The Orchid Throne
Forgotten Empires, Book 1
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Narrated by:
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Elizabeth Brook
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By:
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Jeffe Kennedy
About this listen
In the Forgotten Empires magic is forbidden, dreams are destiny, and love is the greatest power of all...
A PRISONER OF FATE
As Queen of the island kingdom of Calanthe, Lia will do anything to keep her people free - and her secrets safe - from the mad tyrant who rules the mainland. Guided by a magic ring of her father's, Lia plays the political game with the cronies the emperor sends to her island. In her heart, she knows that it's up to her to save herself from her fate as the emperor's bride. But in her dreams, she sees a man, one with the power to build a better world-a man whose spirit is as strong, and whose passion is as fierce as her own...
A PRINCE AMONG MEN
Conri, former Crown Prince of Oriel, has built an army to overthrow the emperor. But he needs the fabled Abiding Ring to succeed. The ring that Lia holds so dear to her heart. When the two banished rulers meet face to face, neither can deny the flames of rebellion that flicker in their eyes - nor the fires of desire that draw them together. But in this broken world of shattered kingdoms, can they ever really trust each other? Can their fiery alliance defeat the shadows of evil that threaten to engulf their hearts and souls?
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Far, far away, in the realm of Enchantia, creatures of legend still exist, magic is the norm and fairy tales are real. Except, fairy tales aren’t based on myths and legends of the past - they are prophecies of the future. Raised in the mortal realm, Everly Morrow has no idea she’s a real-life fairy-tale princess - until she manifests an ability to commune with mirrors. Look. See.... What will one peek hurt? Soon, a horrifying truth is revealed. She is fated to be Snow White’s greatest enemy, the Evil Queen.
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Is she or isn’t she?
- By Krista Jasper on 07-25-19
By: Gena Showalter
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The Tiger at Midnight
- Tiger at Midnight, Book 1
- By: Swati Teerdhala
- Narrated by: Sneha Mathan
- Length: 12 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
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Esha lost everything in the royal coup - and as the legendary rebel known as the Viper, she’s made the guilty pay. Now, she’s been tasked with her most important mission to date: taking down the ruthless General Hotha. Kunal has been a soldier since childhood. His uncle, the general, has ensured that Kunal never strays from the path - even as a part of Kunal longs to join the outside world, which has only been growing more volatile. When Esha and Kunal’s paths cross one fated night, an impossible chain of events unfolds.
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you're in a book slump
- By Brit T on 09-05-20
By: Swati Teerdhala
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Some Enchanted Evening
- Lost Princesses, Book 1
- By: Christina Dodd
- Narrated by: Heather Wilds
- Length: 9 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
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One of Scotland's most dangerous men, Robert MacKenzie is dazzled by the enchanting beauty who rides into the town he is sworn to defend. Though he is wary of the exquisite stranger, Clarice stirs emotions within him that Robert buried deeply years before. And now he must have her at any cost, vowing to gain her trust through the powers of his sensuous seduction. Torn between her need to protect her secrets and her aching desire for the dark, tormented earl of Hepburn, Clarice is pulled into Robert's glamorous world . . . and into his perilous plan for justice and revenge.
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Dodd! So glad she put in audible!
- By darlingdeb on 10-15-21
By: Christina Dodd
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The Obsidian Tower
- The Rooks and Ruin Series, Book 1
- By: Melissa Caruso
- Narrated by: Senn Annis
- Length: 14 hrs and 28 mins
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Deep within Gloamingard Castle lies a black tower. Sealed by magic, it guards a dangerous secret that has been contained for thousands of years. As Warden, Ryxander knows the warning passed down through generations: nothing must unseal the door. But one impetuous decision will leave her with blood on her hands - and unleash a threat that could doom the world to fall to darkness.
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Fantastic!
- By McKynzee Pivonka on 10-26-20
By: Melissa Caruso
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Song of the Forever Rains
- The Mousai, Book 1
- By: E.J. Mellow
- Narrated by: Madeline Lake, Nelson Hobbs
- Length: 13 hrs and 43 mins
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The Thief Kingdom is a place hidden within the world of Aadilor. Many whisper of its existence, but few have found this place, where magic and pleasure abound. There, the mysterious Thief King reigns supreme with the help of the Mousai, a trio of revered and feared sorceresses. Larkyra Bassette may be the youngest of the Mousai, but when she sings her voice has the power to slay monsters. When it’s discovered the Duke of Lachlan is siphoning a poisonous drug from the Thief Kingdom and using it to abuse his tenants, Larkyra is offered her first solo mission to stop the duke.
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couldn't finish
- By Mae Fishel on 08-25-21
By: E.J. Mellow
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Curse of Shadows and Thorns
- The Broken Kingdoms, Book 1
- By: LJ Andrews
- Narrated by: Stina Nielsen
- Length: 10 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
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As niece of the king, Elise Lysander cares about two things: sneaking into gambling dens, and avoiding an advantageous marriage at all costs. When her uncle holds the life of her deathly ill father over her head, reluctantly, Elise puts her fate into the hands of Legion Grey, the handsome and mysterious dowry negotiator. He may be arrogant and infuriating, but soon Legion incites a blistering, forbidden passion she can’t ignore.
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Great concept, poor execution on the writing side
- By Kel on 11-24-22
By: LJ Andrews
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The Broken Ones
- By: Danielle L. Jensen
- Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer, Erin Moon
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Below Forsaken Mountain, a plot is being hatched to overthrow the tyrant king of Trollus, and Marc is the right-hand man of its leader. His involvement is information more than one troll would kill to possess, which is why he must keep it a secret from everyone, even the girl he loves. After accidentally ruining her sister's chance to become queen, Pénélope is given one last opportunity by her father, the Duke d'Angoulême, to make herself useful: she must find proof that the boy she's in love with is conspiring against the crown.
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A-MAZE-ING!!!!!!!
- By L. DelPrete on 06-30-17
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Heart of the Moors
- An Original Maleficent: Mistress of Evil Novel (The Maleficent: Mistress of Evil Series, Book 1)
- By: Holly Black
- Narrated by: Lucy Rayner
- Length: 6 hrs and 6 mins
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Ruling a kingdom is challenging under any circumstances. But Aurora - queen of Perceforest and queen of the Moors - is reigning under the weight of two crowns. Caught between the prejudices that divide her kingdom and eager to establish lasting peace, Aurora is determined to sign a treaty to unify the humans and the Fair Folk. But as spiky dark flowers grow fiercely around Perceforest’s borders and a stable boy mysteriously disappears, tensions between humans and faeries are at a dangerous high.
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Fantastic exploration of the characters&universe
- By Kcow on 11-05-21
By: Holly Black
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Sword of Darkness
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- By: Kinley MacGregor
- Narrated by: Antony Ferguson
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Story
The new king of Camelot wears no shining armor: Arthur and his knights have fallen and a new king rules. In the darkest forest: A scared, forsaken youth has become the most powerful - and feared - man in the world. Ruthless and unrestrained, Kerrigan has long ceased to be human. In the heart of London: A spirited peasant mired in drudgery, Seren dreams of becoming her own woman, but never expects that by fleeing her fate, she will meet her destiny.
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barely disguised pornography
- By SGC on 04-14-22
By: Kinley MacGregor
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Falling Kingdoms
- Falling Kingdoms, Book 1
- By: Morgan Rhodes
- Narrated by: Fred Berman
- Length: 11 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
In a land where magic has been forgotten but peace has reigned for centuries, a deadly unrest is simmering. Three kingdoms grapple for power - brutally transforming their subjects' lives in the process. Amidst betrayals, bargains, and battles, four young people find their fates forever intertwined.
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Surprisingly good!
