A Lion's Pride

The Drowned Kingdom #4

by P.L. Stuart

'Bronze Medal Winner in the Fantasy category for the 2024 Reader Views Literary Awards.'


Wound a lion’s pride, and you will feel their claws.

When Plas, defiant King of Ipithyia, insults Wely, proud King of Lynchun, Wely needs no further provocation for invading the realm of his long-time enemy. As Wely’s lord of battle, Othrun of Eastrealm is charged to destroy Plas and conquer Ipithyia. This, despite Othrun winning a hard-earned peace with Plas, by sparing him from death, years before.

But other ambitious warlords vie to seize Ipithyia for themselves. Othrun faces bitter combat on multiple fronts, intrigue, and the mysterious powers of Eltnish mages like Queen Lysi. Who still has securing Othrun’s love, and her own plans for conquest, squarely in her sights. Othrun will require the aid of his own mage, the enigmatic Viwa, to combat his foes who can deploy mages of their own.

For Othrun’s mysterious spiritual guide appears to have deserted him. Othrun is forced to rely more and more on pagan magic – magic he is supposed to disavow as heresy - rather than his Single God.

Othrun’s armies are led by heroes who seem destined to become legends, such as Othrun’s son the Younger, Ingersa, Glathan, Thurol, Yedwol, Eld, Centi, and the fiery and skilled yet untested She-Wolf of Carthlughe, Hiris, also known as the Haughty Princess. Yet even all those great warriors won’t be enough to ensure triumph. And Othrun will need to prevent temptation, doubt, and his mercurial nature, putting his once-staunch faith, and his allegiances, in jeopardy.

But before Othrun can grapple with all these challenges, he must confront dark secrets that could not only destroy his shaky beliefs, but also destroy Othrun himself.

Genres: Fantasy

678 pages, Hardcover

First published February 13, 2024

About the author

P.L. Stuart was born in Toronto. He holds a university degree in English, specializing in Medieval Literature. P.L. is an assistant editor with Before We Go Blog https://beforewegoblog.com/ . The Drowned Kingdom Saga chronicles flawed and bigoted Lord Othrun's journey towards change, and his rise to power in a new world after the downfall of his homeland, which is based on Plato's lost realm of Atlantis. The Bestselling 'A Drowned Kingdom' is mentioned in the prestigious Kirkus Magazine’s 2021 Indie Issue among “Four Great Examples of the Genre” of fantasy, and won the 2022 Picky Bookworm Award for Best Indie Book Based on Mythology. Book 4 'A Lion's Pride' won Bronze for the Fantasy genre in the esteemed Reader Views 2024 Literary Awards.

Reviews

[John Mauro · Rating 4 out of 5]

My complete review is published at Grimdark Magazine.

A Lion’s Pride is the fourth volume in P.L. Stuart’s Drowned Kingdom Saga, which is inspired by the mythology of Atlantis. The events of Book Four are destined to change everything for our protagonist, Othrun, the former prince of a sunken island kingdom who has established a new realm on foreign soil. I will keep this review completely spoiler-free for readers who have not yet started this excellent grimdark fantasy series, which began with A Drowned Kingdom and continued with The Last of the Atalanteans and Lord and King.

A Lion’s Pride introduces a new point-of-view character, Rupaa, a feared pirate and warrior who offers a third-person perspective from another culture. Although I am inherently resistant to the incorporation of new point-of-view characters this late in a series, P.L. Stuart ensures that the investment pays off well with an earthshattering reveal later in the book.

Soon we are back in familiar territory with Othrun’s first-person narration, where we spend the vast majority of the novel. No worries if it’s been a while since you’ve read Lord and King: P.L. Stuart naturally immerses the reader back into the story, catching us up on key events from the first three volumes.

I’m not sure if the seven volumes of the Drowned Kingdom Saga are meant to align with the Seven Deadly Sins, but if they did, Book Four would certainly be dedicated to lust. A Lion’s Pride is a spicy book, with Othrun pursuing several romantic entanglements against his better judgment.

Othrun is a walking contradiction: nominally a prude but unable to resist temptations of the flesh. Despite his own misogynistic views, Othrun seems inevitably drawn to strong, independent women. However, I think the more interesting question is why these women—all possessing powerful magic—would be attracted to a man who is so condescending toward them.

With this heavy focus on Othrun’s lustful pursuits, A Lion’s Pride feels a bit off balance compared to the previous volumes of the series, especially since Othrun’s dalliances are described in explicit detail, too much for my own tastes. Fortunately, these plot lines are interwoven with plenty of political intrigue as well as questions about Othrun’s lineage and claim to the throne.

Given all this court intrigue, A Lion’s Pride feels like the most Arthurian installment yet in P.L. Stuart’s series, with Lysi playing the role of the seductress witch, Morgan le Fay. With his penchant for self-sabotage and internal contradictions, Othrun embodies the dual role of both Arthur and Lancelot.

Religion continues to be a dominant theme throughout A Lion’s Pride, with Othrun believing he is on a divine mission to convert pagans of his adopted land to the monotheistic beliefs of his Single God. Othrun’s religious intolerance is on full display throughout the novel. The cultural clashes and political maneuverings eventually culminate in an epic battle scene toward the end of the book, which had me on the edge of my seat.

Although Othrun is a despicable and frustrating character, I do believe he is on a slow redemption arc. One of P.L. Stuart’s overarching themes is the power of redemption: anyone can change for the better, even those who seem beyond hope.

Overall, A Lion’s Pride cements Othrun as one of the most complex and well-realized grimdark protagonists in recent memory. P.L. Stuart has certainly earned his stripes as one of Grimdark Magazine’s Rising Stars in Dark and Grimdark SFF. The Drowned Kingdom Saga will continue with A Pack of Wolves, the fifth book of Stuart’s planned seven-book series.

[Timothy Wolff · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Why do you love me, Lysi?" I muttered, still walking, not looking at her, and unsure if the question was rhetorical. "I'm... I'm not a good man. I've betrayed everything I've held dear. I've done so much wrong. And you can see it all."

I'm a big fan of P.L. Stuart's Drowned Kingdom series, so it was a super honor to get an ARC copy. I've said this in every review so far, but A Lion's Pride is my favorite entry of the series. Every entry is a constant improvement. I think pacing is the biggest beneficiary here. This book is a chunker but it never feels it. I tore through it in about a week.

I watched Blaise stream the cover reveal, and when he said this book was a game changer, he was absolutely correct. I compare it Jade Legacy, and I mean that in the best of ways. The worldbuilding is all coming together. I still wish each book had a recap, but there is plenty of recapping through dialogue and exposition throughout the entire book, which is fortunate as the cast of characters grows massive. I do envy the people who will discover this series when all seven books are complete and can do it all in one marathon. The prologue and intro chapters are excellent. I can't say much about them without spoilers, but I will say I am eagerly looking forward to how it comes together in the next book.

"What happened to the man I knew?" he asked piteously, as my ire rose. So did my shame.

What I can discuss is Othrun. His "redemption" arc is still a work in progress, and I appreciate how its not a linear journey towards good, but a rollercoaster of honorable deeds and downright deplorable ones. I'm starting to love him in the way I loved Bojack Horseman (not a reference I ever expected to make lol) Othrun has an idea of what it takes to be a good person, but there is an ominous feeling that he will never reach his potential. Even after decades of trying, he can't defeat his most base desires, despite the irreparable harm it causes to those who gave him everything. Its brilliantly written. I have to skip hundreds of pages of material to avoid spoilers, so I'll end the review with my favorite line of the book

Any like my namesake, the Ostrich, I turned away to bury my head in the sand and bid my son goodnight.

[Bookish_Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourth book in The Drowned Kingdom Saga continues a series that so far has been full of war, political maneuvering, and insightful philosophical moments. This series can also be seen as a introspective look into human nature, driven by Othrun, our flawed and often frustrating to follow main character.

I have mentioned Stuart's writing with every review, but I can't help but gush about it some more. Everything about it works for me. Some authors may write fantastic dialogue, while others beautifully describe the world they have built, and others are experts in writing battle scenes that engross the reader. Stuart balances everything, and his prose immerses the reader deep into the world of the Drowned Kingdom Saga. This is a long book, one that I believe is the longest in the series, but I read it in just three sittings. Once in my hands, I struggled to put this book down.

The series was epic coming into this book already, but A Lion's Pride really blows up the scope, giving us looks at all the major players, with all the tension culminating in a truly epic battle. I enjoyed getting to know more about characters that felt like side characters previously. This story has always been Othrun driven, but pulling the reader away from strictly following Othrun worked for me, as bold as it may have been to introduce a different POV 4 books in.

On the topic of Othrun, the choices Stuart makes with him continue to impress. He is such a frustrating character to follow, largely due to how real he feels. He is smart, brave, and courageous, but hindered by his flaws, many of which would easily be negated if it weren't for his own stubborness. In this book specifically, his inability to keep his lust under control leads Othrun back into his old ways of stabbing himself in the foot. Just when a reader thinks the redemption arc has fully set in, Othrun's hypocrisy will strike and it feels like we are back at square one with him.

Despite the character work and themes surrounding the flaws of Othrun being the main driving factor, the politicking and war aspects of this one kept me quite interested. As mentioned before, Stuarts writing is extremely engaging, and the battles in this one were very cinematic in nature. I felt as though I was there on the battlefield with all the characters. Unfortunately, this is where the story faltered for me personally. It felt as if the entire latter half of this novel was just one big fight, with political happenings occasionally interspersed within. This broke up the otherwise fantastic pacing in the first half, and did make the latter half a bit more of a struggle for me to get through.

While many questions were answered in this one, I was left with many more. Whenever I feel the story is moving in one direction, the author will throw a curveball at us readers and we are left not knowing what pitch will be thrown next. The ending of this one does just that. Foreshadowed from the get go, I knew what the ending would be, but wasn't quite aware of how impactful it will be. Honestly, until I dive into the 5th book, I will still be on edge about what is to come, and I am eagerly awaiting that next installment.

[Janny]

War and governance, love and infidelity, bias and honor, intrigue and deception, this book takes The Drowned Kingdom saga to a whole new level of development.

Othrun continues to drive the heart of the story, with his flaws, his moments of insightful growth, and his inborn prejudices at the heart of his path as king and warrior, husband and father, friend and foe, as old mistakes and entrenched factions contest with his effort to hold the stability of his alliance and his newfound kingdom against forces that seek to rend the peace and unseat his ascendance as a ruler and warlord.

From the opening chapter, Othrun's origins in drowned Atalantyx will arise again to haunt his future. Lessons learned will cause him to falter, backstep, and sometimes surprisingly, move him toward a more enlightened moral code to maintain the peace. His conflicts and weaknesses arise from every facet of his life, from his mistakes and victories on the field of war, to his lust for women of power, and his admissions of failures to his closest friends and advisors clearly admitted, and the same failures repeating with the next generation as his path forward forces reflection.

This is a deep, often sophisticated examination of human flaws and philosophies set in conflict, with one human being's ambitions at war with the fabric of his personality. The delivery is engaging, energetic, unabashed, and often keenly suspenseful, told in a striking and original voice.

If you enjoy fantasy with the unabashed joy of bloodletting battlefield heroics found in the Iliad, wrapped over a core of deep, philosophical introspection seen through the lens of a humanly flawed character, this is your series, and Othrun your complicated hero, in a tale that has many meaningful threads in parallel with our world's moral conflicts today, and a plot with driving suspense, varied cultures and religions, try this series. It is an unforgettable mix with plenty to offer, and much to inspire thought and speculation bound to become upset as the author twists and turns the events that will spring from this, the middle book, in a projected seven book series.

I look forward to the next installment with rare anticipation to see where this original voice will take us next.

[Anne-Marie Mawhiney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Has ever so flawed a character shown potential for redemption? King Othrun’s obstacle is the disconnect among his beliefs, his desires, his observations, and his actions. This results in a complex and very human MC. He comes right up to the precipice of an epiphany that will transform him but steps back to the teachings by which he was raised. He loves family and friends, wants them to be happy but sets them on paths that can only lead to despair. He believes in loyalty yet is repeatedly disloyal to those who love him and to his own engrained beliefs. He sees his contradictions yet is far from resolving them.

A Lion’s Pride is fourth of seven in The Drowned Kingdom Saga, the very middle of the epic series and where we, the readers, encounter a plot twist that changes not only to storyline but our understanding of everything that has already occurred. Stuart has a brilliant writing style that ramps up tensions the outcomes of which are often unexpected.

P.l.Stuart has once again woven a great story. The battle scenes are crafted so vividly I found the prose leapt into my imagination so clearly that I felt part of the action. Stuart’s pacing leaves the reader breathlessly turning pages, eyes wide at just how Othrun never fails to inspire and yet disappoint with many of his actions.

I am looking forward to the next in the series.

I received an ARC in return for a honest review.

[Maed Between the Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars.

Each installment in The Drowned Kingdom saga continues to impress with the increasingly complex political maneuverings our characters engage in. It was a treat to see Othrun finally act on the title of Warlord and grow into his position as a king in another capacity. His brash decision making keeps those around him (and the reader) guessing as to what is going to happen next. My favorite scene in this series so far takes place in this book when Othrun does just that- throws chaos into the wind putting other leaders on their toes.

We get a lot of big reveals in this book that set the stage for large scale clashes in future installments and I'm intrigued to see where we end up when the dust settles.

[Eve Koguce · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Lion’s Pride” by P.L. Stuart is the fourth instalment of the epic fantasy Drowned Kingdom saga. And what a riveting instalment it is! From the first pages, the story pulled me in and held me in its grip until the end.

“… being a king is a cruel honour.” Othrun, the King of Eastrealm, has already learned this truth – multiple times. He had lost his royal privileges, rights to the throne, the hope to not only ever rule over any kingdom but to live long enough to try to fight for the throne – over and over again. He had to suppress his very nature – and he is a royal persona to the core – and to mingle with the commoners. He had to endure unspeakable hardships, holding his head bowed at times and his nose shut (my favourite episode in “The Last of the Atalanteans). And he had done all this without lamenting his fate. Quite the opposite, he had embraced his fate as it had turned out to be, and he acted upon achieving the goal, which always was front and centre of his existence. He is the King.

And still, “Happiness is secondary when you’re a king,” Othrun says to his son, who is yet to accept this truth.

After reading “A Lion’s Pride”, I persist in my opinion that Othrun is one of the most remarkable characters in modern literature. I commend the author for his bravery in creating a character so true to life in a fantasy setting. It becomes especially apparent in this book of the saga that if Othrun were different, it wouldn’t have come to the fourth instalment. He would have died in book one, or there simply wouldn’t have been a story for the author to tell us readers. To be a king, one should think like one. Which means, to think above and beyond everything that is personal, sentimental, and transitory. Othrun learns and accepts that even grief is passing when you have to deal with fundamental issues, on which the lives of the whole nation depend.

