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Court of the Last Dragon #1
The Broken Queen
Born from magic, Atorra is an exquisitely lifelike living doll raised in the house of concubines, soon to be sold off as some man’s toy. Instead, a stranger walks in, with black horns and sharp eyes, radiating magic: the King of Dragons.
King Harrai, a man with royal dragon blood, searches for the reincarnation of the dragon queen. He knows Atorra is the one he seeks. But she is not the one he wants. He considers her very existence a cruel abomination, and she can’t give him an heir. Still, there is no doubt she holds the ancient magic that protects his kingdom, and custom is upheld—Atorra and the cold, handsome dragon king are married with all pomp and ceremony.
Although her magic lessons are brutal and the court hostile, Atorra relishes her freedom and growing power. She bonds with her dragon, learns to claim her place at the council like all queens before her—and slowly discovers an unexpected passion with her king.
But something dark stirs in the western mountains once more. It killed Harrai’s parents and their dragons years ago and now threatens everything Atorra has come to hold dear. She alone may be the key to saving her kingdom—but the price will change her forever.
I've had this story in my head for decades and it's finally here! With rich world building and swoon-worthy slow burn romance (but we do get to some spice!), the Court of the Last Dragon is the first book in an epic series perfect for fans of Elise Kova, Grace Draven, and Mercedes Lackey.
King Harrai, a man with royal dragon blood, searches for the reincarnation of the dragon queen. He knows Atorra is the one he seeks. But she is not the one he wants. He considers her very existence a cruel abomination, and she can’t give him an heir. Still, there is no doubt she holds the ancient magic that protects his kingdom, and custom is upheld—Atorra and the cold, handsome dragon king are married with all pomp and ceremony.
Although her magic lessons are brutal and the court hostile, Atorra relishes her freedom and growing power. She bonds with her dragon, learns to claim her place at the council like all queens before her—and slowly discovers an unexpected passion with her king.
But something dark stirs in the western mountains once more. It killed Harrai’s parents and their dragons years ago and now threatens everything Atorra has come to hold dear. She alone may be the key to saving her kingdom—but the price will change her forever.
I've had this story in my head for decades and it's finally here! With rich world building and swoon-worthy slow burn romance (but we do get to some spice!), the Court of the Last Dragon is the first book in an epic series perfect for fans of Elise Kova, Grace Draven, and Mercedes Lackey.
498 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2024
52 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Lidiya Foxglove
61 books440 followersLidiya Foxglove grew up on a steady diet of fairy tales, folklore and fantasy and also reads way too much manga. Fantasy romance is her favorite thing in the world, but she likes it steamy. She also loves cats and tea--it's cliche for a reason!
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
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August 20, 2024Lost interest 40% when story just kept going and I realized it won’t be a standalone. Story of a living doll and a dragon king. Odd court life w dragons and prophesy.
May 16, 2024
Yowza!!! Broken Queen by Lidiya Foxglove is a masterpiece!!! This is the story of Harrai and Atorra. Harrai is the King…though he never wanted to be. Atorra is, for all intents and purposes, a doll. But, to Harrai, she is more than that….she is the lost Queen of Songs. He is determined to bring her back for her purpose to be fulfilled. But, the road is long, rocky, dangerous, and fraught with deadly situations.
Wow!! This story was magnificent!!! I don’t normally enjoy Fantasy stories built in other worlds. But, this story sucked me in!! I was completely immersed in this fantasy realm of dragons…and felt like I was right there…watching everything unfold in front of me!!! Masterful storytelling at its finest!!! Full of romance and so much more!!!
Wow!! This story was magnificent!!! I don’t normally enjoy Fantasy stories built in other worlds. But, this story sucked me in!! I was completely immersed in this fantasy realm of dragons…and felt like I was right there…watching everything unfold in front of me!!! Masterful storytelling at its finest!!! Full of romance and so much more!!!
May 5, 2024
I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
I just love these latest few books by Lidiya Foxglove that are set in this same world and I was so excited for this one! From what I understand this book takes place earlier than the other books so far. It focuses on the Drai people and the dragons. Atorra is the main character, she's a fanarlem, basically a soul in a magical doll body. She's trained to be a concubine, but instead the king of Drai comes for her to take her home and tells her she's the Dragon Queen. I really enjoyed this book and wanted to keep reading and see what would happen next. This is a long book, but it didn't feel that way as I really loved every moment of it.
