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The Lonely Kingdom
In the Kingdom of Demetros, secrets are hiding in plain sight...
Since the day she was born, Ashton Blake has lived under the constant shadow of her mother’s death. She has dedicated her life to becoming a member of the Select Guard to follow in her mother's footsteps and honor her legacy.
When her father’s health suddenly declines, her only hope to save him lies in her admittance into the exclusive Biltons Academy, the only place she might see both dreams become a reality. After entering a desperate deal to grant her access to the prestigious school, Ashton soon discovers that nothing in the Kingdom of Demetros is as it seems. The more she learns, the more confused she becomes about the Lonely Kingdom she lives in and the elusive Queen she is training to defend.
As an ever-growing list of secrets threatens to overwhelm her, a budding romance puts everything she’s worked for on the line. Can Ashton discover the truths hidden amongst the histories, claim her magic, and become worthy to take her mother’s place in the Select Guard, or will she lose everything, including her freedom and her father, in the process?
The Lonely Kingdom is an adult fantasy with class division, political intrigue, trials and games, elemental magic, and an overarching theme of never knowing who you can really trust. It is perfect for fans
◆ The intricate world building of Throne of Glass
◆ The academy setting of Zodiac Academy
◆ The political intrigue of Lightlark and The Hunger Games
◆ Trials of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Since the day she was born, Ashton Blake has lived under the constant shadow of her mother’s death. She has dedicated her life to becoming a member of the Select Guard to follow in her mother's footsteps and honor her legacy.
When her father’s health suddenly declines, her only hope to save him lies in her admittance into the exclusive Biltons Academy, the only place she might see both dreams become a reality. After entering a desperate deal to grant her access to the prestigious school, Ashton soon discovers that nothing in the Kingdom of Demetros is as it seems. The more she learns, the more confused she becomes about the Lonely Kingdom she lives in and the elusive Queen she is training to defend.
As an ever-growing list of secrets threatens to overwhelm her, a budding romance puts everything she’s worked for on the line. Can Ashton discover the truths hidden amongst the histories, claim her magic, and become worthy to take her mother’s place in the Select Guard, or will she lose everything, including her freedom and her father, in the process?
The Lonely Kingdom is an adult fantasy with class division, political intrigue, trials and games, elemental magic, and an overarching theme of never knowing who you can really trust. It is perfect for fans
◆ The intricate world building of Throne of Glass
◆ The academy setting of Zodiac Academy
◆ The political intrigue of Lightlark and The Hunger Games
◆ Trials of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 19, 2025
5 people are currently reading
12275 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Oscar
2 books39 followersKathryn Oscar is a self appointed “recovering engineer” who decided to spend time utilizing a different part of her brain to write fantasy stories in her bedroom. She lives on the coast of North Carolina with her husband and three kids—if you count the cat, which everyone including the cat, does.
When she’s not writing, Kathryn can be found reading, training for RunDisney races, curating playlists for books she hasn’t written, plotting books she will never have time to write, and taking care of her feral boys.
When she’s not writing, Kathryn can be found reading, training for RunDisney races, curating playlists for books she hasn’t written, plotting books she will never have time to write, and taking care of her feral boys.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 4, 2025
This book is so good. I do not understand why more people haven't read it. I cannot wait for the second book. Definitely read this in a day. I love a strong female character, an academic setting, magic, and trials. There is so much coming in the next books. I hope the other books are as interesting as this one!
August 27, 2025
Full of adventure, a FMC you want to win, mixed with forbidden romances and a dive into the magical world of Demetros. Excitement around every corner keeps you turning the pages. You'll be on the edge of your seat waiting to find out what happens.
October 31, 2025
I have lost count of how many times I've read this book, but I really love it. I put my heart and soul (and a few topics I probably could have spent more time in therapy discussing) into this story so I really hope you love it too.
November 11, 2025
WOW! Really, really loved this. Total hidden gem! I got so lucky coming across this and finding out the second one is getting released tomorrow because I want more ASAP!
September 15, 2025
Awesome!
Great read with witty banter, lovable FMC, mysterious magic system and plot twist you won’t be expecting! This is a must read!
Great read with witty banter, lovable FMC, mysterious magic system and plot twist you won’t be expecting! This is a must read!
December 11, 2025
Ash desperately wants to be chosen part of the Select Guard - for multiple reasons... that's what her mom's job was, and her mom died in childbirth, and because she needed to get a job that gave her the finances and access to be able to get healing for her dad who is suffering an unknown ailment he won't talk about. Her dad is all she has and they are very close.
All citizens in this land go to one of three schools when they become of age to get their magic- and to become part of the select guard she needs to go to one specific school, the only one that costs money (and lots of it). Money they don’t have. Figuring out how to pay for the school is a big dilemma.
The story is super interesting- the world consists of 5 'groups' of people - 4 with magic (fire, earth, water, air) and the 5th classed without. Because of this, not only do you have disparity between magic and non magic people (or powerful vs. less/non) you also have a gap of wealth. So while you might be strong and powerful, if you come from less - you are still looked down upon. The school that Ash attends is almost fully comprised of people from wealthy and powerful families.
I really found the world interesting, the characters kept me intrigued - and I loved the strength of the FMC. Really great first book.
All citizens in this land go to one of three schools when they become of age to get their magic- and to become part of the select guard she needs to go to one specific school, the only one that costs money (and lots of it). Money they don’t have. Figuring out how to pay for the school is a big dilemma.
The story is super interesting- the world consists of 5 'groups' of people - 4 with magic (fire, earth, water, air) and the 5th classed without. Because of this, not only do you have disparity between magic and non magic people (or powerful vs. less/non) you also have a gap of wealth. So while you might be strong and powerful, if you come from less - you are still looked down upon. The school that Ash attends is almost fully comprised of people from wealthy and powerful families.
I really found the world interesting, the characters kept me intrigued - and I loved the strength of the FMC. Really great first book.
Want to read
September 15, 2025Is this book worth the read or I like the cover a little to much !!!! LOL
November 19, 2025
What. Just. Happened.
Ana what is going to happen to you now?!?! Ugh 2nd book here I come!
Btw- Cade is a sissy😌
Ana what is going to happen to you now?!?! Ugh 2nd book here I come!
Btw- Cade is a sissy😌
January 21, 2026
A true hidden gem
Love the academic vibe and truly is underestimated. At times was a little slow but so close to 5 stars.
Love the academic vibe and truly is underestimated. At times was a little slow but so close to 5 stars.
December 1, 2025
A wonderful debut book that will leave you begging for the rest of the series! If you’re a fantasy reader, this is one that belongs on your shelf. Ashton’s journey grabs hold blending magic, intrigue, and heart in the best way!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews