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Book of Arden #2
Kingdom of Today
From New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter comes a hauntingly beautiful dystopian fantasy, where ancient powers rise and a fearless young woman must choose between the ruthless prince who tempts her heart—and a destiny that could cost her soul.
When Arden Roosa returns to Fort Bala Royal Academy, nothing is as it was. No longer just a lady-in-training, she’s now the infamous girlfriend of High Prince Cyrus Dolion—and the woman who brought down a king. Her reward? Round-the-clock guards and the attention of a royal executioner with secrets. But Arden has secrets too. As a double agent slipping between worlds to decode forbidden prophecy, she knows what’s coming. Sleeping gods are stirring, and a war igniting. With only a spark, everyone will burn.
But nothing goes according to plan. Grueling trials consume her days, and dangerous questions stalk her nights. Worse, Cyrus—the fierce, unshakable warrior she might love—is unraveling, losing pieces of himself, becoming a stranger right before her eyes. Desperate to save him, Arden strikes a life-altering alliance…and everything spirals. Now the gods are no longer dreaming. They’re hunting. Time is running out, the end closer than anyone dares to admit. Unless Arden can stop what’s coming, Cyrus will open the door to true evil—and she’ll lose him forever.
When Arden Roosa returns to Fort Bala Royal Academy, nothing is as it was. No longer just a lady-in-training, she’s now the infamous girlfriend of High Prince Cyrus Dolion—and the woman who brought down a king. Her reward? Round-the-clock guards and the attention of a royal executioner with secrets. But Arden has secrets too. As a double agent slipping between worlds to decode forbidden prophecy, she knows what’s coming. Sleeping gods are stirring, and a war igniting. With only a spark, everyone will burn.
But nothing goes according to plan. Grueling trials consume her days, and dangerous questions stalk her nights. Worse, Cyrus—the fierce, unshakable warrior she might love—is unraveling, losing pieces of himself, becoming a stranger right before her eyes. Desperate to save him, Arden strikes a life-altering alliance…and everything spirals. Now the gods are no longer dreaming. They’re hunting. Time is running out, the end closer than anyone dares to admit. Unless Arden can stop what’s coming, Cyrus will open the door to true evil—and she’ll lose him forever.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2025
605 people are currently reading
5577 people want to read
About the author
Gena Showalter
266 books27.9k followersGena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of over seventy books, including the acclaimed Lords of the Underworld series, the Gods of War series, the White Rabbit Chronicles, and the Forest of Good and Evil series. She writes sizzling paranormal romance, heartwarming contemporary romance, and unputdownable young adult novels, and lives in Oklahoma City with her family and menagerie of dogs and cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
September 19, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Montlake for an ARC of this book!
To sum this up the best, this is a MUST READ for fans of The War of Lost Hearts series. Like an absolute M.U.S.T. This is definitely going to leave wondering how Max & Tisaanah are doing. While simultaneously falling head over heals for an entirety new cast of characters.
If you're like me. And are getting to a point where you love fantasy, but they're starting to feel as if they're all blending together.. And you probably should take a fantasy break but you really don't want to.. This is the series you need in your life, STAT!!
To sum this up the best, this is a MUST READ for fans of The War of Lost Hearts series. Like an absolute M.U.S.T. This is definitely going to leave wondering how Max & Tisaanah are doing. While simultaneously falling head over heals for an entirety new cast of characters.
If you're like me. And are getting to a point where you love fantasy, but they're starting to feel as if they're all blending together.. And you probably should take a fantasy break but you really don't want to.. This is the series you need in your life, STAT!!
September 27, 2025
Thank you to the publisher Montlake for providing this book for review purposes via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Having just learnt the truth about Soal and about CURED, Arden Roosa returns to Fort Bala Royal Academy, as a newly awakened Soalian and now infamous girlfriend of High Prince Cyrus Dolian. She now has round the clock guards and the royal executioner on her tail after the death of the king. As a double agent Arden is now privy to information she didn’t previously have and is now aware sleeping gods are waking. Something is definitely up with Cyrus, he’s forgetting things and becoming a stranger before her very eyes. Arden is desperate to save him, however she faces a life shattering choice and if she can’t save him, Cyrus will open the door to true evil.
I loved the first book and couldn’t wait to get stuck into this one, Gena Showalter is one of my favourite authors as I’ve read quite a few of her other books and this one did not disappoint. I didn’t really like Cyrus in this book but I did love Arden and Domino together, I love a love triangle. I’m pleased Domino made more of an appearance in this book and I loved the bond between him and Arden and how he guides her. We learn more about the gods in this book and it seems Cyrus has made his choice about which side he is on and this puts him on a collision course with Arden, I’m not really sure if they can come back from this. The ending broke me, Soal said he had written her story as a love story but I’m not really seeing how it can have a happy ending and I’m dying for the next book so I can find out. Overall I really loved this book and would not hesitate to recommend it, 5 stars from me.
Having just learnt the truth about Soal and about CURED, Arden Roosa returns to Fort Bala Royal Academy, as a newly awakened Soalian and now infamous girlfriend of High Prince Cyrus Dolian. She now has round the clock guards and the royal executioner on her tail after the death of the king. As a double agent Arden is now privy to information she didn’t previously have and is now aware sleeping gods are waking. Something is definitely up with Cyrus, he’s forgetting things and becoming a stranger before her very eyes. Arden is desperate to save him, however she faces a life shattering choice and if she can’t save him, Cyrus will open the door to true evil.
I loved the first book and couldn’t wait to get stuck into this one, Gena Showalter is one of my favourite authors as I’ve read quite a few of her other books and this one did not disappoint. I didn’t really like Cyrus in this book but I did love Arden and Domino together, I love a love triangle. I’m pleased Domino made more of an appearance in this book and I loved the bond between him and Arden and how he guides her. We learn more about the gods in this book and it seems Cyrus has made his choice about which side he is on and this puts him on a collision course with Arden, I’m not really sure if they can come back from this. The ending broke me, Soal said he had written her story as a love story but I’m not really seeing how it can have a happy ending and I’m dying for the next book so I can find out. Overall I really loved this book and would not hesitate to recommend it, 5 stars from me.
December 30, 2025
**𝔄ℜℭ ℜ𝔢𝔳𝔦𝔢𝔴** 𝔎𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔡𝔬𝔪 𝔬𝔣 𝔗𝔬𝔡𝔞𝔶 𝔟𝔶 𝔊𝔢𝔫𝔞 𝔖𝔥𝔬𝔴𝔞𝔩𝔱𝔢𝔯 (𝔅𝔬𝔬𝔨 𝔬𝔣 𝔄𝔯𝔡𝔢𝔫 #2)
Release Date: December 2, 2025
4.5⭐️2🌶
Song: Me and the Devil by Soap & Skin
Arden and Cyrus are both secretly working against the Curians, and they recently killed Cyrus's father the King Tregan Dulion, in order to save Arden from execution and keep their secret safe that they're both working for the enemy, Solians.
In a country where each person is on the brink of madness, where one breaks and kills any and all people around, even beloved family and friends, Arden and Cryus seek a way to overthrow the Curians that control and manipulate everyone in Ourland.
After Arden secretly joined the Solian's cause at the end of the first book, she has returned to Fort Bala Royal Academy to continue her training as a Lady-in-Training to kill the Maddened. Since King Tagin's death, Cyrus is now one of seven high princes now competing to become the next King of Ourland. Can he keep his soul and sanity and still become King in order to help Solian's gain control and reduce/eliminate the Maddened that currently run amok in Ourland?
I throughly enjoyed this book. Plus, it is definately a slow burn between Arden and Cyrus, and you're never quite sure what they're going to do to keep their cover with either side. It's a very tense and political read.
Themes/Tropes:
🍁Slow Burn
🍁Dystopian Fantasy World
🍁Red Rising Vibes
🍁Hunger Games Vibes
🍁Zombies/Maddened Hordes of people
🍁Two worlds clash together and fight against each other.
🍁Political Intrigue
🍁Training to fight the Maddened
TW:
✨Madness that induces a killing rage
✨Training sequences
✨Graphic attacks on humans
Thank you to @NetGalley for this ARC read!
Release Date: December 2, 2025
4.5⭐️2🌶
Song: Me and the Devil by Soap & Skin
Arden and Cyrus are both secretly working against the Curians, and they recently killed Cyrus's father the King Tregan Dulion, in order to save Arden from execution and keep their secret safe that they're both working for the enemy, Solians.
In a country where each person is on the brink of madness, where one breaks and kills any and all people around, even beloved family and friends, Arden and Cryus seek a way to overthrow the Curians that control and manipulate everyone in Ourland.
After Arden secretly joined the Solian's cause at the end of the first book, she has returned to Fort Bala Royal Academy to continue her training as a Lady-in-Training to kill the Maddened. Since King Tagin's death, Cyrus is now one of seven high princes now competing to become the next King of Ourland. Can he keep his soul and sanity and still become King in order to help Solian's gain control and reduce/eliminate the Maddened that currently run amok in Ourland?
I throughly enjoyed this book. Plus, it is definately a slow burn between Arden and Cyrus, and you're never quite sure what they're going to do to keep their cover with either side. It's a very tense and political read.
Themes/Tropes:
🍁Slow Burn
🍁Dystopian Fantasy World
🍁Red Rising Vibes
🍁Hunger Games Vibes
🍁Zombies/Maddened Hordes of people
🍁Two worlds clash together and fight against each other.
🍁Political Intrigue
🍁Training to fight the Maddened
TW:
✨Madness that induces a killing rage
✨Training sequences
✨Graphic attacks on humans
Thank you to @NetGalley for this ARC read!
December 22, 2025
This book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I was so bored reading this book. Even after reading book 1, I couldn’t get attached to the characters. Arden was too naive; she missed so many signs. And her relationship with Cyrus was dull. I couldn’t enjoy their moments together because I knew something was up.
The pacing was uneven; too many things were packed in some chapters.
I was so bored reading this book. Even after reading book 1, I couldn’t get attached to the characters. Arden was too naive; she missed so many signs. And her relationship with Cyrus was dull. I couldn’t enjoy their moments together because I knew something was up.
The pacing was uneven; too many things were packed in some chapters.
December 12, 2025
This was a hot mess of a book. There was so much extra writing that I skimmed pages at a time. This series had such a promising start. This book just made the whole storyline way too complicated. It was not an enjoyable read but the entire story was still good. Do I want to read the next book? I don’t know. If you have already started the series, maybe go ahead and read this and hope for a better book 3.
November 29, 2025
This book will definitely keep you on your toes. I’m surprised by how much happened and yet there’s way more to go and I have no idea how Arden is going to save Cyrus. If he even needs saving. With what I’ve read so far, I know I can’t predict which it will be. I love when an author can do that. It makes for a more interesting read. My only warning I’ll give is don’t love any of these characters too much because not all survive. That’s all I’m going to reveal because spoilers would ruin this book. Just jump in!
December 24, 2025
One step forward, two steps back. Plenty of decisive actions punctuate this thrilling drama but bring us no closer (yet) to the ending we all desire.
This book left me feeling frustrated, but also slightly hopeful. I think. The action was vivid, gory, and fast-paced. It had me at the edge of my seat and second guessing everything. Arden and Cyrus were walking a very dangerous line between discovery, treachery, and hope. Throughout the story there were plenty of allusions to the future, with every difficult decision herding our heroes to a specific outcome.
As Arden became more entrenched in Saol's army, tensions and actions escalated fast. This book ended on a doozy of a cliffhanger and I definitely want to see this wild ride through to the end. It is best to read these books in order. This second book won't make much sense without the first one.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This review is also on Hooked By That Book.
This book left me feeling frustrated, but also slightly hopeful. I think. The action was vivid, gory, and fast-paced. It had me at the edge of my seat and second guessing everything. Arden and Cyrus were walking a very dangerous line between discovery, treachery, and hope. Throughout the story there were plenty of allusions to the future, with every difficult decision herding our heroes to a specific outcome.
As Arden became more entrenched in Saol's army, tensions and actions escalated fast. This book ended on a doozy of a cliffhanger and I definitely want to see this wild ride through to the end. It is best to read these books in order. This second book won't make much sense without the first one.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This review is also on Hooked By That Book.
December 1, 2025
This is the second book in this series book of Arden
Blurb
When Arden Roosa returns to Fort Bala Royal Academy, nothing is as it was. No longer just a lady-in-training, she’s now the infamous girlfriend of High Prince Cyrus Dolion—and the woman who brought down a king. Her reward? Round-the-clock guards and the attention of a royal executioner with secrets. But Arden has secrets too. As a double agent slipping between worlds to decode forbidden prophecy, she knows what’s coming. Sleeping gods are stirring, and a war igniting. With only a spark, everyone will burn.
But nothing goes according to plan. Grueling trials consume her days, and dangerous questions stalk her nights. Worse, Cyrus—the fierce, unshakable warrior she might love—is unraveling, losing pieces of himself, becoming a stranger right before her eyes. Desperate to save him, Arden strikes a life-altering alliance…and everything spirals. Now the gods are no longer dreaming. They’re hunting. Time is running out, the end closer than anyone dares to admit. Unless Arden can stop what’s coming, Cyrus will open the door to true evil—and she’ll lose him forever.
Blurb
When Arden Roosa returns to Fort Bala Royal Academy, nothing is as it was. No longer just a lady-in-training, she’s now the infamous girlfriend of High Prince Cyrus Dolion—and the woman who brought down a king. Her reward? Round-the-clock guards and the attention of a royal executioner with secrets. But Arden has secrets too. As a double agent slipping between worlds to decode forbidden prophecy, she knows what’s coming. Sleeping gods are stirring, and a war igniting. With only a spark, everyone will burn.
But nothing goes according to plan. Grueling trials consume her days, and dangerous questions stalk her nights. Worse, Cyrus—the fierce, unshakable warrior she might love—is unraveling, losing pieces of himself, becoming a stranger right before her eyes. Desperate to save him, Arden strikes a life-altering alliance…and everything spirals. Now the gods are no longer dreaming. They’re hunting. Time is running out, the end closer than anyone dares to admit. Unless Arden can stop what’s coming, Cyrus will open the door to true evil—and she’ll lose him forever.