In the fourth book, we get to see all the facets of Othrun’s controversial personality. He is a warlord, a womanizer – over the three books, he has acquired quite an impressive romantic portfolio, to which he promptly added at the beginning of book four – he is also a king and a father. Some might find his attitude to his son’s dilemmas appalling, while I, yet again, applaud the author for having the courage to portray someone of Othrun’s standing in such a realistic light. He doesn’t do any illogical and silly things like banishing his progeny for not complying with his royal expectations. He loves his son and wants what’s best for him. It is only human that his and his son’s vision of happiness differ. He also doesn’t accept docilely the things incompatible with the future king’s path. These aren’t even prejudices or cruelty. This is… well, life. The reality of royals as it is.

Despite finding out from the mages the ugly truth that might destroy everything he holds dear – power, throne, privilege – Othrun chooses to move on. After all, as per his own words, “…a king does not acknowledge his imperfections publicly.” He proves to his overlords that he is indeed a great warlord. The battles he leads are epic and bloody, but Othrun seems to feel on the battlefield as comfortably as in his sumptuous royal quarters.

Othrun stays true to himself also outside the battlefield and the bedroom. What makes him a perfect king is his sixth sense in politics. He feels where he can gamble and where it’s better to stay behind the scenes and submit to those with more power. It’s true, though, that when it comes to Othrun, he only submits when he has a plan to unexpectedly rise and try to move even higher. “It takes true courage to betray someone who rules by right but has no right to be ruling,” he says to his faithful friend Centi, who, unlike Othrun, succumbs to the situation unfavourble to him.

For me, as a loyal admirer of P.L. Stuart’s incredible work in creating the world of the Drowned Kingdom Saga, reading this book was an immensely rewarding experience. With some long-held secrets revealed, shocking twists, and a colourful mix of enticing and formidable characters, “A Lion’s Pride” has both satisfied my curiosity and fuelled my interest to continue reading this series.

Book four of the Drowned Kingdom saga is rich with the author’s trademark descriptions, which transform a fantasy setting into a real one. There are political intrigues, battle scenes, and personal drama aplenty to satisfy even the most demanding and sophisticated fantasy genre lovers.

[auricle · Rating 4 out of 5]

[There are no explicit plot spoilers in this review.]

A Lion's Pride is the fourth book in The Drowned Kingdom saga by P.L. Stuart. I absolutely love where the story takes us in this book, the midpoint of the series. However, I found myself frustrated by aspects of the writing that stalled the momentum.

King Othrun of Eastrealm seems to have attained a period of stability for his fledgling kingdom. He has acquired considerable political capital from his past strategies and hard-earned reputation as a warlord, but still can't always resist the urge to step straight into trouble (especially when it involves a pretty face). Othrun's growth as a character continues to be a compelling thread – he faces hard truths about his destiny to spread the faith of the Single God in spite of the incongruous mysticism he has experienced during his time in Eltnia.

The previous book, Lord and King, acts as a fulcrum point and springboard, allowing the first part of Book 4 to fly out of the gate with wonderfully intense showdowns, unexpected reveals, and a deepening of the interesting lore around the witches and druids. There is a fair amount of repetition in this first part, but I appreciated that these asides jogged my memory about far-flung events from earlier books.

The second part of Book 4 is where the pacing stumbled for me. There's an overwhelming amount of introspection and recapping -- the constant reminders about who the characters are and how Othrun feels about them arrests the forward motion of the plot and left me feeling like one of Othrun's warhorses moving timidly across muddy terrain.

I generally enjoy reading from Othrun's perspective and hearing his inner monologues but I felt that there was just too much introspection that didn't provide any deeper knowledge than I already had. If Othrun's opinions of characters had changed over time or (even better), if Othrun's opinions changed the way I felt about the characters, the amount of introspection might have been more successful.

The ending is satisfying: exciting, triumphant, and tragic all at once. The final scene involving menacing alliances in the north definitely gave me "big screen adaptation" vibes and I'm still very excited to see where the story goes in the next release, A Pack of Wolves.

[Wolfmantula · Rating 5 out of 5]

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For more reviews, go to: https://wolfmantula.com/recent-posts/

MY ⭐️ RATING: 5/5
FORMAT: Advanced Reader Copy

I think PL is such a tremendous author, and while it’s hard to find a word that can describe A Lion’s Pride, I think the word astounding stands above the rest, and it still may come up short in the beauty that is this incredible story. Stuart never lets me down with his story and impeccable character work that he does. Othrun is the embodiment of the perfect morally grey character because Stuart has such an innate ability of having a main character that on one hand, you can’t help but like at times because he can be such a great person, but at the same time, completely frustrated with some of the decisions that he makes. It’s the perfect balance.

The story is separated by 3 parts, the first part is Stuart masterfully weaving the intricacies of his work, forming the foundation of what is to come. I appreciate the slower, more methodical building during this time, because there’s a lot of ground work that has to be done, but it’s done in a way that kept my interest from the beginning prologue. Part 2 of this story gives something new to Stuart’s writing, which is time jumps, as the story progresses 5 & 10 years to help further along the story. I’m usually against time jumps, but these I thought were perfectly executed and brought the story to where it needed to be right when it needed to be.

“The word of kings, it’s said, is like trying to catch the wind. It blows one way, one instant, another way the next. Kings are changeable, mercurial, and prone to political expedience.
Their promises can be fleeting.”

Parts 2 and 3 were really something else, the intensity of the story ramps up and doesn’t slow down from that point. Incredible battles that are fought are absolutely epic in size spanning hundreds of pages it seemed, and the details are so intricate and precise that every step, every swing of the sword, every command is felt with perfect timing. The historical aspect of PL’s writing is what I love so much about this, because the detailed history always makes it feel like real events. But the difference between previous novels and this one is that this story has a lot more magicalness to it than it’s predecessors. There’s always been a tad in each, but A Lion’s Pride has even more magic as well as fantastical beings that show up, that made me giggle a bit, and that made me even happier.

There’s just something about this series that keeps me wanting more and more. Wether it’s the incredible world building or the precision in character work. Each page tells an epic story of a world that not perfect and characters, who’s flaws are not hidden, but broadcasted, while showing that change is possible, even if it takes years to do it.
Change is slow, but growth happens every day, and at the end of the day, that’s what PL’s story is about. Change.

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Wound a lion’s pride, and you will feel their claws.”

Ah, pride. Where does it get us? What rewards does it truly bring? In “A Lion’s Pride,” Book 4 in The Drowned Kingdom Saga by P.L. Stuart, it certainly fuels ambition, and it is a driving force in the story. But it also sharpens the edge of the proverbial “double-edged sword,” sparking wars between kingdoms and pushing warriors onto perilous paths—on the battlegrounds and within their own hearts and minds.

King Othrun of Eastrealm is called to lead an invasion for King Wely of Lynchun after his longtime enemy, Plas, the King of Ipithyia, insults him. Othrun once spared Plas’s life to keep the peace, but that decision is now haunting him with the impending battle. As he faces rival warlords and schemes of mages, Othrun is also dealing with cracks in his own faith. Wrestling with forbidden magic and ancient secrets, Othrun must rely on his fierce band of warriors to survive. He may just have to sacrifice more than he ever expected.

I’m always thrilled to receive a package in the mail from P.L. Stuart because I know it can only mean one thing – a guaranteed thrill from a master in epic fantasy adventure. As expected, “A Lion’s Pride does not disappoint. If you’ve been following my reviews for The Drowned Kingdom Saga, you’ll know that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Othrun. I struggle with him, question him, sometimes pity him, and, reluctantly, even admire him. More so with each new book. He goes against everything I stand for, but he’s a fascinating figure—torn between loyalty, duty, and personal demons that always seem to cloud his decisions. It’s Stuart’s honest portrayal of Othrun that makes him both admirable and infuriating. His growth and failures feel authentic, adding real depth to a character that fans of epic fantasy will appreciate.

But Othrun is just one of my favs. His son, Othrun the Younger, brings an intriguing element to the story, following in his father’s footsteps while wrestling with the weight of expectations and legacy. While the Younger is always respectful of his father, he doesn’t back down when serious issues threaten a rift between them.

There are plenty of other characters worth mentioning, but hold up – we have to talk about the fierce females! For all of Othrun’s faith-driven fears and misogynistic tendencies, he surrounds himself with powerful women who shape his journey in often profound ways. Among them are queens like Lysi of Nyrimia, a formidable mage and warlady; Undala, Queen of the Anibian Tribes, known for her wisdom and fierce leadership; and Tarlis, the dark-haired Queen of Celtnia, a former mage who mysteriously lost her powers. Mages like Sila, Othrun’s wife, and Viwa, Othrun’s loyal ward, bring mystical strength to his court. And then there’s Hiris, the ‘She-Wolf of Carthlughe,’ a proud princess warrior. These women are essential in challenging Othrun’s beliefs and enriching Stuart’s world.

Beyond the masterful plot and characters, as with each book in the saga, “A Lion’s Pride” stands out for its exploration of complex themes that deepen the story’s impact.

Stuart doesn’t shy away from examining racial prejudice, particularly within the kingdom’s elite circles. Characters like Ingersa, prince of the Anib, a race who didn’t look like them, frequently encountered overt and subtle bigotry, mimicking the deep-seated biases embedded in our own world. This element adds a layer of realism and moral complexity, as even the most celebrated warriors face discrimination, prompting readers to reflect on issues of race and privilege within a fantasy context.

Religion also plays a critical role, with belief systems often clashing and leading to violence and persecution. In a sobering parallel to real-world dynamics, the novel explores the complexities of faith and the dangers of religious intolerance, clearly showing how beliefs can both unite and divide societies. Very topical today.

One of the more defining features of the series is the depth of lore. Each book builds on the foundations laid in previous books, offering readers an immersive experience filled with myth, history, and cultural richness. For newcomers, starting with earlier installments is essential to fully appreciate the interconnected histories and motivations that drive the saga. It is this intricate world-building that makes the story feel epic and alive.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper epic fantasy without the battle scenes. Stuart’s battles are grand and visceral, steeped in epic tradition, where warriors clash with ferocity and honor. True sensory experiences. I dare to say Stuart’s action “scenes” evoke the intensity of the “big screen” and keep readers on the edge of their seats.

It’s worth mentioning that some sections go deep into introspection, which might slow the pace for some readers, but it really brings out the weight of Othrun’s decisions and his struggle to balance ideals with the hard realities of leadership. Othrun also has a secret, and the novel’s ending is both thrilling and tragic, setting him up for even tougher challenges as the series moves forward.

Overall, The Drowned Kingdom Saga is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy who appreciate a richly layered world, complex characters, and themes that resonate on a human level. In “The Lion’s Pride,” Book Four of the series, P.L. Stuart has crafted a story that will keep readers eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Othrun’s journey. 5 epic stars!

[Tim Hardie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“being a king is a cruel honour.”

I’ll start by saying that reviewing this book without spoilers is not going to be easy. This novel is all about the plot, and it’s a huge turning point for the series. Unusually, the impact of A Lion’s Pride ripples back through the first three books in this saga, and will doubtless be pivotal in the final three instalments as well. Please note this review therefore contains spoilers for the first three books in the series.

The prologue and what follows in A Lion’s Pride is a complete game changer, as PL Stuart whips out the rug from under your feet and makes you reassess everything you read and assumed up until now in the Drowned Kingdom Saga. The novel then continues in this vein, with the first two chapters focussing on Mag the Mighty and the warrior Rupaa, the illegitimate daughter of one of his earls, far to the north in Norsoon. Stuart has always written with a vast fantasy world in mind, and whilst the reader’s focus has been on Othrun’s exploits in Eastrealm for almost all of this series, it is soon clear that the other characters in this tale have not been idle.

When the story turns back to Othrun we find a more isolated figure. He is on bad terms with his once unstintingly loyal cousin Uthlen, following the events which led to Apolt's death. Uncle Yedwol has passed away and Yedwol the Ready has been executed for high treason. Only his cousin Prince Glathan remains as wise and dependable as ever.

Stuart always uses a three-part structure in his novels, and this is particularly noticeable in this instalment. A Lion’s Pride is very similar to how the first novel, A Drowned Kingdom, was approached, in that the first part of the story is virtually a standalone tale, albeit one with huge repercussions for what happens next.

When we return to Othrun in Part One he is wrestling with how to approach the inevitable conflict between the religions of the Single God and Eltnia’s Elemental Goddesses. Othrun wants the magical power of the Elementals, but his religious inflexibility in cleaving to the Single God places Sila, a mage and his bride to be, in mortal danger. The other mages are outraged when Othrun asks Sila to renounce her faith in the Elemental Goddesses in order to marry him and a coven has been called by their leader, Nulthe, to pass judgement upon her.

Othrun finds himself taking counsel from his ally Lysi on how to approach matters at the coven. As ever, Othrun and Lysi's relationship is complicated and at times bordering on toxic due to their simmering yet unfulfilled romantic attraction to each other, which their conflicting loyalties and political agendas have made impossible to consummate.

The contrasting nature of the women in Othrun’s life is a fascinating part of this saga, and the female characters become much more prominent in this novel. Lysi’s thirst for power is clear in the advice she gives to Othrun:

“You are a usurper. Embrace it. You stole a throne. That means you’re a king. That’s what matters.”

Othrun finds himself comparing this to the words of his late wife Aliaz:

“I had once asked Aliaz if I was a good man. She couldn’t tell me that I was. But what she could say to me was I was a great king.”

It seems that Lysi has the better measure of Othrun, as his words to Prince Centi reveal:

“It takes true courage to betray someone who rules by right but has no right to be ruling.”

Similarly, Othrun's relationship with Sila, Lysi’s sister, is intriguing. Can they set aside the past and build a future together despite the shadow cast by Aliaz’s death? Sila appears to have genuine feelings for Othrun but his heart really belongs to Lysi, suggesting a difficult road ahead. The mage Lady Viwa also emerges from the shadows as an interesting character in this novel.

What Othrun subsequently discovers when he eventually confronts the mages and Nulthe at their coven changes everything. It leaves Othrun questioning his faith, as he struggles to deal with all that he has learned. I don’t want to spoil the surprise by giving any further details away, but I will say that the final line of Part One is absolutely chilling. The growing sense of foreboding Stuart has been gradually building with each book continues in A Lion’s Pride.

The novel moves into different territory in Part Two. Time has passed, and Othrun's kingdom expands as he enters middle age and his family grows, meaning he has much more to lose. He is proud of his three sons, Othrun the Younger, Second Prince Arclan and Third Prince Atalan the Early, and no longer hungry for war.

His extensive responsibilities as a ruler make it difficult for him as a father. Othrun also has wards, like the Anibian Prince Ingersa, godchildren such as Hiris, and illegitimate children too. However, he is unable to spend time with them as he would ideally wish. As a result, many of these relationships have become very complicated. Othrun also faces another difficult challenge in how to reconcile his faith with the fact his eldest son is gay, and in love with Glathan's son, Athen. Once again, Stuart asks the reader to consider the consequences of religious intolerance and inflexibility, and the High Prelate Fridlyr is a great character as he wisely counsels Othrun on such matters.

