Daughter of the Drowned Empire

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I really, REALLY liked this! I loved Lyr so much, and she reminded me of Feyre and Jude a little (high praise from me). I loved her relationship with her sisters and how protective she is of them—that was the bit that reminded me of Feyre the most. I had lots of fun, though, and overall, I think I've found a new favorite author and a new favorite series. 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!

I was not ready for this to make such an impact and my God am I glad that this book came onto my radar and I had the opportunity to read it because I am hooked…and I cannot wait to get into book 2. 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. 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—all without magic. The plot felt stretched & the moments of impact lost. It felt like I was reading a prequel novel (nothing wrong with prequel novels) but I just kept on being a bit disappointed with the decisions of the FMC & the obvious set up for later books - without providing the BANG I needed in THIS book. But when she’s forced to train with Lord Rhyan Hart, the man she’s secretly loved since she was a girl—a feared warrior in exile himself, forbidden to her in every way—she’s in danger of losing far more than her family, life, and country.Cue uncontrollable screaming because that is what I am currently doing after finishing this absolute MASTERPIECE!!*

I’m really worried about the “apprentices and their charge must not fall in love” thing. This better not be some sort of Parabatai kind of shit—I will not cope😭 No better place to begin than pointing out that this book was downright fantastic. I consumed it. Or, rather, it consumed me. For fans of ACOTAR another T vs R set up with same initials and everything, hardly reinventing the wheel here altho there is an added dimension of teacherXapprentice no romance allowed vibes - but with Mercurials hints I've a feeling I know how they're going to get around this 🤔Did I mention there is a love triangle? But wait - don’t worry! This isn’t the standard “I just can’t decide between these two love interests” plotline. There are real consequences to her actions and decisions in her relations with both Tristan (to whom engagement has been delayed) and Rhyan Hart, disgraced heir to the northern realm of Glemaria’s throne, who has come to Bamaria for sanctuary and who has become both her bodyguard and teacher. Lyr knows this – her character may sometimes be impulsive, but she is intelligent and crafty and knows there are no easy answers or ways out in this world. First of all, I would like to say that Lord Rhyan Hart is mine. All mine. (Sorry Lyr, Koisty, Lila, and Lia) Where this book was the first book in this series it has a lot of world building and there are a ton of words thrown at you to learn but it is delivered so amazingly that I was able to retain the information given without any issues. The story is literally that good. I am so excited for the sequel. I ABSOLUTELY need to know what happens next! And then Ryan was introduced. *swoon* I love this forbidden love! I love that he supports her and gives her strength and helps her see herself as someone capable, even if she doesn't have magic.