused on the political intrigue and world building which I greatly enjoyed. I liked getting to see Prisca learn more about where she came from and how she plays into her role as heir to the hybrid throne. I loved watching her grow more accepting of the fact that this is who she is and it's what she wants. Lorian's character was developed a lot which made me grow to like him more than I did in book 1. I love the dynamic he and Prisca have with each other.

On the otherwise of this, I also loved getting to see POV's from the Queen and "the Boy." I wasn't expecting it but it added a lot more depth to the story from the opposite end. I think seeing more from the Queen and her plans are what I'm excited for in book 3.

Once again, I absolutely adored Meg Sylvan as a narrator a think she does a splendid job differentiating everyone's voice. I'm still not a fan of Lorian's narrator because I don't think he fits the character but I've grown according to him and do think he is good at what he does.

Another big thank you to Dreamscape and NetGalley for providing me with an audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A Kingdom This Cursed and Empty is book two in Stacia Stark's new adult romantasy series, Kingdom of Lies. I had the privilege of listening to the audio ARC of book one, and I am incredibly grateful to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and the author for providing me with the audio ARC of book two.

What I loved:
- Prisca is such an endearing FMC. She's relatable, headstrong, caring, and clever. Seeing her as both the hybrid heir and the lonely girl from her village was such a great way to get to know her motivations more. I find that many FMCs are naturally good at everything and cutthroat, but Prisca isn't that. Prisca feels like the kind of FMC I'd hope to be if I was suddenly thrust into a fantasy book.
- Lorian. That's it, that's the point.
- The spice was spicing!! Stacia Stark really amped it up this book. Well done!
- The plot progressed naturally, and left me wanting more when this installment ended. I usually don't like cliffhangers but I am more excited than annoyed about waiting for the next book!

What I didn't love:
- I can't place my finger on it, but something is stopping me from rating this five stars. If I figure it out, I'll update this review.

Overall, I enjoyed A Kingdom This Cursed and Empty so much and hope to listen to an ARC of book three when it's uploaded! :)

I fear this book is suffering from second book syndrome. It is good but not great. I loved the first book and it was very entertaining but this one is falling a little flat for me. I feel like there is a lot of talking but nothing is happening and I'm bored. I really wanted to love this book as much as the first but unfortunately I'll have to DNF @ 50%.

The audiobook narrators are great and the writing is good but the pacing is a little to slow for me.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and the author for access to the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rating - 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.

A decent follow-up to A Court This Cruel and Lovely - A Kingdom This Cursed and Empty was a captivating read, but with a few aspects that kept me from fully enjoying it. I read A Court This Cruel and Lovely via audiobook, and I was thrilled to receive an advanced listener copy of A Kingdom This Cursed and Empty from NetGalley. The narrators were excellent yet again, and their narration helped to keep each of the long list of characters easily identifiable.

I particularly enjoyed the new POV that we got in this book. I won't say who it was, in case of spoilers to those who have not finished A Court This Cruel and Lovely yet. But their POV really helped to round out the view of the political scheming from all directions and served as a constant reminder that you cannot judge a person (or character) solely based on their outward presentations.

My favorite aspects of this book were the political scheming and manipulations. It was done in a way that makes sense to me as a reader. So often the political aspects of a book feel either like they are done off-page (I'm looking at you, Aelin), or they are so complex that the reader gives up on trying to follow along and just waits to be told what's happening when it happens.

The reason this wasn't getting 5 stars from me is that there were considerably more times in this book that I just felt frustrated with the main couple. I had so many times where I was thinking to myself "wouldn't it be nice to read a fantasy romance where the drama is centered OUTSIDE the couple, instead of between them". Or I also caught myself thinking "I wonder if anyone has a good recommendation where the MMC isn't a broody possessive you-know-what, and is the kind, lighthearted, funny one of the group".

All that being said, I'm looking forward to picking up Book 3 - A Crown This Cold and Heavy - on November 17th!

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an advanced listener copy of this book, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

I enjoyed this book for the most part, but it felt as though the author was trying to stretch a really solid duology into a trilogy. Not a lot happened, and some parts were just unnecessarily slow. I am definitely going to continue, but be warned, this is for sure a filler book before we finally see some action

A Kingdom This Cursed and Empty by Stacia Stark
4.5/5 Stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

•••Spoiler free review below•••

I loved book one of this series and book two was even better. This series is the perfect mix of fantasy, adventure, and romance. Our characters and their motivates will have you hooked from the start and I definitely recommend this one for any Romantasy lover. We have fae princes, hybrid queens, long lost siblings, and general badass warriors. This is the perfect time to binge books 1 and 2 as book 3 is out November 17th!

Read this book if you like:
- lovers to enemies to lovers
- fated mates
- time magic
- found family
- royalty

A Kingdom This Cursed and Empty is already out but will be newly released on audio November 14th and if it's not already on your tbr, it should be!
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Special thanks to Dreamscape Media for sharing a free copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.