When Kingdoms Kneel: A dark gothic romantasy of revenge and power

by N.M. Peterson

From the Chains of Orenda series comes the highly anticipated second full-length novel, a direct sequel to When Feathers Fall.


Fall in love, strike down your enemies, and make them kneel in this dark romantasy full of danger, slow-burn passion, and court intrigue and tension.

Having survived the deadly Anama Trials and bonded with her raven spirit, Sorrena Faelan now travels to Druimfar to face her greatest challenge an arranged marriage inside the ruthless royal city of Ironcrest. Heir to the most powerful region in her own right, she is counting on the tenous connection to the prince, Drayce Valtair, to help her take not only Druimfar's throne, but Thornwythe's as well.

But Druimfar bows to no woman.

And from the moment Sorrena steps inside its gates, powerful men plot to see her struck down.

The realm is on the brink of war. The king shows signs of madness. And Sorrena carries a dark secret—one that could unravel the Eternal Chain itself and doom the world of Orenda.

Her only ally may be the stoic wolf prince who she becomes more and more drawn to, creating a vulnerability she's not prepared for. And every night, dreams of her fated mate, Rhydian, haunt her sleep—visions of a man destined to either love her or kill her. Caught between forbidden magic, dangerous secrets, and two men tied to her fate, Sorrena must decide how much she is willing to sacrifice to protect her queendom.

Because power is never free.

And love may cost her everything.

Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Carissa Broadbent, When Kingdoms Kneel is an epic fantasy romance with animal spirit bonds, a wolf prince, and a fierce heroine determined to rise.

Genres: Fantasy

382 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 6, 2025

Reviews

[Chapters & Chives · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Kingdoms Kneel
Chains of Orenda - Book 2
Author: N.M. Peterson

4/5 Stars ⭐️

Fall in love, strike down your enemies, and make them kneel.

Seriously this series is worth the read! When Kingdoms Kneel is the second book in the Orenda series. Available today! 🎉🎊

Sorrena Faelan survived the deadly Anama Trials and bound herself to a raven spirit, but her next battle lies in the cold halls of Druimfar. Inside the ruthless city of Ironcrest, kings go mad, men plot her downfall, and secrets threaten to unravel the Eternal Chain itself.

Her only ally may be a stoic wolf prince who tempts her heart as the world collapses around them. But love is dangerous when your fated mate is destined to either kill you—or die by your hand.

Because power demands sacrifice.

And Sorrena is running out of things left to lose.

🐺 Tropes 🐦‍⬛

* Arranged marriage
* Chosen one - reverse trope (chosen to end the world)
* Fated mates
* Bonded mates - multiple bonds
* Why Choose
* Forbidden Magic
* Trials & Competition
* Women Ruling Kingdoms
* Brooding Hero
* Animal spirit bonds

[Heather H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peterson continues to hold my heart in her pen with the emotions depicted in her characters, vivid descriptions of their experiences, and their captivating journeys. To say I have missed Sorrena and the found family she has built in the few months I’ve been waiting for this installment would be an understatement. This has quickly become one of my top favorite series, especially with the found family trope, and I’m thankful I get to experience the progression of the love and camaraderie as this family continues to grow.

Epic Fantasy Romance
Found Family
Arranged Marriage
Wolves & Ravens
Animal Spirit Bonds (this needs to be a trope)
Ancient Prophesy
Chosen One (with a twist)
Revenge
Fated to love and die at each others hands in every lifetime
Warring Kingdoms
Meddling Fates
Multiple Love Interests
Who Did This?
Bonded Mates
Mine

When Kingdoms Kneel is the third installment in the Chains of Orenda series, picking up where When Feathers Fall left off. The impact of the story is deeper having read When Blades Shatter, the prequel novella about Ravka, as well. These must be read in publication order.

I am an ARC reader and received a free copy of this story to review, but my opinions are my own.

[Samantha Barrier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read all three books in this series in a matter of days, as the world quite simply would not release its hold on me. Forgoing sleep, barely stopping to eat, this third installment had me forgetting reality completely in favor of engaging in all the court intrigue, betrayal and secrets, and found family with ironclad loyalty that NM Peterson has created.

I joined our fmc Sorrena, as she battled prophecy and destined fate, arranged marriage and past love, and the cold ice and betrayal of the mother who raised her against the warmth and strength of a found family with true devotion built into their core.

Not to mention the impeding war, struggling rebellion, and delicious animal spirits with their unique bonds and magical abilities that added something addictive and magical to this romantasy book, making this world like nothing you’ve experience in the genre before.

The romance and plot are each soo captivating and engaging on their own, but woven together they will absolutely tear your heart out and then put it back together, rinse and repeat.

I haven’t been truly destroyed by a fantasy book like this in I can’t remember how long, but knowing my heart is broken to this extent just drives home how invested I am in these characters and their hearts.