I really loved this book. It was such a great story and I enjoyed learning about the Drai people and the dragons and seeing another facet of this world. The world building is really well done with all these little details that make the world feel real.
I liked reading about Atorra and how she went from thinking she would serve others for her life as a concubine and thinking she had to atone for past sins to finding out she's the reincarnation of the dragon queen and her soul is valued as she's the only one who knows these magical songs. I liked seeing her grow in confidence and figure out what she wanted from life.
I also really liked her romance with king Harrai. It has a bit of an arranged marriage vibe with how they are the queen and king and expected to be together. I liked seeing how they grow closer and deeper feelings develop. The further I got in the story the more I liked these two together. I was fully invested in their romance by the end and I liked seeing them together.
I liked how there are plenty of interesting side characters as well. Later in the book there are chapters from some of their point of views as well. I really like Tashana and could relate to her. It was awesome seeing her grow into her own and see her being friends with Atorra. There are plenty of other interesting side characters as well and I liked reading about them and seeing them develop throughout the story. There are even some romances for the side characters as well that play out throughout the book and I liked these as well.
The plot was great and there was plenty going on. From how the court deals with Atorra's appearance. And Atorra's a fanarlem which means she's unable to have the dragon heirs. There are also other things going on like a mysterious storm that killed the king's parents, the dragons slowly dying and a possible war. I really enjoyed the story and the way the plot developed as I got further. There are some great twists and reveals toward the end. I can't wait to see how everything gets resolved in the next book!
To summarize: I really enjoyed The Broken Queen. I love this world Lidiya Foxglove has build and how this book shows another part of it, I like the way the world really comes alive with all these little details that make it feel real. I liked reading about Atorra and how she goes from thinking she will be a concubine to being a queen. I liked seeing her grow into herself and change through the story and eventually figure out what she wanted. I liked her romance with King Harrai and how they slowly grew closer and then fell in love, they were great together. There are lots of interesting side characters as well, some even get some chapters of their own perspective and I was especially fond of Tashana. The plot is well written and kept my attention, there are some great developments, reveals and twist toward the end and I can't wait for the next book to see how everything gets resolved! I can definitely recommend this one to fantasy romance fans!
I just love these latest few books by Lidiya Foxglove that are set in this same world and I was so excited for this one! From what I understand this book takes place earlier than the other books so far. It focuses on the Drai people and the dragons. Atorra is the main character, she's a fanarlem, basically a soul in a magical doll body. She's trained to be a concubine, but instead the king of Drai comes for her to take her home and tells her she's the Dragon Queen. I really enjoyed this book and wanted to keep reading and see what would happen next. This is a long book, but it didn't feel that way as I really loved every moment of it.
I really loved this book. It was such a great story and I enjoyed learning about the Drai people and the dragons and seeing another facet of this world. The world building is really well done with all these little details that make the world feel real.
I liked reading about Atorra and how she went from thinking she would serve others for her life as a concubine and thinking she had to atone for past sins to finding out she's the reincarnation of the dragon queen and her soul is valued as she's the only one who knows these magical songs. I liked seeing her grow in confidence and figure out what she wanted from life.
I also really liked her romance with king Harrai. It has a bit of an arranged marriage vibe with how they are the queen and king and expected to be together. I liked seeing how they grow closer and deeper feelings develop. The further I got in the story the more I liked these two together. I was fully invested in their romance by the end and I liked seeing them together.
I liked how there are plenty of interesting side characters as well. Later in the book there are chapters from some of their point of views as well. I really like Tashana and could relate to her. It was awesome seeing her grow into her own and see her being friends with Atorra. There are plenty of other interesting side characters as well and I liked reading about them and seeing them develop throughout the story. There are even some romances for the side characters as well that play out throughout the book and I liked these as well.
The plot was great and there was plenty going on. From how the court deals with Atorra's appearance. And Atorra's a fanarlem which means she's unable to have the dragon heirs. There are also other things going on like a mysterious storm that killed the king's parents, the dragons slowly dying and a possible war. I really enjoyed the story and the way the plot developed as I got further. There are some great twists and reveals toward the end. I can't wait to see how everything gets resolved in the next book!
