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The Edict
Being chosen by the Edict of Maidens is supposed to be an honour. For Kiara it’s a death sentence.
The Emrilion empire is tipping towards rebellion. High Councillor Garesh releases the Edict of Maidens to marry off the Prince so the sovereign can ascend the throne. Once that’s done, Garesh will have access to full power and can continue his suppression of all races beneath the Reluwyn.
Kiara, a Laowyn woman who’s race remains a secret, is chosen by the Edict of Maidens. With no intention of letting her race be discovered or ending her days in the Prince’s harem, she disguises herself and goes on the run. Falling from one captor to another she eventually comes face-to-face with the man she loathes.
Prince Trevisian has been avoiding his responsibilities since he was a child. Knowing he can’t live up to his father’s cruel legacy he leaves ruling to Garesh. But when a beautiful woman not only defies him but challenges his decisions, he finds himself questioning everything.
In the face of war Kiara and Trevisian must decide: who are they fighting for and what are they willing to sacrifice?
The Emrilion empire is tipping towards rebellion. High Councillor Garesh releases the Edict of Maidens to marry off the Prince so the sovereign can ascend the throne. Once that’s done, Garesh will have access to full power and can continue his suppression of all races beneath the Reluwyn.
Kiara, a Laowyn woman who’s race remains a secret, is chosen by the Edict of Maidens. With no intention of letting her race be discovered or ending her days in the Prince’s harem, she disguises herself and goes on the run. Falling from one captor to another she eventually comes face-to-face with the man she loathes.
Prince Trevisian has been avoiding his responsibilities since he was a child. Knowing he can’t live up to his father’s cruel legacy he leaves ruling to Garesh. But when a beautiful woman not only defies him but challenges his decisions, he finds himself questioning everything.
In the face of war Kiara and Trevisian must decide: who are they fighting for and what are they willing to sacrifice?
- GenresChristian Fiction
392 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2022
5 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 13, 2018
The Edict was an ambitious and original fantasy with original characters, strong world-building, and even a hint of allegory (there were parallels between some parts of the story and the Book of Esther in the Bible). It's not just a retelling of a Bible story though, but a self-contained fantasy with different peoples, cultures, and traditions. There are even two suns, elves, magic and shape-shifters.
Like a good fantasy, it starts out as an adventure, before the political clashes between the races come to the fore when the peaceful Laowyn people are threatened with extermination, and face a life-changing choice. There's romance, battles, intrigue, loyalty, and an epic clash between good and evil.
The writing style made the book easier to read than some of the classics, but it might not meet everyone's tastes. I understand the author began writing this when she was in her teens, and some of the early parts seem to reflect this. The characters and story 'grow' as they go along, and by the end, I found it so compelling and engaging it didn't matter.
Some readers may wish to note that there are sexual references and some language in this book, most of the former relating to the Edict of maidens the King's harem, as well as certain adult themes. As such, I wouldn't recommend it for Young Adults. However, I do recommend for all lovers of Epic and realistic fantasy, and those who just want a good read to pass a long journey or many evenings.
I'm looking forward to the next books and seeing which characters they will focus on.
I asked to be an Advance Reader of this book and received an electronic copy for review. I was not required to write a positive one and all opinions expressed are my own.
Like a good fantasy, it starts out as an adventure, before the political clashes between the races come to the fore when the peaceful Laowyn people are threatened with extermination, and face a life-changing choice. There's romance, battles, intrigue, loyalty, and an epic clash between good and evil.
The writing style made the book easier to read than some of the classics, but it might not meet everyone's tastes. I understand the author began writing this when she was in her teens, and some of the early parts seem to reflect this. The characters and story 'grow' as they go along, and by the end, I found it so compelling and engaging it didn't matter.
Some readers may wish to note that there are sexual references and some language in this book, most of the former relating to the Edict of maidens the King's harem, as well as certain adult themes. As such, I wouldn't recommend it for Young Adults. However, I do recommend for all lovers of Epic and realistic fantasy, and those who just want a good read to pass a long journey or many evenings.
I'm looking forward to the next books and seeing which characters they will focus on.
I asked to be an Advance Reader of this book and received an electronic copy for review. I was not required to write a positive one and all opinions expressed are my own.
November 7, 2025
Wow!
I don’t always leave reviews but I can’t not this time. This was so well written and drew me into every moment. I fell in love with the characters and was so disappointed to reach the end. I want to spend more time with these amazing people and this incredible world. I can’t wait to read book 2!
I don’t always leave reviews but I can’t not this time. This was so well written and drew me into every moment. I fell in love with the characters and was so disappointed to reach the end. I want to spend more time with these amazing people and this incredible world. I can’t wait to read book 2!
April 20, 2018
4.5/5.0
Ms. Keyworth uses the Biblical story of Esther to construct a powerful new fantasy world that is brimming with life.
Read full review in the 2018 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Ms. Keyworth uses the Biblical story of Esther to construct a powerful new fantasy world that is brimming with life.
Read full review in the 2018 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
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September 14, 2018Very much enjoyed reading this fantasy novel, every time I put it down I was looking forward to the next chance to read some more. Looking forward to the next instalment!
February 7, 2023
Great First in a new Fantasy series
What a fantastic debut fantasy book.
First in this genre, the author brought her skills with her.
Can't wait for the next one!
What a fantastic debut fantasy book.
First in this genre, the author brought her skills with her.
Can't wait for the next one!
September 19, 2024
This was just so awful I couldn't finish it. The way the author portrayed the female character was terrible, and how the male characters treated the females was even worse.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews