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Cursed Empire #1
Empire of Dragons
Save the empire...or let it burn.
Revenge failed her...
Three years ago, Lo’laeni Nolanhou did the unthinkable, slaying the empress of the cruel Alrenian Empire and freeing her people, the Forwyn slaves. But the price of revenge wasn’t freedom, only guilt. Vowing to never kill again, Lo dedicated her life to the god Elhani, serving as a nun within the Circle of Serenity to fight against the injustices still wrought against her people in the torn capital of Alrenor.
Then Caesiem, a handsome and mysterious Teramese boy aligned with an underground Forwyn vigilante group, flips her world upside down. The unrest growing within Alrenor is worse than Lo realized. Corruption is everywhere...and the Forwyn vigilantes want an empress slayer.
Revenge fuels her...
For years, Empress Jaliana, Daughter of Karye, has been a captive in her own palace. A prisoner to her mother’s killers. A powerless pawn, alone and unable to take back her throne, her dragons, or her kingdom.
Until one night a never-before-seen gift manifests itself within Jalie. It’s terrifying. Brutal. Everything she has ever needed. But the Forwyn won’t give in easily. They task Kovi, a young soldier, to watch over her, and he challenges everything she’s ever believed about her enemies...
One empire. An age-old hatred. Two girls who will risk anything—even their souls—for their people.
Revenge failed her...
Three years ago, Lo’laeni Nolanhou did the unthinkable, slaying the empress of the cruel Alrenian Empire and freeing her people, the Forwyn slaves. But the price of revenge wasn’t freedom, only guilt. Vowing to never kill again, Lo dedicated her life to the god Elhani, serving as a nun within the Circle of Serenity to fight against the injustices still wrought against her people in the torn capital of Alrenor.
Then Caesiem, a handsome and mysterious Teramese boy aligned with an underground Forwyn vigilante group, flips her world upside down. The unrest growing within Alrenor is worse than Lo realized. Corruption is everywhere...and the Forwyn vigilantes want an empress slayer.
Revenge fuels her...
For years, Empress Jaliana, Daughter of Karye, has been a captive in her own palace. A prisoner to her mother’s killers. A powerless pawn, alone and unable to take back her throne, her dragons, or her kingdom.
Until one night a never-before-seen gift manifests itself within Jalie. It’s terrifying. Brutal. Everything she has ever needed. But the Forwyn won’t give in easily. They task Kovi, a young soldier, to watch over her, and he challenges everything she’s ever believed about her enemies...
One empire. An age-old hatred. Two girls who will risk anything—even their souls—for their people.
390 pages, Paperback
First published September 17, 2021
515 people are currently reading
9231 people want to read
About the author
Rachel L. Schade
15 books506 followersRachel L. Schade was born on the first day of summer in a small town in Michigan, only to end up in another small town in Ohio. She attended The Ohio State University to learn how to write obnoxiously long papers, cite people who use big words, and discuss her passion: books. She has a great love for the color blue, sunshine, chocolate, and not folding her laundry. Currently she lives with her husband and surrounds herself with coffee and books on a regular basis.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
June 15, 2021
I wrote it. I like it. Duh. ;)
August 12, 2023
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this one.
I really loved the themes and discussions in this about prejudice and power. It's one of my favourite things to read about in fantasy and the setup of this one is perfect for it. I do love thé conversations we had but i wish we dived a little deeper into them. Especially when it came to our main characters. I just wanted to see there hate kinda peeled away like an onion to realize they are all more alike then they realized. You see glimmers of that but I just wanted more. But this is a four book series so I'm sure it will come.
What really kept this from getting a higher rating for me was the characters. We followed two povs and I just cared about one WAY more then the other. When I was in the princess POV I could have kept reading for hours. I loved it. But when we switched to the nun it was so easy for me to find something else to get distracted by.
The ending of this story was a banger though and has me intrigued in picking up the next one.
Also I originally thought this was sapphic since it says a fanro and there's two female povs. However it is not. Both female povs have a male love interest. Which I liked the romance elements in this. But thought it was worth mentioning since I went in thinking it was sapphic others might too.
My full thoughts are in this video
https://youtu.be/Q2cVHjB-sYM
I really loved the themes and discussions in this about prejudice and power. It's one of my favourite things to read about in fantasy and the setup of this one is perfect for it. I do love thé conversations we had but i wish we dived a little deeper into them. Especially when it came to our main characters. I just wanted to see there hate kinda peeled away like an onion to realize they are all more alike then they realized. You see glimmers of that but I just wanted more. But this is a four book series so I'm sure it will come.
