Book Review | Daughter of the Drowned Empire

When my friend recommended this book to me, I was incredibly curious. I hadn't heard about Frankie Diane Mallis before, but my friend assured me that I wouldn't want to miss out on this amazing story--and boy was she right! I signed up for the ARC team the moment I could and I've been following along ever since.

While I read this book originally back in 2022, I still give out raving recommendations for it. I recently loaned my copy to a friend, and I continue to talk about it in every book club I join. Why, you might be wondering, would someone do this for a book they read a while back? Because it's just that good.

Rarely do I find a book that captivates me and draws me into its world. Too often there are trilogies that repeat the same formula over and over and leave me wanting more--and not in a good way. Frankie Diane Mallis creates something wonderfully new and breathtaking: the world of the Lumerians. Gone are the overdone tropes that have you rolling your eyes. Instead, you are greeted with a fresh take on classics and favorites, with new twists and turns that keep you guessing.

There is a lot to know, like which Ka is which, who is related to whom, and other necessary world-building details to flesh out the world, but don't let that discourage you. The wonderful author includes a guide in the back of the book that you can reference at any time to help you enjoy her work and fully delve into her writing (in case you're not familiar with fantasy settings or if you're like me and tend to forget some of the important connections when you are absorbed in reading the first time).

From the very beginning, every page has you gripping the book and eagerly joining Lyriana Batavia in her journey. Immense world-building, a colorful cast, and deep political intrigue pull our protagonist every which way as she must navigate between her duties as a noble and her duties as a soldier. To add to the turmoil, she must also fight against her own heart if she is to keep her family safe from the looming threat of a deadly secret.

Have I caught your attention yet?

Fans of fantasy and romance will love this slow-burn spicy series set in an era that pulls from Egyptian, Greek, and Roman styles to create something new. Every detail builds upon a world you'll lose yourself in. The characters are well-developed and walk alongside you as you explore the place they call home and embrace the situations they face. With no one to trust but herself, you become Lyr's confidant and you get inside her head and follow her desperate attempt to lie low in her own home.

From the mages to the soldiers, a deep sense of duty and tradition stand in Lyr's way, and she will stop at nothing to keep her family's secret--even if it means sacrificing her heart in the process.

If you're looking to connect with a long-term series, this is the book for you! Don't worry about falling into the trilogy slump with Frankie Diane Mallis; there's plenty more to come and I can't wait to read it! Consider joining the ARC team if you want early access and insider details. You won’t regret it.