Kingsbane

The Empirium Trilogy, Book 2

By: Claire Legrand

Narrated by: Fiona Hardingham

Length: 22 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's Summary

In the story, two young women centuries apart - one a troubled, magic-wielding queen, the other a bounty hunter serving a ruthless empire - must fight in a cosmic war that spans millennia, only to discover as their stories intersect that they have the power to save their world or doom it.

©2019 Claire Legrand (P)2019 Listening Library

So good but NOT YA! (no spoilers)

The Good:
Claire Legrand is a master of information release, telling a multi pov story with distinct voices, and exceptional world building despite tight pov!
Fiona Hardingham gave a perfect read as always.
Simon. I loved him in this! I came to like Eliana much more than in book 1. By the end, I was rooting so hard for her.

The Bad:
Y'all this book is not YA, imo. First, there is tons of steamy sex in it. The characters often use sex as a method of coping with trauma, which seems like an older decision than teen. I'm not saying its poorly written, and its definitly NOT erotica. Just better for an older reader. It bothered me to think of a teen listening to that (just my opinion). And second, the themes are more about accepting responsibility than discovering identity. When I was a teen, this book would've been too much for me. But that is a personal choice.

The Meh.
Corien. Why is he so irresistible to Rielle? I don't get it.
Ludavine. Clingy, needy, whiny, and the most annoying character in the book when she's not being useful. Also her relationship with Rielle and Audrick seemed to change quickly into something...strange. Idk, it wasn't bad, just weird.

I don’t like the book or series but I did purchase the whole trilogy.

I feel like the idea for the books was a good one but it just wasn’t executed great. It’s pretty boring which makes it difficult to get through, I had to really push myself to continue listening. I only have continued through the series because the little bit of plot I do like has peaked my interest enough to want to know how it ends and then I heard there was a big plot twist at the end of this book (which there definitely was). I also honestly hate Rielle and I’m usually morally grey characters #1 fans. I just can’t get behind her or her actions which sucks since half the book is from her perspective.

whaaaaat

I loved this. there was a twist that I am still having trouble processing and I don't think i can wait for the next one. amazing

thoroughly enjoyed

Fiona Hardingham is one of the best performers out there. She had a tough task of bring MANY different characters to life and I felt she did so, flawlessly! The story leads you through many twists and turns. Great story, read for the last one!

Super Long

I like the general gist of the story but man this series is taking a long time to get to the action. It took both books to get to a place where more than foundation building was occurring. I was considering stopping after this book but it finally got good in the last ten chapters.

great follow-up 👍

both characters storyline are great. the big twist threw me for a loop now i have no idea how this will all end. Ready for light bringer!

Amazing detail. Who thinks of this stuff?!

Narration was great. I had to go back several times at the end to get the details right, but overall was a fantastic read.

Love Love Love

Fiona Hardingham is an awesome Narrator. Different distinct voices for all the different characters. Makes a huge difference when listening and can tell which character is which just by the changes she makes verbally. Wonderfully written and held interest. Love the series. Hate to see it end with 3rd book.

Wow

The story will keep you on your feet. With several twist and turns along the way!

Loved it!

I very well written sequel! I had string feelings about the characters which is a good sign of what I consider a well written book! Rielle is one arrogant and thirsty character. The big twist at the end I did NOT see coming. I need book three!

this book .....

this woman has broken my heart !!! did not expect any of that to happen

Insanely good

Even better than the first book - I cried through the last 5 chapters. Don't know how I'm going to cope waiting for the third book!