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Conquer the Kingdom by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

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?⚔️Conquer the Kingdom by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway?⚔️

 

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Description:
Time is running out for crown princess Gemma Ripley. Despite being a cunning spy and a powerful mind magier, Gemma hasn’t been able to track down the most dangerous enemy her kingdom of Andvari has ever seen. Adding to her worries is the Sword and Shield tournament. With gladiators flocking to the capital city of Glanzen, Gemma can’t tell who is friend–or foe.

Determined to protect Andvari at any cost, Gemma hatches a bold plan, but things aren’t what they seem. Soon, everything she holds dear is being threatened, including her burgeoning relationship with Prince Leonidas Morricone.

With the kingdom she holds dear slipping through her fingers, Gemma will have to conquer her fear and unlock the true secret of her magic–or watch her friends and family die and her beloved Andvari fall . . .

 

 

Barb’s Review:
Conquer the Kingdom by Jennifer Estep is the 3rd and final book in her Gargoyle Queen trilogy. I am a big fan of Jennifer Estep, and I couldn’t wait for Conquer the Kingdom; I am happy to say I loved this series.  I hope there will be more to come from this world.

Gemma and her best friend continue to spy undercover, to search for Milo, her enemy, and find out what his evil plans are to destroy her Kingdom (Andvari).  Gemma makes plans for a Sword and Shield tournament, with gladiators from all over attending in Glanzen.  She even invited Maeven and those from Morta to participate in the tournament; in hopes of trapping Milo, who is determined destroy everyone and take over all kingdoms, including Morta .  Gemma continues to master her mind magier powers, and worrying about keeping everyone safe.

I loved seeing Leo and Gemma together, as they made such a great couple, even if the people in Andvari hated all the Mortans. I also really liked Delmira (Leo’s sister), as she was so great in helping Gemma.  It was also fun to see the Gargoyles and Strix, and I love Grimley, who has always been with Gemma since childhood. The baby Strix, Violet was cute, and I did like Lyra. We learn about why Maeven calls her the Gargoyle Queen. We also got to learn more about her mother, as she saw flasdhbacks of the past.

What follows is an exciting, tense, wild last half of the book that had me on the edge of my seat.  Gemma was an amazing heroine, and her powers became ultra-powerful, which saved her life a number of times.  The wild crazy climax was a thrill a minute, with all their lives in danger and me holding my breath to see if she would survive. At one point near the end, with her life on the line, Gemma rises up with help from her loyal Gargoyles/Strix and friends. 

Conquer the Kingdom was a fantastic finale, with so much magic, mystery, suspense, excitement, action, danger, with lives on the line, and a couple we rooted hard for. To say too much more would be spoilers, as you need to read it from start to finish. Conquer the Kingdom was so very well written by Jennifer Estep, which is no surprise, as I love all her books. I do hope Jennifer will come back to this world.  If you enjoy fantasy, you need to start reading the Gargoyle Queen series, which you should start with the first book, Capture the Crown.

•••••••••••

Sandy’s Review:

CONQUER THE KINGDOM is the third and (final ?) instalment in Jennifer Estep’s adult, GARGOYLE QUEEN dystopian, fantasy series, a spin off from the author’s CROWN OF SHARDS series. The Gargoyle Queen trilogy focuses on the secondary characters originally introduced in the Crown of Shards series. This is twenty-nine year old, Andvari Princess Gemma Ripley, and Mortan Prince Leonidis Morricone’s story line. CONQUER THE KINGDOM should not be read as a stand alone as some of the events in the current time line are as of a direct result of the events in book two TEAR DOWN THE THRONE but the author does recap some of the history and background using memories and reflections.

SOME BACKGROUND: Sixteen years earlier, Gemma Ripley lost everything including the ability to control her magic the day Queen Maeven declared war on her family, killing her mother, and destroying her heart in the process. As Gemma’s ‘mind magic’ becomes more powerful than she could have ever imagined, our heroine struggles to forgive and forget, knowing she will one day have to destroy the people who destroyed her life, including the man that she loves.

NOTE: If you have not read books one or two, there may be spoilers in my review.

Told from first person perspective (Gemma) CONQUER THE KINGDOM focuses on the preparations for, and the events of the upcoming Sword and Shield Gladiator tournament in Glitner, Gemma’s home town and the Andvari Kingdom but Gemma is wary having invited Queen Maeven, with the knowledge, her son Crown Prince Milo will make an appearance in the wake of his numerous attempts to kill our story line heroine. Prince Milo has set his sights on Gemma; he wants to take control of Andvari, destroying everything and everyone who stands in his way. Gemma is the ultimate prize, the most powerful wielder of magic, and in this, Milo is determined to take down the princess by first conquering the land but Gemma has an ally and lover in Milo’s brother Prince Leonidis aka Leo, an ally who battles between head and heart knowing Gemma will take no prisoners, meaning Leo’s brother and his mother are Gemma’s primary targets. As the Gladiator games commence, Milo is amassing an army, securing help and power from an unlikely source.

The relationship between Gemma and Leo continues to struggle in the face of Gemma’s need for vengeance, including stopping Leo’s mother, and destroying Crown Prince Milo. Leo battles between head and heart knowing the pain his mother and brother had previously inflicted upon himself and upon Princess Gemma but Maeven is still Leo’s mother, and in this, Leo must choose between the woman he loves, and the woman who gave him life. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

Once again, for fans and followers of Estep’s books and series, there are many similarities to the author’s ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN story lines including the tragic death of the mothers at the hands of the ultimate evil; the use of ‘elemental’ magic, specialty stones and gems, and the odd assortment of friends and creatures with different levels of power including gargoyles and colorful bird like creatures called strixes. And you can’t help but notice the comparisons between the requisite evil including the similarities in names and powers (Maeven Morricone/ Milos Morricone- Mab Monroe/M.M Madeline Monroe-Gemma/Gin).The fast paced, action packed scenes, and the violence perpetrated against our story line heroine are also reminiscent of the aforementioned series in that Gemma Ripley and Gin Blanco are two powerful females who are targeted for who they are, and what they do, and in this suffer as they struggle to protect the people they love.

And not to sound like a broken record, as per my previous reviews, there continues to be a redundancy and overwhelming use of the words purple (79 times) and violet (62 times) pertaining to the Mortan Kingdom’s Royal colors, eye color, the name of a baby strix, and their world as a whole.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, magical and powerful secondary and supporting characters. We are reintroduced to spy and dragon morph Reiko Yamato, Gladiator Kai; gem worker and jeweller Alvis; Gemma’s grandfather King Heinrich, her father Crown Prince Dominic, and his wife Rhea Hans; gargoyles Grimley (Gemma’s familiar), Fern and Otto, and strixes Lyra (Leo’s familiar) and baby Violet; Leo and Milo’s mother Queen Maeven, as well as their sister Delmira, and Milo’s right hand man Captain Wexel. The requisite evil has many faces.

CONQUER THE QUEEN is a story of madness and vengeance, greed, power and control, misunderstanding and mistrust, acceptance and love. CONQUER THE QUEEN reveals the prophecy of three queens, and so far, we have focused on two: Everleigh (Crown of Shards), and Gemma (Gargoyle Queen), and the third queen has been revealed for the author’s next series. The premise is captivating, engaging and energizing; the romance is subtle and seductive; the characters are energetic, dynamic and charismatic. Jennifer Estep is a master at story telling.

Jennifer is graciously offering a $10 Amazon Gift card to ONE (1) lucky commenters  at The Reading Cafe:

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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8. Giveaway open Internationally

9. Giveaway runs from March 7– 11,  2023

 

 

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Tear Down the Throne by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Tear Down the Throne by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Description:
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.

 

Barb’s Review:
Tear Down the Throne by Jennifer Estep is the 2nd book in her Gargoyle Queen series.  I am a big fan of Jennifer Estep, and I couldn’t wait for Tear Down the Throne; I am happy to say I am loving this series.

Tear Down the Throne picks up where it left off in the last book, with Gemma back home in Andvari. Gemma has recovered from her injuries (scars still remain), which her evil enemy Milo inflicted on her.  But nothing stops Gemma from continuing spying on Milo, as well as Maeven, to learn what they are up to; especially with Milo’s use of the tearstone.   Gemma always has her friend Reiko, who is also a spy, with her when they investigate; I really liked how close Gemma and Reiko were.  Slowly, Gemma learns to use her magical powers, which begin to increase.

The annual Summit is upon us, with all royals from various kingdoms gathering to make trades.   Gemma knows she will come face to face with Queen Maeven Morricone of Morta, as well as her evil son, Prince Milo, and Prince Leonidas (the man she truly cares for), whom she feels betrayed her during her capture. Determined to ignore Leo, Gemma knows this will be heard, as they both have strong feelings for each other; the caveat is that they are both from warring kingdoms.   I really loved Gemma and Leo together, and prayed they would find a way. 

Queen Maeven is up to her old tricks, and invokes an old tradition that threatens the fragile truce between all other kingdoms. This will also push Gemma and Leo closer together, even if she continues to deny her feelings; they begin to work together to try and see what Milo is planning, to destroy his mother, and assume control of Morta, and all kingdoms, including Andvari.

What follows is an exciting, tense, wild last half of the book that had me on the edge of my seat.  Gemma was an amazing heroine, as she continues utilize her growing power, especially against another dangerous enemy.   The wild crazy climax was a thrill a minute, with all their lives in danger and me holding my breath to see if she would survive. At one point near the end, with her life on the line, Gemma rises up with help from her loyal gargoyles and friends.  To say too much more would be spoilers. I will say this was non-stop action from start to finish, with magic, mystery, political intrigue, suspense, mystery, and some surprises along the way.

Jennifer Estep has given us another fantastic story, filled with, magic, mystery, betrayal, espionage; as well as a slow burn romance that beings to opening move forward.  Tear Down the Throne was so very well written by Estep, which is no surprise, as I love all her books. I cannot wait for the next book.  If you enjoy fantasy, you need to start reading the Gargoyle Queen series, which you should start with the first book, Capture the Crown.

 

Sandy’s Review

TEAR DOWN THE THRONE is the second instalment in Jennifer Estep’s adult, GARGOYLE QUEEN dystopian, fantasy series, a spin off from the author’s CROWN OF SHARDS series. The Gargoyle Queen trilogy focuses on the secondary characters originally introduced in the Crown of Shards series. This is twenty-nine year old, Andvari Princess Gemma Ripley, and Mortan Prince Leonidis Morricone’s story line. TEAR DOWN THE THRONE should not be read as a stand alone as some of the events in the current time line are as of a direct result of the events in book one CAPTURE THE CROWN but the author does recap some of the history and background using memories and reflections.

SOME BACKGROUND: Sixteen years earlier, Gemma Ripley lost everything including the ability to control her magic the day Queen Maeven declared war on her family, killing her mother, and destroying her heart in the process. As Gemma’s ‘mind magic’ becomes more powerful than she could have ever imagined, our heroine struggles to forgive and forget, knowing she will one day have to destroy the people who destroyed her life, including the man that she loves.

NOTE: If you have not read book one, there may be spoilers in my review.

Told from first person perspective (Princess Gemma) TEAR DOWN THE THRONE continues to focus on Princess Gemma Ripley as she tries to uncover the truth behind the mining and disappearance of the magical ‘tearstone’ in Mortan territory. Weeks earlier, working as a spy, Gemma went undercover in enemy territory but found herself imprisoned and tortured by the Mortan family, a direct result of betrayal by the man she once loved, Mortan Prince Leonidis ‘Leo’ Morricone. With the approach of the yearly Summit, a gathering of Royal families and Kingdoms, Gemma knows she will have to face her torturers and the man she once loved but our heroine will be blindsided when Queen Maeven demands Gemma enter into a marriage with her son Leo, a marriage that would unite two powerful Kingdoms. When Gemma refuses, Maeven invokes the ‘Ungerian Gauntlet’, a series of challenges that will prove her son Leo is a worthy suitor but Gemma suspects Maeven is sentencing her son to die, a ‘legal’ murder to be enacted in front of hundreds of people. All is not well within the Kingdom of Morricone, as not only is Gemma a target of several assassination attempts during the Summit but so too, is Queen Maeven and Prince Leonidis. Meanwhile, Prince Leonidis’ brother Crown Prince Milo, who is a prime suspect in the numerous attempts of assassination against our story line heroine, has been conducting a series of experiments, years of experiments that will directly affect someone close to the Ripley family. What ensues is Prince Leonidis attempts to win the Gauntlet as Gemma begins another investigation into the attempts on her life, and Queen Maeven’s desire to invoke the Gauntlet, only to realize betrayal comes from more than one Kingdom, and from within, as well.

Once again , the world building is intricate, complex and detailed. The story line and premise is familiar and similar to the author’s CROWN OF SHARDS series, as well as her ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN series including the use of ‘elemental’ magic, corresponding characters and history, powerful metal and stones, violence directed at the story line heroine and her family; Gemma’s rag tag team of warriors and friends, and the evil Maeven and her dysfunctional family whose goal is to ultimately rule and take over every territory and Kingdom, while destroying Gemma and everyone she loves.

As per my previous review, there continues to be an overwhelming use of the words purple (71 times) and violet (54 times) pertaining to the Mortan Kingdom’s Royal colors, eye color, and world as a whole.

TEAR DOWN THE THRONE is another intriguing story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is captivating but the ongoing use of real world / modern day vernacular is distracting; the characters are charismatic, magical and powerful including fellow spy and dragon shifter Reiko Yamato, gargoyles Grimley (Gemma’s familiar), Fern and newcomer Otto, and strixes Lyra (Leo’s familiar) and Violet; the romance struggles in the face of betrayal and issues of trust; there continues to be no perceived palpable or discernible sexual attraction between our story line couple but saying that, dystopian and urban fantasy ‘style’ story lines do not necessarily focus on the love connection or romances which are often behind the scenes or tertiary to the main story line, although there occasionally is a ‘love match’ for the leading characters.

 

Jennifer is graciously offering an ARC paper copy of Tear Down The Throne to ONE (1) lucky commenters  at The Reading Cafe:

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8. Giveaway open USA only

9. Giveaway runs from May 2 – 7 2022

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Capture the Crown by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review

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Capture the Crown by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review

 

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Description:
Gemma Ripley has a reputation for being a pampered princess who is more interested in pretty gowns, sparkling jewelry, and other frivolous things than learning how to rule the kingdom of Andvari. But her carefully crafted persona is just an act to hide the fact that Gemma is a powerful mind magier—and a spy. 

Gemma is undercover, trying to figure out who is stealing large amounts of tearstone from one of the Ripley royal mines when she encounters Prince Leonidas Morricone of Morta—her mortal enemy. Gemma tries to steer clear of the handsome prince, but when she finds herself behind enemy lines, she reluctantly joins forces with Leo. Also coming to Gemma’s aid is Grimley, her beloved gargoyle.

Despite the fact that Andvari and Morta are old, bitter enemies, a dangerous attraction sparks between Gemma and Leo. Further complicating matters is Leo’s murderous family, especially Queen Maeven Morricone, the mastermind behind the infamous Seven Spire massacre.

The closer Gemma gets to the stolen tearstone, the more deadly plots she uncovers. Everyone is trying to capture the crown, but only one queen can sit on the throne…

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BARB’s Review:

Capture the Crown by Jennifer Estep is the 1st book in her new Gargoyle Queen series that is set in her previous Crown of Shards series. We meet our heroine, Gemma Ripley, who is a princess of Andvari; where she is considered a sweet but pampered princess.  What people do not know is that Gemma is also a spy, much to the dismay of her father and grandfather. 

She sets out in disguise, acting like a miner, in her search for who is stealing tearstone from the Ripley mines; she brings her guard/friend Topaca and her, lovable gargoyle, Grim.  When she befriends one of the female miners, she ends up helping to bring a wheelbarrow of tearstones to a dangerous man, who wants the tearstones for leaders of Morta, enemies to Andvari.  Trying to keep quiet, she notices a former frenemy from the Seven Spire Massacre days (Crown of Shards- now many years ago), Prince Leonidas (Leo) Morricone of Morta, being held prisoner.  When those who kidnapped him try to kill him, it will be Gemma who will save his life, and help heal him.

Things will turn when Gemma herself is almost killed, only to have Leo find her and save her life.  But he decides to take her to his home in Morta, to get healers to fix her.  At first, she is upset to be in enemy territory, which if they recognize her, would endanger her life.  Leo introduces her as someone who was robbed, and privately tells her he can take her back to where she came from, but Gemma decides this is a good opportunity to spy on their enemy.  She is welcomed and meets Queen Maeve (our enemy from Crown of Shards), Delmira (Queen’s daughter), and later the evil heir to the throne of Morta, Milo (Maeve’s oldest son; who plans on a takeover of the throne). She ends up attending a party and a ball, dressed in Delmira’s wonderful finery, and at the same time try to find out information, as well as keeping her identity a secret.

Gemma and Leo begin to work together to see what Milo is planning, especially why he needs all those tearstones.  A slow build attraction escalates between them, but though Leo has been great, she remembers his betrayal from all those years ago, and still does not totally trust him.  When all hell breaks loose, Gemma is shocked when her identity is revealed, and she becomes a prisoner; unable to call Grim for help. Milo takes center stage, trying to prove he will do things his way, and take over the crown; though his powerful mother is still very much in charge.  Leo, though upset, knows his family will hurt Gemma, he pleads with his mother not to kill her, but Gemma feels he betrayed her. We watch in horror, how Milo begins to torture Gemma, that had me holding my breath, as she suffered badly. 

What follows is an exciting, tense, wild last half of the book that had me on the edge of my seat.  Gemma was an amazing heroine (she was a mind mage), and finally realizing that she needs to use her full power in order to survive. The wild crazy climax was a thrill a minute, with all their lives in danger and me holding my breath to see if she would survive. At one point near the end, Gemma rises up and shows her strength threatening the enemy, with me cheering her on.

Estep has created a wild web of deceit, mystery, betrayal, espionage and filled with magic; as well as a slow burn romance that I expect we will see more of in future books.  I did love Gemma and Leo together, but so much stands in their way.  Beware of the torture scenes, they are strong.  Jennifer Estep once again gives us an amazing start to a new series that has me waiting impatiently for the next book. Capture the Crown was so very well written by Estep, which is no surprise, as I love all her books. If you enjoy fantasy, you need to start reading The Gargoyle Queen series, especially this fantastic first book, Capture the Crown.

 

SANDY’S Review: CAPTURE THE CROWN is the first instalment in Jennifer Estep’s GARGOYLE QUEEN fantasy series –a spin off from the author’s CROWN OF SHARDS series. The Gargoyle Queen trilogy focuses on the secondary characters introduced in the original series. This is twenty-nine year old, Andvari Princess Gemma Ripley, and Mortan Prince Leonidis Morricone’s story line.

WARNING: Due to the graphic violence in the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from first person perspective (Gemma Ripley) CAPTURE THE CROWN follows twenty-nine year old Andvari princess Gemma Ripley, sixteen years after Queen Maeven killed several members of the Andvari family. Princess Gemma Ripley is living and working undercover in enemy territory, in Morta, investigating the disappearance of large amounts of mined tearstone but Gemma is surprised to be targeted by the people in charge, finding herself at death’s door when she discovers the who and how of the missing stone. Rescued and now recuperating in the Mortan castle, Gemma must now focus on the how and why of her would-be rescuer. Enter Prince Leonidas Morricone, Queen Maeven’s son, and persona non-grata in the Mortan kingdom. As Gemma, along with Leonidas begin a search for the truth, betrayal will once again find Gemma struggling with her magic, her life, and her inability to trust.

Sixteen years earlier, Gemma Ripley lost everything including the ability to control her magic the day Queen Maeven declared war on her family. Fearing another loss of control, Gemma battles between head and heart when she needs her magic the most. Gemma’s ‘mind magic’ is dangerous and deadly but Gemma quickly discovers that she is not the only royal heir to wield her magical talent. Leonidas Morricone knows his time within the Mortan castle is limited. Not only does his brother wish for his death, but his mother’s guards have placed a target on his back. Leonidas Morricone plays both sides of the battle but Gemma does not know if Leo can be trusted, or if he is the ultimate enemy in a war between Kingdoms.

CAPTURE THE QUEEN is a story of family, betrayal, vengeance, power and control. A story of elemental magic (of a sorts) and anthropomorphic others including gargoyles, strixes, and dragon shifters. The slow building premise is detailed and complex; the characters are numerous and energetic; the attraction between Gemma and Leo is an enemies to ‘friends’ destroyed by issues of betrayal and trust- there was no discernible attraction between the leading characters.

For fans of the author’s Elemental Assassin series, and the previous Crown of Shards, the similarities are numerous. Once again, Jennifer Estep’s signature story line components are front and center such as elemental magic, violence against the story line heroine, and the big baddie name Maeven.

The world building is intricate but the author uses real world details and modern day vernacular that distracts from the overall fantasy impression. Also, there are some issues of redundancy and repetition as it pertains to the use of ‘color’. Morta is a world/Kingdom of purples including eye color (used 90 times), and lilac (17 times)- the constant reminders were a little much.

Copies provided by Publisher

 

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