What really kept this from getting a higher rating for me was the characters. We followed two povs and I just cared about one WAY more then the other. When I was in the princess POV I could have kept reading for hours. I loved it. But when we switched to the nun it was so easy for me to find something else to get distracted by.
The ending of this story was a banger though and has me intrigued in picking up the next one.
Also I originally thought this was sapphic since it says a fanro and there's two female povs. However it is not. Both female povs have a male love interest. Which I liked the romance elements in this. But thought it was worth mentioning since I went in thinking it was sapphic others might too.
My full thoughts are in this video
https://youtu.be/Q2cVHjB-sYM
September 17, 2021
Kovi. Dragons. Magic. Ribbons. I love this story.
I was hesitant to read this story, I'll be honest. But Schade is a master storyteller and has crafted a story that will stay long with you and keep you on your toes. Kovi is one of my favorite characters to date, and I cannot wait to read more about him in the next book! I truly can't get enough of this storyworld. It came so vividly go life in Schade's descriptions, and I felt like I was right there in the story. An absolute must-read for fantasy lovers! And it's a dragon book! Which we all know we need more of!
I was hesitant to read this story, I'll be honest. But Schade is a master storyteller and has crafted a story that will stay long with you and keep you on your toes. Kovi is one of my favorite characters to date, and I cannot wait to read more about him in the next book! I truly can't get enough of this storyworld. It came so vividly go life in Schade's descriptions, and I felt like I was right there in the story. An absolute must-read for fantasy lovers! And it's a dragon book! Which we all know we need more of!
August 2, 2021
Hm. I both liked and disliked this book. I think that mostly had to do with loving Jalie's POV and hating Lo's POV. Jalie was so interesting and multifaceted. I just love morally gray characters and the royalty+guard romance trope. Lo, on the other hand, was painfully annoying and also a nun...who had a love interest? I felt super weird about that.
Here are my other, lesser, cons:
- the 2 POV timelines were super confusing. At one point, I think it jumped back and forth between past and present? I never really knew if it was the night after or the night before, etc.
- there weren't a lot of dragon scenes, which I kinda expected there would be a ton due to the cover and the title.
- the writing felt subpar. It's like the author thought readers were dumb and would forget things. I always want to feel smart as a reader, and I felt frustrated by how much repetition there was of exact same conversations, same explanations for things, etc.
- I'm not sure how I feel about the whole plot based on racism and a fantasy version of the Civil Rights Movement. It felt...unoriginal? I feel really bad saying that because it's such an important topic to discuss and think about, but I honestly felt awkward about it, like she was using real, awful history to fit her fantasy dragon novel. (But I am very unqualified saying this since I am not BIPOC and I haven't ever experienced racism, so I'd appreciate others' thoughts on this. Maybe I'm totally wrong.)
But there are some pros to this book. The ending was very well done. Jalie's character development and her slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance with Kovi was excellent. If this book was solely from Jalie's POV (and if the writing was more top-notch), I would love this book. I'm tempted to pick up the sequel when it comes out, but only for Jalie and Kovi. We'll see how I feel when book two releases.
Here are my other, lesser, cons:
- the 2 POV timelines were super confusing. At one point, I think it jumped back and forth between past and present? I never really knew if it was the night after or the night before, etc.
- there weren't a lot of dragon scenes, which I kinda expected there would be a ton due to the cover and the title.
- the writing felt subpar. It's like the author thought readers were dumb and would forget things. I always want to feel smart as a reader, and I felt frustrated by how much repetition there was of exact same conversations, same explanations for things, etc.
- I'm not sure how I feel about the whole plot based on racism and a fantasy version of the Civil Rights Movement. It felt...unoriginal? I feel really bad saying that because it's such an important topic to discuss and think about, but I honestly felt awkward about it, like she was using real, awful history to fit her fantasy dragon novel. (But I am very unqualified saying this since I am not BIPOC and I haven't ever experienced racism, so I'd appreciate others' thoughts on this. Maybe I'm totally wrong.)
But there are some pros to this book. The ending was very well done. Jalie's character development and her slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance with Kovi was excellent. If this book was solely from Jalie's POV (and if the writing was more top-notch), I would love this book. I'm tempted to pick up the sequel when it comes out, but only for Jalie and Kovi. We'll see how I feel when book two releases.
June 30, 2021
It was a great book and I enjoyed reading it. I loved the dragons in this story and I enjoyed the storyline. The characters were great and i couldn’t put it down.
June 16, 2023
This was something else. If you love a captivating story? Then here it is. The world building was incredible and I absolutely loved that despite the hatred among forwyn and alrenian. They all have one thing in common, they all admire & love: the dragons.
What can I say? I did not expect the ending, I didn’t trust the character fully but I didn’t thought about that.
What I really loved about this was the two different pov‘s from Jalie and Lo. They both have the same mission: Freedom for themselves and for their people.
Jalie was honestly hard to like because she had these thoughts about her as an empress being better but she only has them because that’s how she was raised. How can she know something else? It’s so interesting and tragic for who her mother was. To her, she was a loving and caring mother. She loved her but to others? To Forwyn? She was a monster. She was not good and I think Jalie will have to learn soon how her mother was wrong in so many ways. What can I else say? She’s fierce, cunning and really smart. I liked her in the end a little more than Lo because I thought her story line was somehow more interesting.
Lo? Also a really great character but this whole nun business was a bit boring for me. I still liked how compassionate she was and how she wants to fight for her people. For them having a better future. I think in the next books she will have great development because now she is kinda too afraid and feels to guilty for what she had to do and I felt really bad at the end for her because of the plot twist.
The two couples? Surprisingly I was more a fan of Jalie and her guard Kovi, I loved every chapter of them but I think that’s because I thought it’s very frustrating with Lo being a nun and everything but if ur into forbidden romance, then Lo and Casiem are for you. Mine are more Enemies to Lovers like Jalie and Kovi!
The two boys? I loved them. Don’t have anything else to add.😂
Why not five stars? First because I was sometimes bored with Lo chapters (only because of the nun stuff) and also because I think it would’ve been even better with the POV‘s of the two main male characters but nonetheless I can totally recommend, even though there is no spice!
What can I say? I did not expect the ending, I didn’t trust the character fully but I didn’t thought about that.
What I really loved about this was the two different pov‘s from Jalie and Lo. They both have the same mission: Freedom for themselves and for their people.
Jalie was honestly hard to like because she had these thoughts about her as an empress being better but she only has them because that’s how she was raised. How can she know something else? It’s so interesting and tragic for who her mother was. To her, she was a loving and caring mother. She loved her but to others? To Forwyn? She was a monster. She was not good and I think Jalie will have to learn soon how her mother was wrong in so many ways. What can I else say? She’s fierce, cunning and really smart. I liked her in the end a little more than Lo because I thought her story line was somehow more interesting.
Lo? Also a really great character but this whole nun business was a bit boring for me. I still liked how compassionate she was and how she wants to fight for her people. For them having a better future. I think in the next books she will have great development because now she is kinda too afraid and feels to guilty for what she had to do and I felt really bad at the end for her because of the plot twist.
The two couples? Surprisingly I was more a fan of Jalie and her guard Kovi, I loved every chapter of them but I think that’s because I thought it’s very frustrating with Lo being a nun and everything but if ur into forbidden romance, then Lo and Casiem are for you. Mine are more Enemies to Lovers like Jalie and Kovi!
The two boys? I loved them. Don’t have anything else to add.😂
Why not five stars? First because I was sometimes bored with Lo chapters (only because of the nun stuff) and also because I think it would’ve been even better with the POV‘s of the two main male characters but nonetheless I can totally recommend, even though there is no spice!
June 8, 2021
I was immediately captivated by this story from the first page. Rachel L Schade is a brilliant writer who draws you in to the history, the characters, the world-building of her magical world from the start. I love fantasy stories with deep history and world-building, ones that feel like you’re discovering an entire civilization that’s existed for thousands of years and you just didn’t know about it yet. Empire of Dragons is definitely one of those stories!
It also has amazing characters that you can’t help but relate to, even the morally gray ones. The romances kept drawing me back because I was desperate to find out what happened. So if you like fantastic history and world-building, forbidden romance, deep, morally gray characters, plot-twists, and a uniquely amazing fantasy setting, this book is for you!
It also has amazing characters that you can’t help but relate to, even the morally gray ones. The romances kept drawing me back because I was desperate to find out what happened. So if you like fantastic history and world-building, forbidden romance, deep, morally gray characters, plot-twists, and a uniquely amazing fantasy setting, this book is for you!
June 10, 2022
I finished the audiobook Empire of Dragons last night and oh my gosh, it was so good. It’s told from the POV of two different young women who are on opposing sides of a decades long conflict, which I thoroughly enjoyed and which I think added such a layer of complexity and richness to the YA fantasy. EOD also features an enemies to lovers storyline that’s thick with tension AND dragon warriors! Def recommend this book for fantasy lovers and def recommend if you’re looking for a new audiobook!
July 11, 2021
This story is filled with beautiful description, captivating world-building, and characters you want to die for! Schade intricately weaved two relatable and very intense stories together and made you root for both even though they are enemies. And then there’s that ending! One twist after another and I couldn’t put it down.
I can’t wait to read book 2!
I can’t wait to read book 2!
October 20, 2022
I’m incredibly behind on reviewing this stunning book, which I devoured several months ago...
Empire of Dragons is a MUST-READ for fans of epic fantasy, magic, enemies to lovers romance, and dragons!!
There is so much about this book I loved, particularly seeing the story unfold through the eyes of Lo and Jalie, two strong and courageous young women on opposing sides of an age-old conflict. Their voices and emotions were so vivid, so raw, they completely drew me in and had me rooting for them BOTH…not an easy feat! On the romance front, Jalie and Kovi’s relationship was EVERYTHING to me. Who doesn’t love a forbidden, royal figure x bodyguard trope? It was flawless. And THAT ENDING?!?! WOOOW. *full-on jaw drop*
Schade has an exquisite talent for intricate world-building and compelling storytelling! I can’t wait to read Empire of Traitors, and see what’s in store for this cast of brilliant characters...
Empire of Dragons is a MUST-READ for fans of epic fantasy, magic, enemies to lovers romance, and dragons!!
There is so much about this book I loved, particularly seeing the story unfold through the eyes of Lo and Jalie, two strong and courageous young women on opposing sides of an age-old conflict. Their voices and emotions were so vivid, so raw, they completely drew me in and had me rooting for them BOTH…not an easy feat! On the romance front, Jalie and Kovi’s relationship was EVERYTHING to me. Who doesn’t love a forbidden, royal figure x bodyguard trope? It was flawless. And THAT ENDING?!?! WOOOW. *full-on jaw drop*
Schade has an exquisite talent for intricate world-building and compelling storytelling! I can’t wait to read Empire of Traitors, and see what’s in store for this cast of brilliant characters...
May 19, 2022
If you like enemies to lovers and forbidden romance this is for you. Fantasy, Dragons, slow burn romance. Two strong women and two of their POV's they have magic and even get to ride dragons! What more can you ask for
June 3, 2021
What happens after you become a hero? You've destroyed the cruel empresses and everything just goes back to normal, right? Right?
Schade dives into exactly what would happen and she does it masterfully. Following two points of view, you see the hero-empress-slayer (Lo'laeni) perspective filled with...pride? As well as the empresses' daughter (Jaliana) who is shunned and ridiculed by her new placeholders.
The back and forth between hero-villain but with a twist. Who remains right and who remains wrong? Schade blurs the lines and wipes them further away with the additional characters of of Kovi and Caesiem.
For all my fans of morally grey, enemies to lovers...
and more freakin' dragons!!
Trust me. You don't want to miss this.
*Note: This is a spin-off series. Although it is not necessary, I highly recommend reading the Silent Kingdom series before diving into this world. It really will just make the experience that much more grand.
Schade dives into exactly what would happen and she does it masterfully. Following two points of view, you see the hero-empress-slayer (Lo'laeni) perspective filled with...pride? As well as the empresses' daughter (Jaliana) who is shunned and ridiculed by her new placeholders.
The back and forth between hero-villain but with a twist. Who remains right and who remains wrong? Schade blurs the lines and wipes them further away with the additional characters of of Kovi and Caesiem.
For all my fans of morally grey, enemies to lovers...
and more freakin' dragons!!
Trust me. You don't want to miss this.
*Note: This is a spin-off series. Although it is not necessary, I highly recommend reading the Silent Kingdom series before diving into this world. It really will just make the experience that much more grand.
September 17, 2021
One of the few books where I have loved every character. I don’t know who I’m rooting for, but I’m so invested and can’t wait to see what is in store for them!
I appreciated Jalie’s resolve. All too often—in YA novels especially—we see characters abandon everything they’ve believed their whole lives after just a few chapters. Also love that the enemies to lovers arc is both familiar and refreshingly different.
Lo grew on me. Caesiem is a blue eyed angel… with singed wings (not a literal angel btw… he’s just a man, but I love him).
I haven’t yet read the original trilogy set in this world, but the author didn’t lie when she said this second series can stand on its own. So so good.
I appreciated Jalie’s resolve. All too often—in YA novels especially—we see characters abandon everything they’ve believed their whole lives after just a few chapters. Also love that the enemies to lovers arc is both familiar and refreshingly different.
Lo grew on me. Caesiem is a blue eyed angel… with singed wings (not a literal angel btw… he’s just a man, but I love him).
I haven’t yet read the original trilogy set in this world, but the author didn’t lie when she said this second series can stand on its own. So so good.
July 23, 2024
DNF
Overall, the writing isn’t bad at all and it picks on so many interesting themes.
I just don’t think I’m emotionally intelligent to keep up.
Really struggled to enjoy reading either of the POVs, and felt like I was forcing myself to keep reading hoping it would get better.
I’m sure it is a good series but just not for me personally 🤷🏼♀️
Overall, the writing isn’t bad at all and it picks on so many interesting themes.
I just don’t think I’m emotionally intelligent to keep up.
Really struggled to enjoy reading either of the POVs, and felt like I was forcing myself to keep reading hoping it would get better.
I’m sure it is a good series but just not for me personally 🤷🏼♀️
Read
September 2, 2022Unfortunately, this was a DNF for me. I just couldn’t get attached to the characters. There were so many good reviews I was hoping I’d love it too but it just didn’t work for me.
August 21, 2021
Review:
This book was absolutely amazing! The characters are so incredibly complex. You can’t help getting caught up in their lives, their hopes and fears. Rachel J. Schade has you rooting for one character one minute and wanting them to fail the next and back to rooting for them. You almost want to hate them but you can’t help but sympathize and it’s such a wild roller coaster. The only thing I didn’t like was the fact that I can’t read the next one yet. This is the first of her books I’ve read and I’ll definitely look up the rest of her collection!
Synopsis:
Empire of Dragons is set in the kingdom of Alrenor where the former Forwyn slaves have taken control of the empire. It follows the lives of two women; Jalie the former empress’ daughter, and Lo a former Forwyn slave, as both search for a way to help their respective people during a time of troubled division.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2021
Enemies to lovers, but better
One of the best enemies to lovers trope I've ever read. Having the two POVs on both sides of story made this even better. Who are you supposed to believe and root for? Being able to read the story from both sides made everything feel more real. And the characters! Its very rare for me to love all characters in a book, but Rachel had a fantastic way of writing such different people that I absolutely love now. A nun, thief, empress, and a soldier. Having such a well balanced and diverse cast of characters made this book even more enjoyable. Do yourself a favor and just read it, and then fall in love with this unique world and delightful characters that Rachel created.. I cannot wait for the next book!
One of the best enemies to lovers trope I've ever read. Having the two POVs on both sides of story made this even better. Who are you supposed to believe and root for? Being able to read the story from both sides made everything feel more real. And the characters! Its very rare for me to love all characters in a book, but Rachel had a fantastic way of writing such different people that I absolutely love now. A nun, thief, empress, and a soldier. Having such a well balanced and diverse cast of characters made this book even more enjoyable. Do yourself a favor and just read it, and then fall in love with this unique world and delightful characters that Rachel created.. I cannot wait for the next book!
November 19, 2021
Y'all know I love it when stories are told from different perspectives, especially when those views are from opposing sides. Empire of Dragons ticks that box for me. The story follows Lo and Jalie. Lo is a Forwyn nun who vows to never kill again after slitting the throat of the former Empress. Jalie is the current Alrenian Empress and is held captive within her own home by the same people who overthrew her mother's reign. The Empire is rife with unrest and violence, and both Lo and Jalie are determined to pave the path to peace for their people.
Empire of Dragons is the perfect start to a series. The beginning of the plot was a little slow, but it's a non-issue because Schade creates such an interesting world to dump readers in. Because of the world-building present, the backstory of the Empire and the two sects of people that reside within come naturally. As the story progresses, I found myself wrapped up in wondering which side is right or wrong and how the heck this Empire is going to be saved.
There are so many scenes that I want to gush about, but I don't want to spoil anything. Basically, every interaction between Jalie and Kovi (the Forwyn guard tasked with watching her 24/7) is my favorite. I love Lo and cannot get enough of her character development. I'm also IN LOVE with the magic systems and can't wait for those to be explored more.
Phew! That ending! I finished EoD last week, and I'm still thinking about that ending that I did NOT see coming. I'm thankful the wait for book two isn't too long (January 21st!) because I can't wait to dive back in with these characters. I'm not usually a fan of cliffhangers, but the ending is just so perfect and sets up for book two nicely.
I highly recommend this book for fans of: fantasy, unique magic systems that stem from religion and/or higher deities, Empires on the brink of self-destruction, dual POVs, dragons, enemies to lovers, and forced proximity.
Empire of Dragons is the perfect start to a series. The beginning of the plot was a little slow, but it's a non-issue because Schade creates such an interesting world to dump readers in. Because of the world-building present, the backstory of the Empire and the two sects of people that reside within come naturally. As the story progresses, I found myself wrapped up in wondering which side is right or wrong and how the heck this Empire is going to be saved.
There are so many scenes that I want to gush about, but I don't want to spoil anything. Basically, every interaction between Jalie and Kovi (the Forwyn guard tasked with watching her 24/7) is my favorite. I love Lo and cannot get enough of her character development. I'm also IN LOVE with the magic systems and can't wait for those to be explored more.
Phew! That ending! I finished EoD last week, and I'm still thinking about that ending that I did NOT see coming. I'm thankful the wait for book two isn't too long (January 21st!) because I can't wait to dive back in with these characters. I'm not usually a fan of cliffhangers, but the ending is just so perfect and sets up for book two nicely.
I highly recommend this book for fans of: fantasy, unique magic systems that stem from religion and/or higher deities, Empires on the brink of self-destruction, dual POVs, dragons, enemies to lovers, and forced proximity.
October 21, 2022
This book is so. good.
I love when a fantasy book can take human emotions like grief, anger, and guilt and not only make you really think about it but also feel it, if that makes any sense🤣
I was equally rooting for all the MCs and that is not an easy feat! Usually you lean more toward one, but the way it's written makes you want them all to win even though that's not even possible.🤯
Schade is an amazing author and I highly recommend this book to any fantasy, enemies to lovers, and dragon fans.
I love when a fantasy book can take human emotions like grief, anger, and guilt and not only make you really think about it but also feel it, if that makes any sense🤣
I was equally rooting for all the MCs and that is not an easy feat! Usually you lean more toward one, but the way it's written makes you want them all to win even though that's not even possible.🤯
Schade is an amazing author and I highly recommend this book to any fantasy, enemies to lovers, and dragon fans.
August 5, 2024
A great first instalment to the series. It has Throne of Glass energy in terms of the politics this system sets out. However, the magic and characters are all Schade's own.
A 2-person POV novel, this fantasy book lays the groundwork for an empire in turmoil. Tropes include:
Enemies to crushes,
Will they/won't they,
One bed trope,
Bada$$ nun (is this a trope? Feels like it should be)
And a million other tropes my brain can't brain right now. On to the second book I go!
A 2-person POV novel, this fantasy book lays the groundwork for an empire in turmoil. Tropes include:
Enemies to crushes,
Will they/won't they,
One bed trope,
Bada$$ nun (is this a trope? Feels like it should be)
And a million other tropes my brain can't brain right now. On to the second book I go!
January 10, 2024
Empire of Dragons has everything I could ever wish for in a book: a badass nun as a main character, well written religious and social-cultural themes, great characters and a thrilling story which ends in a plot twist you'll never see coming... and ofcourse, dragons! 🐉✨️
November 15, 2021
One of my favorite things to read is a book with dragons 🐉
So of course I had to try out EMPIRE OF DRAGONS!!! Initially I thought I had the two MC's figured out, I knew exactly what their motives were and what they would do and how they would act. But the spoiled warrior princess is not just that and the Empress Slayer is also not what she seems. Both have violence and tragedy in their past and are incredibly compelling characters.
I definitely enjoyed Jalie's POV the most, she is such a great morally grey character, plus Kovi (her very muscular and very hot guard) is amazing 😍
Go read this book!!! You won't be disappointed!!
If you still aren't convinced, go listen to the song "Arcade" by Duncan Laurence ft. FLETCHER it is the PERFECT song for Kovi and Jalie and will give you a good taste for the vibe of the book!!
So of course I had to try out EMPIRE OF DRAGONS!!! Initially I thought I had the two MC's figured out, I knew exactly what their motives were and what they would do and how they would act. But the spoiled warrior princess is not just that and the Empress Slayer is also not what she seems. Both have violence and tragedy in their past and are incredibly compelling characters.
I definitely enjoyed Jalie's POV the most, she is such a great morally grey character, plus Kovi (her very muscular and very hot guard) is amazing 😍
Go read this book!!! You won't be disappointed!!
If you still aren't convinced, go listen to the song "Arcade" by Duncan Laurence ft. FLETCHER it is the PERFECT song for Kovi and Jalie and will give you a good taste for the vibe of the book!!
September 20, 2021
An imaginative world with kingdoms, dragons, distrust, court schemes, morally grey characters and a bloody history make for an extremely interesting start to this series! I am loving this world and cannot wait to read the next books!
Yes, this story has it all. After many years of incredible hostility, brutality, killings and enslavement of the Forwyn people by the Alrenians, this is a setting that is ripe for danger. Through the death of the Empress, the Forwyn take control of the Alrenian kingdom and leave the former empress's daughter as the puppet empress while controlling the country with a Forwyn council of people.
Every chapter follows one of our two main characters: Lo a former slave turned nun who after killing the previous empress is dedicating her life to Elhani, the god the Forwyn people believe in. And Jaliana, daughter of the former empress of Alrenian, current puppet empress turned hostage in the castle.
As I started reading, I quickly fell in love with Jalie's chapters more than Lo's ones. Rachel's ability to make you doubt, curse, and want to shake her is admirable. I loved seeing how short-sighted she was at times, blind to the injustices happening around her and believing herself superior. Too many sides to her, she was an amazing character to follow.
For Lo, my love for her story grew as she started becoming more involved in the current schemes. As her story picks up, so do the different layers of her personality. She has lived a harsh, difficult life, completely opposite to the other female lead in this story.
And the difference in character becomes a breath of fresh air as we go from one story to the next. It really is incredible how different and original each story is, and at points it's really not clear whether or not they will overlap at some point, but at the same time that's exactly what we are itching for!
Each has a strong male lead by their side and they have their own characteristics, stories and personalities that make them swoon worthy without much effort from our side. I loved them both for very different reasons.
And, the last 20% of the book picked up such a pace and turn of events that it has left me anxious for the next book. I really really need to know where this story goes next.
If you like morally grey characters and plots, this is exactly for you. It's hard to pinpoint who has the ultimate truth and who is doing the right thing: lines get blurred and you don't know who to trust. A great read overall!
Yes, this story has it all. After many years of incredible hostility, brutality, killings and enslavement of the Forwyn people by the Alrenians, this is a setting that is ripe for danger. Through the death of the Empress, the Forwyn take control of the Alrenian kingdom and leave the former empress's daughter as the puppet empress while controlling the country with a Forwyn council of people.
Every chapter follows one of our two main characters: Lo a former slave turned nun who after killing the previous empress is dedicating her life to Elhani, the god the Forwyn people believe in. And Jaliana, daughter of the former empress of Alrenian, current puppet empress turned hostage in the castle.
As I started reading, I quickly fell in love with Jalie's chapters more than Lo's ones. Rachel's ability to make you doubt, curse, and want to shake her is admirable. I loved seeing how short-sighted she was at times, blind to the injustices happening around her and believing herself superior. Too many sides to her, she was an amazing character to follow.
For Lo, my love for her story grew as she started becoming more involved in the current schemes. As her story picks up, so do the different layers of her personality. She has lived a harsh, difficult life, completely opposite to the other female lead in this story.
And the difference in character becomes a breath of fresh air as we go from one story to the next. It really is incredible how different and original each story is, and at points it's really not clear whether or not they will overlap at some point, but at the same time that's exactly what we are itching for!
Each has a strong male lead by their side and they have their own characteristics, stories and personalities that make them swoon worthy without much effort from our side. I loved them both for very different reasons.
And, the last 20% of the book picked up such a pace and turn of events that it has left me anxious for the next book. I really really need to know where this story goes next.
If you like morally grey characters and plots, this is exactly for you. It's hard to pinpoint who has the ultimate truth and who is doing the right thing: lines get blurred and you don't know who to trust. A great read overall!
June 20, 2021
Where do I begin?
Empire of Dragons was a fun and unforgettable read! I was hooked immediately after the first chapter!
Schade does a gorgeous job of fleshing out this fantasy world. Readers will be able to see the different sides of the Alrenian Empire through Dual Points of View. I found these two narratives to flow seamlessly throughout the book. This novel was a quick read that left me desiring the sequel by its end.
The author's writing style brought both the protagonists and side characters to life. The personalities of the MCs shined brightly in each chapter. These main characters were both strong female leads. As a reader, I couldn't help but find myself rooting for both of them on their journeys.
My favourite chapters were by far the ones that featured Jalie & Kovi. If you're wondering, I'm 100% on Team K-Bae.
The ending will make you want to have book two in your hands. There were a few twists that I did not see coming while reading this story.
Overall, Empire of Dragons is a fun and unforgettable read. It has beautiful world-building and character development. It will leave readers excited for book two. I'm eager to see what comes next in the Cursed Empire series.
Empire of Dragons was a fun and unforgettable read! I was hooked immediately after the first chapter!
Schade does a gorgeous job of fleshing out this fantasy world. Readers will be able to see the different sides of the Alrenian Empire through Dual Points of View. I found these two narratives to flow seamlessly throughout the book. This novel was a quick read that left me desiring the sequel by its end.
The author's writing style brought both the protagonists and side characters to life. The personalities of the MCs shined brightly in each chapter. These main characters were both strong female leads. As a reader, I couldn't help but find myself rooting for both of them on their journeys.
My favourite chapters were by far the ones that featured Jalie & Kovi. If you're wondering, I'm 100% on Team K-Bae.
The ending will make you want to have book two in your hands. There were a few twists that I did not see coming while reading this story.
Overall, Empire of Dragons is a fun and unforgettable read. It has beautiful world-building and character development. It will leave readers excited for book two. I'm eager to see what comes next in the Cursed Empire series.
September 19, 2021
A great fantasy read, with such strong characters, especially the female protagonists. The relationships portrayed really drew me in and there was even my favourite relationship, that of enemies to lovers as one story arc, however my favourite was that of the nun who falls in love with the thief. The world building was really well done, with some great descriptive writing, which made for a really immersive setting. What I really loved about this book, however, were the dragons. They are my absolute favourite fantasy creatures and so I was sold on this book right from the start, with the bedtime stories of how they became part of the Arlenian Empire. I have also just discovered that this book is a spin off of The Silent Kingdom series, which is immediately going on to my wish list and I cannot wait to read it.
September 20, 2021
This is an excellent book! It’s fast paced and definitely kept me reading. It’s told from 2 perspectives, Jalie, the figurehead empress of the Alrenian empire, and Lo, a Forwyn nun. There is significant tension between the 2 races, especially since Jalie’s mother was killed, and Jalie and Lo are stuck in the middle of it. I liked both POVs, but Jalie was my favourite. She’s definitely a morally grey character, plus I loved Kovi! And the dragons are magnificent! I liked learning about the history and magic of the 2 races and I’d like to learn more in future books! If you enjoy YA fantasy with lots of tension and some romance I highly recommend this book!
I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 1, 2021
Writing all the things wrong with this story would be easier, and here they are:
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Oh that's right! There is nothing wrong with this story! I got to read a preview of it, and in my opinion, Rachel is one of the best story tellers! She does a fantastic job of developing these characters that leave you rooting for them, even when you may want to slap them. I've never once read one of her books and felt bored because I believed the story was dragging. I cannot say enough great things about her stories! Do yourself a favor and pick this up once it comes out, I truly believe you won't regret it
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Oh that's right! There is nothing wrong with this story! I got to read a preview of it, and in my opinion, Rachel is one of the best story tellers! She does a fantastic job of developing these characters that leave you rooting for them, even when you may want to slap them. I've never once read one of her books and felt bored because I believed the story was dragging. I cannot say enough great things about her stories! Do yourself a favor and pick this up once it comes out, I truly believe you won't regret it
September 30, 2021
This was such a fun read! It had everything you need from a YA fantasy novel! A swoon worthy enemies to lovers / forbidden love storyline between two amazing characters, dragons and magic!
It captured my attention since the very first pages and it only got better from there. An adventure you don't want to miss as it offers really delightful scenes and dialogues!
It captured my attention since the very first pages and it only got better from there. An adventure you don't want to miss as it offers really delightful scenes and dialogues!
September 18, 2021
This book is simply mind blowing! I am usually one who picks characters I like and dislike from the very beginning. However, this book had me going back and forth on my opinions. Every! Single! Chapter! The characters are so real and so raw. You can’t help but root for them all. It’s fantastic! And OH! OH! That ending!!!! I did not see that coming! You just really have to read this book! Do yourself a favor and get it. Now!
February 19, 2022
An emotional ride with incredible worldbuilding! This book does a good job exploring a difficult topic: racial prejudice. Schade whisks you away to a rich fantasy world where she delves into the reasons behind culture-deep racism. The two main characters are fierce women who would do anything to help their people, including harm others. If you enjoy political intrigue, strong heroines, body-guard tropes, and a story with empire-wide scope, check out this book! You'll never guess the ending!
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