I cannot wait to read more by this author, and if you want to experience literally every emotion in just over 300 pages and thank the author for the torment, then this is the one!

I’d give it six stars if I could, but five will have to do!

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book in this series, but the author went hard in this book! she definitely stepped up her game and what a wild ride it was.

We enter the territory of Druimfar in this story, and it is as cruel as it's king. Somehow Sorrena manages to not only survive, but carve out a little bit of found family. The wolf prince, Drayce, is one of my favorite characters so far. I loved getting to learn more about him and see his walls come down that he had built up from living in such a harsh environment with an evil father. Drayce and Sorrena's relationship is one of my favorite so far.

War still looms on the horizon though, and the tension in this book is everywhere. I love Sorrena's witty attitude and how she manages to work through the tension with the help of another beloved character from the first book. I would have definitely wanted to stab so many people. Not everything is smooth sailing, however. this book packs a punch with dark secrets, forbidden magic, courtly intrigue and a moment that nearly crushed me. Let's just say have some tissue handy at the end! I wanted to call up the author so badly! I am thankful that she allowed me to read an ARC, so I am keeping it together. Hopefully, she’ll patch up my heart with the next book.

If you enjoy found family, fated and bonded mates, court politics, forbidden magic, and a bit of spice then you need to read this series.

[Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Epic! This book easily pulled me in and swept me up in this thrilling dark tale of magic, betrayal, heartbreak, and romance. I enjoyed every moment of it.

I enjoyed the unique Magicks with the spirt animals and loved how high stakes the story was.

Sorrena was a fierce woman who had no problem putting someone in their place and fighting for what she believes in. I loved her fiery personality.

Drayce was protective and loving toward Sorrena. I loved his loyalty to her!

Their relationship was an interesting slow burn with sweet tender moments along with spicy ones as well.

Tropes to enjoy for the series are enemies to lovers, prophecy, magic, spirit animals, bonds, arranged marriage, fated mates, touch her and xx vibes, political intrigue, strong FMCs, protective MMCs, forbidden magics, royalty, hurt/comfort, found family, and more!

[Sarah-Ève Vallée · Rating 4 out of 5]

“If pain is the price of having you, I will suffer it every second as long as I live. In every single lifetime. Don’t you realize, my ciara, that you have ruined me?”

Oh Drayce, Drayce 🫠

He won my heart in book 1 and he kept it.

This is the second book of the Chains of Orrenda series. Make sure to read When feathers fall first before this one.

Ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (multiple open door scenes but few details)

Sorrena is angry. She wants a better system and a better life for all and she is done waiting.

Sorrena finally arrives in Drayce’s kingdom for her arranged marriage to him. While this may not have started off as her choice, Drayce proves himself to be an amazing man (handsome too) and love blooms between the two.

So, I found the pacing a bit slower in this one. The focus is more on the character development and the political climate. I think the author is putting in place the elements for an epic war in book 3.

It’s a solid 4⭐️ for me. Sorrena was getting on my nerves a bit with the “I am not a noble like the others” attitude. Otherwise, I had a great time and will be waiting for book 3!

The author provided an ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I. Love. Drayce. 🖤🖤🖤

[TheFamiliarLibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NM Peterson & Crowns & Chaos for this advanced reading copy.

I am UNWELL!!!! When Kingdoms Kneel is book 2 in the Chains of Orenda series and I am already chomping at the bit for book 3. I actually realllllllyyyyy like Sorrena, which is wild because I normally don’t like a lot of FMCs. She was very well written. Not whiney. Decisive. And for the love of everything holy…DRAYCE!!! Seriously!!! I love him!!!! If you enjoy dark romantasy’s you’ll like this series.

Anyway. If you haven’t already, pick up book 1, When Feathers Fall and read that before When Kingdoms Kneel releases on November 6. It’s available for preorder now though!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

[Kristina Linenberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was overall a great read !! , i would have never expected sorrena & drayce to get down like that 😮‍💨😏 lol but on a serious note i LOVE ASTRID , the way sorrena took her in and basically adopted her just warmed my heart 🥹 and RAVKA ?? finding out her and sor are blood sisters ... that was crazy , but i always loved their bond and how they talk to eachother 😂🫂❤️ and my heart hurt for drayce in the end 😩💔 i need a man like him in real life though he is the definition of ride or die ❣️ sorrena is a bad ass and i cant wait for the next book to see how this war turns out 👀

[Hila Jonker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been looking forward to When Kingdoms Kneel since July when I finished When Feathers Fall, When Blades Shatter only made my longing greater and when I was chosen for this ARC I was elated.

When I tell you I wasn't ready, I was not ready. It took me longer than it should have to finish this book because I could feel the devastation building with each chapter, but I did not know how much I would break from this book.

Nicole has once again left me feeling as if my soul has been trampled by a pack of Stonefangs and then set on fire. I will continue hanging onto this chain until it breaks, and who knows what will be left of my heart and mind when it does.

Do not sleep on this series.

