Conquer the Kingdom by Jennifer Estep is the last novel in the Gargoyle Queen series. Suspense, growth, and swoons left me smiling. I am hoping Estep revisits this world again. Come see why I love this magical world filled with kingdoms, gladiators, gargoyles, and strixs.
by Jennifer Estep
Series: Gargoyle Queen #3
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
Magic reigns, plots abound, and a new love might not conquer all, in this must-read finale to the epic Gargoyle Queen trilogy by international bestselling author Jennifer Estep.
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 . . .
From the liadorn vines to power moves of the royalty, I plunged down the rabbit hole and devoured Conquer the Kingdom. Estep did a wonderful job of refreshing my memory regarding the previous book. Gemma,Leonida and friends are searching for Milo after the events of the last book. Because of spoilers, I recommend reading the books in the order of their release.
With each book, we have seen Gemma grow more confident with her magic, and she blossoms in this last book. Her confidence and what she wants for herself and the kingdom flourish.
A gladiator event is the perfect trap to catch Milo, and Gemma is using Maeven as bait. While Maeven may be a villainous Queen, she has always intrigued me. Especially her dialogue with Gemma. She seems to hint at prophecy and both Gemma and I would have liked to have shaken it out of her. It made for great build up and I loved how it wrapped up.
The romance between Prince Leo and Princess Gemma has always been forbidden. After all, the two kingdoms are enemies. I have rooted for them since the beginning and wondered how duty and love would mingle. While the romance continued to be in the background to the action and suspense, I think fans of the couple will be well pleased.
Estep wrapped up the trilogy nicely, but there are a few secondary characters whose stories I need. Particularly Delmira, Mae’s daughter, the princess. I am hoping a spin-off trilogy is in the works. The world is one you’ll want to revisit from the ports to the castles.
Fans of magic, gladiators, swoons and well-drawn characters will want to read/listen to the Gargoyle Queen series.
About 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
Rolé @ Hooked By That Book
Great review. I’m so excited to read this.
Kimberly
Enjoy111
Jen Twimom
I never started this second trilogy… Someday I’ll get to it!
Kimberly
I hope you do 🙂
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
I’ve been wanting to try this author and it sounds like this series might be a good way to do it seeing as there’s only three books in the series.
Kimberly
I enjoy her books and hope you try her.
Mary Kirkland
That sounds great. I’ll have to read her at some point.
Kimberly
I think you would enjoy this trilogy Mary 🙂
kara-karina
I fell behind on Estep’s writing and this series passed me by. Glad she is still going strong!
Kimberly
I hate when that happens. Hope you catch it one day!
Sophia Rose
Sounds like a fab finish. Another Estep series I should make time for.
Kimberly
Indeed!
Wendy
I like that the romance continues even if it seems impossible. Wonderful review, Kimberly
Kimberly
It was a slow-burn throughout the series.
Anne – Books of My Heart
I have yet to read this and I’m looking forward to it.
Kimberly
Enjoy Anne!
Jessica @ a GREAT read
Ooh nice! For whatever reason I wasn’t offered to review this one like the last two. No matter. My copy is in transit now and I’m hoping to read it in between a few review books! I can’t wait to see how it all ends! Glad to hear it lived up to expectations! Great review!
Kimberly
I hope you love it.
Melliane
I had a really nice time with this one as well
Kimberly
So glad to hear you enjoyed it as well Melliane.