To summarize: I really enjoyed The Broken Queen. I love this world Lidiya Foxglove has build and how this book shows another part of it, I like the way the world really comes alive with all these little details that make it feel real. I liked reading about Atorra and how she goes from thinking she will be a concubine to being a queen. I liked seeing her grow into herself and change through the story and eventually figure out what she wanted. I liked her romance with King Harrai and how they slowly grew closer and then fell in love, they were great together. There are lots of interesting side characters as well, some even get some chapters of their own perspective and I was especially fond of Tashana. The plot is well written and kept my attention, there are some great developments, reveals and twist toward the end and I can't wait for the next book to see how everything gets resolved! I can definitely recommend this one to fantasy romance fans!
May 18, 2024
Harrai is the dragon king, king of the Miralem people, who are all telepathic. The royal Drai family of the Miralem ride dragons that are also telepathic, and the king is part dragon. He has been king since his parents died when he was a child, and for years only reluctantly filled that role, purely out of a sense of duty. There is some dark mystery surrounding his parents' deaths. Now, he cannot marry until he finds the reincarnation of a prior queen, the Queen of Songs. It is she who will become his wife and bear his heirs.
Harrai learns in the first chapter that his queen has been found, but she is reincarnated as a Fanarlem, one of a race of created beings, made by the Daramon people using magic. The Fanarlem have doll-like bodies housing souls reincarnated by magical means to bring them to life. The Fanarlem are basically an enslaved race. Harrai is disappointed and even disgusted to learn this about the queen, in part because such a wife will never be able to bear him heirs, but also because Fanarlem are a product of the Daramon race, who are enemies to the Miralem. But he stoically sets out on his journey to retrieve her, because the reincarnated Queen of Songs is needed for other reasons, the most important that she should be able to use songs only she can remember, to strengthen the incubating dragon eggs.
Atorra has been at the front of the house of concubines where she was made for a year, an anniversary that isn't celebrated, because it means no one wanted to buy her. Hrada, the Daramon who made her and still owns her, is concerned that no one has purchased her yet, and he suspects it's because of her peculiarities, a love of singing and of animals and nature. She assures him that she doesn't sing to the men who consider buying her. She loved to sing as a child and her songs had some form of enchantment, but she knows better now than to sing. Atorra has just been, as a last resort, promised to another man at a discount, when the dragon king Harrai shows up and claims her, purchasing her out from under the other man, enraging him so that they have to flee the town.
When Atorra learns she's to be a queen, it doesn't make sense to her, and she's skeptical at first. She's also unsure of this man she doesn't yet know, who doesn't seem to want her. He only needs her to fill a role at court, and to perform as the Queen of Songs. She becomes determined to do everything she can to fill that role. Her personal pride won't let her do any less.
But she soon finds she's not well accepted at court. There's a lot of prejudice over her being a Fanarlem. Then, as soon as Atorra attempts to remember the songs, and lets one, in a sense, sing through her, she becomes conscious of a presence communicating telepathically with her, a voice only she can hear that feels dark and sinister. There is something dangerous at work.
The story is complex, as is the world it takes place in, and I'm certain I haven't done it justice here. There's a lot more to the dragons, and to the Miralem and their world that won't fit into a brief description. I enjoyed this book immensely, partially because of the mixture of characters, who feel distinctive and well-rounded, and partly because of the enchanted world in which the story takes place. There are fantasy worlds in stories that put me off, and others I love, and this is one of those, except of course for the darkness that makes up the conflict of the story. It's kind of like how I feel about Tolkien's Middle Earth. I'd love to live in the Shire - after the scouring!
I'll be anticipating the next in this series, for sure.
Harrai learns in the first chapter that his queen has been found, but she is reincarnated as a Fanarlem, one of a race of created beings, made by the Daramon people using magic. The Fanarlem have doll-like bodies housing souls reincarnated by magical means to bring them to life. The Fanarlem are basically an enslaved race. Harrai is disappointed and even disgusted to learn this about the queen, in part because such a wife will never be able to bear him heirs, but also because Fanarlem are a product of the Daramon race, who are enemies to the Miralem. But he stoically sets out on his journey to retrieve her, because the reincarnated Queen of Songs is needed for other reasons, the most important that she should be able to use songs only she can remember, to strengthen the incubating dragon eggs.
