Drowned Empire Series by Frankie Diane Mallis– Review
Rating: ★★★★
A Fantasy Filled with Magic, Romance, and Political Intrigue
If you love intense training sequences, forbidden magic, and slow-burn romance, then The Drowned Empire series by Frankie Diane Mallis is one you don’t want to miss. With seven books planned, this series is shaping up to be an epic journey packed with action, emotion, and world-shaking stakes.
Book 1: Daughter of the Drowned Empire
The first book is an amazing debut that sets the stage for an intricate world ruled by the Lumerian Empire, where magic is tightly controlled, and possessing the wrong kind can mean execution. Lady Lyriana Batavia (Lyr) has spent her life helping her sisters conceal their illicit powers, but when she is forced to reveal her own magic, her world is turned upside down. Exiled and forced to train as a warrior without magic, she faces an impossible challenge—one that becomes even more complicated when she’s paired with Lord Rhyan Hart, the man she has secretly crushed on for years.
The worldbuilding is extensive, but it never feels overwhelming. Instead, it adds layers of depth to the story, immersing readers in the political intrigue, magic systems, and power struggles that shape Lyr’s journey. The slow-burn romance between Lyr and Rhyan is packed with tension, making every interaction between them charged with unspoken emotions.
Book 2: Guardian of the Drowned Empire
This book really packs a punch and picks up the pace, delivering even more twists, character growth, and high-stakes action. The tension builds as Lyr is forced to face new challenges that test her strength and resilience, all while navigating a dangerous political landscape. Her development as a character is fantastic, and the emotional stakes only get higher as secrets unravel and the truth about her past and powers come to light.
Novella: Solstice of the Drowned Empire
This novella provides important background on Rhyan’s character, giving a deeper look into his motivations, history, and emotions. While some might consider it an optional read, I’m really glad I picked it up—it adds so much depth to his story and makes his dynamic with Lyr even more compelling.
Book 3: Lady of the Drowned Empire
At this point, the series hits its stride, diving deeper into the consequences of power, loyalty, and sacrifice. The action is non-stop, and the plot continues to expand in unexpected ways. The spice also really picks up in this book. The character development and worldbuilding reach new heights, making this one of the most intense books in the series so far.
Final Thoughts
With training, battles, political intrigue, and a slow-burn romance that will keep you hooked, The Drowned Empire series is shaping up to be an unforgettable fantasy saga. If you enjoyed books like Throne of Glass or The Bridge Kingdom, this series will be right up your alley.
Book 4 is releasing in just a few weeks, and I cannot wait to see where Lyr’s journey takes her next!
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