Princess Adeline Ambrose felt the fire of vengeance burning in her veins. The rage toward her father for his attack on Drakmoor wholly consumed her. Struggling to sort through every lie that built the castle she’d grown up in, she vowed to master her newfound power and bring the Kingdom that was her birthright to its knees. Overwhelmed with grief and responsibility, Adeline finds an unlikely ally to help tame the fire raging inside of her. She couldn’t outrun fate anymore, with Roman captured behind enemy lines and the lives of her friends hanging in the balance, Adeline had made her choice. She would stop at nothing to bring Roman home.
Lies.
Deceit.
Murder.
Every single choice she made came with a cost, and she began to wonder if she could afford to conquer the power she once feared, or if it would doom them all.
What grabbed me immediately was how fiercely Adeline steps into her own darkness. This isn’t a princess who needs saving this is a princess who’s ready to burn down the lies that built her world. The blurb sets the tone for a story that’s equal parts vengeance, self‑discovery, and moral unraveling, and honestly, I’m here for it. What I loved most is how the narrative seems to lean into the idea that power isn’t just a gift, it’s a burden. Adeline isn’t portrayed as a flawless heroine; she’s messy, angry, grieving, and dangerously close to losing herself. That complexity makes her feel alive. Her desperation to save Roman, even as she questions whether her own power might doom everyone, gives the story a sharp emotional edge. I truly loved this book and highly recommend it to everyone!!!
Omg I was so happy to be back in this incredible world that Makayla has created. We immediately pick back up where things were left at the book 1, Adeline with the weight grief of all that happened in the battle of book 1. Adeline is definitely struggling with mental health from self worth, friendships, guilt, and the fear of letting everyone down and it all being her fault. I love that magic and control is something that just comes easily for her and that she’s constantly needing to work on control and see how there are larger things at play if she’s unable to do that. We also are given this little snippet of the dark side that power can give someone and I hope that’s explored even more with her character growth. Roman is shown to us dealing with his mentality in the isolation he’s been forced into. Seeing this strong grumpy Mmc be vulnerable, afraid even was refreshing. Since he is a prisoner and and Adeline is learning to manage her new powers does mean that most of this book our two MCs aren’t together, but I didn’t mind that much because of the development of others. My favorite thing for this book was getting more of the side characters from book 1 and seeing their relationships, friendships, and growth. We are also introduced to a new character who I really loved. Although he’s definitely one of those that make you feel like you shouldn’t love him, but ya do anyways. Knowing that I’m really interested in seeing where his character goes in book 3 and how big of a role he’ll have moving forward. Now the twist and ending was fun! There were a couple little hints here and there that could make you wonder, but the way it played out and the reasoning was a fun twist for me. I continue to love the dragons, their magic, and the back and forth mental banter that happens. I would love to get more about the dragons in book 3.
I’m definitely looking forward to continuing this story and seeing what’s next for everyone.
Book 2 picked up right where book 1 left off but definitely dragged for me. It was a lot of training scenes but at the same time felt the same over and over. Our main characters are separated majority of this book, which can be ok sometimes for a book 2, but they both spent it feeling sorry for themselves and guilty and depressed vs actively trying to do something.
We added a new character this book that I liked (and am very intrigued to see if the relationship I see blossoming in here goes into book 3, bc I’m all for it 😜). Kol is the kind of character you wonder if you’re supposed to like, so you flip flop back and forth the whole time lol.
I didn’t feel like there was a ton of character growth but I do like that we get to even see the male characters be vulnerable and even cry in here. It doesn’t take away from their masculinity but adds a depth to them.
Same with the plot, I didn’t feel like we progressed much…until the end! And the ending surprised the hell out of me! Would never have guessed that a million miles away. lol. But I’m hoping now it’s helped blow the door open on the prophecy and where our characters go from here (and even explore some new kingdoms??). The path has been lit, I’m hoping the author takes it and runs with it now.
Since our MC’s were separated most of the book, we BARELY had a spicy scene 🌶️ in here. And I say barely bc it got cut off. That was disappointing.
The ending really saved this for me. It was lagging for me but the ending re-peaked my interest for the next book. Just no more training scenes please lol.
I received an early copy of this book from the author.
This is book 2 in The Wilting Throne Saga. The events start immediately after the first book. Adeline is grieving the death of young Milo and the capture of Roman. After a failed attempt to enter the castle with Falrin, Amira wants her to work on controlling her magic before they make another rescue attempt. Meanwhile, Roman is struggling with his isolation during his imprisonment and being cut off from his magic.
I liked the new character. I thought he was a fun addition. I also enjoyed how Adeline was able to learn how to better control her magic and use her emotions in a constructive way.
The last 20% of the book really helped move the story along but I struggled with the rest of it. The best way I can describe what most of the book was is depressed training montage. Adeline is struggling with her grief and is consumed by it and that's all she talks about. The guilt she feels, how she's being a bad friend, how she can't control her powers, and how much she misses Roman. While I appreciate books that talk about trauma and have their characters actually deal with their emotions, there needs to be more to the story than that.
I really liked book one but since the characters were separated a lot of what made the first book good was missing.
Seeing Adeline step into the weight of her destiny while carrying so much grief, anger, and guilt is absolutely heart wrenching. She isn't the same person she was before, and seeing her fight through impossible choices while trying to hold onto herself made me feel so emotionally invested.
And the desperation to bring Roman home had my heart in pieces. Their relationship gives this story so much emotional depth. The stakes felt impossibly high, and I was constantly torn between hope and the fear that every decision would come with another devastating obstacle.
Makayla put her heart and soul into this book. The themes of betrayal, vengeance, and learning to embrace a power you once feared are woven together so beautifully. Every revelation reshaped what I thought I knew was going to be open, and the tension never let up. By the end, I was emotionally destroyed in the best possible way.
This was an easy 5⭐️ read for me. It delivered action, heartbreak, and unforgettable character growth. Now I'm left desperately needing to know what happens next.
Okay so first, you break my heart all over again within the FIRST 3 PAGES! Then you just proceed to tell an incredible story. How dare you Makayla lol Honestly, I loved this book so much. We get to see even more of the best characters from the first book and meet new ones. I have so many questions still about Amira. About why exactly she acted how she did and what exactly is her dragon power?! (Unless I somehow completely missed that lol) Seraphina! Love her and her little secrets. Her power is so cool and I need to know exactly how it works. Falrin is so funny, and I love how much he helps Addie. Also his crush on a certain someone makes me giggle and kick my feet. Hate Calum. He’s right up there with Chaol from ToG. Beautifully written character but omg he’s an awful person. The water baby!!! SO CUTE!!! Watching Addie learn to control her new flames was the best. It took her a long time to figure out how to do it but when she did, watch out cause she’ll wreck you. Kol I’m still undecided on. I want to like him because he’s had a rough life but also he’s a bit secretive. Poor Aurelius, my heart hurts for him immensely. The ending?! Girl, need the next book now please
Throne of Wicked Lies… WOW. Makayla Marie really knows how to throw in a gut wrenching twist, so come in prepared, Blade of Broken Scales was just a taste of what is to come!
Picking up directly after the events of Blade of Broken Scales, the crew at Drakmoor is reeling after battle, and after seeing Roman brought behind enemy lines. Characterization in Throne of Wicked Lies is superb, these are the characters I have come to love, and seeing them process grief and loss together is heart wrenching. We also meet some new characters, and they add some much needed levity, while also helping to further flesh out this fantasy world.
The writing is so well done, Marie expertly weaves in doubt and bread crumbs, and I was more than happy to follow the path she was leading me on. The final act is fast paced, and full of many twists, leaving me eagerly waiting to see what happens next, here’s hoping I don’t have to wait too long!
Huge thank you to the author for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
"The Throne of Wicked Lies" is the second book of the Wilting Throne saga and is set after "The Blade of Broken Scales." It's a character-driven journey that focuses a lot on grief, loss, anxiety, and longing. We mainly focus on Addie, her growth, training, and uncertainty now that Ro is captured.
I liked the dragons a lot. They didn't feel very beastly; we get to see them more as characters and companions, sources of power and mystery in the story.
I can definitely say I didn't see most twists in the story coming. I like that they were slowly hinted at throughout the whole story, but still hidden well enough to be a shock when you read them.
Overall, it's a good book; it moves the plot forward and sets up things. The spice is very low. There's more longing and missing of a lover than there is actual heat.
Another gripping instalment in the series picking right up where the previous one left off.
Our poor girl Adeline is beating herself up over Roman. Their connection is heart wrenching. Being forced to follow other people’s timescales, Adeline struggles to grow her skills when all she really wants to do is save her Shadow.
Some interesting new characters were introduced. Really hoping we see more of Kol. He’s certainly got a prickly nature and I can’t help but think that sparks might fly with Kol and a certain female character who will remain nameless so I don’t spoil the surprise 😉
I loved reading how the relationship dynamic between Falrin and Seraphina progresses. They have a special place in my heart and I really hope they are endgame.
The plot was action packed and fast paced. Some big questions arose, some questions were answered. But I have a feeling there is much, much more for us to learn.
I read the first book in this series and really enjoyed it, so I was grateful to receive an ARC of the second book.
The story picks up right where Book 1 left off, which made it easy to dive straight back into the world.
