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The Twelve Kingdoms #3.6
For Crown and Kingdom
Two fantasy romance tales by bestselling and award winning authors Jeffe Kennedy and Grace Draven.
The Crown of the Queen by Jeffe Kennedy
This novella is #3.6 of the Twelve Kingdoms.
It's been a lifetime since librarian Dafne Mailloux saw the coronation of the tyrant who destroyed her family. She did her part to pull him off the High Throne. But his daughter, the would-be Queen, and her sisters must still tame their conquest. If her victory is to last, Dafne must forge peace with the subtle, ruthless methods of a diplomat--and the worst memories of her life...
The Undying King by Grace Draven
The stories are told in whispers, even after so long: of a man whose fair rule soured when he attained eternal youth. Imprisoned by a sorceress wife in a city out of time and place, he has passed into legend. Few believe in him, and fewer would set their hopes on his mercy. But Imogen has no choice. To break the curse that's isolated her since birth, she'll find the Undying King--and answer his secrets with her own...
^^Author Note: The Undying King is intended for more mature audiences and contains graphic descriptions of physical intimacy.
The Crown of the Queen by Jeffe Kennedy
This novella is #3.6 of the Twelve Kingdoms.
It's been a lifetime since librarian Dafne Mailloux saw the coronation of the tyrant who destroyed her family. She did her part to pull him off the High Throne. But his daughter, the would-be Queen, and her sisters must still tame their conquest. If her victory is to last, Dafne must forge peace with the subtle, ruthless methods of a diplomat--and the worst memories of her life...
The Undying King by Grace Draven
The stories are told in whispers, even after so long: of a man whose fair rule soured when he attained eternal youth. Imprisoned by a sorceress wife in a city out of time and place, he has passed into legend. Few believe in him, and fewer would set their hopes on his mercy. But Imogen has no choice. To break the curse that's isolated her since birth, she'll find the Undying King--and answer his secrets with her own...
^^Author Note: The Undying King is intended for more mature audiences and contains graphic descriptions of physical intimacy.
249 pages, ebook
First published May 29, 2016
67 people are currently reading
522 people want to read
About the author
Grace Draven
53 books7,702 followersI'm an author and Louisiana native living in Texas with my husband, three smalls and a big doofus dog. I have lived in Spain, hiked the Teton Mountains, honeymooned in Scotland, ridden in competition rodeo and am the great great granddaughter of a Nicaraguan president. I also hate doing laundry and refuse to iron anything.
I've loved storytelling since forever. I published my first short story with Amber Quill Press and have since written several other tales. A love of the bad boy in fiction always inspires me.
I've loved storytelling since forever. I published my first short story with Amber Quill Press and have since written several other tales. A love of the bad boy in fiction always inspires me.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
December 8, 2025
I didn't even check what this anthology was about: I saw Grace Draven's name on it and I clicked, quicker than the Flash.
Let me first warn you. Contrary to what the cover/title says, this isn't two fantasy romances. Ms Kennedy's novella is the epilogue to her fantasy series on the Tala and it narrates a coronation. There's not even a hint about romance (unless knowing how the previous stories end is your idea of romance). I was a little bit baffled.
So if you haven't read her series, better steer clear of this novella. I only read book 1, but it was enough for me to understand what was going on, if nothing else.
By the way I still liked it.
Ms Grace Draven's novella is the reason I bought this, and I'd do it again. Even if I have to admit there were a few missing words, my only nit is this should have been a novel. It deserves to be a novel.
If you loved her previous books, you'll love this too. Seriously.
Let me first warn you. Contrary to what the cover/title says, this isn't two fantasy romances. Ms Kennedy's novella is the epilogue to her fantasy series on the Tala and it narrates a coronation. There's not even a hint about romance (unless knowing how the previous stories end is your idea of romance). I was a little bit baffled.
So if you haven't read her series, better steer clear of this novella. I only read book 1, but it was enough for me to understand what was going on, if nothing else.
By the way I still liked it.
Ms Grace Draven's novella is the reason I bought this, and I'd do it again. Even if I have to admit there were a few missing words, my only nit is this should have been a novel. It deserves to be a novel.
If you loved her previous books, you'll love this too. Seriously.
August 25, 2016
I wasn't that familiar with the work of Jeffe Kennedy, I got this for Grace Draven, which has become a favourite fantasy writer of mine. This is a collaboration, a duo of novellas, I didn't like them equally but the quality of both is very high.
As I haven't read any of the books of Kennedy's Twelve Kingdoms' serie, her novella The Crown of the Queen, focused on a side character, felt to me like a massive info-dumping. I didn't know the world nor the main characters and, even though I managed to visualize it all very vividly thanks to the authour's description, not even the continuous explanations and re-caps were enough to feel at home in the story and what moved the characters. It did succeed in making me very curious about the serie, there's magic and religion, a dictatorial king overthrown by his ow daughters and what seems to be exciting romances, at least for some of the couples presented. I was excited about the main character Dafne being a librarian, someone's whose only power really is knowledge, but I didn't find her particularly interesting or lovable; her instrumental role, however, was crystal clear.
Grace Draven's novella The Undying King, on the other hand, is absolutely fantastic. from its incipit to the closure. As accostumed with her other work, the descriptions and the pacing are precise, at times poetic and hypnotizing, I always end up fully immersed in her time and even architecture. You will find magic, greedy princes and mages, scorned witches, death and loss, regrets, a female heroine that blooms under your eyes and a formidable male lead. Curses, the mythical city of Tineroth, with its regal ruins and binding waters and the fog of revenants are also very important characters. with a life of their own. I loved every second of it. Cededa, the undying king who's had four thousands years to come to terms with his own evil past and to repent, who has been punished more than enough, stripped of human needs and emotions for so long, and Imogen, the Death handmaid, cursed and isolated all her life, denied of any real physical contact, are a riveting couple. Draven as usual takes her time bringing them together and they're scorching, doomed, caring and perfect for each other. The particular brand of intimacy and connection between the leads she always creates make the sex scenes so very intense and sensual. This was engrossing, sexy, magical and very romantic, it will make you ponder over the corruption of power, hatred, forgiveness and sacrifices, dedication.
June 16, 2016
This review is for The Undying King by Grace Draven.
4.5 Stars. Wow, this was a fantastic read by one of the best writers out there (of any genre). A rich, vibrant tale; fantasy at its best. Imogen and Cededa rank right up there with Draven's best couples. There was so much story and imagery packed in this novella; and I couldn't help but wonder how much better this could have been fleshed out into the full length book it deserved.
I hope Draven plans another visit to this mesmerizing world...so many possibilities for more stories...
I did not read the Kennedy story, as it is part of an ongoing series I do not read. I may come back to it at some point.
4.5 Stars. Wow, this was a fantastic read by one of the best writers out there (of any genre). A rich, vibrant tale; fantasy at its best. Imogen and Cededa rank right up there with Draven's best couples. There was so much story and imagery packed in this novella; and I couldn't help but wonder how much better this could have been fleshed out into the full length book it deserved.
I hope Draven plans another visit to this mesmerizing world...so many possibilities for more stories...
I did not read the Kennedy story, as it is part of an ongoing series I do not read. I may come back to it at some point.
July 7, 2016
4.5/5
Please note, that I'm only reviewing The Undying King by Grace Draven as me and Jeffe Kennedy's books unfortunately do not get along well. The Undying King was fabulous, peeps! To my surprise it was a whole new world not connected to the books I've already read, and I found the characters of Cededa and Imogen really engaging. Also, talk about scorching hot intimate scenes. *phew* Totally worth a read!
* * *
Заметьте пожалуйста, что я рецензирую только повесть от Грэйс Дрэйвен " Неумирающий Король", так как я и книги Джефф Кеннеди несовместимы, поэтому я её перестала читать посе второй книги серии. "Неумирающий Король оказалась прекрасной повестью, и к моему удивлению построение мира здесь совершенно было не связано с уже прочитанными мною книгами мисс Дрэйвен. Седэда и Имоджен - занимательные, интересные персонажи, а интимные сцены меду ними просто сжигали простыни своим жаром. В общем, читайте, не пожалеете!
Please note, that I'm only reviewing The Undying King by Grace Draven as me and Jeffe Kennedy's books unfortunately do not get along well. The Undying King was fabulous, peeps! To my surprise it was a whole new world not connected to the books I've already read, and I found the characters of Cededa and Imogen really engaging. Also, talk about scorching hot intimate scenes. *phew* Totally worth a read!
* * *
Заметьте пожалуйста, что я рецензирую только повесть от Грэйс Дрэйвен " Неумирающий Король", так как я и книги Джефф Кеннеди несовместимы, поэтому я её перестала читать посе второй книги серии. "Неумирающий Король оказалась прекрасной повестью, и к моему удивлению построение мира здесь совершенно было не связано с уже прочитанными мною книгами мисс Дрэйвен. Седэда и Имоджен - занимательные, интересные персонажи, а интимные сцены меду ними просто сжигали простыни своим жаром. В общем, читайте, не пожалеете!
June 5, 2016
Originally published at Reading Reality
For Crown and Kingdom is a duology, two separate works of fantasy romance. I read the first entry in the pair, The Crown of the Queen, not long ago, and absolutely loved it. Last night, I read The Undying King by Grace Draven, and loved it almost as much. This is the first time I’ve read something by this author, and now I understand why my friends at The Book Pushers love her Master of Crows so much.
Someday, when my virtual TBR pile isn’t virtually toppling over, I have to read Master of Crows.
But in the meantime, I have this little treat of a story in The Undying King.
The story has the feeling of being inside a myth. If fiction is the lie that tells the truth, this story feels like one of those truths that exists back in the mists of time. Even though there is no fairy tale of Cededa the Fair and the lost city of Tineroth, there should be. It feels true.
And it feels true because it does an excellent job of combining elements that we know, things that feel true because even though these specific incidents might not have happened, they echo things that do.
Imogen is a young woman with a death curse. It’s not that she herself is cursed to die, no more than any more than any other mortal, but she is cursed that every person she touches dies instantly. This has nothing to do with intent, or at least not her intent. The curse is part of her blood and bone.
The first time she touches a person without gloves, it is to bring her adoptive mother the release of death, after a long, painful and debilitating illness. Niamh can’t be saved, she can only be given the mercy that shortens her last few hours of agony.
But she leaves Imogen alone, and with the burden of a promise. To read her diary, take the magic key found within, and make her way to the lost city of Tineroth. In fabled Tineroth the Undying King haunts and protects his crumbling city. And Cededa is a much-practiced (4,000 years gives one a lot of time to practice!) sorcerer who should be able to remove Imogen’s curse.
4,000 years of loneliness and endless existence have burned the anger and cruelty out of Cededa the Butcher, as he was once known. With nothing but time to reflect on his past deeds, the man who once slaughtered cities beyond counting has nothing left but regret, remorse and the wish for an end. He has become again what he was in the beginning, Cededa the Fair, the handsomest man that many, including especially Imogen, have ever seen.
When Imogen reaches him after a magical journey, he bargains with her for the one thing no one else has ever been able to give him. In return for removing her curse, Cededa asks Imogen for four months of her company in his living ghost town.
He seeks companionship. She hopes for the ability to live a normal life. Instead, they find that her curse matches his mistaken burden every bit as well as they match each other. Until the world intrudes, and steals her away from the life and the man she has come to love.
Escape Rating A: Like The Crown of the Queen, The Undying King feels utterly complete at its ending, a rare feat for a novella. (I only said I didn’t love it quite as much as The Crown of the Queen because that story is part of a series I am already totally hooked on).
The Undying King is a beautiful love story, while it explores themes that resonate long after the book is done.
It is a coming of age story. Imogen is relatively young, and certainly somewhat innocent, at the beginning of the story. She is also intelligent and well-taught, but she has no experience with relationships of any kind. Her adoptive mother Niamh is the only person she speaks with, for fear that someone will accidentally touch her and die.
Her mother and mentor sends her on a quest, to return the key that Cededa gave her long ago, and to find a cure for her curse. Her journey is both magically begun and magically eased – the key makes her path sure and short, and creates a bridge for her where none exists.
Tineroth and Cededa have faded into the mists of legend. Even the stories are fading. His is the story of the ring that came with a curse. He wanted immortality, and he found it. But that gift binds him to the place that gave it to him. He cannot leave, and no one can find him. His loneliness is absolute, along with his regrets.
Imogen and Cededa are equal and opposite. She kills with a touch, and he can never die. Separately, they live in complete isolation. But together, her curse brings him just enough mortality for him to feel life again. And his resistance to her curse makes him the one person she can touch whenever and however she likes.
Their love seems almost preordained. But there is always a snake in the garden. In this case, it is Imogen’s unknown past that drives them apart. Because of course Imogen is a lost princess, and that makes her a pawn.
When she makes herself a queen, the ending is glorious.
For Crown and Kingdom is a duology, two separate works of fantasy romance. I read the first entry in the pair, The Crown of the Queen, not long ago, and absolutely loved it. Last night, I read The Undying King by Grace Draven, and loved it almost as much. This is the first time I’ve read something by this author, and now I understand why my friends at The Book Pushers love her Master of Crows so much.
Someday, when my virtual TBR pile isn’t virtually toppling over, I have to read Master of Crows.
But in the meantime, I have this little treat of a story in The Undying King.
The story has the feeling of being inside a myth. If fiction is the lie that tells the truth, this story feels like one of those truths that exists back in the mists of time. Even though there is no fairy tale of Cededa the Fair and the lost city of Tineroth, there should be. It feels true.
And it feels true because it does an excellent job of combining elements that we know, things that feel true because even though these specific incidents might not have happened, they echo things that do.
Imogen is a young woman with a death curse. It’s not that she herself is cursed to die, no more than any more than any other mortal, but she is cursed that every person she touches dies instantly. This has nothing to do with intent, or at least not her intent. The curse is part of her blood and bone.
The first time she touches a person without gloves, it is to bring her adoptive mother the release of death, after a long, painful and debilitating illness. Niamh can’t be saved, she can only be given the mercy that shortens her last few hours of agony.
But she leaves Imogen alone, and with the burden of a promise. To read her diary, take the magic key found within, and make her way to the lost city of Tineroth. In fabled Tineroth the Undying King haunts and protects his crumbling city. And Cededa is a much-practiced (4,000 years gives one a lot of time to practice!) sorcerer who should be able to remove Imogen’s curse.
4,000 years of loneliness and endless existence have burned the anger and cruelty out of Cededa the Butcher, as he was once known. With nothing but time to reflect on his past deeds, the man who once slaughtered cities beyond counting has nothing left but regret, remorse and the wish for an end. He has become again what he was in the beginning, Cededa the Fair, the handsomest man that many, including especially Imogen, have ever seen.
When Imogen reaches him after a magical journey, he bargains with her for the one thing no one else has ever been able to give him. In return for removing her curse, Cededa asks Imogen for four months of her company in his living ghost town.
He seeks companionship. She hopes for the ability to live a normal life. Instead, they find that her curse matches his mistaken burden every bit as well as they match each other. Until the world intrudes, and steals her away from the life and the man she has come to love.
Escape Rating A: Like The Crown of the Queen, The Undying King feels utterly complete at its ending, a rare feat for a novella. (I only said I didn’t love it quite as much as The Crown of the Queen because that story is part of a series I am already totally hooked on).
The Undying King is a beautiful love story, while it explores themes that resonate long after the book is done.
It is a coming of age story. Imogen is relatively young, and certainly somewhat innocent, at the beginning of the story. She is also intelligent and well-taught, but she has no experience with relationships of any kind. Her adoptive mother Niamh is the only person she speaks with, for fear that someone will accidentally touch her and die.
Her mother and mentor sends her on a quest, to return the key that Cededa gave her long ago, and to find a cure for her curse. Her journey is both magically begun and magically eased – the key makes her path sure and short, and creates a bridge for her where none exists.
Tineroth and Cededa have faded into the mists of legend. Even the stories are fading. His is the story of the ring that came with a curse. He wanted immortality, and he found it. But that gift binds him to the place that gave it to him. He cannot leave, and no one can find him. His loneliness is absolute, along with his regrets.
Imogen and Cededa are equal and opposite. She kills with a touch, and he can never die. Separately, they live in complete isolation. But together, her curse brings him just enough mortality for him to feel life again. And his resistance to her curse makes him the one person she can touch whenever and however she likes.
Their love seems almost preordained. But there is always a snake in the garden. In this case, it is Imogen’s unknown past that drives them apart. Because of course Imogen is a lost princess, and that makes her a pawn.
When she makes herself a queen, the ending is glorious.
June 19, 2016
4 stars
So many reviewers on Goodreads here stated thay they just read and rate The Undying King. Make sense, tho. But for me, since I had read Jeffe Kennedy's Twelve Kingdom, I rated this anthology fully. If you not familiar with Kennedy's writing, you will get very confused read her novella The Crown of The Queen, because its story is the continuation after
. I don't know why put Kennedy's novella first, but I guess they have their own reason. If you not read Twelve Kingdoms yet, just go ahead to read The Undying King, even you not read Draven's book yet. The Undying King is stand-alone
The Crown of the Queen is full of intrigue and told from Daphne Mailloux's POV, the librarian that accompany Salena's daughter, Ursula, Amelia and Andromeda from the beginning of the story. Its deal with the event after The Talon of the Hawk, the coronation of Ursula as the new High Queen of Twelve Kingdoms. I really like this novella, I can see Daphne's struggle to make sure Ursula's coronation run well. It never a dull moment, and always lovely to read the sisters from another POV. Kennedy write Ursula coronation regally. No happy ending, and yes, no romance either. This novella indeed for Twelve Kingdoms readers. Anyhow, if you not read Twelve Kingdoms yet, I said "just read it already!". I think that series is very underrated. Twelve Kingdoms is a unique fantasy romance, and if you like a fantasy with intrigue, magic, romance, character development and also steamy sex scene, try read the first book of the series
.
