The Usurper and The Unknown

by Kyra Gregory

Talia has lived two one as a cherished princess, adored by her parents, the beloved King and Queen of a united Trelann, and another as a fugitive, constantly on the move, hiding from those who slaughtered her family.

For nearly a decade, she has evaded capture, ensuring the whispers of a surviving heir remain nothing more than rumour. But when she is finally caught, it isn’t by her family’s murderers.

Prince Erol has one to overthrow his parents, the tyrannical rulers who tore Trelann in two. But, as the son of those who had unleashed horrors upon their people, winning the hearts of a fractured kingdom will not come easy.

Following whispered reports and with the aid of spies from the neighbouring Esterian kingdom, Erol tracks down Talia. His plan? Convince her to marry him, to forge an alliance strong enough to heal their broken land, to be the rulers their people could unite behind.

That is, if he doesn’t scare her away first.

375 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2025

About the author

Kyra Gregory writes new adult fantasy novels filled with heart-warming found families, slow-burn romances, court intrigue, and a little bit of bloodshed. While she enjoys making her characters suffer she also enjoys writing soft moments, flourishing friendships, intimate romances, and characters who strive for home and peace. While dark at times, her books are perfect for readers who crave emotional depth and a slow build in their fantasy.

She lives on the tiny Mediterranean island of Malta and is usually spending time with her husband, son, and dog when she isn’t writing and publishing novels or jotting down ideas for her next.

Reviews

[TY]

I was worried about following new characters but I quickly fell in love with them. The story is great and I feel like things were resolved how they needed to be. Small complaints would be when the true spice happened towards the end I wish it wasn’t fade to black especially given how it was in the beginning. But it was a very wholesome and respectful love between the two main characters. I wish Erol was a little stronger. I also found quite a few typos in the KU version but hopefully that can get fixed later. I wouldn’t have minded if the book was a little longer. I was at 85% wondering how everything was going to wrap up in time.