Book Review | Son of the Drowned Empire

Going back before Lyr’s ceremony, taking place a year after the intimate moment of the Solstice, Frankie brings us to Rhyan’s side as we watch him sacrifice all he is to protect what matters most.

Once again, Frankie Diane Mallis shows us her brilliance by delving into another part of her illustrious world. Now, far from the warmth of Bamaria, we focus on Lord Rhyan Hart before he lost his titles and became forsworn in the chilled forests of Glemaria. Trade seraphim for gryphons in these snow-capped landscapes, and witness Rhyan brave the very things we feared from the beginning.

Forced to seal his heart away to protect the ones he loves, and the deadly secret that endangers them, Rhyan follows his monstrous father’s orders. Even if it breaks him down and destroys his hope for the future, it’s all he can do to protect them from a worse face, or so he tells himself. Here, we see Rhyan in a way we never have before–before he tore that rope apart.

Fans of the series know that Frankie writes well and that she includes content warnings for readers who may not want to read difficult scenes. They are integral to the plot at times, and while they are emotionally intense, they are written in a respectful way that doesn’t delve into a graphic depiction purely for shock. Still, some readers may want to skip, but Frankie includes a brief synopsis of what happens after these moments so that readers can catch up on what they missed without all the details.

While technically second (or third?) in the reading order, Son of the Drowned Empire should be read fifth. This is because it holds spoilers for the rest of the series since we experience the story from Rhyan’s point of view. He has his own secrets to keep.

This emotional release was long awaited and well received, and I know many of us in the ARC and Street Teams were heartbroken and left wanting more–in a good way! Rarely will you find a book that breaks you down a remakes you, let alone an entire series.