All this plays out in the background as Part Two switches the focus of the tale to military action in the kingdom of Ipithyia. Stuart ably describes the fear, chaos and confusion of war, where a lack of military intelligence forces Othrun into a battle he cannot win against his old foe, Tarlis. Tarlis proves a cunning enemy and in Part Three of the novel events in Ipythia soon spill over into Yaden, one of the kingdoms loyal to Othrun.

The plot in A Lion’s Pride is definitely the most complex of the novels in this series so far. In the scenes in the coven and the war that follows in Parts Two and Three there are a myriad of conflicting loyalties, political agendas and various claims to kingship and queendom through convoluted bloodlines and history. There is a lot to keep track of, which makes a degree of recap and summarisation necessary to help readers keep everything straight. Mostly the reminders are welcome and introduced in a natural way, the facts told in a style which reflects the overall tone of the book. I liken this approach to an elderly Othrun recounting his story to his grandchildren as they listen to him late at night, wide-eyed, many years after the events took place. The style is both old-fashioned epic fantasy but at the same time it still has a modern feel, the story clearly drawing from our own history and real-life experiences.

My main issue with this book is in Part Two, when we have about half a dozen kingdoms all vying for power, where I felt the extensive recap actually began to get in the way of the story. For me, there was simply too much restatement of key facts and the current position, achieved through the narrative device of Othrun's over febrile imagination, as he continually reappraises his tactics and tries to second guess the next move of his opponents. In that respect, the tone of Part Two was very similar to Part One of A Drowned Kingdom. It read more like historical fiction, whereas by Part Three things changed again, the storytelling becoming much more immediate and dynamic.

Stuart also has the opportunity to give readers a chance to experience more of his fantasy world in A Lion’s Pride. The city of Greentree is a wonderful fantasy creation, the capital of Ipythia drawing parallels with many fantasy classics. In contrast, the city of Induby in the vassal state of Yaden is inspired by the Middle East as Stuart's expansive world continues to grow. Although there is plenty of action to enjoy throughout the novel, the battle of Induby and its aftermath is both stunning and brutal, and easily the best yet in a long line of incredible action scenes written by Stuart.

Throughout A Lion’s Pride Stuart plays with the form and structure in his three-part novel and I think readers will enjoy different aspects of this book depending on their preferences. I loved how the passage of time was handled and the way the consequences of events in the past had a bearing as the novel progressed. Part One is mostly an extensive dialogue scene, which was elevated by the twists, turns and revelations that put the first three books into an entirely new light, especially with its haunting final words. Despite being a bit slow at times, Part Two remained compulsive reading, building on that platform and then going in a totally unexpected direction. Part Three was my favourite section of the novel, the stakes rising further with each risky venture. The concluding chapters, where we step outside Othrun’s viewpoint once more, showcases some of Stuart’s best writing to date.

In this book the true scale of PL Stuart's literary ambition becomes clear. There's a reason why this saga needs seven books, and readers who enjoy classic epic fantasy storytelling will love this series. Stuart weaves a complex tale yet everything has its purpose, often only revealed in subsequent books. This series is so ambitious and so well planned in that regard.

The brilliant ending leaves everything poised for an explosive fifth book. A Pack of Wolves is due for release in 2025 and I can’t wait to find out what happens next.

I received an advance reader copy of this book. This did not influence my review and my views and opinions are my own.

[Bjørn]

Disclaimer: P.L. Stuart is a friend of mine. I will not be scoring the book and the below are my thoughts rather than a review (i.e. I took the gushing out.)

So far, every book in The Drowned Kingdom Saga has been better than the one before. A Lion’s Pride is no exception. It’s also truly, properly epic. (I suggest a paperback or a hardcover over the e-book, there is an index you might need, and it’s at the end of the e-book. E-books suck when it comes to indexes or even footnotes. We’re talking George RR Martin level of epic.)

I tend to skim battle scenes. Not this time. The first part, the Coven, and the battles that followed later, are actually my favourite parts. They don’t overstay their welcome, are magnificently paced (I know I said no gushing, but it’s simply true), and necessary. Almost everything I thought was superfluous turned out to be important, actually. At first, I felt that Othrun was a bit too self-aware (and, of course, very pleased with himself). I actually thought that I would prefer this to be shown, rather than told – many times, too. When words became actions, I realised Othrun wasn’t self-aware, he was deluded. Self-gaslighting into being The Great, and always pious except when he could gain something by pressing the pause button on his unbreakable faith in the Single God.

I only felt once that the pacing was slow – there’s a very long introduction before the first big battle. Once that was over, the book picked up again, and then suddenly it was 2:30am. There is also a part, towards the end, where Othrun does a re-telling of a lot of things that others have done while he wasn’t around. While it takes quite a few pages (I skimmed this part) it would be impossible to show everything. Not just because the book is written from Othrun’s POV (except some very interesting bits in the beginning and at the end…) but because Stuart would need a companion book with at least 300 pages.

Speaking of pages, this is the longest book in the saga so far, yet doesn’t overstay its welcome. A lot happens in A Lion’s Pride. I actually kept checking the page count, because I was worried it would end too soon. Which it inevitably did (I feel cheated, the complete appendices sum up to 64 pages out of 830). And it ends with QUITE a cliffhanger.

I said this before and I will again: it makes me sad that Stuart needs to add a disclaimer explaining that Othrun’s views are not his own. While not everyone must know that the author is Black, is it really that difficult to understand that the protagonist’s views, any character’s, 1st person point of view or not, don’t have to mirror its author’s? Especially as Othrun does his best, i.e. worst, to show himself for who he is, proceeds to whining about how horrible no good very bad he is, before doing it again. Does Stuart point and judge? He doesn’t have to. And yet… he has to explain himself.

I found A Lion’s Pride completely unpredictable. Not because of some plot twists. All of it. During the battle scenes, I really didn’t know who would make it. There were too many kings I have either never heard of or have forgotten, who got quickly slain so that Othrun could wallow in self-pity before doing something awful “for the good of the realm.” (He gets quite a surprise regarding who makes those decisions… VERY tempted to give a spoiler here).

Stuart can be trusted to publish a book a year. Unfortunately, even A Lion’s Pride itself isn’t out yet as I am writing this. A year is a very long time. I want book five now. (GRRM’s fans let out a deep collective sigh…)

[S. Bavey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not a fan of super chonky books, I am not a fan of epic fantasy and yet whenever P L Stuart offers me an arc I am excited to read it. Why? I think his style of writing and the type of fantasy he writes feels more like historical fiction to me. The story is truly epic in its scope with warring continents and a massive cast of characters, but the smaller details are not abandoned. It’s clear that a wealth of research goes into writing one of these books to make it so believable.

The relationships between unlikeable protagonist Othrun and everyone he deals with are impressively well detailed. He proves over and over again just how despicable he is with his double-crossing and fickle nature. His previous racism and negative attitude towards other religions and witchcraft is now tempered, but his inability to accept gay relationships among those he loves is devastating and despite being a king, his sense of entitlement is at times overwhelming.

In A Lion’s Pride again we have some spicy scenes between a betrothed and later married Othrun and women he knows he should not be with. The consequences of these scenes are often fruitful, and Othrun is fast becoming the Boris Johnson of Eltnia with more illegitimate children than he is willing to claim.

The introduction at the beginning of this book to new character, Laathre, is a revelation of gigantic proportions and had me so invested in finding out what will happen when the two eventually clash! Alas this is not to happen until the next book, despite a detailed introduction to this character and his back story in A Lion’s Pride.

The scene with The Coven was fabulously dramatic and atmospheric. This was by far my favourite part of the book. The powerful female mages with their prescience and predictions are my favourite aspect of this series.

