The Stolen Kingdom Published by Tom Doherty Associates on March 2, 2021 Source: Netgalley Arc
Genres: Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy, Epic
Pages: 336
Find the Author: Website, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Amazon, Instagram
Format: Ebook Arc
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“A bold girl, a kingdom under attack, magic everywhere—I devoured it in one sitting! This book is one wild ride!” —Tamora Pierce on Stormrise
Nothing is quite as it seems in this thrilling YA fantasy adventure by Jillian Boehme, The Stolen Kingdom!
For a hundred years, the once-prosperous kingdom of Perin Faye has suffered under the rule of the greedy and power-hungry Thungrave kings. Maralyth Graylaern, a vintner's daughter, has no idea her hidden magical power is proof of a secret bloodline and claim to the throne. Alac Thungrave, the king’s second son, has always been uncomfortable with his position as the spare heir—and the dark, stolen magic that comes with ruling.
When Maralyth becomes embroiled in a plot to murder the royal family and seize the throne, a cat-and-mouse chase ensues in an adventure of dark magic, court intrigue, and forbidden love.
Review
Stand-alone fantasies seem to be rare gems in a sea of series with multiple books and multiple spins offs. I like that you get an epic tale and a satisfying ending all in one read. This book will appeal to wine lovers who are interested in more than just drinking it. It will also appeal to those who love a fascinating world all wrapped up in one story. I found both Mara and Alac to be very likable characters. In a world where magic is forbidden by anyone who is not a thurgrave, we discover that the thurgrave magic they wield was stolen over 100 years ago. Mara is a descendant of the original family gifted the magic, while Alac is from the family that stole it. Alac has no interest in what his father has planned for his future as he is fortunate enough to be the second prince; as soon as his brother assumes the throne, he wants to open a vineyard.
The story stands out uniquely with its world-building, secret identities, mixed bloodlines, witchery, forbidden love and magic, and tension building coups to take over a kingdom. The story is told between our two main characters in alternating chapters and sets the tone for this building romance/friendship that develops. The ending was satisfying, making this the perfect novel to curl up with as you wait for spring to arrive.
Time is neither good nor evil. When freely given it provides life and light. When stolen it turns on itself bringing power at a great cost. Stolen magic set free will consumer everything in its path in the same way time itself… Click To Tweet
About Jillian Boehme
Jillian is known to the online writing community as Authoress, hostess of Miss Snark’s First Victim, a blog for aspiring authors. In real life, she holds a degree in Music Education, sings with the Nashville Symphony Chorus, and homeschools her remaining youngster-at-home. She’s still crazy in love with her husband of more than thirty years and is happy to be surrounded by family and friends amid the rolling knolls of Middle Tennessee.
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| Overall: | 4 |