- By Sarah Turner on 12-13-12
By: Morgan Rhodes
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Stronghold
- Dragon Star Series, Book 1
- By: Melanie Rawn
- Narrated by: Christa Lewis
- Length: 24 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
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In the first novel of Melanie Rawn's Dragon Star trilogy, there is a devastating new challenge to the power of both the High Prince Rohan and Andry, Lord of the Sunrunners at Goddess Keep, as a mysterious and seemingly unstoppable invasion force swarms across their lands. For Andry it signals the start of a nightmare made real, the horrifying fulfillment of his long-ago visions of his homeland in flames, and he will draw upon even the forbidden sorcerer's magic in an attempt to destroy this enemy which is bent on the extermination of all Sunrunners.
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Ends in the middle of the action
- By redfox on 12-03-24
By: Melanie Rawn
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The Affiliate
- By: K.A. Linde
- Narrated by: Erin Mallon
- Length: 10 hrs and 42 mins
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On the day of her Presenting, in front of the entire Byern Court, 17-year-old Cyrene Strohm's lifelong plans come to fruition when she's chosen for one of the most prestigious positions in her homeland - an Affiliate to the Queen. Or so she thinks. When Cyrene receives a mysterious letter and an unreadable book, she finds nothing is as it seems.
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Not a fan of Narrator
- By Priscilla on 05-25-17
By: K.A. Linde
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Cold Iron Heart
- A Wicked Lovely Novel
- By: Melissa Marr
- Narrated by: Kristin James, Tim Paige
- Length: 6 hrs and 29 mins
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Thelma Foy, a jeweler with the Second Sight in iron-bedecked 1890s New Orleans, wasn't expecting to be caught in a faery conflict. Tam can see through the glamours faeries wear to hide themselves from mortals, but if her secret were revealed, the fey would steal her eyes, her life, or her freedom. So, Tam doesn't respond when they trail thorn-crusted fingertips through her hair at the French Market or when the Dark King sings along with her in the bayou. But when the Dark King, Irial, rescues her, Tam must confront everything she thought she knew about faeries, men, and love.
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So Amazing
- By Anonymous User on 01-14-22
By: Melissa Marr
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What listeners say about The Orchid Throne
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Amazon Customer
- 12-24-20
Refreshing
The character tropes feel familiar but reimagined, all at the same time. Lovely pacing and world building, interesting romantic dynamic. Was looking forward to the second book, though it somehow lost all that the first installment had achieved and established, unfortunately, so enjoy this one while it lasts.
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- Kindle Customer
- 03-02-21
Great story
This was a wonderful story and really set-up for the war that I hope is coming in next books. I thought it started off a bit slow but it picked up toward the end. I'm excited to see where this story goes.
The voice actor didn't really distinguish different voices until the end. So it was a bit hard to follow since the perspective changes each chapter and without an announcement with who is speaking it did get a little confusing.
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- AMP5
- 02-12-20
Fascinating - highly recommend
World building -Exciting variety to this world, many characteristics I’ve not imagined before or seen shades of in other books of this genre. Story: Straightforward yet so intriguing. Okay, one criticism is the opening chapter. I had no idea what was going on at first, I’ll admit. Once I “got my sea legs” as to what was going on in this World and how it worked, it all made sense from there on. Well crafted and interesting story: I really didn’t see a way out of a few spots, so that’s fun. I’m happy and also miffed at some particularly juicy and key revelations in last chapter...
The Series: Great beginning. This first book DID wrap up its own main story well, I now grudgingly admit... the surprising and so enticing tidbits of new revelations in the last chapter left me feeling cheated, though. I was sure there’d be another chapter or so. But I suppose it‘s smart of the author, but so frustrating to an avid reader. (I want to rant about the frustration of what has now become a standard of reading: the joys and sorrows of the Series. Aack. The cliffhangers at the end drive me nuts sometimes. Sigh. While I love that an awesome story I don’t want to end now can be extended through the format of series, it really is hard to wait months or a year for the next installment. It’s not like waiting a week as in tv. Sometimes I forget what happened, etc.
The Romance: I’m loving it so far. Enemies to allies basically. Two intriguing, deep characters. And best of all: some truly touching moments. All we romantic-hearted readers need are just a few authentically touching moments and we’re happy and hooked.
Warning: There is an explicit sex scene that to a mature person is well-done and honestly, surprisingly, wasn’t just about sex but actually a necessary piece for the developing relationship. Kudos to author for making it mean something important in the story! Honestly, I felt a little more shocked by the info that her handmaidens had been, ahem, servicing the Virgin Queen’s sexual needs so that she could maintain the very important protection of her virginity, a mandate of the evil bad overlord enemy dude, I think. But it sounded like it was no different a task than fixing her hair. Struck me so odd for some reason. But anyway, definitely not YA - not PG-13!
This is the first book I’ve read by Jeffe Kennedy, a fellow reader on Goodreads recommended her when I mentioned liking Grace Draven’s writing.
At first I couldn’t see similarities but now I can. Most similar are the strong characters: who somehow worm their way into your heart, each marked by an “unwavering faithfulness” to something: whether family, nation, code of honor, belief system, etc. Responsibility to one’s duty to others above all. Which I admire, perhaps because it’s a virtue not lauded in current culture. I don’t know.
Anyway, Kennedy’s characters and side characters are wonderful. There’s a bit more humor coloring them than Draven’s if I’m comparing which maybe isn’t fair, but it helps relieve the heaviness of whatever dire circumstances are going on.
Example: You simply must love the wizard Ambrose. He almost steals the show. We first meet him accompanying Conrí, once a prince in truth to a land now destroyed, but now the reluctant “King of Slaves” leading a Rebel army of escaped slaves from the horrifying and dangerous mines dragged to as prisoners of war. He seems to care for Conrí and Sonja, and the Euthalia, but who knows if he cares more about some mysterious prophesy he mentions once or twice. Who knows? That’s half the fun of him: mysterious, quirky, light-hearted as a child, whimsical, but then oddly really ancient sometimes too. He’s sure to be full of big surprises in the series.
All I know is I’m hooked.
Oh: forgot. Narration. Elizabeth Brook has a lovely voice, so easy on the ears and never once jolted me from the story with any errant pauses, etc. She deftly accentuated important moments as well. So she’s good.
HOWEVER, she doesn’t vary her voice much, either by tone or cadence or accent. So it’s hard to separate out the characters.
And since each chapter alternated between the personal “I” viewpoints of Conrí, the hero, and Euthalia, the heroine: it could get really confusing. I had to stop many and several times to remember whose head we were in when “I looked out at blah blah blah and sensed blah blah blah” could have been either of character.
One solution I recommend is adding a male narrator for Conrí, or more drastically the author could switch one character’s viewpoint to third person.
Two narrators can be bad though if you end up with two voices for a character. Like if female reads hero’s lines in her interpretation and then we hear male reader for same character. That’s very jolting. So only one voice per character please, and somehow make men and women sound different however you have to do it. This series might be hard as both characters truly are equally main characters. Usually one is more the real main character. And since it really is half Euthalia’s book and half Conrí’s, hmmm. Either switch narrator’s Ms. Brook needs to find some way to create variety, actually in all the characters, not just between male and female. Because everybody kinda sounded the same really. But she is an excellent reader, so I hate to criticize.
Few books perfectly align to great audiobooks: audio listeners need queues to a new speaker, easily done if narrator has distinct voice changes. But it’s also hard to know when characters are thinking to themselves, or speaking out loud. THAT can make a listener batty. This book was good about that, indicating good writing actually. All of which are obvious when physically reading a book.
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- Riel Edgecomb
- 12-02-22
Narration was the issue
I tried holding out because the story truly was interesting and I liked the world of the book. However the narration made listening impossible for me. The narrator did not change their voice when jumping between the two characters and as someone who often is driving or doing chores while listening I found myself constantly having to pause and go back to figure out who’s POV I was in. This just took me out of the east listening immersion that I enjoy. Perhaps this is a book I will try in physical or digital form, but the audio form is just a no go for me.
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