Some of the book’s pacing was slow with much exposition – particularly before the epic battle in the middle of the book. Later a whole battle was told rather than shown, which I think might possibly have been written in this way to shorten the already lengthy book.

The main bones of the book concern a war started over rightful ownership of a parcel of forest which pulls in thousands of warriors from multiple kingdoms and causes a horrific amount of death and loss. New kings are crowned, princesses married, alliances made and Othrun discovers his visions could mean more about his heritage than he has dared imagine.

“They were so close, I could make out mouths stretched into grimaces of spite. Sneering teeth and bright eyes peeking out behind or beside the shields. I saw my death. There were too many of them. Most of all, I felt myself weeping for my son, that he should not sit on the Dragon Throne after me, but rather Arclan.”

P. L. Stuart is an incredible inventor of worlds and storyteller whose attention to detail is up among the greats. I have seen this series compared to Game of Thrones in reviews and I have to agree that it is on a par with the worlds brought to life by G. R. R. Martin. I’m already looking forward to the next chapter in The Drowned Kingdom Saga.

I was given an advanced review copy of this book by the author - thank you! My review is honest and my opinions are my own.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Lion's Pride" continues to deliver on all the promises made in the previous 3 books in the series ("The Drowned Kingdom"). I read the first book ("A Drowned Kingdom") almost 3 years ago, but it feels like I've known this world forever. I honestly don't understand why every fantasy fan isn't shouting about this series, because it really should be up there with the classics. P.L. Stuart's writing is divine, his character building is perfection, and, really, he shouldn't do anything but write! Book 5 in this series is due some time next year, and I can't wait!

My thanks to the author. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.

[Layla Goushey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a series I can’t stop thinking about, especially after this particular book. The main character has a lot of learning to do but there is an undercurrent of sincerity about the him that left me reflecting and on his situation and wanting to know what happens next. The world building and other characters are also drawn well - really great. This is a world I missed when I finished reading. I’m looking forward to the next book!

[Sean Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy myself when returning to the Drowned Kingdom. A Lion’s Pride did not disappoint. This book was none stop action right out of the gate with a few surprises mixed in that added an interesting new storyline. A storyline that I can’t wait to see how it will unfold.

If you like political intrigue, epic battles and great characters then this book is for you !

[Alicia Birdie and the books · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

[Sancho · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is sooo freaking awesome! I had a blast reading this book. One of my absolute favourite series right now.

[Lucien Telford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Lion’s Pride delivers a powerful punch, weaving together P.L. Stuart’s relentless battle scenes with his richly immersive, medieval world. As the fourth instalment in The Drowned Kingdom saga, the novel continues the tale of Othrun, a former prince of a sunken kingdom, now grappling with the immense challenges of ruling a new realm. This story is a masterful blend of grimdark fantasy, political intrigue, and intense combat, all while diving deeply into Othrun’s internal struggles.

Stuart’s series is nothing short of epic, reminiscent of the grand scope of Dune and the intricate depth of Tolkien. If you’re a fan of Elden Ring or A Song of Ice and Fire, Stuart’s work will resonate with you. He’s not just a world-builder; he’s a creator of histories.

In this latest book, King Othrun faces an identity crisis. Raised with strict conservative religious beliefs, he now finds those very beliefs in conflict as he faces new challenges. Othrun, who once viewed all magic as pagan, now finds himself not only needing the aid of mages but also desiring their power. To claim victory in the coming war, Othrun requires their magic, but what’s even more compelling is his growing desire for it. This internal battle, as he navigates these complex and conflicting emotions, lies at the heart of the story. How does a king radically alter his entire belief system while maintaining his sanity and the trust of his people?

Then there are P.L. Stuart’s exceptional combat scenes. No contemporary author writes medieval combat better than Stuart. He is, without question, a master of his craft. When I pick up a P.L. Stuart novel, I’m drawn in by the lore, but I stay for the war. His brutal depictions of historical warfare resonate like the clash of sword against mail, leaving me on edge, biting my nails as I turn the page. This is edge-of-your-seat reading, and I can’t help but come back for more.

Stuart introduces new characters in this book, all of whom are welcome additions, with one in particular taking me completely by surprise. I found myself needing a re-read to fully grasp the depth of Stuart’s world, especially as it relates to Othrun’s slow redemption arc amid his ongoing struggles with faith and power.

Overall, A Lion’s Pride is a compelling continuation of the saga, marked by its intriguing plot twists, relentless suspense, and brilliant prose. This is P.L. Stuart at his absolute best.

[JenJen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh damn! That ending!! And then the title reveal for book 5 in the acknowledgments 😱 Watch out Othrun, your list of enemies is long and since you can’t keep it in your pants you’ve got an almost longer list of kids you need to worry about killing you first (if the prophecy is to be believed 😉). 2025 can’t come fast enough!

For a full review of my thoughts, watch Birdie and the Books’ discussion here: https://www.youtube.com/live/Sp2-2kld...

[Anne Smith-Nochasak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have received an ARC of ‘A Lion’s Pride’, the upcoming fourth book in P. L. Stuart’s fantasy series 'The Drowned Kingdom', in return for an honest review, and it is my pleasure to provide one. Because this is an ARC, comments will focus on plot, characterization, pace, and descriptive style.

I was caught up in the narrative power of this book from the Prologue to the conclusion, for the author balances revelations with hints in a most intriguing way. Throughout the Prologue, I had a deep sense of foreboding: There was something so familiar, yet so impossible to identify. When the revelation finally came, I had that familiar sense of “Of course! That makes sense now! But I sure didn’t see that coming!” I surged into the three sections of the book: The Coven, The Green Lady, and The Elephant.

This instalment covers the consolidation of alliances formed earlier and traces the political, social, military, and theological scheming involved in maintaining and extending these alliances, often with surprising new relationships (political and personal) formed. As the warlord leading the campaign to stabilize the land, Othrun must make hard decisions, suppress his conscience, and learn when to challenge his overlords. As a king, he must learn statesmanship, which might involve promoting adversaries instead of stabbing them to eliminate a threat. Although statesmanship also involves learning to accept advice from trusted and loyal advisors, Othrun does not always listen, and I suspect the outcomes in certain cases might become problematic in later books.

In this novel he saves a bride, marries again, and develops a deep attachment. Spoiler time: Two of these are the same person. He also leads troops into battle against insurmountable odds requiring brutal decisions, is lauded by enemies, and alienates family members. He is chivalrous and noble, lustful and shameful. He is coping with religious and personal confusion, filled with regrets but holding fast to dreams. He is human, so human.

Othrun's narrative ends with a summary of his campaign, his accomplishments, and his failures, followed by a most startling revelation. We as readers have inside knowledge here, but now we witness his response. The final chapter sets the stage for the next instalment in the saga in a chilling way. There is both conclusion and anticipation here: We emerge from the reading satisfied, yet eager to see the characters fulfill their destinies in subsequent books.

Othrun’s character continues to evolve. He sees the wisdom of employing a mage to defend the faith of the Single God, yet when the coven invokes the Single God, he sees this as an abomination, not an ecumenical step. (The coven is a meeting of many revelations, theological, historical, social, and political, for this is not the first time the coven prayed to the Single God.) Othrun despises, but feels the pull of, the elemental power of The Six. His acceptance of interpersonal relationships is expanding, but not to include his near family. He is learning to recognize the merits and strengths of other races. He is no longer shocked by capable females. He is a man coming to be, but he has not arrived.

Other characters, too, are evolving. The mercurial Lysi is at her best – passionate, devoted to the demands of her calling as a mage and monarch, tender but also ruthless. As Nulthe, the Great Wika, declares, “Who is behind more plots than her among us?” (136) Lysi can be depended on to dissemble, demand, and shift directions as she deems the situation requires. She also is starting to remind me of Morgan le Fey, and I wonder what lies ahead.