The Undying King is a stand alone novella by Grace Draven, told story about Imogen, a women whom touch kill anyone. After her mother's death, she search a fable, legend, city called Tineroth. Imogen believe that Tineroth's ruler, Cededa -once called Cededa the Fair, then Cededa the Butcher, but more known as The Undying King- will help her get rid of her curse. Both Imogen and Cededa never thought that they will attract to each other. Another is Death's handmaiden, and the King is live eternally for 4ooo years, yet when Cededa touch Imogen, he feel so alive for the first time.
Seems simple right? Yep, very simple, but this is Draven we talk about. I read her Wraith Kings series, Radiance and Eidolon, and love it's non-traditional take of romance trope. So many things can go wrong with Undying King, yet Draven can make it so right for me. Virgin, untried heroine not my forte, yet I like how Draven portray Imogen. I grown to attach to both Imogen and Cededa. I feel how Cededa suffer for thousands years and find his own happiness in Imogen. The ending also non traditional as well. The ending -its have HEA- will begging reader for more. I want more Cededa and Imogen, please!! The sex scene also very steamy, and while I don't like virgin heroine that suddenly know about sex while she's so skittish at first, Draven handle it well.
For Crown and Kingdom is great if you like fantasy romance. I really enjoy this anthology since I'm a fans of Jeffe Kennedy and Grace Draven. Can't wait for their next collaboration!!
So many reviewers on Goodreads here stated thay they just read and rate The Undying King. Make sense, tho. But for me, since I had read Jeffe Kennedy's Twelve Kingdom, I rated this anthology fully. If you not familiar with Kennedy's writing, you will get very confused read her novella The Crown of The Queen, because its story is the continuation after
. I don't know why put Kennedy's novella first, but I guess they have their own reason. If you not read Twelve Kingdoms yet, just go ahead to read The Undying King, even you not read Draven's book yet. The Undying King is stand-aloneThe Crown of the Queen is full of intrigue and told from Daphne Mailloux's POV, the librarian that accompany Salena's daughter, Ursula, Amelia and Andromeda from the beginning of the story. Its deal with the event after The Talon of the Hawk, the coronation of Ursula as the new High Queen of Twelve Kingdoms. I really like this novella, I can see Daphne's struggle to make sure Ursula's coronation run well. It never a dull moment, and always lovely to read the sisters from another POV. Kennedy write Ursula coronation regally. No happy ending, and yes, no romance either. This novella indeed for Twelve Kingdoms readers. Anyhow, if you not read Twelve Kingdoms yet, I said "just read it already!". I think that series is very underrated. Twelve Kingdoms is a unique fantasy romance, and if you like a fantasy with intrigue, magic, romance, character development and also steamy sex scene, try read the first book of the series
.The Undying King is a stand alone novella by Grace Draven, told story about Imogen, a women whom touch kill anyone. After her mother's death, she search a fable, legend, city called Tineroth. Imogen believe that Tineroth's ruler, Cededa -once called Cededa the Fair, then Cededa the Butcher, but more known as The Undying King- will help her get rid of her curse. Both Imogen and Cededa never thought that they will attract to each other. Another is Death's handmaiden, and the King is live eternally for 4ooo years, yet when Cededa touch Imogen, he feel so alive for the first time.
Seems simple right? Yep, very simple, but this is Draven we talk about. I read her Wraith Kings series, Radiance and Eidolon, and love it's non-traditional take of romance trope. So many things can go wrong with Undying King, yet Draven can make it so right for me. Virgin, untried heroine not my forte, yet I like how Draven portray Imogen. I grown to attach to both Imogen and Cededa. I feel how Cededa suffer for thousands years and find his own happiness in Imogen. The ending also non traditional as well. The ending -its have HEA- will begging reader for more. I want more Cededa and Imogen, please!! The sex scene also very steamy, and while I don't like virgin heroine that suddenly know about sex while she's so skittish at first, Draven handle it well.
For Crown and Kingdom is great if you like fantasy romance. I really enjoy this anthology since I'm a fans of Jeffe Kennedy and Grace Draven. Can't wait for their next collaboration!!
Her hand drifted down his arm in a languid caress. "I never thought I'd meet a king", she said in a sleepy voice. "Especially a fabled one."
Cededa hugged her to him. Her breathing slowed and her body grew heavy against his. "I never thought I'd hold Death," he whispered in darkness. "Or beg her love and mercy."
May 13, 2018
I’ve really enjoyed Jeffe Kennedy’s Twelve Kingdom books, and it was an anthology that led me to it. Imagine how excited I was to see this story nestled in another anthology with one of the same authors who took part in Amid the Winter Snow! I was already a Grace Draven fan, thanks to Wraith King series, so I’m always down to read something else from her.
Let’s start with the Kennedy short. The Crown of the Queen is a novella told from Dafne’s point of view, but be forewarned, this is not a romance. (I think that comes in the next book.) Instead, this is like an extended epilogue to The Talon of the Hawk. It takes place immediately after Ursula took the life of her father, the king. Dafne has been hanging out in Annfwn for the past few weeks, but when she gets to Ordnung, Ursula still has not been crowned High Queen. The entire story follows Dafne’s efforts to guide Ursula through the process of taking the throne.
As a fan of the series, I enjoyed this novella, but I don’t know if a new reader will know what’s going on or care. There is an arc, for sure, but it’s all tied in directly with the previous books in the series. I liked seeing more of what’s happening with these sisters and if this was designed to get me excited about an HEA for Dafne, it worked. I’m really looking forward to her story.
