Reviewed by kimbacaffeinate on
-If you love historical settings, epic romances, rich cultures, good vs evil, mythology, Gods, gladiators, magic, heroes and heroines you need to grab this first audio in the Fallen Empire series.
-From the very first chapter, Draven pulled me in as they tied Gilene to other women and led to the arena. There they would serve as a reward to the winning gladiators before being sacrificed to the Gods in the Rites of Spring ceremony. We learn that Gilene has repeated this journey for the past five years. Say what? Gilene possess the gift of fire and using magic incantations can alter her appearance.
-Azarion, the Empire’s most famous gladiator was betrayed and sold into slavery ten years ago. He is at the mercy of Queen and dreams of freedom and revenge. He also has a gift. One kept secret that allows him to see through illusions. Yikes!
-Azarion wishing to reclaim his birthright knows that Gilene is the key to his escape and revenge. Together they flee but to earn her freedom Gilene will have to aid Azarion.
-The tale that unfolds was brilliant and equal parts light and dark. There are ghostly encounters and nomadic clans and I felt myself enthralled. The world building from the arena, villages and hillside were stunning.
-The battle scenes while graphic felt realistic and suspenseful. Even as I gasped, I was in awe and the words pulled from Draven’s pen.
-Both Gilene and Azarion were prisoners. She out of loyalty, he out of betrayal. They are both honorable and it was easy to champion them.
-The romance begins awkwardly. There is chemistry, but both have a duty to family and Azarion’s unwilling to share why he is forcing her to journey with him made him her captor. This is a romance that unfolds slowly as trust builds along with mutual respect. It was heartbreaking, beautiful and unbelievably swoon-worthy. I laughed, licked my lips in anticipation of that first kiss even as I shock my fist at their miscommunications. It drew out all of my emotions and at times I openly wept.
-The magic is fascinating, the superstitions and rituals terrifying and barbaric but everything wove together creating an epic tale that held me spellbound and made me believe.
-Katharine McEwan performed an exceptional narration. She captured the essence of each character and drew out the emotions Draven penned.
-The story wrapped up wonderfully leaving me with a wickedly good audio hangover. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 26 April, 2019: Finished reading
- 26 April, 2019: Reviewed