Ingersa, whom you will remember as the seven-year-old Anibian prince from Book 3, has now grown into a warrior of great skill and nobility of spirit – a man of courage and honour.

Character is vividly revealed through physical attributes, actions, thoughts, and words. Rupaa emerges as a warrior, a chieftain with ambition, and a very sensual being. Viris, She-wolf of Carthlughe, is one to watch: A ruthless and fearless warrior, a slayer of kings, with a core of child-like innocence, she intrigues me.

The author’s descriptive force does engage the reader: When Ingersa charges into battle against impossible odds, fearless and indomitable, I, a peace-loving senior citizen, want only to clamber into the chariot beside him, shrilling my own battle cry. There is an overwhelming sense of history in the coven meeting, of something that has always been, something that predates all history; overall, the coven gathering fills us with dread and also anticipation. The scene of passion between Lysi and Othrun is raw and very physical, not a love scene. For it is not a love scene. Battle scenes are intense and vivid; the devastation of war comes through – the corpses, the civilian population in despair. Each scene has its unique style.

There are scenes to stir the blood, moments of gallantry: “’Then let’s make his death worthwhile!’ said ________, and I couldn’t help but admire how he relished battle.” 605 (Names are omitted to avoid spoilers.) In Ch. 39 as Othrun and his closest group ride forward to parley before a battle of hopeless odds, the author creates a sense of dignity and nobility: they ride forward thinking not of themselves and their impending death, but of hope for a future for their people. Here, we see Othrun the warlord becoming true king.

However, my favourite scene is the theological debate between the Prelate Fridlyr and Othrun, on the failings of monotheism. Fridlyr, from a lifetime of observation, has developed a scandalous view of worship and the role of religion in the state, or so it appears to Othrun.

It is a novel of complex negotiations, political intrigues, and unexpected alliances -- there is nothing dull or predictable here. There is mastery of detail; the author maintains momentum and manages an extensive array of places, alliances, intrigues, and characters. I am curious to see how this will be managed in book five, for to control a work of this scope is no small feat. I feel the framework of seven books is a solid plan, and I am confident that P. L. Stuart will continue to deliver excellence. Highly recommended!

[Tobias Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. We learned so much and so little.
Because of what we learned and what Othruns learned, I hate Othrun more than ever. In the beginning of the story he had ignorance as an excuse for his hateful beliefs. He didn't have a choice in how he was raised and what he was taught to believe. To the core of his character he was Atlantean and to my frustration he still is.
In a Lion's Pride Othrun contradicts his beliefs constantly. He, like Othrun the Ostrich, sticks his head in the sand and ignores direct evidence that his beliefs are faulty, even when it hurts himself and the people around him.
This is hopefully a transitionary period for him. He knows his beliefs are faulty but cannot reconcile them with his identity. Because he knows the faults, with the only benefit being keeping the old guard happy (which is necessary to maintain his kingdom), I'm frustrated with him. It would be different if he tried behind the scenes to change Easternrealm, or at least openly recognized and apologized to his friends, but no, he genuinely still clings to these beliefs at the deficit of his friends and family.
The first steps to change are the hardest part and I look forward to Othrun improving. This low will only makes his highs higher. Great book, can't wait for more!



----SPOILERS AND THEORIES RANT----

Oh god. The FACT that right after Ulthen died he separated Othrun the younger and Athen. AAAAHH. When will you learn! Not to mention Hani's death in book 2. I understand that a big part of his decision is placating the Bard and there are many tough decisions for a king to make, but from how Othrun acted its clear his son being gay disturbs him. This decision is not just for Easternrealm.

Another thing that's driving me crazy, Othrun is just ignoring investigating the angel, one of the most important things he could be doing with little effort from himself! Due to foreshadowing and the angels actions so far, I think the angels goal is to kill all the other gods by the hand of one of Othrun's sons. Which is very concerning considering the Witches Coven now ENDORSES him and are practically FARMING him for babies. UUMMMM. Not to mention Lysi's son is named Lysifer. UUMMM. Something changed with the Coven after trying to destroy Othrun and I am sure the revelation will be amazing.

Lysi mentioned that Othrun is special and that the angel needs him more than he needs the angel. It is clear the Witches are drawn to him and want his children. It seems all the religions use the same form of magic which gives sight into the future and past. (we saw that Anib and Witches can talk to the dead). It also all seems to be tied to blood. So, there is probably some special kind of magic in Othrun's blood which makes his children also magical. The Witches want to have his children for their magic, possibly for some future event. If he is the son of the Angle, then is the coven working with the angel now, despite it going against their core beliefs? I think it was Lysi who mentioned at the coven that Othrun is now of more use to them alive then dead. So, its possible whatever future they were trying to prevent is unavoidable now (maybe Undala's child is the dragon?). I think at least Lysi is allied with the angel to some extent. The visions Othrun of the worlds destruction while having heretical sex with Lysi makes me 100% think the kid to destroy the world is Lysifer. I mean look at his name!

The king in Othrun's sword might be Atalan who was possibly used by the angel to found Atalantyx. That would ironically mean the Purple Prince was against the founding of Atalantyx and on the side of the true single god, which has been shown to before by Ulthen. If true we could get a redemption story from Othrun were he takes up a Purple Prince esk role. That or he could get sucked into the sword with all the other people the angel has used.

I have to mention Erthal. Erthal is the new main character. The beautiful irony of Othrun rebelling against him, then becoming a king like him, adding that Erthal is just a better form of Othrun morally right now, is amazing. I also love the love hate relationship between the two. I'm most excited to see their reunion. Side note, I found it really funny when the old fisherman tried to convince Erthal to reconcile with his brother. Ethal didn't even consider it, he's coming to kill his brother for a rebellion years ago against a kingdom that no longer exists. Its very petty, but if Othrun never truly improves its for the best.

[Shawn Bruggeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until A Lion's Pride came out a few days ago, Lord and King was my favourite book in Drowned Kingdom. Now this 4th one is my all-time favourite. So in reading some of the other reviews here so far, I agree, the writing just gets better every book. Can't say that about many fantasy authors.

No way I can review it without at least some spoilers, but will try to keep it without spoiling too much. P.L. Stuart's prologues are now really A THING. They are some of the best, most shocking. And that's just the start of all the surprises. It seems P.L. kept most of the big surprises so far in the series for this book. A lot of the earlier foreshadowing really pays off in this one. You will keep turning the pages. It's the biggest book but it reads the fastest, for sure. I flew through it in a couple of days.

Othrun probably does the most douchebaggery in this book than in all the books before. From thinking about killing family members, not wanting to marry his son to Glathan's daughter, ruining his son's life, being really prejudiced about the Six Goddess religion, things like that. He's horrible! But he does so many good things, it ALMOST balances out the bad. He's brave, kind, and he really knows how to lead. And he shows how good a fighter he really is! All that constant training has paid off.

Othrun loves his family and friends, even his goddaughter (more on her later). He also stands up for what's right at surprising times. And, just like the last book, when horrible things happen to him, I wanted to cry right along with him, and sometimes I really did.

I am not a big time jump fan, but I had no problem when it happened in this book. Because it introduced amazing young characters! People you met in previous books as kids or younger adults like Ingersa and Hiris (Othrun's goddaughter, as I read it) and Ruppa have grown up BIGTIME! These 3 are such badasses you will wonder if any of them could take down Thurol, the most badass fighter in the land. Thurol doesn't have as big a part in this book as he did in Last of the Atalanteans but like in Lord and King when he shows up he absolutely kicks ass! But we don't see as much of it on the actual page. Glathan may be more of an advisor but don't forget he's a great fighter too, and general, and he shows it here.