The Undying King is Draven’s novella and although it’s a standalone, it has all of the rich, glorious flavor of her other work. If you’ve never read from this author, or if you’re looking for more of her stuff to glom onto, this story is a good bet. Draven does dark fantasy so well.
This story follows Imogen, an orphan who was born with a death-curse. Anyone she touches dies instantly. Before her adopted mother (a witch) dies, she tells Imogen about the Cededa the Fair, a powerful mage who has drunk from the waters of immortality and has been cursed to an unending existence. Cededa owed the old witch a favor and he may be able to help lift Imogen’s curse. So she travels to his hidden, broken kingdom to seek help.
Cededa has lived thousands of years. He barely remembers what it is to taste… to sleep… to feel desire. But when he touches Imogen, her curse leeches away some of his Otherness. When she first arrived, he planned only to pay his debt to her mother. That plan changes when her touch helps bring back some of his missing humanity. As for Imogen, she can’t help but be taken, not only by Cededa’s beauty, but by the only skin-to-skin contact she’s ever felt in her entire life.
I don’t want to spoil too much, but I will say it’s a sensual journey. The way these two come together is satisfying, but the tone and scenery are such powerful factors in this story, they can’t be overlooked. Like everything else I’ve read from Draven, I enjoyed it immensely.
Worth buying the anthology for Draven’s story alone, but as a fan of the Twelve Kingdoms, I enjoyed both contributions.
Rating: B/B+
Let’s start with the Kennedy short. The Crown of the Queen is a novella told from Dafne’s point of view, but be forewarned, this is not a romance. (I think that comes in the next book.) Instead, this is like an extended epilogue to The Talon of the Hawk. It takes place immediately after Ursula took the life of her father, the king. Dafne has been hanging out in Annfwn for the past few weeks, but when she gets to Ordnung, Ursula still has not been crowned High Queen. The entire story follows Dafne’s efforts to guide Ursula through the process of taking the throne.
As a fan of the series, I enjoyed this novella, but I don’t know if a new reader will know what’s going on or care. There is an arc, for sure, but it’s all tied in directly with the previous books in the series. I liked seeing more of what’s happening with these sisters and if this was designed to get me excited about an HEA for Dafne, it worked. I’m really looking forward to her story.
The Undying King is Draven’s novella and although it’s a standalone, it has all of the rich, glorious flavor of her other work. If you’ve never read from this author, or if you’re looking for more of her stuff to glom onto, this story is a good bet. Draven does dark fantasy so well.
This story follows Imogen, an orphan who was born with a death-curse. Anyone she touches dies instantly. Before her adopted mother (a witch) dies, she tells Imogen about the Cededa the Fair, a powerful mage who has drunk from the waters of immortality and has been cursed to an unending existence. Cededa owed the old witch a favor and he may be able to help lift Imogen’s curse. So she travels to his hidden, broken kingdom to seek help.
Cededa has lived thousands of years. He barely remembers what it is to taste… to sleep… to feel desire. But when he touches Imogen, her curse leeches away some of his Otherness. When she first arrived, he planned only to pay his debt to her mother. That plan changes when her touch helps bring back some of his missing humanity. As for Imogen, she can’t help but be taken, not only by Cededa’s beauty, but by the only skin-to-skin contact she’s ever felt in her entire life.
I don’t want to spoil too much, but I will say it’s a sensual journey. The way these two come together is satisfying, but the tone and scenery are such powerful factors in this story, they can’t be overlooked. Like everything else I’ve read from Draven, I enjoyed it immensely.
Worth buying the anthology for Draven’s story alone, but as a fan of the Twelve Kingdoms, I enjoyed both contributions.
Rating: B/B+
June 30, 2016
Review originally posted at http://fictionvixen.com/read-wednesda...
Still catching up on my TBR list.
This review will be for Grace Draven’s novella The Undying King, which I read first because I have all the love in the world for her fantasy romances. I did start Jeffe Kennedy’s novella but quickly came to the realization that it was best read in order within the Twelve Kingdoms series. And since I haven’t started that series yet, but fully plan to glom within the next week or so (I’ve already one-clicked the first book), I’ll get back to y’all with my review on that novella.
I’m including the artwork for The Undying King, which is gorgeous as always. Ms. Draven has been blessed by the cover gods and every time a new cover is unveiled I am struck momentarily speechless.
The Undying King is the tale of a young woman who is cursed to spread death through touch and a king who is cursed with everlasting life. She is sent on a mission by her dying mother to find the fabled king in hopes that he will finally end her curse, thus giving her a chance at a real life. Stories of Tineroth and their Undying King are legendary and Imogen assumes, all made up. But as her mother begins to weave a tale of caring for a half dead man and his debt to her, Imogen begins to believe.
Imogen and Cededa are exact opposites, yet strangely the same. He has lived a powerful, rich, long life, but has innumerable regrets and demons that follow him in his day to day monotony as he prowls around the city which has become his prison. He can not die, even when bitterness, regret and loneliness make him wish for nothing more. Imogen has lived a sheltered life, with only her mother for company and has never felt the touch of another being. She wants normality and an end to her loneliness. She represents death and the life, but it’s her touch that brings Cededa a new sense of awakening and longing for all the things that have been lost to him over time.
Any time I immerse myself in this author’s words I find myself unable to find a stopping place. I end up reading from beginning to end in one sitting. I can’t adequately describe how sensual and beautiful and magical her books are. While just a novella, The Undying King felt like a complete book. There was enough backstory, a wonderful world brought to life and two characters who were fully fleshed out. Their relationship built at a nice pace and I was able to feel them connect on an emotional and soul deep level. Even the ending was beautiful.
I highly, highly recommend anything by this author.
Favorite Quote:
“You would make me your redeemer.”
How very wrong she was. “I would make you my wife,” he whispered in her ear. “My only wife. My beloved wife.”
Still catching up on my TBR list.