Atorra has been at the front of the house of concubines where she was made for a year, an anniversary that isn't celebrated, because it means no one wanted to buy her. Hrada, the Daramon who made her and still owns her, is concerned that no one has purchased her yet, and he suspects it's because of her peculiarities, a love of singing and of animals and nature. She assures him that she doesn't sing to the men who consider buying her. She loved to sing as a child and her songs had some form of enchantment, but she knows better now than to sing. Atorra has just been, as a last resort, promised to another man at a discount, when the dragon king Harrai shows up and claims her, purchasing her out from under the other man, enraging him so that they have to flee the town.
When Atorra learns she's to be a queen, it doesn't make sense to her, and she's skeptical at first. She's also unsure of this man she doesn't yet know, who doesn't seem to want her. He only needs her to fill a role at court, and to perform as the Queen of Songs. She becomes determined to do everything she can to fill that role. Her personal pride won't let her do any less.
But she soon finds she's not well accepted at court. There's a lot of prejudice over her being a Fanarlem. Then, as soon as Atorra attempts to remember the songs, and lets one, in a sense, sing through her, she becomes conscious of a presence communicating telepathically with her, a voice only she can hear that feels dark and sinister. There is something dangerous at work.
The story is complex, as is the world it takes place in, and I'm certain I haven't done it justice here. There's a lot more to the dragons, and to the Miralem and their world that won't fit into a brief description. I enjoyed this book immensely, partially because of the mixture of characters, who feel distinctive and well-rounded, and partly because of the enchanted world in which the story takes place. There are fantasy worlds in stories that put me off, and others I love, and this is one of those, except of course for the darkness that makes up the conflict of the story. It's kind of like how I feel about Tolkien's Middle Earth. I'd love to live in the Shire - after the scouring!
I'll be anticipating the next in this series, for sure.
Want to read
April 18, 2024Received an ARC! I’ll be digging into this once college finals end 😭
June 15, 2024
"Lorsen was different. Her eyes were sad, her mouth a solemn line. She was made to look sad. But she could also look like all the shadows in the world had gathered in her eyes and all the storms at sea were carried in her heart."
This story really sweeps up a few of my guilty pleasures as an audience. Arranged marriage? Check. Reincarnation? Check. Dragons? Check. Pickles? Extra check.
This novel is free to read with kindle unlimited and readers who enjoy modern Romantasy authors such as Sarah J. Maas may find this title, along with its clever fantasy world building to be an enjoyable way to pass an afternoon by the pool with your kindle this summer.
I found many of the imaginative concepts in the book fun to follow along with including the particular curiosities of fanarlem, magically animated dolls who are crafted and sold as property. But there's a catch! They're actually animated by real souls of people!
Two of the characters focused on in the book in particular, main character Attora and supporting character Jarlen, had very compelling arcs to follow. The clash of two cultures and the way they challenge one another to rethink their prejudices was also a satisfying intellectual stroll during the novel.
Maybe just as delightful as reading the novel, and highly recommended by me - is to drop by Lidiya's vlog on Youtube. She's a really fun author to follow who clearly loves to geek out with readers and chat about the craft of writing. She also has the cutest cats I've ever seen, who are possibly trained to be the apex of writer's cats. :) I'm definitely a fan.
Thankyou for sharing this novel! I'm looking forward to reading other installments in this world.
October 14, 2025
First of all, I’m not a big fan of YA, so I knew from the first page that this wasn’t my cup of tea. DNF at 20%.
I see a few issues with the writing:
No sense of place or time.
I often had no idea where the characters were or what anything looked like. There’s no grounding at all, so immersion is impossible. Dynamic scenes especially read like chaos.
Flat main character.
The FMC is a doll (with a rather unpleasant description of what she’s made from — though that’s just taste). The usual “Bella Swan with the personality of a rock” approach doesn’t work here. Giving her some spark or even a distinct way of perceiving the world could have made a huge difference.
Everything revolves around sex.
Every conversation, every thought — it’s all sexual tension or innuendo, as if nothing else exists in this world. I get that’s the genre’s appeal, but cutting it by half and adding anything else would have helped a lot.
I see a few issues with the writing:
No sense of place or time.
I often had no idea where the characters were or what anything looked like. There’s no grounding at all, so immersion is impossible. Dynamic scenes especially read like chaos.
Flat main character.
The FMC is a doll (with a rather unpleasant description of what she’s made from — though that’s just taste). The usual “Bella Swan with the personality of a rock” approach doesn’t work here. Giving her some spark or even a distinct way of perceiving the world could have made a huge difference.
Everything revolves around sex.