The Coven, wow! You will leave this book with no doubt that ALL the mages are freaking powerful. You will also question everything you thought you knew about them, and the Single God and the Angel.

Sila, Monis, Nulthe, and always, always Lysi, are crazy-amazing! DO NOT mess with Lysi! I think she will be the last person standing at the end of the series, other than Othrun. And she will probably be his boss. The women in this series are becoming my favourite characters, along with Othrun.

And oh, those battles! They are bigger, with larger armies involved than the books before. I said previously P.L. is the Lord of Worldbuilding and King of Battles. I stand by my word. I re-read the 2 duels and 2 HUGE battles in this book over and over again, they were SO good! And there is more magic that shows up that will make you gasp and laugh at the same time! More tragic deaths in this book. The one at the end...wow. When you see the urn, brace yourself.
There's much more sex and romance in this book. I didn't mind it too much, it's well done, but not really what I read these books for. I understand why it's there in terms of the plot.

This is a long review, and I have not said much about the plot, really. But I think I have said enough to make it clear, this book is the BEST so far AGAIN in the series.

Last thing, my ABSOLUTE favourite scene is when Othrun goes basically ballistic, cusses out Bartho even though Bartho is his boss, and squeezes men out of Lysi. When Othrun is bad, he's really at his best. I guess that's a big part of what this series is about.

[Blaise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a honest review. We have now come to the gamechanger for the entire series and I can’t tell you how many times I was shell shocked when I finished a chapter. All the history, lore, and worldbuilding done in the previous entry come to a head and I was not prepared for what was about to unfold. I thought I would be able to guess where the plot would take us and then P.L. pulled the rug out from under me more times than I could count. A great war is coming and you had better be prepared or this book will eat you alive. This will be a spoiler free review but I will be stating events that have happened in the previous novel.

Othrun is now the ruler of his kingdom but is finding enemies around every corner. With his new alliance with the tribes of Aniba, Othrun has suffered the loss of not only his wife but also his love interest of the war leader Undala. He is now forced by his senior members and the customs of The One True God to marry another wife and father children in the eyes of his Lord. The woman he chooses is none other than the witch Sila, sister to Lysi (who has caused so much destruction and chaos). Before the marrage ceremony can take place, Sila is taken by the Coven witch’s who worship the Six Elemental gods stating that Sila must stand trial for her crimes and the verdict is death. Othrun believes the Coven are nothing but heathens and he will stop at nothing to protect that which he holds dear. Meanwhile, an army is building in the east with Ruppa at its head as well as a new player to the game who has more than a fair share of interest in what is transpiring with Othrun and his kingdom. I will leave the review here to not spoil anything more for you.

A Lion’s Pride is an Epic backbreaker of a novel based on the shocks and twists P.L. Stuart will send your way. It is also a great tragedy when you see how the revelations brought forward in this book will shape your experiences for everything that has come before. What has come before will change drastically and the new dawn will shine upon you in a new light and with a deeper meaning. The Religion and teachings will be turned upside down with its most devout defender Othrun left out in the cold without a jacket. Although I loved every aspect of this book there we two side characters, who we have already seen in the series take on a much bigger role: Ruppa and Viwa. Viwa will be instrumental in Othrun’s goals for his kingdom and to combat what is to come while Ruppa will be squarely on the other side of the conflict. 

I should also not that for the first time in this series we have time jumps. The skips were pretty drastic in some cases but it was necessary for this plot device in order to see how our characters have evolved given the deeds of the past. Those readers who have a keen eye for seeing tiny details in the text will have a field day with A Lion’s Pride as there are many Easter eggs to discover. Visions and prophecies are another big aspect in this book and we even get to see a new type of creature enter the fold and they will send shockwaves to our characters when all is said and done.

Easily my Top read of 2023 and I must thank P.L. Stuart for giving me this opportunity. Its not everyday you get to see your name published as the main cover blurb for a published novel and it just means the world to me. The stories ends with a bang and I can’t wait to hear what you all think of this one.

Cheers!

[Debbie Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to have an ARC of this book prior to publication. A Lion's Pride blows the doors off Lord and King and I loved Lord and King. This book brings the steam and Othrun gets busy, big time! A lot of hot love scenes and pent up emotions explode! Othrun is also busy again on the battle field! Again that's not what I read these books for, but the battles were unbelievable. It's the reveals that hit hard in this one. I still can't get over what I learned!!! And who is alive!!! Big big mysteries uncovered, and the plot was like a snake, kept twisting on me. I had no idea what was around the next corner. This book had the best pace of the 4 so far. By part 2 I couldn't put it down at all. Only complaint was it a bit more magicky than I usually like for this series. I like the lack of magic, and like reading these like historical fiction. But real fantasy lovers (not me) will probably love it. Again, we lose another favourite character of mine. This one hurt. And Othrun is horrible to both his family and allies!! He's unhinged a bit, but is sounds crazy, but I understand why. Sometimes I even had to applaud him. That's the brilliance of this author. I still love Othrun's character even when he's terrible! Best book so far by P.L.Stuart!

[Nestor Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I don't normally finish books within a day, in fact I can count with one hand. And so far two of those books are part of the Drowned Kingdom Saga, the third book Lord and King and of course A Lion's Pride (book 4). I can't say exactly why I can't stop reading these books, the third book I read in a single night. A SINGLE NIGHT! And I had work the next day! If I had to say the reason, it's because I can't wait to find out what happens next. I really want to know what happens to Othrun, and those who love him or serve him. My guy has won me over since book 2. I just can't help but root for the guy, he has flaws just like we all do, and he does good when he can. I find myself relating to him quite a bit, which isn't easy to say but needs to be said (although I'm not as good with the ladies as he is). I can't wait for the rest of the series. I also did not see the curve ball coming, so kudos to Mr. PL Stuart for that. You got me. I look forward to seeing what you got for me next. Buy this book series!

[chibipoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable read! We again venture into Eastrealm and Othrun's growing power and influence, as well as his continually developing character. As I understand, this is intended as seven books and this is book 4 and it definitely feels like a midpoint. The previous three have busied with Othrun's flight from his homeland as it collapses, and carving out a place for himself and his people. That done, this volume is clearly a transition from that stage to what is to come with the final three volumes. We experience more of Othrun and his slow pace coming to terms with various societal and cultural issues that were derided among the realm and people he hails from, but the overarching story is definitely transitory, moving through several smaller storylines that address various issues throughout the land.

For all that he is a king, Othrun is but one of many and while he currently swears as liegeman to another, the other is aging and what lies ahead is in question, to say nothing of the matters that open and close this book. Dark times loom ahead and I will be eager to see what is next! Do not miss out on this. While it may be transitory from the first half to the second, it sets the stage as alliances upend and shift and a looming threat awaits Othrun!

[Yaroslav Barsukov · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly majestic book. A lot of payoff for the lore and story from the previous entries in this ongoing series--and still Stuart manages to come up with twists and revelations. Themes of religion, religious persecution, and morality weave through the novel, as do intricate political machinations.

Recommended for all fans of epic fantasy--and I can't wait for the next book!

[P.L. Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will continue to strive for continuous improvement as a writer. I feel this is my finest work to-date. I hope you too, find it worthy of a lofty rating. Thank you for taking the time to read and review my book!

[Andre Boone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four books in and this series is still picking up speed! Surprises and interesting developments abound in this instalment. Plus, King Othrun's zigzagging morality is once again on display. Will he overcome his ugly qualities? Or will he fall into utter disgrace?