December 24, 2025
Second in series. Did not like the way the story went. Way too many deaths. I will not continue the series. Just too much for me.
December 3, 2025
First and foremost I’d like thank NetGalley & Brilliance Publishing for gifting me the Audio Edition of this book. Book 1 was one of my surprise favorite books of this year and the sequel turns up the volume up to a 100.
We come back to Arden & Cyrus in a war that will change the course of their world forever. Gods, monsters & romance turn into a tornado of a book.
Fiona Hardingham was the best choice of a narrator for this story. She brought the world Gena has created to life’s
The action, the romance and the war were all consuming.
For sure a series that I’m so happy I started and would recommend to any who loves dystopian novels with a main character you can’t help but root for.
We come back to Arden & Cyrus in a war that will change the course of their world forever. Gods, monsters & romance turn into a tornado of a book.
Fiona Hardingham was the best choice of a narrator for this story. She brought the world Gena has created to life’s
The action, the romance and the war were all consuming.
For sure a series that I’m so happy I started and would recommend to any who loves dystopian novels with a main character you can’t help but root for.
October 20, 2025
Wow the story took an unexpected turn in this second part of the series, but that's good. Action, different powers and brutal intrigue, I'll miss more of them until the next part is released.
One additional attraction of the series is the Soalians, who seem to me to be superior in their powers and it's still a mystery to me how they can be on the losing side.
Thanks to publisher Montlake and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early review copy!
One additional attraction of the series is the Soalians, who seem to me to be superior in their powers and it's still a mystery to me how they can be on the losing side.
Thanks to publisher Montlake and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early review copy!
January 2, 2026
Book of Arden, Part 2: Kingdom of Today had all the setup to go deeper—and instead stayed painfully surface-level.
After the ending of Book 1, I expected secrets to crack open once Arden and Cyrus returned to the academy pretending to be cured. Its very obvious this is a bridge book and that a Book 3 is coming, but even bridge books should move something. This one barely did.
Very little actually happens. Outside of Arden being shot in the field and Ember saving her, there’s no real tension or momentum. I deeply missed the key players from Book 1, especially the academy dynamics and the library scenes that gave the first book its intrigue and atmosphere. Those elements were the soul of Arden’s world—and without them, this book felt hollow.
The cast shrank instead of expanded. The story focused almost exclusively on Arden, Cyrus, and her connection to the librarian Domino, which made everything feel isolated and flat. The new characters didn’t leave much of an impression, Roman was painfully one-dimensional (his fate didn’t move me at all), and the one “surprising” character reveal lost its impact the moment their allegiance was clear. Once that happened, they contributed almost nothing—so what was the point?
What disappointed me most was Arden herself. In Book 1, she had backbone. She had purpose. Her drive felt rooted in saving herself, for herself. In this installment, that agency faded. The story leaned heavily into romance, and Arden’s motivations felt increasingly centered around Cyrus rather than her own survival, power, or choices. I didn’t see meaningful growth—just emotional circling.
There were a lot of moving parts on paper, but no real drama. No reveals that mattered. No stakes that landed. It felt like the story was holding its breath for an entire book.
I’ll read Book 3 at some point when it comes out, because the world still has potential and Book 1 proved that this series can be compelling—but Kingdom of Today was a letdown. It stripped away the very elements that made Arden compelling in the first place and replaced them with a quieter, flatter, romance-heavy story.
After the ending of Book 1, I expected secrets to crack open once Arden and Cyrus returned to the academy pretending to be cured. Its very obvious this is a bridge book and that a Book 3 is coming, but even bridge books should move something. This one barely did.
Very little actually happens. Outside of Arden being shot in the field and Ember saving her, there’s no real tension or momentum. I deeply missed the key players from Book 1, especially the academy dynamics and the library scenes that gave the first book its intrigue and atmosphere. Those elements were the soul of Arden’s world—and without them, this book felt hollow.
The cast shrank instead of expanded. The story focused almost exclusively on Arden, Cyrus, and her connection to the librarian Domino, which made everything feel isolated and flat. The new characters didn’t leave much of an impression, Roman was painfully one-dimensional (his fate didn’t move me at all), and the one “surprising” character reveal lost its impact the moment their allegiance was clear. Once that happened, they contributed almost nothing—so what was the point?
What disappointed me most was Arden herself. In Book 1, she had backbone. She had purpose. Her drive felt rooted in saving herself, for herself. In this installment, that agency faded. The story leaned heavily into romance, and Arden’s motivations felt increasingly centered around Cyrus rather than her own survival, power, or choices. I didn’t see meaningful growth—just emotional circling.
There were a lot of moving parts on paper, but no real drama. No reveals that mattered. No stakes that landed. It felt like the story was holding its breath for an entire book.
I’ll read Book 3 at some point when it comes out, because the world still has potential and Book 1 proved that this series can be compelling—but Kingdom of Today was a letdown. It stripped away the very elements that made Arden compelling in the first place and replaced them with a quieter, flatter, romance-heavy story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2025
This is a mixed bag of tricks. Plenty of characters, all of which are well written and well planned. Focusing of the main characters throughout the triangle pulls you through. The three characters give you action, love, tug of war and heart break. You want Arden to find her true love and rule the world but of course that's not how it goes.
The plot is very intricate in places and fast moving so you need to pay attention. The details give the plot depth and you really get the feeling the author planned everything down to the last detail. I was rooting for Arden and Cyrus then for Arden and Domino, the author really does mix things up for you. Also, I cannot express my hate for Lolli!!! She brings out the worst in me.
The setting is beautiful and mystical with lots of mystery to keep you interested. A great read but a lot of concentration needed.
The plot is very intricate in places and fast moving so you need to pay attention. The details give the plot depth and you really get the feeling the author planned everything down to the last detail. I was rooting for Arden and Cyrus then for Arden and Domino, the author really does mix things up for you. Also, I cannot express my hate for Lolli!!! She brings out the worst in me.
The setting is beautiful and mystical with lots of mystery to keep you interested. A great read but a lot of concentration needed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2025
I just finished an advanced reader copy of Kingdom of Today, book 2 in the Book of Arden series.
Let me be honest with y’all—it’s truly amazing! I give it six out of five stars. I found it everything a sequel should be and more. I was thrilled, I was shocked, I was angered, I was laughing as much as I was crying, and I was left chomping at the bit for book 3.
As a longtime reader of Gena’s books, and a lifelong reader in general, I feel confident when I say this series is something special. The sheer brilliance of the story, how woven together the themes and characters, shines so righteously. There’s something everyone can glean from the pages of Arden’s book.
Let me be honest with y’all—it’s truly amazing! I give it six out of five stars. I found it everything a sequel should be and more. I was thrilled, I was shocked, I was angered, I was laughing as much as I was crying, and I was left chomping at the bit for book 3.
As a longtime reader of Gena’s books, and a lifelong reader in general, I feel confident when I say this series is something special. The sheer brilliance of the story, how woven together the themes and characters, shines so righteously. There’s something everyone can glean from the pages of Arden’s book.