Every conversation, every thought — it’s all sexual tension or innuendo, as if nothing else exists in this world. I get that’s the genre’s appeal, but cutting it by half and adding anything else would have helped a lot.
May 15, 2024
The worldbuilding and original races of this world are super interesting. My favorite are the Fanarlem, dolls that are created by magic then have souls of people that have passed away forced into them. They are sold as slaves and concubines. Getting to see how they live and how they feel about their situation is super fascinating.
The elements of court intrigue, especially with the next queen being born as a Fanarlem and not able to get pregnant with heirs, and the presence of dragons are so fun, kept me addicted.
This book is also fairly long so definitely a good buy!
The elements of court intrigue, especially with the next queen being born as a Fanarlem and not able to get pregnant with heirs, and the presence of dragons are so fun, kept me addicted.
This book is also fairly long so definitely a good buy!
June 10, 2024
Intriguing book about self determination
In a lot of ways, this book feels like an extended exercise on getting the whole team on the same page. All of our characters face intense dissatisfaction with their roles in life, and have reached the breaking point where they're going to do something about it.
I enjoyed discovering the world, but it felt like the discovery of the Problem and the ¿villains? antagonists took too long.
I'll definitely keep an eye out for the sequel, but the ending didn't quite land for me
In a lot of ways, this book feels like an extended exercise on getting the whole team on the same page. All of our characters face intense dissatisfaction with their roles in life, and have reached the breaking point where they're going to do something about it.
I enjoyed discovering the world, but it felt like the discovery of the Problem and the ¿villains? antagonists took too long.
I'll definitely keep an eye out for the sequel, but the ending didn't quite land for me
July 19, 2024
This book was fantastic and after having a chance to “meet” the author via her YouTube content and on Patreon, I am even more enamored by this world. I am looking forward to reading more in this universe, seeing more of these characters, and generally enjoying the writing style and creativity of this author.
Until Next Time,
MC
Until Next Time,
MC
May 26, 2024
I had a lot of fun reading this one. My first read from this author, after following her on youtube. Fun universe, interesting characters, and well-written. The last third of the book is a page turner. Looking forward to the sequel to find out what happens to everyone!
May 28, 2024
Welp this kept me up late reading - especially the last third of the book. This story combines a familiar fantasy setting (dragons! Danger! Magic!) with a cozy and wholesome love story with likable characters. Looking forward to book two.
June 2, 2024
I am soooo inexperienced with Romantasy but I follow Lidiya on youtube and fell in love with her worldbuilding so I had to see for myself. And WOW!!! Very very good, I’m sad I have to wait for the sequel.
May 15, 2024
Good book with an interesting storyline. The worldbuilding is great and the characters are complex and varied.
May 24, 2024
DNF
I couldn’t keep reading this after 25%. Didn’t see a hook to get my interest.
I couldn’t keep reading this after 25%. Didn’t see a hook to get my interest.
July 16, 2024
Great story, from a very different point of view really enjoyable waiting with bated breath for the next book
January 17, 2025
Fantastic world building, interesting characters and - one of my favourite things in fantasy - a cute animal companion!
May 15, 2024
📚🏰🐲🗡️🏔️
I loved this so much! Dragons, magic, pickles, and an adorable romance - what more could you want?
This was a beautifully told story set in an immersive and imaginative world. Both our main leads Atorra and Harrai showed so much character growth as the story progressed, and their slowly growing regard for each other was heartwarming. The side characters were wonderful too - Tashaya in particular really resonated with me. I was very impressed by how some quite serious themes were handled and discussed so sensitively and gracefully throughout - abuse, trauma, chronic illness, disability, reproductive choices (or lack of choice), and self vs duty to name a few.
Overall, I utterly adored this and I can't wait for more 😍
I loved this so much! Dragons, magic, pickles, and an adorable romance - what more could you want?
This was a beautifully told story set in an immersive and imaginative world. Both our main leads Atorra and Harrai showed so much character growth as the story progressed, and their slowly growing regard for each other was heartwarming. The side characters were wonderful too - Tashaya in particular really resonated with me. I was very impressed by how some quite serious themes were handled and discussed so sensitively and gracefully throughout - abuse, trauma, chronic illness, disability, reproductive choices (or lack of choice), and self vs duty to name a few.
Overall, I utterly adored this and I can't wait for more 😍
June 8, 2024
I had to fight through it at the end just because I was bored, but it was a good book from the beginning.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews