Week 7 Review: Tear Down the Throne

From Goodreads:

Bestselling author Jennifer Estep continues her Gargoyle Queen epic fantasy series where magic reigns, alliances are tested, and a dangerous attraction could tear down a throne. . .

Crown princess. Clever spy. Powerful mind magier. Gemma Ripley of Andvari is all those things--and determined to stop an enemy from using magical tearstone weapons to conquer her kingdom.

Gemma's quest for answers leads her to a trade Summit between the various kingdoms. Among the other royals in attendance is Queen Maeven Morricone of Morta and her son, Prince Leonidas--Gemma's charming and dangerous nemesis.

Gemma knows that Maeven always has a long game in motion, and sure enough, the cunning queen invokes an arcane tradition that threatens the fragile truce between Andvari and the other kingdoms. Despite her best intentions, Gemma once again finds herself thrown together with Leo and battling her growing feelings for the enemy prince.

When a series of deadly attacks shatters the Summit's peaceful negotiations, Gemma realizes that someone wants to tear the royals down from their thrones--and that this enemy just might succeed. 

My Review:
I had such a great time reading this book! This world is so fantastic, and I enjoyed spending more time here with Gemma, dealing with life as a royal, and as a spy! That we spend this story at the Summit, with about half of the kingdoms represented, well, the drama that ensues was so great to read!

The Gauntlet that Leo has to go through, was so interesting to read. Of course Maeven would make it a weapon, but when we basically learn her motives, yeah, I can understand why she did so. Though I'm hoping that he takes her name, if they get married in the next book, because she's the one that's going to inherit a crown. 

There's a lot of politics, both with Andvari and Morta, as well as with Ryusama. There's a lot of people with a lot of agendas, and it was hard to know who to trust. And trust is a big issue with Gemma and Leo, that she doesn't trust him. So I really enjoyed how all these politics, personal and country wide-scope worked out! That ending was pretty epic!

On one hand, I can understand why we aren't getting Evie in this series, this is Gemma's turn to shine. But I still would like more updates about her life, besides that she's dealing with a problem. Do she and Lucas have kids? Have they found more Blairs? I want to know!

Loved reading this book, and I can't wait for book 3! 

Author: Jennifer Estep
Series: Gargoyle Queen #2
Read: February 14th, 2022
Source: Edelweiss
Reason Why: Love her writing and this series, and it's a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2022 Book and a WoW Book! 
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Expected Publication: May 3rd 2022

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars