Rise of a Dark Throne

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This author came up in my TikTok feed and I was immediately intrigued based on all the artwork on Ligia’s feed for the characters of this story.

The premise was interesting and I loved the world building that came with this story. It’s unlike any fantasy I’ve read and there were twists that I wasn’t expecting. That epilogue though! Now I must read the next book! It can’t come fast enough!

The story follows Sole who is thrust into the throne after a mysterious Darkness takes the lives of her people, parents, two sisters and her partner. She is then blessed with magick to heal and has the task of rebuilding her kingdom of the Mosa people. Word spreads that she possesses the power to heal and is summoned by a distant enemy of Sundom to help heal their king. Sundom’s second son, Prince Rivian comes to escort Sole to their lands and as they sail across the seas, they start forming a bond. Once in Sundom, not all is as it seems and the events that occur changes everything.

I love stories with strong female leads and Sole encompassed that energy. She never wanted to be queen but stepped up because she had to. It was all taken in her stride and I love her as a character. Her best friend Nisa was also a breathe of fresh air. As Sole’s most trusted advisor, she had a strong confident presence and stood up for herself or Sole when it counts.

Rivian is that prince we all want to love right? He’s hot, we’re there for it and I loved his caring nature. His intentions initially weren’t the best but spending time with Sole changed him for the better. The major twist with his storyline has me reeling!

Loved the BIPOC representation mixed with fantasy. There’s not enough of this rep in stories being promoted and they really should be! I am interested to read more from this author and see where this story goes as there’s elements at the end of the book which will open a can of worms.