This review will be for Grace Draven’s novella The Undying King, which I read first because I have all the love in the world for her fantasy romances. I did start Jeffe Kennedy’s novella but quickly came to the realization that it was best read in order within the Twelve Kingdoms series. And since I haven’t started that series yet, but fully plan to glom within the next week or so (I’ve already one-clicked the first book), I’ll get back to y’all with my review on that novella.
I’m including the artwork for The Undying King, which is gorgeous as always. Ms. Draven has been blessed by the cover gods and every time a new cover is unveiled I am struck momentarily speechless.
The Undying King is the tale of a young woman who is cursed to spread death through touch and a king who is cursed with everlasting life. She is sent on a mission by her dying mother to find the fabled king in hopes that he will finally end her curse, thus giving her a chance at a real life. Stories of Tineroth and their Undying King are legendary and Imogen assumes, all made up. But as her mother begins to weave a tale of caring for a half dead man and his debt to her, Imogen begins to believe.
Imogen and Cededa are exact opposites, yet strangely the same. He has lived a powerful, rich, long life, but has innumerable regrets and demons that follow him in his day to day monotony as he prowls around the city which has become his prison. He can not die, even when bitterness, regret and loneliness make him wish for nothing more. Imogen has lived a sheltered life, with only her mother for company and has never felt the touch of another being. She wants normality and an end to her loneliness. She represents death and the life, but it’s her touch that brings Cededa a new sense of awakening and longing for all the things that have been lost to him over time.
Any time I immerse myself in this author’s words I find myself unable to find a stopping place. I end up reading from beginning to end in one sitting. I can’t adequately describe how sensual and beautiful and magical her books are. While just a novella, The Undying King felt like a complete book. There was enough backstory, a wonderful world brought to life and two characters who were fully fleshed out. Their relationship built at a nice pace and I was able to feel them connect on an emotional and soul deep level. Even the ending was beautiful.
I highly, highly recommend anything by this author.
Favorite Quote:
“You would make me your redeemer.”
How very wrong she was. “I would make you my wife,” he whispered in her ear. “My only wife. My beloved wife.”
Want to read
August 11, 2019I'm not marking this book as read or giving it a rating as I've only read one of the stories so far but here are my thoughts of the novella I have read:
The Undying King - 4 stars (Read March 2019)
The Undying King is part beauty and the beast retelling, part fantasy romance and it all adds up into a great read. Friends have been recommending Grace Draven's books for years but it was only after reading Phoenix Unbound that I realised how much I'd been missing out. Now after enjoying this book too I'm planning on working my way through the rest of her backlist as soon as I get a chance.
Imogen has spent her whole life living with a curse and unable to have skin to skin contact with anyone without causing their death. Her mother helped her live in isolation but on her deathbed she offered Imogen a glimmer of hope telling her that if she could track down the Undying King he would be able to cure her. The Undying King is living with a curse of his own though, he achieved eternal youth but ended up imprisoned alone in a lost city. Most people don't even believe the legends anymore but Imogen is desperate and she'll take any chance she can for the possibility of a normal life.
I really enjoyed this story and found it easy to root for Imogen and Cededa, I liked the hints of beauty and the beast but that it was still completely it's own story. The world building was good but I have to admit I wanted a little more of that side, this is a relatively short book and as a stand alone it didn't have a lot of time to delve into a detailed new world. I was also hoping for more at the end, it finished a little abruptly and left me wishing for a sequel. It was still a great story though and I have very high expectations for this author's other books.
The Undying King - 4 stars (Read March 2019)
The Undying King is part beauty and the beast retelling, part fantasy romance and it all adds up into a great read. Friends have been recommending Grace Draven's books for years but it was only after reading Phoenix Unbound that I realised how much I'd been missing out. Now after enjoying this book too I'm planning on working my way through the rest of her backlist as soon as I get a chance.
Imogen has spent her whole life living with a curse and unable to have skin to skin contact with anyone without causing their death. Her mother helped her live in isolation but on her deathbed she offered Imogen a glimmer of hope telling her that if she could track down the Undying King he would be able to cure her. The Undying King is living with a curse of his own though, he achieved eternal youth but ended up imprisoned alone in a lost city. Most people don't even believe the legends anymore but Imogen is desperate and she'll take any chance she can for the possibility of a normal life.
I really enjoyed this story and found it easy to root for Imogen and Cededa, I liked the hints of beauty and the beast but that it was still completely it's own story. The world building was good but I have to admit I wanted a little more of that side, this is a relatively short book and as a stand alone it didn't have a lot of time to delve into a detailed new world. I was also hoping for more at the end, it finished a little abruptly and left me wishing for a sequel. It was still a great story though and I have very high expectations for this author's other books.
July 3, 2016
4.5 stars
(Read only the Draven story)
The Undying King by Grace Draven
Ms. Draven does her usual outstanding job of creating complex characters and unique fantasy settings. Imogen and Cededa's story evolves slowly as we gradually come to know their pasts and how they became the people they are. Imogen's sweet pragmatism perfectly complements Cededa's anguished regrets and their coming to know and appreciate one another makes for a satisfying story. Minor editing issues don't detract from the tale and, as with most of Grace Draven's books, I finished the story craving more.
Many thanks to N for the loan!
(Read only the Draven story)
The Undying King by Grace Draven
Ms. Draven does her usual outstanding job of creating complex characters and unique fantasy settings. Imogen and Cededa's story evolves slowly as we gradually come to know their pasts and how they became the people they are. Imogen's sweet pragmatism perfectly complements Cededa's anguished regrets and their coming to know and appreciate one another makes for a satisfying story. Minor editing issues don't detract from the tale and, as with most of Grace Draven's books, I finished the story craving more.
Many thanks to N for the loan!
July 9, 2016
Grace Draven has a special brand of fantasy that is like no other. Her characters are often tortured and dark, but love helps them find the light. In this short story, a death curse is an unexpected gift to someone who is desperately trying NOT to be immortal. Smart, so very smart. Beautifully written with rich imagery is what I have come to expect from this author whether full-fledged novel or a shorter novella.
October 12, 2025
The Crown of the Queen
I am not familiar with the Twelve Kingdoms books, so it took a bit of sorting out who is who and what, but it did peak my interest for the series.
The Undying King.
My goodness, the woman can write! The 4* rating is a pure malice on my part because it have left me hungering for more.
I am not familiar with the Twelve Kingdoms books, so it took a bit of sorting out who is who and what, but it did peak my interest for the series.
The Undying King.
My goodness, the woman can write! The 4* rating is a pure malice on my part because it have left me hungering for more.
June 21, 2016
Finally got to read Grace's story in our duology! Fabulous, of course. So haunting, the way she evokes the ghostly city of Tineroth. Well worth the read. :-)
January 29, 2017
I didn't like the first story. It was filled with details of the 12 kingdoms, a lot of names and facts that made my mind spin.
It was to "fantastical" for me to enjoy it. The writing didn't do much to me as well as the fist person narration.
Clearly not my style of writing or story.
I will review the Undying kind separately.
It was to "fantastical" for me to enjoy it. The writing didn't do much to me as well as the fist person narration.
Clearly not my style of writing or story.
I will review the Undying kind separately.
August 9, 2016
I know this was your story Dafne, but I was all about the rest and the whole omg, will they never be able to marry? No one is having babies!
Saaaaaaaaaaaaaadness! And since the next book is about Dafne, that is just, sad you know. No one gets to share their love, well except for Andi. No one is having babies, except for Ami. Now I am sad.
Now when I have that off my chest. This is about Ursula having doubts, others having doubts about her taking the High Crown (to me it would be better if everyone took care of their own business and cut the high stuff.) And it's about who will take over after her.
And it is about seers making hints that maybe Dafne has a future too. Yay, I can not wait. Especially since book 4s blurb sure seems interesting. No, it has nothing to do with that premise that I love, fine, yes it has everything to do with that premise.
(edit, reading this later and I have NO idea what I am talking about)
This is mostly a talking and thinking story. Trying to put the kingdom back together. I just want everyone to be happy though.
----------------------
The Undying King
My thoughts:
This should so have been a book! I mean, the ending, was a solid ending, BUT there is danger and I am all then what? More!
Imogen is the daughter of a witch, who is dying, and with her last breath the witch sends Imogen to find the Undying King.
I liked Ceneda, he was so amused by this strange woman showing up in his dead city and calling in a debt.
Duh, of course they start to fall for each other. I liked hearing his story first, that would be quite a book, but I am sure I would not like him. Now, he has mellowed. A bit. And Imogen was so nice. They fit each other well.
But alas there is danger too!
Should totally be a book, or another novella.
Good
January 3, 2017
Two short stories of magical kingdoms, fighting and falling for your destiny.
Why I started this book: Bought it for the long flight home... didn't even touch it on the plane.
Why I finished it: Two strong stories. The first is part of a series so you will need to read The Mark of the Tala to enjoy it. The second was stand alone story.
Why I started this book: Bought it for the long flight home... didn't even touch it on the plane.
Why I finished it: Two strong stories. The first is part of a series so you will need to read The Mark of the Tala to enjoy it. The second was stand alone story.
August 29, 2017
The Crown of the Queen
- It was interesting to see the coronation of Queen Ursula.
The Undying King
- This was the more fleshed out story in my opinion.
I'd gotten this book for Jeffe Kennedy's novella and the second book surprised me with its engrossing plot.
- It was interesting to see the coronation of Queen Ursula.
The Undying King
- This was the more fleshed out story in my opinion.
I'd gotten this book for Jeffe Kennedy's novella and the second book surprised me with its engrossing plot.
June 12, 2020
My rating takes into account both stories.
I don't understand why these stories were published together, as they: aren't part of the same world, don't have any of the same characters, have totally different writing styles, and are written by different authors. They should have been published separately for the sake of not confusing readers who don't know Kennedy's world/series (which has already been established, hence my confusion).
Review for The Crown of the Queen by Jeffe Kennedy:
1 star. I couldn’t read more than a few pages.
From the very first paragraph, names were lobbed at me one after another with no context. I tried to piece together who is related to whom and what these kingdoms/cities are, but after being introduced to a clearly unimportant character (the ex-queen, who has no immediate relevance to the story) through passing commentary on top of the 15 other names and places I was expected to remember, I felt my patience slipping.
Maybe it’s petty, but I also didn’t like the names of characters/places. Especially place names felt cheesy. They were impossible to pronounce and looked like they were created in a D&D fantasy name generator.
I was constantly confused as to who was speaking and what relationship they had with the protagonist. I had to refer to notes in my Kindle to remind myself who the characters were and why they were important. Not a good look for such a short story.
The stakes were high starting in chapter 3, but without any idea as to who the involved characters are, I already didn’t care.
Review for The Undying King by Grace Draven:
I'm a simple human: I see something by Grace Draven, and I buy it. Despite how short and smutty this was, I was a total hoe for it and ate that shit up.
Draven does a few things well in each of her writings:
1) Building attraction.
2) Maintaining chemistry after the first kiss / first time sleeping together.
3) Sex positive, assertive female characters.
4) Sex positive male characters who appreciate women's sexual agency.
5) Writing in plenty of sex scenes without making it the main focus of the relationship.
6) Doing retellings and tropes well.
My only real issue with The Undying King was how needy/clingy Imogen was. It wasn't cute, and I'm not a fan of that type of character just in general. Still loved this story overall though.
I don't understand why these stories were published together, as they: aren't part of the same world, don't have any of the same characters, have totally different writing styles, and are written by different authors. They should have been published separately for the sake of not confusing readers who don't know Kennedy's world/series (which has already been established, hence my confusion).
Review for The Crown of the Queen by Jeffe Kennedy:
1 star. I couldn’t read more than a few pages.
From the very first paragraph, names were lobbed at me one after another with no context. I tried to piece together who is related to whom and what these kingdoms/cities are, but after being introduced to a clearly unimportant character (the ex-queen, who has no immediate relevance to the story) through passing commentary on top of the 15 other names and places I was expected to remember, I felt my patience slipping.
Maybe it’s petty, but I also didn’t like the names of characters/places. Especially place names felt cheesy. They were impossible to pronounce and looked like they were created in a D&D fantasy name generator.
I was constantly confused as to who was speaking and what relationship they had with the protagonist. I had to refer to notes in my Kindle to remind myself who the characters were and why they were important. Not a good look for such a short story.
The stakes were high starting in chapter 3, but without any idea as to who the involved characters are, I already didn’t care.
Review for The Undying King by Grace Draven:
I'm a simple human: I see something by Grace Draven, and I buy it. Despite how short and smutty this was, I was a total hoe for it and ate that shit up.
Draven does a few things well in each of her writings:
1) Building attraction.
2) Maintaining chemistry after the first kiss / first time sleeping together.
3) Sex positive, assertive female characters.
4) Sex positive male characters who appreciate women's sexual agency.
5) Writing in plenty of sex scenes without making it the main focus of the relationship.
6) Doing retellings and tropes well.
My only real issue with The Undying King was how needy/clingy Imogen was. It wasn't cute, and I'm not a fan of that type of character just in general. Still loved this story overall though.
November 3, 2017
To be fair, my rating is an average of the ratings of the two novellas in this book.
I did not realize that Jeffe Kennedy's was meant to be a bridge between two of her book book series. I tried to read it through, thinking there had to be a good story line to it, but I gave up half way through, not knowing the characters, it seemed like everything I read referred back to their previous stories, like all it was all one continuous recollection/explanation of how they got to the present.
Now Grace Draven's was, as with all her work, an amazing story with amazing characters, that I wished was a full length novel. I reviewed it separately.
I did not realize that Jeffe Kennedy's was meant to be a bridge between two of her book book series. I tried to read it through, thinking there had to be a good story line to it, but I gave up half way through, not knowing the characters, it seemed like everything I read referred back to their previous stories, like all it was all one continuous recollection/explanation of how they got to the present.
Now Grace Draven's was, as with all her work, an amazing story with amazing characters, that I wished was a full length novel. I reviewed it separately.
January 11, 2018
I'm a big fan of Grace Draven but was pretty disappointed with this anthology. The writing wasn't very engaging and the character development was flat flat flat. It felt like an erotica who's main point was well the sex. I expect fully fleshed out characters when it comes to a Grace Draven story but that was surprisingly absent in this. The main hero and heroine meet each other for the first time, then hey get it on a few chapters later. I get this is a novella length piece but I've read other novellas that get the chemistry right before the sex comes in.
As for the other story in this anthology, I couldn't get into it. Having never read the original material it was based on, I was hella confused and had no connection to any of the characters.
As for the other story in this anthology, I couldn't get into it. Having never read the original material it was based on, I was hella confused and had no connection to any of the characters.
November 19, 2020
Grace Draven has done it again. Loved 'The Undying King', a wonderful short story about an unlikely couple.
Very sweet and a joy to read.
I skipped the first novella. I was very confused. I feel like there wasn't enough help to understand the world since it was set in an already established series. Wasn't interesting and just made me frustrated so I left it.
Very sweet and a joy to read.
I skipped the first novella. I was very confused. I feel like there wasn't enough help to understand the world since it was set in an already established series. Wasn't interesting and just made me frustrated so I left it.
May 14, 2022
Two Intriguing Stories
This is my first introduction to Jeffe Kennedy and it was enough to make me want more. I appreciated the world building and character interaction. I need to know what happens to the Librarian!
The second from Grace Driven was a fantastic play on Beauty and the Beast. Pairing the ever living with living poison is so cool!
This is my first introduction to Jeffe Kennedy and it was enough to make me want more. I appreciated the world building and character interaction. I need to know what happens to the Librarian!
The second from Grace Driven was a fantastic play on Beauty and the Beast. Pairing the ever living with living poison is so cool!
May 25, 2025
Usually, I really enjoy Grace Draven’s characters and stories. I picked this up because I had just finished a very good series and felt a reading slump coming on.
Surprisingly, this didn’t help at all. Neither the characters nor the stories in this book spoke to me. It all felt oddly heartless and surface-level.
I don’t think it’s just my mood — I’m honestly a bit disappointed.
Surprisingly, this didn’t help at all. Neither the characters nor the stories in this book spoke to me. It all felt oddly heartless and surface-level.
I don’t think it’s just my mood — I’m honestly a bit disappointed.
July 4, 2022
Two fantasy novellas from two authors that give the reader a taste of their different worlds. Both stories were pretty good with strong female characters, and I might explore more of Jeffe Kennedy's books.
December 8, 2018
Wonderful story
Two very unique tales both excellent. I love that Grace rarely sticks to common fantasy creatures and every one has a unique twist.
Two very unique tales both excellent. I love that Grace rarely sticks to common fantasy creatures and every one has a unique twist.
February 26, 2020
Jeffe Kennedy and Grace Draven never fail to satisfy with their written treats. Colorful, exciting, and unlimited imagery, the book was hard to put down
January 15, 2021
Nice read, I enjoyed both stories
June 4, 2022
I really enjoy and recommend this book.
Two paranormal love stories with action, suspense, mystery... well conceived... from two acclaimed authors!
Two paranormal love stories with action, suspense, mystery... well conceived... from two acclaimed authors!
February 9, 2024
Both books, excellent reads
This book with its two stories are the first time reading stories by the authors. Both books have interesting characters and well thought out plots.
This book with its two stories are the first time reading stories by the authors. Both books have interesting characters and well thought out plots.
February 12, 2024
The first story had lots of politics, but was interesting enough. The second was very true to the author. I've read a few of her stories and they seem to be pretty similar, though I enjoy it.
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