January 1, 2026
okay so what the heck!!!? it can't just end like that!!! I NEED another one there's no way this story is over it can't be
I gotta say one thing that surprised me about this one is the Biblical parallels and language ? it was just really interesting to see and something I wasn't expecting
I gotta say one thing that surprised me about this one is the Biblical parallels and language ? it was just really interesting to see and something I wasn't expecting
December 18, 2025
very good
I love the first and this one is no different. The twist and turns are good but I’m in it for the love story. Fingers crossed it goes my way!
I love the first and this one is no different. The twist and turns are good but I’m in it for the love story. Fingers crossed it goes my way!
January 25, 2026
Arden just seems super whiny in this book and it feels like there’s a lot a repetition. Cyrus’ character did not seem well rounded in this book and there’s no character I can say I 100% like.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2025
arc received in exchange for honest review. so caviat lector or whatever i forgot how to spell it.
i'm kinda dying for book 3 though. i feel like this series will be 4 books total so i hope book 3 ramps up the stakes more. maybe kill someone for realsies. something big and dramatic and terrible for the good guys.
i'm kinda dying for book 3 though. i feel like this series will be 4 books total so i hope book 3 ramps up the stakes more. maybe kill someone for realsies. something big and dramatic and terrible for the good guys.
December 1, 2025
*Source* Publisher via NetGalley
*Genre* Romance / Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Kingdom of Today is the second installment in author Gena Showalter's Book of Arden series. The story resumes shortly after the explosive events of Kingdom of Tomorrow, with protagonist Arden Roosa returning to the fortified enclave of Fort Bala. This sprawling, high-tech bastion hides a labyrinth of arcane secrets beneath its gleaming surface. Arden, the "sunshine girl with anxiety" who stole hearts in book one, is no longer the wide-eyed newcomer navigating combat trials and forbidden attractions.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Romance / Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Kingdom of Today is the second installment in author Gena Showalter's Book of Arden series. The story resumes shortly after the explosive events of Kingdom of Tomorrow, with protagonist Arden Roosa returning to the fortified enclave of Fort Bala. This sprawling, high-tech bastion hides a labyrinth of arcane secrets beneath its gleaming surface. Arden, the "sunshine girl with anxiety" who stole hearts in book one, is no longer the wide-eyed newcomer navigating combat trials and forbidden attractions.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
November 15, 2025
I read Kingdom of Today despite struggling with its predecessor only because I had already received the ARC for it and therefore wanted to at least give it a fair go. I'd hoped this second volume might be an improvement on the first, but unfortunately all the things I'd struggled with in book one I found equally irritating in this one, and that feeling only intensified as I approach the end of the volume and realised it wasn't even going to conclude but was going to be drawn out into a third installment. Out of interest, I glanced at other reviews of volume one (which is not something I tend to do) to see how others felt. I spotted a number of reviews where people cited the same issues I had raised in my review; however, there were also a number of positive ratings, so where this series is concerned, I think readers will need to try for themselves to see if the writing and story are to their taste or not. For me, though, this second volume is 2.5 stars, the same as the first. Needless to say I will not be requesting an ARC when book three releases, as this series is clearly not for me.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2026
This book was a bit of a whirlwind. To be completely honest, it took me a while to understand what was going on, which I've realized since it likely due to it being the second book in a series, which was not made obvious from the listing. I did select this book based on the description and it sounded like a premise I'd really enjoy. I don't know if it was listed this way because the author envisioned this book as being able to read seperately from its predecessor, but I do think this affected my enjoyment and understanding of the book overall.
Secondly, however, I think my enjoyment of this book was heavily influenced by the narration. I found it difficult to follow due to a lack of emotion behind the voice in critical moments - jokes weren't landing, internal dialogue fell flat, and the voices didn't fit the narrative. For example, the main love interest whom we are supposed to swoon over was voiced with a grainy, high-pitched tone that is similar to what I expect from books when that character is meant for comedic relief, or as a bad guy. As I listened, I could tell this was not the author's intention for the character, but it was hard to seperate this perception of the character due to their voice. Additionally, he came off as demanding and rude due to the way dialogue was read, when I could tell by the writing it was supposed to come across as dominant and strong.
Ultimately, I determined my issue is that the book was simply being read, not acted, and it made for a very distracting listen as I had to spend extra energy deciphering lines after hearing them to determine what the author actually meant. This method simply isn't possible, or enjoyable, for the duration of a novel.
From what I could tell, there were parts of this book that were funny and witty, which made the main character seem very likeable. She was also relatable, with her struggle to come to terms with her feelings and also with her fate. The twist near the end would have had considerable impact if I had been reading instead of listening, as it was slightly given away during narration, but would've been a really cool climax point otherwise. I did struggle to connect to the relationship between the FMC and MMC, but I feel that was primarily due to the factors mentioned above (being book 2 in a series, and the narration).
I think the author's writing was clear and personal, which I enjoyed. There was lots to desire about her plotting and pacing, as it was well thought through and laid out, with information sprinkled throughout. I really wish I had read this one! I am rating this a 3 because I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more in physical or ebook format, due to the quality of the author's writing.
Thank you to Brilliance Publishing, Netgalley and Gena Showalter for a copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Secondly, however, I think my enjoyment of this book was heavily influenced by the narration. I found it difficult to follow due to a lack of emotion behind the voice in critical moments - jokes weren't landing, internal dialogue fell flat, and the voices didn't fit the narrative. For example, the main love interest whom we are supposed to swoon over was voiced with a grainy, high-pitched tone that is similar to what I expect from books when that character is meant for comedic relief, or as a bad guy. As I listened, I could tell this was not the author's intention for the character, but it was hard to seperate this perception of the character due to their voice. Additionally, he came off as demanding and rude due to the way dialogue was read, when I could tell by the writing it was supposed to come across as dominant and strong.
Ultimately, I determined my issue is that the book was simply being read, not acted, and it made for a very distracting listen as I had to spend extra energy deciphering lines after hearing them to determine what the author actually meant. This method simply isn't possible, or enjoyable, for the duration of a novel.
From what I could tell, there were parts of this book that were funny and witty, which made the main character seem very likeable. She was also relatable, with her struggle to come to terms with her feelings and also with her fate. The twist near the end would have had considerable impact if I had been reading instead of listening, as it was slightly given away during narration, but would've been a really cool climax point otherwise. I did struggle to connect to the relationship between the FMC and MMC, but I feel that was primarily due to the factors mentioned above (being book 2 in a series, and the narration).
I think the author's writing was clear and personal, which I enjoyed. There was lots to desire about her plotting and pacing, as it was well thought through and laid out, with information sprinkled throughout. I really wish I had read this one! I am rating this a 3 because I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more in physical or ebook format, due to the quality of the author's writing.
Thank you to Brilliance Publishing, Netgalley and Gena Showalter for a copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
October 15, 2025
After finishing Kingdom of Tomorrow, I couldn’t wait to see where Arden Roosa’s fate would lead — and Kingdom of Today delivers in every way. It’s everything I hoped for, and then some: darker stakes, deeper revelations, and emotional arcs that tug at the heart while keeping the thrill alive.
From the moment Arden returns to Fort Bala Royal Academy, nothing is as it used to be. No longer simply “a lady‑in‑training,” she’s now the infamous girlfriend of High Prince Cyrus Dolion — someone who helped bring down a king. That change brings with it constant surveillance, enemies hiding in shadows, and the weight of prophecy and ancient powers rising. The plot escalates beautifully; there’s real tension and danger at every turn.
Arden’s character growth in this instalment is both satisfying and necessary. She’s not the same person she was in book one; the trials and betrayals force her to reckon with her strengths, fears, and what she will sacrifice for what she believes is right. Cyrus, too, becomes more complex: the fierce prince we saw before is unraveling. His vulnerabilities, secrets, and the distance growing between him and Arden make their romance all the more compelling because it’s flawed.
The world-building and mythology also deepen in this sequel. The divine elements — the sleeping gods, the forbidden prophecies, the border between worlds — feel more urgent and more dangerous. The way the dystopian/fantasy setting continues to unfold (with “Ourland”, the academy, the Tome Society, prophecies, etc.) gives the story more texture and keeps me invested in not just what happens, but why.
If I had to name something that kept it from being perfect, it’d be that some secondary characters don’t shine quite as much as Arden and Cyrus. A few plot threads feel rushed or a bit under‑explored. And while the pacing is mostly excellent, there are moments when everything slows just before everything explodes — though to be honest, that lull almost feels necessary to make the climaxes hit with full force.
All told, Kingdom of Today is a thrilling, emotional sequel that elevates the series. It’s rich with prophecy, romance, conflict, and moral lines blurring. If you loved Kingdom of Tomorrow, this one will satisfy those expectations and leave you breathless for what comes next. Highly recommend.
From the moment Arden returns to Fort Bala Royal Academy, nothing is as it used to be. No longer simply “a lady‑in‑training,” she’s now the infamous girlfriend of High Prince Cyrus Dolion — someone who helped bring down a king. That change brings with it constant surveillance, enemies hiding in shadows, and the weight of prophecy and ancient powers rising. The plot escalates beautifully; there’s real tension and danger at every turn.
Arden’s character growth in this instalment is both satisfying and necessary. She’s not the same person she was in book one; the trials and betrayals force her to reckon with her strengths, fears, and what she will sacrifice for what she believes is right. Cyrus, too, becomes more complex: the fierce prince we saw before is unraveling. His vulnerabilities, secrets, and the distance growing between him and Arden make their romance all the more compelling because it’s flawed.
The world-building and mythology also deepen in this sequel. The divine elements — the sleeping gods, the forbidden prophecies, the border between worlds — feel more urgent and more dangerous. The way the dystopian/fantasy setting continues to unfold (with “Ourland”, the academy, the Tome Society, prophecies, etc.) gives the story more texture and keeps me invested in not just what happens, but why.
If I had to name something that kept it from being perfect, it’d be that some secondary characters don’t shine quite as much as Arden and Cyrus. A few plot threads feel rushed or a bit under‑explored. And while the pacing is mostly excellent, there are moments when everything slows just before everything explodes — though to be honest, that lull almost feels necessary to make the climaxes hit with full force.
All told, Kingdom of Today is a thrilling, emotional sequel that elevates the series. It’s rich with prophecy, romance, conflict, and moral lines blurring. If you loved Kingdom of Tomorrow, this one will satisfy those expectations and leave you breathless for what comes next. Highly recommend.
December 1, 2025
Rating: 4.5/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.
Wow—this second installment was incredible. Gena Showalter truly delivered, especially with Arden’s character arc. Her growth in this book is remarkable. Yes, she still experiences moments of panic, but they no longer control her the way they once did. We watch her step into her responsibilities with determination, learn the weight of sacrifice, and rise above every expectation. With impossible odds, the pressure of serving as a double agent, and the challenges of navigating a complicated relationship, Arden shines in ways that genuinely impressed me.
The story picks up immediately after book one, dropping us right back into the tension and momentum. Arden is back at the Academy, juggling her training with the Tome Society and her alliance with High Prince Cyrus—all while pretending she’s unaware of the kingdom’s deepest truths. As if that weren’t enough, new complications arise when another male character steps into her orbit.
Cyrus is not the man he once was. In this book, we see him fraying at the edges—forgetting things, losing his grip on himself, and carrying secrets of his own. His vulnerability makes him feel so real: powerful yet deeply flawed. His dynamic with Arden is one of my favorite aspects of the book.
And then…Domino enters the story. A librarian with quiet strength, kindness, sharp intellect, and just enough edge to make things interesting. I loved the uncertainty surrounding his role in Arden’s life—is it friendship, or the start of something more? Even though I’m firmly rooting for Cyrus because of the emotional history he shares with Arden (that betrayal scene hit hard), I can’t deny that Domino adds a compelling new layer.
I’m genuinely excited to see how book three unfolds, and I’m crossing my fingers for a well-earned, satisfying ending for Arden.
If you enjoy stories with high stakes, sharp twists, character-driven tension, forbidden prophecies, mythology, and the looming threat of waking gods, this book absolutely delivers.
I also listened to the audiobook, narrated by Fiona Hardingham, and she brought every moment to life. Her performance captured the intensity, the emotional shifts, and the urgency of the story. By the final chapters, I felt the weight of the prophecies, the fear surrounding the sleeping gods, and the anticipation of the war to come.
I want to thank NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the opportunity to review this book.
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.
Wow—this second installment was incredible. Gena Showalter truly delivered, especially with Arden’s character arc. Her growth in this book is remarkable. Yes, she still experiences moments of panic, but they no longer control her the way they once did. We watch her step into her responsibilities with determination, learn the weight of sacrifice, and rise above every expectation. With impossible odds, the pressure of serving as a double agent, and the challenges of navigating a complicated relationship, Arden shines in ways that genuinely impressed me.
The story picks up immediately after book one, dropping us right back into the tension and momentum. Arden is back at the Academy, juggling her training with the Tome Society and her alliance with High Prince Cyrus—all while pretending she’s unaware of the kingdom’s deepest truths. As if that weren’t enough, new complications arise when another male character steps into her orbit.
Cyrus is not the man he once was. In this book, we see him fraying at the edges—forgetting things, losing his grip on himself, and carrying secrets of his own. His vulnerability makes him feel so real: powerful yet deeply flawed. His dynamic with Arden is one of my favorite aspects of the book.
And then…Domino enters the story. A librarian with quiet strength, kindness, sharp intellect, and just enough edge to make things interesting. I loved the uncertainty surrounding his role in Arden’s life—is it friendship, or the start of something more? Even though I’m firmly rooting for Cyrus because of the emotional history he shares with Arden (that betrayal scene hit hard), I can’t deny that Domino adds a compelling new layer.
I’m genuinely excited to see how book three unfolds, and I’m crossing my fingers for a well-earned, satisfying ending for Arden.
If you enjoy stories with high stakes, sharp twists, character-driven tension, forbidden prophecies, mythology, and the looming threat of waking gods, this book absolutely delivers.
I also listened to the audiobook, narrated by Fiona Hardingham, and she brought every moment to life. Her performance captured the intensity, the emotional shifts, and the urgency of the story. By the final chapters, I felt the weight of the prophecies, the fear surrounding the sleeping gods, and the anticipation of the war to come.