[Krista Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart is heavy and I was truly sobbing at that ending, this story brought me up high believing that things could overcome only to be be shattered by what truly ended up happening.

This story picks up right where the last left off as Sorrena is taken to the kingdom of her betrothed to prepare for their wedding. She must decide what to do with her new fate in a land of men who believe women’s place is beneath them. As all the kingdoms are on the brink of war and dark forces are swirling, can she trust this new bond forming with her betrothed and save her newest weakness from the harshness of an impending war.

Overall this book was even better than the first, though I loved the trials in the first book, the court intrigue and secret missions in this one along with the development of the relationships Sorrena was building made it a more emotional and impactful one. I loved seeing her bond with Astrid and take on a role she never thought she’d have as well as slowly fall for the man she wasn’t sure she could. Exploring her powers while also resisting the rules of this new kingdom led to some exciting twists and that ending had me flipping the pages hoping for a happy outcome! I cannot wait for the next book to see how this all resolves itself and if their world can be saved! My rating 4.8/5!

Thanks to the author and crowns and chaos pr for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!

[A. Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two words: Inner Turmoil. This book was an excellent addition to the Chains of Orenda series. Watching the relationships grow (or falter) between Sorrena and the people in her life while she realizes and comes to grips with the power rumbling within her was a transformative experience. Sorrena is, once again, a very relatable character that you can really connect with, despite being in a totally different realm. Though, politically…. Maybe not so different. As always, I’ll be waiting on the edge of my seat for the next installment in this series.

[Beautifully Broken Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

⚔️⚔️⚔️ When Kingdoms Kneel ⚔️⚔️⚔️

Spice: 🌶
Stars: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

As unrest grows throughout the realm Sorrena can feel the pull of destiny moving her ever closer to fulfill the ancient prophecy. Now living in the ice region of Druimfar pending her upcoming nuptials to the brooding wolf prince, Drayce she finds her wings clipped by the vile king. Deception and danger are rife as allegiances shift and secrets are spilled. However, Sorrena cannot protect everyone she loves while in a gilded cage.

Sorrena has really grown into her character in this book and is no longer trapped in her mother's shadow's. Sorrena learns, with encouragement from Drayce to trust her own instincts and harness all of her power. She is so confident and determined in her mission and people better watch out in the next book, because she is coming for them!

Drayce is calm, assured and controlled around everyone but Sorrena who completely unravels him. When he growls "Mine" because she danced with another man 🖤 He is so possessive of Sorrena but in the best ways.

"Miss me, hooker sauce" - Yes Ravka we did, glad to have you back girl!

"Blood for Blood, Drop for Drop" 💔 This promise is heartbreaking.

[Phoenix Fyreheart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy rings of Hell. I thought When Feathers Fall was a wild ride. It was mild compared to When Kingdoms Kneel. This was non-stop action right up until the last words and I felt ALL the feel--the joy, the fear, the love and the despair. It'll take a while to recover from the tragic ending, that's for sure. Little solace comes from the idea that there's still someone left to love, though it does help soften the blow. Just a little. Anyways.

Yeah, I absolutely relished in this series so much that in a single sitting, I devoured every word, hung on every emotion and sat painfully at the edge of my seat, one plot twist away from hitting the floor ungracefully. There's one word I can summon to describe how I felt about this story: ENTHRALLED.

Ravenheart Rating: 10/10
Spice Factor: Open door but vaguely stated.

[Heather Becht (fantasyromantasy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came for the cover and the trope list but what I ended up staying for was the addictive characters and plot. I don’t think that I expected this book to be such an emotional punch to the gut but I am HERE FOR IT!! Peterson wrote the most emotionally raw and gripping story that I couldn’t put down. After that ending, I neeeed the next book ASAP!!!!!

𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓥𝓲𝓫𝓮𝓼:
👑Dark Gothic Romantasy
👑Arranged Marriage
👑Chosen One -(With a Twist)
👑Fated & Bonded Mates (multiple bonds)
👑Why Choose? Multiple Love Interests
👑Forbidden Magic
👑Trials & Competition
👑Women Ruling Kingdoms
👑Brooding Hero
👑Animal Spirit Bonds
👑Found Family
👑Ancient Prophesy
👑Meddling Fates
👑Feminine Rage

[Elinor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story keeps getting better and better with each book!

I have fallen in love with Sorrena and her found family, her real family - not so much.

But let me tell you - sobbing real tears at the end.

The world building continues to impress and expand, the complexity and depth of the characters grows, the magic expands (and starts doing unexpected things) and the stakes keep getting higher and higher.

Highly recommend the entire "Chains of Orenda" series and cannot wait to see what happens next.

Thank you so much for the ARC Review copy!

[Chinwe Aghadinuno · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. My very 1st series I binge read

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This whole series has truly captivated me! I feel in love with the characters from book one and this book made me fall in love even more. I cannot wait until the next book comes out.