As the second novel in the Gargoyle Queen, Tear Down the Throne by Jennifer Estep, was every bit as thrilling as the first from the forbidden romance to the wicked Queen. Come see why I love the world and characters Estep has created.
by Jennifer Estep
Series: Gargoyle Queen #2
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
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.
I was late to the game reading Jennifer Estep, but have devoured her last few series/trilogies. The Gargoyle Queen series is set in the same world as the Crown of Shards series and I am having a blast reading them. They are filled with suspense, traditions, magic, creatures, royalty, kingdoms and forbidden romance. This is a trilogy, so the romance is a slow-burn and worth every page. This trilogy should be read in the order of its release.
Gemma Ripley of Andvari is a powerful mind magier and in attendance at the trade Summit, with her father, King of Andvari. Queen Maeven Morricone of Morta is in attendance. Also in attendance are her sons; Milo, who is always plotting and badly injured Gemma in the first book, along with Prince Leonidas, another mind magier like Gemma. The two have a history and some heated moments.
When these royal kingdoms get together, you get political intrigue, assassination attempts, plotting and more! Queen Maeven invokes an arcane tradition known as the Gauntlet. It causes quite the commotions. Without spoilers, I will say it involves the house of Morricone and the house of Andvari. There are tasks to be completed that will end in death or a marriage. Eep!
I love the world, the creatures like the gargoyles and secondary characters like Reiko, Dominic, and Rhea. The villains are delightfully wicked and you’ll want to throttle them. Milo and his fiancée are despicable. Maeven has blood on her hands but is quite clever.
The romance was swoon-worthy even if Gemma drove me nuts with her concerns over the houses. We see progress as events force growth and realizations. The events helped establish trust and see beyond the house colors.
Suspense, battles, action and plotting kept me engaged and the characters make these tales memorable. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Tear Down the Throne by Jennifer Estep was another delightful installment in the Gargoyle Queen trilogy. Suspense, swoons, magic and more await you in this addictive tale. #NewRelease #bookreview #fantasy Share on XAbout Jennifer Estep
Jennifer Estep is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, prowling the streets of her imagination in search of her next fantasy idea.
Jennifer writes the Elemental Assassin adult urban fantasy series for Pocket. Books in the series are SPIDER'S BITE, WEB OF LIES, VENOM, TANGLED THREADS, SPIDER'S REVENGE, BY A THREAD, WIDOW'S WEB and DEADLY STING. THREAD OF DEATH, an e-novella, is also available. HAINTS AND HOBWEBS: AN ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN SHORT STORY can be found in THE MAMMOTH BOOK OF GHOST ROMANCE. Jennifer also writes the Mythos Academy young adult urban fantasy series for Kensington.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Laura Thomas
Your review has me excited to try this series. And the cover is spectacular. So many details to take in.
Kristin
Oh man. This sounds like a good series to read. It’s been a while since I’ve read one of her books.
Anne - Books of My Heart
Great review! I’d have rated it higher if Gemma didn’t drive me nuts, also.
Bookworm Brandee
I’ve still not read Estep. *hangs head* So embarrassing since I *KNOW* I’ll enjoy her. I’m glad to see you’re having such a good time with her books.
Sophia Rose
Love the wicked queen angle. I still am not at the Estep party since I need to try her books.
Wendy
I have not heard of this series, but a world with gargoyles in it sounds facsinating
Maureen @ Maureen's Books
I’m definitely adding this series to my TBR. Sounds like a read I’d love.
Great review.
Melliane
I really enjoyed this one as well!