Daughter of the Drowned Empire

Product Information

What I liked: I loved the creative worldbuilding and lore, and am especially fond of the bodyguard/trainer-trainee dynamic. Rhyan’s protectiveness that’s hidden underneath his cold, seemingly nonchalant demeanor was also insanely attractive. year-old mage Lady Lyriana Batavia is third in line to the Seat of Power in Bamaria: a position of wealth and privilege, but not safety. Bamaria falls under the rule of the Lumerian Empire, survivors of a celestial war whose island sank in the Drowning. Now all Lumerians submit to the Emperor and his strict laws about magic. He decides what magic can be practiced and what powers remain forbidden. He decides who will die for possession of forbidden magic. Lyriana was so likeable it made it very enjoyable to take on the story from her POV. The girl is smart, strong, and fiercely protective of the people she loves. We see 2 conflicting love interests for Lady Lyr, and it just pulls you even further into the story, as she continues to find herself and what she really wants - which you can see beginning to develop with how she approaches these relationships. Rebel forces, and an invading army, are destabilizing Bamaria, just as her family’s secrets threaten to reveal themselves.

If a gryphon just tried to tear that rope, they'd be free in seconds, but they don't do it because they don't know this. I wanted to remind myself. Every time I thought I couldn't do something, a task felt too big, an enemy too scary, I imagined they were nothing more than a thin, puny rope. And no rope can hold me."-Rhyan The way she's always putting others's needs above hers, the way she's simply a fighter but capable or recognizing her limits, made my newest obsession with this series possible.

See a Problem?

There were of course many other characters, but Lyr and Rhyan were my favorite. Other than Lyr's sister, Morgana who we meet a few times. "Put your Godsdamned arm down. I'm not flashing tattoos every time you want unity." I loved her fire! How she tells Lyr how it is because Lyr definitely needs to hear it. It did take me a minute to try to pronounce some of the titles and to get used to the methods of travel, but I was in heaven from the first chapter!

There are some really interesting storyline’s to do with guilt & pressure & I loved seeing how that can manifest with feeling tied to someone (Tristan) & look forward to seeing how this will all play out.I think this book might just become one of my soft and fuzzy comfort books. Rhyan’s tenderness is catchy. Spice : 2/5 there were some good little spice scenes but I am assuming more will come in book two. I was just BEGGING for a kiss between two specific characters or spice between these two SPECIFIC CHARACTERS and IDEK how I am going to wait for this next book.

I strangled rumours, covered missteps, and danced day and night to keep everyone’s eyes on me and not my sisters.” I found the Lyriana/Tristan relationship completely pointless. I could’ve gotten behind the idea if it was only for political protection, but the incessant internal monologue trying to convince us that she actually liked him was a completely unnecessary attempt to create a love triangle, which only really work when we are not sure who the MC is going to end up with (and sometimes not even then), and it’s obvious who it’s going to be here. There is literally no end to her “I have so many responsibilities that I need to fulfill for my family” spiel, so she would’ve been a much more consistent character (and the story would’ve been much stronger) had she actually stopped liking Tristan after the first chapter and only stayed with him to allay any suspicions about her sisters. (Also any sexual scenes between them were super awkward—very weird to read.) We follow Lady Lyriana, of Ka Bamaria / Heir to Arksava, on her journey of self-discovery and protection of those she loves. As a lady, she enjoys all of the perks and fluff of a noble born heir, until her world is turned upside down amidst political turmoil and unforeseen magical happenstances. She is determined to come out the other side stronger, and we love a powerful leading lady!!!!

First of all, I would like to say that Lord Rhyan Hart is mine. All mine. (Sorry Lyr, Koisty, Lila, and Lia) Lyr would also get on my nerves a bit; despite her selflessness towards her sisters and cousin, she just kept making such entitled moves. If I were Marak, maybe I’d be fed up with her too, lol. BUT, I believe she’s starting to evolve into a stronger character and I’ve enjoyed seeing those changes happen throughout. So I think there’s definitely some character growth underway! I'm prob being harsh, but considering the double life we're told she's been leading she's rather naive and it lowkey irked me to no end that she doesn't really take agency for herself for so long 🙈 I love the ideas of the vorakh, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series to give us more insight! I have a feeling that they are going to come into play more in the future and her sisters are going to find a way to control their powers/discover that what happened with Ka Azria and the outlawing of the vorakh was a way to weaken a certain people... Faced with death in exile, and leaving her sisters behind, Lyr has no choice but to accept a deadly contract. She has seven months to train as a warrior and pass the Emperor’s brutal test of strength, without magic.

This book had me on the edge of my seat for the entire ride. I was panting from the suspense. The story was beautifully written, and it made an absolutely amazing start to what I know will be an amazing series. The character development and the plot are so intense that it will leave you breathless begging for more. No better place to begin than pointing out that this book was downright fantastic. I consumed it. Or, rather, it consumed me. The Imperator as the villain was also done really well! He is cruel, vindictive and flaunts his power and prestige to just make you hate him. I could understand why he was awful but could also see why so many people followed him…. Really well written character! My ebook has some sort of almanac at the end, so I recommend studying it a little before reading the book or, even better, during the book. Had I known it was there, it would have made things way easier for me.Lyr’s own cousin was executed for wielding the wrong kind. And for years, Lyr has sworn to protect her older sisters, helping them conceal their own illicit magic. I just found myself constantly wanting MORE… more grit from the FMC, more tension from the love interest dynamic & more action in the plot.