Poisoned Empire

I think I forgot how much fun a book can be until I read Poisoned Empire.

The synopsis hooked me, the prologue ensured that I kept reading, and the rest of the book cemented its place on my list of favourites. This book is a masterpiece.

Firstly, the prose is magnificent. In the beginning the introductions and backstories felt a little but like an info-dump but I didn't mind because everything was so well paced, concise, and engaging. This book is pure chaos and hilarity wrapped up in a very neat package with some really touching moments that add depth to the world and characters.

Our protagonists, bastard daughters of the nobility, a master of poisons and the best metal mage on the continent, are kidnapped and drawn into a plot against the Emperor and his son, except their loyalties do not lie with their fathers, so why not aid the Prince?

This book has shenanigans galore, it's abundant with moments that made me laugh out loud, and the quality of the prose and pacing had me turning the pages at a furious rate.

If I can convince anyone to read anything, I hope that it's this book.

Perfect for fans of From Blood and Ash or Throne of Glass that want something a little bit lighter (and better written), it's The Princess Bride level of delightful. Cannot recommend this enough.

This was endearing, heart-felt, and action filled from start to finish!

I enjoyed the romance/spice, magic system, world-building and characters. Everything was so well done and bingable. This is one of my favorite Fantasy Romance books of the year.

TYSM for the opportunity to be an ARC reader! (I will be including this in a weekly book giveaway around release date to help promote it! @hauntedhousebooks on tiktok)

Court intrigue, romance, and magic blend perfectly to create this lush and engaging story!

Our story starts with two close friends on the run from their fathers. They of course are captured and are expected to compete for the prince’s hand in marriage. The girls were not brought up in their families’ noble traditions and are soon discovered by the prince and his trusted advisors. Of course, the prince sees this as an opportunity to help weed out any traitors in his court and utilizes the girls to help him. But will both parties get more than they bargained for?

I loved this story. I loved the magic system. I loved the characters. And I loved the pacing.

The magic system was easy to understand and it felt different in some ways too. While you had the big six magic types, there were other types that were seen as “lesser” in the world, but really those were the most interesting. Selene’s was my favorite. There is a lot you can do with poison when you can fully control it.

With multiple POV, there are several moving parts to keep track of, but it didn’t feel overwhelming at all. I loved the contrast between the two relationships as well. One was sweet and just felt like a warm hug, while the other was sassy and full of passion.

This really is great if you like fantasy and romance, and don’t want to choose. I cannot wait for the next book and to come back to this world again!!

Thank you to NetGally and Two Laurels Press for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.