I want to thank NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the opportunity to review this book.
December 16, 2025
I just finished The Kingdom of Today, and honestly, I'm completely captivated! While keeping its romantic heart, this book delivers a wonderfully complex narrative that goes well beyond a simple fairy tale. It manages to be both fun and deeply engaging, making it a truly rewarding fantasy read. ✨
What really impressed me was the transformation of Arden Roosa. She's not just Prince Cyrus's infamous girlfriend; she's a compelling figure grappling with enormous political and mystical consequences. Her role as a double agent, navigating the pressures of the Royal Academy while secretly decoding forbidden prophecy, gives her depth and purpose. The stakes feel incredibly real, especially with the introduction of round-the-clock guards and the enigmatic royal executioner. Arden's clandestine mission to prevent a looming war, where "sleeping gods are stirring," elevates the plot beyond typical YA fantasy into something much more substantial. 👑
The dynamic between Arden and High Prince Cyrus Dolion is the emotional core, but it's handled with a mature understanding of pressure and sacrifice. Seeing Cyrus—the "fierce, unshakable warrior"—begin to unravel under the stress is genuinely heartbreaking and adds a layer of psychological complexity to their relationship. Arden's desperate alliance to save him, which ultimately sends everything spiraling, showcases the difficult choices she has to make. This isn't just about a couple falling in love; it's about two powerful individuals facing true evil, knowing that failure means losing pieces of themselves, perhaps forever. It creates fantastic, mature tension. 🔥💔
Ultimately, The Kingdom of Today delivers on its promise of high-stakes fantasy with emotional depth. It's a meticulously plotted story where gods are hunting and time is running out. If you appreciate a book that combines a thrilling political narrative and complex mythology with a passionate, high-stakes romance, you should definitely pick this up. The momentum builds beautifully, leading to an ending that is both devastating and absolutely brilliant. Highly recommend! 📚💖
What really impressed me was the transformation of Arden Roosa. She's not just Prince Cyrus's infamous girlfriend; she's a compelling figure grappling with enormous political and mystical consequences. Her role as a double agent, navigating the pressures of the Royal Academy while secretly decoding forbidden prophecy, gives her depth and purpose. The stakes feel incredibly real, especially with the introduction of round-the-clock guards and the enigmatic royal executioner. Arden's clandestine mission to prevent a looming war, where "sleeping gods are stirring," elevates the plot beyond typical YA fantasy into something much more substantial. 👑
The dynamic between Arden and High Prince Cyrus Dolion is the emotional core, but it's handled with a mature understanding of pressure and sacrifice. Seeing Cyrus—the "fierce, unshakable warrior"—begin to unravel under the stress is genuinely heartbreaking and adds a layer of psychological complexity to their relationship. Arden's desperate alliance to save him, which ultimately sends everything spiraling, showcases the difficult choices she has to make. This isn't just about a couple falling in love; it's about two powerful individuals facing true evil, knowing that failure means losing pieces of themselves, perhaps forever. It creates fantastic, mature tension. 🔥💔
Ultimately, The Kingdom of Today delivers on its promise of high-stakes fantasy with emotional depth. It's a meticulously plotted story where gods are hunting and time is running out. If you appreciate a book that combines a thrilling political narrative and complex mythology with a passionate, high-stakes romance, you should definitely pick this up. The momentum builds beautifully, leading to an ending that is both devastating and absolutely brilliant. Highly recommend! 📚💖
September 17, 2025
Gena Showalter's Kingdom of Today is a powerful and thrilling return to the hauntingly beautiful world of Ourland. Building on the foundation of Kingdom of Tomorrow, this sequel dives even deeper into the lives of Arden Roosa and High Prince Cyrus Dolion, delivering a story that is both emotionally charged and action-packed. It is a fantastic continuation for fans who were left wanting more.
A Perfect Blend of Emotion and Action 💥
This novel excels at raising the stakes in every possible way. Arden is no longer just a lady-in-training; she's an infamous figure, a woman who brought down a king, and a double agent. Showalter flawlessly portrays the weight of these new responsibilities, showing Arden's strength and courage as she navigates political intrigue and grueling trials. The pacing is relentless, with each chapter bringing new dangers and shocking revelations.
A Love Story Tested by Fire 🔥
The romance between Arden and Cyrus remains the heart of the series, but in Kingdom of Today, their bond is tested like never before. As Cyrus begins to unravel, losing pieces of himself to a mysterious ailment, the emotional intensity skyrockets. The story showcases the depth of their love as Arden fights desperately to save him, making heart-wrenching alliances and risking everything. Their relationship is a captivating study of sacrifice and devotion, proving that even in a world on the brink of war, true love can be a powerful force.
Immersive World-Building and Plot Twists 🗺️
Showalter's world-building continues to be top-tier, expanding on the lore of the sleeping gods and the coming war. The plot twists are expertly crafted, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Arden uncovers more forbidden prophecies and secrets that could change the fate of their world. The narrative is a masterclass in suspense, ensuring that every page is a new discovery. Kingdom of Today is an exciting, emotional, and unforgettable journey that will leave readers desperate for the next book.
A Perfect Blend of Emotion and Action 💥
This novel excels at raising the stakes in every possible way. Arden is no longer just a lady-in-training; she's an infamous figure, a woman who brought down a king, and a double agent. Showalter flawlessly portrays the weight of these new responsibilities, showing Arden's strength and courage as she navigates political intrigue and grueling trials. The pacing is relentless, with each chapter bringing new dangers and shocking revelations.
A Love Story Tested by Fire 🔥
The romance between Arden and Cyrus remains the heart of the series, but in Kingdom of Today, their bond is tested like never before. As Cyrus begins to unravel, losing pieces of himself to a mysterious ailment, the emotional intensity skyrockets. The story showcases the depth of their love as Arden fights desperately to save him, making heart-wrenching alliances and risking everything. Their relationship is a captivating study of sacrifice and devotion, proving that even in a world on the brink of war, true love can be a powerful force.
Immersive World-Building and Plot Twists 🗺️
Showalter's world-building continues to be top-tier, expanding on the lore of the sleeping gods and the coming war. The plot twists are expertly crafted, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Arden uncovers more forbidden prophecies and secrets that could change the fate of their world. The narrative is a masterclass in suspense, ensuring that every page is a new discovery. Kingdom of Today is an exciting, emotional, and unforgettable journey that will leave readers desperate for the next book.
December 2, 2025
I was obsessed with Kingdom of Tomorrow. and I crashed down in Kindom of Today. While the second installment of the dystopian fantasy has the same complex plot and endless twists and action packed story line, I was thoroughly confused and distraught about the romance side. I dont know if that was the author's intention. I am not sure I really want to see the next chapter of Arden's book.
This is a series and must be read in order. So book one exposed the malicious world domination plan of the CURED and the evil god they worship known as Astan. Arden went from being in training soldier of CURED to devotee of the enemy, Solians. Who actually want to free the world from Madness. We also know that her love High Prince Cyrus is a double agent for Soal. I expected this book to show us how they dismantle this evil system from inside..together.