I loved that we get dual POVs from both Adeline and Roman.
Adeline spends much of the book training to master her new magic while strengthening the bond with her dragon. She’s also constantly struggling with guilt, and grieving.
Poor Roman is separated from both Adeline and his dragon after being taken to her father’s kingdom, making his chapters especially heartbreaking.
We also meet a new character, Kol, who helps Train Adelinep. I really enjoyed his addition to the story and dramatics he brings .-prickly
Like that Seraphina and Falrin relationship is developing.
That ending was interesting, I’m definitely enjoying this series
Throne of Wicked Lies is the sequel to Blade of Broken Scales. These are not standalone titles happening in the same world but a true continuation of the story. Throne of Wicked Lies won’t make sense if you don’t read Blade of Broken Scales first.
I received Throne of Wicked Lies as an ARC. I did wait to read it until after reading Blade of Broken Scales. Blade of Broken Scales ended on a cliffhanger and I was excited to see where the story went from there. I enjoyed the story. The only reasons I only gave it three stars were the profanity and the explicit sexual content. The former is found throughout the book and the latter is only in one chapter (I would say about 1.5 - 2 chili peppers). If that content doesn’t concern you, you love romantic fantasy, dragons and books that end on a cliffhanger, you should definitely give Throne of Wicked Lies a try!
This was a great continuation from book one. Picking up where book one ended, we are thrown into the aftermath of the events that occurred. The pacing is a bit slower in this book but I feel this was a good idea. Some situations from the book needed to be drawn out, I think I would have enjoyed this far less if everything always went according to plan and problems were resolved immediately. I adore the MCs and the found family. I particularly enjoyed getting to know some of the side characters more in this book. Addie is one of my favourite FMCs! She has all the best qualities found in romantasy FMCs. After that ending, I am absolutely needing to read the next book! If you haven’t already started this series-you need to!
This book picked right up from where Blade of Broken Scales left off. I am going to be 100% honest here - the first 1/4 of the book was good, the middle 50% just meh, and the last 1/4 really good. I was intending to give this just 3 stars until I got to the last quarter of the book.
The middle was really slow and seemed to drag. There wasn’t a lot going on. I was tempted to just skim it because I was getting bored but as I closed in on the last 25% it picked up with some twists and turns I never saw coming.
I know not everyone will agree with me on my review but I will be sticking around for the next book to see how it ends.
Many thanks to the author and the Iris Influencer Society for the ARC to read and review.
Thank you Makayla and IRIS Influencer Society for this eARC!
3.5✨ While I did enjoy this, I did expect a little more out of book 2. I didn’t feel there was much character growth for anyone. Most of the book just felt like Addie falling to her grief over and over again with different characters picking her back up. Then usually followed by a bath and Ro’s shirt. There isn’t a ton of depth to the characters or plot. If you want an easy to follow romantasy with alll of the tropes thrown in then this is for you. I mostly likely will not continue with this series, I don’t believe it is for me.
Feminine rage? ✔️ Impossible choices? ✔️ Dragons with elite banter? ✔️ Say less.
Watching Adeline embrace who she wants to be instead of who everyone expects was easily one of my favorite parts of this book. Her journey through grief, guilt, and learning to wield power that feels more like a burden than a gift was so well done.
The mental health representation deserves a shoutout too.
Roman letting his grumpy armor crack? My heart wasn't prepared.
While our main characters spend most of this installment apart, their growth, and the stronger side character relationships, make it completely worth it.
And that cliffhanger? RUDE! Someone hand me book three immediately!
I received this as an ARC, all opinions are my own.
While I enjoyed the story it did seem to hit a few lulls, mostly because of the main characters being separated creating a little repetitive bits. Overall tho, I did love giving the side characters a little more spotlight and development and that we have a FMC ready to burn the world down. The plot twist at the end definitely had my brain spinning!
I honestly do not know how to write a decent review But I would like to say I absolutely loved this book and can not wait for the 3rd one maybe more than 3 thought there was good character growth between all of the characters. Some new allies and some new foes. twists and turns that you’ll never see coming.
picking up right where book 1 (blade of broken scales) ended.
in the aftermath of war and grief. the fmc is determined to save them by fighting against her father and his kingdom. save the people save the dragons rescue roman.
still in training she’s determined to do it all and save it all.
the plot twist at the end got me. i can’t believe she let it happened
Princess Adeline is officially one of my favorite FMCs ever. Watching her untangle all the royal lies while trying to control her volatile magic was so intense. And Roman being captured? The yearning and tension, perfection.
👑 Royal Fantasy 🐉 Sassy Dragons ⛓️ Captive 🤝 Forced Alliance ✨ Fated Mates 💔 High Stakes