Instead we got deeper into Soal and the other side and even a new bond ( in true form) between Arden and the sacred and all powerful librarian Domino who is helping her through the challenges. I still got lots of action and suspenseful turns and it was proceeding at terrifying and exciting speed. But what happened to Cyrus? Well, their books predicted tragedies and it happened. The courageous and fair and determined and strong Cyrus has been possessed by the evil god. And I felt he is being blamed for that. While the plot clearly says that the god manipulated and preyed on Cyrus' mind, I feel he was vilified unfairly. Arden and Domino's connection and action planted seeds of fear and anger and jealousy in his heart and Astan used that. Now Arden and Domino are being placed on the higher ground while Cyrus is being tortured. What's this fascination with bringing a triangle in a fantasy? I might still read the next one in the hope of Arden making right choices but my hopes are not high. The risks are greater. Soal is losing for now. The battle just got more intense
“I’m going to free you, Cyrus Dolion. Consider yourself a mansel in distress . I’m the princess you can’t shake, even in your wildest dreams. I won’t give you up, won’t back down, won’t capitulate.”
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
This is a series and must be read in order. So book one exposed the malicious world domination plan of the CURED and the evil god they worship known as Astan. Arden went from being in training soldier of CURED to devotee of the enemy, Solians. Who actually want to free the world from Madness. We also know that her love High Prince Cyrus is a double agent for Soal. I expected this book to show us how they dismantle this evil system from inside..together.
Instead we got deeper into Soal and the other side and even a new bond ( in true form) between Arden and the sacred and all powerful librarian Domino who is helping her through the challenges. I still got lots of action and suspenseful turns and it was proceeding at terrifying and exciting speed. But what happened to Cyrus? Well, their books predicted tragedies and it happened. The courageous and fair and determined and strong Cyrus has been possessed by the evil god. And I felt he is being blamed for that. While the plot clearly says that the god manipulated and preyed on Cyrus' mind, I feel he was vilified unfairly. Arden and Domino's connection and action planted seeds of fear and anger and jealousy in his heart and Astan used that. Now Arden and Domino are being placed on the higher ground while Cyrus is being tortured. What's this fascination with bringing a triangle in a fantasy? I might still read the next one in the hope of Arden making right choices but my hopes are not high. The risks are greater. Soal is losing for now. The battle just got more intense
“I’m going to free you, Cyrus Dolion. Consider yourself a mansel in distress . I’m the princess you can’t shake, even in your wildest dreams. I won’t give you up, won’t back down, won’t capitulate.”
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
December 2, 2025
🎧 Audiobook +📗 E-book: Kingdom of Today- Book of Arden #2
✍🏾 Author: Gena Showalter
📃Page Count: 352
📅Publication date: 12/2/25 | Read: 12/1/25
🏃🏾➡️Run Time: 11:48
👆🏾POV:1st person single
Genre: Fantasy, Sci Fi, Romance
Tropes: dystopia, war-CURED-Astan vs Soal, politics, betrayal
⚠️TW: murder, kidnapping, imprisonment, mental manipulation
🗣️Narrator: Fiona Hardingham voices all the characters with standouts from Arden, Domino, and Cyrus. The reading style brought the text to life, and the author and narrator worked together perfectly. The pacing and flow allowed me to get lost in the story. The narrator paused and announced new chapters and there was a table of contents which helped me follow along.
Summary: Arden and Cyrus report back to Fort Bala after the King's demise. The emperor (Cyrus's grandfather) has his own ideas about the war between the CURED and Soalians that involves his pregnant mistress Giselle and Cyrus's siblings. Arden and Domino the Librarian share a bond that causes a rife with Cyrus as he unravels. Arden will be forced to sacrifice her love in order to save him.
👩🏾 Heroine: Arden Roosa
👨🏾 Hero: Cyrus Dolion
🎭 Side Characters:
*Felix-Cyrus's brother, a rogue Soalian
*Lolli- Cyrus's sister
*Astan-a god trying to bring down Cyrus, Briar Rose
*Domino-The Librarian part of the Soalians
*Giselle/The Emperor
*Winslet
🤔 My Thoughts: This installment was good, but book one was better. Cyrus and Arden spend a lot of time apart causing outside influences to compromise their love. Cyrus had to attend to royal duties while Cyrus dug deeper into the Rock and Sola with Domino's help. There were some losses and Cyrus and Arden became enemies.
*It ended on a cliffhanger, and you MUST read Book of Arden #1 first*
*Spice: 1/5 🌶️ kissing only
*Emotion:4/5 🥲
*Couple: 5/5 🧑
*Rating: 4/5 ⭐
🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Montlake, Brilliance Publishing, and Gena Showalter for this ARC & ALC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.
✍🏾 Author: Gena Showalter
📃Page Count: 352
📅Publication date: 12/2/25 | Read: 12/1/25
🏃🏾➡️Run Time: 11:48
👆🏾POV:1st person single
Genre: Fantasy, Sci Fi, Romance
Tropes: dystopia, war-CURED-Astan vs Soal, politics, betrayal
⚠️TW: murder, kidnapping, imprisonment, mental manipulation
🗣️Narrator: Fiona Hardingham voices all the characters with standouts from Arden, Domino, and Cyrus. The reading style brought the text to life, and the author and narrator worked together perfectly. The pacing and flow allowed me to get lost in the story. The narrator paused and announced new chapters and there was a table of contents which helped me follow along.
Summary: Arden and Cyrus report back to Fort Bala after the King's demise. The emperor (Cyrus's grandfather) has his own ideas about the war between the CURED and Soalians that involves his pregnant mistress Giselle and Cyrus's siblings. Arden and Domino the Librarian share a bond that causes a rife with Cyrus as he unravels. Arden will be forced to sacrifice her love in order to save him.
👩🏾 Heroine: Arden Roosa
👨🏾 Hero: Cyrus Dolion
🎭 Side Characters:
*Felix-Cyrus's brother, a rogue Soalian
*Lolli- Cyrus's sister
*Astan-a god trying to bring down Cyrus, Briar Rose
*Domino-The Librarian part of the Soalians
*Giselle/The Emperor
*Winslet
🤔 My Thoughts: This installment was good, but book one was better. Cyrus and Arden spend a lot of time apart causing outside influences to compromise their love. Cyrus had to attend to royal duties while Cyrus dug deeper into the Rock and Sola with Domino's help. There were some losses and Cyrus and Arden became enemies.
*It ended on a cliffhanger, and you MUST read Book of Arden #1 first*
*Spice: 1/5 🌶️ kissing only
*Emotion:4/5 🥲
*Couple: 5/5 🧑
*Rating: 4/5 ⭐
🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Montlake, Brilliance Publishing, and Gena Showalter for this ARC & ALC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.
September 22, 2025
I was very excited to have the opportunity to read this arc thanks to NetGalley and the publisher as I had recently finished 'Kingdom of Tomorrow', the first in the Book of Arden series by Gena Showalter and had really enjoyed it. I absolutely wanted to know what was next.
Gena Showalter always takes a great deal of care in her world building and creates really interesting books within the fantasy genre. This series is another successful foray into a fantasy world. Book two picks up after Arden has become a glower - a true believer working for Soal against the CURED. She and Cyrus, the High Prince, are returning to work as double agents at Fort Bala Royal Academy - the prince to become perhaps successor to the emperor, his grandfather, and Arden to finish her training as lady in waiting. But things have changed as she is now officially in a relationship with Cyrus which bring its own set of problems and circumstances are escalating as the forces of evil move against anyone who is a supporter of Soal.
Arden definitely was a force to be reckoned with in this book and events transpired very quickly for the reader pulling us along on a rollercoaster of adventure, danger and heartache. It is definitely an intense world that Arden and her love are inhabiting, though there were a couple of moments where I felt like I didn't quite understand the totality of the history of what had happened in this universe and how the Rock completely functioned. However, this did not impact the overall enjoyment of reading the story. What I think is particularly engaging is the fact that Arden constantly remains true to herself and her ethics - it makes it a really believable tale.
I definitely look forward to the next instalment - hopefully Arden's next book really will be the romantic tale that Soal is promising her.
Gena Showalter always takes a great deal of care in her world building and creates really interesting books within the fantasy genre. This series is another successful foray into a fantasy world. Book two picks up after Arden has become a glower - a true believer working for Soal against the CURED. She and Cyrus, the High Prince, are returning to work as double agents at Fort Bala Royal Academy - the prince to become perhaps successor to the emperor, his grandfather, and Arden to finish her training as lady in waiting. But things have changed as she is now officially in a relationship with Cyrus which bring its own set of problems and circumstances are escalating as the forces of evil move against anyone who is a supporter of Soal.
Arden definitely was a force to be reckoned with in this book and events transpired very quickly for the reader pulling us along on a rollercoaster of adventure, danger and heartache. It is definitely an intense world that Arden and her love are inhabiting, though there were a couple of moments where I felt like I didn't quite understand the totality of the history of what had happened in this universe and how the Rock completely functioned. However, this did not impact the overall enjoyment of reading the story. What I think is particularly engaging is the fact that Arden constantly remains true to herself and her ethics - it makes it a really believable tale.
I definitely look forward to the next instalment - hopefully Arden's next book really will be the romantic tale that Soal is promising her.
November 25, 2025
This book takes place immediately from where the last book left off. The King has been killed, and Arden Roosa and High Prince Cyrus Dolion must do their best to divert suspicion from themselves. Arden has completely committed to the cause and is a fully awakened Soalian, in addition to now being the public girlfriend of the Prince. To make things even more crazy, they both have eyes on them at all times and Arden is walking a very tight line.
In this book, we start to see the cracks - cracks in Arden's relationship with Cyrus and cracks in her ability to completely pull off her deception as she plays both sides. Arden is also starting to dream really specific dreams and she isn't sure what is going on. Sometimes it feels like she is seeing other people's memories, and other times she sees things that later end up happening. But can she trust the things she is seeing?
Then there are the issues with Cyrus. He is changing and not for the good. She is not sure how to deal with what she is learning. because if her visions are to be believed, really bad things are about to happen. She has to watch helplessly as Cyrus begins to lose time, and his behavior becomes more and more erratic. She is sure of one thing, the gods are waking up and Arden and Cyrus are directly in the middle of everything.
We also get introduced to very interesting new character - Domino. This kind of throws a wrench into everything but it also makes things VERY interesting.
At this point, with the ways things end up - I have no clue how everyone is going to come back from the choices they have made.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on December 2, 2025.
In this book, we start to see the cracks - cracks in Arden's relationship with Cyrus and cracks in her ability to completely pull off her deception as she plays both sides. Arden is also starting to dream really specific dreams and she isn't sure what is going on. Sometimes it feels like she is seeing other people's memories, and other times she sees things that later end up happening. But can she trust the things she is seeing?
Then there are the issues with Cyrus. He is changing and not for the good. She is not sure how to deal with what she is learning. because if her visions are to be believed, really bad things are about to happen. She has to watch helplessly as Cyrus begins to lose time, and his behavior becomes more and more erratic. She is sure of one thing, the gods are waking up and Arden and Cyrus are directly in the middle of everything.
We also get introduced to very interesting new character - Domino. This kind of throws a wrench into everything but it also makes things VERY interesting.
At this point, with the ways things end up - I have no clue how everyone is going to come back from the choices they have made.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on December 2, 2025.
December 6, 2025
Kingdom of Today is what happens when a sequel looks at its predecessor, smirks knowingly, and says, “Oh, you thought that was intense? Hold my crown.”
If Kingdom of Tomorrow opened the gates to Gena Showalter’s dazzling new dystopian playground, this second installment kicks them down—with style, teeth, and absolutely no mercy. Everything is dialed up: the danger, the desire, the betrayals, the spice (bless), the scheming, the body count. Subtlety packed its bags and fled the kingdom.
Cyrus is crumbling. Gloriously, fascinatingly so. Arden is not just surviving, but stepping fully into her power—and it’s a thrill to watch. And then there’s Domino, the librarian who has quietly decided to become That Character: the one who steals scenes, shifts dynamics, and proves that knowledge really is the sharpest weapon in the room.
This is not a book for the neutral-hearted. Lines are drawn, loyalties tested, and by page something-something you’ll know exactly where you stand—and you’ll be cheering with the enthusiasm of someone who has emotionally over-invested and regrets nothing. Watching side characters meet their fates (some poetic, some brutal, some gasp-out-loud unfair) only deepens the delicious chaos.
And yes. The cliffhanger. That audacious cliffhanger. The kind that makes you stare at the last page, insult the author lovingly, and immediately start calculating how long you must suffer before the next installment arrives. Cruel? Absolutely. Effective? Devastatingly so.
Kingdom of Today doesn’t just continue the story—it consumes you. And once you’re in Arden’s world, there’s no graceful exit. You’ll claw your way to the next book, pride intact, patience destroyed, heart fully claimed.
If Kingdom of Tomorrow opened the gates to Gena Showalter’s dazzling new dystopian playground, this second installment kicks them down—with style, teeth, and absolutely no mercy. Everything is dialed up: the danger, the desire, the betrayals, the spice (bless), the scheming, the body count. Subtlety packed its bags and fled the kingdom.
Cyrus is crumbling. Gloriously, fascinatingly so. Arden is not just surviving, but stepping fully into her power—and it’s a thrill to watch. And then there’s Domino, the librarian who has quietly decided to become That Character: the one who steals scenes, shifts dynamics, and proves that knowledge really is the sharpest weapon in the room.
This is not a book for the neutral-hearted. Lines are drawn, loyalties tested, and by page something-something you’ll know exactly where you stand—and you’ll be cheering with the enthusiasm of someone who has emotionally over-invested and regrets nothing. Watching side characters meet their fates (some poetic, some brutal, some gasp-out-loud unfair) only deepens the delicious chaos.
And yes. The cliffhanger. That audacious cliffhanger. The kind that makes you stare at the last page, insult the author lovingly, and immediately start calculating how long you must suffer before the next installment arrives. Cruel? Absolutely. Effective? Devastatingly so.
Kingdom of Today doesn’t just continue the story—it consumes you. And once you’re in Arden’s world, there’s no graceful exit. You’ll claw your way to the next book, pride intact, patience destroyed, heart fully claimed.
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